Visiting the Dennis "Zoo"

Some of my fondest memories from my mission took place at the Dennis home. I will never forget the first dinner I ate at their home. What craziness! Their home was loud and FULL of people. It was so fun, much like visiting the zoo! :) I bonded immediately with Nina (center above) and she became my Mom away from home. I am sure her family was caught off guard by all of my prying questions, like "Who are you?" and "How do you belong?". Many times I would sit on the couch and little Iva would come and cuddle right in (Iva with Izzy above, not so little anymore). I felt at home, and still feel that today. Visiting the Dennis home today is much different than it used to be. It is no longer the "zoo" I spoke about earlier. Instead of being filled with people it is filled with dogs and puppies. And yet, I still feel at home. The spirit of acceptance, love, support, and encouragement are alive and well within their 4 walls. What good people they are. I will forever be appreciative for the love they showed me and continue to show me.
I love you Dennis family!

Hi Daddy!

I know it's blurry but, this is just for her Daddy! We miss you and can't wait to see you tomorrow! XOXOXOXO

Ginny Pig Izzy

Lacey decided we could make headbands for Izzy. She is so talented and creative, I wish I was more like her! They all turned out so cute. I have one in every color! You can tell Izzy really likes them! :) Check out Lay's blog for more pictures.

Fun in Paradise

Yes, I had to see Lynn's Paradise Cafe for myself. This novelty cafe was featured on the Food Network for some of the best breakfast food in the nation. Tonight we ventured out, kids and all for a taste of paradise. It was a VERY funky place and the food was good, I had a traditional Hot Brown (sourdough bread, turkey, cheese sauce, tomato and bacon), YUMMY! Lacey didn't even get any hair in her food :), however not Lacey's favorite place.

Up, Up and Away

Izzy has her Daddy's ears for sure! :)

Is She a Ham or What?

Emma cannot get enough of her cousin Izabelle. Emma is always loving on Izzy and helping Aunt Melissa with making sure Izzy has her pacifier even if she does not want it. :) I'm soooo glad I'm here.

Good Ol' Kentucky

Some months ago I told my sister Lacey I would come visit her in Kentucky. I don't think she believed I would actually come until I sent her my itinerary via email. So my journey began on Sunday the 22nd as I hitched a ride with Chad's grandparents to Denver, CO. The drive from Grand Junction to Denver is a 4.5 hours in which my Izzy did great! We stayed in a hotel near the airport to make my 5:30 flight easier to catch. Again my Izzy did great! How did I get so lucky? The plane rides were uneventful except for the second leg. I had less than 30 min between flights in Memphis, so I quickly used the restroom and changed Izzy's diaper. I am close to the last to board the plane and quickly tell the gentlemen next to me so all can hear "Aren't you lucky!". I again thought that it would be a breeze with Izzy until....the sound you never want to hear from a baby in a cramped airplane. Oh yes, my sweet Izzy pooped so much it soaked her clothes! Not only is she crying at this point as she is now dirty but hungry as well, but tomato red, I'm so mad, I can't breath crying. Quickly I try and soothe her by nursing her (minded I am not that great at being discreet, however I am trying to spare the man next to me), as she continues to pull on the blanket that is covering her nursing. Needless to say I was so excited to finally get here to KY. I have forgotten since the 6 years of serving here how beautiful it truly is here. I cannot express the joy I had at seeing my sister and 3 kids waiting for me. The tears flowed. My how I've missed her!

Lacey says she is a coma baby as she eats and sleeps apposed to her own screamers! Above a picture of cousin Tanner with Izzy (look close he just lost his other front tooth:) .

First Season of Fruit

Who knew when I moved to Grand Junction, CO for work that I would not only stay here, but get married as well? I have pondered many times how different my life would be had I not taken that "leap of faith" and moved here to Grand Junction. I am SO glad I did! Chad and I have been married a year now (hard to believe I know)...and what a year it has been! So many "firsts" in my life have been done with my adventurous husband. As I ponder or look back at pictures of these adventures I find myself saying "I can't believe I did that!". And yet, that is one of the things I love most about Chad, he is ALL boy.

We have had a bit of a whirlwind as a newly married couple. I think some couples don't experience as much as we have in 3 years of marriage. It would have been much harder to experience these things as individuals. How lucky we are to have each other! Our marriage started off with a VERY stressful and demanding job that I had (not to mention Chad's business being busier than ever). Next, a relapse of IBS on my part (uh....no clue I was pregnant, I'm so dumb). The tremendous loss of Chad's Dad in February, after a very long battle with cancer. The purchase of a home, and becoming instant landlords. And the birth of Izabelle Lynn. All the while trying to continue to learn and adapt to each other as a newly married couple.

This past year has been exciting, fun, hard, stressful and most important memorable. I look at my sweet husband hold our baby and I love him more and more everyday. How blessed I am to have my family for eternity. I hope the years to come are just as memorable as our first season together.

First Seaon of Fruit

Cool Slideshows!

Lifes a Peach or.... a bowl full of Cherries?

My little one is finally fitting in this darling cherry outfit from her Aunt Lacey.

Not so Peachy of a Day

Well for my family who do not believe that Izzy cries here is the proof! Today Izzy had a rough day, which in turn made her Mommy have a rough day. Many times throughout the day I thanked the Lord that she is not always fussy and miserable. We are VERY lucky to have a very easy baby. Let's all cross our fingers today will be an exception.

P.S. The pix is blurred because when Izzy cries every part of her little body melts down and freaks out! I sure love her though!

Life in the Peach Orchard...

This is our home we purchased in late February. Chad and I had decided we would try and buy a multi-unit home. Not only would it help with the mortgage but would hopefully become a long term investment. Our search was short and sweet when we found this unique 4 unit home. It was built in 1905 and has some of it's original charm. While touring our first time I couldn't help but say at every new door, "This is so cute". We were in a contract faster than I knew was possible. I wish I could say things went smoothly, or even well. Let's just say Chad and I bought ourselves a very expensive learning experience. I always say "Maybe next year it will be a good investment?". We are fortunate all the same. We are within blocks of downtown and Chad's shop. We are getting better and better at being good landlords. All the units are well upgraded, except for ours. I am glad Chad is handy, as I have many projects ahead for him.

Bath Time !

Izzy LOVES the bath! No matter how hard I try to get her from sliding down, inevitably she does and hangs her legs over the side to kick. Look Grand Lady, chubby legs! Told you she was putting on weight! :)

Naps...what are those?

Catching ZZZZ's with her Daddy

Our Sweet Babe

No words can describe what it is like to be new parents and yet, how did we ever live with out her? Just 6 weeks ago today Izabelle joined our new family. Her arrival though joyous was filled with fear, anxiety, and so many unknowns. You see my sweet girl couldn't wait and "cut in line" (as her Grand Lady would say) to get here, 4 weeks early! After Chad determined my water broke (my funny husband remembering details from our birthing class) he danced around grinning ear to ear singing "We're going to have a baby!". All the while I was in tears. No, not tears for my "preemie" baby, but not having my stroller yet. The list could go on for days of the things I did not yet have (thank heavens for Moms and Mother-in-laws). Labor. Oh, labor. It was not what I thought it would be like, nor what others had described to me. How can you really describe labor though? Impossible. Well lots of drugs, screaming, and a set of forceps later...she decided to arrive (finally). Izabelle was fine and by some miracle :) her mother survived. I LOVE being a Mom. I love that this little spirit from our Heavenly Father needs my earthly nurturing. It is a constant roller coaster as I continually question myself as a mother and yet, I love it. How blessed we are to have this sweet babe.