The Davis Family

LOVE

2011-05-02T14:19:00.000-07:00

I love, Love, LOVE this!

Photo from Johnny In A Dress

It is simply fabulous!

Another thing...

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this lil munchkin!

Seriously.

I don't know how I got so lucky to have such a wonderful baby.

Except, she isn't such of a baby anymore.

She keeps growing...

I'm still not sure how I feel about it!!

She is (Almost) walking...

When she walks she will be considered a TODDLER!!!

Really?!? A toddler?!

Where is my "baby"?!

Does anyone know where I can locate a Pause button?

This is my favorite stage so far in mommyhood!

She LOVES everything

& is super curious!

She copies and mimicks everything we do...

She is lil miss independent.

She has to feed herself.

She loves to share.

(Bronco loves it when Marissa shares.)

Happy Monday everyone!

Sweet Cheeks

2011-04-22T11:05:00.000-07:00

Our sweet baby girl turned 1!

I can't believe we have a ONE year old!

Seriously.

She is so much fun. This is by far my favorite stage of mommyhood!

She LOVES her bear. She loves to feed him and give him loves.

I love this picture I took of her and "Bear Bear" yesterday. She was sitting so cute out on the driveway and I couldn't not take a picture.

I love her sweet innocence, funny personality, little laugh, and cute smile! I love this little girl more than I ever thought loving something was possible!

More to come on her birthday celebration(s)! :)

Love you sweet cheeks! You bring so much joy to our lives.

Happy First Birthday Love!

xoxo

Yes, I know I fell off the 365 day blogging challenge.

Birthday Girl

2011-03-27T22:18:00.000-07:00

It is this girlie's birthday...

Yep, Happy Birthday to my friend Nicole!

Bet you were thinking it was already this little critter's birthday...

Nope, not yet.

In 23 days...

Yes, that is a Nerf thing stuck to her head.

There were so many kids at the party and Marissa had a great time. She had so much fun playing with all the other kids and all the toys! She loved Lucy's walker and this little truck. She kept trying to put that little baby in there.

My daughter is a flirt. No really, she is. ANY time any guy would talk to her, she would tilt her head to the side and give the biggest cheeser smile showing all her teeth.

Example:

On that note, I'm off to bed. Happy Birthday to my dear friend Nicole! Thanks for the fun party! We had a blast! Thanks to my hott husby for teaching our Sunday School Class at church... It was even my turn to teach and he took over! YEAH he rocks!

{Two}

2011-03-27T00:02:00.000-07:00

Little Miss is FINALLY asleep. Hallelujah!

We've had a great day today. My baby girl has been such a fun lil critter. Busy, but fun! She never ceases to put a smile on my face.

Lets be honest though...nap time and bedtime, there wasn't a smile on my face. I don't know what is up, but Marissa does NOT want to sleep. I think she is so close to walking that she is wanting to move so much that she doesn't want to sleep. We had our friends Rhett and Abe over tonight and each of us took a turn to try to put Marissa to bed...no one succeeded.

Once everyone left I finally just let her scream it out while I enjoyed some of these bad boys...

Chocolate Peanut Butter Grahamwiches. I found this recipe (and photo) from the Biggest Loser Family Cookbook I just bought. Oh my, do these make my taste buds happy.

Almost as happy as she does.

Marissa LOVES books! She will "read" to us and loves to turn the pages. She loves to be read to and loves when I make character voices. I hope that she continues to love reading. I brought her book basket out to the living room today and she would bring me her books so we could "read" them. She is so smart too, I'd hold them upside down on purpose and she would filp them right side up.

Besides not sleeping and getting into everything, Marissa has spent a lot of time "walking" today. I'm going to guess that she will have taken steps by herself by next week. She is sooooooo close! She gets so excited. I can only imagine how it must feel to walk for the first time. Exhilarating I would guess.

We have the most beautiful dog. Really, he is.

Bronco is such a great dog. He truly is part of the family, I couldn't imagine life without him. He and Marissa are the bestest of friends. He follows her around and brings his toys to her (which kind of grosses me out), his blankies, and has to be right by her at all times. I've learned that I always need to keep her bedroom door shut all the way when she is napping because he will check on her while she is in the crib and he ALWAYS wakes her up...

I'm so grateful for my little family! They make me so happy and want to be a better person. I can't imagine what my life would be like without them. I have the world's hottest husband who works so hard to provide for us...not to mention he is fun to hang out with. He is always making me laugh!

Ok...How cute is this skirt?! I think I need to figure out how to make this in my size! Marissa's birthday is coming up and I am loving this skirt. (If you click on the image of the skirt, it will lead you to the tutorial...) Be sure to check out Make It and Love It for cute ideas and fun tutorials... I have so many craft ideas on my "list"...I don't even know where to start....

I think I'll start by catching some shuteye. Night peeps!

365 Day Challenge

2011-03-26T00:27:00.000-07:00

Lets face it, this past year I've really stunk at updating the blog.

Sorry about that.

I've posted the first year of Marissa's life on facebook...but I'm kind of starting to get over facebook. I read this article in LDS Living about how digital media is affecting society and am thinking that by me checking facebook a few minutes here and a few minutes there, I'm missing my baby girl growing up! She is such a cutie pie, so full of personality and love...I wish I could just hit pause!

I realized that I still stalk all these amazing blogs, but I don't even update mine. Really?! Really! So, here is my inspiration. I'm taking a little step back from my internet-ness, but keep a brief daily update to those who care to check it out...

My friend, Nicole, is doing this 365 day challenge. I'm going to give it a try. This challenge is to post something everyday that makes me happy and makes my life great! I have so many wonderful things in my life that I am grateful for, I think I need to spend a few minutes writing them down and sharing what makes my life wonderful.

I've been inspired to blog again, so here it goes.

Day 1.

I love my lil munchkin! I love how happy she is all the time. I love that she is so curious and adventurous. I love watching her learn something new and get so excited.

I also love my new hair. I feel like a sexy mama. :)

But seriously, how cute is she in her lil jammies smiling for the camera before bedtime?! D was out of town on a little business trip for a night and we sent this as a goodnight picture. (Ok, I'll be honest, this picture was taken on Wednesday...but my phone is dead with all the pictures I took today and I just love this lil critter!)

She has been starting to cackle and laugh more...she has the funnest personality! She jib jabbers like we understand what she is saying, loves books, her toys, and Bronco. She LOVES her daddy and lights up whenever he walks in the room. I love when she crawls over and gives me loves, even with how slimey they are! She makes waking up each day exciting! She is so smart, too smart! She is so close to walking, it's crazy! I can't believe my little baby is almost a year old!!! Where does the time go?

So, my inspiration is back. Stay tuned...the best is yet to come.

She makes my heart smile!

2010-10-19T16:05:00.000-07:00

To my dear sweet baby girl, Marissa Claire:

Six months ago, we were blessed when you born into our family! You have brought so much joy and love into our home! You really do make my heart just burst with happiness! I never thought I'd love you more than I did the moment I first laid eyes on you, but my love for you just continues to grow and grow and grow! You truly are a special girl and we are so lucky to have you be part of our family!

Love Always,
Mommy

Marissa & Einstein :)

2010-10-14T17:37:00.000-07:00

I bought Marissa the Baby Einstein Discovery Play Saucer thing at Costco the other day. She LOVES it! She is in 7th heaven and will spin and play forever! She is such a happy girl!!!

I can't believe how big she is getting! She will be 6 months next week! My baby girl is growing up and is getting cuter and cuter everyday! I didn't think I could ever love her more than I did when I first held her, but she makes my heart smile!

A long overdue update on our lives...

2010-09-07T14:30:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I know I have a lot of catching up to do.

It's been a while.

Has anyone really even noticed?

Well things here at the Davis household are going great. We haven't been up to too much, but we have had a great summer and can't believe it has come to an end.

Our summer started out with a long drive to Utah. Marissa did great! We left late, so she just slept the whole time. We stayed in Vegas and left the next morning around 5. It was early...thank goodness Dustin drove! With a few stops to feed the baby and to let Bronco out to stretch his legs we made it to South Jordan by the afternoon. Marissa only cried a total of 10 minutes the whole trip...and most of it was after a blowout.

Lets just say, I'm got good at taking the carseat apart to wash it...

We visited Lava Hot Springs, and had a wonderful time despite all that rain. We even ran into some of our friends from Pocatello there too, which was kind of cool since they didn't even know we were coming up. We ate at our favorite Chinese place in Pocatello too...YUMMY! We love Bamboozle! :)

We spent a lot of time with family, and got to go to a birthday party for Marissa's little buddy Nixsen. She turned one. Such a cutie pie!!! :) Our nephew Carter graduated from Viewmont High School this year, so we went to his graduation. Dustin's sister Mikalene flew out from Seattle for the graduation too. So great to see her!!! :)

Sunday was a special day! Marissa was blessed by her daddy! We had her blessed in my parents ward in Morgan. Dustin did a great job. I could tell he was a little bit nervous, but he did a wonderful job!

I almost cried; it was so beautiful. But I composed myself. :)

We had a little get together at Dustin's dad's house in Morgan. The food was great and the company was even better! Shortly after the party ended, everyone packed up and got ready to leave. Unfortunately Dustin had to head back to Cali for work... We booked him a one way ticket home and I decided to stay an extra week.

Marissa and I stayed over at my parents house in Morgan. We hung out with the fam, went and saw my grandparents, visited my sister Kimberlee, went on lots of walks, and let everyone get their Marissa time in. We went to some fabric stores, and baby stores :) We had a wonderful time. We got to celebrate my sister Danielle's birthday as well as my mom and dad's birthday too!

That Saturday morning (6-12) Marissa, my mom, my dad, and myself (and Bronco too) drove to Mesquite. We met Dustin there. Dustin and his dad share a 1989 Ford Mustang so he drove that up so my parents could take it back to Utah. Dustin and my dad went golfing while my mom and I got settled in. While the boys were golfing, us girls drove to St. George (30 minutes away) and went to a really cute fabric store and then went and saw my really good friend from high school, Amber. She has two little kiddos who are adorable! We had a nice dinner that night for mom and dad's birthdays. The next morning my mom and I just relaxed and hung out with Marissa while the boys went golfing early. (My dad had won a golf thing in Mesquite...) After they got back, we hung out for an hour or so at the pool and then we decided we better get headed.

It was a fun visit, but it felt good to come home too!

For Dustin's first Father's Day, we put Bronco in the PetHotel and we drove to Scottsdale, Arizona. Dustin's sister Kristie and her family were there for a vacation and Dustin's dad was there on business...so we decided to go out for the weekend. We stopped in Palm Springs for breakfast and then kept truckin on! :)

It was soooooo hot! We played a lot in the pool and even went to Rawhide, AZ to a little western town for dinner and fun. Dustin rode a mechanical bull and we did a little western dancin'. Despite being hotter than h-e-double hockey sticks, we had a blast!

Right after we got back from Arizona, our little girlie got an ear infection. Both Dustin and I had been sick with a cold, so I hope that we didn't get her sick... She was put on the pink Amoxicillin (which she loved) for 10 days. We had to hold off on her immunizations until she was better.

On June 26th I had to leave her with a babysitter for the first time. I was a little nervous, but it ended up being a great experience. One of Dustin's guys is Coach John Wooden's son. D has had the opportunity to meet Coach Wooden several times and even was able to attend his 99th birthday breakfast with his family. While we left Marissa with Sister Hobson, we went to the memorial service for Coach Wooden. I never met the man personally, but I couldn't help but get a little emotional! This man is so neat!!! We could all learn so much from him and how he lived his life!

That afternoon we went to the baptism of our friend Sandra. We felt so blessed to be part of it! D baptized her and I spoke...ok more like started to cry and just ended it with my testimony... We wish her all the best and are so happy for the choice she has made!

She had her 2 month immunizations on July 6, 2010. At her well-baby visit she was 24.25 inches (99%), 11.125 lbs (45%), and 15.5 inches for head circumference (50%). She did good with her shots too. Her little cry did break my heart, but once I picked her up and loved on her a little she calmed down and was fine. She was a little sore for the next day, but she was still her smiley little self. :)

July came and went! We went swimming at our friend Lauren's pool and went and had lunch with some friends.

We celebrated D's 30th birthday by going to dinner with friends at Johnny Rebs. (a little bbq place in Orange) it was so much fun and great to get together with friends! The food is always great there! Marissa and I bought D a really nice watch for his bday which he ended up taking back (he always does this...is that saying something...) and getting 3 different watches for the same amount! D loves watches!!!

Marissa and I went to Utah right after and visited with friends and family! it was so fun to hang out and sow my baby girl off! She is pretty adorable if I say so myself!

August just seemed to fly by too! We go on lots of walks with Bronco and try to get out as much as possible! We have been lucky to go to quite a few Angels games this season, and always have fun! Marissa looks so cute in her Angels gear!

Marissa LOOOOOVES her Daddy! She just lights up whenever he is around! She loves it when he sings to her in French and dances with her! She is getting to be such a big girl and seems to grow everyday! Yesterday she was having a full on baby conversation with my neighbors 9 month old. They were just "talking" to each other...never seen that before...it was great! Super cute!! She drools like crazy but always has a smile on her face! She has become more vocal lately and wakes us up when she talks to herself in her bed!!! She has been doing this thing lately where it seems like she is kissing us, but it looks more like she is eating our face...it's cute, but slobbery! She has been sleeping in her own room for just about over a month now, and is doing great! She has always given us a solid 6 hours, but now that she is in her own room she will give us 8, eat, and then go back to sleep for another 3. I hate to brag, but it really is awesome! :)

Bronco is doing good with her! He is a great protector dog and seems to love his sister! He likes to lick her too! (Don't know how I really feel about that!)

Dustin is doing fantastic! He has still been running, going to the gym, playin' some raquetball and is lookin' all buff! He ran 15 miles a couple weeks ago and I'm glad it's him...not me! :) I don't think I could run that much! Super proud of him though! :) He works super hard for our lil family and we are so thankful for everything he provides for us!

I've just been being mom, and enjoying my baby girl! I've been working on some photobooks through shutterfly and am hoping to have those finished before too long! I've made some friends with some other new mommies in our ward and neighborhood so it has been fun to get out and hang with the ladies! There is a Relief Society dessert social next Tuesday which I am super excited to go to!

We went to the beach on Saturday. Was super relaxing and when the marine layer finally decided to burn off the ocean was beautiful! Marissa got a little sun on her nose and cheeks...I don't know how, because I had her completely covered, but she hasn't seemed to notice. She's just been her happy little self!

I've really enjoyed being a mommy to this cute lil critter! Can't imagine life without her! The past 4 months have just flown by! I can't even believe it!

Pictures of our adventures will be uploaded soon.

Happy lil Marissa

2010-09-04T08:32:00.000-07:00

So Marissa was so very happy this morning. Dustin decided that he would film the happiness. She was excited because she knew that we were going to the beach. She loves the beach. Hope you enjoy!!!

A few pictures...

2010-09-02T14:26:00.000-07:00

Us cute Davis girlies after church. June 27, 2010

Dustin, Marissa, & "Gary" at the Angels game. July 2010

The Davis fam @ the Angels game. July 2010

Happy Birthday Daddy!

11 weeks 3 days

2010-07-08T16:00:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe that my baby girl is almost 3 months old! I know that I haven't been the best at blogging...so here are a few pictures. (Blogger is being wierd right now and won't let me upload...I will upload more in a while...I promise.)

She is lookin' pretty stylin in her Angels outfit. She is getting to be a little chunky monkey..and I LOVE IT!

She had her immunizations this day...so she wasn't really a happy camper, but she still looks cute with her daddy!

Cute lil swimmer! (She HATED the pool...)

