The West Family

Blogging

2011-08-29T20:56:00.000-07:00

Well friends, I found this link from one of my other friends blogs and I just loved it. In fact, it made me want to rev up my blogging again, just for the sake of doing it. You never know who you could affect. Hey, it could even be yourself.

Check out this site for some insight into what other people think of us mommy mormon bloggers.

http://www.salon.com/life/feature/2011/01/15/feminist_obsessed_with_mormon_blogs

Sorry, you'll have to copy and paste, the link function isn't working???

Kid's First Time Skiing

2011-03-06T14:07:00.000-08:00

We took the kids skiing on Saturday, and it was a fun filled family adventure!

Greg was so stoked to have Gavin on ski's by the age of two

Grandma Laurie came with us and let mommy and daddy take a run with out any kids. Lets just say it was divine. After having a child in between your legs for two hours, it is amazing to be able to carve in the snow.

The kids did awesome, and Hailey was really getting the hang of it by the end of the day. It was so fun to get out and just focus on the family.

Time to share...

2011-02-25T12:53:00.000-08:00

It has been so long since I have blogged, that I considered just deleting it all together, but for the one or two of you that may check up on us from time to time, I thought I would share a few things...

Here are some pictures in overload newer to older, because that's how blogger works right?

Christmas 2010, don't the kids look like they are having so much fun? Mary and Joseph apparently don't smile. :)

Hailey was so happy to get her elephant Kala from Santa.

Hailey was a Lion in the wizard of oz ballet

Hailey turned 4 on December 24th and in true Hailey fashion, she wanted a pink elephant cake, so here is what I came up with:

My sister Kasse is now Hermanna Adams in the MTC, she is leaving for Tempe Arizona in two weeks. I miss her so much, but I am so proud of her.

My little Halloween animals:

Cheering for the Ute's is always a good time, even when Shakey, shakes us.

Date night with friends is a blast! Note to self: plan another date night.

We finally got our family photo's from Hawaii. YAY!!! Here are a couple:

Hopefully now that I am caught up with blogging I will be better about it, and keep my 2 readers entertained. :)

First day of pre-school

2010-08-17T13:38:00.000-07:00

Yes that is right, my little baby is growing up! She was so excited to go to school this morning. It was quite a rush to get there but we did it with time to spare. I made her eggs and pancakes for breakfast and made her chug it down because she slept in. Hopefully that doesn't become a habit, or we are in for stressful mornings.

We got her a new outfit for her first day of school (tradition... right?)

We made her a cute tote for school with her name and of course an elephant on it (her favorite animal, which may phase out soon because I can't tear away her baby horse right now)

So excited for her newest adventure:

Wedding Madness

2010-08-15T18:02:00.001-07:00

Greg's sister Makenzie got married last weekend to an awesome man. It was a huge event because they had a Cambodian ceremony the night before and I catered for it. I think I accidentally fell into the catering business, which has been a lot of work and also a lot of fun.

The day of the wedding Hailey and Gavin got to get all dressed up because Hailey was the flower girl and Gavin was a ring bearer.

My glam girl. Can you say, "Vogue"?

We actually got a shot of the family where everyone was at least looking at the camera. (A huge accomplishment)

Cambodian dinner that night: Greg, me, Makenzie, Richy, and Robbie

paint, popcorn, and pimpness

2010-08-15T17:44:00.000-07:00

Hailey's cute face painting, everyone we saw that day complimented her on it and she was so proud of it. She was so cute because she took a bath later and started crying when it washed off and said she wanted her princess crown back. I guess I am going to have to take up face painting.

For those of you who know Hailey, you know that she is OBSESSED with popcorn, and it has now become a sunday tradition to have a movie and popcorn after church. She slowly eats one kernel at a time until she has eaten the whole bowl. Popcorn definitely qualifies as her favorite food.

My studly Gavin in his new pimp suit. LOL!

I just love these kids!

Herriman Reservoir

2010-08-15T17:28:00.000-07:00

We have been trying to soak in all the last days of summer as much as possible, so we went to the Herriman Reservoir with our friends and had a blast. The kids LOVE the beach, and could probably stay there all day long. They were so cute together digging and building in the sand. Who says you can't play on the beach if you don't live by the ocean?

Hailey, Kendra and Makaylee playing. Hailey has been so hard to take pictures of lately because she can't sit still for a photo.

Gavin and Brody diggin' a hole.

My girlies: Angie, Mariette, Janessa, Leslie, and me.

I love my girlfriends!

Montana

2010-07-26T15:32:00.000-07:00

Well we made it to Montana for the 4th and had a blast! It was freezing cold, so we had to wear wetsuits/drysuits in my case, to go water skiing, but we still had tons of fun.

We were so happy to have uncle Tyson home so we could play with him in Montana.

Nothing better than peanut butter on a spoon!

Catch phrase is a must!

Family shots on the rock. We should have been water skiing rather than taking pictures. (Just look at that water)

60's and softball

2010-07-26T15:26:00.000-07:00

Here is a fun picture of 60's night where we did leader of the pack and brought down the house. SO FUN!!!

The night before the performance we played softball and greg threw a fast ball to me that was a little too fast, and I got hit in the face for my first black eye. I am nervous that my eye is still not healed and I may have to have surgery on in :(

4 Generations of West Boys

2010-07-26T15:18:00.001-07:00

We went to California to see Greg's grandpa for his 90th birthday. He is one of the sweetest men you will ever meet and we had a great time with our family.

4 Generations of West Boy's

Dance the night away

2010-06-08T13:57:00.000-07:00

Here is a little video of Hailey spring dance recital:

Memorial Day at the Zoo

2010-06-08T13:37:00.001-07:00

We took the kids to the Zoo for Memorial day, to have a little family time. Apparently, that is what most of Utah was thinking. I have never seen the zoo that busy, but we still had a blast. Hailey got to see her elephants, and she could have sat there all day.

Gavin was in awe of all the animals and he couldn't stop saying, "oooh and aahh".

You have to do the carousel right? Gavin screamed when we took him off.

and of course the train:

and back to the elephants for little Hailey

Hawaii

2010-06-08T13:05:00.001-07:00

We had our first Adams family reunion in Hawaii this year. Pretty awesome!!! We went to Maui and had a great time. We played on the beach and in the pool. We left the kids with Grandma and Grandpa so we could go snorkeling, which was amazing. My brother Chase almost stepped on a sea turtle. We saw 4 huge sea turtles while snorkeling, and lots of beautiful fish. It was heaven to wake up to the sound of the ocean and run alongside the beach in the morning, then lay on it in the afternoon, then watch the sun set from it in the evening. It was truly my heaven.

Gavin and Hailey had so much fun. When they woke up the first morning, we heard a knock on our door, so Greg went to open it... it was Hailey, "Dad! Look! The ocean!" and Gavin was looking and pointing, "THIS!!!"

We actually did an organized family activity and left the kids with Miss. Alice (an islander/babysitter). We went zip lining, which was a ball.

We then got ready and went to a fun luau, where we got to taste food from four different islands/cultures. The food was great and the entertainment was very fun for the kids.

Gavin especially loved the Lava Flows:

Girls Vegas Trip

2010-06-08T12:45:00.000-07:00

Every year my girlfriends take a trip to Vegas to take some much needed relaxation time. I can't remember the last time I did that much shopping. Shopping is relaxing... right? We were on a mission to shop! We had a great time and got some wonderful sun time as well.

We had fun playin' around... what else are you gonna do when you don't go to the clubs or gamble. We ran into some guys that were really confused at the fact that we were in Vegas and had no plans to "explore" all of what Vegas has to offer, but we had a ball.

