This Moment in Time

How Sweet!

2011-04-18T17:10:00.004-06:00

Tucker and Chloe are getting their fifteen seconds (okay, maybe more like two) of fame tonight. Check your local listings for Kid in a Candy Store on the Food Network. You won't want to miss this "sweet" moment.

One Year Later...

2011-02-14T13:23:00.005-07:00

Sadly a year has passed and you wouldn't know it from looking at our blog. Just a quick note to say we are still here, just lacking in time and a convenient computer source. Here is a recent picture of our family taken at my nephew, Caden's, birthday party. Korbin was in heaven (can you tell be his attire?) , and Chloe wasn't too bored either. I am hoping to do a year in review post soon and mention a few highlights of 2010 but until then...

Happy Valentine's Day to our family and friends, life wouldn't be nearly as great without you in it. Thank you for all the love and friendship you show to us. WE LOVE YOU!

Why Do We Torture Ourselves?

2010-02-13T17:24:00.007-07:00

It was a crazy experience but I must say I was happy (and surprised) that we were able to get some cute pictures.

The previous pictures give no indication as to what the session was actually like. The following say it all...

We won't be doing family pictures again any time soon...

A Light Snack

2010-01-25T21:01:00.004-07:00

I caught Korbin on the dinner table tonight using a knife (don't worry, the dull kind) to scoop butter into his mouth as he proclaimed "YUM!" It reminded me of these pictures I took a few months back.
I was folding laundry downstairs while Korbin watched the Disney channel from the couch. I was almost done when Korbin disappeared upstairs. I thought to myself 'no matter, I am almost done here and then I will join him.' Just a few minutes later my "starving" child came downstairs and back into the room nawing on (you-guessed-it) a stick of butter.

He called it "cheese" and "nummy." (I guess he wasn't too far off with the cheese notion, just a few steps difference.) Yes, he ate it wrapper and all. And yes, that is the glisten of butter on his sweet little face.

Santa Claus is Comin to Town

2010-01-20T18:37:00.003-07:00

Korbin was all too happy to get out the Christmas decorations.

We watched Santa Claus is Comin to Town at least 20 times.

It was fun to see Korbin have fun with the toys. But I was all too happy to put the Christmas movies away when it was time.

How I Spent my Christmas Vacation

2010-01-19T14:05:00.004-07:00

Ode to an IUD
(WARNING: yucky pictures ahead)

IUD, oh IUD
You simply were not meant to be.

You Floated off inside of me.

To get you out took surgery
By Doctor Rees on New Year's Eve.

(yes that is fat that the IUD lodged into, but I am told by the doctor that that fat layer is something we all have as a protective barrier for our colons. :) )

We really do like to live it up for the holidays. And my apologies for a little TMI moment. I couldn't resist.

Deck the Halls

2009-12-02T12:48:00.002-07:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Dear Santa

2009-11-30T22:15:00.004-07:00

We took our kids to see Santa today. I wanted to get it done early this year in order to avoid the crowds and to insure that we actually did it (last year we didn't). I did everything right: checked the schedule, gave Korbin a nap , made sure he had a snack beforehand, got them dolled up in their holiday attire and we were off. The only problem, the schedule neglected to mention that Santa eats dinner from 4-5:00. We got there at 4:22. So we headed over to the Disney Store to browse which ended up working out perfectly. They were having an awesome sale, Buy 1 toy, get 1 free. Ka ching! We ended up getting Korbin's main Christmas present (we had already purchased one but with this great deal we were able to get him both - think Toy Story's main characters). Korbin did very well considering he had to sit on some strange, old man's lap after "waiting" for 40 minutes. He was weary at first, but with a little coaxing he did just fine. And Chloe was an angel. She slept through the entire mall excursion.

So, if you go to have pictures taken with Santa at the University Mall, be advised, he is dining on cookies and hot cocoa from 4-5:00 pm.

p.s. I was much happier with this years Santa than the one a few years ago. Talk about C-R-E-E-P-Y...

Introducing

2009-11-05T21:28:00.002-07:00

Chloe Marie

We just

love her

to pieces!

More to come later...

A Halloween Gourd

2009-10-06T14:14:00.003-06:00

Now that I think I look more pregnant than just fat, here is a picture.
Only a little over two weeks to go (hopefully) !

Update: We have moved! Last Saturday afternoon we found out that someone had signed the contract and was moving in Wed, September 30 (that's four days notice, well technically 3 and a half, for those of you who don't want to do the math). So we packed the rest of our stuff up and had some fantastic people from our ward and some pretty fantastic family members help us move. By Saturday night the only furniture that remained in the house was our bed and Korbin's play pen. It's amazing the way things work out when you leave it up to Heavenly Father. We have been very blessed indeed.

So we are now at my parents' house and causing quite the commotion for everyone. These are the times we will look back on and laugh about.....right?

I Have Fallen off the Face of the Earth

2009-09-09T16:22:00.005-06:00

Well, almost, but not quite. Some days it feels like it though. I have actually been lost in the midst of moving boxes and cleaning and straightening the house in the hopes that someone will fall in love with our home and want to throw us out. Ok, so I have mixed emotions on the subject. I'll be sad either way. We love this little house (ugly sponge paint and all). It's not the biggest house, it's not the fanciest house as far as finishes go but it's the first home we have all had together as a family (minus that week after Korbin was born in that little apartment) and it's the home we found out that Chloe was going to join our family in. It's the home that I have had visions of decorating for Halloween since we moved in last November. But we can't afford it anymore, not since Tucker lost his job last month. We don't even own it, but I feel like someone trying to sell a house. We have had several people look at it and a couple of them really seemed interested, but so far no takers.

So if anyone was wondering, I am still here. And holy smokes! Does that baby ticker really say only 45 days left?!?!?! I swear it said 200 just the other day. I am having deja vous towards the end of this pregnancy. Packing and moving (and looking for a job) is definitely NOT how I would recommend spending the last couple months of a pregnancy and yet here I am doing it again. If this is the way my pregnancies are going to end then we may have to rethink having any more kids...

****Note****
If anybody is looking for a really cute house in Heber, with a big fenced in yard, in a really nice neighborhood, with a great ward and schools just right down the street, let me know; *wink* I may have just the thing for you...

Ah, the Good Ol' Days

2009-07-17T15:04:00.004-06:00

Did anyone else love the Gummi Bears as much as I did when I was a kid? I think my favorites had to be Grammi and Sunni. And the good news is that you can now buy seasons 1-3 on DVD! How cool is that? I am adding it to my wish list.

Father-Son Bonding

2009-07-04T09:14:00.003-06:00

I have been meaning to post these for a while, but I was waiting until I got a picture of the finished product: our garden. That hasn't happened yet, so I'll have to do that later...

Here is a video of K man helping Daddy put our planter box together. You can kind of tell in this video that Korbin and Tucker were matching. Not planned at all, but they both ended up wearing navy blue shirts, green shorts, and brown sandals that day.

