reese, ash, & bergie...

Happy Birthday Jacee

2012-02-08T15:56:00.002-07:00

It is my little sister's 18th birthday today, HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACEE! I was looking over some pictures of the birthday girl and came across these pictures I took back in the fall for her Homecoming Dance. My little sis is growing up fast.

Pretty Flowers

2012-02-03T11:24:00.005-07:00

Here's some pretty flower pictures from St. John and other random plants I thought were cool. I love shallow depth of field in photographs.

Bridal Shower

2012-02-02T16:03:00.009-07:00

My sister-in-law's and myself threw a bridal shower for Whitney. I must admit I got a little crazy, but look how cute! Oh how I love pink!

Advice Needed

2012-02-02T15:41:00.003-07:00

I'm in a creative slump. Went out to take some pictures the other day and this was all I could rummage up. I need a spark of creativity or some warm sunny skies. Any ideas?

St. John

2012-01-12T15:38:00.006-07:00

Wishing I was here right now...

Little Eskimo

2012-01-11T10:34:00.008-07:00

My little eskimo hasn't been much for the snow until he discovered he could eat it. (If you're wondering that's not a bruise, Berg decided to stamp his nose instead of the paper earlier in the day and didn't want to wash it off.)

Gingerbread Train

2012-01-10T11:29:00.005-07:00

We spent a few days in Island Park during the Holidays. Mitch tried to decorate a gingerbread train, but spent most of his efforts keeping Claire and Bergie from eating it.

St. John

2011-12-18T23:45:00.003-07:00

I just got back from a girl's trip in the Virgin Islands. Vacation in a nutshell was fabulous. I have a ton of pictures I want to post, but thought I'd share a few of Jacee being my beach model. I'm afraid she got pretty sick of cameras in her face with both Shae and myself trying to capture the beautiful lighting and landscape. Isn't this girl beautiful?!!!

Baby Deacon and Family

2011-12-05T01:41:00.010-07:00

Ooooh this baby was such a sweet little guy!

Family Shoot

2011-11-21T00:50:00.011-07:00

I absoutely loved this family shoot! Nix is adorable and so easy going! And their dog was amazing, I think he is actually smiling in the pictures. Again here's another picture overload they were just all too fun to narrow it down.

Hansen Family Shoot

2011-11-16T23:24:00.010-07:00

I had such a great time taking these pictures of Amber's beautiful family. She's one of those friends that it doesn't matter how long it has been it just feels like old times. Hope you enjoy the picture overload.

Halloween

2011-11-04T23:00:00.010-06:00

Bergen wasn't so cooperative on Halloween. We got all this stuff to deck him out as a cowboy and he didn't want anything to do with it except for the hat. Here's a few pictures I managed to take with part of his costume. He did love trick or treating maybe next year I'll be able to talk him into a costume with the promise of treats.

Grandma Hancock's Halloween Party

Halloween Carnival with Easton and Keltey

Getting back from trick or treating

Carving Pumpkins

2011-11-04T22:22:00.006-06:00

Phoenix Children's Musuem

2011-10-22T15:38:00.004-06:00

If you are ever in Phoenix check out the Children's Museum. Bergen could have stayed there all day.

Christain and Carrie

2011-10-12T07:53:00.009-06:00

Boy, do these two have chemistry! I loved shooting their engagements they are so in love and are also very talented!

Hancey Family

2011-10-06T18:33:00.012-06:00

I took pictures of my cousin's family a few weeks back. She and her husband are some of the nicest, most giving people I know. She watches Bergen for me each week and I just have to laugh at "the boys" as Bergen calls them. These two are characters and I hope I captured their fun (just a tiny bit mischievous) personalities.

Poolside Bergen

2011-10-06T18:16:00.003-06:00

I've got a lot of pictures I need to post, some recent photo shoots and some fun pictures of Bergen, but I've been doing too much of this...

and not enough work and other stuff! Just 2 more days and we'll leave the Arizona sunshine and had back to cold Utah.

