The Real Deal

2009-12-01T21:13:00.001-08:00

Halloween Extravaganza!

2009-11-03T13:51:00.000-08:00

Wow, Halloween has really turned into a 3-4 day event with parades, parties, trunk-or-treats, and pumpkin carving festivities! We had a blast this Halloween and enjoyed every minute of it. Here are some pictures to remember all the fun!

First we enjoyed pumpkin carving at Nalani and Jed's house with the family.

This is Bronson right before his preschool Halloween party

This is Hailey at the annual Foothill Halloween parade:

This is all the kids ready to go for our ward's trunk or treat.

Little Cash is his cute chicken costume with Bronson's pirate sword.

Maddy and Bronson having a hard time deciding which one!

Grandma and kids enjoying the trunk or treat...we love our Grandma Oram!

This is Maddy's Halloween costume as of late...pajamas, her snow hat, and her Dora backpack. She would wear this all day if I let her!

These are our pumpkins all lit up for Halloween night!

Date Night with My Best Friend

2009-10-21T23:09:00.000-07:00

Usually dating ends when you get married, but not for me. My sweet husband always does his best to keep our dating life going even when life is crazy. I guess it helps that we have one night a week and every other weekend to keep it up!

Tonight was such a great night. I love that Cody and I can go out in a big group and have a blast as well as that we can go out just the two of us and enjoy it just the same or even more. We have so much fun together...we laugh, we smile, we let the cares of the world go just for a few hours, and we genuinely enjoy spending our time together. I told him the other day he is my lobster, to which he didn't know if that was a criticism or compliment. I told him that lobsters are one of the few animals that when they find a mate, they stay with that mate for life. Don't be alarmed people....I didn't find this fact from being interested in the mating of animals, but I learned this on an episode of 'Friends'. Anyways, we had a great night out together and I am ever thankful for such a wonderful husband.

First we stopped at the hospital to meet our new nephew. (See previous post).

Next we strolled the mall window shopping (well Cody did, I bought myself a new pair of cute boots!)

Then we decided to be adventurous and try the new Italian restaurant near University Mall call Terre Mia. Man was our taste buds in for a treat tonight! We seriously loved this place. We started with grilled breadsticks toasted with olive oil, oregano, and garlic. So yum! I chose a fresh Caprese sald which hit the spot very well and was absolutely divine. Cody chose a creamy mushroom sauce over penne with chicken. He thought it was almost as good as mine. ;) haha. No, he really loved it.

Then we cleansed our palates with their amazing display of gelato. I think we tried every flavor before we decided. What could end a meal and a great date better than a bowl full of gelato? So, all in all we absolutely loved Terre Mia and recommend it to anyone and it really has great prices as well. Not too bad for Orem!

P.S. I'm really not auditioning to be a food critic, I just was in the mood to blog and I thought the pictures were fun to look at!

P.S.S. Thanks to my sweet husband for making me feel so loved and adored after all these years. ;)

Introducing Baby Boy Thompson...

2009-10-21T22:55:00.000-07:00

Colin and Emily welcomed a beautiful baby boy Wednesday morning weighing in at 6.9 oz and a full 19 inches long. He is beautiful! He has brown hair and he is absolutely the cutest baby ever. (I am so not biased). Cody and I stopped by the hospital later that night to meet him. He looks just like his brother Blake in my opinion. I forgot how tiny they are...Maddy is almost three years old and so it seems like it has been forever since I have seen one that small! They still have not chosen a name for him but we were throwing around a couple of great ones at the hospital to help them decide:

Cletus (Cody's vote)

Teancum (Colin's vote)

Jacob or Jake (My vote)

We'll see what they come up with...Congrats, we are so happy he is here!

P.S. Cody is such a great uncle. Here is a picture I stole off Mom Oram's blog of Cody holding his nephew Cash. Cash doesn't do this with anyone else but Cody. Even if he is grumpy and not feeling well he always goes right to Uncle Cody and will stay there and just let Cody hold him for a very long time. Cody is going to make a great Daddy one day!

FHE...making caramel apples!

2009-10-21T22:43:00.000-07:00

We had the Knights over for family home evening Monday night and boy did we have fun...and boy did we make a mess! The kids had a blast decorating and sugaring up their caramel apples. Heather and I really got into and made our own gourmet apples. Our caramel apple pie apple was to DIE for and I must say better than the ones they make at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory...yummy!

My crazy bunch...

2009-10-05T15:40:00.000-07:00

We had such a great weekend. Today when I got up from being awake all night with my sick little Hailey I was feeling groggy, frumpy, out-of-touch, and EXHAUSTED! You Mom's all know what I am talking about. Maybe it is because I was so sleep deprived, or maybe it was the weather...but either way I was feeling down. As I struggled to get myself motivated to attack the monster in our house (also known as laundry), I opened my computer up to check email, etc. Then I looked at our family pictures and zeroed in on this picture of my three kids. I started to cry at first, and then suddenly found myself smiling, which then turned into a big belly laugh. How could I feel so down when I have these three sweet smiling faces to wake up to everyday! (that should be a question mark at the end of that sentence, but unfortunately my question mark button has become extinct). I look at their happy, joyful, loving faces and feel nothing but love and gratitude. I have so much because of them, and I am so blessed. They are such beautiful spirits that keep me busy, tired, crazy,but most of all they keep me grounded. They remind me everyday of what is really most important. They teach me what love is and how wonderful life is. I am so grateful to these three, and couldn't be more blessed in life to be their mother!

Family Photos 2009

2009-10-04T21:25:00.000-07:00

This weekend we had our family pictures taken at Vivian Park up Provo Canyon. I love how they turned out! Each of our kids have their own unique personality and it definitely shows in these pictures of them. I definitely have one hottie of a husband as well!!

SLIP 'N SLIDE....

2009-08-31T08:10:00.000-07:00

Last week we had an end of Summer Slip 'n Slide party with the Knights. What a blast!!! The kids (especially Maddy) had soooo much fun. We had everyone taking turns to slide down and in between everyone Maddy would run up and say "my turn!" and slide right down. That girl is seriously hilarious. She is so in her own little world and not afraid at all to get what she wants. I hope she keeps that up when she's older! We had a fun Summer but it went by way too fast. We are looking forward to all the fun FALL activities and having our first Christmas in our first HOME together!

ONE YEAR!!!!

2009-08-30T15:58:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrate one year together.....I love you babe!

First Day of First Grade

2009-08-20T09:19:00.000-07:00

Today was the first official day of first grade! I must admit I was kind of sad thinking about Hailey being gone all day. I thought I would be all emotional and crying like I was last year for kindergarten. But, strangely enough I was so excited for her when I woke her up this morning. Hailey is usually pretty grumpy and onry when I have to wake her up, but this morning as soon as I said, "it's time to get ready for school!"....she popped out of bed like she was in a race and started pulling on her carefully laid out clothes for the special day. She is such a giggly little girl when she is excited. She just started bouncing around the house. We got her dressed, did her hair, ate her favorite breakfast of Maple and Brown Sugar Oatmeal (what kid loves oatmeal) and then took a few pics. Then a knock at the door, her best friend Taylor Knight coming to tell her it was time to go wait for the bus. Heather and I walked to the bus stop with them and took more pictures and then they were off! Bronson, Maddy, Heather, and I got in the car and went to school to take even more pictures...Hailey was so embarassed! We walked to the classroom and just like last year Hailey sits right down at her desk, makes herself acquainted with the kids around her, and then looks at me like...."aren't you suppose to be somewhere!' So a quick picture at her desk and we were off! I couldn't help but feel so excited for her and all the possibilities that lie ahead for her. What a great morning!

This is Maddy with her backpack on waiting to go to scwool! She wants to be big just like her sister. Oh how that day is going to come so fast!

Julie & Julia

2009-08-19T12:44:00.000-07:00

Last night Kami, Heather, and myself went and saw Julie & Julia. I had heard so many great things about this movie, and coming from a family who loves to cook...I was dying to see it. I must say, with all the hype from people commenting on their blogs and such, it TOTALLY lived up to all my expectations! It was a great movie. Kind of a different movie, but LOVED it. Meryl Streep was so Julia Child. She had it down so well. And I am such a huge fan of Amy Adams who was endearing and hilarious in this movie. So many times I related myself to her character in the movie and all the sobbing meltdowns, and wanting to give up. There was a cute love story in each of the main characters lives which made it all the more better. I was thinking of my sister the whole movie wondering if she was laughing as hard as I was at all the cooking disasters. So, I guess I am joining the bandwagon of people raving about this movie....A+!!!!!

BEAR LAKE FUN

2009-08-16T21:21:00.000-07:00

So this is my post from our FUN trip to Bear Lake. We went up with our friends the Knights and had such a great time together. Here are some pictures from the trip....enjoy!

Out To Dinner

Hangin in the Condo

Ceramics

Punching Balloons

Playground Fun

At The Beach

Jumping in the air like we just don't care!

More fun in the Sun!!!

Family Photo Shoot!

Kayaks

Worn Out Kiddos

Mini Golf

Saying Goodbye!

Kids say the darndest things...

2009-08-13T09:59:00.000-07:00

Hailey is the comedian of the family. She says the funniest things sometimes and always has us laughing. Here are a couple of funny stories....enjoy!

Cody took Hailey to a friends house the other night and they happened to have a bearded dragon. Hailey is an animal lover. She loves every kind of animal...even bearded dragons! She held it and played with it while they were there. On the way home she asked Cody if she could have one and he told her probably not, mostly because her mother would freak out! She then tells Cody that maybe she would ask Santa Claus for a bearded dragon this Christmas. Then she turns to him and says, "Well, probably not. That's a pretty tough order!"

We went to Bear Lake last weekend (don't worry, I'll post pictures soon) and we were on our way home late Sunday night in the car. Maddy was asleep and Bronson and Hailey were talking back and forth in the car. Our friends little boy had lost his tooth while we were up there and so naturally Bronson was curious about the tooth fairy and how it all works and Hailey was kind enough to explain the ins and outs of the tooth fairy to him. Bronson asks Hailey why we can't see the tooth fairy and Hailey starts explaining to him that the tooth fairy is really really fast. Then she turns to him and tells him "the only person faster than the tooth fairy is Jesus!" Cody were in the front seat and you can imagine how hard it was not to just bust up laughing at how clever and funny our little girl is. She does have quite the way of explaining things. Gotta love it!