And another one of him "helping mark" the planter box. His latest thing is "cheese." He says this any time he sees the camera (which can be cute and frustrating at the same time. Here it's just cute.)

What can make me feel this way?

2009-06-18T18:05:00.012-06:00

My Girl!
That's right folks! Believe it. We have broken the 26 year streak of boys in my family! I was a bit shocked to not see a little extra somthin' somethin' down by the baby's bum, but my interpretation of that empty void was correct. It's a girl, and a darn cute looking one if I do say so myself. There was something that looked a little abnormal with the kidneys but the doctor is not too worried. It is something that normally corrects itself after birth. But I do get to have another ultrasound in a few weeks to make sure things are still looking good. Maybe we'll be able to have a 3-D one next time. And the good news? (Besides a cute, little, healthy looking baby girl of course.) They moved my due date up a week to October 24th. I would yodel (with excitement) if I could.

The End.

Lessons in Traumatizing a Toddler

2009-06-16T14:59:00.003-06:00

I will start off by saying that I don't think colds and pregnancy mesh well together. And I think it is cruel that pregnant women even have to endure colds (especially during the month of June) seeing as how they have plenty of other things going on. That said, I have a cold. As obnoxious and frustrating as it has been for me, the worst part is the effect it is having on my little man. My coughing, nose blowing and gagging (as a result of the coughing) is rather unnerving for him. My coughing sends him straight into my lap with his head against my chest and preferably my hand covering the ear that is exposed.
Yesterday, as Korbin visited me in my room, I had an all out coughing fit. The poor kid didn't know what to do. Coughing turned into gagging which then turned into me running for the toilet. Korbin started crying as he followed me into the bathroom and hid behind the door. In between heaves I managed to get out "Mommy's okay, it's okay." Either I must have not been too convincing or those words aren't very comforting to a child went his mom is bent over a toilet. Eventually we recovered and had an alright rest of the day. Until bedtime came (which is when I cough the most). Even with a fan on in his room my coughing woke him up in a terrified state. It was a terrible night. Between the coughing and having to comfort Korbin several times during the night I feel like a zombie (with a headache) today. And that pesky cough of mine managed to wake Korbin up early from his nap which means no shower for me. Oh, I hope it goes away soon, and that Korbin is not permanently damaged from this traumatic experience.

The Polls are Open...

2009-06-10T12:41:00.008-06:00

Well the ultrasound is getting closer. We are about a week away! I thought it would be fun to see what everyone's guesses are as to what we are having. So take a second and vote. We will be sure to fill ya all in next Thursday sometime. If it helps, here is some pregnancy info:

I have gained 3 lbs.
The heart beat was in the 150s last week (18 weeks along)
Cravings have included: watermelon, popsicles, sushi (cali rolls) and pickles
And, this baby is VERY active (much more than Korbin)

Not much info to go off of, but hope it helps. Happy voting!

Nothin New but the Blues...

2009-06-02T23:33:00.006-06:00

At Raya's request ;), I'll give you all an update about what's been going on in this little piece of the world. As far as baby news, there really isn't any except for the fact that that baby on the right is getting bigger and more babyish looking everyday. We have only been to one prenatal appointment (more on that in a second) and that was back in April. At that time things were going well, and if the movement I am feeling in my belly is any indication to how the baby is doing, then things are great.

Tucker was "temporarily" laid off at the beginning of April. Temporary has turned into two months going on three. We have been getting by, but I won't lie and say I haven't had my share of worry and tears. We found out towards the end of May that we no longer had insurance when we went to get a prescription filled for me. Our coverage had ended April 29th (hence, only one prenatal visit thus far). When we called the Frontier Drilling office to find out what was going on (after all, they had taken premiums out of a check that Tucker got on MAY 5th!) we were told that Tucker, along with everyone else that had been working on Rig #7, had been terminated the end of April. A valuable piece of information that they had neglected to pass our way.

I have been trying to remain optimistic but my worry and doubt was getting the better of me a few short weeks ago. Life seemed pretty bleak and hopeless if I am being honest (I am sure hormones had something to do with it). But I have felt a lot better these last few days. We have been all but assured that work will start back up again this month. And Tucker has also kind-of-been offered a job doing similar work for a company that cleans and recycles the water that is used in the drilling process. The only problem with that is it doesn't begin until July or August, and it is in Colorado.

But things are looking up, and I am grateful. Our family, ward family and neighbors have been so great to us. Our neighbor Calvin mows lawns as a side business and he has been sharing his work with Tucker. Something we really appreciate since he does it to supplement his own family's income. My days have been filled with paperwork and gathering the necessary info for Medicaid and other things. This has been a very humbling experience. And it's hard to admit that we are struggling. We are, but we will make it. (This has also been a good test run for our food storage. I really urge any of you to start if you haven't, and if you have, keep up the good work! :)

Thank you to all of you for your friendship and love. And I promise to let you know as soon as we find out anything about baby #2. I am still hoping (by some miracle) to find out the gender this month. Wish us luck! We are willing to take bets *wink* on what you think the baby will be. Most of my family and Tucker are desperately hoping for a girl. I am prone to think we are having a boy. That is, if our family's track record has anything to do with it.

All Aboard!

2009-05-26T21:58:00.005-06:00

Korbin has fallen in love with "chu chu chu choo choos" in the last month or so. Tucker takes him to see the trains almost daily. Thomas the Tank Engine visited the Heber Valley Railroad for two weeks and won the affections of Mr. K. We knew that we had no other option but to take our little conductor for a train ride and thought it would be even better if we invited family. We were right; it was a blast!

Tucker Trivia

2009-05-14T14:49:00.000-06:00

1. He's sitting in front of the TV, what is on the screen? Food Network or The Travel Channel

2. You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad? Ranch

3. What's one food he doesn't like? Spaghetti (oh it makes me sad)

4. You go out to eat and have a drink. What does he order? Pepsi

5. Where did he go to high school? Carmel High in Indiana

6. What size shoe does he wear? 12-13

7. If he was to collect anything, what would it be? Everything. Tucker is my little scavenger. He finds things at work, on walks, in parking lots, anywhere and brings it home. Sometimes he brings home something good, but sometimes I have to sneak things into the trash (sorry honey).

8. What is his favorite type of sandwich? Italian BMT at Subway

9. What would this person eat every day if he could? Ice Cream. He is an ice cream fanatic.

10. What is his favorite cereal? Hmmmm, we don't eat a lot of cereal. It would probably be Lucky Charms or Cocoa Puffs

11. What would he never wear? He doesn't like to wear his polo shirts buttoned past the first button. So that, or a Speedo (thank goodness).

