Our Little Fam

2010-03-23T14:23:00.000-07:00

"Faith is knowing the sun will rise brighten each new day. Faith is knowing the Lord will hear my prayer each time I pray. Faith is like a little seed if planted it will grow. Faith is a swelling within my heart when I do right I know. Faith is knowing I lived with God before my mortal birth. Faith is knowing I can return when my life ends on earth. Faith is trust in God above and Christ who showed the way. Faith is when I feel it grow whenever I obey."

When I think of faith...I now think of Ella. Who is so little but KNOWS and TRUSTS in her Heavenly Father. I am so proud of her and her HUGE heart. We have now gone 1 week and she has NOT sucked her thumb. Because of her GREAT FAITH she asked her daddy for a blessing to help her stop and she knew that Heavenly Father would help her. I tear up thinking of how hard this was supposed to be for her and it hasn't been. She says her prayers at night thanking her Father in Heaven for helping her and for her daddy for the blessing.

For me...I need FAITH like my 3 year old!!!

My dad's first race!!!

2010-03-22T13:16:00.000-07:00

On Saturday my dad his first race! He did awesome. We are so proud of him for trying this new adventure and look forward to ALL of the fun family time were going to get to spend out at the track! In his first race he took 3rd overall. In his second race...unfortunately after the first lap a car spun out and there was complete ruckus on the track. My dad got to the bottom of the track but a car still slammed into him! Everyone was o.k. but as you can see the car was not!

Anderson Dairy!

2010-03-22T13:08:00.000-07:00

Today a group of us took a tour at Anderson Dairy! Not only is it FREE...but it is really cute...and they give ice cream at the end of it! Don't mind Bentley's cute jacket...right when we were pulling into the parking lot...he threw up all over...Thankfully my niece had a jacket he could wear. I must say...he wore it pretty MANLY!!!

Loads and Loads...

2010-03-15T15:46:00.000-07:00

So my dad has started a new adventure in...RACING! I meant to get a picture of the car but spaced it. So here are my sweets inside of it. We're very excited for him and can't wait to go cheer him on in his first race this Saturday!!!

THIS MAY SEEM SKETCHY!!! It's not!!! Funny thing happened today...Bentley was eating WHOPPERS and couldn't get it into his pocket...so he decided to put it SOMEWHERE else! Ha...I've never laughed so hard!

Today was our FIRST trip to the dentist. We actually were just going for Ella, she did awesome, and thought it was the coolest thing ever. Because of this...Bentley wanted to be seen too, so they let him be seen as well. Neither had cavities and we are now going to ATTEMPT to break Ella's habit of THUMB SUCKING!!! I'm very nervous about it but Ella told the dentist that she was ready! We'll see!!!

Cason has ALWAYS cut Bentley's hair. On Friday, I thought it would be fun to take to a REAL place to get it cut. I loved it there and Bentley thought it was the coolest place ever!

Some fun at Grandma's!!!

Last week my mom let the kids make cupcakes...and they were delicious!!! Ella had WAY too much fun!

Here is going to be our new addition to the family! She is a Yorkie and is the sweetest thing ever. In these pictures she hasn't even opened her eyes yet. We are hoping to get her next week. Ella has decided to name her MILEY!!!

Dolphins!

2010-01-31T18:57:00.000-08:00

I can't help but put some pictures up from our November and December happenings. We had so much fun. This by far was one of our family favorites!!! Something we've been wanting to do for a while now! My parents' neighbor is the head dolphin trainer at the Mirage and so he got us in to hang out for the day! All I can say is PRICELESS!!!

YAY!!!

2010-01-28T19:52:00.000-08:00

I'm totally applauding myself...maybe I should be hiding my face in shame...but here I am! Back in the action of blogging. I really thought hard about uploading pictures and working back. But that is just to overwhelming. This year has already brought so many great things! I can't wait to see what is to come! Here are a few of my favorite things that have happened so far!

Earring fun! Ella and Addelyn were so into it!!! Bentley decided one was good enough! He is a pirate!!!

Ella getting ready for her cousins' "Fancy Nancy" birthday!!! She loved this day because she got to spend it with her girl cousins: Taylor, Dakota, & Lana

Disney on Ice just with the girls then Macayos for lunch!!! I think that the adults liked it more.

and...last but not least...PUDDING FUN!!! Notice the pudding ALL over his arms!!!

2010-01-03T17:46:00.000-08:00

I love tea parties!!! I love that you can pretend to be anyone that that you want to be! I think that it's hilarious that kids just learn how to do them and we as adults continue to LOVE them!

UPDATE: I have a new wonderful computer (thanks to my mom and hand-me downs...although this is so much more than a hand-me down) and once I get it cleaned out I can start downloading all my photos! Can't wait!!!

2009-12-23T19:12:00.000-08:00

"We wish you a Merry Christmas...and a Happy New Year!!!"

Pictures

2009-12-01T18:20:00.000-08:00

K...I guess you can call me the biggest promise breaker!!! My computer will not let me down load any pictures or even files. I have a nasty virus or something. So currently, as we speak...I am trying to save all of my old files and once that's done...you will get new pictures. I am excited to share Thanksgiving! We had such a blast up in Salt Lake and got tons of pictures.

INACTIVE

2009-11-08T10:19:00.000-08:00

So I guess I have officially been notified that my account has been INACTIVE for 90 days...I'm thinking, "That's it?".

Here is an official post saying that truly I don't want to be considered "INACTIVE" and I do need to be better about updating. Even if it is just pictures about what's been going on.

SO...I promise that by the end of this week...I will post!

4th of July

2009-07-06T09:25:00.000-07:00

This year for the 4th we celebrated over at the Farnsworth's house! We thought about going camping up at Cedar Mountain last minute but decided to stay in town this year. It seems almost tradition now to have our families together. We've done it the last 3 years. I am so grateful for the men and women who have served and currently serve our country to keep the freedom's that we have. I can't imagine it being different. During fireworks the kids were mesmerized. The kids wereWAY into doing Sparklers and the guys made a fantastic fireworks show!!!

(Of course my pictures are backwards...I always forget and am too lazy to switch them around)

Pool fun!!!

There are more pictures to check out at
Farnsworth's Blog

Especially some priceless pictures of the guys playing basketball in the pool!!!

Bike Riding!

2009-07-06T09:14:00.000-07:00

Bentley has been really wanting to be a big boy and ride his own bike. Poppy thought nothing could be better than his very own HARLEY!!! As you can see, Bentley loves it!!!

Now Ella on the other hand was WAY to big for her ride...for her birthday she got a bike...

Being the worst of parents, it's taken us this long to get her a helmet and let her ride in the front yard. Usually she rides her bike around the house and in the backyard!!! She did a really good job and LOVES riding her bike! I think I might have found a running parter!

Trip to the Dominican Republic

2009-06-24T08:22:00.000-07:00

Day 1: Our trip begins. Our flight left Vegas at 6:30. We got to Miami and had a 4 hour layover. By the time we got to the Dominican it was about 9 and already dark. A bus picked a group of us up and drove us to each of our hotels. We stayed at the NH Real Arena. LOVED IT!!! We would definitely stay there again.

Day 2: Because we got in so late the night before, we didn't really get a chance to see where we were staying and what the beach looked like. I am sad we didn't take more pictures of our room and the hotel. Today we went parasailing. Probably one of the coolest things we did. Because the water was so clear, we could see everything we even saw a few sting rays. Cason wanted to be dipped in the water...me I was o.k. if we didn't. As you can see...we did!!!

Day 3: Today we woke up early and took at 2 hour bus drive through the Dominican Republic. This was neat because where we were was very touristy and you don't really catch what the country is really like as well as the people. Driving through the streets was really an eye opener. We would see kids in their underwear playing in water, it seemed like small huts or one room houses were the typical place to live for most families, lots of farming land, TONS of motorcycles. That is the main transportation. You would see sometimes up to 4 people on the back of a motorcycle. Once we got to our destination we took an 1 1/2 catamaran ride to an island called Saona. The ride was fun...a little long. But we danced and got to meet a lot of people. The island was beautiful. Like everywhere else in the Carribean, the water was clear and very calm. We ate BBQ and spagetti (which is nothing like it here...very bland). Going back we took speed boats and stopped in the middle of the ocean to swim. I would compare it to the "Sand Bar" in Havasu. It is pretty shallow. That area is known for finding star fish. Our group found 2 of them and huge one and a small baby one. We took some pictures, got back on the speed boat and back to our bus for the 2 hour ride back to the hotel. On the way back, the bus ended up breaking down. It was fun because we got to stop at one of the local markets (that's a picture of the bathroom) and looked around. The kids there begged for money and the adults just wanted you to buy anything from there. We finally got back to the hotel, ate at the Asian Dining and chilled by the beach.