Lounging with no kids = bliss

Thanks girls for a great trip!

Happy Birthday Gavin 4/20/09

2010-04-29T14:20:00.000-07:00

My sweet little man is 1!!! I am so amazed at how much he has grown over the last year, and a little sad that he is no longer a baby, but very happy to have the baby stage over with.

He is a momma's boy for sure and love's to be right on my hip. He loves to make people laugh and loves any kind of encouragement. He loves to wrestle and slobber all over anyone who will lay on the floor and take it. He has certainly stolen my heart.

Walking around a little, and he is walking more and more every day.

The baseball cake I made for his birthday:

For those of you who know Gavin, you already know that he is such a man, but here is more proof with "The Man Laugh"

Kite's and Curlers

2010-04-29T14:10:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to document Hailey's first round of curlers. She is such a cute girl and was so excited to put in the curlers. When we took them out the next morning it was serious Shirley Temple, and of course I didn't take a picture of the finished product.

We had a great time flying kites, and I really wish it looked more like this outside now, because it is snowing at the moment. Hailey and Gavin had a ball, but I actually think that Greg had the most fun reliving his childhood.

She is just growing up SO fast.

Hoppy Easter

2010-04-04T10:55:00.001-07:00

Though this first part has nothing to do with Easter, I wanted to share my recent cake decorating skills. I have been having a lot of fun teaching myself how to write with frosting and this is just cake is just like the "Nothing Bunt Cakes"

Now for Easter...

Our annual Easter Egg Hunt with the Andrus'

Hailey has been insistent on having her hair in pig-tails or curled. Nothing else will do, she is such a girl, and it is a crack up.

Easter Dress

Ya, good luck mom on getting a picture with both kids smiling.

Stickers from the Easter Bunny apparently must go on the face first.

Hailey and Gavin got awesome kite's for Easter. Hailey got a Buzz Lightyear kite and Gavin got an Iron Man kite. They LOVE them!

Gavin has been really wanting to walk and today (on Easter) he took a couple steps on his own.

Carribean

2010-03-13T11:41:00.001-08:00

Here is a synopsis of our trip, in reverse order, because that is the way the pictures loaded. Enjoy...

Costa Maya, Mexico

Beautiful white sand beaches and our huge cruise ship

El Sinor Gregory

Mock of the Mayan Ruins

Belize

Greg had a fresh Coconut chopped perfectly with a machete.

We took a Jungle Bike tour in Belize. It was so amazing and the trees were beautiful. The locals told us all about how their pharmacy is in their jungle.

These trees hold up everything. We saw some wonderful things here and ate cohunonuts, which are like dry coconuts, and Greg ate a termite.

Isla Rhotan, Honduras

Notice the sunken ship behind us. They have a couple of them, and they were washed up on shore in a hurricane, and then caught on fire, they stripped the boat of everything they could use, and then they left it for a tourist attraction. I guess it worked.

Greg's big guns

They had a very cool beach, so we decided to beach it for the day. We went snorkeling and we both got stung by little Jelly Fish. OUCH!

Cozumel, Mexico

We rented a scooter and road around the island for some adventure.

We found a small church almost in the middle of nowhere, next to some small Mayan ruins.

My favorite spot!!! Carlos and Charlies Beach Restaurant, where you sit on the beach and they serve you yard long diet cokes (well for me) and yummy food. How can you beat chips and salsa in Mexico?

A roasting pirate in 90 degree weather.

We had to take pictures every night of the famous towel animals left on our bed at night.

Formal night

Last but not least, Greg's famous hypnotist show. Greg was known as Garth Brooks for the rest of the cruise. If you know Greg, you will know that he is REALLY hypnotized.

Click HERE to watch the show... enjoy!

Valentine

2010-03-13T11:24:00.000-08:00

Greg and I were on the Valentines Dance comity for our stake this year. It was actually a lot of fun, and we got to dress up and dance the night away. The theme was a night in paris, so we had lamp post's and a star lit night (christmas lights). We had carts of pastries and all kinds of fun decorations. Just call us overachievers.

For Valentines, I decided to start a new tradition, where I hang heart around the kids doors, leave treats for them and love notes from mom and dad

Here is Gavin eating one of his treats.

Ears, Bells, and Haircuts

2010-02-16T11:28:00.000-08:00

Well, I need to post something for February right? Though I am convinced we have lost most of our readers to Facebook. We have been extremely busy it seems and looking back, I am not even sure what we have done. We are still breaking records with how many times a family can get sick in one cold/flu season. I have certainly lost count, but at the moment we are all healthy (knock on wood). Because of all the colds we have had, poor little Gavin had 7 ear infections, so he had to get tubes in last week. It was quite an experience going into Primary Children's Surgery unit. Very humbling and it helps you realize how lucky you are to have such healthy children. (even with all the cold's and flu's)

In January we took the kids to the Children's museum for a little fun, since we had been so cooped up in the miserable January weather. Hailey had a ball.

Gavin got his (very much needed) first haircut.

And now he looks like a stud!!!

He is all over the place and a very happy baby (most of the time). His favorite things are laughing with his sister, throwing balls around and eating Cherrios.

Thought you would get a kick out of Greg's Cow Bell at the Children's Museum. I sure did.

New Years 2010

2010-01-05T12:51:00.000-08:00

Check out this link and it pretty much sums it up. Happy New Year all!!!

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xbpvej_new-years-2010_people

I know I am lame, but you will love my video.

Birthday and Christmas

2009-12-29T12:07:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Christmas at our house, and Hailey had a wonderful birthday. We took Hailey to Princess and the Frog and then gave her a princess Tiana, which she loved. Then we began Christmas eve and my mom and Bill's house, where Santa made an appearance and gave Hailey her first present (a Barbie Cruise Ship). We then had Christmas at our house which was wonderful. I even hosted my first Christmas dinner for the West family, and made my first Turkey. I got a new camera for Christmas and it takes great photos and video, so I have been playing around with my ivideo program:

Before we had only 9 days left until Christmas we...

2009-12-16T09:31:00.000-08:00

Hailey had her 3rd Birthday Party and Princess Ariel made an appearance. Everyone had a wonderful time, and Hailey got a fish for her birthday from Greg and I. We also gave goldfish to all of the kids as a party favor. Though they are all probably dead by now, the kids liked being able to take the fishy's home. (Sorry Mom's and Dads)

Hailey was the happiest kid in the world and completely entranced by Ariel

Because we like to shove everything in all at once, she also had her very first dance recital that night. She was the best little ladybug in the Snow White Ballet. I realized how much she really love's it all, and I actually think she is going to love dance more than I thought. She wanted to stay for all of the rehearsals too and she is the youngest one in the whole company.

Richy proposed to Makenzie on Santa's lap... and she said yes.

We did a lot of TV watching because we have been sick FOREVER!!! In total we have had three colds x 4, the Swine Flu, three ear infections, and a couple of extra fun things just because.

We did make it to the BYU vs. Utah game, though we lost and it was chilly, we still had fun.

We saw Santa, and Hailey was a big girl and asked Santa for a Cinderella Baby.

My brother made it home from his mission in Philadelphia, and we are all so happy to have him home, though he would turn around and go right back for another two years.

Hailey and Breanna

Our latest attempt at "Family Photos" it has been quite a challenge to get a good one, but here is one that I like, though it is a little dark.

My mom's side of the family at Tyson's homecoming.

A great shot of my mom's side again. Why can't I get Hailey and Gavin to look and smile at the camera when it is just the four of us?

