The Cook Family

Tennessee

2010-06-10T20:59:00.004-06:00

Bryan had to work in Tennessee about a week ago for a shooting competition so I decided to go with him this time. We didn't get to see very many historical, etc. sites but I really enjoyed being a spectator at the competition and watching what they do for these events. There were quite a few teams there from all over the US as well as the UK and Canada. The INL did really well and won 2 of the individual events and received 3rd place over all. Here's a couple of pics.....
The last night they had a banquet and it was held at The Museum of Appalacia. The property had a lot of original homesteads that you could walk along paths to see - It was beautiful. Also, one of the things I miss the most about living in the south are the firefly's - They were all over that evening - it was pretty cool.

I picked up Kyleigh from her Cousins in Utah and her new favorite thing to do is 'Jumpy-Jump'.

On my way to the airport I did stop and see one place in TN and that was 'The Hermitage'......Andrew Jackson's Homestead just outside of Nashville. This is a picture of the the obelisk and tombs of President Jackson and his wife.

A front view of his home - we couldn't get much closer than this to the front of the house and it was fenced off because they were doing restoration work from the recent floods. I was able to tour the inside of the house buy they wouldn't let me take pictures inside.
So that was all the history I was able to see while there :( Oh well, maybe there will be a next time.......I'd like to visit Nashville a little more the next time around.

Overall, it was a great trip!

Random pics of Kyleigh....some old some new

2010-06-10T20:34:00.002-06:00

Helping me make cookies
Playing with jewelry (taken on a cell photo camera - don't fault me ;) )

Swinging in the trees at my friends wedding last week. I couldn't keep her from stomping through the flowers - I'm sure everyone one there was thinking......look at that lady not controlling her child ;)

When Kyleigh was in the hospital for 4 days last January. This was taken on day 3 when she was starting to become a little more alert. Poor girl - I felt so bad for her.

Okay......so this was one Sunday while we were getting ready for church and I hear from a little voice, "Mommy, I stuck" 'Help Me". I come running in and this is what I find!! (I'm just glad the whole thing didn't topple on top of her).

Memorial Day this year......

October of last year, chillin' with Grandpa Hansen.

Catch Up

2010-06-09T14:42:00.005-06:00

Here's a little catch-up from my last post...... Maybe one of these days I'll think of something to actually write about in my blog :)

Over Easter weekend Bryan had to work in N.C. for 2 weeks so on Easter weekend he and a few of the guys he traveled with took a drive up to DC to see the sites. I am so jealous and made him promise to take me on a trip there sometime (sooner than later). It was a busy weekend because it was Easter, Spring Break & the Cherry Blossom Festival was going on as well.

This is in Kitty Hawk, N.C. at the Wrigth Brothers museum. The stones in the background show the disctances of their first few flights.

Lincoln Statue

Tomb of the Unknowns during the changing of the guards

The White House (of course)

Kyleigh in her Easter Dress

Easter Egg hunting with her cousins

Alaska Pictures

2009-09-22T00:25:00.011-06:00

I'm still sifting through all of the pictures from our trip to Alaska and Seattle but here are a few of my favorites and some others just for fun! The whole trip was great but by far my most favorite parts were when we saw whales :)

This is a humpback whale tail

This is the lifejacket Kyleigh would've had to use....there were no arm holes and she didn't like that very much.

A Close Up of the Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau AK - The blue color in the ice is gorgeous
Another Whale's tail

I know, I'm a dork.....this is in Ketchikan AK at the totem poles.
Kyleigh was tuckered out after a day of hiking to and around the Mendenhall Glacier

Taking the train on the White Pass Railway in the Yukon Mtns.

Us at the Mendenhall Glacier

Sunset at Sea

Space Needle (obviously ;) )

My side of the family.....thank you to my parents who set this whole trip up :)
Sawyer Glacier up the Tracy Arm Fjord

Kyleigh was more excited about the sand than the glacier or waterfall

A pod of Orcas (ie: killer whales) breaching and swimming

Playing around up on Deck

Mendenhall Glacier (again)

A Humpback Whale

Kyleigh LOVED to be in the child carrier....we were afraid she would hate it but our worry was in vain.