12. What is his favorite sports team? Basket ball: Jazz, Football: Indianapolis Colts, College Sports: BYU

13. Who did he vote for? He would have voted for McCain if he could have.

14. Who is his best friend? Me

15. What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn't do? Be a backseat (or side seat) driver.

16. What is his heritage? I believe he has some Indian blood in him.

17. You bake him a cake for his birthday; what kind of cake? He would probably love if I made his sister Nicole's Oreo Ice Cream cake. I haven't tried that yet. I will have to do that this year.

18. Did he play sports in high school? Basketball and softball (?) and he did track.

19. What could he spend hours doing? Fishing, playing on his phone or playing Texas Hold 'Em

20. What is one unique talent he has? He can fold his ears inside and make them stick that way. And he is an awesome Daddy.

Thanks for the idea Angel! (Oh and Carolyn too. I just reminded myself that you tagged me when I looked at your blog.)

Cousins

2009-05-11T00:04:00.000-06:00

You wouldn't know it to look at them, but these kids are related.
What cute kids we make in our family.

Wired....

2009-05-07T23:06:00.000-06:00

So, our fantastic friends Scott and Tina gave us a laptop! We are now connected. Woo hoo! I feel like not such an outcast anymore. Thank you Scott and Tina. You guys are the best!

For Those Who Haven't Heard...

2009-03-28T20:24:00.000-06:00

We received some surprising news a little over a month ago. We are expecting another little one towards the end of this year. We heard the heart beat a couple of weeks ago during the ultrasound to determine the due date. November 2. Wow. We are excited and nervous all at the same time. Two kids seems so much bigger than one. (This coming from a girl with 7 other siblings. Go figure.)

Matty's Homecoming

2009-02-28T22:13:00.002-07:00

He's been home for a month but I have been slacking. He asked me why I hadn't even mentioned on my blog that he's home. So here ya are Matty. He got home on January 22. That was the day that I killed my parents' car. The one I was borrowing while our car was being fixed. Their car had a leaky radiator so we just put fluid in it before we drove it. That morning I hurried and filled the radiator, strapped Korbin in and headed off. The car wouldn't heat up at all through the canyon and I called my dad and asked if that was a problem. He didn't know what to tell me. I made it out of the canyon and turned to head towards Orem when every light on the dash went off and the car died and a cloud of smoke came puffing out. I drifted to the side of the road. I jumped out the car and grabbed Korbin as fast as I could afraid the car would blow at any moment. A young man pulled up behind me and took a look under the hood. He said "I used to be a mechanic and I was going to see if there was something I could do for you but this needs a tow truck." Jubilation! I accepted a ride from said young man up to Will's Canyon Stop and chased Korbin around while I waited to be rescued. Andrew, Julie and Joel arrived, we went back to the car to get the car seat (I know, I know but the ride to the gas station was only about 50 feet) and we were back on our way to the airport. We arrived just before he got there, unfortunately I was in the bathroom changing a diaper when he made his grand entrance. We did get to see our cousin Lisa, and her son Ryan at the airport. Ryan was leaving that day to enter boot camp. We are proud of you Ryan. Keep up the good work!

So there you have it. Matty's home.

7even Random Facts

2009-02-21T15:51:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I was tagged by my friend Raya back in November to do this. Three months later...

1. I broke my front left tooth while playing Ultimate Frisbee in the pool a few years ago. Someone threw the Frisbee to me from the other end of the pool, vertically, and I caught it with my mouth. The bottom half and entire backside of my left tooth is veneered. If you look closely you can see a line.

2. My husband and I drew each others blood before we ever even talked. We were in hematology class together. He really intimidated me and made me nervous. (He had this goatee that was more like a soul patch I guess. It grew in a triangle from his bottom lip and it was really long. After we started kissing I made him shave it.) In fact we never really talked until a mutual friend of ours invited him to come ice skating with the singles ward. He helped me around the rink and the rest is history...

3. I have a disorder called trichotelamania, which means I pull my hair out. When I was little, I once pulled all of my eyelashes out. I look startled in all the pictures from that period in time. I'm not as bad as I was when I was little, but I still do it.

4. I like to sleep with the blinds open. I like being able to see outside if I wake up in the middle of the night and I like the sun shining down on me in the morning. Incidentally, I have discovered that my back yard neighbors keep a light in every room (at least the ones I can see from the back) of their house all night long.

5. I went to Japan when I was sixteen. The only things I remember how to say in Japanese are: My name is Jessica, and I am sixteen years old.

6. I am the oldest of eight children. In Utah that is not too uncommon. But when we lived in Seattle we got stares. I remember when my parents' took us down town to tour the Seattle Underground. I was ten. We were waiting to cross the street and someone drove by and yelled out their window "you have too many kids!" I think that was the first time it really dawned on me that our family was bigger than most. I was so embarrassed.

7. My first car was a 1983 VW Scirocco. My car looked exactly like this, same color and everything. When I moved back home from Washington my dad flew up to drive down with me. He was too tall for the car so we had to drive the entire way to Utah with the sun roof open so his head could stick out the top. This is one of my favorite memories of my dad.

I tag:
Daffany
Tina
Heather
Chrissy
Jessica W.
Julie
Vita
Carolyn
Nicky

And anyone else who wants to do it. It's a lot easier than doing that 25 random things going around on Facebook. (I'm still working on that one.)

Oh BOY!

2009-02-07T12:07:00.000-07:00

What is the mother of a VERY active boy to do when it's cold and yucky outside? Here are just a few the things that Korbin has discovered he likes to do:

* Open the dishwasher and take out sharp objects (i.e. spin a pizza cutter by the blade with his little hands)
* Open the oven and say "hot"
* Climb on to the back of the couch and sit there
* Open the door to the utility closet in the bathroom (when mommy is going potty - only time he is in the bathroom) and touch wires
* Stand on the bottom shelf of the changing table as it wobbles forward (I am going to put this way, but it has the humidifier on it and I have no idea what to do with it if the changing table is gone)
* Turn on the gas fireplace (which is usually barricaded by a gate, but I used the gate to barricade him in the family room the other day as to stop him from doing the first item mentioned on this list)
* Pull on the stand the microwave is on so it wobbles precariously

Ahhhhhhh! Needless to say we are both very ready for Spring to come so we can run around outside. Korbin is not crazy about the snow and neither am I. But what do I do in the mean time? We are going to be the death of each other if he keeps finding things like this to do. We go to the library on Wednesdays but it is obviously not enough. What do I do to entertain him? Seriously, tell me!

A Little WD-40 Please!

2009-01-26T16:57:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I am hanging at my parents and decided to steal a moment at the computer to update our blog. And now I don't know what to write! I feel so rusty at this. I guess I can relay the story of how our Christmas went for those who haven't heard yet. It is a wonderful story that we will retell year after year just to remind ourselves Christmas can only get better ;o).

READY? OK!