Holdin' her head up!

Her first smile that I was able to catch on camera... :)

The Davis Family--Sunday, June 6th, 2010

Marissa is such a wonderful little baby! She gives us at least 6 hours at night, and is a happy & content baby during the day! She is a little snuggle bug right after she eats and when she is super sleepy....other times she likes to be independent and look around. She is starting to like her swing and will just chill in there! She is a great little eater and has just started to get lil baby chunk! We went to the Dr. on Tuesday and she is already a whopping 11 pounds 2 ounces and 25 1/4 inches! She smiles a ton and has giggled 2 times...both times for her daddy. I was there to witness them, but they were totally for her daddy!!! She loves her mommy and daddy, and is a happy girl most of the time, but she really lights up when Dustin walks in the room! It's cute! She has rolled over 3 times. All of them were when we were in Utah, and she hasn't done it since...close, but not all the way. She calms instantly when a blankey is on either side of her cheeks and a binky is in her mouth! :) She loves to stand with the help of mommy or daddy and loves to be held looking out. She smiles at herself in the mirror and loves to go on walks in her stroller. She is starting to be a little curious of Bronco and has stuck her finger up his nose when he was smelling her. (Freaked them both out a little...) :) She loves being talked to and sung to and is happiest in the morning. She loves bathtime, but has an issue SOMETIMES when it comes to getting dressed. She actually likes having her diaper changed and smiles when she is a naked baby! :) She has started to suck on her hands lately...I think she may be left handed because she is most dominant with that hand. She has a tiny giraffe named "Gary" that she is starting to recognize and react to....she loves to snuggle with him and lick his face. (Yes...lick) She is also a little drooley monster! :)

We really love her and feel so blessed that she is part of our family!

Sunday...

2010-05-24T09:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Marissa made her Sunday debut and attended church for the first time. She was such an awesome baby and slept the whole entire time. Daddy kept wanting to pinch her so he could join the other dads out in the foyer. :)

Here are pictures of us. She looked so darn cute.

Mommy & Marissa

She finally fits into her shoes! :)

Daddy & Marissa

He keeps her looking so peaceful! :)

We have a lot of pictures to upload of her, which I will get to as soon as I can. We are heading to Utah this weekend and will be blessing her on Sunday June 6th in Morgan. Stay tuned for more updates and pictures of the Davis Happenings... :)

SHE'S HERE!

2010-04-29T08:20:00.000-07:00

Introducing our sweet & beautiful daughter

Marissa Claire Davis

She was born Monday April 19, 2010 at 11:41 AM

at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, CA.

She was 7lbs 7oz & 20 inches long.

Marissa & Proud Daddy

Marissa & Mommy bonding skin to skin for the first time :)

4d Ultrasound Video

2010-03-28T21:04:00.000-07:00

I love living in California. I really do.

However, I miss Utah too.

It's hard having our families be a million miles away, especially with the new baby on the way.

But....I love technology. :)

When we went to go get the 4d ultrasound of our baby girl, we were able to get a movie.

My techno-awesome husband burned it and saved it so we could show everyone.

We're making some DVD's for the grandparents too. :)

I can't believe how neat this is that we could actually SEE her!

Now we just can't wait to get her here.

Enjoy!

xoxo

-K

**Note: The music will start, but the first 15-30 seconds is just the "snowy" image. The ultrasound tech handn't started yet. But hey, at least the gooey jelly stuff they put on my tummy was warm. :)

Oh Baby!

2010-03-16T20:32:00.000-07:00

On a whim yesterday evening, Dustin and I decided to go and get a 4d ultrasound to check out our little baby. Dustin wanted to make sure that we were "really having a girl." :) (It's confirmed again--our baby is a GIRL!)

It was fun and kind of makes it feel more real that we have a little girl coming our way. I think that she is a spitting image of Dustin, but has my lips. They measured the circumfrence of her head and she has a big noggin...total Davis trait, and she has short lil legs...just like her daddy. She doesn't appear to have any more hair than peach fuzz...which is a Kay trait. (I was bald until I was 2....)

We are pretty excited to meet our lil girl!

^^^I think she looks especially like D in this one. ^^^

^^^"Shout out to my peeps!^^^ (Big Yawn!) :)

The U/S tech caught her sticking her tounge out...

^^^Sucking her thumb^^^

^^^Picking her nose^^^

^^^"Mommy's #1!^^^

Smiling :)

Baby Shower After Party :)

2010-03-08T13:10:00.000-08:00

After the baby shower, my sisters, mom, grandma and I went to the nail place to get our toes done. My mom goes in there quite often to get her nails filled, so they know our family pretty well. It was fun, not to mention it felt great...

Me--(TOTALLY having a great hair day!) ;)

My lil sis Yellie

Grandma Ev

Older Sis Kimberlee

Ok...so this is the ONLY picture I really got of my mom! She was flittin' around at the baby shower and sat down at the nail chairs after all of us girls. She had my brother in law Kai go and get all the left over balloons from the baby shower and give them to the nail place lady's daughters. Here is my mom practicing her "grandma skills" and tying the balloons on Jasmine.

Kai bringing the balloons in for Kathy and Jasmine.

Kimberlee--here are some more pictures of Kai. These were the best ones...

Jasmine kept wanting Kai to play with her...

And then would let her balloons float up to the ceiling. "Help" and Kai would lift her up to get them. I think he had to lift her up like 15 times.

Our "frankenfeet"...:)

I think Yellie was pooped...I think she was sitting up one minute and fell over. She was like this for a solid 2 hours until Kimberlee and I woke her up to go to bed. (Our girls night was real eventful...) :)

The shower was so much fun, but we were all so exhausted! Thank you Mom, Kimberlee, and Yellie for such a fun party! Thank you everyone for all the fun stuff! I got the majority of everything to fit in one suitcase and all the other stuff my mom will bring out when our bundle of joy arrives. :)

Utah Baby Shower

2010-03-01T19:49:00.000-08:00

On Friday February 19th, I flew to Utah. My mom and sisters threw a baby shower on Saturday...and I was the guest of honor. :) (Getting there was such an adventure...my flight was delayed an hour due to a late plane arrival, some guy puking in that flight and they had to clean the plane (they told us it was the pilot), and then the overhead bin wouldn't close...thank you to some guy that was ready to just go that smacked it really hard! It stayed shut and we made it to Utah 20 minutes later than we were supposed to.)

Be prepared for some picture overload! I didn't upload every picture that was taken, but I did upload quite a few. It was a fun get together, and we had a great turnout! It was so wonderful to see everyone and how much everyone has changed!

Directions to the party...

Nicole & Nixsen were our first guests of honor... :)

Grandma Ev, Crystal, Baby Leo, Brittany, Kristine, Canyon, Linda

My daughter's best friend Nixsen! (This girl is so adorable!) :)

Linda, Jessica, Me, TaLisha, "Aunt" Margo

My really good friend JoDee and her sweet baby Brody.

Grandma Ev, Crystal, Baby Leo, Sydney, Kristine

Melissa Triplett

Kyja, Shanda, Trish, Aunt Terree

"Aunt" Margo, Mom, Jessica, Ludene (my sweet mother-in-law), Aunt Teresa

Nicole, Nixsen, Kyja, Shanda, Trish

Uncle Dale!! :)

Aunt Robyn & Mom

I loved that my cute niece Sydney was all up in the action of opening the presents! She was helping my lil sister hand me the presents. This was her first baby shower! :) Kimberlee, my olders sis, was the scribe and wrote down all the presents that everyone brought for our baby girl. The following pictures are just a few of the wonderful gifts we received. Our daughter is definately spoiled...and I can't wait til she gets here to enjoy it! :)

My "Aunt" Cathie had this little bear knitted for our baby. Super cute!

This is one of the most beautiful dresses! My mom and dad picked out this dress for her. :)

My sister Kimberlee's mother-in-law Linda made these beautiful quilts for our baby. All of Linda's quilts are hand pieced. She picked out fabrics that have all the colors besides just pink. They are absolutely beautiful! Thank you Linda!

This little thing is pretty cool! It is a blanket that covers the infant carseat carrier. It has little velcro loopy things sewn on to keep the blanket attached so it doesn't fall off.

My sweet mother-in-law gave us this sweet bath basket. It is full of towels, diapers, soap, toys, etc. I can't wait to use it!

Dustin's sweet Aunt JoAnn and Teresa came from Idaho to the baby shower! I haven't seen Aunt Teresa since we got married and Aunt JoAnn since my nephew's babtism in January. (Need to blog about that too...) :) These ladies are so sweet and I hope they know that I consider them MY aunts too! (Oh I kinda look skinny in this picture...I love black shirts!)

My sweet mother-in-law Ludene and me! I have the greatest mother-in-law and am blessed to have her in our life! She raised a wonderful son! xoxo

Me and Grandma LaNae. This is my mom's mom. Over Christmas she taught me and my sis how to knit. (Need to blog about that too...)

My friend Alison and I. In this picture she is 37 weeks and I am 30. (Either she is really small or I am really big...I think we look the same size, other than I carry higher than her.) Alison is expecting a baby girl as well. Can't wait for our daughters to play! :)

My cute niece Paigey Lou...I wish I could have this girl's curls! They are natural and I LOVE them!

This was funny. My Grandma Ev thinks pregnancy is a little wierd. She didn't want to see the ultrasounds and she never wants to feel the baby move. But at the baby shower, she actually wanted to...and I have proof. :) I love the one finger belly touch!

Grandma Ev and me.

I totally forgot to get a picture of the cake when it was whole...oops. (Pregnancy brain) but I loved the little stork and flowers on it! This cake was delicious! (I think I had like 5 pieces) :)

My photographer of the event--Aunt Diane :)

After the party was over...Mom, Yellie, Kimberlee, me, and Grandma.

We went and got our toes done after this...since we all had Franken-feet. I'll post about that later when my internet isn't so slow... :)

The baby shower was a lot of fun and I got to see so many friends and loved ones that I haven't seen in FOREVER! Thank you to everyone who came, and thank you for all the wonderful gifts!

A special gift from "Papa Eddie"

2010-03-01T19:12:00.000-08:00

Ok, so these got in the wrong order somehow...but it's ok. Just start at the bottom and work your way up. :)

Dustin's dad is a sweetheart! My favorite father-in-law! :) He had a little something for our baby and even wrapped it himself....in a ziplock baggie box. :) This guy cracks me up!

Thank you "Papa Eddie!"

Helping me open the present. The only way to do this is with a knife. :)

A little something special for our baby's college fund. (We haven't really figured out a name yet, but I've been calling her Nellie. We were thinking on that name at first, but we aren't 100% sure... But until we see her and give her a name...Nellie she shall be!)

Eddie bought our daughter this little tiny ring. It is absolutely beautiful and so special. Not something she can wear everyday, but something special that she can treasure and pass down to her kids.

A lucky horseshoe...on the other side of Eddie's business card it says "Your lucky horseshoe"...every girl needs one! Right?!

Paint by number Farm Friends. If you know my father-in-law...you'd understand! :)

Unwrapping...

I think my belly is bigger!

Thank you Eddie D. for the wonderful gift to our baby girl!

31 Weeks Pregnant

2010-02-28T22:53:00.000-08:00

Thought I would update you as to what life is like at 31 weeks. My back hurts.

Thanksgiving...

2010-02-18T06:55:00.000-08:00

Ok, so it's been a while since I've posted anything.

It's not really that we haven't had anything going on...that is farther from the truth! :) I just haven't been much into the sit down upload pictures and tell everyone what we've been up to.

Also, I'm not much into blogging without uploading a picture...and I am horrible at taking pictures while we are out doing stuff. So some of these pictures I took from my mom and sister's blog/facebook.

For Thanksgiving, my mom, dad, and baby sis Yellie came to California to spend Thanksgiving with us. (Am I really JUST blogging about thanksgiving...YES.)

Here are some fun things we did: (in no particular order...)

"fro yo"--Went and checked out YogurtLand. I love that place and could seriously eat there everyday.

My lil fur ball, Bronco, carrying around his dog bowl.

Yellie's "boyfriend"

My sister just graduated from High School. I made her an apron for college as a graduation present and finally with the help from mom got it finished while she was here. :) Better late than never, I say.

"Being DOMESTIC"

Bronco--enjoying the sunny weather and company so he didn't have to be in his kennel all day.

Laguna Beach

Me & Yellie at the District in Irvine. The Christmas Tree was beautiful!

Dad has always wanted to wear a visor.

Sunset on our way home from Laguna Beach.

Mom & Yellie playin in the ocean.

Mom, Yellie, Dad, Me, & Baby Bump (didn't know the sex yet...) at Laguna Beach

Whenever my mom is around, we all have to take feet pictures...Laguna Beach.

Dustin worked during the week, but the boys were able to go golfing a few times. I think they had fun. We went to Roman Cucina's one night (Which is FABULOUS and you should check it out!) Mom, Yellie, and I were able to check out a really fun fabric store here in Tustin and we got some cute fabric and made a quilt top for the baby. I need to take a picture of it...It's darling!

We had a fun Thanksgiving...the food was great and the Bronco's won the football game that night. :)

More updates to come...

Baby Update

2009-12-04T21:03:00.000-08:00

So, yesterday morning Dustin and I went to our Dr.'s office and had our ultrasound. The baby was all curled up. The arms were tucked behind the head, legs crossed, and knees up to the face. Totally chillin "at the Holiday Inn"... :) (Deffinately a Davis baby! Dustin chills by putting his arms behind his head.)

Since the baby was all curled up at the bottom of the uterus, down by the left side of my pelvic bone. After the u/s tech got all the measurements she needed, she started tapping my tummy with the u/s thingy and finally the baby stretched out and un-crossed HER legs...

That's right! Our baby is a GIRL!

(I love that she put "Girl Parts" with an arrow on this one!) haha

I think my favorite, laugh out loud moment of this whole appointment was after she told us this baby was a girl. Dustin says, "Are you sure those aren't nougats?" It was HILARIOUS! The u/s tech was like, "Nope. No nougats here. Your baby is deffinately a girl!"

Here is another good picture of her profile, spine, little legs, and I think you can even see a little hand. :)

I think D really wanted a boy, but he is seeming pretty excited about a little girl!

My Boys...

2009-11-07T21:36:00.000-08:00

I love em...

New Addition

2009-10-29T19:54:00.001-07:00

I have to do this before the computer crashes again...But Dustin and I are expecting!!! We are so excited! We are 14 weeks and are due on April 30th, 2010...2 days after my b-day!

I've only had one ultrasound so far and we've determined that our baby looks like a snowman.

I'm kind of starting to show...my jeans are all a lil snug, and I feel nauseous at night (hope this goes away soon). I only puke my guts out when I take prenatal pills, except for those 2 other times... My doctor suggested that since the prenatal pills aren't working to much for me to take 2 chewable Flinstone Complete vitamins. I remember totally loving those as a kid, and now...I don't know what I was thinking. I think they taste like fermented chalk. (I have to hide them from Dustin though...he eats them like candy!) :)

So that is our news...

We're Alive

2009-10-29T19:48:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know that it has almost been 3 months since I last posted anything. You know that movie Groundhog's Day? Sometimes I feel like I live that movie! We've both been working hard, enjoying the sunny California weather...even good ol' Bronco's been joining in on the fun!

We had Brett and Jessica Larsen come out last month, which was an absolute blast. I hadn't seen Brett in a long time (since before we were married!!) nor had I ever met his cute wife! She is absolutely adorable and I hope we get to see them again soon!