This was the bluest iceberg we saw on our trip, it was up the Tracy Arm Fjord close to the Sawyer Glacier

Humpback Whale blowing out the water

I know most of the people out there who read my blog are friends and family so I don't have to worry about it, but just incase I get some random stragglers I must disclose:

Please note: these photos are copyrighted and it is unlawful (and not nice ;) ) to copy or reproduce any of them without specific permission - thank you.

Summer 2009....A Photo Montage

2009-08-31T22:22:00.012-06:00

It's a long one!

We did.....
Misc outdoor stuff:
Kyleigh had her first solo sliding experience
And her Daddy did too ;) (I told Bry no one would ever see this picture...but I couldn't resist - sorry hun)

Kyleigh was tuckered out by the end of the day
Played baseball....so much fun - even though I'm not very good.

Dragged my sisters-in-law to go hiking with me (all but Jen could make it this time). We hiked Table Mountain (aka table rock)....it had been 10 years since I did it last and I forgot how tiring the last stretch can be!!
Here's the moose we almost came face to face with, as we came around a corner he was headed straight for us on the trail. We had to climb up some rocks to get around him. I took this picture and immediately afterwards he looked at me and started huffing.....I got a little nervous and had to hide behind a boulder :)

This was on the ridge just before we started back down the switch backs into the valley/bowl below.

Bryan competed in a national DOE shooting competition in Albequerque NM with his team and they did very well!

I made it through my first (sprint) triathlon - I never thought I would do one of those but am glad I did.

I'm somewhere out in the crowd of swimmers :)

Running to the bike transition area

And no, it didn't take me 3 1/2 hours to finish. My actual time was 2 hrs 15 min (there were 2-3 other groups who started before us and the clock started with them)

An Update to my Garden

2009-08-27T00:35:00.003-06:00

Remember my pathetic garden? Soooo, after finding out that the starter planter shells are not as biodegradeable as indicated on the packaging I replanted my poor little veggie plants without the biodegrading pots and this is what has become of them........

Now hopefully we don't get a frost for a little while so they have time to ripen!

Sunshine and Summertime

2009-06-29T23:18:00.004-06:00

I couldn't help it! Kyleigh and I have been sooooo stir crazy waiting for the rain to clear up that as soon as there was a day with sun we had to take a drive. I didn't know where we were going to go when we pulled out of the driveway but somehow we ended up on our way to Bone, Idaho. I've heard of the place but had never been there......if you could call it a 'place' really. As we drove we came across the windmills and farms, lots and lots of farms and even a distant-but clear view of the Grand Tetons. It's actually quite a pretty countryside in that area and because of all the rain the rolling hills were still green. I even saw what I believe to be an eagle (not sure what kind) because the wing span was huge - bigger than what I've seen before with a hawk. Unfortunately I couldn't pull my camera out fast enough before it went behind one of the hills :(

Cows enjoying the sunny afternoon
A potato field
A view of the Grand Tetons

We also pulled out Kyleigh's little swimming pool so she could take a dip.Kyleigh had to have my popscicle too.

And no, this is not from a recent maternity session but my daughter's 'buddha belly' I think its cute so I had to include it ;)

Have a wonderful Fourth of July Week!! :)

No Green Thumb for Me

2009-06-22T23:59:00.003-06:00

This year I had the brilliant idea to start my own little garden - just a small one to see if I could do it. I had Bryan build me a little planter box to put on the patio and my seedlings were growing wonderfully. However, once I transplanted them that's when everything went downhill. Here's a few pictures of the remnants of my garden that won't grow! :(

At least the teeny tiny green beans that were produced tasted good ;)

Green thumb or not, at least my yard plants are hardy and can take care of themselves. With all of this rain we've been having they have been late bloomers.