So Tucker had to start his work week on Christmas day (I know! Sucky right? Well it just so happens that he is going to have to work like the next seven Christmases or something. Whatever, don't even get me started.) Ok I am focused again, Tucker had to work Christmas so he brought Korbin and me down to my parents' house to spend the night on Christmas eve. The plan was for us to go back home on Christmas day so we could spend time with Tucker when he got home from work at 7:00pm. You know, there have been many years when I have wished for snow and been disappointed, why couldn't the tons of snow have come on one of those Christmases? Well the snow meant that Korbin and I had to spend another night at my parents' house (good thing we made a run to Family Dollar on Christmas eve to buy some undies for me. I forgot to pack them. Oops.)

Tucker on the other hand tried to brave the snow and drive home. He didn't make it. The car lodged itself in a snow bank somewhere around six miles out of the canyon. Good Samaritans did pull over and worked with Tucker for an hour or two to get it unstuck. Success! Tucker promptly called and canceled the tow truck that was on it's way. It might have been a good idea to see if the car started before canceling it, but he didn't and it wouldn't. And wouldn't ya know? the insurance company could no longer find a tow truck in the area. So Tucker and one of the Good Samaritans (a UDOT plow driver) undid their hours of work and pushed the car back where it had been. Mr. G.S. then gave Tucker a ride home and told him he would call the Sheriff's office and let them know about the trouble.

Ok, 10:00 a.m. next morning: Tucker has a tow truck pick him up and head back to the scene of the crime. The car is gone. So they go back in to town and somehow find the car. It was impounded at 8 a.m. by the Sheriff. Go figure. No problem, Tucker has already taken the day off so he will just bail the car out and go home. Only, the state of Utah offices are now closed on Fridays (whose brilliant idea was that?!) and so the car has to sit in the impound over the weekend and rack up daily fees. Fantastic! Tucker has the tow truck take him home. Have you ever wondered how much it would cost to joy ride with a tow truck driver? For an hour it's about $174.

Monday: I wake up early, shower, send positive vibes out into the universe. I get dressed and do my hair and makeup (I want the impound lot to see me at my finest) and then get Korbin up and ready to go. A family friend picks Korbin and me up. We struggle with the car seat, get Korbin buckled in, and we're off! We first have to go to the car and get the license and registration and then to the state building. Positive vibrations, positive vibrations-they must have not quite made it to the universe. They wouldn't release the car to me because my name was not on the title cue the tears. I needed a notarized letter from Tucker saying I could free our heap from the impound (Tucker was gone from 3am-7pm that week working, where were we supposed to get a letter notarized?.) When the clerk told me he was sorry I muttered something very intelligent like "Yeah, sure you are" and turned to make my grand exit. Only, the title fell out of my purse as I left and the clerk had to call me back to retrieve it. A proud moment for me.

Ok, this is getting lengthy so I'll try and wrap it up. So our family friend (Thanks John!) went home after dropping us off and he and his wife called the state office back and explained our situation to them. They said that a signed letter with a copy of Tucker's license would be good enough. Tucker made it to the copy place at 6:59 that night. They closed at 7:00. So we finally got the car out on Tuesday and it has been sitting at the mechanics for several weeks now (which is another story all its own). Andrew and Julie came and helped me tow it down to a mechanic in Provo today. Hopefully they will be able to get to it sometime this year and we will once again be riding in style.

Oh, did I mention that car we were borrowing from my parents died in a huge cloud of smoke as we were trying to go the airport the other day? Ah well, that story will have to wait for another time. Dinner's ready...

Cranberries are Sour

2008-12-10T19:28:00.000-07:00

Just a little somethin somethin since I can't blog right now.

I am going through withdrawls...

2008-11-23T19:22:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I haven't posted in like two or three weeks and I am going crazy. Well not really but I really miss it. I am missing the blogging community immensely. We don't have a commuter at the new digs yet, alas. I am at my parents right now and should probably go visit with the fam. Just know that I am missing you all terribly and really want a computer. Maybe for Christmas...

Obama Fans, Close Your Eyes...

2008-11-05T17:59:00.000-07:00

So I thought this was too cute and humorous not to post. And as I have mentioned before "The Nightmare Before Christmas" is one of my favorite movies, so I couldn't resist.

Halloween Confetti

2008-11-03T22:08:00.000-07:00

Brace yourselves. You are about to be updated on all of our Halloween activities in one fell swoop. Let the festivities begin!

(You can't tell, but Korbin is letting out a very high pitched scream in this picture. I think he was warning me to back off, or maybe he was warning you about the lengthy post on which you are about to embark...)

Pumpkin Carving Fun!

So excited to be sitting at the table like a big boy. Unfortunately he does not realize the slimy guts that await him.

Joel carving out the symbol for Pi, thus making his jack-o-lantern a Pumpkin Pi.

Jared and Tucker hard at work.

Kelsi and Paul. (And no, Paul doesn't always look like that. Only on good days.)

Korbin did a little shudder the first few times he touched the guts. After that he tried to eat it. Where's the logic in that? I don't know.

A proud boy and his pumpkin.

All done. Tucker modified his pumpkin after realizing that I was right (as I always am) and his pumpkin was too large and thick for the pattern he had selected after all.

The finished product. We didn't get a closeup of Tucker's pumpkin. (Sorry honey.)

Fun at Cornbelly's

Parker, Dan, Carolyn and Caden

The two Prince Charmings in my life.

My cute mom and littlest bro, Jared

Here we are cuddling with a cow; trying to keep warm.

Look at those beautiful blue eyes. He gets them from his dad.

Carolyn's Halloween Party

Korbin was such a good sport about his very warm and cumbersome costume. I just love him.

The Addams Family: Will, Candis and Jake (missing: James)

Dan and my adorable nephew Caden

My cute nephew Parker.

My brother Andrew, as Colonel Mustard, and his girlfriend Julie, as Miss Peacock. Very clever.

My sister, Carolyn's adorable family as the story 'The Cat in the Hat.' Carolyn is 'Mother' from the story and the rest is self explanatory (well, Caden is out of his costume at this point.) Carolyn made all of their costumes. She puts me to shame in the sewing department.

Halloween Day

This costume is officially award winning (allow me to boast for one second.) Yes it did win the costume contest at my sister's party but, had my sister's family been allowed to win, they would have. My brother Paul borrowed the Tin man costume to enter the costume contest at work and won the $100 prize, thank you very much. I also hear tale that his picture was displayed on Super Sonic's billboard for all of State Street in Orem to see. I am a proud momma.

We're off to see the Wizard.

Phew, you made it!

I'm a Goofy Goober

2008-10-27T11:09:00.000-06:00

Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!

Hey just so y'all know, I finished book two finally! It only took me four months... Ok so it wasn't my favorite and I think I am maybe a little disenchanted with the Twilight series now, but I will persevere to the end. I have heard that book two is a struggle for some, it was for me. Am I the only person who finds the intensity of their teenage love just a little odd? Well I don't want to make too many enemies on here so I will end my criticism now. I am looking forward to going to a midnight showing of the movie with my sister and mom and a fun group of girlies (although, don't tell anyone, the movie trailers kind of creep me out.)

