Hilgendorf Family Blog

Blogging...It's been a while

2011-12-07T09:42:00.004-07:00

Well, it's been a while since I've blogged. I guess I need to do it more. It's been over a year it seems since I've done anything!

Well, Haley's now in 1st grade, and is an amazing reader! She's at a 4th grade reading level. She loves reading and I love listening to her read. She amazes me sometimes.

Camdyn is now 3 and is FINALLY potty trained! (insert choir of angels singing here)

We're really excited about this Christmas Season. Haley and I are singing in our Stake Choirside this Sunday. Haley is in a Children's Choir and will be performing with them. I'll be singing with our Ward Choir and the Stake Choir. I haven't been in a Choir since we left Tustin back in 2006, and it feels good to sing again!

Our house is all set up for Christmas and we have a new friend named Zack. He's our elf from the North Pole. He loves reporting the girls good and bad deeds back to Santa every night and chooses a new place in our home every night to watch the girls from. They're having a lot of fun with him and it seems to help having him around to help the girls to remember to be good.

I'll try to be better at blogging. I'll also try to post pictures.

You can check out our family photo site at http://thehilgendorfs.smugmug.com/

Our Christmas 2011 gallery is http://thehilgendorfs.smugmug.com/Holidays/Christmas-2011/20430543_22S9hq#1616850471_6MWvZ9w

have a great Christmas!

Ebates! Sign Up now!!!!!

2011-12-07T09:41:00.001-07:00

This has got to be one of the best finds...EVER! Go to this website FIRST before you shop online. Use the link from ebates to go to most of your favorite shopping websites and get cash back from ebates to shop online! It totally works!

Check out Business Cards, Postcards, Flyers, Brochures, Letterhead , Greeting Cards & Envelopes Overnight

2010-11-29T12:27:00.001-07:00

Check out Business Cards, Postcards, Flyers, Brochures, Letterhead , Greeting Cards & Envelopes Overnight

I just ordered business cards for $10 plus shipping using this code ... 9WANR6FL

Candid Camdyn

2010-04-18T13:24:00.001-06:00

A Girl Who Knows What She Wants

NEW CUSTOM CLOSET!!!!!

2010-04-13T07:28:00.006-06:00

So, we had issues with our closet. A few years ago, it actually came crashing down because the builder didn't attach it properly. Well, Chris fixed it, and it has been great for about 3 years-ish. It then started coming out of the wall again. So, we figured it was time for a new closet! Here are some of the before pictures....

And here are the in progress pictures.......

The closet came from EasyClosets.com and it arrived in about 7 boxes! I figured it was going to be a LONG haul trying to get these installed, but it actually didn't take that long.

Believe it or not, the closet hangs on a rack by these little notches in them board! PLUS it's guaranteed to hold up to 1200 lbs! AMAZING!

We first had to make sure the rack was on correctly. I think this might have taken the most time. We then hang the closet on the rack!

The first of 5 hanging boards that hold the entire closet together!

Starting to take shape!

The one shelf at the very end didn't fit correctly. The measurements on the top of the wall are different than the measurements on the bottom of the wall. We have to order a new shelf for the top of this side of the closet.

I LOVE this new closet! It's so awesome!

Overall, we added about 25% more hanging space, just by organizing it correctly!

Now finished with clothes in and all!!!!!

I'm so excited to have this new closet!!!!! We still have to wait for the shelf that didn't fit and the rack covers. The rack covers will be nice because that silver line at the top doesn't look that pretty. Overall it was extremely easy to install. About 4 hours total!

Pocket Full of Hoses

2010-04-04T22:13:00.004-06:00

Video from our Easter Sunday with Family

NEW CLOSET

2010-04-02T10:48:00.006-06:00

So, when we moved into our house almost 4 years ago, although it was a brand new house we did not get to choose any of the components in the house. One of the things I really dis-liked was the wire closets. I ESPECIALLY didn't like it when after only 9 months the entire closet collapsed! The people who put the wire closet in decided not to use dry wall anchors OR drill into wall studs! So, Chris re-enforced the entire thing and it's been doing quite well, until recently. The thing is starting to pull OUT OF THE WALL AGAIN!!!!! So, needless to say, we'll be getting a new closet this weekend :) Happy Easter to us! Here's a couple of the before pictures and I'll post after pictures as soon as it's done :)

My version of Cafe Rio Pork

2010-03-30T12:48:00.002-06:00

So, I have been asked by a TON of people about my Cafe Rio sweet Pork recipe....so my husband suggested that I put it on my blog for all to see :)

The Pork Recipe came from a Church activity, and I think she got it online somewhere. I cant find the written recipe anymore, so I'm sure some of it has been lost in translation, but I think it tastes good just the same.

The Tomotillo Recipe came from a co-worker...quite yummy and it compliments the pork very nicely :)

Sweet Pork

3-4 lbs Pork Roast (bone in or no bone)

2 cups salsa

2 cups brown sugar

1 can coke (or any other cola...NO DIET soda)

1/2 packet fajita seasoning

1/2 packet taco seasoning

1 small can diced green chilis

Put the pork roast in a crock pot and fill 1/2 way with water. Cook on high for 5 hours

Remove Pork and discard water. Remove bone (if applicable) and all extra fat. Cut pork into pieces (at least 4-5 big chunks) and put back into crock pot.

Mix salsa, sugar and coke in a medium bowl. Pour over pork. Cook on high for 2 hours

Stir in fajita seasoning, taco seasoning and green chilis. Cook on high for 1 hour

Use 2 forks to shred pork. Serve in tacos, burritos or on top of a salad :)

__________________________________

Tomatillo Ranch Dressing

3 fresh tomatillos
1 package ranch-style dressing mix (I use 1 1/2 TBSP from jar that contains buttermilk solids)
1 cup mayonnaise
1/3 to 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

(I personally use a little less cayenne and a little more ranch because I don't like too much spice)

To prepare the tomatillos, husk, wash, and quarter them. These can be baked or roasted. I usually put them in a microwave safe dish with a little water, cover, and microwave 2 to 3 minutes. Cool.