Anyways, I promise to post pictures of Bear Lake soon. I can't believe the Summer is already over!

Summer Adventures

2009-07-27T21:49:00.000-07:00

So its Cody here blogging because Meridith said it was my turn! We've had a little excitement around our house this past week. After a long couple of weeks of remodeling and moving, we are finally starting to get settled into our house. And as far as I'm concerned, what better way to break in a new home than with a dog!! So Last Saturday, with Meridith still in a deep morning haze, I snuck out of the house with Hailey and Bronson to go pick up our new dog Tigger! He is a Maltese and is such a good dog! Meridith was not so stoked on the idea, but has been quickly warming up. He is just so chill and has definitely been happily taking all the love and abuse that the kids have to offer! Here he is:

Also, just a few days after we moved in, our Air Conditioning stopped working, so for a few nights we slept in a hot, hot house! It wasn't too fun dealing with a grumpy wife! We decided that neither one of us do very well when tired and hot! We opened Maddy and Bronson's door and couldn't stop laughing at this sight, but of course we felt a little bad too!!

Next, a little trip to Home Depot turned into a great place for a nap for Bronson! We were laughing so hard at this picture!

And last but not least....our poor little Hailey is a bit too much of a monkey! She is always climbing on the trees with the boys and does a pretty darn good job of keeping up. But Sunday night she fell off the mokey bars and found out what its like to break an arm! Poor girl! She goes in tomorrow to have a cast put on, and has already decided that Purple is the perfect color for a cast! We'll post more when she gets it put on!

Happy Birthday Ben!

2009-07-08T21:40:00.000-07:00

So this is totally late but Cody and I wanted to wish our BIL Ben a Happy Happy Birthday! His birthday was July 5th but he is currently on deployment in Iraq. He left in January and will be gone an entire year serving our country. We are so proud of his sacrifice for us and everyone in our country. He is sacrificing time away from his sweet wifey Kami, and his cute little baby Kai. Ben, you are seriously amazing for what you do and we appreciate you and the sacrifices you make and are proud to have you for our Brother. We love you!

As well as, we wanted to post a shout out to Kami for her sacrifices as well. Kami is living here with Cody's sister Nalani taking care of Kai and supporting her husband. I really don't know how you do it Kami! Thank you for sacrificing so much to support your husband in his job. We love you and we hope you know how much we respect you.

So, once again Happy Birthday Ben! WE LOVE YOU!!!

My Cute Kids

2009-07-07T02:38:00.000-07:00

The kids are gone this week with their Dad for their Summer vacation and I am missing them like crazy. It is so hard to be away from them for so long. Don't get me wrong, I have plenty of things to do to keep me busy and occupied....moving! But, I can't seem to sleep at night and I lie awake at night wondering how they are doing and thinking about how grown up they are getting. I love my kids so much it hurts! Only a mother would understand. They truly are such a beautiful blessing in my life. I couldn't be where I am today without them. They teach me so much about life and love, and appreciating the little things. Here are a few pictures from our recent activities. I know I am going to miss these days, they go by way too fast.
How cute is this? This is Maddy and Bronson waiting for their ice cream from the Ice Cream Truck

This is when we went to the Orem Olwzz game with our new BFF's the Knights

Moving and Laziness

2009-07-07T02:29:00.000-07:00

We are moving this week....WAAAAA!!!! I hate moving! Box after box, after box. Everytime I move I promise myself I'll never do it again. Hopefully it will all be over soon. To cheer myself up and give myself a much needed lazy break I browsed the Nordstrom website. One of my favorite pastimes. I love this store.
While perusing, I found this cute thing. So dang cute! Maybe I will reward myself when all the moving is done...wishful thinking.

Couponing Craziness!!

2009-05-05T08:10:00.000-07:00

I am slowly starting to get into the whole coupon game. Feeding a family of five is really expensive and I could use all the help I can get. A couple of friends of mine started a coupon website called The Savvy Shoppers. She has been doing it for a while now and saves tons of money. If you are interested in learning how to save on your grocery bill she is going to be offering a class on how to do it for about ten bucks. Well worth the money because you'll end up saving a ton in the long run! Here is her website for more information: http://thesavvyshoppers.blogspot.com/

Generational Pictures

2009-04-13T18:25:00.000-07:00

So a few weeks ago I was busily blog surfing when I came across an awesome photograher's site. My favorite thing is to find photographers and look at their pictures on their blogs and websites. Justin Hackwork is a photographer in Provo who does mostly weddings. On that particular day he had posted something about a project he was doing to benefit a local Women and Children in Crisis charity. It's called Thirty Strangers in Thirty Days and you can view it here: http://justinhackworth.com/blog/. During the month of April he is photographing mothers and daughters and generations each day for strangers and donating to the charity above. So, I quicky called him up and offered my 100 yr. old Grandma, Mom, and myself to be part of the project. Anything for a good cause! Not only that, but my Grandma is 100 so we never know how long she will be here and it was a really great excuse to get some good pictures of her before she leaves us. My Grandma has been really weak and losing strength daily so I am not sure how much time we have with her. Well, he posted a few of the pictures on his blog and so I stole them so everyone could see. I think they turned out great!

Justin also took some pictures of my Mom and I:

Happy Easter!

2009-04-13T08:21:00.001-07:00

Saturday we ditched the rain and easter egg hunts and opted to take the kids to see Monsters vs. Aliens and enjoy being out of the rain. After we got home Grandpa Oram brought over cookies to decorate. The kids had so much fun piling on all the frosting they could onto their cookies and into their mouths. Grandpa Oram is so great!

Yesterday was such a wonderful day! The kids woke up and enjoyed their baskets from the Easter Bunny and loved their Easter outfits. After the excitement and the sugar highs set in we turned on the Testaments to watch as a family. I was surprised that for the most part the kids sat and watch the entire video with us. It was a good teaching opportunity to teach them what Easter really is about and what the Atonement is. We all got ready for church and we headed over with Grandpa Oram in tow. He was here visiting for a little while and decided to come to church with us and watch Hailey bear her testimony in primary.

Church was great and Hailey did a wonderful job. I got a new calling---teaching the 12 year olds in Sunday School. I might want to mention that there are 14-16 kids in the class!!!! Yikes! On one hand I am scared to death, and on the other I am excited f0r the opportunity to teach and make a difference in their young lives.

After church we headed up to my Mom's house to have dinner with my family. We had a blast eating, talking, and watching the kids hunt for eggs. Grandma Great even had fun watching.

I'm so grateful this Easter for my Savior. I'm grateful for the Atonement. Not just so we can be forgiven of our sins, but because it made Jesus that much more able to be there for us in our times of trial and tribulation. He didn't just suffer our sins, but suffered our heartaches, sadness, and pain that result from either sin or tribulation. I'm grateful for the opportunity to reflect on that this day and renew my spirit to face all of my trials and tribulations knowing that he is with me and he truly knows my pain.

Happy Easter everyone!

Happy, Happy, Birthday Mother Dear....

2009-04-01T19:23:00.000-07:00

Today is my Mom's Birthday. She is 63 years young. She would kill me for that, but most of you would be surprised to know she is actually 63 and not 43. My Mom has aged beautifully! I only hope I can inherit her genes! I thought that being her birthday today, I would post a tribute to her. So here goes:

My Mom was born April 1, 1943 in Indiana (I'm not sure what exact city it was) to Donald and Viola Martin. She was born almost an only child since her older brother Kenny is six years older than her.
Doesn't Maddy and Hailey look just like her?

This is my Mom and her Mother Viola:
My Mom and her only brother Kenny:

Her parents moved her to California when she was a teenager and she grew up playing volleyball, water skiing, and helping her Mom and Dad out at the A&W's they owned. She is such a HoTTie!!! Can you believe this picture?

Most of you don't know either that my Mom is a convert to the church. Her brother Kenny met a young lady who was LDS and told him she wouldn't marry him unless it was in the temple. So, he started taking the discussions which peaked my Mom's interest. My Mom and her Mother were baptized when my Mom was only sixteen years old.

Christmas with her Mom and Dad, can you believe how skinny and beautiful?

My Mom has always been an inspiration to me. She has had many trials and difficulties in her life, and always has remained happy to the very core. Some have shaken her pretty deep, but she always pulls through and ends up smiling. When I turned 12 and joined YW's as a beehive my Mom was called to be the YW's president. She was the YW's president a whopping six years! She was the greatest YW President any of us could ask for and all the girls loved her. She also has worked as an Office Manager at a Construction Co. for over twenty years now, and I worked for her for a few years on and off as an assistant. So for some years my Mom was my YW President, my boss at work, and the boss at home as well! People ask me all the time if I liked that and I tell them honestly that those years were the best time of my life! I loved it!!! My Mom was so fun and happy and did everything she could to teach us girls and give us the best experience possible growing up to draw closer to our Heavenly Father. She taught me more during those years than anyone! I admired her...I really don't know how she did it. A full time job, a full time mother, YW President, etc. She never ceases to amaze me with her energy and excitement for life. SHe is also the most humble person ever and she would never admit she did a good job at anything. She really is such an example to me of a a strong, LDS mother. NEVER does she think of herself, and ALWAYS is she thinking of others and how to serve them and fulfill their needs.

I know I haven't been a perfect child Mom and I have made plenty of mistakes in my life, but I hope I make you proud as daughter. I strive to give my own daughters the same experience you gave me. I strive to teach them everyday how to work hard, serve those around you, have faith, BE HAPPY, and give them the LOVE they deserve such as you did for me and for my sister. I really hope that if I can give them half the love and praise you gave me, they will turn out great!

Happy, Happy Birthday Mother dear.....you deserve the Best! Love you!

How Sweet it is...

2009-03-28T13:08:00.001-07:00

I know, I know....everyone keeps telling me to update my blog!! I keep using the same excuse that "my computer crashed". Well, that is technically still true. My computer crashed and a really good friend helped me out by fixing it for me and then all my pictures started disappearing into unknown folders randomly. I was just done with my computer, but because we do not have the money to replace it right now I am just trying to get by. My pictures are being worked on right now, so hopefully everything will be up and running again soon. I say hopefully, but who knows. If I have learned anything through this ordeal it is:
A) Always, always, always, back up your hardrive consistently.
and
B) When the screen on your computer pops up with the "Update is available" window, ALWAYS, always, always update, do NOT click "Do it later".
Hahaha. Good times, right Devin?