Day 4: Today we played at the beach for the day! In the morning Cason and I went out for sailing lessons. He was the one that did it, I just layed out on the boat for the most part. He got the hang of it real quick. It was really neat to just be the two of us out in the middle of the ocean sailing a boat! We did a little photo session before eating at the American Steak house for dinner. The sunsets there are to die for.

Day 5: Today was perfect...we knew that this was our last day before leaving and so we spent the entire day at the beach. In the morning it was raining pretty good. Thunder and lightning storms are incredible there. We would wake up to the walls shaking our room completely lit up in the middle of the night. During the day we played sand volleyball, went snorkling, layed out until our skin couldn't handle it anymore, took naps under the palm canopy, and then went to eat at the Asian Dining. When snorkling we saw a couple of stingrays, what we thought was a blow fish, and tons of other clear fish with blue stripes.

Day 6: The trip home was bitter sweet! We had to be in front of our hotel by 6:00 to catch the bus to the airport. Ending the trip waking up to the sunset was the cherry on top! The airport there is outside and unloading and loading onto the plane from the ground was a new experience for the both of us. When it came to the airport, we were the typical tourist with our camera in hand taking pictures of every moment!!!

The best thing about this trip was not the destination but who I got to be there with. It's so much fun to see how simple things are when you get rid of cell phones, bills to be paid, a house that needs constant cleaning, work, 2 kids that what your undivided attention (although at the end we both were really missing them bad)!!! I'm so grateful that we were able to take this trip and take it back to simplicity...we are coming home feeling both rejuvinated and recomitted to that!!!

Whoops!!!

2009-06-17T15:35:00.000-07:00

I say "Whoops" because has it really been since after Easter?

Ella's first dance recital!!! Now she looks really happy in all of the before and after recital pictures. In here is one with her on stage as she was performing...she came out all happy and smiling. Saw her dad and waved...and then she saw everyone else....FROZE!!! She just stood on her dot, chewed her gum, looked around, and didn't move any other muscle. It was very cute and after she was very excited that she got on stage. She was really excited when her daddy and Aunt Peg gave her flowers. She was like, "These are mine?" Way too cute! Glad we got it on film!!!

DISNEYLAND!!! Loved it! But we always do. This was the first time that we went with just the four of us. It was tons of fun and Ella thought it was so neat that everyone knew that it was her birthday! (Because of the birthday pin)!

Ella's 3rd Birthday! For her birthday this year we just did cake and icecream at the house because for her birthday we were going to take her to Disneyland!!! She got some awesome gifts but her favorite for sure is the "Fancy Nancy" dress up clothes!!!

THE LION KING!!!

For my mom's birthday, my dad surprised my mom with dinner and tickets for the Lion King! She was so surprised and even more fun we all got to go! It was great and has been a long time since we've all been able to go out together! The show was incredible! I would pay to see it again a few times!!!

Fun, Conference, Logandale Fair, Easter!!!

2009-04-15T14:25:00.000-07:00

Better late than never!!!

As you can see these girls love dressing up...and Dax...basking in the fun!!! My favorite is that the 3 littler girls wore the skirts as dresses!!!

Some randome pictures when the kids were sick. They spent most of the day outside eating popsicles. Maybe I'm a bad mom, but I wasn't about to have throw up all over the house!!! Plus...it was one of the sunniest days we've had!

For conference this year I put Ella's tent together upstairs and they watched a movie. It was way cute!!! As you can see they had a blast!

The Logandale Fair was fun. Very cold & wet & windy!!! The kids loved all of the animals. Bentley kept trying to kiss the goats. He was too cute! Cason and

Easter was a blast this year! Ella really got into the Easter bunny coming and it totally helped that the night before we dyed Easter eggs with the Mecham's. I can't believe I didn't get any pictures of that! After church, we went over to Cason's sister's house and did dinner and an egg hunt with all his sisters and their families. It was so much fun. We don't all get together too often so it was tons of fun just hanging out and laughing. The kids get along so good with their cousins now and they just played outside the whole time. All of the younger cousins got to do an egg hunt. The two older boys helped the little ones. Bentley was loving Cameron. He helped fill up his basket pretty good! I had a fabulous moment with my little niece Lana. She was so cuddly and lovie!!! I think because our kids are so close in age I haven't gotten to hold her too much. Bentley was cracking everybody up. Anytime we looked over he was stuffing his face with some other candy or food that was in reaching distance!!!

Can You Believe It?

2009-03-16T20:33:00.000-07:00

Once again...so much has happened...without me getting overwhelmed and by leaving out everything that has really happened from Thanksgiving to Christmas...here goes...

Bentley turned 1:

December 28th...I'd feel like a really bad mom if I didn't post just a few pictures from Bentley's first birthday!!!

He was facinated with the candle...but got a little too close & tried to touch it...thus the huge cry face!!!

First hair cut:

Red Rock on President's Day:

I think pictures will say it all!!! It was snowing and cold!!! The really neat pictures are on my facebook!!! I didn't want to take my camera with us on the hike because it was snowing so hard.

Girl Fun!!!:

Ella and her friend Kenzee. It's fun that Ella is at an age where she has friends and is good at playing. She is very lucky to have great friends...what's funny is that she hangs out with the girls' that I have been friends with since forever!!! I love that!!!

Started Running:No pictures but let me just tell you that I LOVE it with a passion. There is something about being able to run and leave all of my cares and concerns behind. I wish there was more time in the day for it. Thanks to Missy who has truly gotten me motivated to start. She is the best running buddy!!!

Day at the Park: Last Saturday we went out to Tooley Springs for some family fun. Unfortunately by the time we got there, we only had about 1/2 hr before the park closed. In that time we still had a blast. First off...the geese out there are brutal. They are completely vicious. I think even at times Cason ran from them!!! I have always loved going there since I was a kid and hope to make a place that we continue to take our own kids!!!

Today is my dad's 58th Birthday:

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!

Tonight we got together at our house for some steak and potato bar for my dad's birthday with all the family that's in town. It was a lot of fun and were able to continue with our birthday tradition of saying everything we like and love about my dad. We, especially me, are so VERY grateful to have him in our lives. Anyone that knows him...loves him...and knows exactly what kind of father, friend, and worker he is. He has always been such a great example to me and I only hope that I can be half of the parent that he was to me. I feel so lucky to have him as my dad!!!

Tribute to Uncle Marty!!!

2009-01-12T19:33:00.001-08:00

Martin Joseph Pfundstein

February 16th, 1949 - January 2nd, 2009

I'm not very good with words...I'm already getting a little teary thinking about it...so hopefully these pictures will show just a little glipse into the life of my Uncle Marty.

*He made all of us feel like we were his favorite!!!

*I loved everytime we got together, we had "Walky Talkies". It's what we called when we walked and talked when I was little.

*He was a great brother & friend

*He knew how to brighten your gloomiest day

*Filled my inbox on my email every morning!!! I already miss that!!!

*UNCLE and GREAT UNCLE is what he was best at!!! And he Cherished every minute of it.

We love you and miss you!!!

Picture Update!!!

2008-11-24T10:35:00.000-08:00

My cousin Addie finally came home from her mission. She served in Palmyra, N.Y. It was such a blessing to have a family member out on a mission and we've been even more blessed to have her home safely. Just from her homecoming talk I know that she was such a good missionary and was able to share her testimony with so many. It's been a blast having her home.

Here's a picture with her and my dad!!!

Playing in the leaves!!!

After my cousins' homecoming!!!

TWILIGHT!!! The boys were making fun of the excitement of TWILIGHT. They were so good to take Missy and me to go see it. It was a fun night and full of laughs!

A little bit of randomness!!! Bentley is loving that he's walking. He's all over the place!!!

I finally got my burp cloths done. I was excited. They're not the cutest but I was excited because I've always wanted to make them! I even embroidered names on them!!!

Halloween: Ella was hilarious this year. She decided months ago that she was going to be Cinderella. Anytime you asked her...it was "Cinderella, Cinderella, I'm going to be Cinderella". As you can see...TINKERBELL!!! Bentley was a sock monkey. The night of Halloween we went to our ward's and our old ward's trunk-or-treat. Ella had a blast hanging out with her friend Kenzie.

Our trip to the pumpkin patch!!! Ella was in love when she saw that there were ponies there!!!

My 100 Things...

2008-11-15T12:54:00.000-08:00

I totally got this from Brook and what can I say...I was totally inspired!!! The things that I've done are in RED!!!