Before

After

Before
(After is coming soon)

My Strawberries are finally ripening - can't wait to taste them....unless the dog gets to them first! (Kimber will lay down next to or on top of the plant and rummage around with her face to find all the strawberries and eat them)

Here's one for fun - Sadie being as happy as can be

Our Late Memorial Weekend Post

2009-06-08T19:46:00.005-06:00

I know I know.....this is terribly late and June is practically half over but I thought I would post some pictures just for fun.

Kyleigh had an eventful weekend.....we first went to visit Brayden (and other family members) and put some flowers on his grave. (Please turn your gaze away from my extremely white legs-----they have not yet had the chance to see the sun and are a bit blinding!)

Then we went camping at the St. Anthony Sand Dunes for a couple of nights. Kyleigh loved playing in the dirt and probably had more of sand & dirt to eat than she did milk!

She loved getting rides on the 4-wheeler.....we were camped with a bunch of friends and friends of friends so any time she saw someone's atv she tried to climb up on them.

Bryan and Kyleigh sharing a licorice......

All the way to the end.

Idaho Sunsets

2009-06-05T01:00:00.004-06:00

A few nights ago the clouds were fluffy and the sunset was beautiful so I couldn't resist the picture opportunity. I left Kyleigh with Bryan and took a little drive to capture a few shots.

I've been wanting to take some pictures of the temple when the sky had variation and that night was perfect!

The field was blooming, the sprinklers spraying and a firey sky was blazing. The crop flowers looked like the field was snow covered, it was so pretty (the pictures doesn't do it justice).

More Mischief

2009-04-14T21:23:00.003-06:00

Easter was very nice and the weather was beautiful! (Where did it go?) Anyway, here's a couple Easter pics and some of Kyleigh doin' her thang...

Like Father, Like Daughter

I went into the other room for a minute and this is what I came back to find! And YES, she has a cheek full of dog food in this picture!

She LOVEs this drawer! She even wants to eat in it - crazy kid ;)

This Easter Season

2009-04-11T18:57:00.003-06:00

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16.)

As I have reflected on the events of the Savior's Atonement during this Easter week I am filled with gratitude for the sacrifice He made in the Garden of Gethsemane and then on the Cross in Golgotha. I am grateful for the love of our Heavenly Father and Savior and am humbled by this Holy and Magnificent gift that has been given to us. He is my Lord and Savior and I am eternally grateful for Him.

I hope you all have a wonderful Easter as we celebrate and reflect upon the Savior. I found this video clip that I wanted to share - click the link below to watch.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jx6Y9nxnwos

Cutting Back....

2009-03-30T00:56:00.005-06:00

Due to the weakened economy at the moment, Bryan and I thought we should do our part to cut back costs and live a little more frugally where we can. So..........

Kyleigh and Kimber now share a bed.

Here's a couple more pictures just for fun.
Kyleigh had found the candy and was trying to be sneaky (even though she doesn't know what it is yet)

And, she's already picking up her Daddy's addiction!! (Pssst...Kyleigh - you're drinking from the wrong end.)

First Steps!!

2009-03-13T21:04:00.003-06:00

Kyleigh hit a big milestone today - I was so excited! She has finally taken her first steps all by herself. She was going back and forth between Bryan and I and decided to let go of the fingers. She would take a step, get her balance and take some more. She did it several times today and took about 3-5 steps each time. I'm so proud of her :) I know, I know, it's more fun for the parent than for those who decide to read this post but I had to share anyway!

25 Random Things About Me.......

2009-03-02T14:24:00.003-07:00

Okay, so I've been working on this for awhile - or rather not working on it due to a lack of being able to think of 25 random things. But, here it goes......