The weekend of October 16-19 Dustin's mom, dad, and nephew came out to Cali. The company that Dustin and his dad work for (Praxair) administer the oxygen to the San Diego Chargers. Eddie gets the Bronco vs. Chargers tickets every year, and we've been lucky to attend the last few games. It was a lot of fun and even more fun to watch the boys down on the field. We forgot to DVR the game (Eddie, don't delete it...) but we did watch the ESPN News and saw them. Dustin's buddy Chuck came down from Idaho and even joined in on the fun.

This computer keeps crashing (my Dell from H-E-double hockey sticks needs it's 3rd hardrive) (Yes I've had it for 2 years...), so there are more updates to come, but below are some pictures from the adventure of when D's family was in town.

John Wooden Visit

2009-10-29T19:47:00.000-07:00

After picking up everyone from the airport, Ludene and I headed back towards Orange County while Dustin, Eddie, and Carter headed up to the Valley. The Wednesday before, Dustin had the awesome opportunity to attend the Legendary UCLA Basketball Coach John Wooden's 99th Birthday breakfast. Well once the boys got up to the Valley, they went to the resturant that John has breakfast at everyday and had breakfast with Mr. Wooden. Dustin even had to butter and jam John's English Muffin. :) Here are some pictures of their adventure:

Jimmy (John's son & Dustin's employee), Carter, and D

Another shot of Dustin, Jimmy, and Carter

Coach John Wooden and Carter

D, Carter, John, Eddie

Another shot of D, Carter, John, and Eddie

A great article was written about John Wooden in the LA Times. You can read it by clicking HERE. By Dustin's great opportunities to meet this extordinary man, I have learned so much and hope that we can all learn from him. He wasn't just a basketball coach, but a motivating legend.

Santa Monica Pier

2009-10-29T19:46:00.000-07:00

After visiting John Wooden, the boys (Dustin, Carter, and Eddie) checked out Santa Monica Pier. Here are the pics:

Beverly Hills

2009-10-29T19:45:00.000-07:00

These pictures are in no particular order...(well backwards, kind of, actually)... After the boys finished up with their adventures, Ludene and I drove back to Los Angeles and met up with the boys for some Mexican food and then we hit up Rodeo Drive, Sprinkles Cupcakes, and an arts festival which I didn't get any pictures of... (oops)

Eddietook this pic of Me, Carter, D, and Ludene waiting to get into Sprinkles...so worth the Red Velvet cupcake. :) YUMMY!!

Ludene

Eddie D

This car was pretty sweet

Ludene, Carter and I

Ooh this is pretty...

Rodeo Drive (Carter kind of looks goofy) :)

My sweet mother-in-law Ludene

Pretending I am celeb..

Ok so there is a bunch of these pictures, but for some reason my computer won't let me delete them...ENJOY! :)

Takin' a breather on Rodeo

Orange County Super Fair

2009-08-05T06:05:00.000-07:00

On the 23rd of July, D & I went to the Orange County Fair. It was a blast!!! (ALMOST as fun as the San Diego Fair. Here are a couple pics...the one thing I didn't get a picture of was the churro. They were simply divine...homemade...and wonderful. They were gone before I had a chance to pull the camera.

Checkin' out the animals....lil sheep"s"

This little goat/sheep thing. Sad the pic didn't turn out the way I thought it would, but it's still cute!

Elephants!!!

The bomb-diggity-est corn on the cob!!! (& yes...I did eventually share!)

Ok...so this one! DAD--Please pay very close attention. We were watching some acrobatics and this guy and his girl come walking over. I started to bust a gut because: 1) He is wearing a flowered purse 2) He had Captain America on his shirt 3) He is wearing dress shoes WITH dark socks WITH shorts. (Dad, please learn from this dude...dark socks with shorts is NOT cool and is a total embarassment to the daughters....) :) I couldn't believe it. If I would have been that chick, I seriously would have not let him even wrap his arms around me!

The fair was fun. It is still going to be going on until Sunday, so if you haven't had a chance to go yet, check it out!!!

Davis Vacation--Yellowstone National Park

2009-08-04T18:35:00.000-07:00

When Dustin's family left, some friends of ours came up to the cabin. Chuck and Dustin have been friends since Dustin and he were in High School in Idaho. Chuck, his wife Liz, and their three adorable girlies Maridia, Bailey, and Whitney. I haven't seen their girls since Dustin and I were just dating and I couldn't believe how big they were! I didn't even know they had Whitney!!! (She must have been taking a nap or something when we saw her the first time.)

When they were up at the cabin with us we did a lot of 4-wheeling and relaxing, but my favorite part would have to be when we went into Yellowstone. It was a lot of fun, and I hope that you can tell by our pictures. I realized AFTER I uploaded them that they are completely in the wrong order, backwards in fact!

I didn't wear makeup the whole time I was on vacation, so if I look a bit scary...sorry. (I was camping!)

Sunset leaving Yellowstone...

D's photography skills...

Stuck in traffic trying to get out of Yellowstone. We seriously sat in this position, with the car off for about 30-40 minutes. They are reconstructing about 1000 feet of the road around the bend, so they would only let one way of traffic go at a time.

D at the waterfall

K at the waterfall

Buffalo"s"--Funny story, some dude behind us was totally stoked because of all the "bears"...we were all looking around trying to see the bears, but we never saw any the whole time we were in Yellowstone...that dude must have thought these buffalo were bears.

Chuck and the buffalo

Us and the buffalo"s" & YES we were that close. (I was so scared, hense the retarted look on our faces...) It took me forever to get out of the car. We were CLOSE as you can tell by the next few pictures.

Chillin in the car checking out the buffalo

Beautiful Yellowstone

D and a buffalo across the way

A "lil" buffalo getting "steamed"

Old Faithful Inn--This place has GROWN! I couldn't believe how much they have built up there!

Old Faithful--which is starting to be more old than faithful...we waited FOREVER for this thing to take off while the Beehive Geyser went higher...

It was still pretty cool though! Old Faithful

Old Faithful

Dia--waiting for Old Faithful (I don't know what happened to the next few pictures...)

Whitney

Waiting for Old Faithful

Old Faithful...thinking about going...

Chuck, Liz, & Bailey

Watchin' the Beehive Geyser

Beehive Geyser

Dustin's lil buddy--Whitney

I love walking pics... D & Whitney

Dia, D, & Whitney

My favorite thing at Yellowstone--the Turquoise pool

D & the stinky hot pot

I think it is so cool that this water boils like that...it stinks really bad, but it is still pretty cool...

D & the cool pool

Karen's thoughts "This stinks..." :)

Elk

When we were leaving we checked the back of the map and we saw most of the animals. We even saw a wolf! (Not a coyote...a wolf...) :)

When we first started our little adventure, somehow, D & I misplaced our camera. Thank goodness I had another one with us, so we were able to document! On our way out, we filled out a missing item report and someone actually turned it in!!! Yellowstone was nice enough and mailed it back. My camera beat us back to Cali. :) Thank you nice considerate peeps in Yellowstone!

2009 Davis Family Vacation

2009-07-27T21:30:00.000-07:00

...on the road again...

On July 2nd around 2 pm, the awesome-ness of the Davis Family (as in D and myself) drove straight through to Utah (with Bronco & Zak tucked safely in the back) and made it to Morgan around 3:30 am. After getting about 4 hours of shut eye, we met up with my family for a lil breakfast at Morgan's own Larry's Spring Chicken Inn. It was good to see everyone and show my mom the doll I made for Scott & Nicole's little girl. (See post below...) or check out my mom's blog.

After a nice breakfast and visit, we started our next adventure. Driving to Island Park, Idaho. Dustin's family has a cabin up there. We both look kind of scary, but here is the first part of our adventure--the drive.

Driving on the 20 into Island Park. I love all the trees. On the side of the road in some of this foresty area there are signs that have what year the trees were planted. It was kind of cool to see how much the trees had grown in 20 years or so! Absolutely beautiful! Clear air and great smells!

Dustin--#1 driver EVER!

Me--#1 passenger EVER (scary..but #1)

The two of us...

(is it just me or does D kinda look like he is pain....)

Stay tuned for more of the Island Park adventure...

Island Park--7/3-7/5

2009-07-27T21:25:00.000-07:00

While on our Island Park Adventure, here are pictures of a few things we did. Just so you all know...I seriously am the worst picture taker in the whole world! (As in...if I want to take a picture I never have my camera. And if I do have my camera....I always forget to take pictures.) So if anyone has any cute pictures that they would like to share, please email them to me or post them on your blogs/facebook and I will "borrow" them myself. :)

We made it to the cabin around 3 pm (i think) and waited for everyone to come back from Pond's Lodge because the cabin door was locked. It was a good chance for Bronco and Zak to stretch their legs and run around a bit without the chaos of kids, people, ATV's, etc.

Once everyone arrived, we got started right away on the 4 wheelers and motorbikes. I cannot believe that my nephew Tregan is already riding a motorbike! (He told me this cute story about how he "caught some sweet air" before he wrecked on his bike. :) He has a battlewound on his arm...but he seems like a pretty tough kid!)

For the 4th of July, we went to the lake up there and enjoyed some wakeboarding and sun. Later that night we had a lil bbq. Tasty food, cute kiddos, lots of bugs...lots of fun. After that, we went down the road a bit to watch the fireworks. This was the LONGEST fireworks show that I have ever seen! No joke. They were sparatically going even when we were leaving. There were a few fireballs (like atomic fireball-ish) things that went off. Even though I still think they were a mistake, everyone keeps telling me that they are part of the show. Amber and I still thought they were pretty hilarious. (Amber is my niece...by the way.)

Sunday, we went down the river and just relaxed a bit. Everyone left by the afternoon. D and I took a nap and later went to Pond's for dinner. The chef came out and talked to us a bit...kinda cool. Nice guy. Lived in Long Beach a few years ago. Makes the most A-MA-ZA-ZING :) Chicken Noodle Soup. (With the big homemade noodles...) Yummy. I'm drooling just thinking about it!!!

Chuck, Liz, and their girls came up for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday...but you will have to check back for that adventure. :)

Here are pictures:

Me with this old car in the middle of the forest that D and I found while on a 4 wheeler ride. (see wheelers in the back...)

My hott husbando with the old car.

D playing with Bronco & Zak in the river.

Zak taking a rest.

Bronco taking a rest.

Bronco

Zak

2 YEARS!

2009-07-26T22:22:00.001-07:00

Well...we made it! :) I can't believe how fast time has flown, but on June 22, Dustin and I celebrated our 2 year anniversary! We went to San Diego for the weekend, and had a great time. We went to the gaslamp district and went to our favorite pizza place (Fillipi's) and enjoyed each other's company. The weather was kinda crummy, but was really sunny the day we left. We had some pretty fun adventures...so make sure you check out those posts.

Dustin...Thanks for being my best friend and the best husband in the whole wide world! You are such a sweetheart and I am so lucky to have you!

Top 5 Reasons I love you:

1) You always know how to make me smile and laugh...even when you know I don't feel like it.
(Story: A couple mornings ago I woke up to Dustin right in my face. (I am NOT a morning person...) But I couldn't help but laugh because my bra had been on the floor from the night before and he had it wrapped around his face and was making bug noises. It was hilarious. I haven't laughed so hard in my life....)
2) You always make me feel special.
3) You are the biggest help around the house!
4) You are the hardest worker and take your job very seriously to provide for our lil family.
5) You are you. You don't try to be anyone else but yourself.

I love you D! Here is to many more years to come! :)

San Diego--Spontaneous Adventure #1

2009-07-26T22:21:00.000-07:00

While in San Diego, Dustin and I visited this car place in San Diego. It was pretty cool! My dad would totally love this place! Dustin was having so much fun in here...it was kind of fun to watch him. Here are some pics of the spontaneous adventure.

Ferrari

Mustang Boss 302

Engine--Dad, this pic was taken for you. D said it was cool.

I thought this car was cute

Is this the same car Uncle Dave has?

Oh, and when we were leaving, there was this monk group walking around singing and having a parade. I've never seen anything like that before (not to mention they were all completely bald, but had a strand of hair at the back...) and so I was kind of observing (not starting...observing) and one of them smiled (toothless) and waved. I almost busted a gut laughing. Only word I have is interesting...

San Diego--Spontaneous Adventure #2

2009-07-26T22:20:00.000-07:00

We decided to go check out the San Diego Fair in Del Mar while we were down there and had fun checking out all the animals. I've decided that Cali fairs are so much different then Utah Fairs. Here it seems to be more of a art festival/swap meet + rides + deep fried twinkies + sheeps :)

Here are some pictures of us in the agricultural area. (This was my favorite part...) FYI

Dustin petting one of the sheeps. (Yes, I know the word is sheep, but I would rather say "sheeps") (...because...I can.) :)

His hands were stinky after petting all of the animals. Thank goodness for soap.

I love this picture.

I don't know who enjoyed this more. Dustin because he was petting them all. The sheep, because who doesn't like a good scalp massage...or me, because I was busting a gut because he was smiling. (Make the picture bigger...trust me...his little teeth are showing.) :)

Me and the albino cow. They were so clean and cute...

Dustin and the cows.

Mom...this picture is for you. My mom LOVES Llamas!

San Diego--Spontaneous Adventure #3

2009-07-26T22:19:00.000-07:00

So....make fun of us if you want, but I would have to say I was rather impressed. We decided to go and see David Archuleta while at the San Diego Fair. For purchasing $43 dollar tickets (and that included the $13 admission fee to get into the fair...and sitting on the 6th row) It was a pretty good deal. We were surrounded by teenage girls (some tweens) and old ladies.....and one random old dude. It was hilarious. Can't believe we went, but he is a pretty good singer, and I can't say that I didn't enjoy myself. I think Dustin and I were the ONLY people who didn't know any of his songs.

This chick opened for him. Her name is Aja Alycean. She is 13 or 14 years old. SHE CAN SING!!! We thought that she had better stage presence than David Archuleta! She was amazing. I am trying to find out a little more information on her.

She was that good.

Here is a video I pulled from YouTube. It works better than the one I took at the concert. So...I can't figure out how to upload videos from YouTube. (if anyone knows how, please teach me...)

click here...

Trust me...you'll be impressed!

Meet Molly....

2009-07-20T18:02:00.000-07:00

...the monkey!

I've been in a crafty mood the last few months or so, and found a free pattern online. (on a blog I stalk...of course!) I finished her a few months ago, but wanted to wait until I gave it to her new "mommy"...

Our friends, Scott & Nicole welcomed this beautiful lil thing...

on June 2, 2009 at 2:49 pm.

Meet Nixsen Marie...
6 lbs. 5 oz.
19 1/2 inches long

I think that Molly and Nixsen are making great friends!

We got to meet Nixsen while we were in Utah, and even got to have breakfast with her daddy! Scott and Nicole make cute parents and have a cute baby to boot!

Nicole...when you get a chance, could you get a picture of Nixsen with Molly?

Died & Gone to Heaven...

2009-07-15T20:42:00.000-07:00

So...while we were on vacation, my sister-in-law Kristie made this to die for desert. It was so delish that I got the recipe from her and made it tonight! I can't wait until it is set up so I can have a little taste-a-roo. :)

I will eventually get to posting pictures from our trip, thank you for your patience...

Now for the awesome-ness:

25-30 Oreos (crushed)
**add 1/2 cube butter (melted)
Press in bottom of 9x13 pan
Let freeze 30 minutes

Spread 1/2 gallon Vanilla ice cream (softened) over cookie crust
Let freeze 30 minutes

In sauce pan melt 1 cube butter
**Stir in 1 1/2 cups chocolate syrup & 1 can sweetened condensed milk
Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes stirring constantly
Pour over icecream. Let Freeze.

Add Cool Whip. Cover and freeze 24 hours.

ROADTRIP!