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band---I sang back up in one...I'm counting it!!!
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class--I've always wanted to do this!!!
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Book of Mormon or Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

Really...I have been inspired. I look at the things I've done and feel like I've had so many accomplishments. And then I see the things I have yet to do and can't wait for the future. I've got huge adventures to look forward too!!!

UGH!!!

2008-11-06T09:48:00.000-08:00

So I sit down to post and guess what?...my battery is dead in my camera! Imagine that!!! Let me think of some things that have been going on. Cason and I have been playing on an indoor soccer team which has been a blast. We got a few pictures but once again, no camera. Bentley started walking on the day he turned 10 months. Last week we went to pumpkin patch with the Mechams. Unfortunately, the one we went to was more of a carnival. Luckily they spent most of their time in the hay maze so that was nice. I am loving that right now I am on track break. I'm sure I'll miss a few things but here is my list of to-do's!!!

organize closets
finish the burp cloths I've been working on for 8 months...to bad the babies I made them for will probably not need them now but it's the thought that counts!!!
turn the downstairs room into a guest bedroom
Find furniture for Ella's room
sign Ella up for some kind of dance class...any ideas?
make some math centers for school
have a garage sale
get most of my Christmas Shopping done
decorate for the holidays
spend $$ at my favorite craft botique of the year!!!

M.I.A!!!

2008-10-27T13:47:00.000-07:00

October---2 DISNEYLAND TRIPS!!! We have been lucky enough to go to Disneyland and California Adventure twice this month. I'm not good with remembering everything that we did...so for our second trip you'll have to check out The Mecham's. Missy did a good job at documenting each day!!! We had a blast on both trips and can't wait to go again. So instead of writing...here are some pics!!!

September 22nd Happy Birthday Cason!!!
For Cason's birthday this year, Cason turned the big 27. I suprised Cason with Indoor Skydiving and chocolate covered strawberries at work. Clay was in town so he was able to do it with him while me and the kids watched. (Should I say...screamed!!! Ella thought Cason was getting hurt.) We had a small family dinner over at my parents' house and I made him a homemade cake that looked disgusting but tasted pretty good.

My parents' with their grandbabies!!!

September 19th-20th For the past couple of years we have stayed at The Stewart's Cabin for a nice weekend getaway! This year was no different. It's fun to see the cabin become fuller and fuller with more kids and spouses. Ella was in heaven because she had Erica to play with. As you can see we had a total blast!!! Thank you again Mark and Aubrey!!!

September 15th

2008-09-17T10:48:00.001-07:00

September 15th marked my parents 35th Wedding anniversary!!! Congratulations!!! I am so greatful for you guys and all the sacrifices that you have made for us girls growing up and now for us and our families. You guys do so much for us and we really appreciate having you so close. You have much such great examples for us. Thanks for loving each other and of course....bringing us into the world!!!

We took them to Maggiano's to help them celebrate.

Also on the 15th was Cason's Grandma Denis' birthday. So we took some flowers and a balloon to her graveside. I got the idea from a friend to do a crayon rubbing over her headstone. It was pretty neat because we got to talk to Ella about Grandma Denis and tell her some stories we remember.

My Birthday!!!

2008-09-17T10:48:00.000-07:00

Last Tuesday was my birthday and I got the best wake up ever! At 4:30 Cason wakes me up by saying, "Happy Birthday! We're going to Disneyland!" It was great. He got my Aunt Peggy, Carli, and my mom to come and watch our kids throughout the day. Disneyland was the best. It's been a very long time since the both of us had been there and we still hadn't seen California Adventure! It was the perfect day. Unfortunately, I lost my camera on one of the rides and it has yet to be found...(don't worry I call the lost and found like everyday). So although you can't see my permagrin that I had all day...youll just have to imagine it...Luckily, I got a new one from my parents for my birthday! a coincidence?

Then on Sunday, my family did a dinner over at my mom's house and ate birthday cake!!! Here are those pictures!!!

Bentley got stuck under the table in a chair!!!

DANG!!!

2008-09-06T15:41:00.000-07:00

So I would say my life has made a complete turn around. It's almost scary how it takes a possible life event to make you feel totally greatful and content with what you have. 2 weeks ago, we were driving to California to go to one of my old roomate's wedding and get a phone call from my mom. She says, "No need to panic..." of course I panic. My dad had to go into surgery for his elbow that seemed infected. Needless to say it turned into a week long stay at St. Rose Hospital, 2 surgeries, 35 stints in his arm, and 4 different kinds of antibiotics. He ended up having a staff (not sure if that's how you spell it medically) infection that became very serious very fast. What a blessing it was to have him come home last Sunday. Our family truly has been blessed by so many people who prayed in my dad's behalf. He felt such an abudance of love and support. I have such a testimony for prayer and especially for the power of the priesthood. Thank you, Thank You, andThank You again!!!

I love my daddy-o!!! Here is one of the times he had to be spoon fed! I wish we could have gotten a picture of my mom doing "Bulls-eye" with him!!!

"I'n Pretty!!!"

2008-08-14T10:15:00.001-07:00

Just minutes ago...after finishing packing for our trip, I came down stairs to try to clean up the kitchen a little.

Bentley was sleeping...(poor guy. He has the flu!)

and Ella was watching a movie in her room...

OR SO I THOUGHT!!!!

If you can't tell she has my makeup all over her face "I'n Pretty"!!!

Little-By-Little

2008-08-05T21:20:00.000-07:00

So going back to our family 4th of July weekend. We went camping up near Panquitch, UT. It was a blast. Cason took us to "THE SPOT" where he always went growing up with his family. It was perfect!!!

Cason started the fire the 1st day we got there using flint and steel. He never had to put one match to it (or lighter fluid) . We all got to see how outdoorsy he really is!!!

Hiking girls!!!

Yeah! That was one of the 8 fish I caught that weekend. A couple were even with marshmellows! I was so proud of myself!!!

I will try to play catch up this week for the rest of the adventures that we've been having...

Tagged!!!

2008-07-16T15:01:00.000-07:00

This is good because I still haven't downloaded any pictures from our trips and other summer fun adventures!!!

Four random things I like about my husband:
1. He is a total neat freak
2. He can make me smile in any given situtation
3. He can "Be-Box"(?) and hum at the same time
4. He has the best dance moves especially when teaching them to Ella

Four jobs I’ve had:
1. Teacher
2. Gymnastics teacher for a "KinderGym" class
3. Bridal Assistant at a bridal store
4. Hostess

Four movies I have watched more than once:
1. Pretty Woman
2. Dirty Dancing
3. Girls' Just Wanna Have Fun
4. Christmas Story

Four TV shows I watch:
1. So You Think You Can Dance
2. Real World
3. American Idol
4. WipeOut

Four places I have been:
1. New York
2. London
3. Bahamas
4. DC

Four people who e-mail me regularly:
1. Uncle Marty
2. Mom
3. Smile Box
4. Albertson's

Four of my favorite foods:
1. Enchiladas
2. Pork Tamales
3. Almost anykind of Salad
4. Moose Tracks Ice Cream

Four places I would like to visit:
1. Hawaii
2. Paris
3. Japan or China
4. Jamaica

Four things I am looking forward to in the coming year:
1. Bentley walking
2. Cousin Addie coming home from her mission
3. Trip to Disneyland (cross my fingers we'll go through with it)
4. Trip to Disneyland!!! (maybe twice?)

Four People I tag:
1. Melinda
2. Adrienne
3. Rachelle
4. Lindsey (aren't you glad I finally updated!!!)

Bentley's NEW RIDE!!!

2008-07-01T08:25:00.000-07:00

My mom is the best...she is always finding the cutest things and of course she is always spoiling her grandbabies!!! She got Bentley and Addelyn (she got a pink one) these cars! They are the coolest ever. Not only is it a walker, but it is a bouncer too. You can take the front of the car off and it has a table under it. And then when Bentley starts walking, the seat pushes forward and he can walk holding onto it. In the first picture you can see the bottom piece. It also pushes into the middle and front and lights up and makes noise when he steps on the buttons!!! LOVE IT!!!

THANKS AGAIN MOM!!!

Gone Fishing!!!

2008-07-01T08:17:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we went out with the Stone's to "the ranch". It was so much fun (thanks tons)!!! I had to get some pictures of us fishing. The guys fished for ever...but in the little while that I did , I caught 2 fish. Ella loved hanging out with all the kids but especially loved swimming all by herself with her life vest!!!

