HAPPY BIRTHDAY MUNCHKIN!!!

Today is MY BABY'S 2nd Birthday! I can't believe how fast the time goes! She's still such a "little Peanut" --as my sister calls her-- that I often forget how big she is getting! We love her to death! I'll post some better pics later (I'm on my way out the door) so stay tuned!

GOOD morning!

I woke up this morning to a WONDERFUL smell and an even MORE wonderful realization. My AMAZING, THOUGHTFUL, UNSELFISH, INCREDIBLY HOT husband had not gone to school yet and was fixing ME breakfast in bed! I've been having a bit of a hard time with the girls lately, so he spoiled me by 1) well, just by being there when I woke up; 2) making me waffles with homemade strawberry sauce and whipped cream, eggs, hash browns, and orange juice; and 3) listening to Christmas music because he knows I love it even though he does not. It was all just too much. I must admit... I cried.

I soon realized that their was another fun surprise awaiting me: SNOW! I love snow! So do the girls. They went outside as soon as they could.

Halloween Pictures!!

We had a WONDERFUL Halloween (even though Krista was throwing up that morning, she was feeling better in time to go trunk-or-treating)! This picture was taken at the MBA Halloween Party. Emma was a chicken, Krista was Cinderella, and Dan was her Prince Charming. Unfortunately, we didn't really have a costume for him, so five minutes before the party, Dan came downstairs in a suit, holding an old boyscout medallion and some graduation tassels. Well, you can see from the pics how it turned out.

The day before this party I asked Krista if she was excited to dress up in her Cinderella costume. She got super giddy and said, "YEAH, and Daddy can be my Prince Charming... and Mom, you can be a BIG COW!!!!" Ah, the innocence of youth! Seriously though, it was hilarious... you just had to be there!

For Family Home Evening we worked on our pumpkins. Dan and Krista carved our BIG pumpkin. We called him Jack... aren't we creative! And Krista and Emma both had a little pumpkin to color on. As you can see, Emma preferred to read the newspaper!

... And then it was Halloween night...

Introducing... the cutest little chicken you've ever seen! (I'm just glad our 2 yr. old fit into her 6-12 month costume!)

And a very enthusiastic and beautiful Cinderella!

Trunk-or-treating.
The girls were so polite and said "thank you" at EVERY trunk. I was so proud!

Cornbellys at Thanksgiving Point

Oh how I LOVE Fall!!!

I love Fall time... there are SO many wonderful things to do. This year we had the opportunity to go to Cornbellys at Thanksgiving Point with the MBASA (MBA Spouse's Association) and we had a BLAST!! We were there for over three hours and there were still things we didn't get to do! So, I apologize for the overload of pics, but here are just a few of the activities we enjoyed.

Ever since Emma rode on the horses here, she thinks horses say, "Yee-Haw!" It's so cute when she says it that I don't have the heart to correct her.

One of the coolest things is the giant corn box (instead of a sand box). The kids love it and it's MUCH easier to clean off than sand.

Emma wasn't so sure at first, but Krista LOVED the Cow Train ride!

Can you see the fear in her eyes? And this is how she slid down the rest of the way...

I think she had changed her mind and was trying to climb back to the top.

Emma on the giant bouncy thing (sorry, I don't know the technical term, but it was cool!)

Who knew being kicked could be so enjoyable!?!

I hope you'll allow me to just indulge for a moment. I know this may seem a little random, but I LOVE feeling my little girl wiggle and turn and kick SO MUCH that I thought I'd just dedicate a whole blog entry to the joy of kicking. The other night Daniel felt her kick for the first time and I was telling him how incredible it was to feel this little thing move around inside of me. I asked if he ever wondered what it felt like or wished he could experience it himself. He of course said no quite adamantly; well, I think it's pregnancy in general that men are very grateful to avoid. But I think it is all so wonderful, even childbirth is something I would NEVER want to miss out on--and I've gone o' natural before! The only part I guess I wouldn't be devastated to skip is the nausea in the beginning. But when you feel that first little nudge, it's ALL worth it!

Haircuts... It's about time!

I have always tried--and usually failed miserably--to cut my girls' hair myself. Well, I finally decided enough was enough and took them to the hair school here in Spanish Fork to get their hair cut. I'm so glad that I finally saw the light! Krista looks so cute with her haircut! Emma always looks cute, but I must admit that I wasn't so impressed with her stylist. She took an hour to cut it and I couldn't even tell the difference when she was done! (Remember, these were taken a while ago!)

AAHHH!!! It finally happened!