Fremont Cheerleaders Part 2

2011-09-02T15:01:00.022-06:00

These girls are all so beautiful. They should really think about modeling. I had so much fun during this shoot, it made me think back on my good old cheer days. I had such a hard time picking just one picture of each girl so I think I might just have to make a post on each girl.

Fremont Cheerleaders Part 1

2011-08-30T22:25:00.017-06:00

Individual shots coming soon (absolutely gorgeous!)...

Bridals and a Butterfly

2011-08-29T16:15:00.016-06:00

I took bridals last week. We were just about down when a butterfly graced our presence. Just added to the beauty of this bride, hope you enjoy!

Christensen Family

2011-08-21T17:49:00.028-06:00

I absolutely love these pictures of this beautiful family and had so much fun taking their pictures! Kami is amazing at juggling her adorable babies.

One for One More Day

2011-07-30T23:54:00.009-06:00

My little baby just turned two! I have mixed feelings about birthdays, just a little bit of sadness that my Bergie is growing up, but excitement for what's in store. I'm loving this stage. Berg is curious about everything. The little stinker is so smart and so lovable and so naughty all at the same time. The night before his birthday I soaked in one last day of him being one and took some pictures at the park by our house. Here's a few of my favorites.

2011-07-04T00:35:00.002-06:00

June has been packed with birthdays. Take a peak at a few of my favorite pictures from all the celebrations.

Happy 30th!

2011-07-04T00:06:00.007-06:00

For Reese's 30th birthday I wanted to do something special so I planned a suprise party at Lava Hot Springs a few days after his big day. To keep him guessing we had a "mini" party on his actual birthday complete with a delicious strawberry cream cheese cake and presents. I had his sister call a few days later and invite us to go swimming. We were about 15 minutes from Lava when things went sour. I kept getting phone calls from his family and let me just say you would take all my money in a poker match; I'm a horrible liar. Needless to say, we had a lot of fun at our almost surprise party!

Happy Birthday To Me!

2011-07-03T23:07:00.017-06:00

The day started with Reese making breakfast burritos, relaxing with Bergen (or should I say chasing Bergen), lunch at Corrino's, a quick shopping trip to Down East, surprise cupcakes compliment of Dirk and Sarah, followed by a nice weekend at the cabin. The cabin was refreshing; a lot of time to relax, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and squeeze in a few rides. It doesn't get any better than that!

Gram's 80th Birthday

2011-07-03T21:50:00.012-06:00

My mom planned a surprise open house for my Gram's 80th birthday. You'll have to swoon over all the fun decorations. My sisters and cousins sure know how to kick up a birthday bash! I've also got a picture of my two brothers, both single, any takers?

Parry Family

2011-06-10T15:10:00.012-06:00

This past week I was able to take pictures of the Parry family. This family was so fun to work with. The Parry's are relaxed and full of love for each other. We went to a beautiful tulip garden and the colors were perfect. I had a great time and got some great shots of their beautiful family. Here's a few of my favorites.

Carter and McKoy

2011-05-15T22:50:00.008-06:00

This weekend I was able to take Shelley's kids pictures and oh my goodness does she have her hands full, I'm sure any Mom with boys under the age of five can relate. The pictures turned out absolutely darling considering Carter wasn't feeling very well. I hope he is on the mend, but his condition made for the funnest pictures. I usally don't advocate making kids cry, but how cute is that firetruck picture? Thank you so much and believe me when I say you are going to love the rest!

The Nuttalls

2011-05-03T22:28:00.010-06:00

I did pictures for my cousin yesterday. I am so excited with how they turned out. The unexpected things kids do make for the best pictures, I love the photos of the girls dancing, so much fun!

Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

2011-04-28T00:14:00.004-06:00

Poor little Bergie has been a little sick the last few days and boy have we had our ups and downs, he is on the mend and thankfully his smiles are returning.