STARS IN THE FAMILY

2008-06-28T11:37:00.001-07:00

I got these off my cousin Rachelle's blog...my sister Melinda and her husband were in the Southern Utah newspaper!!! If you haven't seen them on stage they are amazing and so much fun to watch. It's even better that they are planning opposite in one of their shows this year! I can't wait to see their plays!

Brian Vaughn and Melinda Pfundstein Cast in Cyrano de BergeracOne of the Utah Shakespearean Festival’s favorite couples (on stage and in real life) will be returning this summer in the lead roles in Cyrano de Bergerac. Brian Vaughn and his wife, Melinda Pfundstein, will be performing in the roles of Cyrano and his timeless love, Roxane.“We are excited for them to be returning to Cedar City,” said R. Scott Phillips, Festival executive director. “They both have performed here many times over the years and have become a favorite of our patrons. The fact that as a married couple they are deeply in love will add another layer to this romantic and beautiful play.”Both Vaughn and Pfundstein attended Southern Utah University in Cedar City, and both have acted in numerous roles at the Festival (Vaughn in over forty roles since 1991, and Pfundstein in over twenty roles since 1996).Director David Ivers is also excited for the chance to work with Vaughn and Pfundstein. “There was never any question about casting Brian as Cyrano and his wife Melinda as Roxane,” he said. “Our great, personal friendship aside, Brian and Mel are two of the most versatile, authentic and generous actors in the country. Their language skills, integrity, and work ethic are astonishing.”Vaughn’s first role at the Festival was as Castrone in Volpone (1991). He has followed that up since with such diverse roles as Hysterium in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1994), Smudge in Forever Plaid (both 1997 and 2004), Laertes in Hamlet (1997), the Pirate King in Pirates of Penzance (2001), Cloten and Posthumus Leontus in Cymbeline (2002), Prince Arthur in Camelot (2005), and Charlie in Stones in His Pockets (2005).He is also remembered for his critically acclaimed turn in the title role of the troubled Danish prince in Hamlet (2006), a production which Dana Gioia, chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, called the best Hamlet he had ever seen.Vaughn is currently performing as Mellersh Wilkins in Enchanted April at the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre where he is a resident acting company member. He has performed in over twenty-five productions there, including The Nerd, The Voysey Inheritance, A Month in the Country, Laughing Stock, Bach at Leipzig, Arsenic and Old Lace, Proof, Wit, Buried Child, The Leenane Triology, Inventing Van Gogh, The Glass Menegerie, The Tavern, The Shaughraun, and Amadeus.He has also appeared at the Arizona Theatre Company, the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, the Kennedy Center, the Nebraska Shakespeare Festival, PCPA Theatrefest, Phoenix Theatre, and Red Bull Theatre.Pfundstein’s first role at the Festival was in the chorus of The Mikado in 1996. Since then she has appeared as Gloria Tharpe in Damn Yankees (1999), Rose in Pirates of Penzance (2001), Audrey in As You Like It (2002), Clarice in The Servant of Two Masters (2003), Ronette in Little Shop of Horrors (2003), Martha Jefferson in 1776 (2003), Lady Percy in Henry IV Part One (2004), Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady (2004), The Princess of France in Love’s Labour’s Lost (2005), Emma in Johnny Guitar (2006), and many others.She recently appeared at the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre as Betty Haynes in White Christmas and as Tansy McGinnis in The Nerd and she has appeared in numerous roles in regional theatres across the country.In addition to their roles in Cyrano de Bergerac, Vaughn will be playing Launce in The Two Gentlemen of Verona, and Pfundstein will play Tzeitel in Fiddler on the Roof.

What's been going on?

2008-06-19T08:39:00.000-07:00

I am a little late with a lot of these posts... here's what's been going on!!!

Bentley...

He is getting so big. He is now 19 lbs. WOW! He is trying hard to sit up on his own. Everyday he is doing something new. I love this stage! He reaches for everything and puts it all in his mouth.

Father's Day...

You probably can't see out my dirty door very well...but for Father's Day, I thought I would try something different. I went out myself and mowed the grass and trimmed the edges! I was so proud of myself. It took me about 2 1/2 hours. I was very lucky because Ella was asleep the whole time and Bentley was happy laying on the ground inside. I kept going in to check on him (maybe that's why it took me so long). Cason was very excited and appreciative! It was a great Father's Day. Cason is a great dad and husband. Our kids adore him. Ella is totally a daddy's girl. Even this morning while he was getting ready for work she kept hugging his leg saying "Miss you Daddy"!

Playing at the park...

Ella loved that slide. I tried to get a better picture but this is all I could get!!! These swings are the coolest!!! All of the kids were loving them! Ella and Quincy had a blast swinging together. They just kept smiling and giggling at each other!!!

Ella's 2nd Birthday...

Ella's homeade birthday cake...I made it and Cason went through and put the finishing touches on it!!! It wasn't too hard to make. Although when it was time to start decorating I totally dropped it on the counter and it split in half. Luckily you couldn't tell once the frosting was on it!

Cami posing!!! Looking all sexy!!!

Ella had a great time at her party!!! She loved everything she got but her favorite gift was the Cinderella costume!!! She didn't want to take it off!!! It was fun watching how much more into her birthday she was than last.

In just 2 weeks!!!

2008-06-04T17:48:00.000-07:00

LAST CHANCE...to sign up for Camp Invention!!! It is running at Adams Elementary during the week of June 23rd-27th. It's an amazing program for kids grades K-6. If you have questions or are interested in scholarship information email me at avswinn@yahoo.com!!!

check out this video

MY SWEETS!!!

2008-06-02T08:57:00.001-07:00

I fell in love the moment I saw you!!!

And even more everyday!!!

I can't believe today you've turned 2!!!

What a man!!!

2008-05-28T17:38:00.000-07:00

Although Cason is my MAN...here are some pics of my little man!!! He gets bigger everyday and is finding out more about himself too!!! I'm not sure what he weighs but today he is 5months. I can't believe it. It's crazy how I'm not as strict and paranoid as I was with Ella. He's been doing the whole rice cereal thing for a while but now I'm thinking he's ready for more.

4 Year Anniversary!!!

2008-05-26T08:47:00.000-07:00

On the 22nd, Cason and I celebrated our 4th anniversary. I feel like it should be more (not in a bad way). This last year has been so exciting. We've had a lot happen with Cason starting a new job, having another baby, moving into a new house, etc...

All fun things that have brought us even closer together!!!

I am so grateful for him and for all the fun that we have. I don't think a day goes by that he doesn't make me smile and feel like I'm the most important thing in his life! Cason truly is

ONE-OF-A-KIND!!!

Every year we switch off on who plans the anniversary...this year was mine so I thought it would be fun to leave the kids for a few days (thank you mom & dad) and spend some good, no interrupted, quality time. Cason, being skeptical that I would find the cheapest hotel, made the hotel arrangements and I got to planning the rest!

We got to Marina Del Ray on Thursday, layed out by the pool for the couple of hours that it was sunny. Then we got ready for the night and drove into Hollywood where we ate dinner and saw "Wicked". I have been wanting to see it since it first came out in New York but never had the chance when my sister lived there. Friday...in the rain and cold we spent the day at Universal Studios. We got front of the line passes (the best thing in the world) and all you can eat braclets!!! Saturday we met up with one of my old roomates, had lunch and met her fiance, then made the drive back.

At Venice beach! Our tattoos...don't worry...of course they're fake!!! And a cute seal that was next to the Pier!

Happy Birthday Mom!!!

2008-05-19T08:26:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday!!!

I am not very smooth with words and hopefully this post will let you know what a great mom I have! For tradition, every birthday we celebrate in the family, we go around and say things we love and appreciate about that person. Some of the things that were said were:

is selfless
compassionate
a "Great" grandma
appreciated now more than ever now that we have kids
fun loving
easy to talk to & a great listener
her grandkids light up when they see her enter the room!

My mom truly is the greatest!!! I can't think of a time that she hasn't been there for me! When I was up at school, she would be there without hesitation if I needed a shoulder to cry on or groceries in my fridge. She made every hard time in my life so much easier. Growing up and even more today she has always been a true friend and someone I can always talk to and get advice from. She has taught me so many things about myself and who I want to be. She is someone I look up to and want to be like!

I LOVE YOU MOM!!!

CUTE COUSINS!!!

2008-04-23T19:43:00.001-07:00

(Melinda, Bentley, Aunt Peg, Addelyn, Ella, & Me)

Before Melinda went back to Milwaukee, we were able to "sort of" able to get a picture of the 3 cousins. I wouldn't say they were at their best, but still fun that we got them together! It was a blast having my sister here in town (under the circumstances). I would give anything to have her closer but I know that her living so far away has only made us closer. I'm lucky to have her and I only hope that our kids will grow up as close as we did with all of our cousins!!!