Put all ingredients in a blender. Process until smooth. Refrigerate 1 hour.

Yield: 1 1/2 cups app.

ENJOY!!!!!!!!

Snow Day

2010-03-06T11:07:00.001-07:00

We have the most amazing babysitter/pre-school teacher! Our girls LOVE going over there to play. The other day it snowed and before it all melted, she took them outside and let them play and she took pictures! Haley had a lot of fun!

2009-12-24T19:35:00.001-07:00

Christmas truely is a magical time! Camdyn just stood up BY HERSELF and walked across the room!!! Merry Christmas everyone!

Camdyn, playing "fetch"

2009-10-11T19:37:00.002-06:00

Having fun at home playing "fetch" ??? do we have a daughter or a dog LOL

Camdyn's 1st Birtday

2009-09-27T19:25:00.004-06:00

Camdyn is Mobile!!

2009-09-27T19:10:00.003-06:00

Lockdown the house, Camdyn started crawling just after her birthday. Here's a video for the Grandmas.

Recital Photos and Video

2009-05-18T22:14:00.006-06:00

2009-05-17T00:09:00.001-06:00

I'm so proud of my big girl Haley! She did AWESOME at her dance recital tonight!!!
~Stephne

2009-05-16T07:40:00.001-06:00

Come to the Ryan's Lion Charity event today at Mapleton City Park (50 S Main St) from 11-2! It's a GREAT cause! See you there!!!!!
~Stephne

2009-05-06T16:00:00.001-06:00

I'm testing how this mobile blogging works! Testing testing 1 2 3
~Stephne

Snow and Funny Haley

2009-04-16T10:28:00.002-06:00

So, I knew we were going to get a storm this week, but Snow...SERIOUSLY??? It's APRIL! Spring Break....not Christmas Break!!!!! Here's what I woke up to this morning....

So, Another funny thing....Last night Chris had said "shut up" about something. Haley shoots back at him..."if you say that again, you'll get a time out". We about died laughing! I guess kids really do pay attention!

Planting a Tree

2009-04-13T19:54:00.002-06:00

So, we bought a small Christmas tree for Haley and we've been keeping inside until it's been warm enough to plant outside. Well, today it was warm enough! Here's a pic of Chris and Haley with the finished product!

I'm finally entering the world of KITCHENAID!

2009-03-07T21:20:00.006-07:00

So, I am SO super excited! I never thought I'd be saying this. I always vowed never to be the one that got so excited over appliances or things in the household. I guess you can now call me a HOUSEWIFE! I have been seceretly wanting a KichenAid mixer for quite some time now. I just recently voiced this to Chris and we had done some research, but there's no way we could afford one.....UNTIL.....NOW!!!

I received an advertisement in the mail from Kohl's. I have looked at the mixers in here for a while, but they're usually the same as other places. The advertisement usually comes every few months and there's usually a sticker that has a discount amount...this time it was 15%, 20% or 30%. Usually I get the least out of all of them...but this time...I got the 30% off coupon!!!!! So...needless to say, with the 30% off coupon, and the gift cards from Christmas....TOTALLY AFFORDABLE! I'm so excited! It should be arriving to my home on Thursday!

Birdhouse and New Food

2009-03-05T16:32:00.006-07:00

Camdyn has been growing like a weed! A very beautiful weed, but like a weed. She'll be 6 months next week and I can hardly believe it! At her 4 month check up, her doctor said she didn't need to start on foods until at least her next check up. Great, I thought! Less for me to have to buy at the store! Well, Camdyn had other ideas. Every night before we sit down to eat, she'll be playing happily in her exer-saucer. Totally content with everything going on around her. BUT...once we sit down to eat...she starts squalking! I mean, totally high pitched squealing that goes on forever... to the point where it's completely annoying! So, we got the high chair out and let her join us for meals. Still not enough. She would watch us like crazy putting things in our mouths. She's totally interested! So, sorry Doc, but this little one is ready for food!

So, Haley got a birdhouse kit and she has been asking like crazy to put it together! While Mommy was working on Saturday, Dad got it out and took some cool pictures!

Canning Chicken

2009-03-05T14:36:00.005-07:00

So, I had a good friend of mine from work teach me how to can chicken a couple weeks ago. Yes...I canned chicken! I'm turning into a home maker! The chicken is SO GOOD!!!!!!! Here are a couple of pictures...

It's so easy to do, too! All it takes is water, salt and chicken! (plus the jars) It's great for food storage. I'm going to try other meats and stuff whenever I can borrow a pressure cooker again. THANKS MELISSA!!!!!

Valentines Day

2009-02-14T18:15:00.005-07:00

So, I had to work on Valentines Day, but my girls sent me a cute card (with a little help from dad). It's so cute, I had to share!

A couple days ago, Chris had a photo shoot, so he left up the equipment to take pictures of the girls. Camdyn's 5 month was on Monday, so it was a great opportunity. We found a past photo of Haley that is crazy close to the one of Camdyn. Take a look at the comparison.

Camdyn is 4 months old!

2009-01-23T14:57:00.004-07:00

So, Camdyn is getting SO big! She just had her 4 month checkup at the doctor and she is 16 lbs 2 oz and 24 1/2 inches long! That's a long way from 8lb 6oz 19 inches! She is super fun and is SUCH a happy baby! She is always smiling and we have even gotten her to laugh a few times! Her favorite things are her pacifier (just like her big sis), her exersaucer, and sitting in front of daddy's computer! Here are a few fun pictures of her!

Daydreaming in her saucer!

SHE HAS HAIR!!!! I LOVE IT!

Camdyn's FIRST set of Mickey Ears!

Mom and the Girls! Taken the Sunday before Christmas!

New Friends

2009-01-16T10:29:00.005-07:00

Well, since I'm now working part time, child care is a pretty big expense. The girl that I share a full time position with also has kids. We've decided to share babysitting services as well. Today was Haley and Camdyn's first day over there. I was sent some picture...SO CUTE!!!!

