A weekend off....

I got lucky enough to have a whole weekend off, after about a month of working Saturdays. Originally, it was planned that Bryce was going to be working some OT, but it didn't work out that way. Jordan and I were already planning on going to Nana's house to hang out, and make some Homemade Oreo's, so Bryce decided to come along. He ended up helping Grandpa with some panels for the horse corrals, while we played and baked.

I got to spend a little bit of time with my very sweet and adorable little niece Irelyn. She is so laid back, Jordan was a pretty simple baby, but that Irelyn just goes with the flow of everything. We made our Oreo's, which are delicious by the way, with the little change I made of using Mint extract rather than Vanilla for the filling. Jordan ran around and played with Delaynee, and Aspyn colored many a beautiful picture of everyone's favorite thing from Halloween.

We took a ride to Cabelas, so that I could make a deal with one of the employees who work on the gun counter. He had some old Duck Stamps from the 70's and 80's, and Bryce and I have been collecting them for a few years. Each year, we buy 2. 1 for him to hunt with, and 1 to just keep. The ones that he sold me are in awesome condition.


I also got the chance to meet my niece Fernanda this week. She was finally approved a Visa on Permanent Resident Status, and arrived in the good ol' USA on Wednesday night. We met them at the airport, and she and Noah were so cute together, even though neither of them understand a word the other one says. Thursday, we went to the zoo, a whole bunch of girls, Me, Jordan, Ariane, Fernanda, Martianne, Emily, Kaylee and Megan, and then Dan. Poor guy, he had to put up with all those girls for hours on end. It was a blast for the girlies though.


I am hoping to find a couple good U shirts that match Jordan's U cheerleader outfit. We need to get some family pictures taken for Xmas cards before it is too late. Only I have a hard decision in front of me. I have to choose from 2 photographers, 1 who did my engagements, bridals, wedding, prego and newborn pics of Jordan, and the other who is a very old friend. Both are great at what they do, and both have awesome deals. How do you decide on something like that?

Long time no post.......

Things have been a little crazy the last month or so. I am now officially an employee with the State of Utah. Although I have been working for them for the last year, I was not in a merited position. One came open in my office, I applied for it, and was it was offered to me. I finally have insurance, personal time, sick time and holiday pay. So nice. I haven't had the full package in almost 2 years, since I left Page Brake, and it feels nice to get back to having all those perks. At the same time, I am now working more hours as well. I went the whole summer on 3 days a week, and it is a bit of a shock to me, and to Jordan, to be back working 5 days a week. But, the paychecks will be nice.

Bryce's Aunt Toni was married last Saturday the 19th, in Bluebell Utah. We went out and stayed the night. Sunday, as everyone was helping to clean up, and getting ready to head home, Bryce thought it would be a good time to injure himself. He was playing with Jordan, chasing her around the yard, and jumped over her. When he landed, he rolled his ankle. We were all sure, including the ER doctors, that it was a break. After doing X-rays, we found out it was a bad sprain. Lucky us. I am afraid that he is in for a long healing process though, as good as he is with taking it easy.


I finally broke down and cut Jordan's bangs. I will have to find a before picture, but here is the after. They were a little crooked at first, but at least she can finally see. That is what matters, right? She talks so much, but most of the time it is just babble, or as we call it "Jordanese" She does have some understandable words:
Mama
Dada
Nana
Papa
Oos (I am pretty sure this is Shoes)
Hat
Horse
Night Night
She loves to repeat you when you say something. She tries so hard to talk to us, and it is the cutest thing.

I have to say, a good friend of mine lost his neice to a rare, inoperable brain tumor, called dipg a few months back, and it has really given me a new look on life, and how blessed I am that Jordan is healthy. I really could not imagine what her family goes through on a daily basis without their beautiful daughter/sister/neice/grandaughter/cousin. (if you are interested, check out the link under my "Families that inspire me" section on the right. Her name is Sadie Huish, and she was an amazing girl with more strength than I could ever dream of having) If you ever find your way to my blog Tiffany, please know that I think about you and your family often, and your strength has truly been an inspiration to me.