Anyways, while I am still waiting for my pictures and Iphoto library to be working again, I couldn't resist blogging this....

After a particularly bad day this week, I opened up Cody's lunch box to clean it out and make his lunch for the next day and found the following:

During his lunch break, Cody had torn off a piece of cardboard from a box and wrote down "Things I love about my wife." I literally burst into tears when I saw this sweet note from him. Not only did it come on a day when I felt like I was failing as a mother/wife/daughter/everything else, but it meant so much to me that he thinks about me during his day and then took the time to write a few things down. I know it wasn't much to him, but to me it meant EVERYTHING! I just needed something to uplift me that day, and that did the trick and then some! The last two months have been filled with several trials that made life seem as if the clouds were never going to break. Cody was laid off from his job, and a few other things came our way that we were never expecting. Cody always stayed strong, and he always kept me going. I was the one who stressed and fretted about every little thing while he just shrugged his shoulders and told me very calmly that everything would be alright. And sure enough, everything did turn out alright. Cody got a great job with a company that is going to really offer a lot of opportunities and training for him. He is working like a madman. They told him that for the next three weeks he would be working seven, ten hour shifts! He gets up every morning around five, and then drives to Park City and works all day until he gets home around six. He hasn't had a day off for two weeks straight and probably won't have a day off for another 7-14 days. What an incredible man! He is doing whatever it takes to provide for our family, and gain the training he needs to improve himself and eventually get into a better position. I am the proudest wife around right now. I have the greatest husband who cares enough and loves me enough to think about me during his tough day and take the time to let me know. What more could I ask for? Oh how sweet it is...

New Email Address

2008-12-16T11:48:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone,
I'm sure most of you think I have dropped off the face of the earth, and I promise that although I have been MIA in the blogging world, I am still alive and doing well! My computer is undergoing some serious changes which is creating a lot of anxiety for me....I don't do well with change! Anyways, I promise to update my blog soon with pictures and let you all know what we have been up to the last month or so. In the meantime, I have changed my email address for those of you who don't know. The new email address is: meridithtoram@me.com

I hope you are all having a Merry Christmas so far and I'll write soon!

Meridith

History has been Made...

2008-11-06T08:49:00.000-08:00

I haven't been able to post anything as of late because my computer CRASHED!! Hopefully, it will be up and running again soon, not sure! But, I couldn't wait to post a few comments on my thoughts of Tuesday night so that I can remember this day and how I felt. Although I am a Republican and subsequently support the republican party and it's leaders, I must say I found myself full of pride and excited as the results came in on Tuesday night. I wasn't really disappointed or discouraged like many who voted for McCain. Instead, I was grateful to be apart of history and see something happen that many thought they would never witness in their lifetime. It was thrilling to see all the headlines the next day announcing that History had been made, and I was a part of it. To think about how far our country has come and what just happened is inexplainable. I cried that night thinking of Martin Luther King Jr. and how he must feel right now looking down on America. I thought of our constitution and how wonderful it is to have a document in our country stating freedom, and equality as our premise and seeing now that it really is true. I am so glad that I was here for this wonderful day in time to see it happen and unfold right in front of me. It is an exciting time. I hope that President Elect Obama can bring about the change he promises and can steer our country into a better, more stable condition. I also must add that I was very impressed with John McCain and his spirit of gratitude and how well he accepted his loss. He is a very impressive man and really does love his Country.

Here's hoping the next four years are as great as we all can hope!

Catching Up....

2008-10-20T15:35:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to do a little catch up so this post might be a little long winded but here goes.....

Maddy is now EIGHTEEN months and had her check up today! She is in the 85% for weight (gasp!) and 50% for height. She is such a growing girl, and we love her!!!!

How could you not love this face?!!
Cody's work had a Halloween party over the weekend and so we got to get all dressed up and have a fun time. Here's the three cutest kids on the block:
Bronson: the army man!
Hailey: the Karate girl!
Maddy: Supergirl with an army twist! :)

Bronson looks like he's having a blast!
This is Hailey picking up the "coolest kid costume" award
Here's Maddy with her treat bag she scored for best superhero costume! I'm so bummed because Cody and I didn't get one picture of the two of us together as Spartan Cheerleaders! Which by the way, we won Best Costume at the party!
On Sunday after church Cody and I took a drive up the canyon to take some pictures of the fall colors. It was amazing up there.
Not a great picture of us, but the Fall colors look amazing!
This is last weekend when we took the kids to Hee Haw Farms and it was freezing cold so this is about the only picture we got.
The picture below is the latest flower bouquet Cody brought home for me. He is the sweetest husband in the whole world. Every paycheck Friday he brings me home a beautiful bouquet of flowers! I really am the luckiest girl in the world to have a husband so romantic and kind!

We are loving life and enjoying our family each and every day and continually are grateful for such a wonderful life! Happy Halloween!

****We are having a Halloween party at our house the day after Halloween (Nov. 1st) for anyone who would like to come. It is an adults only party and you can't come unless you are in costume!****

2008-10-15T10:26:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox greeting

"Going Private"

2008-10-13T10:14:00.001-07:00

I have finally decided to join the "I'm going Private" bandwagon. Send me your email so I can add you to my list of people to invite to my blog!

A sweet treat for my sweetheart!

2008-10-01T14:37:00.001-07:00

I got in a little "Martha Stewart" baking mood today and decided to bake something festive. Then I decided to take the "Martha Stewartness" to the next level by baking the bread in a heart pan. Yum!

Here's the recipe:

Chocolate-Chip Pumpkin Bread

5 Eggs, well beaten

3 C. Sugar

2 1/2 C. Canned Pumpkin

2 C. Oil

4 1/2 C. Flour

1 1/2 t. salt

1 1/2 t. Baking Soda

4 1/2 t. Cinnamon

1 1/2 t. Nutmeg

1 1/2 t. Cloves

1 t. Ginger

1 1/4 C. Milk Chocolate Chips (I added way more than that!)

Preheat oven to 350 Degrees. Cream eggs and sugar. Add pumpkin and oil. Add dry ingredients slowly and combine thoroughly. Fold in chocolate chips. Pour into 4 greased and lightly-floured loaf pans. Bake for 45 minutes.

*This recipe can be halved or bread loaves can be frozen.

Maddy and her Milk!

2008-09-20T07:24:00.000-07:00

Most of you know Maddy loves to eat...that girl can really pack it in! Cody and I call her "The Scavenger" because she is always eating food off the floor, eating food off other people's plates, and grabbing food out of the pantry every chance she gets. When I make breakfast in the morning she always runs over to her chair, starts screaming bloody murder until I put her in, and then just bounces and giggles until I hand over her food. (Unless I am taking too long to make the food and then she starts to get a little crabby!) Anyways, she doesn't ever let a morsel of food go to waste, which is evident when she eats her cereal. After she eats all the cereal, she then lifts the bowl up to her mouth and very loudly slurps the milk until it is gone and then she smiles and says proudly, "yummy", and then hands the bowl over to me and says "more!" She is so funny! It cracks me up every single time. She is just the cutest chubby girl around!

Honeymooning in Hawaii...with Family!

2008-09-16T14:13:00.000-07:00

Most of you know Cody and I went to Hawaii for our honeymoon. It was amazing! I seriously have never had a better vacation (or honeymoon) for that matter! We walked on the beach holding hands in the moonlight, ate seriously yummy food all day, slept in, took naps, relaxed on the beach, visited all the fun tourist sites, and enjoyed being a married couple with no kids! Cody's family was also over there for Kami's baby blessing and so we even got to hang out with them when we wanted....what more could I ask for?! We truly had such a great time and if I could have shipped my kids and all my stuff over there, I never would have left! I love the Hawaiin culture, food, lifestyle, and their spirit. They are the happiest and most carefree, loving people. It is such a beautiful place, everywhere you look is a postcard-worthy picture. Now that we are home and I have gotten over the withdrawals of being in the most beautiful place in the world, I still can't wait to go back, but I also love my life here and I am so overwhelmed with how immensely blessed I am. I really couldn't have imagined over a year ago how lucky and happy I would be today. I am married to the love of my life finally and I am continually amazed at how much more deeply in love I am with him everyday. He is supportive, loving, kind, and yes, patient! Three kids and a crazy wife that worries about things like the stock market crashing at 2 AM--you wouldn't survive if you didn't have patience! Everytime I look at these pictures of our honeymoon I will remember the wonderful time we had, but look forward to a lifetime of memories, vacations, and great times with the greatest husband in the world! The next trip we are planning might not be as romantic as Hawaii, but I think the kids will like it! Hint: M-I-C-K-E-Y- M-O-U-S-E!!!!!

The Temple in Laie
This is in front of the Polynesian Cultural Center (Our memory card ran out right before we went in so this is the only one we have!)
On our Sunset Dinner Cruise:

The Famous Dole Plantation
This is the most memorable day in Hawaii in a little town called Haliewa. We just played at the beach all day.
This is at Matusmoto's World Famous Shaved Ice Shop. The best in Hawaii!
Cody was rejected from the 2008 Bejing Olympics, but gave us a great performance!
Lounging at the pool.
On our way to the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor.
Cody's parents and us at Pearl Harbor.
This is on the Sunset Dinner Cruise...the waitress placed a whole lobster on my plate, and I just about lost it. I swear the thing wasn't dead yet and was staring at me. I love the look on my face!
The first night on the beach at Sunset.
Our Hotel had ponds all around it with all kinds of fish, sting rays, and sharks swimming around.
Our first morning there we woke up at six to take a walk on the beach and watch the sun rise.
I love this picture Cody took. When I look at this picture, I remember everything about our trip. So peaceful!
This is the view from our Hotel room overlooking the Hotel's private bay. We woke up to this view every morning, you can't get any better than this!

Wedding Pictures....Finally!

2008-09-12T07:17:00.000-07:00

I have been super busy since we got home from Hawaii and haven't really had time to post any pictures. Here are some of the Bridals/Groomals and then a few pictures of the actual wedding that I stole off of a few people's blogs. When I get our pictures back I will post more of the actual wedding...It was soooo beautiful!! Thank you to all of our family and friends who made it such a beautiful and amazing night.