Easton & Keltey

2011-04-21T11:47:00.008-06:00

I did these pictures a while back for my friend, Cassie. I love how they turned out! Easton sure is a character!

April Showers

2011-04-19T15:53:00.003-06:00

I'm sure hoping April showers or snow storms bring May flowers. I planted tulips in the fall which seem hesitant to bloom in this crazy weather, but my neighbors flowers are looking beautiful. Come on little tulips you can do it!

Blanch Photo Shoot

2011-04-15T23:33:00.009-06:00

This afternoon I was able to go down to Ogden and take family photos for my cousin, Nicki. I was so excited I had to post them right away so she could get a sneak peak. I had such a hard time choosing, there are so many great shots. The weather was beautiful and the location had me wishing I could move back home. The kids were hilarious. Christian and Nadya were quite the posers, so fun! Blanches, thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to take your pics; your family is beautiful!

Arizona

2011-04-05T22:50:00.005-06:00

Wish I was here right now. Is it really still snowing? So much for Spring Break.

Yuma, Arizona (little detour where we visited Gram)

bike rides to the waterfall with Annie and Taelor

the zoo

Spring Training

Nascar

Orlando, Florida

2011-04-01T11:57:00.006-06:00

a little food...

a little rest...

a lot of fun!

Sunshine

2011-03-30T23:40:00.005-06:00

I am so ready for Spring. I was little bitter about the winter months this year. I’m ashamed to say I didn’t make it to the ski slopes. The only thing keeping me sane were a few vacations we were able to go on in the past months. I think I could become accustomed to a vacation every month. How about you? Or maybe I’ll just settle for some sunshine. I will be putting pictures of our get aways; Florida, Island Park, and Arizona in posts to come.

Winter Wonderland

2011-03-30T22:44:00.009-06:00

Island Park, aka my winter wonderland, is about the only place I want to be during snow season. We were able to go up to the cabin in February and go snowmobiling. Berg wasn't much for the snowmobile, he preferred the warm cozy cabin and a nice bowl of snow. He kept eating the snow people brought in off their boots so I got him a bowl of the fresh stuff; can't beat that! We were also able to celebrate my niece's first birthday party in style thanks to some special party planners.

Starting Over

2011-03-29T00:02:00.006-06:00

It has been many moons since I last visited my blog. I have been tempted to shut the thing down, but after some thought on the direction I want to move and some goals I have been pursuing I would like to start fresh and rid myself of the guilt of the many precious memories that have not been posted and start over. That being said, something I have always loved and had dreams of pursuing is starting a photography business. My wonderful hubby suprised me with a SLR camera for our 5th anniversary in November. I've been taking some classes and have had some awesome photo shoots in the last few months which I will post in days to come. I hope to use this blog as a way to get my name out there and build up my portfolio. So if you know anyone needing a photographer in the Northern Utah or Southeastern Idaho area please send them my way. And please don't judge my skill based on pictures of Bergie, who for some reason, turns into a grump every time I pull out the camera. I'm still working to get that perfect shot of him.