I also got brave and had my own hair cut. I have kept it long since before I started High School, only cutting a couple inches off here and there. So, this is the shortest I have had in about 15 years. I was a little apprehensive at first. I loved the cut, but I was scared to death about having to style it myself. I can now say, after a week of having the cut, that I am feeling more comfortable with styling it, and loving it too. I am so glad I did it. In fact, I am thinking of even going a little shorter in the next couple months. We'll see if I really have the nerve for that.

Just one more mention before I end my post. Another friend of mine that I worked with at Page Brake, lost his wife yesterday. They aren't sure how it happened, but he found her on the floor, first thing in the morning. They have 3 children, with 1 of them being on the extreme end of the Autism spectrum. She was the one who stayed home and cared for him, although Jerry was laid off from Page Brake in July. So, he has not been working, and now will have 3 children to care for on his own. Please just keep him in your thoughts or your prayers, no matter what your beliefs are. They are going to need it in the next couple weeks especially.

Jordan's 1st camping trip

At the last minute, we decided to go out to Duchesne camping. Bryce and I haven't been out there to camp in 3 years, and Jordan has never been camping, I know, horrible parents we have been. Since our trailer is still "Out of commission" we planned to sleep in a wall tent on an air mattress, while Jordan slept in Nana and Grandpa's trailer. If anyone remembers the wind here in Salt Lake on Saturday morning, you would understand why Vern didn't think the wall tent would be a good idea.

We packed up our clothes, supplies, Jordan and the dogs and headed out first thing Saturday morning, and it was a very long drive. Jordan refused to sleep, and screamed most of the way. Thank goodness it isn't more than a 3 hour drive. We went and picked up Vern's Rhino, so we could take Jordan on a "Wino Wide" as Delaynee calls it. (Rhino Ride) I was a little nervous, as the last time we went to Duchesne, we had only 2 dogs, and no baby. How were we going to handle it all.

As usual, it went over great, and I had nothing to worry about. The dogs ran and ran and ran, and fetched sticks from the river for as long as people would throw them in. Although the river was as dirty as I have ever seen it. Absolutely disgusting, and trying to keep the dogs out of it was impossible. Even Diva thought she needed to be a water dog for the weekend. We drove into Bluebell to see Aunt Toni and Bruce, even though we didn't actually get to see Bruce while we where there. He kept calling and telling Toni, "1 more load, and I will be there." It's ok though, at least we got to see the "Bluebell Mall" as Diana calls it. Cute little everything store that Bruce and Toni own.

We finally headed back to Duchesne, because Jordan needed a nap. She was being a little bit of a monster, going off no nap. We took Diva for a ride on the Rhino first, since Jordan fell asleep on the way back from Bluebell. Her little ears were so cute flappin in the wind. When we got back, we took Jordan into town to buy some decongestant for Bryce, he picked this weekend to get sick. We ate dinner and sat around the fire, Bruce and Toni came by till about midnight and talked with us. Bryce and I ended up sleeping in Vern and Diana's trailer too.

This morning, we woke up, ate breakfast and Jordan and her Grandpa Vern danced a little to the Stray Cats. After breakfast, we took Jordan for a Rhino Ride, she had a blast, but she wanted to drive more than ride. We packed up all our crap after the Rhino Ride, by the way, I HAVE got to get one of those, they are so much fun, and headed home. The dogs have done nothing but sleep since we got here, and I am not sure I will see their eyes again till at least Tuesday. So, to sum it up, we had a great weekend, Jordan had her 1st camping trip, and I can't wait to go again. I really miss not working holidays and weekends. We were always going to Duchesne camping.

Jordan's 1st birthday pictures

Long story short, Jordan had pictures taken the day before her birthday, they were awesome pictures, but in the end, just too expensive for me to actually buy them. She won the sitting in a contest, come to find out the photographer doesn't charge sitting fees anyway. So, I took her to Kiddie Kandids this morning, and had them redone. She was being little Miss Attitude, and in major need of a nap, but they did an awesome job anyway, and as usual, I love the pictures they do. So, here are her cute 1st birthday pictures, hope you all love them. Next, I am planning family pictures. Hopefully, I can just bully Bryce into doing it, because he keeps telling me he isn't going to go with it.

Jordan's birthday...

