Hmm this looks like it could be fun
















Maybe I can learn to pull myself up to a standing position
















Or just nose dive into the DVD's
















I got some!
















Let's go back for more

















This IS fun!
Hi Mom!


















*I think it's about time to build that new entertainment center Joe.

It's done & I'm home!

So Joe managed to get the deck finished a few days before I came home. Now we just need to stain it. He'll be either putting a step all the way across the front or figuring out something to cover up the blocks. I think it looks great and it will be so nice to get the grill out of the garage & on the deck. Plus now we have somewhere to either stand or sit outside. Next is purchasing a patio set. We've already picked out the one we like we just need to go get it.

It was fun to be home and spend time with family and friends. Melinda & Jeromy & kids stopped by at the reception. I was also able to go visit them and see the improvements they've made on the house. It was fun to catch up with Melinda & just hang out with her. Little Carter Buddy has so much hair! He was as cute as can be, especially when he'd flash his huge smile! Lydia was as sweet as always. Miss you guys! Can't wait to come visit again sometime.

I was also able to catch up with friends from school and work. I'm glad I stayed as long as I did so that I had time to visit with everyone. I enjoyed my visit home to see my family as well. I know Michael enjoyed seeing all of them again, and they in return.

Joe promises...

This is the beginning of a deck if you can't tell. And Joe promises to have it done by the time we get back from WA next Thursday.














Joe is having to bury part of the supports to get them level due to the fact that our lawn has to have a slope for drainage.














I'll leave you with pictures of Michael from Olive Garden that Laura took- before the screaming began. You can tell he's taking it all in.

Bye for now, I'll be posting about my trip when I get back but I'll keep reading yours to keep up.

Soup, Salad, Breadsticks & 2 Screaming Kids!

Today Laura and I thought we'd spoil ourselves and go out to lunch at Olive Garden for soup, salad and breadsticks. It's only appropriate that we went out to eat together on her Wedding Anniversary- while her husband is gone for 6 months. I had suggested that we could get it to go but Laura insisted that we eat in so we'd get all the endless supply of breadsticks we want. So we did. It was delicious. Yummy soft garlic-buttery breadsticks with Alfredo dipping sauce and delicious crisp salad plus tasty soup. If you've never tried the dipping sauce for the breadsticks, you're missing out! They actually offer a free sample! It's a must! The only problem was our screaming company (our kids). Michael has gone through a screaming phase before but this one is worse. It's much louder and deeper. I couldn't believe he was screaming as much as he was! Laura told me not to worry- everyone wasn't even hearing him over Hayden. He's about to turn 2 in a couple months and has definitely started his terrible two's. Lately I've been hearing Hayden described as being a beast! Well we did leave with spilled water, crumbs, bread, Alfredo dipping sauce & much more all over the table and floor. I'm sure everyone was clapping as soon as we left the building- glad to get rid of the screaming boys & their crazy moms- thinking they could enjoy a nice lunch out.

2 1/2 Down... much more to go

Kitchen before paint & our things:














After:














Master Bath Before:





























After :



















Here is our 1/2 finished project. We're going to put up a chair railing in our living room. We've only got the paint done so far. Keep in mind that we still haven't hung up anything on our walls yet so these rooms are not completed, just painted.














Joe will be painting Michael's room while we're gone. I'll have to organize it after it's painted but I'll be sure to post pictures of the finished room.

We still haven't picked a paint color for our bedroom or our 2 other bathrooms. We'll get to it in time. Any suggestions? Our bedroom furniture is a pretty dark wood and a cream colored duvet cover. Our sheets are currently a light blue but can always be changed. We have no idea what color to do our half bath, it's currently all white. We were able to get so much done this weekend because Joe didn't have to go into work on Friday or Monday so we had a busy 4 day weekend!

A sneak peak of things to come...

I am like a star...

shining brightly...

Outgrown

Michael has finally outgrown his infant car seat. We weren't quite sure what the limit was on our since we bought it used. I looked online & the most similar ones were between 20-22lbs. He is 20lbs so we decide it was time & bought a convertible car seat. I had a hard time picking one out that I liked & that was affordable. I made a decision and bought it. I brought it home and thought that it had no cup holder. I did end up finding out that what I thought was a "snack holder" opened up to be a cup holder. So I decided I'd go ahead and keep it & not spend $40 more on a different one. Man I can't believe how expensive a car seat can get! Some are as much as $300! Talk about luxury car seats! I liked this one because it was nice to only use one hand to undo the top snap. I also liked that the part to loosen or tighten was easier to adjust than most. Here is sweet Michael taking his first ride in his new car seat.