There's a pic of Haley playing with one of their many animals! Haley LOVES animals and we don't have any. It's funny, because the past couple days she's asked for a pet because she doesn't have one.

Carlee Bryn is Here!

2009-01-11T03:05:00.009-07:00

So, I have a new niece! She was born last week...January 2, 2009 at 4:45 pm after over 13 hours of labor by my sister in law Natalie. Carlee is a beautiful addition to their already super cute family! My brother Michael and his wife Natalie already have 3 great children, Britton, Ian and Sierra Dawn. Carlee was born in at 6 lb 8 oz. Cute little petite thing! She stayed in the hospital for about a week but was able to come home on Friday January 9, 2009 (by the way, that was the day Camdyn turned 4 months old).

Congrats Mike and Nat! She's a cutie!

sorry...couldn't get the pic to rotate....

Catching up on the Blog!

2009-01-05T16:54:00.015-07:00

So, again! I'm Completely behind in the Blogs! I'm going thru pictures and videos and I'll just post as I go thru them!

Here's a picture of Camdyn's New toy! This was Haley's Saucer, but Camdyn is beginning to love it just as much!

Camdyn has also been favoring her fists and thumb instead of her pacifier. This makes me really sad because I just don't want to have to break a child of their thumb. It's much easier to break the pacifier habit. But, I do have to say she looks pretty cute sucking her thumb!

In October Steph's work had a Hay Ride and Pumpkin Patch where you could go choose your own Pumpkin out of the Pumpkin Patch at the County Jail. Some of the jail inmates learn different trades like gardening, cooking etc and this is what comes of it. We met some fun people who had a camera who took a picture for us.

Then in December, we got a gingerbread house to have Haley put it together. She had an absolute blast!

I'll be going thru the Christmas pictures and posting those soon!

No more Snow :(

2008-12-03T12:57:00.003-07:00

So, after that one day of snow so very long ago, we haven't had any! It's been actually nice and warm for this time of year. I'm wondering if we'll even have a white Christmas.

These past couple of weeks have gone by in a blur! I'm actually back at work now. I'm excited to get away and have some adult conversation, and I'm very glad that I'm only working 2 days a week instead of full time. The time away isn't too much, which is nice and it'll give Camdyn the chance to get to know other people.

I'm also EXTREMELY excited for Christmas!!!! We got our decorations out this weekend and now all we have to do is get our tree! It truely is the most Wonderful Time of the Year!!!!

SNOW!!!

2008-11-05T10:38:00.002-07:00

YEP! It's Official! We have SNOW!!!!!

Here's a picture of our front yard. Yes, it no longer has dirt, but grass and decorative rock...covered by snow in this picture, but grass nevertheless!

All the snow is pretty much melted now, but I was excited to wake up to snow!

Halloween is a Blast!

2008-11-02T20:34:00.010-07:00

Halloween has been so much fun this past month and a half. Yes, I said Month and a Half! Haley has been asking nonstop if it's Halloween yet since mid September! We had to get her a countdown calendar to help. So, here have been the events of the actual month of October...

My aunt and uncle have a Halloween party every year. Haley was so excited to dress up and play with cousins. Haley loved playing on the trampoline with cousin Nicole! Thanks Nicole for taking care of her!

Carving pumpkins was also quite fun! Haley wanted to carve a dinosaur, but her pumpkin was too small. She decided to do a bat instead. Looking at the picture below, you would think that the Mickey Mouse was mine, but NOPE! It was all Chris! He didn't even have a template! Mine was the cat, and Camdyn's is the one with the pacefier.

The day before Halloween, Haley had her dance class. She was able to wear her costume to class and parents were invited in! Here's a picture of her doing the splits.

Then the big day arrived! We waited ALL DAY! I had to bribe Haley to take a nap, but she did and she was in such a great mood to go trick or treating! Here are some photos from the evening!

Then, after trick-or-treating, we looked thru the candy, and aunt Rachel thought it would be fun to give Haley her first taste of pop rocks! Here's the picture to show how she liked it.

Believe it or not, she ended up loving them! she ate the entire packet!!!!!

Update!

2008-10-28T23:04:00.012-06:00

So, there's been quite a few things that have happened since our last post. I'll try to sum it up in a few quick posts!

Camdyn is doing great! Almost 2 months old now! Her blessing is going to be on November 9th, exactly 2 months old!

A couple weeks ago, my cousin got married. At the reception we got to see a lot of family we normally don't get to...including baby Adelle. She has gotten so big! Some of you may remember the blog where Haley was holding her just a few weeks before Camdyn was born. She was only 6lb 2oz...now look at her!

Chris, Camdyn, Adelle & Richard Camdyn & Adelle

Stephne, Camdyn, Adelle & Kathryn

Mom and Baby Update

2008-09-14T22:11:00.010-06:00

Stephne and Baby Camdyn are doing great. No complications at all which has really allowed us to breathe easy and enjoy our new addition to the fullest. Especially with the help we've had around the hospital and home from Sheryl and Steph's Mom and Dad.

Thanks to all for your help, prayers, and well wishes!

If the 2 photos in the previous post aren't enough for you, we have tons more at the following link which takes you to our family photo website TheHilgendorfs.com. The 2 posted above are a teaser.

It's basically photos from the 3 days we were in the hospital and the 1st day we were home with Camdyn. Enjoy!!!!

Camdyn's Gallery Link

Also check out Haley's 1st published photographs at her new special gallery. She took every photo you'll see in the gallery.

Haley's Photography Gallery

Camdyn is Here!!

2008-09-09T13:21:00.008-06:00

Camdyn Avery Hilgendorf arrived today at 9:53 this morning weighing in at 8 lbs 6 0z and measuring 20 inches long.

She looks a lot like Haley did when she was born, but has a lot more dark curly hair to keep her head warm.

Haley's first view of Camdyn was over a text message in which she kissed the screen and said "oh...cute".