1) My favorite Ice Cream flavor it Vanilla
2) When I was 18 a friend and I drove from Macon, GA to Rexburg, ID in my '69 VW Beetle. The gas gauge was broken so we made sure to stop and gas up every 150 miles or so AND when we stopped in a small town in Tennessee the car decided not to start on its own anymore so we had to pop the clutch for the rest of the trip! It was a lot of fun but I don't think I realized at the time how nervous I should've been. **Here's to old times Deanna ;)
3) I have been to 'Car Henge' in Nebraska (I think it was Nebraska)
4) I'm definatley a night person
5) I was homeschooled from 6th grade through highschool
6) I love to travel and see new places (even though It doesn't happen very often)
7) I sing in the shower - not very pleasing to the ears might I add
8) I have been in 2 car accidents and 2 fender benders (only 1 fender bender was my fault)
9) I have 4 fake teeth on the bottom jaw as a result of one of those car accidents (they were knocked out from hitting the steering wheel - no air bag)
10) I have visited the White House (on a tour...not as a guest ;) )
11) I've lived in 7 states and growing up we moved around a total of about 12 times between those states.
12) I love to read but don't seem to find the time as often as I would like.
13) My guilty pleasure is eating raw cookie dough
14) When I was a young girl I wanted to grow up to be an olympic gymnast
15) I'm not afraid of getting older - Its just a new stage of life to experience
16) BUT, I am afraid of dying young....... (Let me be clear - I'm not afraid of dying - I just don't want to die young)
17) I have piloted an airplane 3 different times (with an instructor)
18) I love to do anything outdoors
19) I once went on an overnight Winter hike/campout with my dad and brother and it was a snow blizzard the WHOLE TIME (with no tent by the way). My poor dad stayed up all night trying to keep the fire going for us kids.
20) My favorite color is a deep purple
21) I LOVE to sneak in on Kyleigh and watch her while she sleeps
22) I've been to the top of the St. Louis Arch and could feel it sway ever so slightly while we were at the top. (I was young and scared and couldn't wait to get down)
23) Although the winters are long here.....I DO love the way it looks outside on those frosted, foggy mornings - it makes it seem like I'm in another land somewhere.
24) I LOVE to do things with Bryan and Kyleigh and look forward to doing fun family stuff with our kids as they grow up.
25) When I started college I was thinking about joining the Peace Corps - that was before I met Bryan of course :).

These are 25 weird things about me. Now I am tagging, anyone who hasn't done it yet :)

No Title This Time....

2009-02-24T18:20:00.003-07:00

I haven't posted for awhile and frankly can't think of much either!! Except that I'm getting a little cabin fever and am glad to see that the weather is finally warming up a bit (even if it is only 40 degrees). So, to fill my time until Spring I have been organizing my photos and came across these. They represent a little bit of our morning routine:

Kyleigh is my helper and gets all my makeup out for me in the mornings!! AND, proceeds to scatter them all over the floor.

This is where I contain Kyleigh while I am taking my showers in the morning. Usually all I hear is complaining coming from her but this particular morning I walked out to find this (I must have taken a shower later in the morning that day and she was ready for her morning nap). It couldn't have been very comfortable :)

Had to share

2009-02-04T21:57:00.003-07:00

Kyleigh was crawling through the bottom of her activity center the other day and decided to stand up. Well, when she did she got stuck and wasn't too happy about it either.

Happy Birthday.....

2009-01-23T22:56:00.006-07:00

KYLEIGH!!! 1 year old and I can hardly believe how fast this year went by. My little girl is growing up so fast ;) (I'm sure I'll be saying that when she's 16, 25, 40, etc). Here are a few things I love about her and some that I will miss when she gets older:

*Her adventerous & inquisitive looks when she sees something new to explore

*Blowing on her belly to make her laugh

*Rocking her back to sleep when she wakes up in the middle of the night (It's the only time she will really snuggle with me)

*When she laughs as she watches the dogs playing through the window

*Sneaking into her bedroom to watch her sleep

*Playing 'pat-a-cake' with her, she loves that rhyme

*Her cute little handprints allover my newly cleaned window glass and fireplace glass

*How playing in my make-up drawer is her favorite thing to do while I'm getting ready in the mornings (I'm sure this will change when she figures out how to get the caps off!)