2009-07-03T08:55:00.000-07:00

Dustin and I started our little adventure yesterday morning. We were both out the door by 5:15 am to get to work and get as much work in as we both could. I left the office around 1 ish, and we were on the road by about 2. Traffic going towards Vegas wasn't too shabby, but it was better than I had anticipated. It slowed a few times for a few looky-loos at people getting pulled over and then for a little truck that lost it's load. (Dustin said that the trailer they were pulling was overloaded...) There was stuff all over the road!

We made a stop in Vegas to let Bronco and Zak out, and Dustin needed to make a detour at the Bass Pro Shop. :) We stopped at Jack in the Box on the way out and all have to say about that is--I AM OVER IT! Everytime I go there it totally is not a good experience. It took about 10 minutes before they would take my order and then when we got back in the car and on the road I realized they messed up on our order....but it was too late to turn around. (I asked for a chicken sandwhich NO bacon...and got a cheesburger with bacon & BBQ sauce...) At least their milkshakes rock.

I took over the drive from Vegas and drove to Beaver. It was about 11:30 (Utah time) pm... not too bad! Let the dogs out to play and get some energy out. It smells so good here this time of year, I have kind of forgotten. But with the great outdoor smell comes the allergies...I think we need to stop and get some non drowsy allergy stuff.

We made it to Morgan about 3 am (Utah time) Let the dogs play and got a little settled. Dustin's dad has a chicken coup in his backyard, and Bronco kept pointing out the chickens...he is such a good little hunting dog! Zak is such a sweetie! I haven't seen him much in hunting action, but it will be fun to see them together in action!

We went over this morning and had breakfast with my mom dad and lil sis Yellie at Larry's Spring Chicken Inn. It was good to visit with them and we are excited to seem them when we come back down from the cabin. :) My dad has been working on his deck cover and it looks great! He is so talented. We let their dog Gracie (Boston "Terrorist" #2) play with Zak and Bronco...it was quite hilarious!

We left about an hour ago, and we are on our way to Island Park, Idaho to Dustin's family cabin. About three-ish more hours and we are there. (We are at the 15/84 Junction where you can go to Pocatello or Boise..)

I think I am going to take over for Dustin in driving, he is getting heavy eyes...(Can't see how that can happen with only 3 hours of sleep.) :)

I am going to try to keep this blog updated with our happenings, so stay tuned.

:) Hope everyone has a safe and fun 4th of July! God Bless America!

After a hard days work

2009-06-27T19:14:00.000-07:00

Eddie came in town this weekend to pick up his doggy from Ron our amazing trainer. You should see how fun Eddie was having working with his new found love. He was struggling at first as I don't think my dad has ever had a dog that minds. Zak was doing exactly what he told him to do. He was pumped!!! (The dog and my Dad)

Eddie and I brought Zak home from Bakersfield last night and Bronco and Zak played for the first time. At first Bronco was not sure if he was tooooo excited about having another dog in his domain but after about five minutes he was in seventh heaven with his new found buddy.

The boys started playing early today "5:00AM" as I had to take my dad to the airport. Karen was the lucky one who got to stay home and play with two overly hyper dogs. Fun for her! Really I don't think that was what Karen was thinking. I am sure she was thinking bad words in her head, as she was in a dead slumber when I woke her to tell her the boys were hers. LOL

They have been playing all day and the above picture is a result of all the play time. Zak even had the opportunity to visit the beach for his first time. I don't think he liked the sand.

All in all it was a great day!

Cleared...

2009-06-12T22:52:00.000-07:00

I went jogging/speed-walking/walking with the pooch tonight...It felt good to get out and clear my head...Have had a lot on my mind...(been busy with work...)Thank goodness I didn't pass out! :) (I am not a work out guru by any means.)

More blogging to come soon...No worries...WE ARE ALIVE. I just haven't had the motivation to blog...Does anyone really ever read this? (seriously...)

Zak

2009-05-31T11:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Dustin and I went up to Bakersfield to check on a few things at out at our house and go see Eddie--Dustin's dad's new pooch. He has had him (Zak) being trained by the same trainer that trained Bronco. (Ron Soden of Fongeo Kennels) Here are some pictures that Dustin took of Zak. From what Ron says, Zak will be ready to go home at the end of next month and will be done with training. YAY! :) Thank you Ron for all your hard work with training our pooches. (--Oh, and Ron...thank you for giving me a hard time about not bloggin!)

We're Sailing!

2009-05-31T10:05:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday Dustin and I had the opportunity to go sailing with John Courtney and Charles. (John's friend...and skipper.) :) We left out of Dana Pointe, and sailed down to San Onofree. (I think that's how you spell it..) John and Charles got to try out their new "toy" and Dustin and I got to experience an automatic sail boat...It was this cool little thing that would automatically steer the boat in the right direction. It was a lot of fun, and I totally can't wait to do it again! I only felt seasick once, but no worries...I didn't puke my guts out! The weather and water were perfect! We couldn't have had a better Memorial Day weekend! Thank you John and Charles for taking Dustin and I sailing! We had an absolute blast and can't wait to do this again! :)

The sailboat

My cute hubby!

Dustin helping put the sails away

Enjoying the Sunday afternoon

Mom--This one is for you! xoxo

John Courtney aka El Capitan

Charles aka Skipper

Dustin, Charles, and John

Me and Dustin

Happy Birthday Bims!

2009-04-09T13:05:00.000-07:00

Today is my favorite older sister's birthday! In honor of her, and her lucky number 42...I will write 42 things...about HER! :)

1. She is 4 years older than me!
2. She is taller than 6 feet!
3. She is too smart for her own good!
4. She is very ambitious!
5. She always looks for the best in everyone!
6. She is a fun loving person to be around!
7. She is a great cook!
8. She is very creative!
9. She graduated from Snow College & Weber State!
10. She once tried to rip a bra off of me...
11. She came to Japan with me.
12. She has a great sense of humor!
13. She has the greatest work ethic!
14. She loves to travel!
15. She married a GREAT guy!
16. She wears a size 11 shoe!
17. She wears scrubs on a regular basis!
18. She is a Radiation Therapist!
19. She has a good heart!
20. She makes people feel comfortable!
21. She is very shy at first
22. She has really cute handwriting!
23. She never ceases to amaze me!
24. She is a strong person!
25. She has been locked out of her running car, by her dog, at a gas station.
26. She has a great sense of style!
27. She got me to join facebook!
28. She is my inspiration!
29. She is adored by many!
30. She parties 42 days before her birthday!
31. She will have the most AMAZING party when she is 42!
32. She is the peacemaker...even though sometimes she is the silent starter!
33. She is great with saving $$!
34. She has a love for purses!
35. She is not a snuggler! (I've tried!)
36. She has several nicknames: Bims, Berlee, Bebe, Beebs, Bimbles...
37. She took a guitar class and is WAY better than me!
38. She has a cute decorated house!
39. She has two furry babies...Zeus and Athena!
40. She is a great sister!
41. She is a great listener!
42!!! She is my best friend! :)

I love you bims! Hope you have a great birthday...and all your wishes come true! xoxox Karen!

Update...

2009-03-30T20:40:00.000-07:00

sorry for the lack of updates. i am actually posting from dustins phone. we moved out of bakersfield shortly after my last post and we havent had internet since. and i cant access blogger at work. dustin is doing a great job with his new job, and pretty much is the shiz nit. :) i am working as an assistant paralegal at a law firm here in orange county. thank you ted (dustins friend and old college roomie) for quitting so i could take his job. actually he left to take the cali bar exam. we are renting a little place in costa mesa for right now. its totally retro. i will take pictures and upload them when i can. well im off for the night. my hand hurts from typing on this little keyboard. :)

we will write soon.

Happy Valentines Day!!

2009-02-14T13:33:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning to this....

My cute puppy Bronco (who isn't quite puppy size anymore...) and Dustin brought me a cute little blue bag from their friend...TIFFANY! :) Inside the bag was a beautiful sterling silver penant necklace. (Which Dustin said he got especially to look great on my long neck...) :)

Of COURSE I am totally excited! It is absolutely beautiful and besides...I haven't EVER had anything from Tiffany's (& her Co.) :)

Thank you SO SO SO much Dustin! I love it...almost as much as I love you! (Which is A LOT!)

I couldn't get Dustin to take a picture with me...but isn't Bronco so cute? He likes to sit on my lap...

Life...

2009-02-11T15:46:00.000-08:00

"We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand."

--Randy Pausch

I've been reading this book called The Last Lecture. (Ok, I've been reading it since before Christmas...but it is REALLY good! One chapter at a time...)

Not sure if any of you know of Randy Pausch, but he was a professor at Carnegie Mellon University. I saw him on Oprah a few years ago...and became interested in his lecture.

A lot of professors give talkes titled "The Last Lecture" and are asked if they were to vanish tomorrow, what would they want to leave as their legacy? Randy was asked to give such a talk, but in all reality...it would be one of his last lectures. He was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

He decided not to talk about dying, but in fact he talked about "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams." It is a GREAT book that I recommend to everyone.

In the book he talkes about the "importance of overcoming obstacles, of enabling the dreams of others, of seizing every moment (because 'time is all you have...and you may find one day that you have less than you think.')"

Since knowing Dustin, we have talked a lot about our personal goals and goals that we have together. We've talked about everything from job goals, babies, investments, and vacations. We hope that we can live worthy of all the things that life has to offer us...even if it isn't what we have planned for the moment.

So when I try to relate to Randy and trying to reach our goals...I go back to his thought...."We cannot change the cards we are delt, just how we play the hand."

5 months ago if you would have called and asked me what the game plan was I had for my life, I would have said:

Buy a home in Bakersfield, California. We wanted a nice property that we could call home, and that would serve as a nice investment property as time went on.

Start thinking about having a family. We are excited to SOMEDAY be parents...and think we'd be pretty cool parents at that. Not to mention, I think we'd have some pretty cute kids.

Get involved in the community.

Get involved in a job I LOVE!

Well, the week before Christmas, we were delt some interesting cards. It changed our game plan...quite considerably.

Before Dustin and I got hitched, he worked for a company called Praxair. In September of 2007, he left Praxair to work for a wholesale company called ORS Nasco. Besides traveling a ton, ORS Nasco is a great company to work for...not to mention the people he works with day in and day out are wonderful people. Many of his customers have become our personal friends outside of a work setting.

A week before Christmas, Dustins old boss at Praxair approached Dustin with an amazing offer. With a faithful fast, and many many prayers, and even many more sleepless nights, Dustin and I have decided to take the job with Praxair. Dustin's last day with ORS Nasco is this upcoming Friday.

Dustin will be the new General Sales Manager of Southern California for Praxair Distribution, Inc. This is a great opportunity, as well as a great career chance of a lifetime, and I am very happy for my main squeeze. (Not to mention...he will only travel 2 nights a month...if that! Compared to the 3 weeks a month, it's a good thing!)

What this means is that we are going to need to relocate back to the Orange County area. Yes, I know...we just purchased a lovely new home up in Bakersfield. We have found some very interested people who will rent our home and love it as much as we do.

We weren't expecting the dealer to throw out the Praxair offer, but we are changing our game plan...and it is a good thing. We are excited for the next challenge and adventure awaiting us...

Chicken Cordon Bleu

2009-02-04T18:05:00.001-08:00

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. black pepper

6 slices swiss cheese

4 slices cooked ham

1/2 c. bread crumbs, seasoned

Pound chicken breasts to 1/4 inch thickness. Sprinkle each piece of chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.
Place once slice of cheese and one slice of ham on top of each chicken breast. Roll up each breast and secure with a toothpick.
Place in a coated baking dish, and sprinkle bread crumbs over chicken.
Bake about 40 minutes at 350F.
Remove from oven and place 1/2 cheese slice on each breast then bake an additional 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted.
Remove toothpicks and serve immediately.

**Dustin makes fun of me for posting recipes, since this is a blog about "The Davis'"....let me know if you enjoy the recipes.... :)

GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-02-04T10:43:00.001-08:00

My really good friend Julie makes the most adorable bows, headbands, and any little diva accessory! She is having a giveaway right now...so scoot over to her blog to check it out! She has a bunch of cute little hair things for girlies...makes me wish I had a little girl! (But I do have cute nieces!) :)

Click here for Julie's blog...

Recipe Tuesday X 2 on Thursday :)

2009-01-29T11:35:00.000-08:00

So.....I know I've been slackin' on the posting thing....and then I make some random post about Cancer? WHATEVER! :) Anywho, here is the last two recipe Tuesdays....

Chicken Casserole Ole

makes 6 servings

12 boneless, skinless chicken tenders

2 c. water

1 can (15 oz) mild chili beans, undrained

1 c. salsa

1/2 c. chopped green bell pepper

2 c. instant rice

2 c. shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided

2 c. bite-size tortilla chips

Spray large skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Add chicken; cook over medium-high heat 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned on both sides and chicken is no longer pink in the center.
Add water, beans with liquid, salsa and bell pepper. Bring to a boil; add rice and 1 c. cheese. Cover; remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Top with tortilla chips and remaining 1 cup cheese; let stand, covered 3-5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

2009-01-29T11:33:00.000-08:00

Crepes

Serves 6

2 eggs

1 c. milk

1/2 tsp. salt

1 Tbsp. sugar

1 c. all-purpose flour

2 Tbsp. butter, melted

Filling

2 c. berries

3 Tbsp. sugar

Topping

1 c. sour cream

1/3 c. confectioners' sugar

Beat eggs in medium bowl until foamy. Add milk, salt, sugar, flour and butter; whisk until smooth. Cover bowl; let stand for 10 minutes. Grease a small skillet with cooking spray.
Meanwhile, for filling, mix berries in a bowl. Sprinkle with sugar; stir to coat. Let stand. For topping mix sour cream and confectioners; sugar in a small bowl; set aside.
Heat skillet over medium heat; add 1/4 c. batter. Quickly tilt skillet to spread batter. Cook until edges lift easily. Turn; cook until bottom is lightly browned, about 30 seconds.
Remove crepe to a plate. Tepeat with remaining batter. To serve, place 2 Tbsp. fruit into crepe. Fold and roll tightly to enclose filling. Add topping.

I LOVE making crepes...I do like the topping, however, I don't really ever make it because Dustin hates sour cream...but it is pretty good. We usually just use powdered sugar. :)

Inflammatory Breast Cancer or IBC

2009-01-26T10:45:00.000-08:00

My Aunt Diane sent me this email and I feel it is very important to share. I haven't ever heard of IBC before, nor did I know that there is more than one kind of Breast Cancer.

Pause the music at the bottom...this video is important! :)

Some interesting facts about IBC:

Inflammatory Breat Cancer is a rare but VERY aggressive type of breast cancer in which the cancer cells block the lymph vessels in the skin of the breast. This type of breat cancer is called "inflammatory becasue the breat often looks swollen and red, or "inflamed." IBC accounts for 1 to 5 percent of all breast cancer cases in the United States. It tends to be diagnosed in younger women compared to non-IBC breast cancer. It occurs more frequently at a younger age in African Americans than in Whites. It can occur in men but usully at an older age than in women. Studies have shown an asociation between family history of breast cancer and IBC, but more studies are needed to draw firm conclusions.
Symptoms of IBC may include redness, swelling, and warmth in the breast, often without a distinct lump in the breast. The redness and warmth are caused by cancer cells blocking the lymph vessels in the skin. The skin of the breast may also appear pink, reddish purple, or bruised. The skin may also have ridges or appear pitted, like the skin of an orange which is caused by a buildup of fluid and edema (swelling) in the breast. Other symptoms include heaviness, burning, aching, increase in breast size, tenderness, or a nipple that is inverted (facing inward) These symptoms usually develop quickly—over a period of weeks or months. Swollen lymph nodes may also be present under the arm, above the collarbone, or in both places. However, it is important to note that these symptoms may also be signs of other conditions such as infection, injury, or other types of cancer.
Diagnosis of IBC is based primarily on the results of a doctor's clinical examination. Biopsy, mammogram, and breast ultrasound areuse to confirm the diagnosis. IBC is classified as either stage IIIB or stage IV breast cancer. Stage IIB breast cancers are locally advanced; stage IV breast cancer is cancer that has spread to other organs. IBC tends to grow rapidly, and the physical appearance of the breast of patients with IBC is different from that of patients with other stage III breast cancers. IBC is an especially aggressive, locally advanced breast cancer.
Prognosis describes the likely course and outcome of a disease—that is, the chance that a patient will recover or have a recurrence. IBC is more likely to have metastasized (spread to other areas of the body) at the time of diagnosis than non-IBC cases. As a result, the 5-year survival rate for patients with IBC is between 25 and 50 percent, which is significantly lower than the survival rate for patients with non-IBC breast cancer. It is important to keep in mind, however, that these statistics are averages based on large numbers of patients. Statistics cannot be used to predict what will happen to a particular patient because each person's situation is unique. Patients are encouraged to talk to their doctors about their prognosis given their particular situation.