GIDDY UP!!!

2008-04-23T19:34:00.000-07:00

At my Grandpa Heaton's funeral my cousins had one of their horses from the ranch follow his casket to the graveside. It was so neat!!! Ella kept wanting to go for a ride. After the services, she finally got her chance to get on and feel like a "REAL" cowgirl!!! I guess you could say...

IT'S IN HER GENES!!!

CINDERELLA!!!

2008-04-20T20:39:00.000-07:00

I got this idea from my friend Melody...way too fun to pass up!!!

You Are Cinderella!

Dignified and hard working. With a gentle and soft-spoken manner you have something many people don't. Patience. Even through the moments of heartbreak you're still able to hold onto all of your hopes and dreams. Bide your time; your dream will come true.

Which Disney Princess Are You?

REMEBERING...

2008-04-13T20:34:00.000-07:00

Gilbert Verdon Heaton

November 1st, 1927-April 13th, 2008

This morning my Grandpa Heaton passed away. Today I have felt such gratitude for the person that he was. As all the family was reflecting today my thoughts turned to his cute little smile and funny sense of humor. He was a true cowboy from his boots to his hat!!! I can't help but think of what a great example he left for all of his posterity to follow. As one of his granddaughters I saw firsthand the love he gave to all of us.

One of my favorite memories was when I was out at the ranch visiting him. It was just the 2 of us there and I was pretty bored. He said he'd be right back and I just sat in front of the lodge moping. Here he comes riding up on a white horse to take me for a ride.

Although a simple man, the treasures he had came from his heart...LOVE!!!

BACK TO WORK!!!

2008-04-10T18:32:00.000-07:00

So I had been dreading today since January. I went back to work (even though it is part-time). I woke up feeling as anxious as ever and very emotional. I get to work to find a huge banner hanging in front of my classroom door. It put a huge smile on my face feeling very thankful for such a great partner teacher (she was the master mind in all of this) as well as class. It was going to be a good day I thought. I become very anxious again trying to remember what it's like teaching and how the routine of the day is supposed to go. The bell rings....my heart started to flutter (worse than the first day of school jitters). I walk outside to pick up my class...and there they are!!! Every single one of them standing in a single file line holding a flower. At the end of the line was another student holding a bouquet. Yes, I can do this!!! I had the biggest crocodile tears swelling my eyes. The first day back was great. I couldn't have pictured it being any better!!!

SAVE THE DATE!!!

2008-04-01T12:50:00.001-07:00

I am hosting a jewelry party

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9th

6:30 P.M

It's going to be great fun.

Come have a girl's night with lots of jewelry to wear, food to eat, and friends to laugh with!!!

Let me know if you're planning on coming and/or need directions!!!

avswinn@yahoo.com

If you can't make it and want to take a look at the fabulous jewelry before the party, you are also welcome to that as well!!!

Just a few...

2008-03-27T20:37:00.000-07:00

This week I have really been thinking about some of the things I truly love!!! Here a few...

Organized closets!!!

Pedicures and empty laundry baskets!!!

Sleeping Toddlers & Happy Babies!!!

BUBBLES & Green Grass!!!

Soft BABY Feet!

My one and only!!!

I'M BACK!!!

2008-03-24T11:29:00.000-07:00

So I was gone for 8 days visiting my sister and brother-in-law and their new addition "Addelyn Grace"in Milwaukee. She is such a doll. Melinda was such a trooper to have us in her home. The week was great. The first couple of days we were there we were able to run errands, play in the snow, go to the zoo, and see the Easter Bunny.

Melinda went into the hospital Monday night to have the Cervidil. She went into labor early the next morning. She had Addelyn that afternoon. She weighed in at 7 lbs. 6 oz. What a cutie!!!

At 4 days old!!! Both my kids seem so much older!!!

When my sister was still in the hospital, we went to one of the children's museums downtown!

It was great!!! Not only was there the neatest things there, but it was FREE!!!

Thursday was a perfect day...it was clear and very sunny! Who would have thought that Milwaukee would have been pounded with 16 inches of snow! At least we got a cute snowman out of it!
(Thanks Uncle Bri)

CONGRATULATIONS!!! YOU GUYS MAKE SUCH A CUTE FAMILY!!!

ALSO...CHECK OUT OUR OTHER NEW NIECE (Congrats to Carli)

Time to catch up!!!

2008-03-11T15:35:00.000-07:00

I have taken so many pictures with all intention to blog them! So here you go!!!

I love this picture of my mom & Ella!!! You can tell from the picture that she has a good time over at my parents house (especially with the unlimited food supply of chocolate pudding!!!)

Ella and I went and saw the Doodlebops. Bentley stayed with Grandma and Ella and I had a little mother/daughter date!!! It was a lot of fun just hanging out with her(even though she doesn't look too happy in this picture)! We haven't done that for a very long time!

Ella and my dad playing dinosaur!!! We were laughing so hard!!!

My Uncle Marty was in town for NASCAR and I think Ella was trying to show off her great moves...I wonder where she learned her booty dance?

Ella & Uncle Marty

TAGGED!!!

2008-03-04T12:25:00.000-08:00

10 Years ago...I was a junior in high school. I was playing volleyball every weekend in California for a club team here in Las Vegas. Whenever I had spare time I was hanging out with the girlfriends and loving having my license!!!

Snacks I enjoy...I love eating marshmellows, apples, & girl scout cookies!

5 Things on my to-do-list today...go to the post office, the bank, hopefully work out, clean my house, SLEEP!!!

Things I would do if I were suddenly made a Billionaire...Cason would really want me to say INVEST, and TRAVEL TRAVEL TRAVEL!!!

3 of my Bad Habits...picking at my nails, spending $$$, and leaving towels in the washer and having to re-wash them over!!!

5 places I've lived...
1. Down town off 7th street
2. Over here on the east side
3. Cedar City
4. The east side
5. Off Owens...and now back to the east side!!!

5 jobs I've had...
1. worked at as a bridal assistant at a bridal store (Walker's Brides) in Cedar
2. waitress/hostess at La Fiesta in Cedar
3. assistant for a relistate agent in Cedar
4. a counselor for school groups in Cedar
5. 1st Grade Teacher

Things people don't know about me...I am addicted to MARSHMELLOWS!!! I can eat a bag in one setting. I don't know why I like them so much but I do...I think I've passed that on to Ella as well!!! I love playing games. UNO, Skip-bo, now Settlers are just a few of my favorite.

BIG BOOTS!!!!

2008-02-19T11:10:00.000-08:00

Ella loves her Poppy...and his Harley boots!!!

At the Wrangler Hockey Game...THE NEW DO!!! I wish I had a better picture!

Celebrity look alike!!!

2008-02-13T10:13:00.000-08:00

I have really been wanting to do something different with my hair...so I thought I'd try the celebrity look alike to see if there was one that might be fitting!!! Not sure. Any ideas I can take with me to my hairdresser?

Lots to catch up on!!!

2008-02-11T15:44:00.000-08:00

O.K. So I hate to say it but I truly am in the category of biggest slacker!!! I have come to the realization that it is very difficult to sit down at the computer. I don't know if it's because I'm not adjusting well with 2 kids or I'm just LAZY!!! Lots has been going in our family.

Last night we spent the evening with Cason's grandparents. I love them. They have always been so cute and supportive to us and are really being hit with some hard times right now. Ella was loving Abuela...especially the tamale she was eating at the time. I wish I would have taken a picture of their little puppy. She's a miniature chiwauwau (however you spell it). She kept sitting in Bentley's car seat on his blanket. It was really cute. Here's a cute pic of Abeula with Bentley.

We blessed Bentley the last week of January. It is so amazing to have a little boy in our family. I love the spirit that he has. Already I know that he's going to be a total mama's boy ( I LOVE THAT)!!!

We just got back from Brian Head where we stayed a week playing in the cold and snow! It was great. It felt like such a nice break from home.

Ella had tons of fun sledding...until we biffed it at the bottom of the hill

Ella helping her dad shovel the balcony. It seemed like the boys were constantly shoveling snow

It was sooooo COLD snow boarding. The bandana was supposed to help sheild the wind...I don't think it helped much! There was so much snow we'd get stuck in powder. I haven't had a workout like that for a very long time!!!

The boys left on Monday so Michelle and I decided to start a puzzle. We were completely committed to finishing it before we left. Here's the finished product.
Ella finally pooped in the potty! I was excited to get a picture of her after!!! I'm a dork...I know!!

