Better Than Expected!

Tysen and I went out into this field close to our house and had some fun with the self timer on the camera. One of my assignments for my photo class is to take pictures using the self timer and a tripod. It was a little difficult to run back and forth to the camera so we had my sister come with us and just push the timer button. That is why you see our heads cut off most of the time but I think they still turned out cute. It was a fun shoot and I am learning so much in my photography class! They Turned out WAY better than expected!

We dressed up in spring clothes and we stuck some cute yellow boots on Ty and a POP belly shirt to show off his "six pack". I just LOVE this little boy! He was such a good sport through all of it, even when the grass started getting itchy. The camera just can't take a bad picture of my little guy.

we love cuddling!

Totally Candid

More Loves for Mommy!

Admiring that sweet face

Ok a little "cheese ball" modeling on my part but Ty looks so funny with the wind blowing in his face and his belly sticking out!

I don't know why I LOVE this picture! It was a complete accident and I am so loving it!

YAY!

2nd Favorite! Love the shoes!

FAVORITE!!!
(even with the shadow)

CRAWLING!?! ...WHAT!

YAY! My baby is CRAWLING! He is going to be able to READ (according to "studies")...(pshh..whatever)

We thought this day would NEVER come!!

Tysen has been Army Crawling since he was 10 months and that has been his thing till now (and he is 15 months). He goes to physical therapy 3 times a week and he has been excelling in lots of areas except for crawling. He can pull up, cruise furniture and is somewhat close to walking. And yet, he still wanted to just scoot on his tummy, pushing with only his left leg. So the therapist (just last week) decided that it might be good to just work on his walking because they thought he wasn't going to do hands and knees crawling. I guess Ty wanted to show them because yesterday morning he started doing it ,little by little, and by the end of the day he was a crawling MANIAC! It must have just clicked for him and he decided it was faster so he liked it better. He is still a little wobbly but it is so cute. I was balling while watching my little baby boy start to crawl because we have been working on it for so long!

Good for you TY-MAN!

Dangerous Job!

I am taking a Photography class and I am LOVING IT! We have a huge project that I've been working on and it has helped me learn almost every facet of my camera.

Anyway, I was taking Micro (really up close) shots with my camera of a bee gathering nectar from the flowers in my front yard. I don't have a lens that can zoom in very far so the only other thing to do was to get up really close. The thing with cameras is that if you aren't zoomed in very far then even if you are 2 inches away from the subject the picture comes out looking like you are 3 feet away. So, you can imagine how close I had to get to the bee to achieve a good Macro shot. It was a daring move and most of my pictures are blurry because I was running away or shooing the bee out of my face or SCREAMING bloody murder because it moved.....but all in all I got a pretty decent shot!

I better get a good great for this DEATH DEFYING stunt!

Monumetal!

I know Tysen is 15 months old but we only JUST had to lower his crib last month. He never pulled up to a stand or scared us in anyway when it came to his crib....that is until one day! So since he, finally, figured out that his crib was fun to stand up in, Dan had to lower it from a newborn crib to a toddler crib...(I could not figure out why this was so hard for me to accept).... He is a toddler and not a baby and time has gone by WAAAY to fast. I could cuddle this little one all day if he would only let me. He is my reason for procrastinating everything because most of the time it is because I am kissing, playing, hugging, or squishing him to death. The crib lowering was very monumental for me. It almost made me feel like...."is it ALREADY time to have another???? "
(I'm not prego...it was just a thought)

It is a loooong way down now. Mommy doesn't enjoy the back aching bend she has to make.

Another monumental moment was that Ty-man is feeding his little self! We have been working on scooping and he has finally (almost) got it. Sometimes he concludes that his hands would be faster than the spoon....but for the most part he has reached the scooping goal!

Having fun with the spoon.

Trying so hard to not miss even a drop.