She is officially one. As of a little more than a week ago, so this post is a little late. We had a birthday party for her at Grandma Stanley's house, and it seems to have turned out rather well. She doesn't really understand it, but she did make out like a bandit on her presents. Thanks everyone who came, and even those of you would couldn't come, thanks for the birthday wishes for her. (Speaking of which, I need to get working on those Thank you cards) Anyway, she still isn't walking, I am glad that she waited for me, rather than doing it while I was in Hawaii. She can do it, I have seen her take 6 or 7 steps without a wobble, she just won't. Apparently she likes that she is speedy when she crawls. She was lucky enough to spend the week we were in Hawaii with her Grandma Diana, Aunt Amber and cousin Bailey, who were in town while we were gone. They taught her a new word, which officially happens to be her first, other than mama, dada and baba. That word is $h!t! Nice, right? She can also now say dog and Mousse, which I think is her favorite of our dogs. She gives kisses, loves and waves bye bye. Blankets, she loves them. First thing she does in the morning, hands me her empty bottle, then her blanket, and then puts her hands up for me to pick her up. We got a new neice on Monday the 22, her name is Irelyn, and from the pictures, she is cute as a button. I will be going to visit her this week, since I was in Hawaii when she was born, and haven't had the chance since I have been back. I love my little girl, who I think I will have to cease calling a baby soon. I haven't downloaded the pictures from her party, but when I do, I will get some on here.

Pictures from our Kauai trip

So close to walking...

she can stand up on her own, but sometimes she is too scared to do it. I am afraid that she is going to start walking while I am in Hawaii, and I will miss her first steps. That would teach me. So, this is just going to be a quick little post, with a picture, and a video. I love the video, because it shows that I really do have awesome dogs. They put up with Jordan beating on them, because in the end, she still loves them, you will see her give Mousse a love in the video.

My new adventure.......

So, my new adventure as of yesterday, is Scentsy. I am going for it. I know that quite a few people are selling it nowadays, but I thought I would try. All the girls at my work we performing their Peer pressure on me, and talked me into it telling me they would buy from me. So, if anyone feels the need to take pity on me, and buy some from me, I would be glad to help you fulfill that need. I haven't gotten my consultant starter kit yet, but it is on it's way, hopefully by Wednesday or so this week. My new website is not all that exciting just yet, but give me time, I am still working on it.

Baby Mowgli

Here are a few cute pictures of Jordan (with her Elvis curl, it's always better before she goes to bed, right after her bath, and a little messed up by the time she wakes in the morning.) and a video of little Mowgli cub walking around on her hands and feet with her Jungle mates, Kasha, Mousse and Diva.

The latest and greatest

Ok, so I am extremely sorry, I have not been doing the best job of keeping everyone up to date. Jordan is now almost 10 months old, so hard to believe. She says Dada, all the time. When I try to get her to say Mama, she just comes back at me with Dada. But, the winner is when she wants something, she always says Mama. My heart be still. :) She plays patty cake, patting her hands together, and when you get to Rolling it, she tries so hard to roll it. She waves hello and bye bye, and we are currently working on some signs with signing time. My favorite thing she has learned though, is "Dancing Baby". Anytime music is playing, she will kick her little leg, and if she is standing up, she will bounce her little butt. And, I say "Dancing baby, dancing baby" I think she even says num num when she wants food or more food. It really amazes me how smart she is. She has a total of 6 teeth that are broken through the gums, and seems like they just keep on coming. Her new nickname is Mowgli, due to how she will crawl around on the balls of her feet and hands. Name really fits, considering our house is a bit of a jungle in itself. Diva is getting bigger, and Bryce and Justin gave her a little cut to tie us off until we can get her groomed after her 2nd set of shots. She looks like a little lion. Misty and I bought a membership to the Zoo. We have already been a couple times, and are planning to go again as soon as the weather warms up. I can't wait. It is so nice to be outside, especially since Jordan loves being outdoors. I promise to post more pictures as soon as I get more time.

The scrapbook

My very first scrapbook, EVER!

I know, this sounds crazy, but I have never scrapbooked in my life. My pictures are stored away either in lame picture books, photo envelopes or files on my computer. I went to a party for Heritage Makers on Saturday, and loved it. I know I have tried things in the past, that didn't work out so well, but I really do want the opportunity to try this one out. I am sure most of you have heard of them, but I am still a little bit in the 20th century, trying to catch up. So, here is my very first scrapbook for you all to see, and for you all to comment on, hopefully. Let me know what you think, and hopefully I can talk Bryce into letting me do the consultant part of it. It seems awesome, and much easier that what I have tried to consult for in the past.