Much Needed Update

2010-06-30T15:32:00.015-06:00

Wow, where does the time go? I have been debating for a while if I should just turn the blog off seeing how the last time I posted was about eight months ago. I still am struggling balancing work and being a mom. I feel that I never have a spare minute. I try to work part of the day at home so Bergen isn't at the babysitter all day, but that is definitely easier said than done. When I actually get a spare minute (blessed wonderful nap time) I frantically try to catch up. I take my hat off to all you working moms. I have wanted to post something for a while now, but I don't really know where to begin so here it goes. Last week Bergen turned 11 months. It makes me kind of sad thinking that my little baby is not such a little baby anymore. It seems that he learns something knew everyday. He figured out how to crawl a few weeks ago. I wondered for a while if he would just skip that phase because he loved to walk around everything, but now he's never still. He's crawling and getting pretty sturdy on his chubby little legs. He has started saying a few words: ball, mama, dad, quack, moo, woof, and vroom. I guess most of those are animal sounds, but it works for me. The last time we were down at my parents he saw my dad and said vroom, Bergie lingo for Grandpa take me on the tractor, which is exactly what he got to do. He loves to look at animals from a safe distance; he got to feed baby goats at one of the day cares I visit yesterday and loved it! This past month we have been super busy. The last week of May my Grandpa Hancock passed away. It was a bittersweet experience. All my family was able to get together and we stayed for a few days at my parents. I know it was a blessing in disguise, but I'm a little selfish and miss him, but was glad to be able to see Brock and Shae and other relatives from Texas. After that I played catch up at work for the rest of the month. Reese and I both celebrated birthdays. My sister-in-law, Dana, watched Bergen on my birthday and Reese and I went on a much needed date night. The next day we went up to Reese's parents cabin in Island Park. We were able to go on a motorcycle ride, swimming, fishing, and just hang out. The next week was Reese's b-day and we celebrated the big day at the Aquatic Center with his parents and sister's family. We have had a great busy month and have enjoyed this stage with Bergen and will soon celebrate his big day.

I blinked!

2009-10-09T20:23:00.004-06:00

Oh my goodness I blinked and Bergen is already 11 weeks old! I am so sad because I only have one more week before I go back to work. I just can't believe how fast the time has gone and how much my little Bergie has changed. I love this guy with all my heart. He has literally thousands of pictures I could post, so I just put the most recent. One day if I ever get a spare minute I will have to really update this blog, but this will have to do for now.

Funny Faces

2009-08-06T11:42:00.002-06:00

Burrito Baby

2009-08-06T11:36:00.001-06:00

We have to wrap Bergen up tight like a little burrito or he gets all worked up because he's still trying to figure out how to control his arms.

Sleep

2009-08-06T11:26:00.003-06:00

Any chance we get we try and catch up on some much needed zzzz's. I laughed so hard when I saw the picture Reese took of me...I was out!

Baby Bergen!

2009-08-01T17:40:00.002-06:00

Advice Needed!!!

2009-07-17T11:10:00.002-06:00

Alright I am in desperate need of advice. I want to go into labor so bad. Sounds a little crazy, but I get so excited when I start to feel a contraction and look forward to the ones that hurt because just maybe this will be the real thing. What were you all doing before you went into labor? I know the baby will probably just come when he decides to come, but I'm getting a little anxious to get this guy here! So if you have any suggestions send them my way.

June

2009-07-04T08:32:00.009-06:00

Besides all the showers June was pretty busy. My mom and dad went to Oklahoma for my Grandma and Gene's birthdays so Jacee came and stayed with us for a weekend. Reese and I both celebrated birthdays within a week of each other. We also celebrated Father's Day, I love that Dad of mine! I chopped off all my hair. I went to girls camp for a day with the young women and tried to get caught up at work to go on maternity leave. Brock also came for a few days for a golf tournament in Idaho Falls and we were able to celebrate his birthday while he was here.

Jacee gave me a manicure and pedicure. We tried to show them off in this picture, but just ended up looking a little goofy instead.

Saren cut my hair. It is so cute and I love the change, but looking at this picture makes me miss my long locks.

Reese was going to get my a bike for my B-day, but if you know me I'm a little indecisive and couldn't decide on one. This is one I was looking at. I think it is so cute, but it is only a one speed so I just don't know if I should get it.

Girls Camp at Cinnamon Creek Campground

Father's Day

I made Reese some birthday tarts, but he had to light his own candles because I kept burning myself.

30 Big Ones!

Hipwell Shower

2009-07-04T08:19:00.003-06:00

I had another fabulous shower. Thank you Janet, Jadda, and Kayli for being wonderful party planners. I didn't get camera crazy this day...but I do have pictures of the food, it was so good! I've been dreaming about the fruit pizzas. After this shower I was officially ready for the baby to arrive, he's just not cooperating.