May your Holiday's be joyful.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-12T10:14:00.001-08:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Halloween - Picture Overload

2009-10-31T19:32:00.001-07:00

Well, even though we got the Swine flu, we were still able to have a good Halloween. I took a ton of pictures after we got dressed up to go to my family Halloween party, and I had to share. Gavin was a cute little bear because he is always growling like a little bear.

I always knew that my sweet Hailey was a pretty girl, but after putting make-up on her for her Glitter Witch costume, I realized what a gorgeous girl she really is. We are in serious trouble when she is a teenager. This is my favorite photo of her all dolled up with her curls.

What a pretty little witch!

I had to share this funny picture of Gavin. My aunt bought Hailey these balloons, and Gavin just looks like he is ready to say, "cowabunga!"

I took the kids to Cornbelly's this year with Mariette and Leslie. We had so much fun that we are determined to make it a tradition. Here are the girls after they got their faces painted.

I wish we would have gotten a group picture with Mariette also, but we forgot. :( here is Les and I holding the boys on our tractor ride.

The kids were scared of the tractor ride... it was actually hilarious.

Hailey and Kendra got to dress up as princess' and take pictures in the carriage.

We also got to go to California, but I forgot my Camera, so I will have to get those picture's for you later. I hope you all had a happy Halloween.

Christmas... Already?

2009-10-10T13:42:00.000-07:00

Kids and Halloween Fun!

2009-10-10T13:37:00.000-07:00

We've been so busy with life lately, and I don't know what we are really accomplishing, but it seems like I am always asleep before my head hits the pillow. I have taken on a bunch of odd and end's job's lately, which has kept me a little more pre-occupied. I have noticed that because of this, Hailey watches a little more TV, and I have been feeling guilty. It's a little cold to send her outside now, and the only extracurricular activity that she has is dance, so I have been trying to be creative. (Even if that means Gavin has to cry a little bit longer... guilty again!) Most of Hailey's friends all now have "schedules" between preschool and all that, so I am doing my best to keep her entertained.

I bought some fun Halloween masks at the craft store, so we did that the other day:

We have been going to the Library a lot, and this is the fountain outside the Library, where most of our pennies go.

Photo shoot are always fun!

If you have any other idea's, please send them our way. I think we are going to try and hit the Zoo and Cornbelly's this month if any of you are interested, just let me know.

September Promotions

2009-09-12T19:51:00.000-07:00

Fun and Firsts

2009-09-12T16:08:00.000-07:00

Here are some fun pictures of Gavin. He is really starting to show his personality and he loves to laugh. Greg says that there is no way that he is his son with the blue eyes and blond hair, but I think he looks just like Greg.

Here is Hailey on her first day of Ballet class. They were so cute going across the floor and stretching.

More summer fun, just slummin' the summer away.

2009-08-30T17:28:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share some more summer fun photo's:

Hailey at Lagoon on the Whales. I have a photo of me about her age on the Whales. So fun!

Driving the boat:

On the train with the kids:

Gotta love Puff the Magic Dragon. Now my favorite ride because it is one of the only thrills you get when you go to Lagoon with the kids.

Andrus Family Reunion: Hailey on the swings. They had so much fun!

I love this photo of Hailey and her kind of cousin Logan

Our little ballerina princess. She had on her ballet shoes and slipped and hit her lip on the tile so bad. (In true Aubrie fashion, she had a huge fat lip that was purple)

She was turning into a rag muffin, so I took her to Cookie Cutters and had them cut her hair. She was so good and loved getting her hair done. When she was finished she said, "Hailey cute!"

Such a girl... don't we all feel cuter once our hair is done?

Busy Summer

2009-08-20T15:23:00.001-07:00

So, it has been my summer initiative to stay extremely busy doing nothing this summer. I have to say, I have been quite successful. Hailey and I are both very brown, and have loved every bit of playing in the sun.

Here is Hailey and Greg in the backyard with a garden snake. I know, totally gross, but Greg was so excited about it. He said that he always wanted to find a garden snake in his yard when he was a kid. Hailey thought it was very cool, but didn't get too close. (Good Girl).

Gavin is growing like a weed and is now four months old and eating rice cereal already. I am kind of sad that he is no longer an infant, but he slept in his own room last night, and I slept great. He is still not sleeping through the night, so I am gearing myself up for letting him cry it out. He is a serious mover and loves to roll around and stand. He is a very strong little boy.

Hailey at the Daybreak Beach with Jaxson, Makaylee, and Brody

Here she is building yet another sand castle to smash. She had a blast, but at the end of the outing she fell into a big mud pit that some older boys had made, and she was covered from head to toe. She was caked in mud, it was quite nasty and very funny. I wish I got a picture of it, but she was so sad about it that we had to go strait to the lake to wash off.

My mom took us to the Draper play "Beauty and the Beast". Hailey loved it, but got very tired near the end.

Hailey is an official bike ridder. She loved her bikes, and loves to stash toys in the back of them.

Here we are at the Splash Park. Hailey loves to jump like a frog in the water and here she is in action.

The three amigo's: Kendra, Drew and Hailey loving the water

Well, I think I proved my point: extremely busy doing nothing

Gavin's Three months

2009-07-19T16:21:00.001-07:00

My precious baby boy is growing up too fast! He is such a doll with his big blue eyes, and is learning and growing every day.

I took a bunch of pictures of him and it was so funny because we have the same pictures of Hailey at about the same age and they look exactly alike. They are so similar, but Gavin is so much more mellow (thank heavens), and he has light features and she is dark.

My man and I in our vests

From the lake to Old Faithful, we traveled too far.

2009-07-19T13:43:00.000-07:00

We had yet another fabulous trip to Montana for the 4th. It was more "cabin" time than we are use to because Gavin couldn't be outside too much, but we still had fun. I at least got to go running every day and water skiing every evening. I wish I could have that kind of work out every day. I already miss water skiing so much. I have better pictures to come, but they are on my sisters camera, who is in Brazil.

Here's big G and little G hanging out

We made a campfire an made S'mores, which Hailey loved.

Oh, my sweet Hailey, she is such a character, with almost no fear, except for when it is irrational (such a drama queen). She even went tubing, and had a ball. I don't know too many two year olds that will do that. (Those pic's to come)

Hailey and my sister Kasse building sand castles

Upon leaving Montana we had to go to Jackson, WY for my cousin's wedding, so we drove through Yellowstone.

Jeez mom, turn around so I can see the thing, isn't that why we are here?

Of course we arrived in Jackson late and missed the ceremony (we wont get into that), but they had an Alpine slide that Hailey was lucky enough to go down three times during the reception. Yet another attribute of my fearless daughter, she laughed the whole way down.

Check out my parents Cindy and Bill in their nicest clothing going down the alpine slide.

Grandma and Gavin

On our third leg of driving on our way home Greg and I decided to never take that drive again until the kids are older... of course I think I was the worst traveler of them all. Poor Greg put up with me so well, and was such a trooper. He may never go on that drive again. Needless to say we were very glad to see home, as were the kids.

Bath Time

2009-06-30T16:18:00.000-07:00

What's up...Really

2009-06-14T12:48:00.000-07:00

I feel like since Gavin was born all I do is post pictures of him. While that is well and good, there are other thing that I have been doing rather than just baby so hopefully this will catch all of you up...