A visit to the ER

Last night as I was wrapping up Michael to go to sleep I heard a pop. (Yes, I still wrap him at 7 months). I heard this as I pulled him across the couch onto the blanket. I was holding his hand & his leg. I have heard him pop before while changing his clothes, usually it's his wrist. He didn't cry much, he pretty much always cries a little while I'm wrestling him to get him wrapped; he's so strong. I wasn't too concerned & put him to bed. This morning when I went to get him out of his crib I unwrapped his one arm he didn't get loose. He didn't move it. I took him downstairs & sat him in front of his favorite toys. He still didn't move his arm. I tried the mirror & still nothing. This was when I knew I had to take him to the ER to get him checked. I think I accidentally pulled his arm out of his socket. I tried calling Joe & he didn't answer. I tried two more times & ended up leaving a message. I then remembered his office number was on our white board. I was able to get a hold of him & he said he'd meet me there. I changed Michael in the bathroom a few minutes before we were called in to get an exam before being admitted. He cried as I put him back in his car seat. I knew he would since I was moving his arm a little. Our name was called & we went into get him checked. The Dr. asked what happened & pulled up on Michael's arm. Michael then moved his arm freely like nothing was wrong. Hmm, Joe and I looked at each other with amazement. We hadn't seen him move his arm all morning. We decided to leave and not have him checked out anymore since he appeared to be just fine. When we were leaving I was telling Joe how he cried when I put him back in his seat. I told him- I think what had happened was that I put it back in place on accident. Joe went back to work & we drove home. Michael went back to playing with his favorite toys.

Bye Bye Mazda...Bye Bye Bike...Hello Ford

This past week was a productive week. We bought a used Ford Ranger & sold our Mazda 3. I know a Ford is not in compliance with my family! But Joe haggled the dealership real good. He said the sales man was probably tired of him. Joe asked for just about anything he could get, hey all they had to do was say no. We ended up getting the dealership to fix a small crack in the bumper, paint the front bumper to match the car in the exterior color, two new tires & we got the price lowered. We were advised by my dad, a used car sales manager, to get the best deal, a great rate & be sure to have the car checked by a mechanic. Check, Check & Check. Joe did it all. I only walked in and signed the co-owner papers. I like this kind of car buying, but no more for a long time!!! ~Well until we can't fit into the Impala. So by selling our Mazda- I mean Joe's Mazda- we've saved our self some money and that is always a good feeling. We sold our car to a teenage girl whose dad bought it for her. He's a lawyer. Dang I wish I could have had a car that nice when I was her age. But it probably would have gotten wrecked- that's another story. I have to say that Joe loved his Mazda 3 a lot! It was his present to himself after going through basic training two years ago. He deserved it. But I know he'll be very happy with this truck since he'll be able to drive to Lowe's or Home Depot & buy just about anything & get it home. Now it's time to build that deck!

We also sold our "Bad Luck Bike" ~that's what I like to call it. That poor motorcycle was hit twice in our parking lot while parked at our old apt. We did get some money from the insurance but not enough to pay the whole amount. We decided to sell it when we took it in to see how much it would cost to get it fixed. We found out it would cost the same amount that we owed on it. We decided that we'd take the offer of selling it to the shop & pay a little extra, just to get rid of it. I think that if we'd kept it and completely fixed it & decided to sell it later we would have already eaten our profit. I'm just glad to see it go. No more bad luck bike!
*This picture is from when we first bought it & it was sparkling new.

Happy 20th Birthday Elder Shoemake!

Today is Austin's 20th Birthday. He is currently serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints in the San Juan, Costa Rica Mission.
Here are a few things about Elder Austin Shoemake: He loves to skateboard; he could do it all day long. He loves Maple Nut Ice Cream & Banna Pie. He loves the ladies- but currently puting that on hold. But I wouldn't be surprised if he spoted a girl he liked on his mission since he claims to be into the latino women. For his Senior project he built a putting green in our backyard. He also loves classic rock music like Queen.


Happy Birthday Elder Shoemake!

I'm not laughing at you I'm laughing with you...

What's great about this video is when Michael watches it he laughs.

My Treat!

I know I'm going here next Wednesday! You should all go! Hey Laura wanna go? My Treat!

*By the way does anyone know how to change the date on a post when it's saved.

Earth Day

Happy Earth Day! I was looking online for things around town to do but only found one website for an activity 20 miles away.

I'd like to share an experience I've had from earth day. I remember when I was younger I went to Chiawana Park & helped paint the exterior of the bathrooms. I ended up getting paint all over my winter coat. My mom was not happy & neither was I. It was a light splatter- I guess I didn't notice it happening at the time. My friend, being the smart person she is, turned her coat inside out & painted. My mom asked why I didn't do the same thing as Caitlin? I guess I thought I wasn't getting any on it or I really didn't care that much. Sorry about that coat mom. I still remember it was a dark coat with a mixed pattern sewed together with gold beading(plastic beading sprayed gold). The fabric had a shiny look to it like silk. I did like that coat, but painting on Earth Day was worth the memory of a ruined coat.

