Drum roll....

The winners (not so lucky, my fav stuff is kinda silly) are:

Heidi
Sally
and
Lori

Please email me your address at;
melissaww1980@yahoo.com

Thanks all who entered!

It's Time!

OK, I know I am way tardy but, my PIF (Pay It Forward) packages are all ready to be mailed. Now, I need some winners! My packages are not nearly as cute and put together as my sister Lacey's, sorry! Included in my packages are a few of my favorite things (those I could mail anyway). Simple, easy and sweet!

Here's how it works:

1. You must have your own blog to perpetuate the Pay It Forward Exchange/Craft. YOU MUST Pay It Forward! I would love to know what the chosen do.
2. You must enter by making a comment with something interesting about yourself.
3. You have until Sunday night, November 18th. (I want to mail them Monday)
4. I will pick 3 of the commenter's randomly.

This is such a great time of year to share a few of Your favorite things. So, enter all who wish to Pay It Forward!

Look what we got....

For the last 5-6 months Chad has been riding his bike to work. He has not minded being car-less, in fact he enjoys riding his bike. However, when people ask him at the shop what rig he has, cringes and chills go down his spine. Chad and his brothers own the largest 4x4 shop pretty much on the western slope of Colorado, so not having a decent off-road vehicle has been "shameful". We have been shopping Jeeps for Chad for the last couple of months and finally find it....his new girlfriend...the slime green jeep. (I must admit, I too LOVE it!)

So he went from....(please no humming of the Wizard of Oz, Wicked Witch bicycle music) And NO, this is not a picture my husband!


To...drum roll...TA DA!! His new Baby! (The picture does it no justice, it is a new 4 door Jeep Wrangler but, the color is right.)

I am forbidden to post any pictures of it until it has new tires, wheels and has a 4 in lift....Tim the Tool Man grunt!

Happy Boo Day!

We went to the pumpkin patch last night for Halloween. Here are some of the pictures of our little DQ (Drama Queen, that's what her Dad calls her).



PS- I know...I need to get my PIF out. This next week for sure!

Nothing Better

There is nothing better than being a little girl crawling in bed with your Mom and hearing in your ear "I love you."
There is nothing better than receiving AWESOME packages in the mail at science camp, girls camp and your mission.
There is nothing better than Mom's chocolate cake.
There is nothing better than the understanding and support that comes from your Mom.
There is nothing better than bargain shopping with Mom.
There is nothing better than watching a movie with Mom and her over excitement at the suspenseful moments. "Go, go go go!!"
There is nothing better than hearing your Mom's love of the Savior throughout your life.
There is nothing better than the advice received from a Mom of 6 kids.
There is nothing better than a good cry on the phone with your number 1 supporter, Mom.
There is nothing better than the example of strength, courage, and success from my Mom.
There is nothing better than knowing, feeling and seeing how loved you are.
Thank you Mom.
Happy Birthday!
I love you and wish I were there to celebrate with you!

I won, I won, I WON!!!

Oh my Goodness!! I won my sister's PIF (Pay it Forward, I'll explain at later date)! I am so excited, I am getting the BEST Christmas stuff! Have I mentioned I am a WINNER? Now the hard part...what in the world will I share with my PIF winners?

Visit from Gammie

We had Chad's Mom in town last week. She had not seen Izabelle since she was blessed and the visit was much needed/appreciated. Izabelle has had a bit of "Stranger Anxiety" and would fuss when her Gammie would try and mush on her. Finally, at dinner the last night she was here, Izabelle decided to love on her Gammie! Above is the proof.

Backed up...

Well my sweet Izzy has been well... how shall I put it...backed up. Since feeding her rice cereal she has had BM issues. Well after 9 days she was not a happy camper. The doctor was gentle, and then suggested fruit, like prunes. My thought "There is no way I am going to get her to eat prunes!" Low an behold- she LOVES them, and ate the whole jar! With much clapping and cheering from Mommy and Daddy the dirty diaper was welcomed! (I know, I have NO life. And some day Izabelle will be so mad I shared her well...back up issues)

Barking Back

In our house, we have had a bit of sleep deprivation this past weekend. As you can see, the puppy is not sharing in this issue. So last night (or early this morning) the puppy wanted to go out, and was whining and barking to wake me up. The next thing I hear is...bear yourselves...Chad. No, not snoring, but he too was barking! It was soooo funny. This morning of course as usual with his midnight antics, has no recollection. I however will keep this one for the memory book!