Last but not least...Ella not only thinks she's a big girl...but she also thinks that she's old enough to breast feed her baby!!! I had to get a picture of it. I was laughing so hard!!!

You Don't Want to Miss This!!!

2008-01-29T08:00:00.000-08:00

This summer from June 23rd-27th, I am directing a science camp at Adams Elementary. It is such a blast it will be my 2nd year directing and 4th year being a part of it. I love it!!! Kids love it. It is from elementary ages K-5. If you register before the 31st you get $40 off. The cost is $175 with the discount. Sign up and have friends sign up. It definitely is the more the merrier. Call or email me if you have questions. I really want to get the word out about it!!! Here is the website you can sign up!!!

Camp Invention

Good Times!!!

2008-01-26T16:26:00.000-08:00

Cason teaching Ella how to play basketball. Ella was laughing and smiling so hard!!!It was a very cute moment!!! During the game Ella kept yelling "shoot da ball daddy" "Yay Daddy". He had his own little cheering section!

This is how we do our shopping now!!!

Morning nap with Uncle Clay!!!

What a ride!!!

2008-01-21T12:41:00.000-08:00

Life has been so much fun with 2 kids. I love the feeling that a brand new baby brings into the home. Cason and I both feel so blessed to have our 2 angels and especially for our family and friends. We really are so blessed!!! In this month's visiting teaching message (not trying to be all preachy)...but it talks about what a treasure it is to be a mom and wife. I can honestly say it is a TREASURE!!!

With church being at 11:00 now (right during her nap) she comes home and crashes. Yesterday, I put her in her room for her nap and about an hour later she came down stairs still very tired. Cason and I both thought she went back up stairs to her bed...I guess she never made it!!!

Ella found a candy cane from Christmas! She cracked me up. She was blue all over!!! A shower was definitely needed!!! You can tell she did mind that one bit!!!

(at 3 weeks)
I feel like Bentley is such a little man! He has already grown so much!!!

Ella is such a good big sis. She found one of her old pictures and was just talking to Bentley and kept saying "Ella...baby"

Welcome BENTLEY!!!

2008-01-02T09:52:00.001-08:00

He's Here!!!

2007-12-30T19:17:00.000-08:00

I will get pictures posted hopefully tomorrow!!! But he's finally here!!!

Cason Bentley Swinn

Friday, December 28th, 6:51 pm

8 lbs. 1 oz. 20 inches

Merry Christmas!!!

2007-12-24T08:38:00.000-08:00

I got this idea from my cousin Patti and her family...way too cute!!! Ella definitely got the moves of the family!

CHECK US OUT!!!

(http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1761279296)

Try this if it doesn't link!!!

We're the BIGGEST cheater!!!

2007-12-23T21:04:00.000-08:00

Not only is it not Christmas Eve...we got it on camera!!! We couldn't help ourselves. We just came from Cason's dad's house and we got a little impatient and excited!!! Christmas P.J.'s are the best!!!

Hopefully the last prego shot until the baby!!! There's nothing like a hot husband in pajamas!!!

Christmas Sunday!!!

2007-12-23T21:02:00.000-08:00

I'm all excited because for really the first time...Ella posed for a picture!!! Make that 2 in a row!!!CHEESE!!!

The fun of Christmas time!!!

2007-12-17T21:42:00.000-08:00

On Saturday night we went to Ethel M. Chocolate Factory. The lights this year are great. It seems like they did a lot more than last. Crazy thing happened there though. You would think at a place for families, everyone would be happy and in the Christmas spirit...not in this case. Cason and a friend had to break up two grown men fighting. It was out of control. A dad was yelling and swearing at his kids, the other guy made a comment about that being inappropriate...they yelled at each other for a minute and then BAM they went at it. It was awful. The kids were screaming and crying and all upset. Needless to say they weren't asked to leave and the swearing dad ending up in front of us in line for Santa, trying to act like he was the greatest thing around! DUH!!!

So I am such a huge slacker. Here are some pictures from decorating our Christmas tree and outside. The last 3 years we haven't had our own house to decorate and I've been finding that I have a lot less stuff than I thought I had. It was kind of depressing. Now I'm just excited to start collecting!!!

Time Flies!!!

2007-12-12T17:56:00.000-08:00

Being close to the 'teens in days left, I've had so many thoughts going through my head.

Biggest...I have nothing done!!! I feel like I still have tons of time and it will eventually get done...really I should just face reality and realize that it probably wont until our little guy gets here! I'm nervous for Ella. I'm already sad that I'm going to have to leave her to be at the hospital and then even more nervous that she'll feel like I'm neglecting her. She's my baby!!! I'm even struggling to get to the baby's room. I'll walk in there and fold blankets and hang up clothes but other than that...it's definitely a work in progress. I truly do feel so blessed for this new edition to our family and am told that these feelings are very natural. I can't wait to see Cason with a son! He's already so cute with Ella. Here are some pics from Ella's birth!!!

I'm a Princess!

2007-12-01T15:41:00.000-08:00

How do they know how to play dress-up? Is it from watching mom or grandma? Maybe even an older sibling? All I know is that it cracks me up what a girlie girl I have!!!
I LOVE IT!!!

Thanksgiving Trip!!!

2007-11-27T09:27:00.001-08:00

This year for Thanksgiving we went up to Salt Lake to be with Cason's mom. All of his sister's their families and his brother were there. It was tons of fun and loved being together with everyone. Although the weather was freezing it was a great jump start for the holiday season!!!

This was my first time seeing the lights at temple square. They are gorgeous!!! I couldn't believe how many were up.

At temple square before the lights came on!!!It was fun to have all the family together. This is the first picture besides Carli's wedding that we were able to get everyone together!!!

All the boys

The Thanksgiving Feast!!!
Ella was stealing everyone's Jell-O

I love this picture of Ella and Cason.

We stayed at the Marriott across from the temple. It was freezing. Luckily they had a huge fireplace in their lobby!

This video is hilarious!!! After Thanksgiving dinner all the family went BOARDING!!! (Cason really wanted to snow board but unfortunately...there was no snow). So a box and a steep hill had to do. All of us were laughing SO hard. Ella on the other hand cried because she thought that her daddy got hurt! (Sorry you'll have to watch it sideways)

2007-11-20T13:50:00.000-08:00

I didn't know if I'd get a chance to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving. I hope that it is full of good company, good food, and good times.

Peek-a-Boo!!!

2007-11-19T12:19:00.000-08:00

One, Two, Three...JUMP!!!

Here I am!!!

Ella has been thinking that it's been funny hiding in her ball bin! It will be totally quiet (so of course I go looking for trouble) and pop! There she is!!!

Ella with Santa!!!

2007-11-12T13:51:00.000-08:00

We tried to be really good this year and get Ella's picture with Santa done early...We prepped her by showing her Santa on Saturday when we were at the mall. She even gave him a high-five! I thought for sure she'd be o.k. (maybe I was a little nervous). This is the only picture I could get! I think I might have tramatized her forever!!! She was not happy. Needless to say, we left with this one picture on my camera, I didn't have to pay for a picture package (which is a very good thing), Ella with puffy red eyes, and of course "Hot Dog on a Stick" lemonade!!! I would say it all turned out O.K.!!!

Yard Work!!!

2007-11-12T13:46:00.000-08:00

On Saturday...Aaron and Cason worked on our backyard!!! It really needed it. They were out early and got to work!!! The yard turned out really nice. They planted me some nice daisies and got everything trimmed. They did a great job!!!

My nice kitchen sissors!!!

Who do I look like?

2007-11-09T15:39:00.000-08:00

I thought for sure she would look more like Cason!!!

She is totally her daddy's daughter!

Yay to my HONEY!!!

2007-11-09T15:09:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Cason passed his Series 7 test. I'm so proud of him. He's been working and studying so hard. It's been very nerve wracking and he's lost a lot of sleep over it. Anything he does...it's done 110%. I'm so lucky to have him in my life. Last night we went to "The Melting Pot" to celebrate (thanks again Cami & Chris). Yummy food...especially the dessert... if you've never been there it's definitely a place you've got to try!

Before Cason got home Ella and I had some fun writing on her front and back. The writing would have been better but she kept squirming because it tickled. Ella was very proud at showing off her new "tatoos"

"Good job dad"

"I Love YOU"

I'm a winner!!!