*Holding her hands as she learns to walk

*The cute sounds she makes as she tries to sing along with me when I put her to bed

*Watching her and her Daddy play together and how she smiles whenever he comes into the room

We had a little party with family - it was a lot of fun. I made a cake for her with fondant but it was too tuff for her to break through to the good stuff so we did the candle and pictures with that one and I had to make another one for her to dig into with just frosting on it. Here are a few pictures from her Birthday:

Oh and we celebrated Bryan's birthday too....his was yesterday. Happy Birthday Kyleigh and Bryan!

The newest Broncos Cheerleader

2008-12-30T14:35:00.003-07:00

So Santa brought Kyleigh a Broncos cheerleading outfit and she decided to wear it on Sunday to help her Uncle Shaun root for the Broncos when they played the Chargers. Unfortunatley it still didn't help them out and they lost but she did look pretty cute :) Also, she has officially graduated from the 'army crawl' to actually crawling!! She still does the army crawl once in awhile but not as often anymore - she finally figured out that it would be less work to crawl on all fours.

Baby's First.....

2008-12-28T23:37:00.012-07:00

....Christmas was great this year, Grandma and Grandpa Hansen were able to make it out this year for Kyleigh's first Christmas. I don't think we've been able to spend Christmas with them since our first year married which was 8 years ago! There was plenty of snow to go around which added to the atmosphere - It was definately a WHITE Christmas! We have had to shovel/plow at least three times this week already. Kyleigh had fun playing with all of her new toys - but didn't really enjoy 'unwrapping' her presents. She got bored of that real quick! She especially likes her rocking horse. It makes a galloping sound and sings and everytime she's on it she starts to giggle and bounce up and down. Another surprise for Kyleigh (and Me) was that she got her very first rifle - and pink no less - from her Daddy. Bryan's already trying to break her into his hobbies. She was definately spoiled - and we were happy to do so ;)

Here's another picture overload....

Kyleigh telling Santa what she wants for Christmas....she wasn't scared at all (we'll see how it goes Next year)

The fam sporting our traditional Christmas Eve pajamas (Kimber didn't get any this year)

Kyleigh having fun on her rocking horse

Gr. and Gr. Hansen trying to keep track of Kyleigh wanting to get on everything!

Her first Rifle and it's actually a .22 not a pellet gun - needless to say, she'll have to wait a few years to learn how to use it :) (The skirt she's wearing is too big and makes her legs look extra short - the little squirt)

Getting ready to plow the driveway - while tasting the snowflakes

Gr. & Gr. Cook and Sophie came to visit and gave Kyleigh her gift

The 2 kids playing in the snow - it drifted and completely leveled out the steps and pathway to our door.

Oh Boy! We're in for it......

2008-12-15T01:32:00.005-07:00

Just this past week Kyleigh has learned to pull herself up onto things and now does it quite well. It all started with a little grunt here and a little groan there as she attempted to get on her knees and pull herself up with the stepstool. But with Kyleigh, I've noticed, once she learns something then that is all that she wants to do. So it went from the little stepstool to the minature bench with Christmas decorations to the fridge! I turn around for one second to grab something and she has scooted her cute little tooshie as fast as she could to the open refrigerator door. I love to see her progress but she definately keeps me on my toes. Not only is the fridge one of her adventures - she has now attempted to scale the bars of the dog kennel (we are dogsitting and the kennel is in one of the corners). Again, I turn around for a brief moment and I hear a shrill scream. I panicked and looked around but what I saw made me laugh. There she was, both hands holding on to the highest point of the cage with one foot through one of the links of the door and the other leg just dangling. She had tried to climb up on it and couldn't get back down so she was stuck just hanging there.

I just happened to have my camera close when she got into the fridge so here are some pictures. I really wish I had a picture of her cage climb!

Standing up to the bench

Here She comes!

'Hmmmm this looks interesting....'