We went up to my dad's cabin for memorial, though we only took these pictures and our friends got much better ones, we had a blast. It took us a good two days to recover from not sleeping, though we never sleep with the new baby anyway. I have no idea why I didn't get a picture of our cute boys, Gavin, Tristan and Jaxson (I hope its not second child syndrome)

I finally got our camera out when we decided to do a goofy girls picture:

Leslie, Me, Adrian and Mariette

The boys: Greg, Bryce, Travis, and Dave

And of course our cute girls Hailey and Kendra

Here is the shrine that I had on my table for Gavin's blessing, I thought I would share it with you because it took me forever to find frames in my house that would work, and I kept switching out picture and stuff. I think it turned out pretty well. (Thanks again Adrian for the awesome signage)

Here is my awesome mom and Hailey. She has been so amazing lately, and since she decided to not travel has become the worlds most amazing Grandma and my very best friend. This is a picture of the day she taught me how to make her 6 grain bread. Hailey pretty much just licked the butter off of the bread. I think if I gave her a stick of butter, she may just eat the whole thing.

Oh how I miss this bread and butter, I have started a new diet that is awesome, but wow I would love to have some candy right now. It is the healthiest I have ever eaten in my life, and I already feel healthier and have lost 2 1/2 pounds and 2 1/2 inches in five days. I think it would even be more if I could run. Since I had Gavin, my body has just not been the same. My ligaments and tendons in my knees and ankles are very weak, and I of course hurt myself, and took myself out of the workout game for a couple of weeks. I think by the end of this week I will hopefully be able to run again. I miss it so much.

Hailey has been obsessed with pigtails lately and asks for them almost every day. How cute is this picture of her?

We got to go to Kendra's birthday party on Saturday, and Cinderella was there. Hailey had so much fun and loved singing and dancing with Cinderella. Cinderella was amazing! This is Mariette's sister-in-law, and she does all of the princess'. We are totally having her over for Hailey's Birthday. She took control and none of the parents had to lift a finger. Kendra was entranced by Cinderella being at her house, it was so cute.

Well friends, that is all for now. I hope you all have a wonderful week.

Blessing

2009-06-08T12:46:00.000-07:00

We blessed our sweet baby Gavin yesterday and he did amazing. It was a beautiful day, and we have one amazing son, whom our Heavenly Father loves so much. I am excited and a little nervous to see the blessings he received take place. I know that he is one special spirit and a choice son of God. Greg did a wonderful job giving the blessing and we are so grateful to all the worthy men who stood in the circle. Thank you also to all those who celebrated the day with us. Only one thing went wrong, with all the hoopla not one picture was taken. I am so sad about it, but maybe we can reenact it and at least get a family photo next Sunday. Luckily my friend Janessa took some in his blessing outfit, so here you go.

Happy One Month Gavin

2009-05-20T17:53:00.000-07:00

Oh how much I love this little man. He is so sweet and I am head over heals for him. I cannot believe that he is already one month old. He has grown so very much, and I am sure it is because all he wants to do is eat. The time fly's and before I know it he will be off to kindergarten and then high school and then off to lead his own life.

Funny Girl and pics of Gavin

2009-05-08T13:00:00.000-07:00

This is kind of a crapy picture but I love the photo and profile's of my men

Gav love's this position. He is so cute with his eyebrows raised taking in the world

Asleep as usual... he is a great baby thus far. We'll see if it sticks, though I am not counting on it. He is also a very loud sleeper and grunts for at least an hour before he wakes up. I guess he is just working out his loads of ... well you know?

This is Hailey last night during/after dinner. She was sitting on a phone book because we still have not boughten a booster seat for her and when she decided she was done eating she got down and began to tear up the phone book. When we asked her to clean up she started stuffing the pages in her shirt and then she took the stash to the garbage can and threw them out. Repeated 3 times. What a smart and goofy girl. No idea where she gets that from???

Short video, but you'll get the gist.

Gavin Gregory West

2009-04-23T11:12:00.001-07:00

Gavin was born on Monday, April 20th at 9:22 pm

He was 7 lbs. 5 oz. and 21 in. long

Hailey is loving being a big sister. She love's looking at baby Gavin and has already started to be a big help. I am totally overwhelmed at being a mother of two, especially with Gavin not sleeping at night, I guess we'll just have to adjust.

Easter and Recent Happenings

2009-04-13T14:56:00.000-07:00

Well, it is safe to say that Hailey had a great Easter. On Saturday we went over to my aunt and uncles house for the traditional Andrus Family Easter Hunt. Hailey came home with a whole bag of loot and Greg came home with plenty of extra easter eggs to eat. Apparently he forgot that he loves hard boiled eggs and he hasn't stopped eating them.

This is the big play tent that the Easter Bunny left for Hailey. She was one happy kid, and ran around and hid in the tent the rest of the afternoon.

I had to post these pictures because Hailey wanted to put her towel on her head like Mommy does, and it was so funny to see her try to hold her head up with the heavy towel.

Last but not least, Hailey helping clean the house. Who knew she would love scrubbing toilets so much that she would get her stool out and sit in front of the toilet, just to clean it? Now if I could only get her to pick up her toys, that would be a real miracle.

Questions in parenting???

2009-03-26T13:52:00.000-07:00

Well as many of you know, Hailey is a little fire cracker. I love her every day and am so grateful for her in my life, but there are some things, and some days when you just don't know what to do. She is really making some great steps in becoming better behaved (maybe I shouldn't say that?) But she really is such a wonderful child.

Here is goes: I am admitting it, my two year old no longer naps. It is such a sad day for me, especially because I am close to 9 months pregnant and could really use at least a couple more months of naps. We are trying "quiet time", but I worry about leaving her in her crib and falling out because she is sick of it. We have a bed for her but I don't know that I am ready to go through that transition until our baby is at least a couple months old. I have been giving her books and things to do and it seems to work. But, what shall I do after the hour is over and I am still exhausted? I hate letting her watch too much TV, but maybe I need to get over that until summer anyway.

My next question is for you that have already potty trained your kids. Hailey is totally potty trained during the day, but at nap time/quiet time and bed time I put a diaper on her because I am 9 months pregnant and don't want to clean up the mess. I just figure that she will do that part on her own time, is this so? Is there something else that would help her? Not that I really have the energy to put into it anyway. But the whole reason I potty trained her in the first place is because of the whole pooh thing in the crib. (see older posts about this if you want to be grossed out).

Thank you Aunt Laurany

2009-03-16T15:56:00.000-07:00

She love's doggies and blankets, so of course you chose the best present for her.

Thank you very much!!!

Girly Girl

2009-02-27T13:20:00.000-08:00

This morning before we left for the gym, Hailey had to bring her purse with her. She had to have key's, her phone, her lip gloss, and a sippy cup in it as well. When we finally got to the gym she would not let it go and she held onto it the entire hour and a half that I was working out. Before we left I checked to make sure she had her things in it, and she had loads of crayons in it. (my little thief). Don't worry we gave them back to the day care, but she is just a crack up.

MTC

2009-02-27T13:02:00.000-08:00

Cousin's Harper and Hailey in their cream for uncle Chase's farewell

We took Chase Taylor to the MTC on Wednesday. He is going to the Texas, San Antonio mission spanish speaking.

Hailey on Grandpa's shoulders

The Climb

2009-02-18T16:07:00.000-08:00

Isn't it funny how songs come to you and they just fit? We have been having an interesting time in our family to say the least. We are all doing well, but it seems like every day there is something else that needs to be fixed or some large tantrum that can't be solved. As much as we love our lives, it never comes easy. I was really struggling last week trying to figure out what the heck to do to solve all of our problems (if only it were that easy). Greg is trying to find another job still, and or even a new company doing the same thing at this point. Which is a good thing if he can find something, but I am going to have a baby in April whether we have health insurance or not. (Hyperventilation!!!) With the economy the way it is, it seems like it is that much harder to make money. With the new baby coming I have come to the conclusion that there is no way that I can do my job and be a mother of two, so I have been freaking out, to say the least. Then there are all of the struggles of every day life.