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/sites-types/ibc

SPECIAL DELIVERY!

2009-01-15T14:36:00.001-08:00

It's here! It's here! IT'S HERE! & I couldn't be more excited! :)

The main reason why....

2009-01-14T11:43:00.000-08:00

...I laugh every day!!!

Dear Dustin!

I know you are like a mllion miles a way hanging out with the "Okie from Muskogee" but I just want you to know that I miss you like crazy and can't wait for this business meeting to be over so we can laugh! xoxo

Love

Karebear

**Just so you all know...this is not everyday apparel for the funny man. I know! I know! Quite suprising! Actually, this is when we were snowboarding in Park City, and Dustn decided that he wanted to get out of his snow stuff. Please notice that the parking lot is starting to become vacant...people were scared...really scared...of the crazy man dancing in the parking lot in spandex. (And we had Cali plates!...Crazy Cali people!) :)

Recipe Tuesday

2009-01-13T11:37:00.000-08:00

So, since the Tortellini Salad from last week was so tasty...(ok, I am not 100% sure Dustin LOVED it, but he ate it without complaints) I decided to post the recipe. The only change I would make is cutting the broccoli smaller!

Tortellini Salad

Serves 6

1 (7-oz) package cheese tortellini

1 c. broccoli florets

1/2 c. chopped fresh parsley

1 (6-oz) jar marinated artichokes, drained

2 green onions, chopped

1/2 c. Italian salad dressing

2 1/2 tsp. chopped fresh basil

3 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese

6 cherry tomatoes, halved, optional

Cook tortellini according to package directions; drain. Rinse and drain again.
Combine tortellini with broccoli, parsley, artichokes, and green onions in a large bowl; toss lightly to mix.
Pour salad dressing over tortellini mixture; sprinkle with basil and toss gently. Cover; chill until ready to serve.
Toss salad again just before serving. Sprinkle with Parmesan. Arrange cherry tomatoes on top.
ENJOY!

Details people...details...

2009-01-08T18:09:00.000-08:00

We recently bought a new table for our kitchen nook area, and it has some cute details in it! Here is an up close picture to show the little compartments underneath...

This next picture you have already probably seen...and I know that the light isn't on, but we just had an electrician come and instal our lights...(I guess Cali doesn't like to have lights in the living spaces...at least it was wired!)

Hanging light over kitchen table.

Standard "boob" lights in the spare bedrooms.

Fan light in the master bedroom. I still need to get a battery to make the thing work. It came equiped with lightbulbs, but not the tiny battery!

If you want an even closer look...just click on the picture and it will enlarge on your screen. :)

Wait no longer!!!

2009-01-08T16:17:00.001-08:00

Ok, so this is a long awaited post...I KNOW! As you all know, Dustin and I recently bought a new home up here in Bakersfield. We are all moved in, and are all cozy. We love it up here so far, and are enjoying having something that is OURS! (No thank you to renting!)

Living Room

Dining Room

Kitchen Nook

My dad painted our wall red when he came down the week before Christmas. He did a great job...and I totally LOVE it! We only have one picture hung because, well....the other one doesn't have a frame yet... I CANNOT FIND ONE THAT SIZE ANYWHERE! :( Other than that...I just need to hang the black valances! :)

Kitchen view 1

Kitchen view 2

Dustin's office

We are still in the process of putting this one together. We are hoping to find a really nice executive desk to put in here and that little glass desk can be my craft table! :)

Spare bedroom

If you come to visit...this is most likely where you will crash! :)

The house does have another room, but as for right now it houses our Christmas tree and boxes for the lights that were just installed a couple days ago. (I need to make sure that everything works correctly before they get thrown away.) We have a bed in Utah, but we just need to get it out here to put in that room.

The hallway closet thing that I LOVE!

Dustin's shower

I rarely use it because: A. I hate freezing my butt off after I'm finished having to get every speck of water off every surface to avoid water spots B. I'm lazy and don't like to spend ten minutes getting every speck of water off every surface to avoid water spots. I'll only use it if I know Dustin is going to shower. :)

My little piece of heaven on earth. :)

Master Bathroom

Master Bedroom

What I love most about our bedroom is that it fits all of our furniture! For once in our whole married life...I have a nightstand! :)

We still have a little bit more to go decorating wise, but thank you to Ludene for helping us out with where to hang stuff up, and thank you to Mom & Dad for the Christmas present! We love the decorations! They make our living room look superb!

Well, I must be off...my husband and my belly are starving...and dinner (Tortellini Salad) won't make itself... :) If you want the recipe...ask me.

Welcome to the Blog World!

2009-01-06T12:43:00.000-08:00

My cute mother, Cindy, has joined the blogging world! Please check out her blog and feel free to visit often! :)

To view her blog you can click on in from my sidebar, or access it by clicking here...

Recipe Tuesday

2009-01-06T12:34:00.000-08:00

While talking to my roommate Brookie Hatch today, she and I started going back on college memories. One of the memories was how she should write a book called "1001 Ways to Eat a Saltine Cracker" and then we remembered the cornbread...

My mom makes the most superb cornbread! (Well, everything she makes is superb!!!) :) But really, this cornbread....is simply DIVINE!

I've decided that each Tuesday I'm going to post a recipe. Hope you all enjoy! They've all been tested, and totally enjoyed! :)

Mamma's Southern Corn Bread

Melt 1 c. butter
Add and stir well 1 1/4 c. sugar
Blend in 4 eggs
Add 2 c. buttermilk & 1 tsp. baking soda
Stir just until blended, then add:

2 c. corn meal
2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt

Bake in greased 9x13" pan @ 350F for 35-40 minutes.

(Just press the "golden brown" button!)

Resolutions....

2009-01-06T11:50:00.000-08:00

Every year I think of things I would like to accomplish in the new year, but by mid-January, I tend to forget half of them...and loose motivation for half of the rest! This year, I am going write down my goals, and if I don't tend to keep them...I give you all permission to give me grief. (Just be nice!) :)

My dad sent me this really cool email. I hope that I can do these 20 things this year on top of my goals. :)

20 Tips for a Positive New Year

1. Stay Positive. You can listen to the cynics and doubters and believe that success is impossible or you can know that with faith and an optimistic attitude all things are possible.

2. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement: My purpose is_______________________.

3. Take a morning walk of gratitude. It will create a fertile mind ready for success.

4. Instead of being disappointed about where you are think optimistically about where you are going.

5. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

6. Transform adversity into success by deciding that change is not your enemy but your friend. In the challenge discover the opportunity.

7. Make a difference in the lives of others.

8. Believe that everything happens for a reason and expect good things to come out of challenging experiences.

9. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

10. Mentor someone and be mentored by someone.

11. Live with the 3 E's. Energy, Enthusiasm, Empathy.

12. Remember there’s no substitute for hard work.

13. Zoom Focus. Each day when you wake up in the morning ask: “What are the three most important things I need to do today that will help me create the success I desire?” Then tune out all the distractions and focus on these actions.

14. Instead of complaining focus on solutions. It’s the key to innovation.

15. Read more books than you did in 2008.

16. Learn from mistakes and let them teach you to make positive changes.

17. Focus on “Get to” vs “Have to.” Each day focus on what you get to do, not what you have to do. Life is a gift not an obligation.

18. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements:
I am thankful for __________.
Today I accomplished____________.

19. Smile and laugh more. They are natural anti-depressants.

20. Enjoy the ride. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy it.

Some of my personal resolutions include:

READ THE BOOK OF MORMON BY THE YEAR'S END--I can't say that I've ever done it...Better late than never, right?!?
ATTEND THE TEMPLE MORE--I know the blessings are so great...I just need to go more! I have been to the Redlands Temple, and the Los Angeles Temple. I hope to visit the Newport Temple, San Diego Temple, and the Fresno Temple! :)
CAPTURE FUN MOMENTS--Everytime we go somewhere, I always forget my camera. And if I do take it...I forget that I have it, and don't take pictures!
BE A BETTER WIFE--I have no doubt that Dustin loves me, however, I need to be better at making sure that there is food in the fridge at all times as well as being better at meal planning!
GET INTO SHAPE--I want to be a lean mean hott sexy wife. I've got the lean, but now I need the "mean!" :)
DO MORE CRAFT PROJECTS--I have so many stored up in my head that just want to come out. I am thinking about purchasing an inexpensive yet nice sewing maching....anyone have any tips? (Meg--?) :)

This new year is going to be a great one! :) I can feel it!

The LONGEST "Happy Holidays" post EVER! :)

2009-01-06T11:46:00.000-08:00

So, we recently got back from our vacation....We had a blast, but are loving sleeping in our own bed in our home! :)

Our vacation started wonderfully when that snow storm hit Cali, and they shut down the 5. So, Dustin slept in his truck in a parking lot (because there was no room in the inn....) :) and waited until they opened the freeway. (& the 58 was closed due to snow and fog...so no matter what we were trapped!) The 5 was supposed to open at 8am Thursday morning, but some over confident dude broke through the barrier, slid off the road and killed a Cal-Trans worker...shutting down the freeway for another two and a half hours! The finally opened it, and he made it home safely!

We left about 2 hours later...(Dustin was already sick of the car...)

We made it to Vegas, and went to the Bass Pro Shop. Seriously, that is the coolest store ever!!! I bought Dustin a T-shirt and a brush guard for Bronco. (Which is too small, so I need to take it back and exchange it...) We went and met up with Lauren and her boyfriend Matthew for dinner at the Pink Taco in the Hard Rock Casino. (It is a must eat place whenever visiting Vegas!)

We continued our long drive to Utah. Decided that between three of us (Dustin, Dad, and me) that we should make it straight through. Dad did the next leg of the driving. Dustin got in a powernap and then took over about Cedar because dad was fallin' asleep. The roads were super icy and snowy and Dustin didn't trust me to drive in it...which is good, because I wouldn't want to!

We made it to Morgan about 6am, and went and crashed! Woke up to a text...and couldn't fall back asleep! :(

We headed down the hill on unplowed roads after breakfast, and met up with Jennifer. She needed Dustin's expertise on an automatic car starter for Clark...and in the process Dustin bought new speakers for Big Red! (my car!) (Which I am totally glad we took instead of his!!! 4 wheel drive ROCKS!) She was in need of new speakers. In our old ward, Dustin was in the young mens, and the young men decided to rock out during scout camp and blew out my ancient speakers. They were making crackly noises...and it drove us NUTS! (Young men no longer have control of the noise level!)

Ludene, my cute mother-in-law was so EXCITED for us to come down! She hosted the annual Davis family Christmas party this year...and had her house decked! She is the biggest Christmas fanatic I know...and I simply love it! The roads were HORRIBLE getting down there! It took us seriously 3 hours from Ogden! The roads were unplowed and people were EVERYWHERE! Holy hannah...Utah drivers!!!!! (One thing I love about Cali...is they know how to drive!) :)

We finally made it there and started unpacking and Dustin started shoveling her driveway! Kristie, Aj, and the kids finally made it...and we had fun playing and getting ready for dinner!

The Christmas party for the Davis' was on Saturday. We went shopping, shopping, and shopping and then went to get ski rentals for Kristie's family. While there, Dustin got me an early present of new snow stuff! I totally love it...and I look pretty cute I might say! (Need to get picture of it....it is sexy!) :)

We had our annual dinner at Litza's and went and opened presents back at Ludene's. Everyone totally got spoiled and we had so much fun! :)

Went and saw Tale of Desperaux after....was the LONGEST movie of everyone's life...cute story...but way drawnout and lost my attention! (When the kids were asked if they wanted to see it again...they said no!) :)

Went snowboarding at Park City on Sunday. Had a blast! My nephew Treagan is a total ski machine! :) He "totally caught some sweet air" on a little jump! :)

We went Snowboarding almost everyday...and we enjoyed every minute of it! Went and played Wii at Kimberlee and Kai's house on Sunday night while Dustin went and helped his Dad with some of his electronic stuff.

Dustin went boarding on Monday without me...I was S-O-R-E-!-!-! I hung out with my mom and lil sis and we went and ran some errands! (Even got to go and visit my old dentist because my temporary crown fell off!) ***(Yes...I had to have a root canal) :(

Whenever we head to Utah, we totally have places to eat that we MUST fit in! Monday night was Mandrine House in Layton, Nielsens for dessert...and on Tuesday night we headed to Goodwood for dinner with my fam! Totally yummy! Even though I spilled my full rootbeer all over....it was still fun! :)

We headed over to Kimberlee's house for a round two of Dustin vs. Kai in Madden. When they came here, it was pretty intense...but in the end...Dustin won!!!! Dustin wasn't on his best game at Kimberlee's but I think in the whole championship....I think we dominated! :)

Christmas Eve we went boarding at Snowbasin with Yellie. She is so good! We went up the gondola. It was SO windy up there! But I made it down! And for all of your information: I TOTALLY CARVED!!!! YEAH! (Haven't been able to do that for...well...since I started!) Yellie got tagged by some kid, and they tumbled down the mountain! She cried for a minute or two, then toughed it up and made it down! A hug and a joke from Dustin always makes it better...right?! Oh, but this gets better....Dustin makes it down (I was already at the bottom...just because I'm that good...no, I sat that run out...) but like ten minutes goes by...no Danielle! Apparently, she got stuck in a fence! :) HA ha!

We had the pleasure of having lunch with Kimberlee while we were up there! She is an x-ray tech up there. So if you ever need an x-ray at Snowbasin...chances are...you might meet my sister! :)

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve dinner at my mom's house. She made lasagna...which is totally good...and then grandma and grandpa gave us a quarter book! They've been working on it forever, and we totally love it! Thank you!

Santa came and we all got spoiled! He brought Dustin a gun cleaning kit and me some new snowboard bindings. :) Thank you Dustin for the pants and perfume too! My butt looks great...and I smell like Ed. :)

Later in the afternoon, we made the rounds to all our nieces and nephews to see what Santa brought them! It was a lot of fun! We watched Dustin, Carter, and Paigy get all worked up with the Wii fit! (I totally want one!) It was a lot of fun!

We went back to my mom and dad's for a game of Uno Attack! It was fun...and hilarious all at the same time! Hilarious because it started getting later and later...and we were all exhausted! Everything gets funny once you cross a certain point!

The next morning, we found out that my Grandma LaNae's party was being moved because of the weather. We were sad, but the safety of everyone is very important. The party did go on, but without us....we were in St. George when it started...on our way back. :( Wish we could have been there...we sure missed all of you! We even missed out on Casey (Amy's new husband) eating pickled herring. (A tradition in my family...they all LOVE it! But it is seriously the most disgusting thing ever! But newcomers have to try it to be "welcomed" into the family!)