ONE MORE DAY!!!!!

2008-09-08T21:18:00.002-06:00

It's amazing what a difference a day makes! Today I'm pregnant, tomorrow I won't be. Kinda crazy! Tomorrow we go in at 7am to have a c-section on this new little one! Keep an eye out on the blog. We'll have pictures and stats up asap. Keep thinking good thoughts for us!

2 more weeks!!!!

2008-08-25T14:39:00.003-06:00

Just 2 more weeks! and SO MUCH TO DO!!!!!! I have 2 days of work left, the 27th is my last day. I have 1 week before mom and dad come into town. I have 1 1/2 weeks until Sheryl comes into town. AND only 2 weeks until this new baby comes! I see the doctor weekly now, so pretty much every friday (only 2 more times) until the baby is here. We have a c-section secheduled for the 9th of September, sometime in the morning. I'll find out the exact time at this Friday's doctor's appointment. Still, no decision on the name. We have about 3 to choose from, so we figured we'd just decide when we see her.

Kinda exciting, Kinda scary!

Haley & Adelle

2008-08-25T11:57:00.003-06:00

So, I mentioned a couple posts ago that our cousins, Richard & Kathryn had their baby, Adelle. Haley and I went to the hospital the day she was born. Here's a cute picture they took with their camera. Haley is going to be such a great big sister!!!!!

Haley Sings

2008-08-24T21:46:00.004-06:00

So, a few weeks ago, we had a family reunion in Fairview, UT. One of the nights we had a talent show. One of Haley's favorite thing to do is to sing along with her favorite Disney songs. Here's Haley singing Meg's Song from Hercules. Enjoy!

Also, Mom and Aunt Janet did a spoof on "My Favorite Things"....it's pretty funny!

Olympic Schedule

2008-08-08T22:59:00.001-06:00

Olympic Medal winners at NBC Olympics.com!

Baby Stuff

2008-08-06T20:38:00.003-06:00

So, went to the doctor yesterday. All is going great and right on schedule! This pregnancy is a lot alike when I was pregnant with Haley, but also different. I didn't get sick either pregnancy, but I gained A LOT more weight with Haley than I have with this one. I think I gained like 70 lbs with Haley, and this one I've only gained 10 so far. I think that's a pretty good accomplishment! I should start maternity leave at the end of this month. I was thinking about just taking a week off before the c-section, but the closer I get I'm thinking now at least 2 weeks. There's still a ton to do and I just can't get things done as quickly as I could before. I'm starting to get sore, have contractions and I'm just big and bulky. I'm going to need more than a week before the baby....definately!

More news! Richard and Kathryn had their baby Adelle yesterday! She was enduced 2 weeks early from complications, but mom and baby are doing just great! She was 6 lbs 3 oz 19 1/2 inches long. Baby Adelle Elizabeth Mackay is beautiful! Congrats to Rich and Kathryn!

Haley, our American Idol!!!!

2008-07-25T23:46:00.003-06:00

So, we went to Target the other day...the best store in the WORLD!!!! Haley was being such a great helper and such a good girl that I decided to get her a little prize. She found this microphone that echos and she fell in love. It was in the sale section and it was only $2, so I figured, what the heck! She used the microphone the entire time we were at the store! The nice thing was that she could yell at the top of her lungs into the microphone, and somehow the microphone muffled her sound and gave back a little echo. Pretty cool I thought!

Chris doesn't think it's as cool as I do! She seems to be more vocal in the car and at home. For some reason, it seems louder at home than it does in the store. Weird how that works!

Spanish Fork Fiesta Days

2008-07-25T23:36:00.003-06:00

So, for those of you who don't know, Most cities in Utah County have their Annual City Celebrations. The city I live in, Spanish Fork, has their "Fiesta Days". While mom and dad were out here again, we decided to go downtown and see what there was to offer. On one side of the street there was some VERY YUMMY foods, and on the other side there was a lot of different vendors. Behind the vendors was a carnival type area. Of course, Haley was drawn to it. Those types of rides really make me nervous. Carnie rides just don't seem too sturdy. Just my opinion....

One thing that seemed okay to me was the Mary Go Round. So, we got tickets for Haley to go once on it. Grandma took her and Haley had a blast! The horses wern't very smooth and jerked around a lot, AND they didn't have a belt to strap the kids down, but what can you expect from a Carnie Ride. Here's a cute picture of her on the horse.

Hey, it's no Disneyland...believe me...I know! But, she had fun anyways!

Haley Dance Class

2008-07-25T00:25:00.002-06:00

So, we enrolled Haley at a great studio located in Orem, UT. We just started with the summer session, but she LOVES Miss Kim!!!! This is just a quick video of her in the tap portion of her class. Her class is a combo Ballet, Tap and Jazz class. She just loves it!!!!!

Fun Stuff at the Hilgendorf House

2008-07-24T20:10:00.004-06:00

I know to some of you, these next couple things are so small that you're wondering "why is she blogging about these???!!!". I guess I am just easily pleased! About a month ago my mom and dad came out for a quick visit. My cousin got married, so they decided to make a trip out of it. They were out here for almost a week, and in that time, my dad started work on putting stairs down into our crawl space. For those of you who don't know, we do not have a basement...but a 9 foot tall crawl space. The entrance to it was located under our stairs where we would store a few things and there was a hole and a ladder to get down into the crawl space. We figured it would be a TON easier to store things down there if we had stairs instead of a 4x4 hole. So, Dad really did a great job of getting things together and did A LOT of work! Chris had a lot of photo shoots that week, but along with Steve & Glen, all 4 of them helped finish it all out! It is GREAT to have stairs that go downstairs to our "basement". Here's a picture of our finished product! The stairs are so well built that if an earthquake hits, the stairs will be the only thing left standing!

Another thing that I'm really exicted about is my new air conditioner! Yes, we do have central air, BUT when I'm working graveyards I feel it very wasteful to cool down the entire house when I'm only in my bedroom sleeping. I had a commission check from my Travel Business last month, so guess what I did with it.....bought myself a brand new wall unit air conditioner!!!!! It is SO nice having the cooled room when I sleep and not have to worry about cooling the entire house. Here's a picture of my new air conditioner!

