Ok....so kill me...I'm Behind!

Chad has been mentioning on a daily basis that my blog needs updating! Well here you go Hubs!

I cannot believe what a busy fall/winter we have had! I have all but forgotten to blog about our many adventures. So here are some highlights from the last few months.

-Chad got his dream Jeep in November. He has yet to "pimp" it out to his standards, and has lots of dreams to come. It has been fun to have a 4 wheel drive vehicle that is roomy enough for the family. We have been jeeping in Moab, Meeker, and Idaho so far. I remind him everyday "Merry Christmas, Happy Birthday and Happy Father's Day...Just look outside!".

-Izabelle is growing like a weed, with personality to boot! We laugh at her all day! What joy she has brought our marriage and family. Man does she love to eat! She will have nursed, eaten baby food and still thinks she needs to eat whatever Chad and I have. Her favs lately are pickles, bread, and bananas. She is all over the floor getting into whatever she can, and nearly crawling. We love her more than words!

-We have GREAT tenants right now, all boys and NEVER home! As many know we have had some SERIOUS plumbing issues (putting it lightly). Well...I am please to anounce...the plumbing is offically fixed. We have not had any backups now for 2 weeks! Woohoo! Old houses come with lots of charm but, a ton of work. I am grateful that my husband can repair most everything (time permitting). He is my Hero, the last few backups he would't even let me help clean up the mess. Points in heaven for that Hubs!

-I am offially no longer a loser! I have finally made some girlfriends! It has been since highschool that I had any good girlfriends. It is even better that our husbands get along and like to do the same things. I had forgotten what true friendship is and how invaluable it can be. I thank Heavenly Father for them everyday! You are the BEST Tara and Beverlee.

Well I think that's it. Now to keep it up so I don't get behind again!

Catch'n Up Finally!

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