We Are Moving!

2008-10-24T16:35:00.000-06:00

Just a quick little blurb to let you all know that we have found a house to rent in Heber. We are very excited to move to Heber and to have our very own home. The house is a 4 bedroom and is on a 1/3 of an acre with a large fenced back yard. We have the keys and will start to move as soon as we can. We have been looking for a while to find something but haven't had any luck. Believe me, it has been a testimony building experience. (It's true, everything is done in the Lord's time.) We feel so blessed to have this opportunity and to be closer to Tucker's job. Now Tucker can come home everyday after working instead of renting a room every other week in Duchesne. It will still be about an hour commute each way but one less canyon to drive through. We are so excited and blessed! We will get an email out soon with our new address. We will also have room for visitors to stay, so come visit us.

Oooo-st! (see previous post)

2008-10-22T12:18:00.000-06:00

As I have mentioned before, I love Halloween! This includes Halloween decorations; the cute and tasteful kind. I worked for six years at The Quilted Bear where I was surrounded by such things and acquired many of them. This year however I vowed not to buy a single decoration. I have oooohed and ahhhhed at many adorable decorations but have held firm and not purchased anything. Tucker saw a jar of eyeballs that made gurgling sounds (not my idea of a cute decoration) at Target and wanted to get it and I told him I could make something like it. Well it evolved into a jar of spiders. OK, so I had to buy the spiders and lights and paper and glitter but I had the jar and the sticky letters. So I did spend money but not that much. It's a little on the cheesy side I know, but Korbin loves it and that is all that matters to me.

Things Korbin is Up To These Days:

2008-10-21T17:52:00.000-06:00

Folds his arms for prayer (actually more like his hands.)
Claps for himself when I say "good job" or when he thinks he has done something to deserve praise.
Says "O-st" as in "ghost" for everything Halloween. He makes ghost sounds too. "Ooooooohhhhhhh ohhh oooohhhhh." Very spooky.
Shakes his head 'no' when he is does something he knows he is not supposed to.
Eats with a fork. (He still needs a little help with this)
Brushes his teeth (He has two toothbrushes. One for Mommy to brush his teeth with and one for him to brush with. That little mouth gets pretty crowded with two toothbrushes in it.)
He still likes to lead music and dance his little heart out (which usually involves bobbing up and down and shaking the toosh) whenever he hears music.
Makes scary dinosaur sounds.
Squats down behind a bed or the nearest available piece of furniture to hide (and peeks barely over the top with his eyes) when I come to get him out of a room he's not supposed to be in.

There you have it. I know that these lists are more entertaining for the actual parents of the child, but hey, I have to brag about my boy.

Boobees

2008-10-15T14:46:00.000-06:00

What the Tag?

2008-10-07T19:21:00.000-06:00

Tag's seem to be going around like colds right now. Just kidding, I like doing them. In fact I have wished in the past that someone would tag me. Sooooooooooo, here goes another:

5 Things About Me- Tagged by Heather

5 Things I've Done in the Past 10 Years:
1-Bought my first car
2-Lived with some fun girlies (and some crazies, but we won't get into that)
3-Got married to the greatest guy
4-Graduated from Provo College
5-Had an adorable little boy

5 Things I Wish I Could Do Today:
1-Be sealed to my family
2-Move to Duchesne
3-Get out of debt
4-Buy a house
5-Go on vacation with my fam

5 Foods I Wouldn't Want to Live Without:
1-Pizza
2-Tomatoes
3-Grilled Cheese sandwiches
4-Blackberries
5-Hamburgers

5 Things I Would Do if I Were a Millionaire:
(We're assuming that a million dollars is still worth a lot right?)
1-Get out of debt
2-Buy a comfortable home
3-Get my food storage in order (yes I may be a little obsessed, but I don't like to be hungry)
4-Turtle Tuff Shelter (just in case)
5-Share with my family

5 Places I Have Lived:
1-Orem, UT
2-Seattle, WA
3-Mesa, AZ
4-Centralia, WA
5-Provo, UT

5 Jobs I Have Had:
1-Icing bag washer (for Peppermint Place, ironically before my dad worked there)
2-Craft Coordinator
3-Cashier/Supervisor at The Quilted Bear
4-Medical Assistant for midwife clinic
5-Receptionist for women's clinic

5 People I Tag:
Well the last peeps I tagged have still not done it, so I leave it open to whomever.

Branching Out

2008-10-04T02:06:00.000-06:00

So I have been considering doing another blog for a little while now. One where I can post some of the things I think are important besides family stuff. It is still definitely a work in progress but I hope some of you will find it interesting. My hope is to make it more of an informative place instead of the fluff and fun that I post here. I'd love to know what you all think. Let me know if there is anything you think I would find of interest to post at my new blog, be it insights, signs of the times, food storage tips, recipes, websites, anything. (nevinjm@yahoo.com) Please know that I am not doing this blog because I think I know more or better than anyone else. It is simply my meager attempt to get out some of the things I think are important and a way for me to keep learning. I am just getting going on this stuff and would love to know any thoughts and information you have.

Tag, I'm It

2008-10-02T10:38:00.000-06:00

The "rules" of the game are as follows:
1. Post the rules on your blog.
2. Write 6 random things about yourself.
3. Tag 6 people at the end of your post.
4. If you're tagged, DO IT and pass on the tag.

Now, 6 things about me...

1. I am a home body. My idea of the perfect weekend is hanging out at home with my family watching TV or movies and eating frozen pizza (the good kind.)

2. Halloween and Christmas are my favorite holidays which makes The Nightmare Before Christmas one of my favorite movies. (It brings my two favorite holidays together, what's not to love?) I love the movie, I love the music. I even made a Jack Skellington costume for my brother Jared a few years ago. I was Sally.

3. I am a crafty person. If you need proof, just check out that sweet Halloween costume I made for Jared. Ok, maybe I am tooting my horn a little but if you only knew the hours that went into taping off that suit (not to mention the time I spent searching high and low at thrift stores to find it) so that I could paint the lines and making his paper mache bat-bow-tie I think you would understand a little.

4. I am a Martha Stewart fan. I was, even through the "jail months," (during these dark days my sister Carolyn and I sported pink shirts that Carolyn embroidered to read "FREE MARTHA.") Yes Martha is pretentious, obnoxious and she's awkward when interacting with guests on her show but she has good ideas (or at least she hires people to think of good ideas for her) and I gotta love a lady that made homemaking a lucrative business.

5. I am a reality TV fan. Sometimes I watch the occasional sitcom like The Office (which ironically imitates reality TV) but most of my TV viewing is spent watching HGTV, Food Network and shows like Dog the Bounty Hunter, The Biggest Loser, and Tori and Dean:Home Sweet Hollywood (I didn't know I even liked Tori Spelling until I came across her show. Until then I had thought she was annoying, but now I find her endearing. And yes I know that she and her husband cheated on their spouses. Awful. I definitely don't look up to her as a role model.)