Driving Miss Haley

2008-07-04T04:50:00.004-06:00

So, Haley is just super funny. She's always saying and doing things that just crack Chris and I up! The other day I was driving and she was in her car seat. I stepped on the gas to get through a light and she says... "Woah! Slow Down Kiddo!" I think she got that one from Chris. She also won't let us even leave the driveway without REMINDING us to put on our seatbelt. She's funny, and safe. She also reminds us when we're at a stop light or stop sign that we "have to wait for the cars to get out of the way" or "we need to turn right" (usually because that's where a playground or fast food plase with a play area). She just cracks me up!

The Tag

2008-07-02T19:16:00.004-06:00

A-Attached or Single: Attached----happily married :)
B-Best Friend: can't decide
C-Cake or Pie: Cheesecake
D-Day of Choice: any day I get to spend with my family
E-Essential Item: flip flops
F-Favorite Color(s): recently....pink....it's all over the place in our house....
G-Gummy Bears or Worms: Gummy Bears
H-Hometown: Glendora, CA
I-Indulgences: TV/movies, my nails & DISNEY!!!!!
J-January or July: January
K-Kids- Love them, have 1 and 1 on the way!!! (hence the reason for all the pink in the house---both girls)
L-Life Is: Crazy, but lovin it!
M-Marriage Date: 11/10/2001
N-Number of siblings: 2 brothers, 2 sisters
O-Oranges or Apples: tangerines LOL, i would say that's in the orange family
P-Phobias or Fears: Not really anything
Q-Quote: The end is just the beginning of a whole new race!
R-Ring size: dunno....changes when I'm pregnant
S-Season: Spring
T-Tag 3: Cali, Deb & Angela
U-Unknown fact about me: I used to dance....some know, some don't...but now you all do!
V-Very Favorite Store: Target!!!!!!!!!
W-Worst Habit: why don't you tell me? always good to know the truth about myself
X-X-Ray or Ultrasound: Ultrasound
Y-Your Favorite Food: changes with this pregnancy
Z-Zodiac: Libra

Grandma's Wall

2008-06-29T19:21:00.006-06:00

So, a couple weeks ago Rachel, Glen and I had fun at Grandma's house in Provo. For Mother's day my mom wanted to re-do her picture wall. Since she doesn't live up here, Rachel and I put a plan together and then recruited Glen to assist. We painted her walls in the hallway, bought some new picture frames and got some new pictures. Here are some pics of our progress.

This is a picture of Glen and Rachel sanding the walls a bit before we painted. The walls were super smooth and they needed a bit of texture before we put some paint on them.

This is Steph and Glen starting the painting process.

And, here's the finished product....for the most part. Some of the pictures hadn't gotten to us yet, so most of the pictures are different than what you see here. I'll update it as soon as it's all done. The vinal lettering on top says "All because two people fell in love" Then there's the picture of Grandma and Grandpa. Then there's the pictures of all their kids. At the bottom it says "our eternal family"

We had a blast doing this, and it was even better when we got phone calls from Grandma. I could hardly understand what she was saying because she was crying.

Haley Fishing and Bike Riding

2008-05-22T00:34:00.004-06:00

So, a couple weeks ago we went to a graduation party that was at a pond. People had brought their fishing poles and were catching fish. Haley was loving it! She kept saying that she wanted a fishing pole. Chris loved that, so what did he do....went out and bought her a fishing pole and then bought a fishing license so they could go fishing! Here's a picture of Chris and Haley fishing at Salem Pond. She loves casting and reeling the line in.

Haley also is now too big for her Tricycle that we got over year ago for her 2nd birthday/Christmas. Her legs were just getting too long. SO....Chris went out and bought her a new bicycle! It's a big girl bicycle with training wheels. She'll be able to use it for a LONG time. The seat here is at the lowest position.

She also got a new helmet. Her head is too big for the 3+ size. She had to go with 5+!!! Also, guess what kind she choose....HANNA MONTANA!!! Are you kidding me!!!! I never have that stuff on in the house so I have NO IDEA how she even knew who she was! Oh Well...It's still a cute helmet and it keeps her head safe.

And the Ultrasound Results are......

2008-05-19T23:14:00.002-06:00

SO!!!! After a long wait....we finally had our ultrasound!!!! I'll attach pictures later, but from what the Doctor says, it looks like we'll be having another GIRL!!!! We're so excited!!!!!

Haley Writing

2008-05-14T01:08:00.004-06:00

So, Haley is such a big girl! We got a book to have her start to practice writing her numbers and letters. It's great for when she goes to the sitter because they have a 6 year old who has "homework time". Now Haley has her "homework", too. Chris brought it out 2 nights ago for the first time and she picked it up just great! Here's a video and picture.

ONE MORE WEEK!

2008-05-12T21:48:00.003-06:00

So, we only have one more week until we find out what we're having! I'll be 23 weeks on May 19 and at 4pm, if all goes well and if baby cooporates, we'll be able to find out if we'll have a little girl or a little boy. I never really had a feeling or dream or anything like that with Haley. I had no clue what she was going to be. This time I did have one dream. About 2 weeks ago, I had a dream that we were in getting the ultrasound and that it was a girl. We'll see if this dream comes true! LOL

Also, in Church, on Mother's day, Haley had her first experience in performing in Sacrament Meeting. She got up with the rest of the Primary to sing to the Mom's for Mother's day. She didn't know all the words, but she was super cute anyways! Also, I normally feel the baby on either side of my stomach, either right side or left side. All of a sudden, I get this huge WHAM in my spine...like the baby was sitting front to back. It didn't hurt, but it made me jump. Chris thought I had fallen asleep. It was quite funny.

When God Created the Dispatcher

2008-05-12T21:21:00.004-06:00

For those of you who don't know what I do on a daily basis, this pretty much sums it up. Someone passed it out at work a couple weeks ago. Pretty dead on!