Hailey's 1st Day of School!

2008-08-25T22:16:00.000-07:00

Today was quite an eventful day in our house. My baby started Kindergarten! Yep, Hailey is a big girl officially. Wow.....I never thought this day would come so soon. It seems like just yesterday I was holding her in my arms singing her lullaby's in her room rocking her to sleep. Hailey was sooooo excited to start school today. We laid out her clothes the night before by her bed so she was ready to go in the morning. When I woke her up singing "First Day of School!" in my best embarassing Mom voice, she shot right out of bed with her best Hailey smile. She has the most beautiful smile! (I might be just a bit biased). So, we got her bathed and dressed and we did her hair just perfectly with her cute little headband and headed out the door for her embarassing "First Day of School" pictures. I took a million pictures and Hailey was excited at first, but when all the kids started showing up by the curb waiting for the school bus, she got really irritated and told me basically to stop the humiliation. Luckily, Cody showed up for a little moral support and calmed me down a bit until the bus arrived and I just about peed my pants, I was so nervous for her. Cody is so sweet! I was so dang impressed by Hailey when she turned, got in line, and without a moments hesitation, she boarded the big bus. She didn't even look back, wave, smile, or scream "I love you Mom, you're the most wonderful Mom in the whole world, and I can't live without you!" like I dreamed she would. Nope, she got on like it was no big freakin deal and sat down. I of course, burst into tears and ran like hell to my car to get in and follow the speeding bus down the road to her school. Poor Bronson and Maddy were in the back just watching all the fuss and Mom talking to herself: "Don't cry, you idiot, don't cry." We pull up to the school and of course I'm so distracted looking for Hailey's bus, that I drove through the bus lane right past two huge signs that say "No private vehicles", parked the car, grabbed Maddy and Bronson like there was a fire burning through town, and ran to the bus stop to get a good spot on the pavement before all the other obsessive Mom's squeezed me out. I sat waiting, and waiting and her bus didn't show up. I started panicking a little and I seriously had the thought come to my head that maybe I put her on the wrong bus and somehow she was on her way to a totally different school and my poor baby was going to be lost on her first day and it was all my fault!!!!! Oh no!!! Whewww......just when I was about to run screaming into the office to start a radio communication with all the other buses in the city of Orem, I saw a glimpse of the big dog picture on the front of her bus and breathed for the first time in about ten minutes. Of course all the other Mom's start going crazzzzyyy with their camera's screaming "Johnny over here!" "Sara, smile for me sweety!"......and so I immediately like them start flashing my camera this way and that way until I realize I'm taking pictures of the wrong bus and Hailey has already gotten off her bus and was headed my way. What a dork! So I try to catch up with the pictures and we head into the school. We get into her classroom and find her name and she sits down and starts playing with the blocks on the table. Her teacher is busily greeting students and passing out name tags. Hailey is at this point trying to avoid me, and gives me this look like why don't you get out of here already Mom! I look to her teacher for support and encouragement thinking she'll ask the parents to stay for a few minutes, and her teacher just says, "It's time to leave now."
"What the....?" I knew I didn't like that Mrs. Rodas when I met her!
Well, I told myself for about the millionth time that day to pull it together for heaven's sake and turned and walked out of the classroom. My eyes were swimming, and I could barely see one foot in front of me and all the other kids were running to their classrooms all around me. I felt so incredibly lost! I suddenly turned around in my tracks and marched back to her door to steal another peak through the glass. I was sure Hailey was sad, crying, or at least a little scared and needed one last hug from her Mommy, but oh no. There she was: laughing, smiling, talking to Javier next to her. She was just fine.....in fact, she was more than just fine. She was great!!! I was crushed. Literally heartsick, that my baby didn't need me at all anymore. I turned around once more to head home. I went immediately to the mall to do a little retail therapy, but I just couldn't seem to take my mind off of the day. I just kept wondering how she was doing, if she needed to go to the bathroom and couldn't get her belt off quick enough (Thanks, JED!) and if the other kids were being nice.
When I got home I still had a good 30 minutes before her bus was to be showing up, but I took Bronson and Maddy outside and we played until the bus arrived. As soon as I heard the bus down the street, I ran to the curb and waited anxiously. The bus pulled up across the street, and I decided to just stay put and not embarass Hailey any more today. The bus stopped, the door opened, and Hailey came running across the street, and I heard that one word that made my whole day worthwhile, "Mom!" she yelled with a smile that ran from ear to ear. She was so excited and told me she loved school and couldn't wait to go back the next day. She talked about how she had so much fun playing at recess on the playground, and then when a mean boy called her poopy pants she just ignored him and walked away. Boys can say mean things, I tell her, but it doesn't matter what anyone thinks or says to her as long as she is true to herself and remembers how much I love her. Wow, I just had my first after-school special with her! This day rocks! We get inside and I start making lunch and Hailey informs me that she is so tired from such a long day at school that she just has to lay down on the couch while lunch is being made and rest.
So that is our first day of school.....I'm really hoping the next time isn't this hard!
Oh, I forgot the best part: When I was tucking Haiey in tonight she said, "Mom, I need to tell you something important." Okay, I waited....."um.....tomorrow when the bus comes, I just want to wait outside by myself, and you and Bronson and Maddy can just stay inside, okay?"
"Okay, I guess so." :)

Here's a little teaser for everyone...all pictures coming soon!

2008-08-19T14:13:00.000-07:00

More of Hailey....gotta love it!

2008-08-06T22:07:00.000-07:00

So I just had to catch up on some of the CRAZY funny things Hailey has said recently. She never ceases to amaze me with her quick wit, and extremely mature attitude!

The other day Hailey had her new best friend Layla from downstairs up at our place having lunch with us. The kids were at the table eating and I was in the kitchen cleaning of course. I had to bite my tongue to keep from laughing at their conversation:

Layla: Is your Daddy at work Hailey?

Hailey: No, we have THE DIVORCE. Do you know what THE DIVORCE is?

Layla: Uh-uh.

Hailey: THE DIVORCE is when you aren't married anymore and you don't live together, and you never, ever, are together again. Right, Mom?

Me: Yep, that 's right Hailey.

Layla: Oh.

Hailey: But, my Mom is marrying Cody and he's really nice. He likes kids, especially new kids....and motorcycles. Oh, and he doesn't like it when you don't listen to my Mom.

I was seriously bursting at the seams. I was laughing because it was really funny to hear things explained from a five-year-olds point of view, but I was also bursting with pride that she understood everything so well, and that she is not afraid to tell her friends and is proud of her family. Love her!

A few day's later we were shopping at Kohl's and I was in the bra section because Vera Wang has apparently crossed over from designing beautiful wedding dresses, to designing anything and everything including bras and underwear. That woman is talented, dang. Anyways all her bra's were buy two get one free, so I had to check it out. Here's how the conversation went:

Hailey: Mom, what are these things for? (Holding up a very lacy, very well padded bra)

Me: Ummmm....well, they help support mommies.

Hailey: (Holding the bra up to my chest and grinning, and then points to my chest and says): Oh, so it holds up those little things?

Me: (Absolutely horrified) Yes Hailey, thank you Hailey for pointing that out.

Hailey: Sure mom, you should get one of these!

Ah, gotta love her. :)

We need addresses!

2008-07-28T17:20:00.000-07:00

For any of you who have dropped off the face of the earth or who haven't talked to me in a while, I am getting married August 30th! So.......if you think you need to be invited, leave me your address in a comment, or you can email it to me at:
meridithtaylor@mac.com

Only four more weeks!

Fishing, Roasting, and Getting Dirty!

2008-07-20T20:01:00.000-07:00

This weekend was so much fun. We took the kids up the canyon and went fishing, roasted hot dogs and smore's and had a blast!

Cody took the kids for a little ride on the motorcylce Sunday afternoon:

Maddie just wanted to play around in her car:
This is what Maddie did most the night. She just wanted to sit in her chair and eat Bugles.
Hailey and Austin throwing rocks.

As you can see, Maddie got pretty dirty by the end of the night, but discovered she really likes marshmallows!
This is the kids fishing with Cody.

Hailey saw a little squirrel on the trail.

I love Summer!

2008-07-18T08:25:00.001-07:00

I love cooking in the summer with all the fresh fruits/vegetables. Last night I made an absolutely delish dinner and couldn't help but blog it! First I grilled asparagus on the BBQ which is one of my favorite things in the world. Then I made a fresh tomatoe/mozzarella pasta salad which was to die for, and then I finished off with dessert which was an apple dumpling yummy goodness! I got the recipes for the pasta salad and apple dumplings off a popular website called extreme dinner makeover which is now one of my links. Here's the recipes:

Fusilli Alla Caprese :

1 pound fusilli pasta

3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups cherry tomatoes, quartered (about 1 1/2 pints)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves, torn
8 ounces fresh mozzarella, diced (about 1 1/4 cups)

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain pasta into a large bowl and reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid.
In a medium skillet heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, salt, and pepper. As the tomatoes cook and soften, smash them with a fork. Continue to cook until the tomatoes make a chunky style sauce, about 4 minutes. Transfer the tomato sauce to the bowl with the pasta. Toss to combine. Add the basil leaves and mozzarella. Stir to combine. Add the reserved pasta water, 1/4 cup at a time, until the pasta is moist. Serve.

Apple Dumplings

2 Granny Smith apples
2 cans crescent rolls
2 sticks butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoons vanilla
cinnamon
1 small can Mountain Dew (i use abt. 6 oz.)

Peel and core apples. Cut apples into 8 slices each. Roll each apple slice in a crescent roll. Place in a 9 x 13 buttered pan. Melt butter, then add sugar and barely stir. Add vanilla, stir, and pour over apples. Pour Mountain Dew around the edges of the pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Serve with ice cream, and spoon some of the sweet sauces from the pan over the top.

For the asparagus I just coat the spears in olive oil, and salt and pepper and place directly on the grill for about 10-15 minutes depending on how crisp/soft you like them.

Happy Fourth of July!

2008-07-09T13:46:00.000-07:00

We had a great 4th of July weekend, and here are the pics:

Cute Hailey....