Thompson Shower

2009-06-28T19:51:00.013-06:00

Well time sure flies! I can't believe it is already July! I have been meaning to post about the Thompson shower for days, but I guess it has actually turned into weeks. My sister-in-laws (Sarah and Karli) and mother-in-law threw Dana (Reese's sister) and I a combined baby shower. As I type this, Dana is actually in the hopsital having or already had her baby...crazy! My time is coming. Anyways, the shower was so fun. They picked out the cutest decorations, had delicious food, and the guests had wonderful advice, as well as, adorable gifts for both of us. Sarah's mom made the most darling baby cake for the shower. Thanks to everyone that came and also helped put it together!

Isn't that the cutest stroller? I want one just like that!

Beccy is so talented!

Sarah, Me, Dana, and Karli

Bond girls gone wild!

Me and my Mom

After Shower Fun

While us girls may love showers, Reese has his own idea of fun. He decided dirt biking was a better alternative. When he got back from his ride Mitch, Dirk, Brighton, and Reese shot off some fireworks. As I watched all these boys play with fire I realized I better have a first aid kit handy if our boy is anything like his dad or cousins.

Baby Shower

2009-06-06T14:46:00.006-06:00

Shelley and Shiloh threw me a baby shower today at Shiloh's cute house. It was great to see everyone and catch up, it has been way too long. Thank you for coming!!! I can't wait for the little guy to get here so I can use all the fun stuff you gave me!

Almost everybody.

Shiloh, Joni, and Baby Brighton (so precious!)

Jadda, Kari, Me, and Emmett

Randee and April

Melanie and Megan

Opening fun things! Thank you again everybody!

The Prego Bellies!

Me and Jadda

Me, Shelley, Shiloh, and Tacoma

Thank you so much for throwing the shower!!!

May

2009-06-06T07:54:00.008-06:00

May has been so crazy! We have tried to do a little traveling before the baby comes...a few last hurrahs before sleepless nights. The first part of May we drove to Phoenix and spent the week there relaxing. We also went to the Cabin over Memorial Day weekend and in between all that stuff had all the usual things which keeps us busy (work, YM and YW, classes, and well just life). I'm a little nervous how fast time goes by. I do not feel the least bit prepared for July to hit...maybe I should really be getting that carseat?!! Anyways ready or not here it comes. I am way excited our crib was delivered on Thursday and Reese got it all set up and I love it. Here are a few pics from May:
Phoenix

Speedboat Tour

Reese And His Mom

Ghost Town

Baseball Game

Mothers Day

Mom and her new outfit
Waterballoon Volleyball with YM and YW

Cabin Weekend Before Memorial Day

Taelor and her sweet glasses!

Fishing

Reese............................Roasting marshmallows.

April Adventures

2009-05-07T08:04:00.011-06:00

April flew by so fast here are a few of the highlights from the month:

Wicked

My mom bought tickets for me and Jacee as an early birthday present for me. We found out Shae was flying in the night before the show so we called the ticket office, but it was sold out. My mom was going to give Shae her ticket, but we convinced her we could find one. I had the thrill of my life scalping a ticket for my mom. I don't know why, but I get a rush from bartering. Seriously, my favorite place in New York was China Town trying to get the best deal on a hand bag. There's nothing like the rush of getting a good deal. Well I don't know if the price we paid for the ticket was a good deal, but my Mom had one of the best seats in the house. She was on the fourth row and right about in the center. The show was amazing and it was so fun to hang out with all my sisters. I miss my family not living close so I cherish the time we do get to spend together.

Me, Shae, Jacee, and Mom

Grandpa's 80th Birthday
My Grandpa turned 80 this year and celebrated his b-day in style. There was a big suprise party for him and a lot of the family was able to fly in for the big day. It was fun to see the look on his face when he walked into the church; he didn't even know his kids were here from Texas! There were about 100 people there to wish him happy birthday. All of his kids paid a tribute to him and reminisced about their favorite memories of him. My cousin, Saren, made a slide show of his life and I will say he has lived one great life. Granpda is one of the funniest people you will ever meet and it was so fun to celebrate his day and catch up with family.