THE ANGEL WALKED IN AND FOUND THE LORD WALKING AROUND IN A SMALL CIRCLE AND MUTTERING TO HIMSELF. "WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON LORD?" HE ASKED. "WELL, I FINISHED CREATING A PEACE OFFICER, NOW I'M WORKING ON A DISPATCHER." SINCE THE ANGEL COULD SEE NOTHING IN THE ROOM, HE ASKED GOD TO TELL HIM ABOUT IT.

"IT'S SOMEWHAT LIKE THE POLICE OFFICER MODEL, IT HAS FIVE HANDS - ONE FOR ANSWERING THE PHONE, TWO FOR TYPING, ONE FOR ANSWERING THE RADIO AND ONE FOR GRABBING A CUP OF COFFEE.

THE ARMS HAD TO BE PLACED FAIRLY CAREFULLY SINCE ALL THE TASKS A DISPATCHER DOES, HAVE TO BE DONE SIMULTANEOUSLY. THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM IS A LITTLE COMPLICATED, SINCE IT RUNS OF COFFEE, AND FOOD THAT CAN BE DELIVERED, BUT SELDOM NEEDS TO GET UP TO USE THE RESTROOM. I MADE THE SKIN OF A TEMPERED DURALITE COVERED WITH TEFLON. A DISPATCHERS HIDE HAS TO BE TOUGH ENOUGH TO WITHSTAND DARTS FROM CRANKY OFFICERS, JABS FROM CITIZENS, AND LACK OF ATTENTION BY ADMINISTRATION, BUT NOT SHOW ANY SIGNS OF WEAR AND TEAR.

UNLIKE A POLICE OFFICER, IT ONLY NEEDS ONE PAIR OF EYES, SO THAT LEFT EXTRA ROOM FOR THE EARS. THERE ARE FIVE SETS OF EARS, ONE SET FOR THE TELEPHONE, ONE FOR THE MAIN RADIO, TWO FOR THE OTHER RADIOS IT HAS TO MONITOR, AND ONE TO HEAR EVERYTHING ELSE GOING ON AROUND IT. THEY FIT ALL RIGHT ON THE HEAD, SINCE IT HAS TO BE EXTRA LARGE FOR THE BRAIN.

THE BRAIN HAS TO BE ENORMOUS SO IT CAN REMEMBER A FULL SET OF TEN CODES, PHONETIC ALPHABET, AT LEAST TWO HUNDRED DIFFERENT VOICES, THE ENTIRE CONTENTS OF THREE DIFFERENT SOP MANUALS, TWO TELETYPE MANUALS, AND AN NCIC CODE BOOK. OF COURSE I LEFT ENOUGH EXTRA SPACE FOR IT TO LEARN THE INDIVIDUAL QUIRKS OF EVERY DIFFERENT SERGEANT, LIEUTENANT, SHIFT COMMANDER, FIRE CHIEF, AND OTHER SUPERVISOR, AND THE ABILITY TO KEEP THEM ALL STRAIGHT.

THERE ALSO HAS TO BE ROOM FOR IT TO LEARN WHICH SITUATIONS NEED AN OFFICER AND WHICH DON'T, AND ALSO THE ABILITY TO DETERMINE, IN LESS THAN TWO MINUTES, WHAT TO DO FOR ANY GIVEN EVENT.

THERE IS A BUILT IN CONDENSER SO IT CAN TAKE AN HOUR LONG EXPLANATION, PUT IT INTO 30 SECONDS WORTH OF RADIO TRANSMISSION, BUT STILL GET THE WHOLE STORY ACROSS.

THOSE SWITCHES ON THE FRONT ARE FOR THE EMOTIONS. IT HAS TO BE ABLE TO TALK TO A MOTHER WHOSE CHILD HAS JUST DIED WITHOUT PAIN, A RAPE VICTIM WITH EMPATHY, A SUICIDAL PERSON WITH CALMNESS AND RE-ASSURANCE, AND AN ABUSIVE DRUNK WITHOUT GETTING ANGRY.

WHEN ONE OF THE OFFICERS YELLS FOR HELP, IT CAN'T PANIC, AND WHEN SOMEONE DOESN'T MAKE IT, THE DISPATCHERS HEART MUSTN'T BREAK.

THE LITTLE SOFT SPOT JUST TO THE LEFT OF THE EMOTION SWITCH IS FOR ABANDONED ANIMALS, FRIGHTENED CHILDREN, AND LITTLE OLD LADIES WHO ARE LONELY AND JUST WANT TO TALK TO SOMEONE FOR A FEW MINUTES.

THE DISPATCHER HAS TO CARE VERY MUCH FOR THE OFFICERS AND FIREFIGHTERS IT SERVES, WITHOUT GETTING PERSONALLY INVOLVED WITH ANY OF THEM, SO I ADDED ANOTHER SWITCH FOR THAT. PLUS, OF COURSE THE DISPATCHER CAN'T HAVE ANY OF IT'S OWN ISSUES TO WORRY ABOUT WHILE ITS ON DUTY, SO THAT LAST SWITCH TURNS THEM OFF.

THE PATIENCE SWITCH IS TURNED UP TO HIGH ALL THE TIME ON THE DISPATCHER MODEL, AND I'VE ADDED AN EXTRA FUSE TO THOSE TO HANDLE THE OVERLOAD. A DISPATCHER HAS TO BE ABLE TO FUNCTION EFFICIENTLY UNDER LESS THAN GOOD PHYSICAL CONDITIONS, AND BE FLEXIBLE ENOUGH TO WITHSTAND WHATEVER THE ADMINISTRATION COMES UP WITH, WHILE STILL RETAINING IT'S GENERAL SHAPE AND FORM.

THAT WARM AND FUZZY SHOULDER IS THERE FOR OFFICERS TO USE WHEN THEY GRIPE, FOR OFFICERS AND OTHER DISPATCHERS WHEN THEY HURT, AND FOR THOSE WHO ARE SHELL SHOCKED BY HORRIBLE CALLS AND JUST NEED SOMEONE TO BE THERE.