Caught red-handed (or maybe.....red-headed ;) )

Thanksgiving 'OH EIGHT'

2008-12-05T00:57:00.006-07:00

I love this time of year!!! Aside from the bitter cold that reliably accompanies Idaho winters this is such a great time. The Holiday's seem to come upon you so quickly when your not ready for them but nonetheless brings a great spirit/feeling (as long as you don't get caught up in the shopping craze - personally I steer clear as much as possible). And, as soon as the snow comes then I can finally get some good use out of my snowboard!! I think I've used it all of 2 times since I got it 2 years ago - Can't wait for that :) Last week I got to eat TWO Thanksgivings!! I think I may have gained 5 pounds but who's counting ;) I think I've got a few more to come anyways with Christmas treats from the neighbors (and yes, that is a request for all of my neighbors reading ;) j/k.....seriously it's NOT) I don't need to eat anymore sweets. My first dinner was spent with my Mom's side of the family with my wonderful Grandpa, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. It was so great to see everyone! I always enjoy getting together with that whole extended family they are all enjoyable and loving people - I have to say that I have a wonderful family (extended and all).

Black Friday was Thanksgiving with Bryan's family. Bryan and his brothers had to work on Thanksgiving so we ate on Friday (and avoided shopping ;) ). We had such a wonderful time - I also love to get together with Bryan's family - he was blessed with a great family too. We hosted the dinner this time and it was my first time cooking the turkey. Needless to say, I was a little nervous - but it was in vain, the turkey turned out pretty good if I don't say so myself! The rest of the day was played our traditional "present game" (a twist on the white elephant game), played 'Rock Band', pool, naps and chatted. It was great!

Can't Wait for Twilight!!

2008-11-10T16:24:00.001-07:00

It's Almost Here!! Take this quiz for fun!

Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!

Fun Picture Tag!

2008-11-05T01:33:00.002-07:00

I was tagged by Kerstin.....here it goes. 4th folder and 4th picture. This is a picture of Bryan and Kyleigh on one of our camping trips. We had just finished fishing and Kyleigh fell asleep on the way back to the trailer.

I also tag all of my blogger friends that haven't done this yet!

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T23:29:00.006-06:00

Halloween was fun this year - I finally got to dress someone up :)

Bryan and I took Kyleigh to Boo at the Zoo - It was definately more for me than for Kyleigh. She didn't care to look at ANY of the animals, she just liked the brightly lit Halloween decorations instead.

But, we did see her 'boyfriends' Ryker and Riley while we were there!

We also went to a pumpkin patch a little while ago with her cousin Ethan, Aunt Corinne and Uncle Spencer. Again, more for the parents than for the child ;)

If you can't tell, Kyleigh was a 'Bat' for Halloween but it could also look like a cat, or even a puppy dog with how the ears fall over! We had a good time, maybe next year she can actually have some candy.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

What's Happenin'

2008-10-27T20:27:00.004-06:00

It's been a busy couple of weeks for the Cook household....well, okay - maybe not that busy. But, here's what we've been up to:

Kyleigh had her 9 Month check-up and she is now 16 lbs 1 oz & 25.Something inches. She is considered in the 8th percentile for her weight and the 1st percentile for her height. Hey, at least she's on the charts ;) We also went to the pumpkin patch, it was more for me than for her but it was fun to get pictures.

Riverside Photography

2008-10-14T23:57:00.004-06:00

Well, I finally did it! I finished my website and it is up and running. I've been wanting to do this for years and I am excited to get started. Thank you to everyone who put up with me wanting to always take your pictures. :) Take a gander..... http://www.riverphotodesign.com/

And what do ya know, my trip to Mesa Falls gave me my logo picture!

Sunday Drive

2008-10-09T22:25:00.009-06:00

Sunday we decided to take a drive to Island Park and visit some friends at their cabin - and of course listen to Conference along the way ;) It was nice to get out for a bit, we had a nice afternoon and on the way home we decided to stop by Mesa Falls. We haven't been there since before we were married. In fact, the last time we were there was with a group of friends just before we started dating. The Fall colors were beautiful! Here's a few pictures I was able to get before the sun went behind the mountians.

Whew....I almost missed this one!!! ;) Good thing I have quick reflexes with the shutter release. Getting pictures of my hubby is rare!

I Love Your Blog Award!