Just an Ordinary Day

Tysen loves his walker! It really takes him places! He loves going outside to hang out with Roxy. He could be out there all day just watching Roxy run back and forth while cracking up! And I could watch HIM all day, watching Roxy. It is amazing how much time is spent during the day just watching my son and being so amazed at this sweet little reckless human being.

Two little buddies! Mommy is trying to take a picture while keeping them BOTH from jumping in the 50 degree water.

This is a random shot of Tysen and Dan in our room playing a video game on Dan's new flat screen! Tysen kept crawling up on Daddy so that he could play too.

LATE Valentine's Day!

On Valentines Day, Dan and I were in Arizona visiting my brother and his family. So other than a Sees candy box (that I took with me on the way to Arizona and completely consumed...sooo ashamed) we didn't have much of a Valentines Date.

So this weekend my sister took Tysen over night and Dan and I decided to hang out at Dave and Busters at the Ontario Mills. It felt like we were dating again. It was so fun to play against him (and whoop his butt) on all the arcade games. Ok MAYBE he beat me at basketball...but I soooooo won (the first round) of The Fast and Furious car racing one.
I am so addicted to the spinning games where you have to push the button to make the little light land exactly on 1000 tickets. The first one I played I got it right on a thousand and right off the bat I was feeling LUCKY! Dan says I would be a terrible gambler..that's why he wont give me a quarter when we stop in Vegas (he knows its not for the gumball machine). I guess I can get kind of crazy...I almost used all my tokens on those stupid spinning games.

For dinner Dan took me to Benihana (never been before) and it was sooooo yummy and it was fun having them cook right in front of you. I fell in love with California rolls...so yummy! We had so much fun!

Hunny you are more fun than I thought you would be after three years of marriage...lol
I love you! Thank you for giving me so much LOVE! ( I'm a love hog!)
You really are everything to me ... I couldn't be with out you! That is why I think I should die first when we get older! Ha ha!

Tysen

I want you to know that….

You are 14 months and 1 day

You jabber all the time; but, you can say some words like: MOM (you usually yell that one), Da Da, Uh OH, and Ba Ba.

You like to copy some words that Mommy says but when I ask you to say something you refuse to speak.

When you want attention from someone you do a funny fake laugh until they look at you.
You don’t care if Mommy leaves, as long as someone is there to play with you.
You smile A LOT! Unless someone strange talks to you …Then you just stare blankly at them.

You look just like your Daddy! (Mommy loves that)You can sit up all on your own!
You have been army crawling since you were 10 months….(it’s just your thing I guess)
You are getting pretty good at pulling up onto things….Daddy needs to lower your crib.
You are in love with hair! And you have a good grip!
You like to cuddle with your blanky and your glow sea horse.

When you wake up, you like to put your cheek on Mommy or Daddy’s cheek and say “awwww”, because that is what Mommy and Daddy say when you are being sweet.
You LOVE LOVE LOVE the swing! You can’t stop giggling and you cry BLOODY MURDER when we take you out.
Just yesterday, you started folding your arms for prayer time all by yourself….but you only do it for 3 seconds and then you want to do something else.
You understand the meaning of "NO,NO". It only makes you more stubborn though. You are VERY Stubborn!

You are very smart, and you like to observe your surroundings before you make any quick moves.
You adore Baby Einstein movies…Now you talk back and laugh at the T.V. You even try to copy what they are doing.
When you hear music you have to stop what you’re doing just to dance…it makes Mommy and Daddy laugh, which makes you do it more.
You like to sneak away from Mommy in your walker and head for the drive way so you can roll down the big hill. You hate it when you get stuck or when Mommy blocks your way.
You will eat anything and you will eat A Lot of it! You never stop eating!!

You have mood swings when it comes to milk….some days you want it and some days you don’t.
You have 5 big chompers now and one more on the way. You don’t like that one very much right now (and neither does Mommy).
You like to share with others. You always hand your toys to other kids (unless it is something you really like).
You are starting to realize that if we go in your room, most likely, that means it is bedtime. You are starting to not like bedtime.
I can’t tell if you are ready for one nap a day yet.