Everybody enjoying the party...food was delicious and catered by Maddox.

Me and Gramp

Grandpa and Levi

The Hancock Family

Grandpa and His Kids

Watch out ladies...they're single and good lookin'!

Mitch's 5th Birthday Party
I can't believe Mitch is 5!!! I met Reese's family when Mitch was just a baby and now he is already 5 and preparing for kindergarten. Mitch also celebrated his birthday in style...my Dad and Granpda would approve of the John Deere theme party. Reese's family uses Case tractors on their farm and my Dad always has to give Reese a hard time about it. When Brighton was in the hospital Mitch stayed the night at my parents house. My dad gave Mitch the grand tour of the dairy and told Mitch that nothing runs like a deere (sublte brainwashing). Well since then Mitch has told his Dad and Grandpa, "Ashlee's Dad says nothing runs like a deer." My Dad loves this, but I really don't think Reese's family cares one bit. I will say this kid knows his tractors. Mitch has loved trucks and tractors and knows everything about them; so if I'm ever wondering what a certain piece of equipment is or what it does all I have to do is ask Mitch because he is one smart cookie. I love the kid and had a great time at his party...you just can't beat cake, ice cream, and a pinata.

Nothing runs like a deer!

Sarah's mom is so talented and always makes the cutest cakes.

Hope your wish comes true!

How could you not love that kid?

Baby Belly

2009-04-07T14:25:00.003-06:00

I would say I have a baby bump, but I've got a full blown baby belly. This picture was taken two weeks ago and since then I've been growing at an exponential rate. I really feel like I'm going to burst one of these days, but everybody tells me my skin will keep stretching. Isn't the body amazing?!!! I have been able to see my belly move as he kicks; the whole process is surreal.

24 weeks and counting

Silverline Tryouts

2009-04-07T13:43:00.004-06:00

My posts are always way after the fact, but I finally took pictures off of my camera onto the computer with the other thousand that are patiently waited to be printed...maybe tomorrow.

A few weeks ago Jacee tried out for silverline. I am happy to announce she made the team and is bursting at the seams. I am definetly biased but I think she is an amazing dancer and has worked hard to get to this point and I am very proud of her. I just can't believe she's going to be in high school. I went down and stayed the night before tryouts to be moral support and aid in the makeup and hair department. It has been a few years, but the whole try out thing brought back a lot of memories:

Getting ready...

The nerves...

The support...

The excitement!

Congratulations Jacee!!!!

Its a boy!!!

2009-03-03T15:32:00.003-07:00

Well we went to the doctor on Friday and much to my surprise found out we will be having a baby boy!!! I swore I was having a girl, was convinced actually, so I was pretty suprised. I will say Reese is one proud papa, as soon as the ultra sound tech. pointed to the little man parts and asked "so what do you think you are having?"...it was quite obvious...you couldn't wipe the smile off of Reese's face. We are so excited and happy that everything looks healthy so far. He is actually a feisty little thing and was being stubborn during the ultra sound. The technician was trying to get a picture of the face, but the little bugger wouldn't move his arms. He held his arms up just like a boxer and wouldn't budge. The technician started moving my belly trying to get him to move, and all the sudden he scrunched up his eyebrow and scowled and pulled this real mean face. I'm scared because I think this little boy is comin' with an attitude. He must get that from his Daddy. We played a little trick on my dad and told him it was a girl for a few days, just because he's been adamant that he was having a grandson. I think I would have felt bad if we were really having a girl because he was so disappointed with the news. When he saw the ultrasound pictures and found out we were really having a boy he was all too delighted. He got his glasses out and examined all the pictures and had me save them on his computer too. We are all so excited and can't wait for this little guy to get here!

Cabin Trip

2009-03-03T13:32:00.009-07:00

A few weeks ago we went to Island Park and stayed at the cabin. While we were there we went on a snowmobile ride to Big Springs to feed the fish and the ducks. It was pretty fun, but I don't think the baby appreciated all the bouncing.