THE VOICE GAVE ME A LITTLE TROUBLE. IT HAS TO BE CLEAR AND EASY TO UNDERSTAND, CALM AND EVEN WHEN EVERYONE ELSE IS SCREAMING, BUT STILL ABLE TO CONVEY EMPATHY AND CARING WHILE REMAINING TOTALLY PROFESSIONAL.

IT RUNS FOR A FULL 12 HOURS ON VERY LITTLE SLEEP, REQUIRES ALMOST NO DAYS OFF, AND GETS PAID LESS THAN AN EXECUTIVE SECRETARY.

"THE DISPATCHER SOUNDS WONDERFUL LORD" SAID THE ANGEL. "WHERE IS THIS AMAZING CREATION?"

"WELL YOU SEE ..." ANSWERED THE SUPREME BEING. "DISPATCHERS ARE INVISIBLE UNLESS THEY MAKE A MISTAKE. SO IT'S PRACTICALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO TELL WHEN THEY ARE RUN DOWN, WORN OUT OR IN NEED OF REPAIR. NOW THAT I HAVE CREATED THEM -- I CAN'T SEE THE ORIGINAL MODEL TO MAKE ENOUGH OF THEM TO GO AROUND"

-ANONYMOUS

My Funny Child

2008-04-16T16:13:00.003-06:00

So, sometimes I just have to laugh at Haley! She just does some things to make me laugh that I wanted to share.

We were at church one Sunday a couple months ago and we brought out the coloring books. (color wonder might I add--love those books!). This particular one was Finding Nemo. She was coloring for a while and as she would turn the page I would ask her what the animals were. One page in particular had Bruce the shark on it. I said, "Haley, is that Bruce?" She replied with, "No mommy, that's a shark. Can you say shark?" Myself, Chris and a few people within hearing distance busted up....right in the middle of Sunday Services! I guess you know what she hears all the time!

Baby's Great!

2008-03-27T09:25:00.004-06:00

Hey everyone! Thought I'd update on the little one....

Had a doctor appointment yesterday and everything seems to be going great! I heard the heartbeat for the first time and it's always a relief to hear! My next appointment is April 21, but won't have the ultrasound then. The doctor is recommending to have the ultrasound at the next appointment, which would be May 19. That'll put me at 23 weeks and he says that we'll have a better chance of seeing what we're having.

All in all, things are going well! I'm still really, REALLY tired! Especially with all my work and long days. I hope it'll get better soon!

OH MY GOSH!

2008-03-20T11:38:00.003-06:00

So, Monday I spent the LONGEST DAY EVER at the mall. I haven't spent that much time at the mall since I was in High School, and that usually included a movie or something. My sister and I went to look for an Easter outfit for her and myself for Church. While I was there, I stopped in Nordstrom because they have MAC makeup. I had a bunch of old containers to turn in for free lipsticks. After MAC, I went over to their jewlrey to look at rings....my wedding ring is not fitting like it used to pre-pregnancy. I was looking at a few different things and there was a lady also at the counter that was looking at watches and was waiting for one to get fitted. She was standing a couple of feet from me and my drink from lunch was on the counter in the way of her view. I moved it and said that I was sorry. She said that she was just looking around while waiting for her watch. The voice sounded kind of familiar, and I have to say that so did her face. I told her that I was just looking for "prego rings" because my fingers were getting too fat. She laughed and I totally recognized who it was....MARIE OSMOND!!!!! I couldn't believe it! She then came back to say that she knows how it is because she gained 60 lbs with each of her kids. I told her that I gained 70 with my last one, but after this one we'll probably be done. She then said "that's what I said way back when". Just had to share! After being in Utah for almost 2 years, I finally ran into an Osmond!!!

Time for a MAC ORDER!!!

2008-03-15T13:35:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone!

It's that time again! For those of you who don't know, I have a card that I get a discount on MAC makeup...and if I order off their website I get free shipping if I order over $150...not difficult to do LOL

So, take a look at their site... www.maccosmetics.com and let me know if you want anything. I get 30% off most items. Things on the mac pro line, sometimes do not get a discount...but ask and I'll check.

I'll be putting in the order Tuesday of next week...that's 3/18/08. I know it's short notice, but you still have a few days!

Let me know!!!

Havin a Baby!!!

2008-03-13T08:07:00.002-06:00

So, after months of trying, we're finally pregnant! We're due September 15, but we'll probably have a c-section the week before. We're really excited and Steph is REALLY tired...not real sick, just really tired. We'll be able to find out what we're having come late April or early May. It's kinda fun because we have a few cousins who are also pregnant....so, when we have family reunions, the little ones will have playmates that are the same age!

We just wanted to spread the news!

Chicken

2008-03-06T13:51:00.004-07:00

So, my cute cousin, who shall remain nameless - (you know who you are!!!) and I had a very entertaining conversation. Well, it was entertaining for me. I was laughing my tush off! Here's how the conversation went (by the way, this was an "over email" conversation)