You do not keep your socks on

You love Mommy more than Daddy! lol...(I wish)

Most importantly you are getting cuter and smarter everyday! Mommy and Daddy are so proud of EVERYTHING you do. We love watching you grow and learn. You are such a fun spirit and you bring so much joy into our lives. You are wonderful!

Ode to Ashley

Ashley and I had some fun taking some pictures of her today! I love taking pictures and she is a great model! I think they turned out pretty cute! Here are some of my favorites.

Isn't she perrrty!!

For One Time, and One Time Only!

Ok...so, I know some of you are going to tell me to SHOVE IT and some of you are going to say.."My wedding dress is too BIG for me now"...Well I don't want to hear it! This is a one time deal! And don't tell me that you have never tried on your wedding dress after the fact in hopes that it fits....Come on!

Anyways, I just wanted to document that 3 years after marriage and 1 year after having a baby I can fit into my wedding dress! It is a big accomplishment for me because it was hard to fit into on my wedding day!

I know that I will have more kids and that is why this is a one time thing! I will probably not be able to (nor will I try) to attempt this dangerous stunt again. So for pride's sake I just wanted to be able to look back and tell my self that I did it...even though I probably won't be able to fit into it next week.... even so, I did it, if only for a moment!

Here is the proof! No corset either.

Seriously, this decision was on a whim...If I had planned it out I would have defiantly done my hair and makeup.

Dad is Helpless

So Dan got a new T.V. for Christmas and on Saturday he was installing it in our room. He was working all day, so I had ty to myself and we were trying to stay out of the way. I decided to leave Ty with Dan for just a moment while Dan was working on screwing in some bolts. He had his hands tied. He could not let go of what he was working on and all I hear is this...

Crystal! Crystal!

Why did you leave him in here!

Get Him! Get Him!

HE'S GETTING CLOSER!!!

So I go in to see what the matter is and Dan is staring at Tysen, not being able to get his hands free from what he was doing, and his face was filled with fear because Tysen was crawling closer and closer to his project and he would have surly messed with it somehow.

He might be 1 but he can be a terrorizer! I just love that Dan looked so totally helpless and afraid of him... like he was a shark or something!!! I was laughing for days!

Lambion LLC

Please check out my Mom's sculptures....she is amazingly talented! If you are interested let me know and I can get you a MAJOR discount!

You can find the link below under "view the sites"

Mom's Blessings

*note* My Mom is one of the greatest people I know! I love her and I take her advise and run with it! This was just ANOTHER something GREAT that she had posted on our family blog and I thought I would share it with you...what an amazing spirit she has!

Three indicatores that will keep you spiritually and temporally blessed;

(1) Pay a FULL TITH. it is ones most obvious indicatore to ones love and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. I testify that my spiritual well being has been protected through the opportunities of being able to always pay a full tithing. I also attribute my tempral comfort and comforts to this great commandment. it removes fear. It is the rock of our salvation now and into the eternities. D&C 64:23 ; for he that is tithed shall not be burned at his comming. He is comming.

(2) Keep the Sabbath Day Holy. A topical guide search will clear things up if you are interested in the Lords way of keeping this great and loving commandment. Taking the Sacrament each week, Uplifting, Teaching and Learning from one another will make this day a day of comfort and joy. You will be able to ALWAYS remember your SAVIOR. It has truly become a day of refreshment for me. I hunger for it's power in my life.

(3) Eat Right. Eat fresh fruit and vegtables daily. That will keep the doctore bills down and your spirit in tune. Cut back on negative foods. That will teach you temperance in all areas in your life and preserve a clearer channel with the spirit of revelation. In my patriarchal blessing it says that the two greatest medicins for heavenly success that exists are; pay a full tith and keep the word of wisdom in it's smallest detail. I totaly beleive this.

I love All of you and desire the best for each of you. Do these three things and all the rest will follow. ps. read your scriptues daily.

BLOG OVERLOAD!!!