2008-06-22T22:42:00.000-07:00

We had a total blog-worthy event happen today. I have no pictures unfortunately, my camera was missing for a while so I just added this picture of Hailey from Easter because it is so dang cute. Hailey never ceases to amaze me with her random, cute comments. We were having cousins dinner at Cody's sister's house and Hailey and the kids just had to break into Nalani's candy jar for an after-dinner treat. I was currently in the restroom and Hailey knows she has to ask permission to have a treat. So, she did what any kid would do and asked the next person in line to answer the question. She asked Cody for the treat and he told her that she needed to find mom and ask her. She looked up at him with a kind of confused, but impatient look on her face and replied quite defiantly, "Well, your my Dad now so can't you decide?" Oh the laughs we got out of that one. Cody probably would have given her anything at that point. Hailey never misses the little things, what a girl. She is growing up so fast, I can't believe my baby is five and starting kindergarten in the fall. It seems like just yesterday I was holding my newborn in my arms thanking my Father in Heaven for such a wonderful gift. Hailey has been through a whole lot this past year and has stood by my side the entire time. She has seen me cry quite a bit and held my hand or patted my back or lovingly told me it will all be okay. We have a favorite phrase in our house now a days which is "Life's not fair." We have all learned (even Bronson) that we don't always get what we want in life and sometimes things happen in life that are just plain not fair, but Life in general is not fair. On the other hand, we have learned that even with trials, and pain, and suffering, we will always have each other and our family there for us. We will always have those we love most in life there to support us through our good times and bad. Our little family has gotten so close through the last year, and our love has grown immensely for each other through our trials. It is so fun now to see Cody come into our family and add to our love and make our family whole again. We have so much fun just being together as a family. We love going to park with a pizza and just sitting and talking in the shade on a blanket for hours. What could be more wonderful than that?

This next week the kids are leaving to spend time with their Dad and I am already missing them. It is tough not having them with me, but I know they miss me and love me while they are gone. I have a lot to do as well. I think the townhome has finally sold and I am looking to move around the 30th of June. So, I have a lot of packing and a lot of wedding planning to get done this week. If I'm lucky though, I might be able to sneak in an afternoon at Seven Peaks!

Lot's of catching up to do!!!

2008-06-05T15:33:00.000-07:00

It has been a crazy busy last few weeks for me and I haven't had time to do any posts lately. I was looking through the pictures on my camera today and realized just how behind I am. This post is completely random! Anyways.....
Cody turned the big 3-0 this year and it was quite the weekend. I threw a surprise party for him and invited all of our friends over to his sister's house:

I'm sure he wasn't that surprised because I accidently sent the email I mailed to everyone telling them about the surprise and forgot to take his name off the list! Whoops!

I just want to take a minute and write about my sweetheart. I feel bad I didn't post this on his actual birthday which is June 1st, but better now than never!....I have been through quite a lot in my 27 years, especially the last year or two. It hasn't been easy for me by any means and I have wanted to just give up many times, but I never did. I knew I had something wonderful in store for me. I knew my Heavenly Father had a plan. I realized what that plan was when I met Cody Ellis Oram. I wouldn't say I knew immediately that this was the man I was going to marry, but from the very moment I met him I can honestly say I knew there was something special about him and I couldn't just ignore that. Since I met Cody my life has completely shifted into a whole new direction which is the happiest I have ever been. Don't get me wrong...I still have many trials and heartaches (that will never change) but I am happy and I finally feel like I know this is where I am suppose to be. I can honestly say that I know without one single doubt in my mind that Cody and I were meant to be together and share the rest of our lives here on earth. We have both been through quite a lot and have had many hard and difficult things to endure, and I'm sure that there will still be difficult times ahead. That is the plan. But there is something to be said about going through life's trials with the right one. Somehow I think it will all be more bearable and the happy and good times will far outnumber the hard and trying ones. I love Cody for who he is today. Not who he was yesterday, or tomorrow, or at any time in the future. I love him for who he is right now at this very moment and I know he feels the same about me. He adores and cherishes me and my three kids. He respects me, he laughs with me, and even shops with me! What more could I ask for?! He is always kind and respectful to everyone and makes them feel important to him. He is a hard worker. I always tell him he seems to know a little bit about everything and it is so true! He is sociable (which I absolutely love) and always up for a party or dinner with friends. He loves to be adventurous and try new things. He loves the gospel and wants to help me in my responsibilities to raise my kids in the gospel. He loves family and friends. This is what I think I fell in love with first about Cody. The way he talks about his family and especially his mother and sisters is so refreshing. I know I am babbling now and going on but I could go on forever. There are a million things I could say about Cody right now, but simply put:

I am the luckiest girl in the world! I love you Cody! Happy Birthday!

For his birthday gift I got us tickets to see the AMA Motor races in Tooele. We had a blast riding out there and spending the day together.

Isn't he so cute?!!! Such a stud!

Yamaha is his favorite motorcycle so he just had to get a picture in front of their big truck.
Last week I took the kids to Seven Peaks and had a lot of fun in the warm weather while it lasted, which wasn't very long. We can't wait to go again. Rain, rain, go away!

I was so excited to go on a cruise with my good friend Lou to Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas. Here we are on the plane ride out there. Cody was picking a bike up in San Diego (shocker) and so he got to fly out there with us. Lou met him for the first time at the airport and just about smacked me upside the head when she found out I was engaged. I planned on surprising her at the airport though just so I could get a good reaction out of her!

This is the Formal night on the cruise.

This is the view from the beach we snorkeled at in Cabo San Lucas.

This is at La Bufadora (The Blowhole) in Ensenada.
Last but not least.....This is what Maddy looked like when she woke up a few mornings ago....I had to take a picture, can we say Bad HAIR day!!!

It's Official!

2008-05-15T12:12:00.000-07:00

Last night Cody finally proposed!!! He got me so good too! He didn't want me to have any idea he was proposing so he got some friends to help him out and completely shocked me. He told me we were headed to Sears to "look at tools" and on the way there a Provo police car flashed it's lights and sirens and pulled us over. The officer came up and said that Cody's muffler on his car was hanging too low to the ground and that he didn't have a front plate on his car (which he didn't). So he took Cody's liscence and registration and went back to his car. I was absolutely dying because a while back Cody got a ticket and signed up to do traffic school but never went and by now he probably should have a warrant out for his arrest. So, when both cops came back and were on both sides of the car I knew it was bad and Cody was going to be arrested. My heart was pounding, my palms were sweating, and I swear I was either going to start crying or have a panic attack. I just kept thinking of my boyfriend being hauled off to jail right in front of me and I had no money to bail him out. So they took Cody out and began to search him while I am in the passenger seat trying to talk myself into being rational and not crying in front of the police officers to please not take my boyfriend away. All of the sudden the officer comes over and asks me to get out of the car as well and he wants to search the car. I had a death grip on my phone ready to call Nalani, or my mom to bail him out and slowly got out of the car and watched as they padded Cody down. The officer kept asking me to stand where they could see me towards the back of the car while they searched the trunk. So all of the sudden Cody turns around and has the ring and drops down on one knee and all I could think was "Cody, this is seriously not the time to be proposing to me, not like this!" It still had not donned on me that this was all a huge set up. Cody had to literally say to me, "Meridith, this is a set up will you marry me?" When it finally hit me what was going on I was mad as hell that he got me soooo good and then so dang excited that he was finally proposing and I was finally going to get my ring! I was so ticked that he had put me through all of that, I think I even threw my phone on the ground. I'm sure it was pretty funny to watch me go through all of those emotions. It took me a few minutes to even say yes. Sam and Chari who work for the Provo police department and helped Cody set this all up jumped out of their car from across the street where they had been watching the whole time and were laughing because I hadn't said yes yet. Needless to say I forgave him (how could I not? just look at the ring!!!) and we are getting married the last weekend in August! Also, keep checking back because the police officers had their Dash Cam going the whole time and recorded everything and are giving us a copy which I will post as soon as we get it. I love you Cody! You have made me the happiest woman in the world.....just by being you.

Awesome Weekend!

2008-05-11T22:13:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun this weekend! We were busy from dusk till dawn every day, but what a fun weekend we had! We went to Kangaroo Zoo Friday afternoon with Nalani and her baby Cash, Maile and her cute little boys Quinn and Cannon, and little Riley. The kids had a lot of fun and were exhausted by the time we were done. Friday night Cody and I went to the Jazz game with our good friends Chris and Jen. We were screaming so loud we about lost our voices, but it did help that we got free shirts! Saturday the kids and I went to Salt Lake with my mom, sister, brother, and sister-in-law to run the Race for the Cure. We were sponsored by Elase Medical Spas of course. We also spent some time at Jed and Nalani's riding the four wheeler which Bronson and Hailey absolutely loved. I had the best Mother's Day yet and recieved some sweet cards from the kids and a beautiful necklace and ring from Cody. We went up to my Mom's house for the rest of the day and had fun playing with our family and an awesome Mexican Fiesta with fajitas, guacamole, and strawberry pie, my favorite!

Cutest Necklaces Ever!

2008-04-30T13:40:00.000-07:00

I saw these necklaces yesterday at Nordstrom's. You can also get LOVE, CHERISH, LUCK, KARMA, and a few others. This would be a great mother's day gift for my mom!! (Right, mom?)

No Training Wheels!

2008-04-29T20:50:00.000-07:00

Today I took the training wheels off Hailey's bike and while my Dad was down we attempted to teach her how to ride solo. Wow....I can't believe it, my daughter is a genius! She picked it up in about 20 minutes. She seriously was amazing. She hasn't mastered how to turn yet and hasn't quite gotten down how to stop. She just slows down and bails on the bike and sends it to the ground. She did great! Here are some of the pictures and one video. I hadn't used this video key on my camera yet so I didn't get her coming down the street until the last minute, but her comment at the end is priceless. In my defense, it was about the 20th time I had watched her ride down the street all by herself. Gotta love four year olds who are going on 24!

So long for the Summer....

2008-04-25T12:48:00.000-07:00

My friend Lindy and her husband Matt just left for Chicago this morning for Matt's job. They will be gone through the Summer and I will miss them so....if Matt wasn't so great I would totally kidnap Lindy from him! :) I just wanted to say thanks to Lindy for being such a great friend to me this past year over such a difficult time in my life. She has literally been there for me to listen, to cry, to laugh, and to point out all the positives staring me in the face I always seem to miss. I will miss our dinner/shopping nights, but it's not forever. I love ya to death Lindy! Prepare yourself for me to come out in June/July and totally invade your space!