I had Greg give me a blessing, which was very much needed and it did give me comfort, as Heavenly Father always does. I just have to slow down and remember that my Father in Heaven is always watching out for me. He has always helped me and some how we are always able to make it through the day, the week and the month. After an interesting Friday, where many people were laid off at my company and I also got in a mild car accident on the way there, I realized that I have to take everything in stride. It is all about the climb! As long as we are striving to do the best that we can and have faith in our Heavenly Father, it will all work out.

That is why I have this song by Miley Cyrus playing on our blog now. If you weren't listening the first time, scroll down and restart it to listen to the words. The words are so fitting to life.

Have to share

2009-02-12T14:57:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to post these pictures of Hailey and her Grandpa Bill from last Sunday. They were so very cute rolling around on the floor. Hailey has this thing with blankets and pillows. She has to have the blanket perfectly laid out on the floor and then she will lay down and enjoy, but don't wrinkle the blanket or she will get mad at you. I think Grandpa got away with it.

Draper Temple

2009-02-12T14:49:00.000-08:00

Last week we went to the Draper Temple with the youth and it was so great. We took Hailey and she was so excited to ride on the bus. Then she pointed at all of the pictures in the Temple and recognized Jesus. She also now will always point at the temple and say, "temple" as we drive by. It is so cool how much they take in. She still love's to look at the brochure of the temple, and in her words, "water with cow's". (AKA baptismal font).

Super Bowl

2009-02-03T13:51:00.000-08:00

We had a fun Super Bowl party on Sunday that took every ounce of energy I had. It was fun to have friends over, but being 7 months pregnant and anemic makes for a tired host. We had great food and great friends all around. I think we all ate way too much, and we all needed to change into sweat pants after eating, but I guess that is what the Super Bowl is for.

Here is the recipe that you all wanted for the Shrimp Cakes.

Shrimp Cakes:

1 pound large peeled, deveined cooked shrimp, diced
· 2 cups corn
· 1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
· 1 small onion
· 1 jalapeno, seeded
· 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
· Dash hot sauce
· 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
· 2 eggs, beaten
· Salt and freshly ground black pepper
· 2 tablespoons vegetableoil
· Peach Jalepeno Relish, recipe follows

Directions
In a food processor, pulse shrimp. Place into a large bowl. Pulse corn, pepper, onion and jalapeno. Remove and drain through a sieve to get rid of extra water that the vegetables may release. Add to bowl along with 1 cup bread crumbs, hot sauce, chili powder and eggs. Stir well together. Form into cakes about 1-inch thick. Place in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm up.
Heat a large skillet with vegetable oil over medium heat.
In a shallow dish, add the remaining 1 cup of panko; add salt and pepper. Bread the cakes in the panko. Add the cakes in batches to the oil, cooking about 4 minutes per side. Remove to a paper towel lined sheet tray. Serve with relish.

Peach Jalapeno Relish:

· 3 ripe peaches, diced
· 1/2 red onion, diced
· 1 jalapeno (about 1 1/2 teaspoons), seeded and diced
· 1/2 lime, juiced
· 1 tablespoon sugar
· 1/2 teaspoon salt
· 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Chill until ready to serve

New Orleans and a New Year

2009-01-16T13:34:00.000-08:00

Yes! We went to New Orleans for the game. It was a crazy trip that took all I had in me. We left early on Tuesday because flights were hard to come by so we spent a lot of time in New Orleans, which to say great would be an overstatement. If anyone wants to go to New Orleans just for a vacation I strongly advise you not to. We had to take Hailey with us and I felt like a terrible mother taking her out after dark because every other store is a strip club or a bar.

Our trip was also interesting because both my mom and Bill got sick and they spent a day in the hospital each to get antibiotics. After hearing their experience at the hospital, it made me extremely glad to have the facilities that we have here. New Orleans is so poor that only 2% of the people that go to the hospital have health insurance. Needless to say that makes for a very long day in a gross hospital.

Here is a picture of a house in the 9th ward where most of the damage was in New Orleans. Coincidentally, where the hurricane hit the hardest and where the levies broke and did the most damage, was in the poorest part of New Orleans. We went and drove around the damage and it was astounding. Most of the homes are still not lived in and have spray paint on the side of the house claiming that it has been deserted or condemned.

If you can't read it, this sign says, "The Lower 9th Ward". As we stopped and asked a paramedic for directions to the 9th ward his exact word were to take a certain street, and we would know when we were in it and when we what looked like nothing, and if we start getting shot at we had gone too far. (Yes, everyone in the car still wanted to go except for me) I honestly have never been so terrified of being shot and the rest of my family had their camera's out. It was defiantly a scary experience and the next day we found out that three people were shot and killed on the very street we drove down.

We did have some fun! The food was very good and I tried oysters for the first time. They actually don't taste like anything if you put tons of horseradish and cocktail sauce on them with a cracker. (I actually like them).

Here is Hailey with Nemo beads and a hat - essentials for New Orleans

One great thing that we did was go to the Aquarium out there. It was the biggest aquarium I had ever been to, and it was very cool. Hailey loved it until the end when she got tired.

They even have an Amazon display with all the fish from the Amazon and tropical birds. By the way the fish from the Amazon are ugly.

The best part was obviously the game! My mom and I spent the first half of the game in shock. I honestly was just hoping that we would be able to keep up with Alabama, but we ended up killing them, which was so fun.

Hailey even got to shake Kyle's and some of the team's hands; they all loved her.

So here is the lowest part of the trip. I thought that the trip was fine, but I was really ready to go home on Saturday. When we got to the airport we found out that our flight was delayed which was stressful, because we had a connection in Minneapolis. I went to the airport thinking that we could get Hailey dinner there, well I was terribly mistaken. Not only do all of their food places close at 5:00pm, they didn't even have milk! So here I am getting on a plane with a hungry 2 year old, and I know that nothing good can come from this. We get on the plane, and it starts raining so hard that we can't take off so we end up sitting on the plane for an hour. Hailey was a trooper up to this point and it was 7:30 so I figured that if I gave her some Benadryl that she would nod of as the plane took off, (If we did take off), and as we start taking of she starts screaming because she is with Daddy and she want me. She cried so hard that she is practically throwing up. The rest of the flight was a struggle to get her to sleep and she never did, and as we were landing and had to turn off Finding Nemo Hailey started crying so hard that she did throw up. We were then stuck in Minneapolis at midnight and the airport would not give us our bags, so we are all stuck with no cloths or make-up, not even a brush (not to mention all the amenities that a toddler needs #1 Diapers and Milk. The next day we ran to the mall to at least get a pair of fresh cloths and luckily we were able to get on a couple different flights. Hailey went with my mom on a direct flight and the rest of us had a connection in Denver, where we of course had a 5 hour layover. At this point I am beyond myself, without my daughter (which wasn't a big deal, but I am pregnant, hormonal, and tired.) We finally got home after two days of traveling and Greg's sister who took a bus home even beat us. At the end of the day, I am just glad to be home, and I am never taking more than a 1.5 hour flight with Hailey or any 2 year old again.

Well, now that I have that out of my system, I will quit complaining. I mean you should spend at least most of the first part of the New Year with out complaining right?

My Outdoors Girl

2009-01-16T13:31:00.000-08:00

I think Hailey could stay outside forever, rain, snow, or sun, she will always love being outside.

Christmas

2009-01-14T16:18:00.000-08:00

Christmas fun!

Hailey's first look at her Christmas presents. In this picture she is looking at her new kitchen, which she loves.

Daddy had to put the scooter together and Hailey had to help once it was finished. She was working on it for the next 5-10 minutes. She is definitely Daddy's little girl.