Mitch and Taelor getting pumped up for the big expedition!

Owen and Shawn.............. Mitch feeding the fish.

Look at all those fish!

Taelor..............................Looking at all the ducks.

Reese and Owen ready to roll!

Birthday Girl!

2009-02-27T18:07:00.004-07:00

It's a little after the fact, but on Feb. 8th Jacee turned a whopping 15 years old. Scary!!! What's even scarier is she will be getting her driver's permit upon completion of her AR book. I can't believe how grown up Jacee is. She's not a little girl anymore, but a beautiful not to mention quite sassy young woman. If any of you know Jacee this sass has been with her since day one. If you don't believe me you'll have to come watch some of our home videos. I remember how excited I was when Jacee was born and since then have made it my place to try and be her mom. She will tell you that I like to tell her what to do or become the "counselor". I just want Jacee to know I love her and I'm so glad she's my little sis'.

Together at last!

2009-02-27T17:14:00.005-07:00

Levi got home from his mission on January 29th. Brock and Shae were able to fly in for the big event. It had been two years since we had all been together, but seemed so much longer. I hate that we live all over the place, but it seems like old times when we all get together. We were able to hit the ski slopes (minus Jacee) and have a good time! I think we are pretty close to starting up our own band thanks to all our practice with Rock Band...and I will be the lead singer, oh yeah...watch out! We had so much fun together; I was so sad when everyone went home.

Many Blessings

2009-01-30T12:37:00.004-07:00

I have totally been a slacker. I have been meaning to post about Christmas and I just realized it is already February. So I will forgo that post and give an update on our lives. I apologize I don't have any pictures because I lost our camera's battery charger and have not taken any pictures since the holidays. Anyways, life just always seems to get busier and busier, but I need to take a moment and express how grateful I am for the blessings in my life. I have heard awful stories of people losing their jobs, having poor health, losing loved ones, and other tragic events and I know Reese and I have been watched over. We recently had a scary experience with our nephew, Brighton, who had to be life flighted to Primary Children's Hospital. He had cracked his temporal bone, ruptured his eardrum, and was leaking spinal fluid out his ear. Since then he is home and doing a lot better, but the whole experience made me take a look at my life. I love both of our families so much, especially all our nieces and nephews who I would take as my own any day! We have been blessed with health, jobs, the opportunity for education, and lots of time to play. We have a roof over our heads and food to eat. Reese was able to finish his Master's degree in December. My brother returns home from his mission in Virginia today. I'm starting to ramble, but my heart is full and I saved the most exciting thing for last.....drum roll please..... we are having a baby! I am due July 22nd. I have been really sick, but am finally starting to feel better. I went to the doctor for my second appointment yesterday and the baby is doing great. It has a nice strong heart beat and we will find out what it is the end of February....for all these things and many others I feel blessed.

Oh Christmas Tree

2008-12-06T12:08:00.002-07:00

Reese and I went and picked out our Christmas tree on Thursday night. I just love this time of the year and love my cute little tree.

Grab Your Gun...

2008-12-06T11:07:00.007-07:00

Every year for Thanksgiving Brock has a turkey shoot behind my parents house. This year was no exception, Brock flew in from Chicago with plans already in the making. I'm a terrible shot, eyes closed and all, but it is still fun to shoot. Basically as long as you put in a dollar your in the runnings for the jackpot, so next year for Thanksgiving grab your gun and head to the Hancock's.

Ready Aim Fire!

Dad and Brock

Dad and the jackpot.

Uncles Scott and Kelly

All lined up.

Intense concentration

Jacee and Dad

November

2008-12-06T10:34:00.003-07:00

November was a pretty busy month for me. The first week of November I was in Phoenix, the next couple of weeks work was crazy because there was a federal review at work and so all of my files had to be just right and people observed my visits which about sent me over the edge, just a little too much stress for me. Reese and I celebrated our 3rd anniversary on the 19th (time goes by way too fast), both of my parents had birthdays, and then of course Thanksgiving. Life is finally calming down a bit so here are finally some new posts.