My Sister, Lacey

So, Lacey had a birthday last month and I wanted to pay tribute to her with a post just for her. Well, more than a month later I finally am getting it done. It has been so special for me to ponder her and reminisce about growing up with my sweet sister Lacey. I have remembered things long forgotten. I had forgotten how much we had in common. Starting with cheerleading in elementary school for Popwarner football. Go Buccaneers! Sharing my first locker in high school. Two of my first three jobs I got from Lacey, Le Boulanger and How Sweet It Is. More than anything I remember following her footsteps throughout my life. Without being too generic here are some of the reason I love and admire Lacey;

#1 Lacey was the "Mac n' Cheese Queen"
#2 When playing Mario Brothers she couldn't help but jerk her control when moving Mario
#3 Everything was compared to Laura Ingles Wilder
#4 Lacey has ALWAYS been very tender hearted, feeding the homeless in Mexico
#5 Adventures in the red bug (need I mention Backfires?)
#6 Dancing in the street to Counting Crows
#7 EFY at Standford (my favorite year!)
#8 Church dances
#9 Marie Calendars and corn bread
#10 She lives the gospel every day
#11 I "followed" her to San Diego, which in turn helped me go on a mission
#12 My first time to the temple Lacey was there, I remember looking over at her and she was crying
#13 My sounding board
#14 EVERYONE loves her, and she doesn't even know it!
#15 Her way with words, she's so talented
#16 She serves, serves, serves
#17 Her marriage and family are a living example for me and what I want
#18 Pushing strollers thru the zoo (not just strollers, her whole house practically)
#19 She is beautiful, inside and out
#20 Lacey is so good to me

I love you Lacey and am soooo glad you are my sister. Happy Belated Birthday!(sorry this was so late)

Who Does Izabelle Look Like?

Chad and I have an ongoing debate as to who Izabelle looks like, him or I. Many times we catch ourselves saying, "She got that from you" or, "That is a Barney thing". Well as of late my husband told me Izabelle gets her double chin from ME. Can you believe that? I happened to be rummaging in pictures and found the below baby picture of Chad...you tell me...double or triple chin? :)

This is me at 10 months old.

Chad with his multiple chins...not sure at what age.

So it will be interesting to hear others opinions on our sweet baby and her "genetic traits". Please comment and finally settle the debate!

Just Fun Pictures

How big is Lucy?

Summer said it was hard to tell how little Lucy is. Here is and example, yes, I have big feet...but, she is tiny!

What was I thinking you ask...

This is our new little puppy, Lucy (I know Summer, that is your dogs name too). She is a Miniature Dachshund (wiener dog). Currently Lucy is 2.5 lbs but, will be a whopping 11 lbs full grown. She is really cute and LOVES to lick Izabelle (disgusting I know!), I have to watch Lucy closely.

Chad's only comment "Little dog, BIG poop".

Graff Dairy...Yummy

Something wonderful and delicious in Grand Junction you say? Oh Yes! My new discovery today...Graff Dairy. You could drive right past it and not even know it. This Ma and Pop shop has to-die-for soft serve ice cream. Daily specials are available, and all at a decent price. My delight today was a small mocha cone. Now I say small, which in Graff Dairy terms means meal in itself. What did this treat set me back you ask...only $1.65! Can you believe it? And no, I did not ask how many Weight Watchers points it cost me. Finally a destination I can share with those that come to visit!

First Grub for the Chubs

As of late our sweet Izabelle has been quite fussy in the evenings. I have come to figure out that she is probably hungrier than I think. This brings us to her first experience with rice cereal. Not all babies like cereal (Lacey's, no surprise there:), and was not sure how our Izzy would fare. Well lets let the pictures speak for themselves.

I think we were more excited than she was...


First taste and not quite sure is she likes it. Hmmm...one more taste she thinks.


Except for the natural reflex of her tongue most of it stayed in, Way to go Izzy Girl!(Cheers from Mom and Dad throughout)


All finished...
Chad- "Look at her stomach! The snaps are busting! Jeez Chubba!"

Is the Grand Canyon in Colorado?

After today, I think the Grand Canyon may not just be in Colorado but, in MY BACKYARD! One of the negatives of owning an old home is that the sewer line is clay...yes clay, no glue or cement of any kind. As many know, we have had several plumbing issues the last couple of weeks (and another back-up late last night..oh the fun). Chad has called in some favors so that we could excavate our sewer line for a bottle of Crown Royal (hard liquor) and replace it with ABS (fancy PVC). Here are some pictures from our project today...

7:30 am- Before


9:00 am- During
You can see the old clay pipe. They segments are 2ft and merely laying end to end. Our Buddie, Daryl stated "Our Four Fathers worked hard, but sure didn't have the technology we do today." At least that clay piping lasted almost 80 years!

So you can see how MASSIVE the hole was!

Hmm...wonder why we had sewage issues??? Roots from nearby trees literally growing around and threw the line.

Old Pipe...New Pipe (Side note- There were soooo many holes like the one below, where large section of pipe was missing and sewage seeped into the ground. Gross I know!!!)
11:30 am- After
Everything is now ready for the city inspector Monday! (The pipe sticking out is going to be another clean out) All said and done we replaced 70ft of pipe.


What was Izabelle doing the whole time...as the PM (Project Manager, Chad's nickname), she's supervising of course!

Stop the press!

After not 1, not 2 but 3 sewer back-ups (yes it's true) my week finally took a positive turn, MY FRONT LOADERS HAVE ARRIVED!

My Hubby bit the bullet and bought me my new washer and dryer. I'm sure all my hinting over the last few months began to widdle him down some. Sniffing... "These don't smell clean."...passing the garment "Do they smell clean to you?"..."Hmm, I think Izzy's clothes are NOT even clean!"