I NEVER thought Krista would EVER color on the walls! Emma... YES, but Krista... NEVER! So, I'm not quite sure who was the ring-leader in this masquerade... All I know is that I was doing the dishes one Saturday morning, feeling so grateful that my angelic children were playing so quietly together, when Daniel got home and said, "I see the kids had some fun with the crayons." I knew I was in trouble, and sure enough, my "angelic" children had drawn on the walls and carpeting of FIVE different rooms in the house; on themselves; and on a few other innocent bystanders (poor Susie doll... She never saw it coming)! The last picture shown is of the little hooligans cleaning up afterward. After about 2 min., Krista exclaimed, "It's not coming off, Mommy!" To which I responded, "Exactly! That's why we don't color on the walls!!!"

Note: These pics were taken several weeks ago. Since I didn't blog for quite some time, I wanted to try and play catch-up!

It's a GIRL..... again!!!!

Well, mystery solved! We must be quite good at producing girls because we're having another one! Congrats Nana, you got your wish! I must admit that I was not quite as excited; I really had my heart set on a boy, but it will be all good! If anyone has any good girl name suggestions, please let me know!

Fun Tag

I had a lot of fun reading this tag that my sisters-in-law did, and I look forward to reading yours' too!

I am - simple
I know - I am very blessed
I want - to be a good wife, mother, and friend
I have - everything I need and more than I deserve
I dislike - my weaknesses
I miss - Arkansas thunderstorms
I feel - tired all the time
I hear - Krista playing with imaginary friends (I know it's normal, but it still kinda weirds me out)
I smell - not a lot... I have a cold
I crave - scones... at the moment
I cry - way too much and at pretty much anything (I even cry when I laugh too hard)
I search - for good books to read
I wonder - whether I'm going to have a boy or a girl
I regret - being lazy
I love - my family oh so much!
I care - way too much about what people think of me
I worry - that Dan is dead on the side of the road if he is 10 minutes late
I remember - events associated with food
I believe - in Christ and that the gospel is true (and all that entails)
I dance - with my girls in our living room while Dan plays the piano
I don't - complain much (at least, I try not to)
I argue - pretty much never
I write - lists and goals I rarely accomplish
I win - pretty much any game I play against Dan-hehe
I lose - my patience (something I never thought possible) when my kids are disobedient
I wish - Dan was done with school and we could have more time together
I listen - to everyone... I am a good listener
I can usually be found watching - my girls play
I am scared - of loosing a loved one
I need - a haircut in a bad way
I forget - birthdays
I am happy - with my life; it is perfect!
I tag - anyone who wants to do this tag

Family Scripture

We've been trying for quite some time now to find a family scripture, a sort of motto or theme. I can't tell you how hard it is to settle on one, there are so many amazing scriptures and so many gospel principles that I want my family to be based upon. Faith and trust in the Lord, loving and serving others, and missionary work are just a few. We wanted to choose one scripture and display it our home, but perhaps we will just have to have many different ones displayed at different times. For family night tonight, we chose Doctrine and Covenants 61:36 to print off and frame. It reads, "Be of good cheer, little children; for I am in your midst, and I have not forsaken you."

Three kids.... READY OR NOT....

KRISTA

EMMA





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Number three is on it's way. Any guesses on the gender before we find out in two weeks?

A Family update!

Ashley: I'm pregnant!!!! Many of you already knew that, but some didn't, so sorry! I'm about 17 weeks and over the worst part now. We'll find out in two weeks the gender of the baby; we're really hoping for a boy!!! The craziest thing is how big I'm getting already; it's always a little depressing in the beginning when you start putting on the weight! (Interesting to note that while I've been typing I've been feeling the baby move for the first time! Guess it wanted to say "hi"!)
I have been obsessed with the "twilight" series. I know it's pathetic... I don't even think they're written all that well, I just got sucked in somehow. I am searching desperately for anyone who would be willing to lend me "Breaking Dawn" so I can stop obsessing about it! I also really want to read "Brisinger" (the last of the "Eragon" series); I'm a big fantasy fan.
Our ward just split and many of my dear friends were taken away from me... sob, sob, sob! I know we will still get together, but I really will miss seeing their friendly faces at church this Sunday! On the bright side--if there is a bright side--we won't have callings for a while (don't get me wrong, I love serving in the church. It's just nice to have a break once in a while), and it's kind of exciting to start fresh in a knew ward where no one knows you. We miss you already North Park Ward; we will always have the fondest memories of our "home" ward!
On a more random note, I decided today that coupon cutting is not my thing, at least when it comes to grocery shopping! My wonderful, creative, thrifty sister-in-law, Lisa made using coupons sound so wonderful that I just had to try. Maybe I just don't understand how it works, but it just seems like more hassle than it's worth. Most of the items, even with the coupon, are still more expensive than the generic stuff I usually buy, and I end up buying things I wouldn't normally buy so I don't really feel like I'm saving anything. Help me out here Lisa, am I missing something?