Birthday Time

2008-12-06T10:28:00.005-07:00

Happy Birthday Mom and Dad!

I am so lucky to have such wonderful parents. My eyes have been opened the last couple of years as I have worked in social services to realize how blessed I am to have such a good family and good parents. My parents both work so hard, are selfless, love their children unconditionally, and are just down right good people. They are both still my parents, but are some of my best friends that I have. I love hanging out with them and want them to know how much I love and appreciate them!

Dad's birthday party and early Thanksgiving dinner at Grandpa's house.

Mom opening her gifts on Thanksgiving. (Jacee was sick so we celebrated a little later this year. The weekend before Mom's birthday Jacee, Mom, me, Joanne, Saren, and Maisee all went to Twilight.)

Jacee, Mom, and Myself

Phoenix Trip

2008-11-16T16:30:00.014-07:00

A few weeks ago we went to Phoenix. Reese's dad has a house there and so all of the family minus the parents headed that way. We drove last spring and were so happy that we chose to fly this time. I get sick on air planes, but it sure beats driving! We had a fun time hanging out with everybody. The house has a pool with a heater so we got to swim a lot. The nieces and nephews got up pretty early to hit the pool, but as soon as Reese woke up he went and joined them. Here are a few highlights from the trip. I got a little camera happy, this is my cut down version of the trip.

Cardinals vs 49'ers
We went to a football game while we were there. Our seats were awesome and the game was way intense. You can guess by the pictures what Reeses's favorite part of the game was. I have never claimed a football team until now, Go Cardinals!!!

Nascar

Reese and his brothers went to Nascar. He said this was one of the most exciting events he had ever been to. He had to buy ear plugs because it was so loud.

The Zoo

My sister-in-laws, Karli and Sarah, took their kids to this awesome petting zoo. I think I had as much fun as the kids. It was so cool because you could get really close to the animals and we even got to feed a giraffe. The kids loved it (and so did I-feeding the giraffe was pretty cool!)

Hanging Out
I seriously could live in Phoenix. The weather is so nice, although I can't complain with Logan this fall because we've actually had a fall, but it was still nice to get away to warmer weather. There are all these parks and bike paths close to the house. We did a little shopping and tried out some restaurants. I couldn't get enough of In N' Out Burger, those burgers are delicious!

Halloween Fun!

2008-11-01T09:55:00.000-06:00

I love Halloween. When I was younger my Mom's family used to farm pumpkins and then sell them to stores. My favorite thing was going out to the pumpkin patch and picking the biggest pumpkin I could find. We would spend hours searching for the perfect pumpkin. It was usually so big I had to roll it to the car. I'm not quite ready to grow up; I still want to carve pumpkins and dress up. Reese was great and gave into my wish of carving pumpkins however on Halloween morning when I started painting my face green he wanted to know what in the world I was doing, "You know you have to go out in public and do things today?" Luckily I had the excuse that I had to visit some day cares for work and the kids would be dressed up and think it was fun. The kids loved it, but when I was driving to all the day cares I had to take my hat off and was driving around with just a green face. People were staring at me like I was a nut, I guess some days I am!

Entering the Blogger World

2008-11-01T09:03:00.000-06:00

After months and months of surfing everyone elses blogs I have finally decided to make my own. Let me just start off by saying I'm not exactly computer savvy. Yesterday Reese asked me to print his thesis for him. This is a paper he has spent over a year working on and when I tried to open the file it converted to an old Word format and seriosly ruined the whole paper. I was freaking out thinking oh my gosh, Reese is really going to kill me. Luckily he had saved the file on his computer too, but it just goes to make my point that I need a little help in this area. Anyways, I've spent all morning trying to figure out how to make my blog cute and have given up for now, but have made my first post. I'm now officially a blogger!