2008-10-09T21:49:00.006-06:00

Here are the rules: I have to answer the following questions with one word answers and one word only! Then I must pass it on to seven others.

The questions are as follows:
1. Where is your cell phone? desk
2. Where is your significant other? hunting

3. Your hair color? brunette
4. Your mother? generous
5. Your father? devoted
6. Your favorite thing? family
7. Your dream last night? nothing

8. Your dream/goal? family
9. The room you're in? basement
10. Your hobby? photography
11. Your fear? unprepared
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Idaho

13. Where were you last night? home
14. What you're not? crazy (to all those who are skeptical - I promise ;) )

15. One of your wish-list items? Vacation

16. Where you grew up? All-over (It counts, its hyphenated)
17. The last thing you did? internet
18. What are you wearing? jeans
19. Your TV? off
20. Your pet? sleeping

21. Your computer? slow
22. Your mood? bored

23. Missing someone? yes
24. Your car? reliable
25. Something you're not wearing? shoes

26. Favorite store? Tai Pan
27. Your summer? miniscule
28. Love someone? absolutely
29. Your favorite color? eggplant purple

30. When is the last time you laughed? today
31. Last time you cried? hmmmm......not sure (not because it's been a long time but I just don't remember)

whew....this was harder than it looks ;)

Here are the seven people I'm tagging for the "I Love Your Blog" award. **BLOG ON ladies**

1. Jolene
2. Corinne
3. Jona
4. Kazmin
5. Vanessa
6. Heidi
7. Kristen

Walking the Summer Away

2008-09-19T22:07:00.004-06:00

So, I haven't had much going on lately to blog about BUT Kyleigh and I have been taking daily strolls by ourselves or with friends/family. It has been wonderful. It gets us out of the house and Kyleigh loves to see everything going on around her. Plus it keeps me from getting too lazy!!! This time of year has been especially pleasant, I love the weather around now. Here's Kyleigh in her stroller. We are trying to get as many walks in as possible before it gets terribly cold.

Pics just for Fun

2008-08-26T12:25:00.005-06:00

I can't think of anything to write about today so I thought I would just share some more pictures of Kyleigh :)

Kyleigh drummin' it up on Rock Band (or teething, one or the other)

Cute little tooshie!

7 Months Old

Our Anniversary

2008-08-25T23:59:00.009-06:00

It is our Anniversary today, we have been married for 8 years and I can hardly believe it :) It seems like just yesterday we tied the knot! I have to say that I have married a wonderful man who I love and admire very much. I appreciate the wonderful things he has done for our little family. He is my best friend and I'm grateful for all of the experiences we've shared to make our relationship what it is today. I look forward to what's to come and the memories we'll make as a family. Thank you for all that you are - I love you babe!

Here's a little blast from the past:

Yeah, I know what you're thinking, we look like we're barely 16....

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY BRYAN

Brayden's Headstone

2008-08-22T22:53:00.004-06:00

We got home from Colorado last Sunday and found out that Brayden's headstone was put in over the weekend so we went and visited his grave. We never did have a formal ceremony or gathering when he passed - but here's a picture of what it looks like:

Shotgun Shooting in Aurora

2008-08-14T12:28:00.004-06:00

Okay, so......my parents live in a pretty good neighborhood in Aurora, CO and I've always enjoyed coming to visit. It's usually a pretty safe place to be and don't have to worry about too much. HOWEVER, Bryan and I pulled up into my parents driveway last night from a long day of traveling and as we were unloading the car we could hear police sirens in the distance. At the same time, there was a group of kids walking the sidewalk by the little ravine next to my parents culdesac. 2 of them came over to us and asked us for a glass of water because their friend was dehydrated. We gave them some bottled water and they were on their way. But something didn't feel right.

Little did we know, the sirens were headed straight to our neighborhood and drove right past our house to get to the local park that is one block over. We didn't know what was going on and pretty soon there was an ambulance, news stations and a firetruck that followed. We figured someone was sick or hurt in their home but not long after the trucks passed there were police walking the streets searching and looking behind bushes, houses, inside cars, etc. We finally found out what happened when we caught the news.