Well as a retirement tribute to the nasty old Coin-Ops, here's the Top 10 reasons I will NOT miss them:

#10 Almost breaking my finger trying to push the coins in the machine
#9 Quarters...need I say more?
#8 Not knowing what has or is cleaned in them (our tenants use them)
#7 The 22 min wash cycle
#6 Loading the "clean" clothes in the dryer still SOPPING WET!
#5 Uh... have I mentioned the quarters?
#4 Hearing the BANG,BANG,BANG when the washer is off balance
#3 All water settings in reality are warm
#2 Washer so small 3 loads turned into 6

And the #1 reason to say farewell to the coin-ops is:
#1 "Honey, do these smell clean to you?"

What in the world...

So, while visiting Lacey in KY I noticed a small (understating), shall we say shedding problem. Lacey continued to tell me the same would occur to me as I'd just had a baby. I did not tell her my thoughts at the time which were "Lacey ALWAYS has funky medical stuff happen to her and her family. Glad my hormones are normal and my hair won't fall out! That's just gross!"

Well, well, well... I am eating my words. Notice below...I'm probably Grade II at this point!

Ludwig Classification of Female Pattern Baldness

This is pretty much a picture of me... NEXT month!
I'm sure of it!

Welcome Home!

Girls weekend sadly, is over. Oh how Izzy and I missed Chad! I too know Chad missed us and couldn't wait to hold his baby girl!

For those of you who don't know our kitchen and bath have been in desperate need of a face lift (an understatement). While Izzy and I were away Chad took it upon himself to tackle the bathroom. Well I was a bit worried when we pulled up from returning from the airport and saw this on our porch...

Upon entering the house I could see a thin (some places thick) layer of dust. It was very apparent on the clean dishes I had left on the counter prior to leaving. Chad smiling as if showing off a HUGE fish proclaims, "Come look at the bathroom!". After much banging, pulling, cutting and I'm sure sneezing this is what he accomplished...

You can see we increased our floor space by double in front of the shower. Now I can actually fit a tub mat! And even kneel while bathing Izabelle! Chad was able to expose the original brick fireplace. I am sooo excited to clean and seal it. Very charming!

Izzy was so glad to be home, and could care less about the dust. I put her in her crib and a BIG grin came across her face. She loves her bed! (this is how she sleeps, in the corner with her snuggly over her face)

So BIG!

She LOVES to sit up! I tell her "What a big girl!" and she smiles and coos. Way cute!



She was suppose to be napping...instead party in the crib!

Yeah Baby Bjorn

So Chad wears Izzy down to the Farmer's market while I am at work. People he doesn't even know take pictures of him! Thanks Lacey for the Baby Bjorn, we use it ALL the time!

I've been tagged...

Thanks Lacey!

1. Where did I meet my husband?
Here in Grand Junction at the singles ward.

2. What was the first thing you said to your husband?
Tap, tap, tap (on the shoulder), "Do you guys have dinner plans?"(speaking to my husband Chad and his brother Ryan). I had planned on several for Sunday dinner and 2 people were unable to come last minute. I was in Relief Society and knew they were new and VERY shy.

3. Where was your first date?
More like an outing. We went exploring in Gilman, CO an abandoned town with his brothers and sister-in-law. Not something I would normally have done, it was exciting. Followed by the Halloween dance, of which my husband did not come in costume nor did he dance!

4. Where was your first kiss?
In my apartment after the Halloween dance. It is up for debate who kissed who! I KNOW he kissed me thgouh.

5. Did you have a long or short courtship/engagement?
I think pretty typical for LDS people? We started dating Halloween, engaged Feb 2nd and married June 10th.

6. Where did you get engaged?
Again, in my apartment. We were watching movies. He was so nervous. I see his face in my mind and it still melts my heart!

7. Where did you get married?
In the temple in Monticello, Utah

8. How did the reception go?
We didn't really have one that day. We had 23 for a nice sit down lunch, and away we were on the honeymoon! It was PERFECT to me! A week later there was an "open house" for my husband's side.

9. How was the Honeymoon?
The BEST! We went to Crested Butte, Colorado. It is beautiful there! We stayed in a very nice Inn and Spa. We still talk about it, and wonder if others' honeymoons were as wonderful as ours...probably not! :)

OK, I tag...
My cousin Michele Delvin,
cousin Sara Paske, and
friend Kelli

Sorry for yet another slide show...

I really aplogize for another slide show! I had too many pix to try and post them one at a time. Sorry!

Blessing Day

New Toy for Izzy...or for Mom and Dad?

Believe it or not she really likes it! Ok, I like it too! I was hoping that she can hang out in this while I'm in the kitchen or outside. We'll see if she continues to like it?

I Couldn't Wait to Share!

Long Lost Wedding Photos

So... I have been cleaning (getting ready for family to visit), and found my wedding photos! What a fun surprise! Many of you never even seen these. I'll have to make a slide show later.