Daniel: Dan is SUPER busy and overwhelmed right now (which, at least, I am getting used to now). Just with school alone--on top of a heavy class load--he is President of the Real Estate Club, T.A. and Research assistant for his Real Estate professor, mentor for first year students, oh yeah, and there's always that little matter of finding a job for when he graduates. He also tries to work on genealogy and his book, and does a lot with his little brother Chad, like soccer and scouts. But through it all, he still remains as HOT and amazing as ever!

Krista: She's so funny and smart and adorable. She's really in to rhyming right now... I think it's a Wright trait. Come to think of it, so many of the things she does are just like her Dad. She loves to build things. I've taken pictures that I'll have to post later of some of the castles and trains she has built out of blocks (an Architect in the making I think). She is obsessed with Cinderella at the moment and, like all little girls, loves playing dress-up and house (in which she insists upon being the mom and makes Emma the dad). And we are working on recognizing numbers and letters.

Emma: Well, Emma is just too darn cute for her own good. I don't know how to explain it, but everything she does is adorable and I'm pretty sure she knows it! She talks a ton, as she always has, which is made even more cute and strange considering her small size. She is only in the 7th percentile for height and weight, but she sure rules the roost, or at least tries. She likes to sing and does quite well with "Twinkle Star"--her fav.--and "ABC's". She loves to give mommy's baby (belly) kisses and say "nigh-night baby".

Four years later and more in love than ever!

#1) Our engagement picture.

#2 & 3) At the Manti Temple on our wedding day.  We actually took pics before the ceremony because it was August and we knew it would be hot and miserable after.  I would highly recommend this to any couple!  I love the effect of the sun rising behind the temple in #3.

#4) At our reception which was held in my in-laws backyard.  It was the most beautiful reception I've ever seen!  My sister worked at a party rental store at the time and totally hooked me up!  We had an enormous party tent set up with hanging lights and lanterns, and professional tables, chairs, linens, and settings.

 

Today, Daniel and I are celebrating our Fourth Wedding Anniversary!  I don't know how he's put up with me for that long.  Probably because he is the most loving, caring, patient, forgiving, understanding, giving... and the list goes on and on... AMAZING man I've ever come in contact with!  I truly am the luckiest girl in the world!  Words can't express how much I love and adore you, my chubby hubby!  

Hair Drama!!

Hair cuts are such scary things; there's no going back!  Actually, I've never been one to be afraid to cut my hair, but then, I've never had a bad haircut before.  Well, last night I decided to go to a really cheap place to get my hair cut, and I got what I paid for!  It has got to be the worst, or at least the most disappointing hair cut I have ever received.  It's not like "I can't leave the house for weeks" bad, but rather, "not at all what I wanted and doesn't look that great on me" bad.  Oh well, ya live and ya learn I suppose!

Fourth of July FUN!

We hope all of you had a wonderful 4th of July this year!  Ours' was FULL of family, food, and fun!  We started celebrating early.  On the 3rd, the girls and I went up to Salt Lake to visit my sister Anna.  Despite the EXTREME heat, we enjoyed a day at the Zoo followed by a BBQ and a much needed dip in the pool!

Then the festivities really began.  Anna's ward was having a big breakfast and bike parade in the morning, so we decorated the kids' bikes and strollers while enjoying rootbeer floats.  Just before bed, much to the delight of the wee ones, we did Sparklers and other fireworks.

After a fun morning with the Jones's, we drove down to Salem to spend the evening of the 4th with Daniel's family.  After yet another BBQ and some yummy smoothies, we set off some more fireworks and called it a night.  All in all we've had a wonderful weekend; thank you to all of those who made it so enjoyable! 

     

At this time of year. we remember those who have and still are fighting for our freedoms!  We are so blessed and owe so much to so many!  THANK YOU!

It's about time!!