Friday morning, Dustin stayed in Morgan to help his dad find out what was wrong with his furnace...and helped install a new TV in his kitchen. (My hubby is such a technical geek....I love it!) I went down the hill and met up with Kimberlee and Kai and we went to Marley and Me! I totally loved it! Of course I bawled my eyes out! All of us but Kimberlee cried...she is heartless! :) JK!

After we went to the movie, we went back and chilled at Kimberlee's house and finished dinner. Dustin came and met up, and we went down to Salt Lake. We met up with our friends Scott and Nicole and went to the Jazz game. It was a lot of fun, and we were so glad to see them! :)

We made our long drive back to Cali on Saturday. Thankfully we didn't have any problems with driving other than they didn't plow any of the roads until Provo! :( We didn't head straight home though...we went to San Diego.

The company that Dustin used to work for and the company that his dad works for now (Praxair) administers oxygen to the San Diego Chargers. So as a Praxair employee he gets to stand on the sidelines and give oxygen to the players. He invinted Dustin and I, as well as the Adams' from Morgan. They built his barn and goat/chicken house in his back yard! :)

Me on the rocks @ La Jolla

San Diego Temple

The following pictures are a few pictures that Dustin took while on the sidelines. They had so much fun down there! (Unfortunately, I couldn't be down on the field, but we had awesome seats. It was kinda scary being a Bronco's fan in a Charger's stadium! :/

Even though our team got beat....It was still fun to go!

Thank you Eddie D. for the tickets! We always have so much fun...we appreciate how thoughtful you are! We sure love you! (Don't tell anyone...but you are by far my FAVORITE father-in-law!) :)

We've made it home...and are finally back to normal. (Whatever normal is...) We've got the electrician here putting lights up in our house....now I can take pictures! :)

Hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas and a great New Years! :)

Sorry for the lack of pictures. We always take our camera, but never take pictures! :( If any of you have any cute pictures from us being in Utah...please email them to me! :)

El Padres visit....

2008-12-17T16:54:00.000-08:00

So, we kidnapped my dad this past week...he brought our Mustang back to Cali, and then he is going to grace us with his presence back to Utah. This week has been great...especially since I got to hang out with my dad one on one. We decided to paint the kitchen wall red...well I decided to have him do it. No sense in over exerting myself... :)

Here is the man himself in the process:

The finished product:

We are going to put pictures on the side...and I'm thinking black valances on the windows....

So what do y'all think???

Ah ha moments!

2008-12-10T11:24:00.000-08:00

I love those moments where something just clicks...little Ah ha moments as Brooke, my roommate from college, calls them! Moments where instantly you understand what is going on and how you can fix it....

Let me give you an example...I have horrible eyesight! And when I say horrible, I mean that if I don't have contacts or glasses on...I have to get down almost touching my nose to the night stand to find my glasses! (I would love LASIK, but it'll have to wait....) So for now, I stick with the contacts and glasses combo.

It is not a rare occasion for me to fall asleep with these bad boys on! They are so bent and not fitting that if I move fast...sometimes they fall right off my face. (I just wear them when I don't want to wear contacts..or at night, so no big deal!)

This morning I've been up bee-boppin around the house making sure that all the rooms are spick and span. (I finally got everything put away!) HOORAY! (I can park in the garage now!) HOORAY! Oh..back to the story! While I was movin' around I realized that my right eye was doin' something funny! I mean, I know that eye is worse than the other...but seriously, this morning...it was RETARTED!

I've gone all morning like this when all of a sudden....the ah ha moment.....

That's right...I've been going around all morning with only one eye lens! No worries...the right one has been located. (Snuggled all nice in my nicely made bed!)

I think it's time to put my contacts in....

Updating Queen!

2008-12-09T12:10:00.000-08:00

Ok...so I know that it has been FOREVER and a half since I have really posted! A lot has gone on, and we've had some fun! We moved into our new house...and even went on vacation! We had some company come in town and had Bronco come back into our lives. Hope you enjoy the update!

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Ok, so I want to make sure that I post this! Sorry Julie..I stole these pictures off your blog! :) So while I was down in OC working that last week that I was there...Julie and I had plans to go to dinner. (Julie is seriously like my BFF!) :) Something had come up, and she couldn't go...but that was ok! I came over to visit and brought some ice cream...whipped cream...and OREOS! I think Reagan was in heaven! I got to get some loves from Collin...and most importantly see the queen bee herself...JULIE! :)

Me & Julie!

Me & Reagan! (She is such a doll!)

The finished product! She was one sticky...sugar rushed little chica! :)

Julie! Thank you for being such a wonderful friend, and letting me put your daughter on a sugar rush...and then leaving! :) You are such a delight to be around, and I am so priveleged to have such a great friend like you! :O) Much love!

xoxxo

Bronco

2008-12-09T12:05:00.000-08:00

So, we recently got Bronco back from his dog training...so here he is:

Enjoying his very limited time in the house...(ON THE TILE ONLY!) :)

Bronco & Dustin practicing in the back yard

Dustin put in some hours putting down some pavers and a kennel for Bronco...and even put the tarpy thing over the top so Bronco would be protected from the elements...but Bronco has managed to rip a hole in it so he can look out the top and see what is going on in the neighborhood! (Will get that picture uploaded as soon as I take it!) :)

Bronco is a really good dog...and his hunting training is really helping him here. "Woah" is the command for him! He KNOWS that Dustin is the Alpha dog, but Bronco thinks he is my protector or something because he doesn't listen to me very well. He will when it comes to practicing the woahing in the backyard like you see Dustin doing in the video, but other times...not so much...we're working on that!

Dustin really loves this dog...it makes me smile!

Family Fun in Bakersfield! :)

2008-12-09T12:00:00.000-08:00

So, the first weekend we were in our new house, my cute mother-in-law, Ludene, came into town and helped us put our home together. Sadly...I didn't get any pictures, but I will when we go home to Utah! While she was here we went shopping! We went to some furniture stores and found our really cute table! (Thank you to Eddie and Ludene! We love our new table and it adds a lot to our home!) We even went down Buck Owen's Blvd...a few times! :) She helped us with her divine decorating skills...our house looks superb! It still needs a few finishing touches...but that will come with time! :) (Will post house pictures soon!)

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The next weekend...after my long work week in the OC, my family came into town! I was so EXCITED! I first met up with my little sister! She flew into the Long Beach airport...and an awesome wonderful cute chica gave her these:

(they reminded me of her!) :)

So, our next stop was to go and pick up the parentals...With Yellie as my navigation (because my GPS wouldn't find the cruise terminal...) we found our way over to San Pedro and went in.. However, we were a little early, so we just looped around and exited until they were ready. (But while we were loopin... :) we saw them on the boat! NO joke! (we told them to jump...and we saw them jumpin!)

We decided to go check out downtown Long Beach...since it was 2 bridges away and bee-bop around unil the parentals were ready to be picked up. (My mom said I couldn't leave them there...because all the homeless people that are wandering around with luggage are people that got left on the boat pick up by their kids....she said I could NOT forget her!) :)

Here are some pictures of our 45 minute adventure:

The Yellster sitting down by the beach...It was such a beautiful day! :)

The boat "parking lot"! This is down by Shoreline Village! :)

She apparently did not see the sign "No pooping on sidewalk!"

Ok, so I KNOW this picture is sideways! (Don't have the program installed to edit them...) Anywhoodles...this just shows the goofyness of my seestor! :)

So just after the poo picture was taken...the male parental called...and said, "We are ready...please come and get us." So the Yellster and I made our way over this huge ginormous bridge and saw this boat....

The Saphire Princess

Ok, so that picture is from the internet...but the picture on my camera just doesn't do it justice! I'm not even kidding you...this boat is HUGE!!!!! It was so huge that there was NO WAY that it was going to fit under the bridge! (And the bridge...was GINORMOUS!)

Now is the time to insert funny story:
Funny Story:We had picked up the parentals...we were just following the long line of cars to exit the cruise terminal...I wasn't doing anything wrong, I mean I can't do anything but wait my turn. I wasn't even being impatient! (Which is HUGE if you know me!) :)

All of a sudden some traffic dude on a power trip...the only one blowing his wistle...starts pointing to me and yelling at me to go around. (Please note that I am in TRAFFIC and there is NO WHERE to go! :/

So, I now see what he is talking about and just about the time I step on my gas to go around to the next lane...the traffic dude on a power trip comes and bangs on my window! Not like a little knock knock knock! But no it was rattling my car window! "M'AM! UNROLL YOUR WINDOW!"

What did I do?? Oh that's right...I unrolled my window and stated in the same wonderful tone that he had given me, "I can hear YOU!" (Well because...I could!) It kind of threw him off for a bit that someone had talked back to his royal highness! His only remark was, "What-Ev-ER!" and then turned and walked away!

It was priceless!

Once that was out of the way...we could continue on with our trip up to Bakersfield. I let Yellie be the photograper of the trip and so here is our trip:

Princess Yellie...herself!

Female Parental...aka...Mama Seeta!

(She must still feel like she is on a boat...the picture is sideways!) :) haha

Male Parental...aka...Dadd-i-o

(Lost in conversation on our drive back!) :)

Yours truely

(We were going up a VERY steep hill!) :)

When we got to Bakersfield, we went on a grand tour of our house...unpacked, and got a little settled. (Watched Dustin pluck and cut up a pheasant that he and Bronco hunted...see previous post...) we went to a steakhouse that I LOVE called Tahoe Joes. Great food...and a cute little skiier man on their chocolate cake that is to DIE for. (Well not really "die" for...but it's just that good!)

Picture of cake I had from the first time I went to Tahoe Joes! :)

We had a lot of fun! It was a fun and relaxing weekend! We went on a little tour of Bakersfield, went and got stuff for our Sunday "Thanksgiving.." Which was the bomb diggity, by the way! And then recieved our Christmas present from Mom & Dad! They gave us some decorations and pillows for our house...and we LOVE them! :) They look so cute in our house!

I wish I would have gotten a picture of this...but we got EVERYONE to play RockBand! Yellie is a superstar on the drums...Dad got the hang of the guitar and is now better than me! (& I pretty much rock!) jk! :) Mom is a great singer as is Dustin! :)

We had to leave REALLY early on Monday to get them to the Long Beach airport to catch their flight back to SLC, but it was a fun weekend and I CANNOT wait to go to Utah to see them! :)

I am glad that they made it back home safely and that their arms weren't too tired! :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T22:22:00.000-08:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

This Thanksgiving, Dustin and I came to Las Vegas. Our nephew Davis has a football championship so we decided to have Dustin work the first part of the week here, and then stay for the holiday to watch him play. We don't see our families too often, and we try to support our nieces and nephews as often as we can!

We have had a great time...despite the rain! Eddie D. came in for the day to watch the game...and we even went to see the movie Bolt! (Which was super cute by the way!)

I have so much to be thankful for at this time of year, but I want to let my families know that I love each person and I am thankful for them! I am very lucky to have a wonderful family as well as sweet in-laws!

Stay tuned for my thankful posts! :)

Happy Thanksgiving....

New Kitchen Table

2008-11-23T13:52:00.001-08:00

This is not a great picture but this is the new kitchen table! We had another table that was square and we did not think that it looked good in the nook so took it and put it in the formal dining area a got a new table to put in the kitchen. So here it is!!

We still have to paint the wall but we are still debating on what shade of red to paint. Also Karen is having a hard time deciding as to which pictures she is going to put on the wall. I think she is afraid to put in holes in the walls (she does not think that I know how to fix them if it does not look good).

Dustin on his First Hunt with Bronco

2008-11-23T13:49:00.001-08:00

Saturday Morning I was home all by my lonesome with nothing to do. Karen was down in LA picking up her Parents and sister Yellie, who were coming to visit us at our new house. Will lying in bed wondering what to do, I received a phone call from Ron Sonden (Broncos Trainer), who called to see if I would like to go out and hunt with Bronco. I could not refuse. Ron is such a great guy and trainer and I knew I would have a great time. It took me a while to get out there because I had no shells and I did not have the correct stamp to hunt upland game.

Once I finally got all of the issue address, I got out to the field and Ron, his son in law Bruce and his grandson Robert were there and had already been hunting. Ron got Bronco out and we headed out into the fields. We had walked for about 5 min when Bronco went on point. I flushed out the bird and took my first shot in a couple of years. On my first shot I hit my target, well kinda I got his wing and the pheasant went down. Bronco tracked him down. Not to bad for a first shot. I shot at two more bird and didn't miss a one.

I do have to tell a funny story. On the last bird we were out hunting I got a little excited when pheasant was flushed I shot a little early and to say the lease I wasted a lot of good meat. Ron put me in my place and told me I shot to early (I don't think that he will let me live that one down).

All in all it was a great day and I hope to get out more because that was a first time in a while that I got and and just let all the stress and worries go out the window.

Dustin Virgil Davis!

2008-11-22T07:02:00.000-08:00

1. Where did you meet your husband? His dad needed a real estate agent. My mom is a real estate agent. He said,"YOU NEED TO CALL THIS GIRL!" She said, "YOU NEED TO CALL HIM BACK!" & The rest is history!

2. How long did you date before you got married?1 year

3. How long have you been married? 1 1/2 years

4. What does he do that surprises you? Too many things!

5. What is your favorite feature of his? I love his eyes, smile, and witty personality!

6. What is his best quality? He is the best husband, hardest worker, and my best friend!

7. Does he have a nickname for you? Karebear, Sweetcheeks, etc... :)

8. What is his favorite food? He loves a good steak! Or just a good home cooked meal! (with an appetizer!) :)

9. What is his favorite sport?Football and baseball

10. When and where did you first kiss? On his birthday at his dad's house. (It was spiderman style! We were laying head to head on the couch watching a movie, and he made his move...) :)
11. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? Just being together!!

12. Do you have any children? Yes...his name is Bronco!

13. Does he have any hidden talents? He is an amazing opera singer!

14. How old is he? 28

15. Who said 'I love you' first? He said, "Of all the feelings that I have for you, love is one of
them..." :)

16. What is his favorite music? Anything he can sing too!

17. What do you admire most about him? His witty personality, loving and caring demenor, and his drive for life!

18. What is his favorite color? RED!

19. Will he read this? Eventually!

20. Who do you tag? Kimberlee, Julie P., Megan, Misty, Nicole B., Nicole J., and anyone else who wants to! :)

House update

2008-11-17T20:48:00.001-08:00

So...we are officially homeowners!!! We bought our first home, and we moved in on the 12th! Ludene (Dustin's mom) came in town on Thursday and stayed until Sunday. We decorated the house a little, and even got some Christmas decorations up! (& made the most AMAZING cinnamon rolls EVER!)

This week I am back down in the smoke filled air of the city...being the awesome, wonderful, bomb-diggity, very "humble" employee that I am...I came back down to help this week! The new girl that they hired decided that she doesn't like paperwork and quit after four days! :( BOO! I'm helpin' out this week! But it's alright because my mom, dad, and lil' sis Yellie are coming into town on Saturday to spend the weekend with Dustin and I at our house! I'm excited! I mean it's not bad staying in a hotel in Culver City while I have a new home just wishing we were there....but I'm glad to help, and it saves me a trip! :) And I get decoration money!!!

We had to buy a new table for the kitchen nook (which we got a steal of a deal on--won't be delivered until Fri...) and we are still looking for a modern looking chair to go with our modern looking dark leather sectional. (If anyone has any ideas...please send them my way....also for rugs!) And can I even say that I love having new washer and dryer? My dryer no longer takes two hours to dry and my washer doesn't need a knife stuck in it to work. (Hey...guess I can't complain too much considering that it was included in the apartment right??) :)

Well, as soon as I get some pictures...I will make a post of all our rooms that we've decorated! I'm totally excited, and can't wait.! I know it's been a while, and I don't have any pictures, but I will get those posted on Saturday or Sunday.