Hailey also got a new snow outfit. Luckily we had plenty of snow this Christmas for her to play in, of course it is all gone now.

We had Christmas dinner at my parents, and Hailey was so overwhelmed with her birthday and Christmas that she had not taken a nap in a couple of days, so here she is at dinner with my mom completely out. She is still hit and miss with the whole nap thing now...does anyone have any suggestions? Her biggest habit is to get in her crib and lay down, then she sits and plays, and then she poo's so there is no chance of her taking a nap at all. I would love some help with this because I am not ready for her quit taking naps. I guess it's not my choice.

Happy Anniversary Baby!

2009-01-14T16:13:00.000-08:00

I know it has almost been a month, but I just wanted to let you all know how awesome my hubby is. We have been married five years, and he continues to do his best to always make sure I am happy. I am so lucky to have him in my life. He is also the best dad a kid could have. Hailey loves him tons and I don't know what we would do without him.

Slacker, but so busy

2009-01-14T16:01:00.000-08:00

December has always been a busy month for us, though I know it is for everyone, we also have our anniversary and Hailey's birthday on top of all of the family and Christmas stuff.

We'll start with Hailey's Birthday Party. She had friends over to finger paint and eat pizza and cake. She had so much fun, and the finger painting is still up in our basement for future fun if I ever have the ambition to let her get into it.

Hailey got Geo-Trax for her birthday which she loves. She loves the Choo choo.

So Happy its her birthday!

Kendra came over for a little bit on her birthday, which was so fun for them. Thanks Les, I know Christmas Eve is a crazy day.

Many things to talk about but...the important stuff first

2008-12-01T15:17:00.001-08:00

It's a boy!

Sorry Marilee I had to copy the picture, it was too funny.

Well, all I have to say is GO UTES! Hailey is obsessed with anything football. The other day she screamed because we were going to the gym on Monday morning rather than to a football game like we did on Saturday. The game was awesome, and the weather was perfect for football. Hailey realized that you do need a coat and blanket to stay warm, but she had to freeze first. She hates any kind of restriction and has to have everything perfect. I think she may be a little OCD, I was trying to put her shoes on and her sock had a wrinkle in it so it became a ten minute two year old fit. All I have to say about that is AAAAAHHHHH! She certainly knows what she wants.

We had a very busy Thanksgiving. Wednesday night we went to my Grandma Andrus' and had Dinner with all the cousins, which Hailey loved because she could run around with kids all over the place. Thursday we went to my mom's for dinner and had one disaster after the other, but the food was great and we are wonderful at recovery. We played Wii and I am now sore from boxing. I need to do that more to get my arms and back in shape, it is a great work out.

Lastly, I must give you a laugh. Hailey has been quite stubborn lately about taking naps, so for the third week in a row she began to fight it today. After thirty minutes I hear her saying, "Eeuuuww! Poopie! Kucka!" I went upstairs to find her pants off and her diaper off. She was holding the diaper in her hands and had poop everywhere. I then went into mom mode, and was a little frustrated, I had to clean everything from the crib to her clothes to in between her fingers (I know, so grosse) I gave her a bath and then tried to see if she would at least take a little nap. Luckily she did, but I did not realize how funny the whole situation was until a few minuets ago when I was telling my dad the story. He cracked up, and it took him busting a gut for me to realize that it is all about the memories.

Hawaii

2008-11-11T14:42:00.001-08:00

We had so much fun in Hawaii! The time change was hard on Hailey the first couple of days, but she didn't mind being tired when she could swim all day.

She pretty much swam from 9 am to 1 pm, ate lunch, took a nap, ate dinner, went swimming or for a walk along the beach, and then went to bed. It was the perfect vacation and we had a ball.

Hailey's first time in the ocean. She was so funny the morning she woke up in Hawaii and Greg opened the shads in the hotel her whole face lit up as she gawked at the beautiful ocean.

She liked the sand better than the water, and who can blame her with a chance to get as dirty as ever. I am still finding sand on her scalp.

Hailey's new Hawaiian dress

Check out the beautiful sunset behind Hailey

Hailey saw this Stuffed Gorilla and thought it was her long lost friend. She loves animals, especially when they are stuffed, so she can pet them.

Halloween

2008-11-11T14:19:00.001-08:00

Family Pumkin Carving Night!

Hailey was so funny about it, she thought the guts were so gross, she would only touch them with a spoon. But she loved drawing on the pumpkins.

Our little lady bug eating a hot dog and Grandpa Andrus' famous Haloween night party.

She had tons of fun Trick or Treating, and by the end of the night she had it down. Saying "tick teat" in her little voice and then, "Tank too!"

She was so cute and of course she loved the candy, as you can see she has it all over her face.

Go Utes!

2008-11-11T14:12:00.001-08:00

Our Utes are undefeated and Hailey love's to cheer them on at every game.

Sorry the video is the wrong way, but just turn your head.

Pumpkin Patch

2008-11-11T14:03:00.000-08:00

Hailey had a ball at the pumpkin patch!

Farmer Hailey on the tractor. She had so much fun she didn't want to get off.

Let Them Eat Cake

2008-10-16T13:38:00.000-07:00

We went to Drew's birthday party on Saturday, where Hailey and Kendra ate so much cake that they were on a serious sugar high the rest of the day.

Here is Chloe, Kendra and Hailey watching Finding Nemo (Hailey's very favorite movie)

they actually watched the whole movie and let us Mommies and Daddies play games. It was a great night!

An announcement

2008-09-26T14:30:00.000-07:00

Well, Hailey is going to be a big sister. I had my first Dr. appointment today and the baby is growing well and has a strong heart beat. We shall expect our new bundle of joy around April 28th.

The Zoo with cousin Logan

2008-09-26T14:24:00.001-07:00

Hailey wasn't too into smiling at the zoo, but cousin Logan and she had a great time making the animal noises. Hailey is a crack up because she is fearless. She would get as close to the animals as possible and Logan kept saying "scary". They balanced each other out well. Once again Hailey is in love with rides. Her favorite thing at the zoo was the carousel, and when we got off she screamed as hard as she could, just to let me know that she was not done.

Hailey's New Obsession

2008-09-26T14:22:00.000-07:00

Hailey must take at least one bubble bath a day!

Michigan

2008-09-02T14:21:00.000-07:00

We went to Michigan this weekend for the University of Utah game. It was so much fun! The plane ride was long, but so worth it. We left Hailey at Grandma and Grandpa Andrus's, and for the first time since Hailey was born, Greg and I were alone. It was so nice to not have to worry about nap time and making sure that the kido was happy. I almost didn't know what to do with myself.

The game was a lot of fun and very, very HOT! The stadium holds 108,000 people and is dug into the ground, so you are shoulder to shoulder and stuck in the sun with no cross breeze. I am sure it is nice and snug in the winter, but at only 78 degree's I had sweat dripping down for almost the full four hours.

The Ute's looked great for the first half and then they faded badly. We were lucky that we won. It was still a lot of fun. It is officially football season. Yeah! and urgh! It is a love hate relationship between the two of us.

Breaking Dawn

2008-08-13T15:02:00.000-07:00

OK... Breaking Dawn...I LOVED IT! I could not put it down. Even though I had a deadline to finish it before our book club retreat, I still could not read it fast enough. It was so intense and it had a wonderful ending. Some of the girls think that there may be a 5th book, but I doubt it.

We had a our first book club retreat at our Deer Hollow Cabin. We had so much fun as we talked and romanced over Edward and Bella. So Fun! Thanks Girls!