Shortly after my last post our computer kinda crashed (this is not the first time). I'm not sure what was really wrong with it (Dan said he thought it was the video card), the screen just went all "wiggy", for lack of a better term. Well, last night Dan came home and said, "I got you an early Anniversary gift, and maybe Christmas gift too." At this point I got a little worried. Let me explain. Dan likes to get me very big, expensive things for gifts. In the past I have gotten a video camera, my Canon Rebel, and a new computer screen on various special occasions/hollidays. But he has never before prefaced a gift by saying that it would count for two hollidays, so I knew it would be BIG. And those of you who know our situation know that we can't afford to do "BIG" at the moment.
So, he pulls out a Mac Mini. If you don't know what that is (I didn't), it's the equivalant of a P.C.'s tower only it's a Mac and it's about the size a book. So we can plug our existing monitor into it and we have a Mac, which we have both wanted for some time. It's cheaper than buying a whole Mac and his friend at work--the person from whom he bought it--gave him an awesome deal! Plus, it was past time to replace our ancient, testy P.C. I was a little stressed about it, but I won't complain!
Hopefully we can get it up and running soon so I can start posting again!

Update!

I'm so sorry that I haven't posted anything for quite some time now. We've been pretty busy moving lately. That's right; for any of you who may not be aware, our townhouse in Spanish Fork never sold! We had four different offers, all of which fell through at the last second (very frustrating as you can imagine). So, when our contract at our apartment came to an end, we decided to just move back in and let me tell you, it feels like we never left! The girls love their "purple room" and I love having more space, including a third bedroom that we can use for an office/playroom. And it is nice to see all of our old friends again.
Here are some highlights from the last couple weeks (Note how many times the word move(d) is used):

Week 1) Moved Dan's sister and spent the weekend in Brigham City and Shopping (Dan went with me to all my fav. stores; he's such a trooper).

Week 2) Went to the "Living Planet Aquarium" (such a waste of time/money in my opinion) and helped my sister move into her THIRD STORY apartment (just givin' you a hard time sis.).

Week 3) Spent 17 hours painting our townhome, packed, and moved ourselves! Big shout out to everyone who helped! You guys are the bomb--you know who you are!

Week 4) Dan started his new job and I've been trying to get everything unpacked.

As indicated above, Dan got a great internship doing land acquisition for the church! He's always wanted to work for the church so he's very excited! And I'm very excited because we get to stay in Utah! Dan will also stay very busy this summer working with his Dad on a book about First Presidencies and organizing the Real Estate Club, of which he is President, for the up-coming school year. Sorry if it sounds like I'm bragging, I'm just proud of my hubby. He works so hard and does so much for his family and everyone around him; as I have said before, he is my Hero!
I hope to be able to post some pics soon. It's Krista's Birthday on Friday--I CAN'T BELIEVE MY BABY IS TURNING THREE--so stay tuned!

Just Some Stuff

1) I'm sick, and I'm tired, and I need a vacation!
2) I really enjoyed Conference this past weekend! Wasn't President Monson amazing!?!
3) A week ago or so I CHOPPED Emma's hair all off. Luckily she's not old enough to be mad at me, and she does look cute with short hair. But I will miss the piggies! Every time I cut my girls' hair, I promise myself I'll never do it again.
4) If you haven't seen "Martian Child" or "August Rush" yet, I highly recommend you do! They are clean (or as clean as you can get now-a-days) and some of my new favorites! "Enchanted" and "Dan in Real Life" are also quite entertaining in my opinion.
5) Yesterday I took Emmy to get some blood tests (to test for food allergies) and it was the most traumatic experience of both of our lives. They could NOT find her veins--she's so tiny--so they dug around in her arms like I've never seen before with that needle for like 6 minutes on each arm. I can't even describe it. She was beyond hysterical and I couldn't even contain the tears at times! And I thought shots were bad!
6) This morning Krista came out of her room holding her stomach. Before she could say she felt sick I had throw up all over my front.
7) It stinks when your kids are sick!
8) This is Dan's LAST full week of classes, then he has three finals, and then we're FREE (at least for a little while)!!!! I am so proud of him! He has just done an amazing job amidst unbelievable pressure and enormous burdens! He is my hero! (He needs a vacation much worse than I do)
9) If I weren't so cheap I don't think I would ever potty train my kids-hehe. Seriously though, I don't mind changing diapers, but I HATE dealing with accidents.
10) Life is great!

EASTER!

This is the only pic.--out of about 15--where both of my girls are looking at the camera! It was a miracle!

I told Krista to make a princess face and this is what I got!

Emma didn't really "get" the whole Easter egg hunt thing. She went into the backyard and picked up the first piece of candy she found and held on to it the rest of the time. She wouldn't even hold her basket. But we had so much fun--with both families! It was especially nice having my mom here for Easter this year!