6. Last but not least, I am a wife and a mom to the two greatest and cutest guys I know. I love their roles in my life and I love my role in theirs.

Tag, You're It
1. Carolyn G.
2. Daffany Q.
3. Melissa W.
4. Raya M.
5. Alice M.
6. April S.

Tribute

2008-10-01T00:29:00.000-06:00

My parents just celebrated their 29th anniversary on Sept 29th. I wish I had a picture of just the two of them but I don't, so here's one of them at our wedding, a week before their 27th anniversary. They are such a good example to Tucker and me. A lot of marriages don't last long these days so it's good to have an example of love and devotion during times like these. My parents' marriage has not been perfect, they have had their share of trials and tribulations (eight kids is bound to prove a trial in itself - of course I have never contributed to their trials myself) and yes even a few mistakes, but they always seem to pull through it with love and faith. I hope they know how much I love and admire them. I look forward to celebrating my 29th anniversary with Tucker in 27 years.

Thanks for your good example to all of us, your kids and grandkids Mom and Dad. We love you!

Halloween is in the Air!

2008-10-01T00:22:00.000-06:00

I have been just waiting for this day to do a little Halloween decorating on my blog. Yes the music has been here for a while but if you know me you know that I always listen to holiday music a little prematurely. I have been known to listen to Christmas music in September, (sometimes much to the chagrin of those around me). I have been holding off on the Christmas music this year. I think I can manage until November 1st, after that all bets are off.

HERE'S A SNEAK PEAK OF THINGS TO COME

The Leaves Are Changing!

2008-09-26T17:05:00.001-06:00

We took a quick trip to Bridal Veil Falls last week...

...to go for a walk...

...and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

As you can see, we were not disappointed.

Leave a comment and tell us about your favorite part of Fall.

Chestnuts Freezing by an Open Fire

2008-09-24T15:33:00.000-06:00

Ok, I know it's been a constant barrage of new posts and pictures but I can explain! The cord that connects my camera to the computer has been lost since the beginning of July. Ahhh. Well really it had just been carefully tucked away in a sack filled with TV cables and cords and other random things by my mother. Thanks Mom! Well I finally tracked it down (and labeled it with masking tape of course) and I am now trying to catch up. Here are some pictures of our Labor Day activities. The weather was freezing and there was always at least one baby crying (they must have had a prior agreement we were unaware of to do the crying in shifts. At any given point you could here the pleasant wailings of one of the three children) but we had fun none the less.

The Celebration of the Commencement of Our Union

2008-09-22T15:49:00.000-06:00

Or, in other words: today is our anniversary (the second one to be exact). A lot has happened in that two year period, two job changes, two moves, two graduations, two car changes, and most importantly a baby (thankfully not two of those yet)! We have been blessed and have learned lots from each other. Happy Anniversary Tucker, I love you! I can't wait to see what this next year brings...

Twilight Gangsta Ballad

2008-09-20T21:42:00.000-06:00

SPOILER WARNING. Don't watch if you haven't read all of the books. Too late for me, but I guess that's what I get for taking so long to read them. It probably would have happened sooner or later.

The View From Squaw Peak

2008-09-19T22:08:00.001-06:00

We took Korbin on a drive up to Squaw Peak a couple of weeks ago and this is my favorite picture from the trip. Korbin kept trying to grab the moon. I am so lucky to have such cute and loving guys in my life. How about that view?

August Birthday Bash

2008-09-18T17:23:00.001-06:00

2008-09-18T16:39:00.002-06:00

August is a busy month of birthdays for our family so my sister Carolyn and I decided to have one big party and celebrate everything at once. We reserved the big pavilion at Nielsen's Grove and invited friends and family. It was a lot of work but so much fun. We had a pinata, a balloon launcher, party poppers, yummy food, yummy cake and fun with a few bee hives (nestled in the pavilion). Thank you to everyone who came and made it a success.

Millions of Peaches, Peaches for Me

2008-09-18T12:33:00.000-06:00

Last week I went and did a cannery assignment at the Lindon Cannery. My mom watched Korbin while I went out into the bright and early world to can peaches. I had such a good experience and felt such peace (yup, at the cannery). I could not help but notice the cute elderly couples that were able to attend together. It made me wish Tucker was there with me, but alas he was all the way in Moab working.

On Sunday, much to my delight, they passed the sign up sheet around again! We signed up and were able to go Tuesday evening. It was a great date night for us as we are trying to find inexpensive things to do. Our job was to stand at the front of the line and pick out the peaches that didn't need any work done (pit, skin, blemish removal) so that the peaches that did need work done could go down the line to the people with knives. The peaches came pretty fast and at one point Tucker commented that he felt like Lucy and Ethel.

We had a lot of fun together but the thing that made the biggest impression on me was the what they said before we went in to work (I missed this part the first time because I was a few minutes late). The Sister read a poem that I do not remember word for word but the gist of it was that serving at the cannery is like serving at the temple, the only difference is that the work you do at the temple is for the deceased and the work you do at the cannery is for the living. I was excited to hear this because Tucker and I have not been able to go through the temple yet so this was the first "temple work" we have been able to do together. What a blessing for us to be able to serve at the cannery and in turn bless the lives of others. Plus at the end we were able to buy some cases of peaches for our food storage and they are delicous. We want to go back as often as we can. (No pun intended)

Look Out Buff, New Body, Here I come!

2008-09-15T17:58:00.000-06:00

So we finally did it! We have had a membership to the Orem Fitness Center since May but all we have ever used it for is the swimming pool. Well today Tucker and I finally went and used the treadmills, elliptical machines and that was as far as we got. We were only into 30 minutes of our workout when Korbin was brought to us stinky and crying. I was a little worried about him because it was the first time he had ever been left without a family member, but when we set him down he went running into the room. The daycare provider said he did really well until another little boy accidentally knocked him over and then he kind of lost it. I think it was during the consoling that they discovered he was stinky. Anyway, here's hoping for a full hour tomorrow!

Seven Years Ago Today...

2008-09-11T10:58:00.001-06:00

Seven years ago today there was an attack on the World Trade Center and many innocent people lost their lives. That should not be news to anybody but what may be news to some is the science behind what happened that day. My little brother Jared, who is in 5th grade, had the assignment of writing an essay on September 11th. My family has different views than most about what happened (call us crazy) on 9-11-2001. Jared's essay is based on some of the research that has been done by scholars including Steven E Jones, a former BYU professor. I am posting Jared's paper as it is a mild introduction into the truth we believe about 9-11.