2007-11-09T15:04:00.000-08:00

We went to Peter Piper Pizza today with Missy and her kids. It's always tons of fun getting together. This picture seemed priceless. We stood in front of the same game...I pushed the button...Ella grabbed the tickets...and grabbed the tickets...and grabbed the tickets. She didn't care about anything else. Then it came time for the prizes. The only thing she wanted was a candy bracelet!!! How do girl's know these things?

Hard Day at Work!!!

2007-11-07T13:06:00.000-08:00

This week I've been working at my dad's office. Today...after lunch, Ella decided she'd had enough. My dad keeps a bed here for his puppy and now...for Ella.

What's in a name!!!

2007-11-07T11:31:00.000-08:00

I got this idea from a friend. I thought it was hilarious so I had to try it out!

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME:(first pet & current car) Pepper Jeep
2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME:(fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie) Vanilla Snickerdoodle

3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME:(first initial of first name, first three letters ofyour last name) A. Swi
4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME:(favorite color, favorite animal) Yellow Monkey

5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME:(middle name, city where you were born) VerDon Las Vegas

6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME:(the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first) Swiam

7. SUPERHERO NAME:(”The” + your 2nd favorite color, your favorite drink) The Red Raspberry Limeaide

8. NASCAR NAME:(the first names of your grandfathers) Verdon Edward

9. STRIPPER NAME:(the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent,favorite candy) Vanilla Butterfinger

10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME:(mother’s & father’s middle names ) Ann Gerard

11. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter) Vandinter Vancouver

12. SPY NAME/BOND GIRL: (your favorite season/holiday, flower) Spring Daisy

13. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”) Strawberry Skirty

14. HIPPIE NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree) Cereal Pine

15. YOUR ROCK STAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”) The Traveling Snow Tour

6 Interesting things about me!!!

2007-11-01T13:09:00.000-07:00

Leesh...sorry this took me so long! I finally decided to do it after I was tagged again. O.k. so here goes!

1. I am sooooo anal when it comes to taking notes or jotting things down. If it doesn't look neat...I'll do them over and over again until it does.

2. I change furniture around constantly...(I get that from my mom)...it can be bedroms, furniture around the house, and I'm the worst with my classroom. My kids from last year can tell you!!!

3. I love reading the newspaper. Give me a magazine, I just look at the pictures...a newspaper...I'll read it from front to back!

4.When I paint my nails, I peel the polish off over and over and will just repaint them until I peel off the polish again.

5. I collect children's books! (I think that comes with teaching). I love it!!!

6. This probably goes along with all girls...I have "Girl's Just Want to Have Fun" memorized. I can never watch it enough!!!

K!!! So now I tag...Missy, Michelle K., Carla, Melinda, Carli, & Cherine

Halloween Fun!!!

2007-10-31T21:06:00.001-07:00

Halloween seemed so much more fun this year! Ella was all into being the center of attention in her costume and roaming the neighborhood like she owned the place. Cason and I were really suprised. We went to our old 'hood and did the "Trunk or Treat" thing. It is such a great place for kids and families. She started to get pretty tired so we went home, put her to bed, and Cason (FINALLY...after being sick for the last few weeks) was able to play basketball with all the guys!!! HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!My little witch!!!

She was mad that we disturbed her from getting candy...we are so rude!!!

Couldn't help it!!!

2007-10-31T21:02:00.000-07:00

I thought it would be a nice little treat to get out of the house early this morning. So Ella and I made a trip to the Hollywood Park. It was tons of fun!!! I couldn't believe how gutsy she was. She had no fear. The bigger the slide the better!!!

A Little Out of Control!!!

2007-10-30T08:35:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we went to a friend's Halloween Party. It was tons of fun...stressful getting there, but we got there! About a half hour before leaving, I went to put on my hula costume...and of course...it didn't fit. We quick ran to my mom's to go through some old show costumes and this is all I could fit into. A big nice wig from one of Melinda's old shows!!! DUH, I don't even know what I went as!!! I'm thinking next Halloween I'll hopefully be able to fit into a normal costume. Oh well. As for Cason, he was J.K. Edwards (he played for UNLV a few years ago). His guys always say he plays like him.

BOOTS AND HER BLANKET!!!

2007-10-29T20:45:00.000-07:00

Ella is completely infatuated with her new black boots and of course her blanket. I was really trying to get a good shot with her strutting around with both. This is what I got!

AMAZING!!!

2007-10-29T20:26:00.001-07:00

If any of you are way into pumpkin carving...my friend carved his pumpkin to look like Joseph Smith! It is unreal and amazing! He is very very talented!!!

Check it out...pumkin carving!!!

WOW!!!

2007-10-21T18:05:00.000-07:00

Last night, one of my former students invited Cason and I to her birthday party...it was to go see the Cirque du Soleil show "KA". It was incredible. These are some of the pictures I found from google that showed some of my favorite parts. I was in "AH" with my mouth open throughout the entire show! There are speakers in your chair which makes you feel like you are right on stage with them. The set and lighting are unimaginable. And of course, the costumes...loved them!!! So, I'm off my go see "KA" soap box...but If you were wondering if it would be worth it to pay and go...it is!!!

Ella and Books!!!

2007-10-18T22:22:00.000-07:00

Ella has the biggest fetish for books. I love it of course...but for some reason she feels the need to pull them all off the shelf until she finds the exact one she's looking for!!! Luckily for me she's also good about helping me put them back!!!

Family Home Evening!!!

2007-10-15T19:58:00.000-07:00

So for family night we decided to carve the pumpkin that we got from the pumpkin patch last family night. Ella had a lot of fun especially when it came to being able to eat the inside of the pumpkin. Cason was such a sport...he's been sick with strep all weekend and is still trying to recoop. And of course, I held the camera...but did get my hands all messy when it came to cleaning it out!

Cason starting out the pumpkin!!! "Is that edible"
Thank heaven for measure cups to help in scooping out the brains of the pumpkin!!!

The pumpkin seeds were so slippery they kept sliding out of her fingers when she'd try putting them into her mouth!!!

The finished product!!!

Just a huge thought today while teaching!!!

2007-10-11T16:08:00.001-07:00

I tend to get into a lot of ruts in life and seem to forget about the simple things! One of my kids in class...you know the ones that make teaching seem harder than it should...got really quiet all of a sudden and looked soooo sad. I've been having many thoughts that I just need to love him big time. So I kneeled down next to him and just asked him if he was o.k. He didn't move, didn't do his work, just sat there. About 5 minutes later he came up to me and said that his dad was just put in jail and he was really sad (I was totally fighting the tears as we talked). But he was glad that his grandma was around to help take care of him. So here I felt totally put in my place by this little first grader. There are so many things to be grateful for and I forget about the simple things in life that bring TRUE happiness!!! I have such a great husband, a beautiful healthy little girl, a home, supporting family, loving friends, and the perfect job that, like today, brings me such joy!!!

More of the Family Pics!!!

2007-10-10T21:34:00.001-07:00

A few of you have asked to see more of the family pictures that Jen took! She is amazing!!! I love them tons and am very impressed that she was able to get the pictures she did. I don't know how were going to do them with another little one. I tried to blame all the bad pictures on Ella not behaving...but of course, most of them didn't work because of Cason or I! You'll definitely have to check out jennifersedillophotography.blogspot.com to see her work!!! Like I said...SHE'S AMAZING!!!

She was lovin' this tree!!!

Pumpkin Fun!!!

2007-10-09T09:54:00.001-07:00

Last night we went to the pumpkin patch on Stephanie and Sunset. I was very impressed. There was a lot of stuff for kids to do and it's FREE to get in. I think we ended up spending $20 and that included us buying a big and small pumpkin!!! There was a petting zoo, jumpers, swing rides, a train, a duck pond, and of course getting to pick out pumpkins. It was a blast. We even got home in time to finish watching the Indians beat the Yankees!!! GO TRIBE!!!

OUCH!!!

2007-10-09T09:17:00.000-07:00

On Sunday Ella had a pretty rough day. We got to my mom and dad's, went outside and fall one. One of the dogs took Ella's feet out from under her and she slammed her forhead into the concrete. Later in their house...another dog got excited and she hit the other side of her forhead. She now has two even bumps and bruises to prove how tough she is!!!

Fun Night With the Fam!!!

2007-10-05T22:32:00.001-07:00

Tonight Cason, Ella, and I had a blast!!! We went to eat at a new Mexican Restaurant, went and saw "Playhouse Disney" at the Orleans, and then of course had to get dessert at our favorite place "Luv It's"...yummmmmmmmm!!! ( I love their Scotch Jimmy). To end the night, Cason and I cleaned out our garage which actually ended up being a huge chore. How sad that it can get soooo bad soooo fast!!! It was fun! I love my little family and can't wait to have our new addition!