Ok...I know that I just posted like ten posts and it is overwhelming for some of you but, it has been crazy...so bare with me! It has been a while since I posted ...so now I just want to get caught up...so get your cushy seat, some snacks and get comfortable because it is going to be a long read....I suggest taking breaks between reads. ENJOY!

(at least you didn't have to write them...that is all I have to say)

WICKED!!!!!

My Birthday was in December and my sister made an insane cake for me. I have a "thing" for hostess chocolate cupcakes...( I can devour them in a short period of time...it is very dangerous). So they are pretty much my weakness...which makes them my enemy! My sister decided to make a HUGE one for me, for my birthday (while I was on a diet). It was sabotage I tell you! But, it was sooooo good!!

Even had the whipped cream filling.... Yummmm

I've always wanted to take a big bite out of a big chocolate cupcake...(diets will never work for me if my goals continue like this)

Looked and tasted just like it!!!

THEN, for my birthday Dan got me tickets to see WICKED!! I have been begging to see it! So we went to go see it on Sat (Jan. 3, 2009) It was A-MAZ-ING!!!

Then he took me to my favorite restaurant...I swear I gained 10 pounds!!

Thank you HUNNY BUNNY BOO!

(Was I not suppose to call you that in public?)

Here we are in front of the theater

Visiting Palm Springs!

We went to visit our very dear Aunt Edith and Uncle James on New Years day. Uncle James got a new lap top and Dan was able to set him up with tons of programs. Now Uncle James can bring the lap top out for Aunt Edith to read the Blog. While Dan was helping Uncle James get used to his new toy, Aunt Edith kept Ashley and I company with great stories and memories of her life. She has an amazing memory.

We also had fun going through her old jewelry and scarves. Aunt Edith is such an amazing women and Uncle James is a great husband to her. I always enjoy hearing her speak of her past...she has so many fun stories.

This is Aunt Edith and Uncle James cake topper that went on their wedding cake....So neat!

Ashley and Tysen just kickin it!

Here is a quilt that my Mom made for my Aunt and Uncle as a wedding present. I took lots of pictures of the specific squares because my brothers and sisters wrote a little message on each one . It was fun to see their art work when they were young. It goes from Rebecca to Travis...Rebecca was 8, I think, and Travis was 10 months. Aunt Edith told us that her and Uncle James were engaged and married with in 2 weeks, I think, and that Mom was up really late finishing this quilt for them. She remembers being in the temple and looking over at Mom who was dozing off because she was so tired. Then Aunt Edith told us how much she admired mom and how much she appreciated this wonderful gift!
This was just so awesome for us to see.

Here is Ty-man with his Great, Great Aunt and Uncle! He had so much fun with Aunt Edith because she would clap and sing to him. He would laugh so hard when she would say "POP!" at the same time that he would bounce.

We had so much fun visiting! Aunt Edith and Uncle James, thank you so much for letting us come and spend the day with you! We can not express how much we love and cherish the time we are able to spend with you. You have blessed our lives more than you know.

Christmas Day (after the hospital)

Should have been posted on December 26th 2008

Because of complications we celebrated Christmas on the 26th, but no one knew the difference. The night before, everyone opened their P.J.'s (I made matching p.j. bottoms for us) and we watched a Christmas movie. Then we went to bed so that Santa could come and deliver our presents. Here are a few pictures of our Christmas day.

Here's a picture of us right after we woke up and before the presents are torn open. I know, I know it was a brave thing to do (taking a picture) and it reveals me way more than I would like, but; here it is, real and scary. We decided it would be a tradition and now I can't take it back. I understand if you have to shield your eyes from the sight. (WHY OH WHY...did I not put makeup on?!?!)

Tysen had a blast ripping the paper open...who cares what was under the paper..lol
Although he did enjoy the boxes as well. For only being one, he sure is a paper ripping fiend!

Ashley got a camera!!! YAY!! Thanks Mom!