The Science of 9-11
by Jared Nevin

On September 11, 2001, the Twin Towers fell after two high-jacked airplanes crashed into them and caused fires. Never before have steel skyscrapers fallen because of fire. Many scientists and engineers have examined the evidence and scientific data, and it all points to explosives. Steel melts at 1510 degrees Celsius and the fires were not that hot. They have found residue of thermate (iron with sulphur, potassium and manganese) and white ash. Thermate is an explosive that is used in the controlled demolition of buildings. Some steel columns, four feet thick, were found with perfect 45 degree angle cuts. Thermate can cut through steel cleanly and rapidly. The buildings fell right into their footprints at free fall speed, with no concrete rubble, just pulverized dust, like in a controlled demolition. We don't know all the truth about that day, 9/11/2001..... but science doesn't lie.

To learn more, visit:
www.911scholars.org
www.911truthseekers.org

and to learn more about Liberty visit:
www.latterdayconservative.org

Another Delicious Recipe

2008-09-10T20:21:00.000-06:00

A friend of mine asked me for this recipe today and since I had already typed it up I decided I would post it here too. It is my dad's recipe and is especially good this time of year as the leaves start to change:

Italian Black Bean Chili
by Leonard Nevin

1/2 lb Italian sausage
2 cans black beans (15 oz)
1 can (14.5 oz) beef broth (or beef bouillon)
1 can (8 oz) tomato soup
1 cup very thinly sliced carrots
1/2 cup chopped onion (cook with meat)
2 bay leaves

In 4 qt saucepan, cook sausage until browned; drain. Stir in remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer covered for 20 minutes*. Remove bay leaves. Use a potato masher to mash carrots and beans slightly. Soup will thicken while mashing beans. (approx. 9 servings)

Variations:

1 green or red bell pepper, diced
cook 1/2 lb hamburger along with the sausage
substitute 1 can red kidney beans or small red beans for 1 can of the black beans
add 1 can of re-fried black beans or regular re-fried beans to thicken
add any type of pepper that you like to make spicier

*If you add peppers, extra onions, or anything else vegetable-like it will probably increase the simmer time unless you partially cook them before adding.

Making The World A Better Place One Wood Chip At A Time

2008-09-05T15:16:00.000-06:00

Just a cute little story about Korbin from our trip to the park last night. Korbin is a very social little guy. He loves to pal around with other little kids whether he knows them or not. I should also mention that Korbin not only loves to play with kids, he loves to pick up the wood chips at the park and lick them and last night was no exception. I follow him around, take the wood chips away and repeat; it's a fun game we play. Last night at the park there was another little boy about the same age as Korbin and of course we had to say hi. Well the other young lad apparently did not know how delicious the wood chips are. Korbin hates to see perfectly good wood chips go unnoticed and saw fit to enlighten his new found friend. He found a nice sizable wood chip (extra tasty I'm sure) and held it out to his unsuspecting comrade's mouth. The other little guy stared the wood chip down reluctantly, then threw caution to the wind and opened his mouth widely and Korbin happily placed the plump wood chip in his mouth. Such trust! I'll bet that little boy's mom is glad that Korbin introduced her son to the tasty treats at the playground.

Adventures in Dinner

2008-09-04T19:10:00.000-06:00

I love to cook but I don't do it all that often maybe once or twice a week at the most. We live with my parents' and my mom usually does most of the cooking. However the last two nights Tucker and I made dinner together and it was a lot of fun. I really can't wait until we find a place to move to in Duchesne so we can be our own little independent family, not that I don't appreciate living with my family, I do.

Anyway, on Tuesday we made Italian Meatloaf which is scrumptious (I encourage you all to try it), zuchini, and oven roasted potatoes with rosemary and garlic.Tucker loves meatloaf, it is not my favorite thing but this recipe is great.

Last night we had Foil Wrapped Side of Salmon with Lemon and Rosemary which was even better. It is so easy to make but looks very impressive, it's a great "hosting" dish, and it tastes like the best salmon at any fine restuarant maybe even better. We also had broccoli and rice which were great compliments.

So if you need any ideas for dinner, try these recipes. I can't take the credit though because it was Tucker's idea to make both things. He came up the ideas, we found the recipes on Food Network.com, and I just went along with it.

Happy Birthday Tucker !!!

2008-08-26T14:02:00.001-06:00

Today is Tucker's 32nd birthday. I love this old picture of him; it's one of my favorites. You can tell where Korbin gets his good looks. We love our daddy and here are just a few of the reasons why:

He works hard to support our family and even though he misses us like crazy he's willing to work out in Duchesne every other week. (We are moving there soon, hopefully).

He is a big kid and loves to play.

He is the "event planner" in our family and likes to be in charge of making sure everything is ready to go.

He loves being outdoors and likes to take us on canyon drives (one of my favorite things to do).

He is a caring person and would do anything for anybody.

And I love Tucker because he has a big heart, he is a good snuggler, he makes me feel like the most beautiful and loved girl in the whole wide world!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TUCKER/DADDY!

My Little Stripper

2008-08-22T17:28:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I was getting ready to go to a wedding reception while Korbin slept. He woke up while I was putting the finishing touches on my hair but he sounded happy enough so I let him stay in his crib while I finished up. I could hear him in his room talking and having a good old time, I assumed he was talking to Tigger and playing peek-a-boo with his blankey. Not so. I walked into his room to find him bare butt with his diaper in his hands, a proud smile on his face and a puddle in the middle of the bed. Korbin and I had a great laugh over the whole thing; he has such a keen sense of humor. Yep, we are to the diaper stripping age; I didn't know it would come so soon. I have learned my lesson, no more pantsless naps for my little tyke (even if his legs are sore from getting shots).

Olympic Fever

2008-08-19T13:23:00.000-06:00

We have been watching lots of Olympic events at our house this last week. We love it and have been so excited to watch many of our American athletes in different events but our most favorite have been Michael Phelps, Nastia Liukin, Alicia Sacramone, and Shawn Johnson. Anyway, my poor husband was a little sick yesterday and spent the better part of the evening laying on the couch with a blanket and dozing in and out of watching the Olympics. That night as we were getting ready for bed I nudged him from a light slumber and asked him if he wanted me to say the prayer or if he wanted to. Tucker said he wanted to. He said a nice prayer but towards the end he was starting to fall asleep again. After asking to feel better he said "and please let me have strength..............long pause...............in the Olympics." I lost it and couldn't stop laughing. I hope he doesn't mind me sharing this little story, but it's too funny to not. I guess you could say we have Olympic fever in our home.

Happy Birthday Korbin!!!

2008-08-15T14:47:00.001-06:00

Korbin is one today and as I am sure all parents say, we can't believe it! We are so grateful to have him in our lives. He is our happy little guy with a little bit of attitude. Right now his latest things are: carrying around blankey and Tigger, conducting music, trying to walk (not crawl) up stairs, running around, dancing, and exercising his independence at every opportunity. He also loves his baby cousin, Caden. He likes to entertain Caden by petting his (Caden's) head, poking his eyes, and also by playing Peek-a-boo with him. Caden is a patient little guy tolerates Korbin very well. Happy Birthday Korbin, we love you!
P.S. I am a little sad because I sent Korbin's picture into Good Things Utah for the First Birthday segment and we forgot to watch it. Ahhh man!