So are the days of our lives....

2008-04-15T14:07:00.000-07:00

Wow, this post has got quite a lot of catching up involved. First of all, I just want to apologize for not updating my blog for a whole month. I have gotten some rather angry and pushy comments/phone calls. It has been quite busy in our house. Life sure seems to sweep you up in whirlwind of distractions and drop you down before you know what has hit you.

First of all, here are our cute Easter pics. Hailey absolutely looked like a princess (doesn't she always?), Bronson was my handsome man (he is growing up way too fast) and Madison was her usual bubbly self. We had a great day at Nana's house and enjoyed spending time with family.

We finally have our house up for sale. After a couple weeks of spending late nights, (and even later nights) I finally got it all staged. I had some fabulous input from some wonderful decorators and it is finally ready. Now here's the hard part: finding someone to buy it. I am really worried about selling it. The market as we all know has not been so hot, and it is not exactly the best time to be selling. Oh well, keep the faith Meridith.

And last but certainly not least: we finally had a broken bone in our family. Not that I was wanting it or excited about it, I just knew that sooner or later it was bound to happen. With all the bumps, bruises, falls, and trips my kids take it is a wonder it hasn't happened before. One morning we were all sitting on my bed playing and Madison got a little too close to the edge and did a back flip onto the floor breaking both her Radius and Ulna right in half! I took her into the instacare where they did x-rays and told us the news. Hailey was ecstatic that she got a cast, and Bronson was in tears because we had to be around so many doctors. Hailey ended up picking a bright blue cast which lasted only about a week and a half before it got wet and started to really smell, and then we ended up with a pretty purple for about the next two weeks. She is healing quickly and has learned how to lug the thing around pretty well. All in all, she will be healed completely in no time and we will be back to normal (if that is possible for our family).

One more thing, I am excited to be going back to school in May to Provo College to get my R.N. It is both scary and exciting to me. Exciting because I have always wanted to get my R.N., and scary because I haven't been to school in about six years. As soon as I sell the townhouse I will be moving closer to Provo College where Hailey will start Kindergarten in the fall, and Bronson (if he is pottytrained--heaven help me) will start preschool. My kids are so grown up!!! I am thrilled to start our new lives with so many exciting opportunities ahead. It will definitely be hard and I am sure there are days I will doubt I am doing the right thing--but I know in the end I am. I am going to sacrifice for a short while to put myself in a position where I can take care of me and my children so that in the long run we can enjoy life together whatever that may entail. Wow...I really haven't posted in quite a while and I am already getting teary eyed! So that is the condensed version of our life lately and what is going on with us. We are all doing well, broken bones and all.....

"Your a Mother!"

2008-03-14T08:55:00.000-07:00

Interesting the views our children have on life....Yesterday I was curling Hailey's hair for her before a birthday party for a boy at her preschool. This is the conversation we had:

Hailey: "Mom, do you think I am skinny?"

Me: (Bewildered, and grasping for words) "I think you are beautiful just the way you are. There are people that are big, skinny, tall, short, and all shapes and sizes. One is not better than the rest."

Hailey: "Well, I want to be skinny."

Me: "That's fine, you can be whatever you want to be. Do you think I'm skinny?"

Hailey: "Your a mother!"

Me: "Thanks, I guess."

I don't know what is going on in her little mind, but I wasn't sure if she was complimenting me or if I should be completely offended!

Swimsuit Season....

2008-03-12T13:43:00.001-07:00

With the weather getting warmer it is apparent to me that swimsuit season will be in full swing before I know it. I always hate the miserable trip to the mall to find a MODEST swimsuit that actually looks appropriate to be in public but hip enough to feel good about myself and all my "curves". Anyways, I love these swimsuits from Modbe Clothing. Fun, fashionable, and MODEST!!! Anyways, I wanted to order one but I figure there are a lot of you out there in my same predicament so I was thinking of hosting a party. If your interested just leave a comment on my blog and I will send you an invite. Can't wait! :)

No Book Club...

2008-03-10T16:41:00.000-07:00

I have been in bed since Friday with a very bad case of the flu that is going around. I haven't been able to get better and I haven't even been able to get any reading done while I have been sick because of the nausea. So sorry everyone, book club will be cancelled indefinitely! I will post more later....right now I have to go blow my nose!

Happy Birthday Madison!

2008-03-04T09:48:00.000-08:00

My little baby is one year old today! I can't believe it.....

Maddies 1st Birthday Party

2008-03-02T19:13:00.001-08:00

Me and my siblings:
Left to Right: Colin, Me, Kristen, and Jared

Madison's four generation picture-Grandma will be 100 in December! Can you believe she looks this good?!

Crazy cousin's!

I think Grandma fell asleep while eating her cake!

Cute Hailey!

Bronson getting ready to dive into both cakes!

This is me getting in on Maddie's cake:

Maddie with her favorite person in the whole world: Uncle Chewey

Check out my mad Martha Stewart skills:

The Birthday girl before the party:

Update on Previous Post...

2008-02-25T14:55:00.000-08:00

It is now 4:00 PM and I have hit a new low even for me. I have been feeling sad all day and as a girl whenever we feel sad we immediately go for chocolate. Well, Madison was taking a nap so I couldn't run to the gas station and grab myself a quick fix so I completely scoured the house for chocolate and found none. I even went through Hailey's room to see if she had any leftover Valentines candy--no luck! After about 20 minutes of searching for something I discovered a bag of chocolate chips and started eating some by the handfuls. While I was sitting there enjoying my "snack" I noticed the Peanut Butter jar sitting directly in front of me. I thought what the heck, and grabbed a spoon and dived right in. Somewhere between the spoonful of peanut butter and the handful of chocolate chips I mixed in with it, the thought occurred to me that this was very wrong....but that didn't stop me. I must say I feel better! Now I guess I have to hit the gym.

I'm feeling Blue....

2008-02-25T10:01:00.000-08:00

I'm feeling blue today. I just want to curl up in my bed and pull the covers up over my head and sleep all day. The weather doesn't help. I wish it was warm and sunny. Anyone else feeling blue?

Bronson gets a Haircut

2008-02-22T08:38:00.000-08:00

Here's the before shot:

Here's after with his sucker he got for being good!

I mentioned in my last post that Bronson looks like he is going prematurely bald.....well, the whole story is that the other morning I was getting ready for the day and the kids had been pretty quiet for awhile which scared me so I came downstairs to find that Hailey had taken it upon herself to give Bronson a haircut. There was hair all over my bathroom and they both were laughing. Oh boy! I knew this day would come sooner or later. I was just hoping it was later. I pretended to be very upset with both of them but inside I was dying laughing! I had to turn around a few times to hide the smile on my face and not bust out laughing. It was pretty funny. I hate to admit this but, I took a picture of Bronson's new haircut so I could post a blog and I told Hailey that it was evidence for Santa Claus in case she wasn't a good girl the rest of the year. I am terrible! She was stunned, and now she keeps asking me everyday if she has been a good girl and to please not send the photo to the North Pole....what a girl.

Hogle Zoo in Febrrrrruary!

2008-02-20T20:29:00.000-08:00

Today the kids and I took a trip up to Hogle Zoo. What was I thinking?! It is the middle of February and I had this great idea to go to the zoo and spend two hours outside in 20 degree weather watching the animals enjoy themselves while we RAN from exhibit to exhibit.

Actually, I ended up holding Madison and pushing the stroller (with no one in it) and it wasn't all that bad! Once you are moving and running around after three tigers of your own, it's not that bad.

We watched the monkeys, the tigers, the lions, the giraffes, the lynxes, the penguins, the alligators, the bears, snakes and reptiles, but we didn't get to see the one animal all of us came for: the Elephants! Nope, that's right everybody it was too cold for those big elephants to be outside. I just about lost it because that is specifically what we came to the zoo to see and I never in a million years thought that an animal that big would ever actually be cold. The kids were so disappointed, and I thought Hailey was going to throw something at the poor zookeeper we talked to. Nevertheless, we moved onto the camels and all was well.

I had such a great day at the zoo with my sweet kids and enjoyed every minute of it.
P.S. Hailey decided to cut Bronson's hair yesterday which explains why he is looking prematurely bald....more on that later!

Happy Valentines Day

2008-02-14T09:19:00.001-08:00

For those of you with a Valentine, Happy Valentines Day!

For those of you like me who have dreaded and cringed walking into any store lately because of the bulk candy, chocolate, and gifts lining the shelves the last month, Happy SAD Day!! (Singles Awareness Day)

I have been dreading this day and generally having a really bad attitude about it until I decided that Valentines Day doesn't have to be about having someone to love. It can be about those YOU love! I have so many people in my life who I truly Love and adore and for that I am extremely grateful. I am incredibly fortunate and blessed to have the three greatest loves of my life with me this day and always. I love you Hailey, Bronson and Maddie!

Happy Valentines Day!

Wherefore art thou Summer?

2008-02-05T12:08:00.000-08:00

I miss the sun. I miss the warmth. I miss the feel of my flip flops. I miss pedicures and tanning creme.
I'm sick of snow, and slush. I'm sick of coats, and buttoning up. I'm sick of pale skin and goose bumps.
I WANT SUMMER!!!!

2008-02-02T14:51:00.000-08:00

I am absolutely in love with these shoes from Nordstrom. Cute, petite, and feminine. Now I just need to find the perfect dress to go with them....and a stack of cash!

Something to make you laugh on this cooooollllllddddd day!

2008-02-01T20:57:00.001-08:00

Book Review: Three Cups of Tea & Book Club!

2008-01-29T09:04:00.001-08:00

I just finished this book a few days ago and I still find myself thinking about it. This book is life-changing. It made me feel bad that I waste .95 nearly every day to go to the gas station for a drink because that .95 cents collectively if I saved it over the next month could literally pay for one girls education for a whole year! I am insanely jealous of the life that Greg Mortenson leads helping these children in the war-torn Middle East to gain access to a good education and establish some peace for them. Literally the only way to end violence and ignorance is through adequate education starting with children. He is a remarkable man with a wonderful heart and is doing something about the problems he sees in that area of the world. If you haven't read this book, I would recommend it to ANYONE! There is a whole chapter at the end about how you can donate to his charity: Central Asia Institute.