So what are we doing today for Earth Day? Maybe we can go buy a few plants to put in the front yard. Around here they have a recycle pick up day just like garbage day. We do try our best to put things that can be recycled in our bin. Atleast we're helping the earth there! That might have to do for now. If we do end up planting something I'll post pictures tomorrow.

What are you doing for Earth Day?

Sea World

Last Friday Michael & I went with some friends to Sea World. We had a great time seeing the "Believe" show with Killer Whales and the "Viva" show with Beluga Whales & Dolphins. Both shows were awesome & fun to hear & see all the kid's amazement. Michael watched but Hayden, Laura & Dirk's kid, enjoyed it! Read Laura's blog here about our day. She posted a ton of pictures! We even got to go on a few rides. The first one was a wet one but I sat near the center to avoid getting wet. Laura and Julie, Laura's friend visiting from Provo, got really wet! Laura had water dripping off her face! We had a really good time together. On our last ride Laura & I went on a roller coaster and we decided we'd keep our hands up the whole time, since on the water ride we said we would, but didn't. Well our hands started up but then I immediately grabbed Laura's hand & held on. We both screamed our heads off & laughed about us holding hands. She said she was glad I did even though she had nail marks for a few minutes in her hand! Oops! Sorry Laura I need to cut my nails! Dirk was kind enough to watch the kids while us girls rode the rides! What a sweet guy. All in all our day was really fun, all 7 hours of it!
Can you see me in the second row?



Michael fell asleep before this show began- that's why we couldn't get a smile- He was tired! But he woke up shortly after it started because it was so loud.

Dinner & more San Diego pics

I have to admit I have been so lazy about cooking dinner lately. But I have a good excuse when Joe doesn't get to eat lunch until around 3pm. He is assisting in surgery at work and doesn't get to eat until they're done. So when he comes home & he's not hungry, why make dinner?
This week he doesn't have any surgeries so I have decided I'm going to be really good and cook this week. Last night I made these Cheesy Stuffed Shells. They were delicious & very easy. The recipe can be found here. I also made bread sticks- from a can. I added cream cheese to the garlic bread sticks & twisted them. They were quite tasty too, only my whole house smelled like garlic! It's better than onion though.
Here are a few more pictures of San Diego. Here is the picture I said I'd post once I got it from McKenzie. He just got back from Hawaii a few days ago. He went with his choir group- 10Th Avenue Singers. Michael looks so happy to be playing with McKenzie. I remember that morning I got up and had Michael & saw McKenzie was still asleep on the couch. I put Michael on the end of the couch hoping McKenzie would wake & have a pleasant surprise. McKenzie did end up picking him up and put him on his chest - like in the pic. He started patting Michael's back -so Michael burped. McKenzie was scared of what could come next so he put Michael back. I laughed when he told me this. When I fed him earlier he hadn't burped so he was just waiting for the right person to do it.
Tyler took this picture & thought it was a good one of me. I think I look quite different I must say. Not bad I guess but not myself.

This was the result of Michael getting his face wiped with a wet rag by Grandma after he spit up on himself. I was quite surprised by his reaction as was everyone else! I think Grandma felt bad.

Mommy being silly = laughing baby

Tagged by Lyza

Rules of this Tagg:
1. Answer the questions about the list of friends and or family on your blog
2. If you don’t have 18 names answer the question about the next name that you have not had a question for on you list.
3. Tagg 5 people
 When did you first meet the first person on you list? Brooke- Well we moved on her street back when I was in 4th grade so I guess I met her at church then.
 What do you like about the third person on you lists blog? Chad and Janet- I like how they have great senses of humor.
 What do you like best about the fifth and sixth people on you list? Debie- I love how family centered she is. Emily and Matt- Emily is such a sweet person, always so caring. Matt is really sweet as well & is a great provider for their family.
 How long have you known the ninth person on your list? Kristen- I really got to know Kristen when we worked together in YW. So that's only been about a year and a half. I knew her before that but not sure for how long.
 What impresses you about the eleventh and twelfth person on your list? Laura & Dirk- That they can remodel a house! Lyza & Aaron- How Lyza still studies while being a stay at home mom. I don't know Aaron but I like how he sings Liam to sleep.
 What is a memory you have with the sixteenth person on you list? Stacia- At my baby shower Stacia made me a cute paint can that could be turned into a piggy bank. It was so adorable! She put funny onsies inside.
 Say something nice to the eighteenth person on your list. I don't have an 18th person so I'll pick the last person on my list. Tiffani- She has the cutest haircut and she always looks so put together- she has the best sense of style!
 Tagg five people- I Tagg- Danielle, Jan, Mattie, Melinda & Melissa.

random photos plus first foods

I took these pictures today of Michael. I bought this shirt for him at Children's Place before our San Diego trip. They were having a pretty good sale and I couldn't resist. He looks so cute showing off his manly arms in his sleeveless shirt.
Emily posted a picture of her little girl, Madelyn, just like this the other day. It was funny because the day before I took a picture of Michael just like it. Great minds think alike!

