Introducing Ashlyn Lashae

Wednesday morning, and I mean in the wee hours of the morning, like 3 am morning, I get a text from my beloved sister in law stating that her water just broke and they were on their way to the hospital!  As excited as I was for them, at 3 am the text threw my heart into over gear and almost gave me a heart attack!

That morning I was summoned for jury selection, as I was waiting before we were given instructions, I got a phone call from my brother.  I assumed it meant he was holding his baby girl.  I couldn't talk because the room was so quiet, so I sent him a text.  He informed me the baby still wasn't there yet, but soon. 

Soon after, we were told our phones had to be turned off as we were going to be given instructions and were seated to view a very retro video on how we were selected for jury duty! 

A few hours later we were given a recess and were told we could turn on our phones as long as we did not speak of the case at all or seek any info regarding it.  So immediately, I texted.  Any news???

In return I got a beautiful pic of my new niece!

So exciting!! 

Through out the night, I got a few more pics!  So cute!  I swear it makes my uterus throb for another baby!!  I can feel mini contractions just looking at her!

I haven't had a chance yet to actually talk to RJ or Mandy yet (imagine that he hasn't called me back yet!  LOL) but I hear that both mom and baby were troopers! 

Congratulations on your sweet new addition to your beautiful family!

My Eclipse Premiere

First I have to give a big shout out to Donna!  Thanks for coming with me and on such short notice!  I love you!!

Second, I MISS MY SIS!!

So I brought her with me!

Here's a zoom in of the thought bubble.  It's a little fuzzy but you should be able to read it.

We had lots of fun!  I went to a different theater this time and was a little disappointed in the lack of enthusiasm, (and the lack of Eclipse posters and cut outs - we were limited to ONE!) but it was still a blast!  Although, I must admit, I wish I had more pics of Donna and I.  But since both of us are a bit camera shy, maybe that's for the best!

And as you can see from the slideshow (if you can view it - I still have problems) Jenn even came with us the next morning to share the movie with Mom and the kids!

We love you Jenn!!

Don't forget to check out my Twilight blog for my random thoughts about the movie. 

Mirror Image

When is it too early to be "checking yourself out"? 

I typically don't allow any of the kids to come to Katie's piano lessons with me.  They would be bored.  But last week, Ciara begged and begged to come!  She wanted her sista!  She was so cute, I couldn't resist.

It took her less than a second to realize that the room had a full length mirror.  It kept her busy the first half of the lesson.  She just kept looking at herself and posing!  It was so funny!  She really like to watch herself dance.  She definately thinks she's "got the moves!" 

But soon, even her cute self, wasn't enough to keep her attention.  I had to take her out in the hall where they had a candy machine!

PS- She won't be coming with us again. 

This last pic is my fav!  I love the "over the shoulder" attitude!

Fishing with the Fathers

Better late than never, right?

Saturday, we went fishing!  We wanted to go camping, but it just didn't work out with Shawn's schedule so we deciding fishing was the next best thing!

It took us a little while to find a good spot, but when we did - it was nearly perfect!  Not too many people and the water was clean enough and warm enough for the kids to play! 

We had a lot of fun, and after some pleading from the kids - they were even able to get ME into the water with them!  Good thing Grandma Karen brought a light sun dress I could slip into so I didn't have to go in my jeans!

It's a shame that we couldn't get either grandpa in the water!  The kids liked teasing Grandpa Troy about being afraid of the "were-fish!"  LOL 

All in all, it was a wonderful day in the sun with my family!  I am so thankful that I was able to get my Dad out with me too!  I really think he should spend more time with me!  I think I'm a pretty fun person!  ;p

PS- Sorry for the lack of photos.  I took a few when we first got there, but ever since my beach fiasco in Cali last year - I shy away from having my phone too close to the water!

Open House

Yesterday was not only CiCi's birthday, but it was our Open House at work!

Once a year they allow you to bring in your family to show off where you work.  They have fun activities planned for the kids and serve dinner.

This year they brought in some K9 dogs from the Taylorsville unit and showed off some of what the dogs can do.  My kids REALLY enjoyed this. After the presentation, they let the kids try on their training suits and bullet proof vests!  Katie tried on a SWAT team bullet proof vest, which is heavier and stronger than a regular one.  She got a big kick out of that!  I wish I had some pictures, but pictures are not permitted inside the building for security purposes.  I did however, get some pics of the kids in the fire trucks outside!  They had a great time climbing in them and checking them out!