My Sister's In Town!!!

2007-10-03T21:17:00.000-07:00

My sister came in town today, I've been so excited. She's only here for a few days...I've been missing her like crazy. There's nothing like having your big sis around! It feels like it's been so long especially now since she's expecting her first baby. Can't wait to find out what she's having so we can start shopping!

I've finally been able to convert her to the blogging world (thanks Bri if you had a hand in that)!!!

The Beans & Bubs!!!

2007-10-03T21:10:00.000-07:00

I had to capture this great moment between Ella (Beans) & HarLee (Bubs). I could hear HarLee groaning a little bit and couldn't see Ella so I figured she was messing with her. I think Ella was trying to tell us she was ready for bed!

My Project!!!

2007-10-03T20:56:00.000-07:00

Since before we moved into our house, I'd been looking for the perfect bathroom set...I found it from Pottery Barn and have just been waiting for the best moment to get it. I knew I needed something to fit both girl and boy, and of course find the perfect paint to match. For me...the best project ever!!!
With Cason being out of town for the night a couple of weekends ago, I decided to start my project. I painted and through everything together. Of course I still need to add a few touches...but here's pretty much the end product! Wah Lah!!!

LAKE HAVASU TRIP!!!

2007-09-26T20:29:00.000-07:00

In front of the London Bridge!!!

At the end of the week, Ella was exahusted!!! This is right before we left to go home. What can I say...Daddy's little girl!!! You can tell Cason's loving it!

Ella and dad once again! I tried to sneak up on

them but this is what I got. They both had

their feet dangling over the edge just hanging out!!!

It was the cutest thing.

Ella was such a trooper out on the boat!

On the last day, the boys took the kids on the tube. Ella liked it.
She didn't smile...but she didn't cry either!!! I'd say a pretty positive first experience at the lake!!!

At the SAND BAR

This place was so neat. It was in the middle of the river and we pulled the boat up, put up a canopy, relaxed, ate, and relaxed some more!!! Ella and Cason got into building a mud castle...Ella did more eating than building! I think in this picture she started doing the "SAND DANCE"

Happy Birthday Cason!!!

2007-09-26T20:24:00.001-07:00

For Cason's birthday we were in Lake Havasu. We went out to eat at some Mexican Resturaunt and Eddie and Cason ordered at 28 inch burrito...fully loaded. It was HUGE!!! Needless to say, they about ate it all. After dinner we went back to the hotel and had some Denny's cheesecake that was actually really good. Of course we had to have whip cream and strawberries on top!!!

To a great husband and friend!!! I LOVE YOU!!!

LOOK MOM!!! NO HANDS!!!

2007-09-16T19:05:00.000-07:00

Ella loves her chocolate shakes!!!

"The Sweetest Thing"

2007-09-16T18:57:00.000-07:00

We went out to eat over the weekend and Michelle and I had to stop our guys who were in front of us. Here we are just walking behind them doing our own thing and we see how CUTE our husbands are (Not that we don't ever notice)...but we had a moment. Something about them taking charge holding the babies! I LOVE IT!!! Hat's off to AMAZING husbands!!!

"The Happiest Classroom on Earth"

2007-09-15T09:29:00.000-07:00

Some of you were asking for pictures of my classroom...here you go!!! I couldn't get them up close because of desks and the sizes of them!!!

Our Word Tank (aka the word wall)
This is the writing center...they are just plastic pictures from the party store!!!Incredible WorkOf course the rules have to be posted...

Last but not least...outside the classroom!!!

"THE HAPPIEST CLASSROOM ON EARTH"

Dang it!!!

2007-09-08T17:57:00.001-07:00

K! So I know that it's been a while! Honestly I'm not flaking out. I have been trying to find my camera battery. You know, the ones your supposed to plug in the wall and leave. Yeah! Without it...I'm lost! No pictures. I will be looking hard for it. If I can't find it, I guess I'll be making a trip to the store to buy a new one!

My First Day of School!

2007-08-29T15:29:00.001-07:00

After back to school shopping (for my classroom of course & quickly growing belly) and getting my classroom all put together...the first day of school went well. This year I am sharing a contract with my friend Page. So far it's been a blast. I don't think it will ever be any different, we get along great. I got to school early having butterflies in my stomach (I think I get them worse then the kids) and finished all of the little details we'd been putting off. Our theme this year is "The Happiest Place on Earth" and were doing all Disney stuff. I love it. Now I just need to get to Disneyland. We took a tour around the school "FINDING NEMO" and went looking for something that smelled fishy. The last place we found Nemo fish treats in our principal's office. We took pictures and went over classroom rules and procedures. It seems like I have a great class. Because I'm only part time now I work only every other Wednesday and every Thursday and Friday. I can't wait. I wanted to go the first day to meet my class and make sure they know that I'm not going to put up with anything (just kidding). I will try to get pictures taken of the classroom to put up.

Ella, HarLee, & the Balloon!!!

2007-08-25T08:50:00.000-07:00

Ella was having a blast playing with her red balloon. I couldn't get it away from her. She kept tormenting HarLee with it and finally HarLee started going for it. I had to quick grab my camera. Her laugh was making me laugh so hard! I love what simple things can make you smile!!!

Back to School!

2007-08-23T16:46:00.000-07:00

I feel like I have been back at school for weeks! It's been tough trying to get back into the swing of things with only having 1 1/2 weeks off. Luckily our principal is nice and has only had us in meetings for a couple of hours in the morning! Hopefully I'll be quicker at adding pictures and all that good stuff!

She's getting so big!!!

2007-08-18T16:02:00.000-07:00

K, so I have been trying to figure out a good time to turn Ella's crib into a bed...I thought, why not today? She did great! I'm all excited. It took a couple of tries with the door closed but then I went in and got these cute pictures! Cross your fingers for the next couple of days!!!

Carla's 5 Question Challenge!!!

2007-08-17T15:02:00.000-07:00

1. If you were on "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire", who would be your phone person and why? That's hard. I would have to call my cousin Joe! He lives back in Ohio and I think that I've always thought that he knew everything. He's one of the cousins that got the smarts.

2. What's the best concert you've ever attended? My favorite was just recently. Cason and I went and saw Black Eyed Peas. I love them. I love Fergie. It was Cason's first concert and so I think that helped too. I made him buy a t-shirt to remember it by.

3. When I'm really down, all I want to do is... and all it takes to make me happy is? SHOP!!! For some reason, the more I shop that happier I am. I can shop for baby stuff or Ella or me or anything. During the school year, I shop the most for classroom stuff. My kids can tell you I changed the classroom around all the time! Now all I need to do is shop for stuff for my house...any takers to go with me?

4. Your entire family has gone away for the weekend. The house is all yours. What are the first three things you do? That's easy. First of all, I would make sure no one could see me through my windows and I would run around naked all day and night (I hope that's not to visual). The second thing I would do is take a nice long bubble bath all by my self...it's been a while since I haven't had to share (don't get me wrong though, I love sharing). And third, in all reality, I would probably try changing my house around...furniture, painting, cleaning closets. Is that sad?

5 . What was a major turning point in your life? My biggest turning point in my life was the last year of college. I had one year left and I decided to go on a mission. I knew it was right, I felt great about it. So I started preparing myself. I took mission and temple prep and got my papers. I sent out my papers and I waited, and waited, and waited. I waited for almost 3 months for my call. It felt so long but I had never felt so good and ready. I opened up my call and just cried...I didn't feel right about but new that if I went it would be a good thing for me and my family. After lots of prayer, I felt right about postponing it. I would be able to finish up my last semester and then go. Lots of little things also came into play and I really learned to rely on the promptings of the spirit. It's sad to me that sometimes it takes something big in our lives to react and rely on our testimonies and spirit alone...I'm totally pointing a finger to myself. Anyway...not sure you wanted to hear all that.

Cousin Weekend!

2007-08-17T10:27:00.000-07:00

We have our nephews and niece this weekend...so to take advantage we've been playing hard. Maybe its so well all be ready to sleep by 8 o'clock! We've done some fun stuff. We went to Chuck E Cheese, the Natural History Museum, and swam tons! Ella is loving having other people around than just me and Cason.

This picture cracked me up!

A big pile up in the love sac!

Ella wasn't so happy to be on this ride!

Trenton up in the cage!!!

Trevor was really good on this jet ski game! I can't believe how awesome he is at playing games. He picks them up so quick!

2007-08-16T07:40:00.000-07:00

This picture is a little outdated. It's from Cason's sister's wedding. Kinda sad, but right now it's one of our only family pictures.