I decided that Tuesday, February 12th at my house would be a good day to have my first book club. I will post a reminder and time and such later. ANYONE who would like to come is invited if you have read the book or not. Come talk about the book or simply just come to be in good company!

We Thank Thee Oh God For a Prophet...

2008-01-28T17:06:00.001-08:00

What a bittersweet time it is for me. I have loved, respected, honored, and cherished our beloved Prophet since he was named President of our church at the age of 15. His love and care for the youth of the church touched me deeply at that time. I remember being present for his famous "6 B's" fireside when he mentioned YW should not have more than one set of ears pierced. My friend Lou and I sheepishly looked at each other in embarassment for we both had double holes and vowed to take them out immediately following the fireside. I did so and I have proudly never gone back. His strength, encouragement, and warnings for his fellow church members have given me comfort through some of the darkest hours of my life. I will miss him dearly as so many of you, but I am also full of joy at the thought of his reunion on the other side where he will be sure to numbered as one of our Heavenly Father's good and faithful servants.

Jerry O' Connel spoof on Tom Cruise

2008-01-22T14:12:00.000-08:00

Just press pause on my playlist before you play this video. It is a HILARIOUS spoof on Tom Cruise and I am still laughing!

Three Cups of Tea

2008-01-14T18:15:00.001-08:00

This is the newest book I am reading. I am enjoying it so much that I decided it would be fun to do a book club with it. I have never done a book club in my life (mostly because I don't have much time to read anymore) but I think it would be something fun to do since it is so cold outside and everyone is secluded in their homes. I was hoping to have the book read by the 14th of February and have the book club night sometime that week. If you are interested please let me know. Feel free to tell anyone you think might want to join in that they are welcome. The more the merrier!

Here is the synopsis for the book:

The astonishing, uplifting story of a real-life Indiana Jones and his humanitarian campaign to use education to combat terrorism in the Taliban's backyard
Anyone who despairs of the individual's power to change lives has to read the story of Greg Mortenson, a homeless mountaineer who, following a 1993 climb of Pakistan's treacherous K2, was inspired by a chance encounter with impoverished mountain villagers and promised to build them a school. Over the next decade he built fifty-five schools-especially for girls-that offer a balanced education in one of the most isolated and dangerous regions on earth. As it chronicles Mortenson's quest, which has brought him into conflict with both enraged Islamists and uncomprehending Americans, Three Cups of Tea combines adventure with a celebration of the humanitarian spirit.

Steve & Barry's

2008-01-10T11:12:00.000-08:00

This post is to all my girlfriends out there looking for a great deal. Steve & Barry's is a chain store that just opened up in Murray. I am so excited for this store because it is SOOOOOOOOO cheap! The other great thing about this store is that they are now carrying clothing lines designed by many famous people including Venus Williams, Amanda Bynes, Stephon Marbury, and my favorite line 'BITTEN' by Sarah Jessica Parker. Her line is amazing and everything is $19.98 or less! She has an amazing black and white houndstooth coat that has my name written all over it and yes it is only $19.98. (picture above) However, I saw something on T.V. today that said that at the new Steve and Barry's store everything in the entire store is $8.98 for a limited time. This includes shoes! Holy Cow.....I can just imagine all the shoes I can get for $8.98!

Here is the address for Steve and Barry's in Murray:
5546 South Van Winkle Expressway, Murray, UT

The link for Steve and Barry's is now on my blog so you can link yourself there if you want to check it out!

Happy Shoppping!

New Year's Thought

2008-01-04T08:28:00.000-08:00

I see not a step before me as I tread on another year;
But I've left the past in God's keeping-
the future His mercy shall clear;
And what looks dark in the distance
may brighten as I draw near.
-Mary Gardiner Brainard

New Year's Resolutions

2008-01-03T23:55:00.000-08:00

Well, it is officially 2008! I have such great hope and excitement for this year. My lucky number is 8 and so I am hoping this will be my year, heaven knows I need it! I have made some very basic New Year's Resolutions this year considering where my life is at. I am not going to name them all because I don't want everyone I know checking up on me but here are a few of the more obvious ones:
(Feel free to comment on any issues you may have)

1. Get Divorced
2. Lose Weight
3. Get Divorced
4. Stop Drinking Caffeine
5. Get Divorced

That's not so bad, right?
Happy Freakin' New Year!

Merry Christmas to All!

2007-12-27T18:50:00.000-08:00

Decorating cookies!

Even Grandma got in on the action!

Maddie loves Uncle Chewey's funny faces.

All the grandkids together.

Hailey's favorite books-Olivia!

Bronson looks like he wants to fix Uncle Chewey!

Hailey's Favorite Gift from Santa

The lights at Temple Square--Maddie was too cold to get out for the picture!

Well, Christmas has come and gone all too quickly. I had a wonderful day! I was able to pick up the kids and we headed to Nana's house to see what Santa had left. Hailey, Bronson, and Madison all opened up their gifts and thoroughly enjoyed the morning. After everyone had opened up all of their gifts, Santa called my phone to inform me that he had one gift for Hailey he left in the garage. Hailey overheard the entire conversation :) and as soon as she heard the word garage--she bolted!! The squeals, and giggles that escaped from her mouth made every painstaking effort on my part to actually haul the bike home and assemble it (well, my brother assemble it) well worth it! She absolutely loved it! She spent about the next 30 minutes freezing in the garage just riding around in circles. It is so fun to be a mom!!! I really believe that the quickest way to feel the Christmas spirit is to do something for someone that just brings a huge smile to their face. I love Christmas and the feeling I get every year when I please someone the way I pleased Hailey this year. It makes every year better and better. Although I must say Bronson was just as pleased with his Toolbox. He ran around the house "fixing" everything and measuring with his tape measurer. Maddie just rolled around on the floor and didn't even bother playing with her toys....she loved the boxes way too much! What a great day. The next day we braved the cold and went to see the lights at Temple Square. It was beautiful, but I don't remember it ever being that cold as it was that night. We were all bundled up, but the cold just seeps through every layer and we ended up spending most of the night in the visitors center trying explain to Hailey that the voice overhead at the Christus was actually not Jesus. She wouldn't believe me. Oh well, she got the picture. I hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas and had a wonderful day. I can't wait to see everyones pictures on their blogs! These are just a few of my favorite...

Skiing on Christmas Eve!

2007-12-24T17:03:00.000-08:00

My brother and sister and I had a great time today skiing at Snowbasin! The weather was awesome until about 3:00 when it turned into a winter wonderland blizzard with zero visibility and hail pelting our faces as we skied down the hill as fast as possible. Afterwards I went and treated myself to an awesome pedicure. Then I came home to assemble Hailey's new bike from Santa. If you notice in the picture my brother is the one doing all the work, but I certainly micromanaged well! The finished result is awesome! I can't wait for Christmas and Santa to come. I must say though that the best part of the whole day was when my mom and sister told me they were giving me a trip to Paris in the Fall for my birthday gift!!!!!!! I couldn't stop balling, and I am continuing to cry as I post this. I have the best family in the world!!!

The EVE of Number 27!...

2007-12-23T14:58:00.000-08:00

Today being the eve of my 27th birthday I have been lost in thought and contemplation. Thinking about my life and the fact that I am now 27 and soon-to-be divorced with three children is sobering. I am not throwing myself a pity party by any means, I am merely contemplating how different life has turned out from what I had imagined. I have MANY blessings, and MANY things to be grateful for. I do know life is generally good, but that I have just been dealt a difficult set of cards as of late. I realize that my life will eventually get better, and I will eventually find true love and happiness again. I am merely at a crossroads in my life. I know that I will look back at this time in my life and be proud of myself for what I am going through and be proud of myself for how I am handling everything. It is just difficult to be at this point, wanting only to be years down the road. I thank all of my friends and FAMILY who have comforted, loved, praised, and adored me during this time. I feel their love and strength around me always. I hope that my 27th year will be full of nothing but happiness, love, and new beginnings. But if not, I do KNOW for sure, I can make it!

Where do you belong?

2007-12-23T14:30:00.000-08:00

You Belong in Rome

You're a big city soul with a small town heart

Which is why you're attracted to the romance of Rome

Strolling down picture perfect streets, cappuccino in hand

And gorgeous Italian people - could life get any better?

What City Do You Belong In?

http://www.blogthings.com/whatcitydoyoubelonginquiz/

The Polar Express...

2007-12-12T19:57:00.000-08:00

Tonight the kids and I along with my sister and mom went up to Heber City to ride the Polar Express. Wow...what a production! The kids loved it! The adults...well, we do it for the kids right? Don't get me wrong...it really was fun, but imagine if you will screaming, sugar-induced, can't wait for Santa and Christmas-to-come-kids thrown in with dancing elves, a blaring microphone, and a hard bench to sit on for 2 hours and you get the picture. My head sure hurt by the time all was said and done, but well worth time. The spirit of Christmas was manifested once again. 12 more days!!!!!

'Tis the Season to Be Giving....

2007-12-08T22:42:00.000-08:00

I have a hilarious story to tell that I just can't keep to myself anymore. Today, Hailey and I were at the store. We were in the checkout line and they had a big bucket of money that was for donations to those less fortunate. Prior to this time, Hailey and I have talked a lot about helping other people in need and why we help people less fortunate than ourselves, especially at this time of year. So, when Hailey saw the large bucket of money and change she asked what it was for. I was in a hurry and quickly told her it was money to help people have a nice Christmas. She asked if she could have some money to donate, and I said that was great and to get some money out of my coat pocket and put it in the bucket. I was so busy watching the clerk ringing us up to make sure she gave me the right price on every item that I didn't even notice Hailey's small hand digging into my RIGHT coat pocket. It just so happened that at the very moment Hailey was depositing the money she scraped out of my pocket I happened to glance over and notice a $50 bill sliding right down into the bottom of the bucket never to show its crisp green face to me ever again! My throat went numb....I couldn't move. I tried to compose myself before I said anything that would wipe the satisfied and proud look off her face. I didn't know what to do. I knew that $50 was such a huge sacrifice f0r me at this time of year and at this time in my life, but was I really going to try and plunge my chubby hand in the tiny, narrow opening and fish around for my $50 in front of all these witnesses? I looked over at Hailey once more and seeing for the second time in a row the look that we should all have at this time of year I decided to let it go. I paid for my groceries and tried not to stare at the bucket of money all the way out the store. I got to the car and asked Hailey how she had felt giving that money to someone who really needed it and she confirmed to me that I had done exactly the right thing by leaving the money as much as it had hurt me to do so. I started my car and reached into my LEFT pocket to find the $1 bill that I had thought Hailey had grabbed and went to the nearest gas station to get me all the Diet Coke I could get! Merry Christmas!