Korbinator

2008-07-26T18:51:00.000-06:00

I love this little man. He has been so affectionate lately and I just don't know how I got so lucky to have such a loving little guy like him. These pictures were taken a little while ago (back when he would actually wear his sunglasses) but they are some of my favorites of him. I enjoy the fact that they hover and float off to the side of his nose.

I'll Be Back...

Memory Tag

2008-07-26T00:38:00.000-06:00

Here are the directions:

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I have had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember.

2. Next, repost these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It is actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

Nielsen's Grove

2008-07-16T18:46:00.000-06:00

We are very lucky to live near parks. We have one right in our own backyard, one across the street and a beautiful park called Nielsen's Grove just a few blocks away. We have gone there a few times now to enjoy this great park. On Sunday we went to Nielsen's Grove to feed the ducks and play.

Korbin and Grandma Laura (my mom)

My little brother Jared

There were three baby ducks (I only caught one). They were fun to watch. Two of the ducks stayed very close to the mama duck but one wandered off and did his own thing. My mom said "see that little duck way over there, his name is Tucker." I have a feeling his name may have been Korbin instead.

Nature baby

I'm Proud to Be an American

2008-07-16T18:02:00.001-06:00

Ok, these posts are out of order but at least I am doing it. This is part of our Independence Day celebration (which lasted 2 fabulous days).

Here is Korbin watching The Stadium of Fire fireworks and playing with the glow stick necklace Tucker made for me. The camera was on a weird setting but it made for some cool pictures.

My two cute boys sharing a piece of licorice.

The fireworks were beautiful. We are definitely proud to be Americans and are so grateful for our freedom and the men and women who have sacrificed their time and lives for us.

This is the second day of our celebration. My sister Carolyn and her family had a family reunion on the 4th with her husband's family so we got together on the 5th. Parker and Korbin had fun playing in the kiddie pool and going down the slide. After swimming we just hung out and BBQ'd. After dinner Tucker let off his arsenal of fireworks and we all oohed and ahhed.

These Legs Were Made for Walking....

2008-07-16T17:47:00.000-06:00

When I look at him walking it is surreal. He seems too little to be upright and mobile all on his own.

We Have Lift Off

2008-07-15T17:28:00.000-06:00

Korbin is walking!!! He started taking a few steps last week, but on Sunday he walked the length of the living room (making him officially walking at 10 months old). Since then he has been a walking machine. I can't believe that my baby isn't a baby anymore. He is 11 months old today. Only a month left before he turns one; so sad, and yet so exciting at the same time. He is such a big boy and he is so much fun now. He has his own personality and I love to watch it develop as he grows. He likes to honk noses, tease people and if hears someone cough, burp or sneeze he does a little sympathy cough. At least he still lets me cuddle with him after he drinks his bottle, I cherish our snuggle time. I have a video of him walking and I will get it up as soon as I can.

Back Home Again in Indiana

2008-06-29T22:58:00.000-06:00

We went to Indiana to visit Tucker's family and to help trim and cut down trees. We had a lot of fun hanging out with family and got to see a few fun things too like The Children's Museum and down town Indianapolis. We also went swimming at a really fun pool center with slides, a lazy river and everything. Tucker had a blast showing me around his old stomping ground. We visited the sports complex where he used to umpire and play softball. We even ran into some people he worked and played with. All of Tucker's family were very accommodating and it was great to introduce Korbin, as a "Big Boy", to everyone. We love Indiana.

Korbin waiting to board the plane for the first time!

Aunt Allyson and Korbin going for a ride in the back of the tractor.

Cousins L-R: Zachary, Korbin, Katie and Aunt Allyson

Tucker with his brother Lonnie (left)

Tucker (The Stud), trimming a tree for his parents.

Tucker hitching a ride with his dad, Ken.

Korbin hanging out with Grandma Linda.

Timber! (I told you he was a stud)

Korbin and Mommy at the Children's Museum in Indianapolis.

Examining Uncle Lonnie's beard.

Zachary and Uncle Tucker making scary faces.

Katie. What a cutie.

Uncle Lonnie, Aunt Cindy and Zachary.

Dad, Mom, Tucker, Allyson.

Looking out the window of the plane on the way home.

Flying over Provo on a hazy day. If you look close you can see the "Y" on the mountain.

Flying into the Salt Lake City Airport.

Korbin's First Haircut

2008-06-29T22:45:00.000-06:00

Alright; so I got brave and just decided on a whim to cut Korbin's hair while I was giving him a bath last week. His hair was getting too long for the cute mohawk thing I like to do with it. It was also starting to get a little long in the back and I had fears of mullet head.

He was really good about it. I just turned him towards the mirror so he could see himself and kept giving him toys. It was easier than I thought it would be. And believe me, it's not perfect but I figure he's too young to be scarred by bad haircuts so I should take advantage of this time to practice!

I'm the Big Mouth Frog

2008-04-25T15:48:00.000-06:00

I call Korbin the big mouth frog because this is a common face for him to make. For those of you who haven't heard the joke about the big mouth frog here is my version:
One day a big mouth frog was hopping through the forest where he met a fox and said "Hi Mr. Fox, I'm a big mouth frog. I eat flies; what do you eat?"

The fox said "I eat rabbits."
The big mouth frog said, "Oh, that's nice," and he hopped along.
He came across a cow in a pasture and said "Hi Mr. Cow, I'm a big mouth frog. I eat flies; what do you eat?"
"I eat grass," said the cow.
"Oh, that's nice," and he hopped along.
The big mouth frog came across a snake slithering in the dirt near a pond and said, "Hi Mr. Snake. I'm a big mouth frog. I eat flies; what do you eat?"
The snake's tongue licked the air and said "I eat big mouth frogs."
The big mouth frog puckered his mouth together and said very quietly "oh........"

So there it is. It's funny to see it told because typically the person hearing the joke will kind of mouth the joke without knowing.

Naked Baby!

2008-04-25T15:31:00.000-06:00

We finally went to get pictures of Korbin taken when he was four and a half months old (back in February). I use to take pictures of babies at a portrait studio a few years back and I had some bad experiences. Mother's trying to get a two-week-old to smile for the camera, re-doing the same picture a dozen times because a strand of hair was wrong, crying children, etc... I was a little nervous to have my baby's pictures taken but he took to it naturally and hammed it up for the camera. It only took us about 15 minutes to get through all of the pictures. Korbin is such a good boy.

Hellooooooooooo

2007-11-08T22:29:00.001-07:00

I have been so impressed with the blogs that I have read from other people and decided that I needed to make one for our little family. Tucker and I have been married a little over a year now, and we have the most adorable little baby boy. Korbin has been the greatest blessing in our lives. Everyday is a new adventure with him, it has been amazing to watch how quickly he growing and changing. Babies are truly incredible little creatures, especially Korbin!