Apparently there was a quarrel between 2 groups of people and one person pulled out a shotgun on the other group hitting a few people involved and innocent bystanders at the park. Now I'm wondering if those kids that asked for some water were actually involved and might have been injured by the shotgun pellets and needed water for an injury. I know, it's speculation, but they had just come from the direction of the park and it just felt a little fishy.

Needless to say, I made sure all the doors were locked and I told my parents to sell their house and move to Idaho :) Hopefully this is just a one time thing!! (It wasn't gang related)

Here's a link to the news video...... http://www.myfoxcolorado.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail?contentId=7203147&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=1.1.1

Baby Food

2008-08-02T23:34:00.004-06:00

Okay....just one more for today. Kyleigh's doctor suggested we wait until she was at least 6 months to start her on baby food and it is finally time. Here's a little glimpse of how Kyleigh's first baby food taste test went!

*Getting the Baby here: $(a lot)

*Baby Food: $0.50

*Seeing the look on baby's face the first time she tastes food: PRICELESS

Caramel Popcorn

2008-08-02T23:09:00.004-06:00

I have to say....Bobbi, its all your fault ;) (j/k - It's mine for not having any self control!) My wonderful neighbor brought us caramel popcorn a week and a half ago - it was sooo good. I had to get the recipe and since then I have made 3, Yes THREE, batches. Bryan and I gave a little bit away but mostly - we ate it all. It was the worst thing for us but oh so tasty :) Needless to say we have eaten our yearly intake of sugar and fat in such a short while!

Time to hit the gym......

Here's the recipe for your enjoyment - WARNING: Once you start eating it you can't stop.

*1 Cup Corn Syrup

*2 2/3 Cup Brown Sugar

*1 Cube (1/2 Cup) Butter

*1 Can Sweetened Condensed Milk

Mix first 2 ingredients and bring to a boil. Add remaining ingredients and cook for about 5 minutes - stirring constantly (until soft ball stage when dripped into a cup of cold water). Pour over 2 batches of air popped popcorn and mix well. Voila!! Thank you Bobbi :)

Camping at Stoddard Creek

2008-07-28T22:29:00.008-06:00

This was Kyleigh's first REAL camping trip (aside from our 1st attempt when Bryan broke his back). She did so well and even slept longer at night than when she's at home!!

Of course the dog Had to be in the picture too...

Bryan just pretends he hates the dog but when no one is looking - They Snuggle!!

Bryan's Accident....

2008-07-28T21:37:00.005-06:00

So as everyone knows already about Bryan's little accident on the 4wheeler, I thought I would explain a little more about what happened.....

Here's what Bryan Wished he was doing when he broke his back:

BUT, here's a little something more realistic to what happened ;)

Don't worry honey...I still luv ya!

Getting Started

2008-07-27T03:04:00.003-06:00

I'm finally starting one of these since most of our friends have one now! So, where do I start.....

How about the fact that I am so grateful to have such a wonderful family. Bryan and I were blessed with Kyleigh on Jan. 23, 2008 and our lives haven't been the same. For years it was a struggle to try and have children but somewhere inside I felt that the day would eventually come, and it did. I think what kept me going was turning to the Lord for help and guidance....I tried to remain faithful in remembering that it is according to His will (and not mine). The hardest challenge I have ever had to go through was this pregnancy. With the passing of Brayden I had never known such feelings of grief and I didn't even get to know him. However, accompanied with that grief was a feeling of peace and comfort; knowing that I would one day get to know him when I leave this Earth. I also was given by the Lord feelings of hope that I may be able to carry Kyleigh. Additionally, I couldn't have gotten through it without Bryan - he truly is a strength to me. We received that beautiful little girl and now know the feeling I've heard other mothers talk about: It's amazing how much you love your children even when you've just met them! Kyleigh had a rough start but has done very well both in the NICU and at home....infact, you wouldn't know by looking at her today that she was ever 2 1/2 lbs. She has got cheeks galore and I love it!