You can see he is totally excited about his awesome horse. It looks like he is saying, "Totally Wicked Man!!" (in a surfer dude voice)

Here is my sweet, sweet hubby working hard on making rolls for our Christmas Dinner....and yes we ate our dinner in our P.J.'s (never changed, never showered...and proud of it!)

Merry Christmas!!

Should have been posted on December 15th 2008:

Here are some of our Christmas Pictures...In every picture tysen has a different cooky face on...that boy has more expressions than I've ever seen any baby have. That's why we love him!

Tysen and Daddy! (LOVE IT!)

I love that smile!

He is so silly!

UTAH!!!

Should have been posted on December 14th 2008:

Our family drove up to Utah to visit Grandma Whitman and to see Uncle Steven since he came home from his mission. Utah was very eventful and it was so good to see everyone. The drive there was surprisingly smooth. There was not a whole lot of crying form the back seat, there was no throwing up or blow out catastrophes. It was pretty much smooth sailing ( even though Dan and I were crazy with worry that something was bound to go wrong). When we got there we were able to fill our days up with events. The first day it started snowing (it was bone dry when we got there) and we decided to go sledding. In the pictures below you can see Tysen eating the snow. If he started complaining we just picked up some snow off the ground and gave it to him...problem fixed!! He LOVED IT!!

The next day we were able to take a little trip to Alpine, were Daniel's Grandfather, sister Sheri, and Aunt Jana are resting in peace. It was beautiful to sit and remember them and miss them, but it is wonderful to know that we will see them again.

After that we met the rest of the family in Salt Lake to go ice skating and to see the lights at Temple Square. In the pictures you can see all of the sister that were there posing with our beautiful mother. And a picture of me and my brother Steven, who just got back from the Montana mission. While we were walking around temple square we went into the conference center to hear the choir practicing their Christmas special. It was weird to see all of them in their casual clothes and to hear them being directed. They still sounded UNREAL!

We also had the chance to go skiing and snowboarding. I skied and Dan snowboarded. Last time I tried to snowboard it was a bad day for everyone. So I told Dan that I would not cause him misery this time and that I would stick to what I know...skiing. Needless to say, it was a much better day. We had so much fun going down the slopes together (even though, for a good majority of the time we were on the beginner slopes)...All I have to say is...my husband is a very, very patient man.

Lastly we went to a really fun dinosaur museum with Ty's cousin Laura and they loved playing and touching everything. You can even see a picture of them having fun in the sand pits where they dug up dino bones. We had so much fun and I was so happy to see my Mother. She is surly something spectacular! She is my hero and example and I love her spirit! I only hope that I might grow to be as wise and as loving as she is. We love you Mom!

Thanks for letting us visit!!!

Happy Birthday Ty!

Should have been posted on November 25, 2008:

Our Baby's first birthday has come and gone. It is weird to think he is getting older and bigger. It's like, on his birthday I took a good look at him and realized that he was not that little baby that we had just had...he is a boy now. (Sigh) It takes you for a loop, how fast they grow. Tysen had such a great birthday. We decked the house out in Baby Einstein decor. (his favorite)!! He was so excited and couldn't wait for......who am I kidding......He had no CLUE it was his birthday. It was just another day for him because he usually gets most of the attention anyways. Even so, he did have fun and I know all of his little friends and cousins had fun as well.

His Birthday breakfast was pancakes with yummy syrup. He was in heaven!

Time for the pinata! We tried to get him to pull the strings but Grandma had a bottle and there is no way that strings beats THE BOTTLE!

The one that broke it. Milo was the last one up and he smacked it once and out the candy flew!


Singing Happy Birthday made Tysen, lets just say, a little emotional. He didn't know what was going on and why everyone was singing really loudly at him. LOL! It was very cute to see his little pucker lip come out.



All's well when he was able to play with the candle. (don't know why...but it was)
My sister is a cake genius!!! She made this Baby Einstein cake for ty-man!! So stinkin adorable. It was hard to cut it!

It was EVEN BETTER when he tasted the cake!!! OOOO BABY!!!

(Again ...in heaven)