Oh Tannenbaum!

2007-11-30T12:03:00.000-08:00

I finally got our tree up! After lugging it down from the attic and spending about 2 hours with the lights, I finally did it. Hailey and I spent the afternoon putting the ornaments on the tree and hanging decorations. We are so excited for Christmas! Hailey informed me that she wants camping stuff (?) and jewelry. Kind of polar opposites, but whatever! We'll see what Santa brings!

Thanksgiving

2007-11-25T21:07:00.000-08:00

I know it is now time to get ready for Christmas and I am so excited.......but I want to step back for just a minute and write about my Thanksgiving. My family and I all carpooled down to St. George on Wednesday to enjoy Thanksgiving together. We stayed in a big beautiful house together until Sunday night. We went swimming, hiking, played games, watched movies, and of course Thanksgiving dinner! We had such a fun time! Thanks to Emily's parents for letting us use their beautiful home! This has been an amazing Thanksgiving for me and I couldn't have enjoyed it more. It was just what I needed. That brings me to what I am thankful for.

I am so Thankful for:

1. My children. I have the most amazingly beautiful and intelligent children. Each of them have their own unique personalities that makes our little family so wonderful. Hailey is my sunshine. She is so happy and such a social butterfly. She will make friends wherever we go. Hailey was asked at preschool what she is thankful for this year and she told her class she was thankful for her mommy and Jesus. Bronson is my tender-hearted one. He is so sensitive to everyone and knows just when you need a hug or kiss. Madison is so happy! I have never seen such a happy and good baby! I am not saying that just because she is mine either. She is happy all the time. She wakes up with a smile and goes to bed smiling in her sleep. My children are such a blessing and a joy in my life. I could not possibly make it through what I am experiencing right now in life without them. They bring me such peace and happiness that I will be forever grateful to my father in heaven for them.

2. My family. I have the most awesome wonderful family in the whole world! Family means everything to me. Life is not bearable without them. I want everyone in my family to know just how thankful I am for them. They have been there for me in my life through thick and the even thicker! I couldn't have asked for a better family. I feel so close to everyone in my family and I would do anything for them and I KNOW they would do anything for me and they already have. I really couldn't have asked for a better family!

3. My Savior. I am currently going through the most difficult time in my life right now. I KNOW that my Savior has been through what I am going through and has felt the pain and sorrow in my heart personally. I KNOW he is with me everyday cheering me on, gently urging me to get up and try again everytime I fall. I know he weeps with me when I weep, and I know he is filled with joy when I am happy and at peace. I know I will get through this and I know he will see to it that I do.

I couldn't be more blessed in my life than I am right now. I have so much to be thankful for, that I could go on for pages. This is just the top three. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.....Now bring on CHRISTMAS!!!!

My laugh of the Day!

2007-11-20T11:00:00.000-08:00

Why men shouldn't take messages:

Someone sent me this email to brighten up my day. I laughed so hard, my cheeks were throbbing! Enjoy a good laugh today, I sure did! Happy Thanksgiving!

Do Brunettes like have more fun?

2007-11-18T21:01:00.001-08:00

I needed a change in the worst way. (not like my life isn't changing enough already, but whatever). I just felt stuck in a rut. So, on Saturday I bravely entered the world of being a brunette. I think I like it. This picture does not do the color justice. Thank you Shannyn! It will just be interesting to see what is more fun....Blonde or Brunette? I'll keep you posted....

This is a terrible picture of me...but Hailey took this picture! She's pretty good!

"I've been Tagged..."

2007-11-11T21:18:00.000-08:00

Yes, it finally happened. I am officially cool in the blogging world. Do you ever notice when you are going through blogs and you see the infamous "I've been tagged" post and secretly covet being tagged yourself? Well, thank you Iliana! I am officially cool, although this whole post almost makes me sound lame. I think I am damaging my coolness. Anyways, I'll get to the point.

The rules:

A. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning.

B. Each player lists 6 facts/habits about themselves.

C. At the end of the post, the player then tags 6 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

1. I am a thrill seeker at heart. Not many people know this about me, but I love to be scared. I have been known to jump off high cliffs and bridges, para-sail, bungee jump, and ride through river rapids without a boat. This of course pretty much all happened before I had children, but I would love to get back into the habit anytime!

2. I am a closet Disney Channel lover. I would never admit this to anyone face to face but, I absolutely LOVE the Disney Channel. Hannah Montana, That's So Raven, and The Suite Life are my favorites. Sometimes when I am all alone I watch the Disney Channel because "there is nothing else on." Crazy!

3. My favorite place to shop is Nordstrom. I seriously can't afford it, but I could spend hours there just browsing. When I was little I always thought that people who shopped at Nordstrom's were so classy. I remember buying my first pair of Doc. Martens at Nordstrom's in High School and I thought I had pretty much made it in life! It is killing me right now that the Half Yearly Sale is going on! Snap!

4. I absolutely love food. I love cooking and making food, I love eating food, and I love trying new food. I think it is pretty much a family trait because everyone in my family loves food too. I am not a great cook, but I am pretty good at pretending. Tonight I made BBQ Beef Sandwiches for a family get together at my house and my mom secretly told me that they were better than my sister's recipe. (For those of you who don't know--my sister is like the Iron Chef of cooking.) Sorry Kristen! I also make some to-die-for-Fajitas.

5. I love to fish, but I absolutely hate eating fish. I hate anything that comes from the ocean for that matter. I can't stand the smell or the texture. It's just all bad. But, give me a rod and send me to the lake and I am a happy camper. This is interesting to me that I love to fish because when I was younger I was fishing with my Dad and he was flyfishing and swung his rod around and I got his barb stuck in my nose. Yes, it was awful. I seriously thought that something had jumped up out of the lake and was attacking me. Some evil starfish or jumping clam or something. I didn't have to go to the hospital, but let's just say if I had been into nose piercing's I was in luck.

6. My absolute worst habit is chewing my gum with my mouth open or popping my gum. It's disgusting, I know. But I seriously can't help it, I don't realize I am doing it until someone who is absolutely fed up with it chastizes me or I pop my gum at the worst time ever (like in the middle of testimony meeting at church). Yuck! I have had some serious talks with myself about this annoying and repulsive habit, but I just can't seem to kick it. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks again Iliana for making me feel cool! I tag: Carrie C., Cariann, Jenny B., and April (because I noticed that Iliana tagged her and she hasn't done it yet!)

Happy Birthday Bronson!

2007-11-08T18:58:00.000-08:00

Bronson turned a big boy 2 years old today! Wow, time has really flown by. I am so grateful to have such a sweet, loving, son. He definitely keeps my hands full and helped take those last ten baby pounds off! He is a mover and a climber. He seriously never stops. He loves to climb up on the counter when I am getting ready in the morning and do everything that mommy is doing. (he wants so badly for me to let him put makeup on)! Uh oh. I better stay on top of that! He gives the sweetest hugs and kisses and always knows when to be tender with me. His latest thing is that when he is mad at me or wants something he will in his cutest little boy voice say "I will bite you!" What a cutie. Bronson got a tool set for his birthday and the first thing he did when we got home was run to our entertainment center and try to fix the cupboard he broke. After that he has been running all over the house saying, "I fix it!" That suits him well. He is the fixer in our family. He is always so tender and loving to everyone and wants to make sure everyone is okay. He has fixed my broken heart many times over the last few months and I can't imagine life without him! I love you Bronson!

Pictures!

2007-11-03T23:11:00.000-07:00

Cute Madison!

Recently I took the kids and I and had our pictures taken at the park. They turned out really cute, and just what I wanted. I wanted pictures of the kids and I that were happy, playful, and loving at this time. If you feel like viewing them (there are a lot) you can do so by going to:

www.heathergibbphotography.com Click on Recent Sessions, then on View Slideshows, and then when it asks for a password type in "taylor" all lowercase. It will play a slideshow of all the pictures. It was kind of difficult with three kids to get them all to smile. I don't think I got all of them smiling together in the same picture, but oh well! Let me know what you think!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

2007-11-02T13:13:00.000-07:00

We had a great Halloween! We made caramel apples for FHE, and went to Thanksgiving Point for some scary tricks! It was so much fun trick-or-treating. Bronson loved all the treats, and was busily eating them in between houses. Hailey loved being "in costume" and Madison just went along with all of it. What a trooper! Bronson couldn't wait to get home and dump out his stash and dig right in. We might have to accidentally lose the trick-or-treat bag or Bronson will be losing his teeth!

ICE

2007-10-29T14:19:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone..

I got this in an email and I felt it was important to post as my 2nd blog post in history! It really does make sense:

We all carry our mobile phones with names & numbers stored in its memory but nobody, other than ourselves, knows which of these numbers belong to our closest family or friends.

If we were to be involved in an accident or were taken ill, the people attending us would have our mobile phone but wouldn't know who to call. There are hundreds of numbers stored but which one is the contact person in case of emergency? Hence this "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) Campaign.

The concept of "ICE" is catching on quickly. It is a method of contact during emergency situations. As cell phones are carried by the majority of the population, all you need to do is store the number of a contact person or persons who should be contacted during an emergency under the name "ICE" (In Case of Emergency).

The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found that when he went to the scenes of accidents, there were always mobile phones with patients, but they didn't know which number to call. He therefore thought that it would be a good idea if there was a nationally recognized name for this purpose. In an emergency situation, emergency Service personnel and hospital staff would be able to quickly contact the right person by simply dialing the number you have stored as "ICE". For more than one contact name simply enter ICE1, ICE2, and ICE3 etc. A great idea that will make a difference!

Ready, get set GO!!

2007-10-27T21:30:00.000-07:00

Okay, as if I am not busy enough already in my life to add one more hobby but I can't resist. Imagine a whiny voice while I am justifying, "but EVERYONE has a blog. I have to have one!" After all, it is a good way to keep in touch with friends and family and let people in on what is going on in my life. I hope to keep current with news, events, pictures, complaints, etc. I guess I will jump right in and share a few of the photos I have taken this last week. Enjoy!