A few days ago I started feeding Michael real food- well pureed veggies. I started with peas but they didn't puree very well. So yesterday I boiled carrots. He seems to like both pretty well. No sour faces yet. He didn't like the peas as well because there were still shells of the peas in the puree. As you can see from the video he gets excited eating this way now. The picture above crack me and Joe up! He looks so sad.

San Diego Continued

Our trip to San Diego was great! We didn't end up doing a whole lot besides the wedding. But spending time with family & great friends was a lot of fun. The Toblers were able to make it along with Chad & Joseph. It is always fun to see the Toblers, great laughs and stories are always shared.

We started off at the wedding on Friday afternoon at a cliff side to the beach/ocean. It was beautiful. We had a really nice day considering how cold it was projected to be that weekend. After the wedding pictures were taken, I don't have any of us but I'm sure I'll get copies sometime from Trace. The reception was at the church in the courtyard. It was decorated very simple yet beautiful. We had a delicious dinner with pasta and chicken cordon bleu along with salad and steamed veggies. Then the music started and the party began. Pretty much everyone danced- lots of activity was going on while the music was playing. It was structured in a way that everyone participated. It looked like a lot of fun. I was feeding Michael and putting him to sleep when it all started. When I came back outside the music was so loud Michael wouldn't sleep. I've included a video of him so sleepy after eating. It cracks me up to see him so tired. He actually kept his schedule with the time change so he was waking up at 5. We'd try to take a nap with him when he did.

On Saturday we went to Balboa Park where there is tons of stuff to do. We went to the Natural History Museum. We saw the video for Pompeii & some of the artifacts. It was time for Michael's nap so he became restless during the video and cut the museum short. We did look at Photography at the Poles- an exhibit on display. There were some really great pictures of penguins, polar bears and more. This was one of the pictures. Later we went to Ely's sister's house for tacos made by a taco truck. They were really good. The bride and groom opened their presents also.

Sunday my mom and I went to church with Shelby while my dad took Joe to the airport. He had to work Monday but I stayed another day, plus it was cheaper to fly back Monday. We pretty much just sat around and talked the rest of the day.

Monday we were able to sneak in a couple of hours of shopping before my flight. My mom and Ely came along. I love shopping in CA. There are lots of stores to choose from but I'm not quite sure which ones I can afford to shop in. We'd walk in and look at a price tag and realize it was not the store for us. We did manage to find a few stores we could afford. I found this super cute dress and skirt on clearance at Express. When we went to go to the airport we put everything in the car. I had pulled out all the things underneath the stroller in JcPenney's before we went outside. Then at the airport I realized I never put my shopping bag in my suitcase, in fact I don't remember pulling it out from underneath the stroller. I called Trace to have him check his car. He didn't see it anywhere. Dang! My mom said they would go back to the mall if they had time to see if they could find it. I didn't think they would so I told her not to worry about it. They went ahead and did anyway. Low and behold there it was right where I was sitting in JcPenny's unloading everything before we got into the car. I was so glad when Trace called and left a message letting me know they found my bag. Now I just have to wait until May when I go home to be able to wear it!

Over all we had a great trip seeing friends and family. Trace being married is wierd now that I'm not the only one. It's fun to have a sister in-law on my side of the family, now only three more sister in-laws to go, plus one brother in-law. My flight home with Michael was pretty good. This was the first time I flew without Joe with Michael. He only fussed a little for a few minutes until I was able to get him to sleep. Then he slept the rest of the flight, now if only I could have slept too.

Trace got Married!

Trace & Ely in San Diego on the beach at their wedding.

They make such a cute couple.

Joe looking out into the ocean on the beach before the wedding. Isn't it beautiful?

Our little family before the wedding.

Uncle Ty & Michael. This trip was the first time Tyler met Michael.

Uncle Trace & Michael meeting for the first time too.

Aunt Shelby & Michael

I'll write later about our trip. I just wanted to post the pictures. I don't have a pic of Michael with McKenzie but he has one on his camera. I'll post it later when I get a copy of it.