And a VERY happy birthday to my sweet CiCi girl!  I love you, Sweetie!

I'm Online!

You may recall that I have been on billboards and in the newpaper! 

Well, you can now see my face online, recruiting for American Express!  I think it's pretty cool!

Come check me out!  hehehe

Shortcake CiCi

Happy Birthday Shortcake CiCi!

Saturday we celebrated Ciara's 3rd birthday style, Strawberry Shortcake style!

She looked so cute in her shortcake dress and leggings that Grandma DeeDee made for her! 

She had lots of fun playing with her cousins and stuffing her face with cupcakes, ice cream, candy and of course, strawberries!

Thanks to all for sharing in her day!

We love you!

Turkey Lurky

Yesterday I was talking to CiCi and referred to her as my Turkey Lurky Girl. 

She didn't care for that at all.  She crossed her arms across her chest and pouted, "I'm not turkey urky!"

I smiled and grabbed her. 

"Oh yeah?  Well, you LOOK like a Turkey Lurky!"

"And you SMELL like a Turkey Lurky!" As a nuzzle my head into her neck and chest, sniffing her up.

She starts smiling.

"And you TASTE like a Turkey Lurky!"  As I pretend to gobble her up!

She's no longer pouting what-so-ever.

"So you MUST be a Turkey Lurky!"

"Yep!  I'm a Turkey Urky!"  She says laughing!  So it's agreed.  She's my Turkey Lurky Girl!

Katie's Year End Cultural Program

Last night was Katie's Cultural Program where the kids show off the Spanish songs, poems, and dances they have learned through out the year.

It is always so fun to watch her dance!  I love it!  I was finally able to record it (with a few heads in front of me - even standing on a chair!) but I did it!  I don't have the capability to share the video here, but I do have a few pictures of her in her costumes.

As we were leaving to get to the school.  Maybe I'm biased, but I think she is SOOO pretty!

Her Spanish Polka Costume.  This is the same costume and dance as last year.

Her Mexican Hat Dance costume.  She REALLY likes this one.  It's new this year and fun to watch!  Although, I really enjoy the Bottle Dance too, which they didn't do this year!

Katie and her best friend, Alhondra.  Can you believe the size of the earrings that girl is wearing!  I can't believe they didn't pull her ear down!

And Katie with her teacher, Mrs Sainz, who she is going to miss VERY VERY much.  She has been their teacher for two years and will not be moving with them to 3rd grade.  The whole class was in tears after their performance because they love her so much.  Can you see Katie's littl tears??

And I had to include this one of my Justin Boy!  He is so darn cute and was such a BIG help to me yesterday with Ciara!  It's not easy to record and keep an almost 3 year old happy.  Thank you Justin!! 

What a GREAT weekend!

I had such a wonderful weekend with my family!  We decided not to go camping because the weather was so uncertain and we were a bit afraid we would be camping in mud.  Yuck.  So we decided to stay home and spend some good ol quality family time together! 

Saturday (Shawn had the day off too!  Woohoo!), we took the kids to Thanksgiving Point to check out the dinosaur museum.  It was really fun!  Very different from what I expected, but the kids had a GREAT time!  It is more interactive than a typical museum and the kids really got a kick out of being able to "play"!

After that we went out to an early dinner and a movie!  The kids have been bugging and bugging and BUGGING to see Iron Man 2.  Shawn didn't really want to see it, but he couldn't resist their pleas any longer.  The kids really enjoyed the movie, Shawn and I...not so much.  So I got to hear a lot of "I told you so's" after the fact.  LOL

Sunday was a nice peaceful day!  I took the kids to the park and we had a picnic.  Then I got to spend a few hours with my Nana.  She was pretty much sleeping the entire time, but I was finally able to wake her up at the end and spend a little time together.

Monday was another great day.  My mama joined me and the kids on a zoo trip.  I love having a year pass!  Not because I can't get enough of the zoo...because believe me..I can.  I'm not the biggest fan, but I love having a place to go and take the kids when we want to just get out of the house for a bit.  We had a really nice time (even though it was ridiculously busy!) and the kids enjoyed helping Grandma up the hills!  lol

So there you have it...another weekend come and gone.