I mean it about the decorating ideas! You chicas out there always have great ideas on your blog...so send your ideas this way! I'm going with a red hue as an accent in my living room, and I like the more modern/contemporary look.

Well, HERO's is about to start...and I'm pretty much addicted. . . . .

Bronco

2008-11-05T21:59:00.000-08:00

So, while we have been up here in Bakersfield, we decided to stop by and see our dog...and he's been doing great in training. (He didn't do so hot today...because of me! I petted him before I was supposed to and so he was to excited to see us and play instead of showing us what he's learned in his training!) :/ (woops) Ron, his trainer, said that he's been doing great....so we are thrilled!

Here are some pictures from seeing him this morning:

Cute picture of Bronco...sorry I cut off your head Dustin! You sure looked cute though! :)

Dustin & Bronco

Video of Dustin, Ron, & Bronco training.

Walk-Thru

2008-11-05T21:46:00.000-08:00

Today, Dustin and I had our first walk thru on our new house. We close on the 12th....and I am totally excited! ;) There are a few things that need to be fixed, but all in all, we are definately pleased with our home and can't wait to move in!!

Here are some pictures:

kitchen

one feature i'm really excited about!!!

SEATTLE DETAILS && DUSTIN'S FIRST POST!

2008-11-03T20:33:00.000-08:00

So, while we were up in Seattle...Tim (my sister-in-law's hubby) found this picture of my cute hubbles when he was on his mission in Paris. Pretty cool graffiti...eh? :)

Anyway, I thought I would post this because he's a pretty cute guy...and I'm pretty lucky to have him as my man!

He's so great that he made those last 2 posts about our little Seattle trip. (Not to mention he went over the top and made cool videos out of them!)

We had a blast in Seattle. It was fun to get to know Tim, Mikey, and the kids better. (Considering I've only met them three times now, and the second time was at our wedding!) Their family is truely wonderful, and we had a blast up there.... (Thank you to Eddie and Ludene for coming up and spending the weekend with us!) :)

We went up on Thursday, and hung out that night. Amber had cheered at her schools football game (they won by the way...) and we had gotten in kind of late. We, of course, stayed up way too late, but hey...it was fun, and kind of hilarious!

Friday, we got up and got ready. Dustin and Tim went to Costco while the girls got ready. Me, Ludene, Mikey, and little Mikayla went to the store and got all sorts of goodies for the big Halloween night. It was funny, it was DOWNPOURING outside, and the little kid car cart was covered in water, but Mikayla was going to ride it...so the cart guy went and got paper towels so she could ride in there.

We went to a Chinese place for lunch, and then to Walmart to get a few finishing touches for kid's costumes. **Dustin found these AMAZING socks that are super soft and smell like lavander. (Still....! And I've been wearing them for a few days now...!) :)

The kids all went trick or treating....Andrew and Amber were gangstas...Ali was a walking dead cheerleader, and little Mikayla was a pumpkin. Me and Dustin were just hott! :) haha

After we all got back from trick or treating, Dustin got down and was wrestling with the kids...and something funny happened with Mikayla. See if you can spot it at the end of this video...It is hilarious!

On Saturday, we went up to Seattle and explored the Space Needle and the Pikes Market. We had a ton of fun, and enjoyed every minute of it...even with the rain!

We ended up playin' the Wii, and a fun WAY LATE game that is hilarious to play at midnight or later called Butt Darts. Basically put a cup on the floor, put a quarter between the cheeks, and walk over and release the coin into the cup...believe me...it's harder than you think. Dustin was the champion, but Mikey came in a close second! :)

(Sorry for the camera handle...I was in a hurry to capture the shot...) :)

We even played a few pranks on Eddie D and Ludene. They both fell asleep and Eddie ended up with a little whip cream on his face/jacket, and Ludene had a little lipstick on her forehead. :) (Don't fall asleep at the McLaughlin household!!!)

Sunday we went relaxed and listened to Amber sing. We played the Wii, and hung out for the last little bit....I'm sure I'm missing so much, but I can always add more later. :)

We miss you guys, and can't wait to see you guys soon! :) We had fun!!

Sleepless in Seattle

2008-11-03T13:55:00.000-08:00

Pics of our recent trip to Seattle

My niece Amber McLaughlin Signing...

2008-11-03T11:14:00.000-08:00

My niece Amber has this amazing hidden talent, she has the most amazing voice but does not share it with the world so Dustin and I figured we would. This is Amber singing "the Happiest Girl" for the Family.

Sunshine on my cheeks!

2008-10-28T20:38:00.000-07:00

Things that put a smile on my face today:

I put on my "fall/winter" beadspread today! My mom and I made this for Dustin and I...I LOVE these colors! I think I was destined to love fall just because of the colors! :)

I made some cornbread! My house smells so devine right now! There is a "trunk or treat" at the church this Friday, and I signed up to make cornbread. (Forgetting I'm going to SEATTLE!) So, I'm going to bring this to Julie tomorrow. (Heads up Jul!) :)

My mom sent me a cute card in the mail... and I just got it! She is always so thoughtful!

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I am so greatful for Dustin and how hard he works for our little family! I'm so excited to get into our new little place so we can be together a little bit more! I really miss him when he is gone! Getting this little card from home made me a little bit homesick for Utah. I love living here in Cali, but sometimes I miss hangin out with all my sisters and my mom! Sometimes when I call home and all of my family is over at mom and dad's house eating dinner and just hangin' out...I kinda break down inside wishing I could be there too...(today is one of those days...especially with Dustin being gone!) Thank GOODNESS he'll be home tomorrow! :) I am really excited to go to Seattle this weekend. Dustin and I both need a break! He's been going non-stop the last few weeks!!! (THANKS HON!)

Update:

2008-10-28T20:28:00.000-07:00

So...I thought that I would post the update on our house. This is our house thus far, and when Dustin sent me this picture I am even more EXCITED!!!!! We are debating on having them leave that little porch-y thing just the wood or have them paint it how they were planning. Dustin likes the wood, and I don't care either way. (He wants to get a wood door to match the wood porch-y thing.) What do you think???

But this is what our house looks like right now..just wanted to share in the excitement!

I am in my final few days at work. (Whew!) It's kind of bittersweet I guess..I really have enjoyed working for my boss. He is such a great guy, and I love the compassion he has for his patients. But I know that this next little adventure is what is best for our little family! :) (Only I keep having wierd morbid dreams about moving!)

...good night for now!

TAGGED by Megan!

2008-10-25T08:53:00.000-07:00

8 Favorite TV Shows:

I am more of a movie kind of gal--but--I guess there are a few shows!

Heroes
House
Grey's Anatomy
Anything on TLC
Anything on HGTV
Anything on DiscoveryHealth
**SOMETIMES** Espn
The Today Show

8 Things I Did Yesterday:

Started a load of laundry
Cleaned my kitchen
Swept and Swiffered my floors
Sat in traffic for an hour--just to get to work!
Requested authorization on 8 surgeries
Got caught up on what Jessica (grr) left behind!
Traded vehicles with Dustin so he could get our shiz-nit out of Lauren's storage shed...
Had a wonderful BBQ at John & Katies house because Ira is in town

8 Things I Look Forward To:

In no specific order...they are all pretty much equal in "looking forward to-ness"!

Going to Seattle next weekend to see my nieces and nephew!
The next 8 1/2 days of work to fly by...
Getting paid on Monday! (Because of Jessica...I didn't get paid yesterday! grrrrr!)
Having our familes come in town to help us move.
Closing on our house && movin' in!
Taking a nice long HOT bath in my new garden tub in the awesome master bath!!!!!
Making cookies in my new kitchen!
The holidays! :)

8 Favorite Restaurants:

Roman Cucina (Costa Mesa)
Roman Cucina (Seal Beach)
In N Out
Kings Fish House
Javiers (Irvine && Laguna!)
Yardhouse (Costa Mesa && Long Beach)
Maple Gardens (Ogden, Utah)
That little French place in Redondo Beach!

8 Things On My Wish List:

New towels for my bathrooms && kitchen.
A BBQ-er for my man now that we actually have a backyard!
New shoes
A pedicure
A job!
The cleaning, organizing, packing faries to come and help me out!

**I'm starting to stretch it...that's all I can think of!

8 People To Tag:

Alicia
Brookie
Julie
Julie
Kimberlee
Misty
Nicole
Nicole

Pictures...

2008-10-18T14:53:00.000-07:00

So I wanted to post a few pictures of the model home of our same floorplan. Our house will look exactly the same minus the turquoise walls... :)

Kitchen:

Master Bedroom:

Master Bathroom:

Front of house:

Catch up...

2008-10-18T13:50:00.000-07:00

Things I love about today:

Going on a bike ride with my hubba bubba down by the beach.

Laughing histarically at the Arbys commercial with the goat.

We just gained ownership of a beach cruiser that no one claimed in the bike room! :)

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Yesterday we had a pipe blockage...my cute hubby tried to fix it, but we ended up calling a plumber. Sure was cute watching him...

(He just found out about this pic too!)

Keepin' up with the Jones'

2008-10-18T10:19:00.000-07:00

As promised...The Davis Adventures with the Jones':

Dustin and his cute wifey...

Nicole climbed up this hill in heels! It was so impressive! :)

Nicole and I

Dustin & Scott

Marilyn Monroe's hand & feet prints

Dustin & Frank Sinatra :)

Nicole and I enjoyin' Sprinkles!

No caption necessary.

Lake Mead

2008-10-18T09:13:00.000-07:00

As promised....the Davis adventures of Lake Mead:

Dustin & I looking great...as usual...on the boat. :)

My cute man getting ready for the experience of his life!

"Ok....HIT IT!"

Up and looking great!

YouTube taught skills!

Our wonderful flag woman! :)

Queen of the Tube

El Capitan Eddie Davis of Lake Mead

Spillin' the beans!

2008-10-16T07:18:00.000-07:00

Things I love about today!

That the sun just came up and lit up my whole living room
My husband has been working so hard and is coming home TONIGHT!
I actually have something in my fridge for dinner! :)

So I bet you are wondering why I haven't really posted in a while...Julie Presley thought I was pregnant and wanted to wait to spill the beans, but I'm really sorry to announce that I am NOT pregnant! (Not for a while anyway!)

So....you want the scoop??? Well after talking it out, and letting a few people know (my boss, bishop, and mom) I've decided to spill the beans to you guys! We are moving to Bakersfield, California.

Why? You ask?? It's time.

I love living in Long Beach. I have a great ward, great friends, && I LIVE BY THE OCEAN! But my cute hardworking hubby also travels three weeks a month. We have the opportunity to move to Bakersfield, he will only travel about a week and a half a month and we will be able to OWN our own home! (Yes...we are buying a home...we move in on November 11th)

As soon as I have some pictures I will post them, but I've been so excited that I've wanted to share with you guys my good news! ( I know I still need to post more pictures from our little adventures!) :)

I'll post more later....I hope you all have a fantabulous day!

Ok! Ok!

2008-10-13T11:39:00.000-07:00

So...I know that it has been a while...and I've received SEVERAL complaints...multiple times...(you know who you are!) for an update!

Things in the Davis household are doing great...keeping busy. A few weeks ago we had Scott and Nicole come in town. Nicole is attending FIDM and then was working in Cali for the Buckle for her Manager thing...So she and her hubby Scott came down and hung out with us for a few days! We explored Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and of course...ate at Roman Cucina! ;) (Basically touristy stuff, but it's great, because even though we live here...we haven't really explored LA!)

We decided to drive as close as we could to the Hollywood sign...that was fun! Explored Rodeo Drive, stood in line for an expensive cupcake at Sprinkles...it was alright! (The wait was worth it for me...yummy treat, and besides we were with the people we loved!)

We've been to Lake Mead since the last time I posted...and for all of those of you that care...I STILL CANNOT GET UP ON WATER SKIS/WAKEBOARD! I am weaksauce!!! Dustin, of course is a professional! Once we found out that the fin was on the wrong side of the board he instantly was better, and thanks to the fabulous YouTube for teaching us how to wakeboard!

Other than that, not much has been going on! :)

I will post pictures of the last few weeks adventures as soon as I can...no worries! I just wanted to post a little something for all you guys! :)

Breakfast with Bronco

2008-08-30T18:00:00.000-07:00

Today, Dustin and I got up at the buttcrack of dawn and headed towards Bakersfield to check out our little pup Bronco...When we got there I realized that he just isn't so little anymore! He is our teenage puppy! :) Ron Soden is his trainer, with Fongeo Kennels, and he is doing so good! I guess in the fields where they usually go and train the dogs got sprayed with something, so Ron didn't want to take the dogs out and have them get sick! (Probably a good thing!) :) So we got to see a few things that Bronco has been learning in Ron's front yard! Here are some pictures and a video. Sorry for the barking dogs in the video...the dogs next door were going loco! But check out that Bronco totally pointed! He isn't quite perfect yet, but I KNOW when Ron is finished Bronco will be perfect!

Bronco & a quail

Dustin & Bronco

Ron Soden & Bronco & Me!

Video of Bronco finding the quail in Ron's front yard... :)

SISTER in the HOOD

2008-08-29T15:56:00.000-07:00

Moving to Long Beach, let alone California, was a HUGE adjustment for me...I'm the typical Utah girl minus the big hair. :) Getting used to not being in the typical Utah ward was a little different, and I was seriously worried that I wouldn't find a friend here unless it was someone that was friends with Dustin first!

Since day one in our ward here in Long Beach I have always felt welcome and I guess at "home." One of the reasons why would have to be Miss Julie! :) She was the first one to "grab" me and say hi! (She literally did grab me by my arm when I was trying to run out of the RS room!) :) Since then I have had just a strong bond with her, and a huge adoration for her! She is a very special chica whom I just love and look up to! Yesterday evening we FINALLY met up and had a girls night out! (very much needed!)

Thank you to Jason, Regan, and Collin for letting your mommy/wife come out and play! :)

We went to dinner and then went and watched a GIRL movie...We both don't get to go out and watch those too much because I think our hubby's are too manly to admit that they might like them! (I know all guys secretly appreciate a good chic flik!) We watched Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2...and I loved it! I bawled my eyes out in the first one, but to save myself some embarassment, I didn't cry in this one! ;) close...but I didn't!

It was good to get to know Julie more, and I look forward to our usual Relief Society and I'm totally pyched for the next girl day! :) (I think we need to have a combined Family out...what do you think of that idea???)

Well, I had so much fun...went home with a smile on my face and jib-jabbered Dustin's ear off the whole way home! :) I felt bad because he sounded like he was ready to fall asleep, and I was keeping him awake. He has been in Vegas all week.

....ok...so the story gets better! I will admit I was a little peeved at first, but it does get better!

To start off, I am very picky about doors & locks.I am strange about locking doors, making sure doors (closet doors, bathroom doors, ANY door) are shut! I think I'm OCD about it. (I check it 3 times before I hop into bed...ask Dustin, he laughs at me!)

So I get home from dropping of Julie, and I walk in my house...make sure the door is shut for the first time, lock it...put my stuff down, turn on the light, make sure door is shut for the second time, check that I did lock it...and walk into the computer room so I can start blogging about how much fun I had...

...when all of a sudden I hear something.

I seriously stopped! No one else is here but me right? Yeah...um NO!!! So I start doing an inside freak out because I know that no one else is supposed to be in there but me! Here are the thoughts going through my head:

Holy hannah!

Holy crap!

I'm scared!

Should I hide?