Cousin: (speaking of easter dinner) Hubby is cooking ham...i'm not very good with meat unless it's in a slow cooker =). I'm not sure how long it takes to cook a ham...I'm so bad when it comes to meat.
Me: LOL...most hams are already cooked, but you just need to make sure they're heated all the way thru
Cousin: HAHAHA!!! I'm such a nerd! I told you I didn't know much about meat! We're having chicken for dinner tonight and I freaked because I bought the wrong stuff. I bought the chicken with skin and rib (i think she means bone). It was so weird...I'm used to boneless/skinless...it should be interesting trying to cook tonight =)
Me: You are so funny! The chicken you got for tonight makes great fried chicken...yum yum!
Cousin: hahaha, ooops! Can I take it off the bone and make it a boneless/skinless? I need a meat cookbook....or I can just keep hubby in charge of meat =)
Me: It would probably be too difficult to take the meat off the bone. Easier just to cook it on the bone. You can take the skin off before. That's not too hard.
Cousin: Can I bake chicken on the bone? I'm such a ditz, you're probably getting a good laugh out of this.
Me: KFC cooks it on the bone, don't they? LOL you're too funny!!! Just like a turkey cooks on the bone, so can chicken. I don't think I've ever seen fried chicken boneless...at least at restaurants. Anyways! It's totally fine and there are a ton of recipes out there that have bone-in chicken.
Cousin: I'm such a nerd...hubby will get a kick out of this. I promise, he does cook all of our meat except hamburger meat and boneless meat that can cook in the crock pot. Easter dinner will be good...I promise!!!!
Me: LOL...you crack me up...don't be surprised to find this conversation on my blog LOL j/k but you really do crack me up!
Cousin: hahaha! I'm totally putting it on ours! show the family my skills. =)

She cracks me up and I love her for being able to laugh at herself!!!!

Update on the House

2008-03-06T08:45:00.002-07:00

So, it's official! We are NOT going to be buying the Salem House! The bank finally came back with a counter offer. We could have countered back, but with everything going on in our lives right now, we thought it best not to. So, we'll be staying at our cute home in Spanish Fork for a while longer. We'll finish the yard and then possibly convert out crawl space into a basement. Maybe we'll even get paint on the walls and hang some pictures. LOL what a crazy idea!

Disneyland Fun!!!!

2008-03-05T19:54:00.013-07:00

So, last week, Haley and I took a quick trip to Disneyland and we had a blast! We stayed at the Disneyland Hotel and went into the parks for a couple days. We happened to plan the trip around a Cast Member tradition show called Flashback. I was in the first 3 seasons back in my Disney Days and now my sister Barbra had the chance to be in it. So, we got to go see Aunt Barbra in the show. Here are some fun pics of us in the parks with the different characters and of our AMAZING ROOM we were upgraded to.

Fun Picture of Flick and Atta with Cousins Ian and Sierra Dawn that were able to play on one of the days.

Cinderella was SUPER sweet to Haley!!! You wouldn't believe it, but Haley was being a grump before the princesses came out. We had to get some food in her before she would cheer up.

So, when we first got to Ariel's Grotto for lunch we made a stop to see Ariel. Haley was SUCH a GRUMP! I don't have it with me, but Barbra took a picture and it totally shows what a grump she was. This picture was taken after lunch...after she had food in her system. Ariel was super cute with Haley and just let her sit and talk and Haley ALMOST FELL ASLEEP right there on Ariel's lap!!!! Super Cute!!!!

This was part of our room. We had booked a standard room with just 2 queen beds and a daybed. When we got there, we found up we were upgraded to one of the new "Themed" rooms where they connect the standard room to a room that's themed Mickey, Princess or Pirate. Can you guess what themed room we got?

Haley Loved the Lamp in the room. There was a button on the front that would make Mickey talk and then he would turn on and off the light. Aunt Barbra tried to take a nap when Haley first discovered it....yeah...that didn't work out too well for Barbra :)

All in all, we had an absolute blast!!!! Don't know when we'll be able to do it again...hopefully it won't be too long!

2008-03-04T09:07:00.006-07:00

Haley had her very first Dentist appointment last week and I was plesantly surprised that she did amazing!!!! She let them count her teeth and scrub off all the "sugar bugs" and she even let them use the polishing drill on her! She was so cute and she loved how she got to ride the "roller coaster" and she was so happy when she got her treats!

Haley goes Skiing!

2008-03-04T08:32:00.003-07:00

A couple weeks ago I went back to working weekends. It's been really nice being able to hang out with the family and to go to church and such. On the first day that I went back to work on Saturdays, Chris decided to take Haley skiing for the first time! She was a little nervous at first, but she ended up LOVING it!!!! Chris took a couple pictures of her with the skis on, but couldn't really get any action shots because it was just the two of them. We also found out that it's pretty in-expensive for kids under 5 to ski, so next year I think they'll be going out a lot more!!!!

Possibly Moving - AGAIN

2008-01-23T08:19:00.000-07:00

So, the last time we moved, I VOWED that we would be here for at least 10 years! I detest packing and unpacking! So, why you ask are we possibly doing it again???

So, we were looking for places in Utah County that will allow home owners to have a studio...in-home. We just decided to give up our photography studio lease in Provo so that we can have a studio closer to home. We were looking for homes in Woodland Hills and Elk Ridge when we stumbled (ok...more like divine intervension) on this house in Salem. It's a HUGE house...6800 sq feet with 3 stories and a basement. The basement also has an apartment that we're able to rent out. It is also on 3/4 of an acre. The house does need a LOT of TLC, but we think it would be great work on it. All of it's cosmetic...nothing huge to worry about.

Salem has a few stipulations on home businesses, however, we've done our homework and our studio will work just fine in the home! The 3rd floor is an atic converted to a master suite that has vaulted ceilings. As soon as we get the 2nd floor done (4 bedrooms and 2 bath), we'd move from the master to the 2nd floor and use the 3rd floor as a studio.

After all is said and done, we could sell the house for a pretty penny, or we could stay there and live in what we created! BUT---as of right now, we just have an offer in on that house and we put ours on the market. We'll see how everything pans out!

First Blog

2008-01-21T14:04:00.000-07:00

So, this is my first blog on Blogspot. YES...I finally decided to join the band wagon! Our family is currently living in Spanish Fork, UT. A long way from my home town of Glendora, CA and from Chris' home in Michigan. We truely love it here in Utah. Yes, I even love the snow! I love my jobs and I love my family. I currently dispatch for Utah County Sheriff's Office in Spanish Fork and I also am a Vacation Planner (aka Travel Agent). My husband Chris is a Photographer and also works as a Quality Engineer. Our Daughter Haley is a JOY! She's 3 years old going on 13!!! She's such a big girl! She's also our nightly entertainment. We never have to go out anymore! Well...that's us in a nutshell!