Jordan and a visit to Diva

My poor baby was diagnosed with a bladder infection last Wednesday. But thank goodness we figured out what the problem was, and are treating it. Although because she is under a year old, Dr Montgomerie wants to have an ultrasound of her kidneys done. So, on March 11th, Bryce and I will be off to PCMC to have the ultrasound done. I am hoping they can give her something to at least "calm" her down a little before they get to all the nasty stuff. She has a 3rd tooth coming through, and it looks to me like another one on the way. She has started to eat the graduates yogurt melts, and little crunchies, and she absolutely loves them. Anything that doesn't seem like baby food, she is totally into trying. The weekend of Valentines, we were doggie sitting for the in-laws. So, we had 4 dogs. It was a lot of fun. I tried to get a picture of all the dogs sitting together, but there was always one who wanted nothing to do with it. Also, Bryce put up all the cute things I had bought and painted for Jordan's room as a Valentines gift to me. Honestly, I cried a little, I love it. And, biggest news of all, I got my BRACES OFF. Yeah. I am so happy with it. Love love love it. For the most part, Jordan is in either 9 month or 12 month clothes. I can't believe how big she is getting. She has also started to crawl up on her hands and knees, rather than the "army crawl" as we have named it. We went to see the cute baby, Brandon, of our friends Patrick and Trisha, he was 5 weeks early, and still so tiny at 3 weeks old. But, it almost makes me want another baby. I said ALMOST! We went to visit Diva after not seeing her for a few weeks. I can't believe how big she has gotten. Luckily Jordan still isn't afraid of the puppies, like the kitten incident. She is now 5 weeks old, so it won't be very long, and she will be coming to her new home.

It's FINAL.....

at least I think. We have pretty much decided to take the puppy, and I have even been to visit her twice. We are going to name her Diva, but I still haven't really picked out the rest of her name for her registration. If anyone has a cute suggestion that would go with Diva, let me know, please. Jordan seems to be ok with the puppy. She didn't completely melt down like she did with the kitten at my parents house, so at least I know she can get used to it. She acted like she wanted to pick her up like a toy and play with her. Also, I know it is naughty, but Jordan had her first taste of Ice Cream today. (At least to my knowledge, you never know what Bryce has let her try when I am working and he is watching her.) She LOVED it. She got very angry and screamed at Ariane when she took it away so I could pick her up to put her down for her nap. Jordan is learning new things everyday. Her newest is sticking out her tongue, all the time. I am assuming it has something to do with teething, but who knows. It is hard to believe that she is already 7 months old. I can't believe how fast time has gone, and how much she has grown. I am grateful for having her everyday, and I love her more than I ever could have imagined.

Jordan's Walker and maybe a new puppy

We bought a walker for Jordan last week, and she has already figured out how to cruise. I think she loves being on the same level as the dogs. She just squeals, and tries to chase them around. When I put Jordan on the floor to play, Kasha will walk right on over, and lay down on the blanket next to her. I think she really does love Jordan, and is becoming protective of her. I took Jordan over to Grandma and Grandpa Ashcrafts house on Thursday, and they have a kitten. Not really sure of her name, some call her Boots, some call her Socks and some call her Mittens, but Jordan is scared to death of that cat. It blows me away, that she just loves Mousse and Kasha, 2 80 pound dogs, and she is so terrified of a little kitten, that weighs 4 pounds, tops. I was contemplating taking the kitten home, because as much as I know my mom reallly wants to keep her, she keeps trying to give her away to Misty or I, until I saw how scared Jordan is of her. No cats for me, at least for now. Also, the puppies were born yesterday. Misty used her miniature Schnauzer as a stud for her sister-in-laws mini Schnauzer. So, she gets pick of the litter as payment. Bryce and I have been contemplating taking the puppy. We even have a name picked out for her, Diva. If we do take one, I already have decided which one I want. Hailee had 3 puppies, all females. 2 black and 1 black and tan. With a name like Diva, she has to have cool hair, so the black and tan is the choice. Jordan can now say Lalalala as well as Dadada. As hard as I have been working on getting her to say Mama, it just isn't happening yet. Hopefully soon. She is so much fun, that I am actually kind of grateful my hours have been cut back at work, I get to spend all that much more time with her.