I can't fit under the bed!!!!

Shh..stop breathing!

I should have checked the door!!

Wait it stopped..

It's just my imagination!

When out of the corner of my eye I see something move...right then I KNEW I wasn't crazy! Then I can tell it's a person, but I can only see the top of their head and some eyes peeking around the corner...(MAJOR FREAK OUT GOING ON INSIDE ME!)... & guess what??? Oh yeah, it was DUSTIN!

I SCREAMED BLOODY MURDER!!!!!

(sorry to all of my neighbors!)

He did suprise/scare me by coming home a night early...that sneaky bastage had me convinced that he was staying in Vegas until Friday!!! I had just talked to him on the way home!!! He instantly wanted to hug me and snuggle because he was home, but I was so mad I had to go in the other room and not talk to him for like twenty minutes! (He was all, who did you expect it to be?...um HELLO!? You weren't supposed to be here right!)

All in all, I had a great night with my "sister" in the "hood" (aka we both live in the hood!) :) and I after my heart stopped beating so fast and I wasn't so peeved, I was excited to see Dustin too!

Have a fantabulous & safe weekend!

Need to post!

2008-08-20T16:56:00.000-07:00

So...it has deffinately been a while! Our computer crashed at home, and after a little thinking, we bought a new hard drive, and give a big thank you to the Best Buy dude for fixin' her all up! She's still got some glitches, but nothing that my technology lovin' husband can't fix....and I can't find our camera! I don't really like to post without a picture or something, but I need to post, because it's been too long! :)

Things here with us are going great! We have been busy with work, but we did buy some bikes! YEAH! Dustin loves to work out, and I...well....I don't love to work out! So we found a new little hobby that we both enjoy...and hey it's just a bike ride for me, yet Dustin can still work out! :) Our first day, we went on a little bike ride to Belmont Shore...Dustin was all, "It was probably like five miles! It wasn't that bad!" Um...Yeah. Freakin. Right!!!! It was totally more than five miles, and my butt hurt for seriously three days! We went bike ridin' again on Sunday, and it was enjoyable! I like it...it's relaxing, and fun to do! I've been meaning to go this whole week, but Dustin has been out of town and I don't want to go by myself in the dark. I don't mind going by myself...just not in the dark!

Yesterday, I was at work until 9pm! Yeah...I usually am off by five, but we had some patients come in late...I was so pooped out! I fell asleep with the bedroom light on! I slept the whole night that way...and I didn't even notice!

Well, I better run...I need to go grocery shopping. I have to make a cake for my friend from work for a work baby shower, and I found this new recipe that I'm going to try...(ok I have time, I'll post it here so you can try it too!)

SUN-DRIED TOMATO PRIMAVERA
Serves 6
Start to finish 35 min.

12 oz rotini pasta

1/2 lb asparagus (trimmed and cut into 1 in pieces)

1 zucchini (halved lengthwise & sliced)

1 yellow summer squash (halved lenthwise & sliced)

2 tsp extra virgin olive oil

1 jar (25.5 oz) Italian herb pasta sauce

1 1/2 c frozen bell peper strips

1/4 c oil-pack sun-dried tomatoes (drained & chopped)

1/2 c organic chicken broth

1/4 c finely chopped fresh mint

1/4 c finely chopped fresh basil

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

shredded parmesan cheese (opt)

1) Preheat oven to 400*F.
In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook pasta according to package directions.
Drain well; return pasta to hot pot.
Cover; keep warm.

2) In a medium bowl, combine asparagus, zucchini, yellow summer squash, and olive oil, tossing to coat veggies.
Spread on baking sheet.
Roast in pre-heated oven for 10 min; set aside.

3) In a large skillet, combine pasta sauce, peppers, and tomatoes.
Bring to a low boil.
Stir in roasted veggies, chicken broth, mint, basil, & vinegar; reduce heat.
Simmer about 10 min or until thickened.
Season to taste with salt and peppa. :)
Serve over hot, cooked pasta.
Sprinkle with cheese. (opt)

Enjoy..it sounded good to me... :)

Much love!

Bronco Update

2008-08-02T10:07:00.000-07:00

Dustin went up to see Bronco, and he (Bronco) is doing great! He is ahead of schedule and is still getting a lot bigger! He has finished his first full month of adult training. Ron Soden, Bronco's trainer is doing a very good job. Bronco has a great nose and a soft mouth, and as you can see from the picture is pointing out birds. Bronco has about 3 months left and then he will be ready to hunt.

HOLY HANNAH!

2008-07-29T12:59:00.001-07:00

I seriously just experienced a huge earthquake out here in good ol' Cali! It was a 5.8!!! Scared the holy gageebies out of me! I was at work and the whole building was bending! The lady that was with me was laughing because I climbed under my desk...but hey... that's what they taught me at school! Anywho...I'm alive! But seriously! It scared me!

Love from me...

2008-07-21T20:01:00.000-07:00

So...I don't have a lot of time to post, but I'm sick of my little green post being at the top...so I thought I'd repost this from everyone else's blog!

1. Where is your cell phone? ....................pocket

2. Your significant other?.......................hott

3. Your hair?....................................blah

4. Your mother? .................................quirky

5. Your father?..................................supportive

6. Your favorite thing?..........................DustinD

7. Your dream last night?........................ wierd

8. Your favorite drink...........................water

9. Your dream/goal?..............................motherhood

10. The room you're in?.......................... office

11. Your children?................................negative

12. Your fear?...................................death

13. Where do you want to be in 6 years........... happy

14. Where were you last night?...................home

15. What you're not?.............................organized

16. Muffins....................................………Nummy!

17. One of your wish list items?.................house

18. Where you grew up?...........................Morgan

19. What you read last...........................Ensign

20. What are you wearing?........................scrubs

21. Your TV?.....................................flat

22. Your pets?................................... Bronco

23. Your computer? ..............................sick

24. Your life?...................................repeating

25. Your mood?...................................happy

26. Missing someone?.............................yes :(

27. Your car?....................................guzzler

28. Something you're not wearing?................shoes

29. Favorite Store?..............................online

30. Your summer?................................fun

31. Like someone?................................hubbabubba

32. Your favorite color?.........................pink

33. Last time you laughed........................work

34. Last time you cried?.........................??

Just getting ready to head out to Vegas this Wednesday night. It is seriously going to be birthday weekend. My nephew Carter's 17th b-day is on Wednesday, and my cute hubby's 28th b-day is on Thursday! :) Dustin's family is meeting us in Vegas, and we are going to go boating in his dad's new boat. :) I'm pretty excited. I am going to learn how to wakeboard. Anyone ever done it before? Is it hard? I've heard that it will totally help my snowboarding skills...or in my case, lack of snowboarding skills. :)

Our computer has crashed! Both our PC and Dustin's work laptop. Word to the wise...don't buy a Dell...ours has seriously been the "dell from hell"!!! Since September it has had to have 2 hard drives, and will crash everyday. Not to mention when you try to do something about it...you get some India person that does not understand a word you are saying...or is it the other way around. Our PC that Dustin bought a few years ago got sick, and is going to cost us almost as much to buy a new one as it will to fix er up! :( We're thinking should we just get another laptop or get a PC? Or just fix the one we have? DHL is going to bring Dustin's laptop back tomorrow...keep your fingers crossed that it works! (and doesn't continue to crash!) As for now, we've got Dustin's old computer from college hooked up to the computer screen, because everything works fine on this computer but the screen! Seriously...when it rains...it pours! (At least in our current world of electronics!)

So, this chica that I work with is due with her third baby the 15th of September...it's a boy. I'm thinking on crocheting a baby blanket...do you think that is too girly froo froo for a little boy? I mean I will obviously use boy colors, but is the crocheting too froo froo? (Maybe I'm worrying to much about this...!)

Well, I must be off, I need to return my movies to Blockbuster, or they will annoy my hubby tomorrow! :)

Peace!

Thumbs...

2008-07-10T22:00:00.000-07:00

We are officially a "green thumb" family...and our
little plants are doing so good! :)

Pictured in the middle is the one and only "Henry"...our anniversary plant. He has grown almost double in size! The little pot to the left that has little sprout-y things...(that would be my plant thank you very much!) my cute little sister, Yellie, named him "Harold" to keep the "H" theme going on. The plant to the left is named "Jalopeno" or "Hal-o-peno." :) (That would be Dustin's plant...) Well Jalopeno hasn't really grown much, but I think those seeds take longer than mine did! I can't wait for them to grow, because Columbine is one of my favorite flowers. My mom has them in her little garden every year! My plant is Cosmos. I can't wait for them to bloom!
Well, I better not forget about "Helga"...My cute hubby named her! She's doing great, required a little TLC since the Target people were kind of neglecting her, but I have NO idea what she is...so for some of you other little "green thumb"-ers out there, help me out...I don't know what Helga is, and I want to make sure I take care of her right, find out if she is really an inside plant, how tall she gets, blah blah blah!
**picture of Helga will not upload...I will try again tomorrow!**
When I was in college, I took a class from Judie Erickson, and one of our assignments was to get a pot, plant some sort of plant...something green that required attention...and take care of it for the whole semester and come back at the end and present it in front of the class. Her whole purpose for this was to have our focus be on something else that was living other than ourselves...if we came back with it alive, we were probably ready for that next step in our lives...(aka: relationships) Sad to say, I failed this assignment...well, kind of! Shaniqua (my plant) was kind of alive. She was kind of green, but she wouldn't bloom flowers. :( Which was pretty much the whole reason I picked that plant! So I'm so happy that now that I'm in a pretty great relationship that I can keep plants alive... :)

We're not ready for that "next step" yet...so don't even ask! :)

PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!

2008-07-08T20:09:00.000-07:00

My mind just keeps replaying and replaying the Lee Greenwood song of Proud to be an American...could be that Dustin sings it all the time, but still...it is the time to recognize our pride to be able to live in this country!

I'm proud to live in such a wonderful country! I'm proud to have the freedoms that I have, to have rights and privleges! I am so greatful for all those men and women all over the world serving with their lives to keep this country free!

I am very proud of my brother...Denny! Dude, thank you so much for giving your time to our country so that we can all have freedoms! You make me proud! I love you so much and miss you more than you will ever know! Can't wait to see you again!!! (COME VISIT!)

This 4th of July weekend, was very relaxing for Dustin and I, and we had so much fun! On the 4th, we got up and ate breakfast...watched a movie, got cleaned up a bit, and then headed down towards Huntington Beach. We went and layed on the beach and caught some rays...then went to Coldstone...yummy! We went home and cooked some steaks...watched another movie, then walked down to Walmart to see if we could find our plant "Henry" a plant sibling, but Walmart did not have a very good selection! So we hurried back home and then we put on our swimsuits and headed for the roof! It was so beautiful to sit in the hot tub, relax and watch fireworks all over the valley! The fireworks down by the Queen Mary were beautiful! I couldn't believe how long that the show went! Holy Hannah it was like 45 minutes! :)

On Saturday, Dustin and I decided that we were going to go kayaking! It was so much fun just cruising around Huntington Harbour! (Other than my legs are crisp!) They hurt so so SO bad! I am now fond of Banana Boat Aloe Vera Lotion... not only does it make my legs feel better, but it smells devine! I seriously have to go buy this stuff in bulk before they take all the sunscreen stuff out of the stores because it will be the end of summer before we know it! I don't even know if they have this at our local "hood" Walmart! I got it for a wedding present...someone knew me well! :)

After our kayaking adventure, we headed up to Target...and we got us another little plant. I have no idea what she is...yes...our new plant is a girl. Dustin named her Helga. So now we have a Henry and a Helga! (I still need to get a picture!) The tag said foliage, but what kind, I don't know. Maybe when I post a picture all you green-thumbs will be able to tell me! Helga kind of reminds me of my mom's little "Dr. Suess" tree that she used to have...(until it was in my room and someone (Yellie) forgot to water it...and it died while I was at college!) Then we got two little pots, because we still have some leftover dirt, so we bought some seeds. And we are growing cosmos (my plant) and some columbine (Dustin's plant) I have been so excited because mine started sprouting today! :) YEAH! I'm not a bad plant mom! :) So...our plant parenting has been a plus so far!

We rented three movies on Saturday, and we watched 2 Saturday night. (We've been on a MAJOR movie kick lately!) We watched The Bank Job and Shutter. The Bank Job was actually a lot better than I thought it was going to be. It had a lot of action, and a pretty good story line without a lot of dragging on. Shutter was kind of creepy, but had a good thought to it! I enjoyed it even though I was half covering my eyes on the suspenseful jumpy parts! :)

Sunday, we got up and went to church. I really enojoy testimony meetings, especially in Relief Society. I know that sometimes I complain about church and having to go so butt crackishly early, but in the end, I really enjoy the feeling I have afterwords! (Oh, and church is at 8, and we have to leave by 7:30 to make it on time...yeah, it kills me!) (Not my morning loving husband mind you!) This Sunday in Relief Society they talked about Visiting Teaching and why it is important. I have no idea who my visiting teachers are, and I really haven't had that experience. I mean I was always around when my mom's visiting teachers came around, and I loved being there when they came, but once I was in college, I never really had them come around. When I moved to California, I had one in Corona, that came a few times, and it was so nice! I will have to agree with everything that was said at church. Visiting Teaching is VERY important! It gave me that chance to make friends, and not feel like I was alone at church. More than anything I missed my family back in Utah, I was still getting used to being married, and I just felt like I needed someone! My visiting teacher was just so sweet! She would call me just to see how things were going, and when we saw each other at church she would always give me a hug...I felt like I had a friend and some sort of familiar-ness when we went to church. Now that we've been living in Long Beach for quite a while, I feel like my little ward is more like a family! I love each one of them, regardless of if we can understand each other's language or not! I just got a new visiting teaching assignment, and I can't wait to start on it. I know that it is so important to do that, and I am going to make that my new goal...to make friends with these sisters, and make them feel as welcome as they make me feel!

Ok...enough of my ramblings right? I'm not quite done...so hang in there ok?

Today has been very emotional for me! I always miss Dustin when he is out of town, but more than ever I miss him right now! Dustin is currently in Idaho, getting ready to speak at his Aunt Donna's funeral tomorrow morning. I didn't really know Aunt Donna that well, and I think I only met her two or three times...one of those times being my wedding! What I loved most about her is her love for her family. From the first time that I met her, she made me feel welcome and at home even though she could tell that I was a little hesitant! She loved her family more than anything, and you could tell! Dustin and Aunt Donna were pretty close, and as he's been getting prepared to head off to the great potato state, I have learned so many wonderful stories about this woman!

A funny story about Aunt Donna! Last year, at our wedding in Utah, Dustin and I were getting ready to head out the door to go on our honeymoon when Aunt Donna stopped Dustin and I and said, "Now you know that the family reunion is tomorrow and you're going 'aren't cha'?" She was totally serious too! This year the reunion was scheduled for this past 4th of July weekend, but it was cancelled due to her declining health...but Aunt Donna I'm about 100% sure that she made sure that the family reunion happened, because they are all up there in potato land together, celebrating life of a wonderful woman!

I know that death can be a hard thing, a sad thing, and sometimes a sit down and bawl your eyes out thing...but I love knowing that through Heavenly Father's plan for us, that death is not the end...it is only the beginning. Knowing that I have some loved ones up there waiting for me makes me want to the best that I can down here on earth so that I can see them again! I have Aunt Donna, and my Grandpa Denny, and many other wonderful relatives on both sides...even on Dustin's family! I can't wait to meet his grandparents! :) I guess that's why they call it the Great Plan of Happiness right?

Ok..I'm finished now! I'm done rambling on and on and on! I hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July! Once again I'm proud to be part of this country, and I'm proud to be an American!