Swimming and Draper Days

2008-07-24T15:41:00.000-07:00

Hailey had lots of fun at Draper Day's even though she is not smiling, she is totally content. Though it looks like she is board, she screamed when we took her off the ride. You know that commercial where they are just waiting for the little girl to smile on vacation, but she is too cool to smile. That is out little Hailey, but once it got late enough and the tired silly's kicked in she couldn't quit laughing and smiling.

Noah giving Hailey a kiss. AAHH!

It was totally dark when I took this picture, so her head is cut off, but every time I look at it, it makes me laugh.

Hailey is totally fearless when it comes to swimming. She is our little guppy.

Petting Zoo

2008-07-24T15:33:00.001-07:00

Hailey and Kendra loved the petting zoo.

Hailey was a little afraid of the calf's, but who wouldn't be of that huge tongue.

Hailey loved riding on the Pony's. She didn't want to get off and when it stopped she said, "set..GO!"

Best Friends

2008-07-24T15:25:00.000-07:00

Hailey and Kendra have played together since they were fresh out of the womb, but now they are really loving to play. They are so cute together, and Les and I finally get a break from constantly keeping them entertained. The only pre-requisite is that we have two strollers on hand while they are together, otherwise it is a crying, screaming, mess.

Check out all of Hailey's teeth!

On our way to Book Club

2008-07-24T15:21:00.000-07:00

Leslie had me join her book club. It was a lot of fun and we are going on a retreat on August 8th to read Breaking Dawn. I am so excited, I am sure we will hardly read but It will be fun to have a girls break. If anyone wants to come, all you have to do is read Breaking Dawn except for the last three chapters, and then come up and play with us to read the rest of it.

Shatter Shower

2008-07-14T15:01:00.000-07:00

You are never going to believe what happened to us this Saturday! It began like a typical fun Saturday. We went to Grandma and Grandpa Adams house and went swimming, Hailey was so brave she went down the water slide and jumped from the side of the pool. The girl has no fear, just like her Mommy and Daddy. Of course, with age Mommy is afraid of cold water. (must have a wetsuit to go water skiing)

Anyway after a great Saturday, Greg and I decided to fix the glass door in the shower because it would not close all the way. Anyway, as we are adjusting and pulling and pushing, the entire sheet of glass exploded and shattered in our hands. (it's not safety glass) So hours of cleaning up the glass and our battle wounds, we highly recommend not doing this yourself. Leave it to the professionals. Luckily Heavenly Father was watching out for us and we only have a few big scrapes (though they kill), and Hailey only has a little scratch on her arm. I guess God will always watch out for us, no matter how stupid we are.

After all of this we decided that we needed a fun night out so we took Hailey to go see WALL-E. She was so amazed at how big the screen was and we had a fun time watching her watch the movie. (and run up and down the stairs) It was a good thing that the theater was empty.

Montana

2008-07-09T12:25:00.000-07:00

We just got back from our big 4th of July trip to Montana. It was so much fun, but I am glad to be home and hopefully get Hailey back to her routine. We went water skiing, tubing, (of course running), and just had fun playing in the water. Hailey had so much fun because we were outside almost 24/7 so she was in heaven. We had wonderful fireworks off the dock and Hailey loved them. Greg would say, "Hailey what does a firework say?" and she would say, "BOOM!"

Greg, cousin Devon, cousin Jake, and Chase extreme tubing.

Grandma and Hailey driving the boat

Beautiful Lindbergh Lake

Hailey Swinging

Water Ski time!!!

Hailey lounging on the boat
Chase getting ready to water ski...silly.
Check out Greg's florescent wetsuit.
Tubing...ouch!

We took a ton of pictures of Hailey and Montana, but of course we forgot to take a good family one. Dang!

Check out daddy rip in his awesome wetsuit

Take a nap already Hailey...PLEASE???

Harper's Blessing

2008-07-08T15:51:00.000-07:00

On our way to Montana we stopped in for baby Harper's blessing. Hailey was all over the place as usual, but it was fun to see Erica and Harper. For those of you who haven't seen me in a while...Check out my new bangs. Quite a shock, I know, but I am really starting to like them.

Kara cut Hailey's hair. This is her very first hair cut and it is now a cute little bob. We miss her curls, but at least she doesn't have a mullet any more.

Love my baby

2008-07-08T15:49:00.000-07:00

Hailey really loves her baby and seems like she wants to be a big sister.

Fun at Don's Birthday

2008-06-04T15:27:00.000-07:00

We played fun games and a funny game named Cheeto heads with Travis and Don as the Cheeto heads. Yum, shaving cream and Cheetos. You put shaving cream on their heads and then your team has to throw the Cheetos at the head. The team with the most cheetos on the head wins. Great game Kayleen! It was hilarious!

Here are some fun pictures of Hailey and Kendra at Don's birthday party.

They look like they are ready to be big sisters. They are feeding baby Aiden.

Las Vegas

2008-06-04T15:23:00.001-07:00

Well I was waiting for Leslie to send me the pictures but I just had to copy them from her blog. Janessa, Leslie and I went to Las Vegas at the end of April and we had a blast relaxing and laying out and we went and saw Spamalot, which was hilarious.

Busy, Busy, Busy

2008-06-04T14:38:00.000-07:00

It has been so long I am sure that you all thought that I fell off of the earth. I have been very busy working up at my companys lodge in Deer Hollow with some executives from McDonald's. We did a lot of work and had a lot of fun. We did the Olympic Biathalon, the Miller Race Track, and fun hikes, archery and things. What can I say...I have a great job.

Hailey is doing great! She is a very busy girl and loves to be everywhere. On Saturday we had a busy day and she love it. We went on the fun run in our stake in the morning, then we planted tomatoes (Hailey's favorite), and we went swimming at Grandma's house. Hailey is getting more used to the water, and I think she will love it by the end of the month. That evening we went to the park and had dinner with Trav, Leslie, and Kendra. We saw a bunch of horses from the rodeo and the girls loved it, then we watched a movie at their house.

I think that's enough about me, what about you?

Harper Grace Jackman

2008-05-05T14:01:00.000-07:00

Hailey finally has a cousin! Harper Grace Jackman was born April 22nd. Erica and Tom live in California, so we havn't seen her yet but she looks precious. At least Hailey will have a friend around for holiday's.

Asking the Questions?

2008-04-19T22:22:00.000-07:00

If you notice, it is about 11:30 at night on a Saturday, and Greg and I just got home from a wonderful date. I came home to check my e-mail and added a few friends to the blog.

I recently read this quote:
"Don't search for the answers. Love the questions. Live the questions. Perhaps then, someday far in the future, you will gradually, without even noticing it, live your way into the answer."
-- R.M. Rilke, Paraphrased from Letters to a Young Poet, 1903

Anyway, as you may notice I put all of the women's name first, where in others it is not. I am all about honoring the man and respecting the patriarch. But we have already taken their last name for goodness sake. So today I say, lets put ourselves first! We are the ones who are writing the stupid things anyway right? Just for this one time, why not put ourselves first?

Well girls, good lookin' out, I love you all, and good night.

tramploline

2008-04-16T16:07:00.000-07:00

We went to Grandma and Grandpa Andrus' and played on their tramp. Hailey had so much fun trying to jump. She is still working on it. I think it is the thing she is working on the most. That, and crying because she is teething like crazy and just miserable, and when Hailey is miserable, everone is miserable. How am I you ask? Hanging in there. It is quite challenging when you have a screemer all to yourself and there is nothing you can do to satisfy her. Oh well! My girlfriends and I are going to Las Vegas for a much needed break so that will be amazing. I am so excited. I never thought I would want to leave Hailey over night but I am so excited to. Don't worry everyone. I still love the girl more than life itself.

Easter

2008-04-01T14:17:00.000-07:00

We had a fun Easter. We took Hailey to see the Easter Bunny and she loved him, she kept smiling and laughing at him. The picture that they took was funny because she was making a funny smile and her two front teeth were showing so she looked like she was trying to be a bunny. She is so silly.

After that we went to see her new friend Baby Clara Jane Stika. Hailey wanted to hold her like a doll and give her loves.

Easter Sunday we had a egg hunt with Hailey in the back yard and it was freezing, but of course she didn't care. Then we went to church and had uncle Chase and aunt Kasse over for dinner. I made the best carrot cake and we were all stuffed. (I guess that is what holiday's are for)

Today I took Hailey to the Myan for lunch and she loved it. We met her friend Kendra there and they had a ball watching the actors dive into the water and pound the drums.

Well as Haileys favorite cartoon Tiger would say, "TTFN, Ta Ta for now."

Been a while

2008-03-19T13:39:00.001-07:00

Well, I know it has been a while, but we have been so busy here. Hailey has been very cranky and is driving me mad most of the time. We went to the park today and she love it. It is finally warm enough outside, though it is supposed to rain tomorrow. She went down all of the slides and went on the swings. She love it and screamed when we left to meet dad for lunch.

Hailey's biggest obsession lately is...get this...tomatoes. She is so funny, when ever I make a salad or have tomatoes on my plate she yells for them and says, "ese" (please with the sign language). She is also obsessed with going outside and playing. Every day after her nap I let her go play before I start dinner and she runs around the yard, picks up sticks, throws balls, and points to the sky when she hears a plane.

New things: Hailey can now say shh! as she puts her finger to her mouth. So she now says: momma, Daddy (for everything else), ziezie (Sophie our dog), ese (please), ducky, doggies, and she loves to growl also she shakes her head furiously when she doesn't want to do something like sit at church. (I might as well start training for a marathon because she is giving me good practice). She gives great hugs and kisses. She also learned the sign language for more, and candy, she loves chocolate just like her mommy. I think she could live off of chocolate, tomatoes, and water.

If anyone is interested I would like to run a half or full marathon this year. I have been running a ton and might as well run for something other than just the exercise.

Well, until next time, we love you.

Friends

2008-03-19T13:37:00.000-07:00

Ok so the baby one is kind of crule, but it is so funny. I have been obsessed with the jib jab site because it is so much fun and always makes me smile.

Tagged

2008-02-28T15:09:00.000-08:00

I was tagged by Janessa Whatcott, so ok… I will oblige.

10 years ago:
I was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I was always fighting my mother…sorry mom. I was living in two houses My Moms and my Dads, moving every two weeks or so.

5 Things on my to do list today:
1- go to the gym
2- go to lunch with mom and friends
3- get some work for Maxcomm done
4-go to Leslie’s Boutique party
5- Play with Hailey

5 Snacks I enjoy:
1- Cashews
2- Symphony Bars
3- Orange Slices
4- Is Diet Coke a snack?
5- Edema me

5 Places I have lived:
1- Salt Lake City, UT
2- Draper, UT
4-Riverton, UT
3- St. George, UT
5- Idyllwild, CA

What would I do if I was suddenly made a Billionaire:
Are you kidding? I would go on vacation. Pay off my house and my parents houses if we are really talking billions, invest, and save for my children’s college educations which I am dreading already.

5 Jobs I have had:
1- NY & Co. at the South Towne Mall
2- Hostess at Fridays
3- Receptionist at InstallPro
4- Teaching Swimming Lessons and Aerobics
5- Logistics Coordinator at Maxcomm

5 Things you didn't know about me:
1- I really do enjoy exercise
2- I really do love to just sit and watch TV
3- I have always wanted to be able to play the piano well
4- I am more critical of myself than I ever have been of any other person
5- I would love to shop for a living

Ok so that wad Janessa’s part but I really like this one that Barbie Adams has:

What is his name? Honey
How long have you been married? 4 years
How long did you date? one year
How old is he? 28
Who eats more? Almost always him.
Who said "I love you" first? Greg, I think I pried it out of him
Who is taller? hmmm.... really, that is a given, him at 6'
Who sings better? Actually Greg has a decent voice, but we all know its me.
Whose temper is worse? Mine, he hides his anger with a lot of suppression
Who does the laundry? Me, I do it all.
Who does the dishes? We have a deal, who ever cooks doesn't have to clean. It doesn't always work that way though, most of the time I cook and he helps me clean
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? I guess it depend on the way you look at it. I am closest to the door and when laying in bed I am on the right.
Who pays the bills? He does
Who mows the lawn? Greg, unless I want a work out or Greg just hires some one because he hates it with a passion.
Who cooks dinner? Usually me
Who drives when you are together? Greg.
Who is more stubborn? It is even.
Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? hmmm... depends on the situation.
Whose parents do you see the most? My moms side for sure.
Who proposed? Greg
Who has more friends? He does, though we normally only hang out with mine because his are all in Provo.
Who has more siblings? Me. I have eight brothers and sisters.
Who wears the pants? I like the way it is put in My Big Fat Greek Wedding “He is the Head, but I am the neck and I can turn it any way I’d like.”

I'm tagging Kara, Marilee, and Erica

I get into everything!

2008-02-27T13:18:00.000-08:00

Hailey got into the cupboard under the sink and had dish detergent all over the floor before we could manage to get her. She loves to make a mess.

2008-02-27T13:00:00.000-08:00

We went to the Aquarium in Sandy last week with Leslie and Kendra. We had a great time and Hailey was awestruck. The girls had so much fun running around and looking at all the fishies. Their favorite part was looking at the Jelly Fish. They loved to stick their hands in the water to touch the Sting Ray's though their arms were too short to reach them. After the Aquarium we went to get pizza, and Hailey yet again managed to get pizza sauce from head to toe. She absolutely loves to get as messy as possible.

2008-02-27T12:51:00.000-08:00

Hailey on Valentine's Day. She had a great day and got a balloon from Cupid. Then Grandma Cindy came over to watch her and took her to Chucky Cheese. Mommy and Daddy went to Tsunami and had great sushi and then we went and saw Fools Gold, which was very cute. I would love to go treasure hunting some place tropical and find that much gold. How fun!

2008-02-07T14:15:00.000-08:00

Hailey's Halloween Costume. Daddy took her trick-or-treating at Grandma and Grandpa Andrus' house. We had fun roasting hot dog's and drinking hot chocolate.

2008-02-07T13:46:00.000-08:00

I am currently keeping busy with our little Hailey, who is now 13 months. We have gotten into our little family grove where we wake up and go to the gym every morning. Hailey loves to play at the day care with all of the other kids; she also has an audience of daycare workers. Then, while she naps I do some work for Maxcomm, which I love. I am the Logistics Coordinator for all events that take place at our Lodge in Deer Hollow. Then we make Dinner and play until 8:00 when Hailey goes to bed. Thank goodness for those two hours of relaxation in my day before I go to bed. I don’t know what I would do without those two hours.
Greg has been extremely busy with anything and everything. He is trying to finish up with school, and will graduate this summer from the University of Utah. He is currently working for American Sterling Bank as an Account Executive selling their products to other brokers. He was also just called to be the Young Men’s President in our new ward. Needless to say, Hailey and I only see him Monday and Friday Night, luckily we have Saturday together.
Hailey has been very fun lately. As she is growing up into a little girl her personality is really shining through. She loves to dance and she already knows how to command an audience. She loves anything sweet, especially ice cream, and she can’t go a day with out plenty of snacks. Well, if that’s not enough about us…here is some more: