Jeremy & Heidi's Family

Our cute kids!

2011-12-24T16:46:00.000-07:00

Brielle loves dressing up her "sidekick" for all her adventures.

She even made me be Waldo

Happy Landon!

2011-12-24T16:35:00.000-07:00

Landon is just about 4 months old now. He has become the happiest baby once he hit the 3 mos mark. It has been a big sigh of relief! Fussy babies are no fun! He has found his voice and can screech really loud but as long as he is involved and sitting right with everyone else, he is content.

End of the Harvest

2011-12-24T16:31:00.000-07:00

I didn't get to do much canning this year, but my sister & I were able to do some applesauce & pie filling. It was our first time doing apples, but they turned out so yummy! I made these little gift tags to give with our bounty to the neighbors that let me take their apples.

First Snow Day!

2011-12-24T16:28:00.000-07:00

All Smiles Here!

Happy Halloween!

2011-11-02T17:15:00.000-06:00

Jack-o-Lantern pancakes!

Our first family photo-Yikes! I can't really tell you what Jeremy is, just some scary biker dude with his (fake-thankfully!) belly hanging out. I am a leopard. Brielle is Juliet from Gnomeo and Juliet & Landon is Superman. What an assorted bunch! We were at the Turcsanski's annual Halloween Family party & yes we are part of the family now.

Brielle & good friend Benson

Brielle's best bunch of friends

Camryn, Brielle, Benson, Parker & Cole

Napoleon & Deb

Justin & Kim

We had to see his signature moves of course!

Wolverine aka Jeff

Sweet Juliet

Brielle put my ears on Landon while I made breakfast. He wasn't sure what to think!

We weren't planning on dressing up this year, but somehow the halloween bug bites us just in time. We love Halloween and dressing up! It is now Brielle's favorite holiday!

Landon's Blessing

2011-11-02T16:34:00.000-06:00

We couldn't have picked a more perfect day to have Landon's Blessing. It was perfect weather and most of our family was all there. We held it at our ward on October 16th, not fast Sunday and we had great speakers (The Hoskin's family) who were just sealed in the temple. It was a great meeting! After sacrament we had lunch of soups & salads at our home. Kids played and adults visited. There was a low-key, relaxed feeling all day and it was again, perfect!

All of Jeremy's siblings were there for the blessing and it was nice to see them all together for a picture!

Landon Update

2011-11-02T16:26:00.000-06:00

I know it has been some tme since I posted last. I guess that is just how it goes now. But I wanted to post some updated pictures of Landon since he has been home. He started out as a fussy baby but is now smiling and liking life a little better. We are liking life better now too.

Brielle can't get enough of her little brother too. I am constantly reminding her to be soft and to not smother him. She gets so excited just to touch him, but she does well at holding it in.

Our happy sleeping boy!

This was the first day of winter...not really -it just felt like it. We hadn't turned our heater on yet so I bundled him up. He wasn't so sure about the hat.

This is Jeremy Junior. Everyone can't believe how much he looks just like his daddy!

Kind of a funny face, but he was cooing when I took this picture. I love this stage when they start to "talk" and make their first little noises.

I bought this hat for Brielle before she was born, but her head didn't get big enough to fit into it until summer. He looks so cute in it, but he didn't like the neck strap too much.

Another cute sort of a smile!

I took Landon to his 2 month appointment today. He is now 13 lbs and 8 oz. and 24 1/2 inches long. the doctor commented on his nice skin, just like his sister. I guess most babies in UT don't get the nice skin since it is so dry here. He said he is growing very well and is very healthy. Yahoo!!

Landon's First Photos

2011-09-27T14:56:00.000-06:00

Welcome Home

Landon Max Stilson

Welcome Baby!

2011-09-08T18:05:00.000-06:00

Well it has been over a week now since our little man was born and I am sorry for the delay, but life for a new mom of two I have learned is a little busy. Last Wednesday morning (5:30am to be exact) we arrived at Riverton Hospital to get prepped and ready for my c-section. We were very excited but with lots of anxiety due to our previous c-section delivery with Brielle. Lets just say it was a "worse case scenerio" never to hopefully be repeated again.

After some waiting we went into the OR around 7:45am and at 8am (on the dot)

Landon Max Stilson was born. A 15 minute delivery is definitely the pros to a c-section!

Our little man weighed 8lbs, 11 oz & is 19 1/2 inches long. And now you know why I waddled the way I did and my pelvis hurt like no other! He was quite the big boy!

Look at my cute family!

My parents brought Brielle a little later and she could hardly contain her excitement! She can't get enough of her little baby brother.

Proud Grandma & Papa Greenhalgh

Can you tell she is in love?

Aunt Kim came to visit us too!

Grandma Stilson with our cute babes.

Going home day!! Landon and I were both tired of being in the hospital so we headed home a day early. His cute monkey hat was just a bit snug, so it came off shortly after pictures.

Today we gave Landon his first bath. He felt so comfy that he pooped here...

And here!

We were quickly initiated and learned our lesson. I have been learning quite a lot and fast about little boys. They are so tricky! He has also learned how to keep me, and me alone up all night. He has started making a grunting noise shorlty after being fed and getting comfy in his cradle and doesn't stop until morning. He does not cry to let me know when he is hungry at night. So I have to guess by his grunting and sometimes it has only been 15 minutes from his last feeding! & since I am exhausted I don't notice if I have been asleep for 15 min or a couple hours. So it is lots of getting up and down all night long!! I finally decided it is time to move him to his own room so I can get some sleep. If he is truely hungry he will cry out and let me know. The first two nights he was home I only had to get up twice to nurse, so I know he can make it longer.

A Sunday @ Snowbird

2011-09-08T17:31:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago we went for a Sunday drive up to Snowbird. It was the perfect day for a drive. We have always wanted to take the tram ride up to the top and it was beautiful!

Can you see the city in all its haze?

Brielle & I looking at the view from the tram deck.

Look at these rock chucks! They were massive and everywhere up there.

Random Summer Pic Update

2011-08-24T15:47:00.001-06:00

Yummy Summer Cherries!!

Brielle and I all ready for church. Brielle kept making a funny face above-I just couldn't get her to smile!

She was all smiles here.

Willie the clown at the Spanish Fork Days Parade-July 24th

The family

Brielle got this mask from the parade and had to wear it all day! It went great with her cape!

Fun pictures of Brielle
Just give her a hat and you never know what will happen

My Merry Maids

My neices; Maia, Julia and Hannah came to my rescue and helped clean my house before my baby shower open house. They looked so cute in their matching aprons & they did such a great job!

Amazing how time flies when you look at the last time you posted. Last time I was 10 weeks away and now I am 1 week at the longest! For a little update on the rest that's been going on; Jeremy started the archery hunt this past weekend. He saw a lot of elk and deer and took a few shots, but missed unfortunately. I was really hoping he would get one opening day and then come home so I can have this baby. Not that he would have stopped hunting on the first day when he has two tags and when the thrill is in the hunt itself, but I could hope. His mother came to stay with me and Brielle just in case anything happened in his absence & she was a huge help!!-Thank you Sharron!!! But I have learned I am not one of those lucky ones that go into labor on their own. My doctor has been telling me that I probably wouldn't make it to my c-section day (August 31st), but I think he jinxed me instead giving me false hope. I guess there is still a chance that my water will break in the next 7 days. Slim chance with my luck. I even mowed my lawn and cleaned my house hoping to get things going and it felt like it was working until I was so exhausted that I had to lie down for a nap and all contractions stopped. See, not lucky! I went to my last doctor appointment today and I asked my Dr how big he thinks this baby will be and he guessed a good 8 pounder. I teased saying "and 22 inches long, right!?" Because he feels that way. Guess we will see. I would love for you all to leave a comment with your guesstimate-just curious to see who will be right.

All of Brielle's room is complete minus some minor details and it feels and looks great! It is so nice to have one room accomplished. Next: the nursery. We pulled up carpet to tighten the squeeky floor and the guy comes tomorrow to retighten it. I am going to try to do a little painting, but haven't been in too much of a hurry since our little man will be in our room for the first little while. I need to post the pictures of Brielle's finished room and will hopefully do that soon. We have had lots of compliments!! It turned out so fun!

My open house shower that my sister and friend Shannon threw me was a lot of fun! We received so many nice things! It is fun getting boy things! I thought there was no way to compare to Brielle's shower, but it was a success after all. Boy things are cute too! I can't wait to see them on him!

So everyone is asking what his name is...good question. We have three names that we have come to like, but have yet to agree fully on one. I think we will wait to see him and decide then, but the names in the running are; Landon, Cannon & Quinton. I would also love to hear your pick of the three so be sure and leave a comment of that too! Oh & his middle name is Max after Jeremy's grandpa Max. Just one more week (@ the longest) until we will see him!! Can't wait! Brielle is very excited too! She asks frequently when our baby is going to come out. She will be a great big sister!! But I do think she is excited for him to arrive so that I will be able to run and play with her more easily. I am looking forward to that too! Carrying an extra 40 lbs with cabbage patch looking legs-yes dimples and all, sure is exhausting and very motivating for going to the gym! Can't wat for that too!!

Well we will post again when he arrives!! The countdown is on!

A Sizzlin' Summer

2011-07-15T16:49:00.063-06:00

Our cute little Brielle! She is growing so fast and has such a fun personality. She loves asking everyone their names no matter where we are. We will soon need to teach her "stranger danger." We are having such a fun summer with her and she already has a better tan than me-not a huge accomplishment, but she has her daddy's nice olive skin. Lucky girl!

The 4th of July & my Grandma Greenhalgh's birthday!

We celebrated with a dinner at my grandparents home in Nephi a few days before the actual holiday.

I was in charge of the desserts and especially her cake. I duplicated the cake I made for the YW Luau auction. My Grandma loved the cake. I asked her if she ever gets tired of having her birthdays always in red, white and blue with stars and stripes. She proudly said no.

4th of July weekend fishing with the family. Brielle loved using her new Barbie fishing pole & it actually was quite successful. Jeremy even kept using it after Brielle was all fished out. The other guys loved teasing Jer about his pink pole.

Brielle was a little afraid at first, but soon got over the fear and wanted to touch each catch!

Sharron, Brielle and I stayed cool under the large umbrella. It has been one hot summer with being pregnant and all.

We had our own tailgate picnic after fishing. Brielle had to be on the back with Papa.

Freedom Festival 2011

Jeremy took Brielle on a horse ride. She loves to ride horses but they are usually a lot smaller or ponies.

Hot days spent at Seven Peaks

This year our family got great deals on season passports to Seven Peaks of Salt Lake.

We usually go as a family once a week after Jeremy is off work, but Brielle and I couldn't wait to go during the day after our weekend in Manti. We had such a fun day-just us girls!

Prego face never looks good on camera.

The many faces of Brielle

Brielle looks so grown up in this picture!

You always know when she is silent that she is getting into things.

This day it was just her sippy of chocolate milk. But look at that smile. She was so happy and had lots of fun! Thankfully she was still in her chair & it cleaned up easily.

The boys first stitches.

This is the results of heads colliding during a rough game of basketbell.

6 stitches, a little bruising, and hopefully only a little scar.

And the other guy got nothing. He must have a hard head!

Jeremy sure got razzed the next day at work. Everyone had a story of how it probably happened.

Brielle and Baby Updates

2011-06-22T15:49:00.000-06:00

Thought I would give you a little update on Brielle. I know I am a prideful mother for saying so, but she is just so stinking Cute! I love being home with her every day and learning with her all the new things about life!Her favorite show right now is Annie. She has lines and songs quoted and even the actions that Annie does in the show. She quizes Jeremy and I on different parts of the movie too. She is such a bright little girl with a very sharp memory! Which also means I have to keep my promises and watch what I say. She has loved playing outside until the last day or so when she has discovered spider webs in doorways and flies everywhere which she thinks is bees. Sometimes it is bees. I am not sure how to rid her of this new phobia so we can enjoy the outdoors now that it is Summer weather.

And on that note, can I just say "baby it is hot out here!!!!" This little boy is sure cookin because I can't stay cool enough! It will be a long hot summer and last 2 months of pregnancy now that Summer weather has arrived. I am not really complaining too much. I love summer! & the news that we are getting an A/C within the next week or two~ yahoo!!I think this pregnancy has gone by very quickly, even though I have still 10 weeks to go. The only thing that will make it last even longer is I am now one of the lucky prego women that get gallstones!!! The pain in my uppder abdomen and back are nothing short of miserable! This makes it hard to work doing hair and doing really anything everyday like, but I am hanging in there and hoping 10 weeks comes quickly! The only thing I get to do for the gallstones is cut out the fat in my diet! Easier said than done when it is summer. What isn't summer without BBQs, ice cream, popsicles, & all the favorite foods! Don't get me wrong I love healthy food!! I really do and you don't have to convince me to eat it, but the best homemade remedy for gallstones is a half cup of raw beets two times a day! Beets are the only thing I hate! Again I am hoping 10 weeks flies by!

Fantastic Way to Celebrate a Birthday!

2011-06-22T15:29:00.001-06:00

Jeremy spent his birthday fishing at Starvation Lake with his brother Shane, and apparently it was a Great day because they both can't stop talking about it!

This fish is a Walleye (not sure if I spelled that right-Jer will have to edit this post).

It tastes similar to Halibut. I wouldn't know personally because he didn't bring any home due to rushing to get home-I'll get to that later.

Shane with one of the many types of trout also in the lake.

I know this picture looks nothing like fishing and that is because it is the only decent picture I took of his Surprise Birthday Party that I had planned for later that night, which is also what he was rushing home to get to and not bringing home the walleye.

He has been going fishing just about every other weekend and is usually home by 4 or 5pm. I figure that if I planned the party for 6:30 that he would be home in time. I was wrong! Somehow each time he told me Starvation Lake, I thought of Strawberry. Starvation is 2 hrs from home, Strawberry is 1 hr. Not to mention the time for loading and unloading the boat which they hadn't ever used on previous fishing trips. So when I called him at 5:45 and asked how long til he would come home and he said a few hours out still!!!! I was a little concerned for the party guests. I finally clued Jeremy in to him missing his own Birthday party unless he hustled and thankfully he did just that without getting in a wreck or messing up the boat. The guests were very understanding and we hung out and ate until Jeremy arrived at 7:30! I invited his work buddies and a few neighbor friends and we BBQ'd brauts & hot dogs. I also made his favorite cake Tres Leches!! Yum! Although, I don't recommend cleaning, weeding, mowing lawns, decorating, baking, & shopping for two days straight while you are 7 months prego with a 3 yr old! Thankfully he is worth it! Thanks to all the friends & family that came & helped make the party a great success!

Updated Photos and Events

2011-06-07T16:39:00.001-06:00

Coloring eggs with Grandma Greenhalgh

Our pretty eggs!

It is tradition in our family to roll our Easter eggs down a hill until there is nothing left. This is usually done in the mountains with carved trails and hills, but we had to make do here in the city. Brielle loved the ongoing tradition though she threw them instead of rolling them.

Brielle in the Flower Girl dress from Syndey and Weston's wedding that we also used for her Easter dress this year.
So cute!!!

Getting ready for church

Never a dull moment with Brielle and her many silly faces!

This is the cake I made for the YW Annual Cake Auction & Luau.
I got the highest bid at $95!! I was very excited!!

Our cute little bunny in a basket

The beginning of the remodel

My handy husband @work!!

This is the look he gives when he doesn't want to pause for a picture.

Yeah for Summer!!!

2011-06-07T16:20:00.000-06:00

It has been one of the longest Spring's we have ever had. I know I should not be complaining, but I am tired of rain. Yes, my lawn is green and I have yet to turn on our sprinklers and should be counting my blessings, but I am too excited about the warm weather! Of course in another month or so I will be complaining about how hot it is being 8 mos pregnant and no A/C. (I am looking into getting that changed-the A/C of course, I still have til end of August maybe into September before the pregnant thing is over). I know it has been forever since I posted. It is the busy life we lead unfortunately & thankfully! I am 27 weeks pregnant and due Sept 7th (two days after Labor Day, how ironic). But since I am one of those lucky ladies that have cesarean deliveries (I say this sarcastically of course, even though there are some pros to it) I may deliver the end of August. I am staying very busy with my hair clients which has started to wear on my feet, hips & ligaments holding up this child, but I am taking it slow and day to day. Our little man is now around 13 inches long and kicks all day long! Though he is shy to kick or push when anyone else tries to feel it. He does seem to kick more when he hears Brielle and I singing and playing during the day. He loves his big Sis already!
Jeremy is busy playing and doing a little work also. A few weeks ago he went on a mancation with friends to Moab to do some mountain biking and had a great time! They all came home sunburned, tired, & bike/road rashed a day early even! Apparently they all had a really good time though! A week later he was fishing with his brother at Strawberry Res. & has plans to go up there again with the boat and brother this weekend for his Birthday. Sometime this weekend maybe Brielle and I will be able to celebrate him getting older and wiser too!
Brielle is growing up so fast!! She talks your ear off any chance she can get. Some of her favorite sayings are, "I want to show you something." "I do it myself, stay right there." "So...." which is said at the end of every sentence. "I just need to do this." "In a minute." "That's ok Mom," which is said right after she does something naughty and knows it. "You want to come to my house?" "Hi, what's your name?" which is said to every person she sees walking by or at the stores. I have yet to teach her Stranger Danger. I don't think she will quite grasp the concept. The other day I interviewed her of her favorites of the following:
Movie: Tagled & Annie
Food: carrots
Animal: "Bullafo & bunnies" (buffalos)
TV Show: Super Why & Sesame Street
Play in the sun or snow: Snow!!
Play in the puddles of rain or swim: Swimming!!! though she loves them both!
Best Friend: Camryn
Song: Make Me Feel -Rhianna or "Temple Song" -wow what complete opposites!!!HaHaHa!!!
Jeremy and I are in the process of redoing the spare bedroom which was also my old bedroom to be Brielle's new room. She is very excited to have a big bed! I am excited to move her over so we can get the nursery ready.

Conference get-away to sunny St. George

2011-04-10T18:08:00.000-06:00

We were in need of a vacation! And we wanted to go somewhere warm. Brielle really wanted to see Mama & Papa in St. George, so we headed down for the weekend. It was so nice and really paid off!

Brielle was so happy to be in St. George! This pic is a little blurry but it shows her excitement & her new sunglasses.

We hiked on the red rocks above the Dixie sign.

Grandma Greenhalgh is always up for an adventure.

We went swimming at the Washington County Rec Center. Wish we had a pool like it by our house. Not sure what created these looks of surprise but it might have been the bad witch that Brielle says is everywhere. We've watched a little too much Snow White lately.

We flew kites! There was just enough wind outside my parents home to fly Brielle's little Ariel kite. On the last day there we went to the Mountain Meadow Massacre site and flew kites again. There was major wind there!! & the temperatures were in the 40's-very cold to be flying kites, but the site is in the mountains afterall.

Just a family shot of us on the red rocks again. It warmed up fast to around 87. Loved it!

We got home in time for another late winter snow storm and had 5 inches on our lawn. Poopy! We went from wearing shorts to coats again. Very depressing! Nice to know we always have a place to stay in sunny St. George anytime we need a warm up. Thanks Mom & Dad! We had a great time!

Evening out the Odds-It's a Boy!!!

2011-04-10T17:44:00.002-06:00

Looks like Brielle is getting a little brother!! I am a few weeks late announcing, so unless you are in our ward and heard my husband (being a proud dad) announcing it over the pulpit during his talk 2 weeks ago, you are just now hearing the news. We are so excited to have a little boy, although it makes me a little nervous. I can handle girls now, but boys are a mystery. We had my friend Kelsey do an early ultrasound at 16 weeks to see what the gender was. It has always been fun having her do them, since she did it when I had Brielle too. & personally I think her pics are much more clear than those I get from my doctor (see below).

Clearly not a girl! & I am thinking he is going to be tall. I am already feeling him kick me on my sides close to my ribs-little early for that!

These next two were taken at my doctor's office at 18 weeks. Not as clear, but the little guy is a mover. He likes to flip flop back and forth to different positions. They were also able to get profile which wasn't accomplished at Kelsey's. I love seeing his little nose and mouth!

Today Jeremy said, "He is going to be lucky if he looks like me as a kid, because I was one cute little boy." So typical of Jeremy!
Brielle is warming up to the idea of a brother. In the last few days leading up to the ultrasound she was pretty set on a sister. Even the day we found out she said, "Mom, he is a sister." but she has also been telling me there are two babies. I think she will be very happy when he arrives and to have a brother. She won't have to share her toys!! -She'll thank me some day! Her two best friends (besides Camryn of course) are boys, so I think she'll be fine. She will be a cute little 2nd mother.

First Zoo Trip of the Year!

2011-03-18T14:45:00.000-06:00

Bailey, Brielle & Emery
Cousin's day out-we try to do this weekly.

I have one word for this day(today)...BBbbrrrrrr!!!!

I know, I know, it is still winter and what can you expect when you live in Utah and try to get out of the house because you are tired of kids (& adults) with cabin fever. It was the warmest day of the week-53 degrees, but the wind chill and being closer to the mountain made it almost unbearable. Thankfully once you were actually down in the zoo, the wind went away and it became doable. Especially since most animals were inside and the sun kept peeking through the blanket of clouds. Overall it turned out to be a good day! As long as you are bundled up, the winter really is the best time to go to the zoo. The animals are awake and wandering around their habitats and no crowds and no humid stinky cages to smell. The leopard was right in our faces pacing back and forth which was so cool to see! The baby elephant and mother were up close and personal eating. The gorillas came right to the windows- even mooned us a couple times (funny how you can get a kick out the funny simple things they do). Giraffes could have eaten right out of our hands, if we were those kind of people who feed the animals against all zoo regulations! Still so cool to see them so close! The 3 tiger cubs, which are now larger than their mother were the only ones asleep, but they were spread out right at the front of their cages so we still got to see them up close. Such beautiful animals! I would love to be their keeper for a day-most dangerous I am sure, but most exciting! Anyhow, another fun cousin day at the zoo.

Brielle's Family Birthday Party

2011-03-18T14:30:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Pixie Hollow (Brielle's house)

From the time Brielle woke up Saturday morning, she had to put her wings on!
She definitely fit the part of Fairy in Training. She couldn't stop flying (running) around the house as guests arrived. This was one happy girl!!

Trying out all the presents was a must. Marble roller game to the left & Tinkerbell bubbles to the right. Love how they both had their eyes closed in this picture!

Tinkerbell cake & Everblossom cupcakes. My mom & I had a good time making this cake for her!

Birthday girl with her cake!

The food starts here.

"Dewdrop spring water"

Neverberry punch with mix-ins

Fairy fruit wand kebabs
We also had Fairy Dust sandwiches, Tinker chips, Rose Petal salad & Spinach Strawberry Salad

The kids got to take home Fairy Dust bags full of goodies, but I forgot to take a picture before they flew away. It was a very fun party! We were so happy to have so many of our family there! Thank you family for spending this special day with us!! Brielle was so happy to see you all! We love you all!

Brielle's 3 yr old pictures

2011-03-11T09:01:00.000-07:00

Party Time!

2011-03-11T08:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Brielle's 3rd Birthday!

We invited her favorite friends which consisted of two Turcsanski families who both happen to live in our ward. So it's kind of a family/ friends party. This is the week of parties for our family. My sister and Brielle share the same birthday. Camryn & my niece Hannah's party is today. Brielle will have another party tomorrow for family. So we party all week!

This is Camryn-Brielle's best friend.
It happens to be her Birthday today!

Brielle insisted on having a Tinkerbell party. Look at the fun toadstool cake my mom and I made.
The homemade fondant was a pain, but it prepared me for her next cake I am making today for her family party tomorrow. We are buying the fondant for that cake!!

Leaky Leak

2011-03-11T08:39:00.000-07:00

What a Mess!

See this huge whole Jeremy had to dig in our newly done flower beds (as of late summer last year)???

We found this leak after we found the wet floor in our basement living room. See all the mold behind the tile?

This is where we discovered the first leak. The carpet was so soggy!

We assume the leak is coming from this area. Unfotunately it is still to be determined. This is no fun! But I guess it is what you get when you purchase an old home. We just painted this room. Thankfully we didn't get new carpet at the time! We had to tear out the wood panel in front of the pipes-which is also why it isn't painted. I sure hope to get new carpet and a new bathroom all paid for by our home insurance, not sure if I will be so lucky though!

Month and a half behind! -Playing catch up!

2011-03-07T15:59:00.002-07:00

New Haircut for Brielle

No she is not looking at the camera-she is trying to see "Dispicable Me" and I am in her way. And this is now an old haircut, since this pic was taken almost 2 months ago now! You'll see as you go down this post how much it has grown already!

The new "Do"
I was sad to see her longer hair go, but ever since she has had much thicker, fuller hair. It was a much needed haircut.

Valentine's Day

We took our little love of our life to Hollywood Connections to ride rides. Jeremy and I went out the weekend before, which was so nice! Brielle loves riding the carousel! But we hit every ride at least twice!

Sunday-after-church-face

Grumpy & ready for a nap!! Hate to say it but now she really looks like her dad! Ha, Ha, Ha anyone who really knows Jeremy knows he sticks out his lips when concentrating or watching TV. Maybe she was just mimicking her dad!!!

Aqua Tots Swimming Lessons!!

We decided to get a head start on lessons this year. Although I really wish now that I had started her last yr! But she likes it and is getting better each week.

Jeremy did the first class with her and I did the 2nd time. The first week she was doing really good at jumping off the sides into Jeremy's arms, but on one jump she hesitated and went to put her hands down, but dove into the water instead. Going head first scared her a bit and now she is even more hesitant about jumping at all! Something to work on!

Our little girl is going to be 3!!!!!

Jolyn (my cousin) and I went to take some pictures on Brielle today. These were taken just before we left. We haven't got the finished product yet but when I do I will post them.

I can't believe it has been 3 years already! It has flown by!! And it just keeps getting better and better! I love being the mommy of this cute little 3 yr old!! She has asked for a Tinkerbell party, so I have been busy getting it all ready. I have a fairy food menu, lanterns and pom poms for decorations & pixie dust bags for favors, plus much more! Have I told you I LOVE planning parties!!?? and I do mean LOVE!!! I would probably think about doing it as an occupation if the demand wasn't for nights and weekends. Wait that sounds like my hair job, guess that's another reason I can't do it for real! I think it is so fun to go a little above and beyond to make it a really special occasion. Guess you'll have to wait for pictures to know what I mean.

Sweet Little Baby!

2011-02-25T15:16:00.000-07:00

So I guess we are making it official by posting this on our blog, but we are excited to announce that Brielle will be a big sister sometime around September 7th. We have had reservations about announcing this one due to my last pregancy that ended abruptly after 14 weeks. And if you have done the math you are realizing that I am just shy of that mark on this pregancy, but everything is going really well so far. Both families have been informed and since very few others read my blog, oh well. From the beginning of the last pregnancy I had a really uneasy feeling. This pregnancy I have had nothing but joy. Not saying that it couldn't happen again, but my mother's intuition is telling me it will all be ok this time. Brielle was the first to hear the news (unfortunately she was hanging out in the bathroom -as kids do, when I took the test). We have learned a lesson though that maybe next time she may be the last to know. We have had anxiety going a few places wondering if she would announce the news before we got the chance. She held the secret pretty well & we let her tell the news to the family. In her words, "Mommy has a baby in her belly!" It will still be another month before we know the sex of the baby, but she is telling me this week, that it's a sister.

Can you tell which side is which?

Most experienced parents may be able to tell. But the dark space at he top right is the brain. I think from there you can figure out the rest of the anatomy. Pretty good ultrasound for 8 weeks. That was 5 weeks ago!

5 Years and Counting!!

2011-01-27T15:28:00.000-07:00

Today is Mine and Jeremy's 5th year Wedding Anniversary!! I thought I would show you just a few pictures of the years we have been together, which now total 8! We were wed 3 years from the day of our first date and we didn't even plan it that way! And yes I count us being together from our 1st date. After the 1st I knew he was mine! or at least I knew I wanted him to be mine! I am so happy that I married this man!! He is my best friend and I feel so lucky to have him as my husband! These aren't my favorite pictures as those are tucked away in scrapbooks, but these are close 2nds. Enjoy!

The day after our 1st Valentine's & my 1st day snowboarding! He is a great teacher! 2003

Here we are at the Arizona Memorial in Hawaii when Jeremy came to visit me at BYU. 2003

New Year's 2004

Lake Powell. One of our favorite vacations!! 2005

Sunday drives up to Midway. If it weren't for work we would live there! 2005

NY spur of the moment Trip. Also the weekend Jeremy proposed. Huge surprise! Oct 2005

My favorite engagement pic. Nov. 2005

His favorite engagement pic. We used them both in the invitations.

The big day!!! 1/27/06

Blizzard came that day! I noticed how today is nice and sunny. Much different from our wedding day!

1/28/06: Our reception in Salt Lake. Again snowing! I guess that is what I get for planning a wedding in January! i had already waited 3 years!! I couldn't wait any longer!

Great Salt Lake dinner tour for Jeremy's Birthday 2007. Pregnant with Brielle and didn't know it yet.

The new love of our lives!

Brielle Adelaide Stilson
born: 3/10/08

2008

Vegas and California trip this past Summer! Bilagio fountain. 2010

We have yet to take any pictures this year. You'll just have to wait til next anniversary to see the pics for this year. 5 going on 55!!!! Can't wait!!!

BRIELLE

2011-01-27T14:27:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would update you all on Brielle. It has been some time since I have just posted about her. Brielle is so much fun right now. She really is my best little pal. Lately she has been saying some really funny things. A few weeks back after I got home from the gym I was rocking her just before bed. I pulled my hair out of the elastics so it was sticking out funny with the help of all the sweat (pretty picture I am creating huh!) Brielle then said, "Mommy are these your horns?" (Referring to my hair) "Horns!" I said "No, where did you learn about horns? Who else has horns?" Brielle says " Just you mom." I began wondering where she learned this and after a few times asking her what else has horns or where she learned it, she said, "Just you and monsters." I still am not sure whether this is a compliment or an insult yet, but I do know she watches Sesame Street who all have nice monsters on them (Except Oscar-of course) so I guess she wasn't trying to imply anything. Too funny!!
Last week Brielle and I were headed to lunch to meet Jeremy. She was throwing a fit because I wouldn't give her gum. Brielle LOVES gum! She wants it at all hours of the day. I hate her having it although it does come in handy when I need to shop. To take her mind off the gum, I pointed out to her a school & school bus. She likes to see buses. Then she says "Mommy I want to go to school tomorrow." I then said "You will go in a few years. I am not ready for you to go to school yet. If you went to school tomorrow I would cry!" Brielle's reply, "Mom I will be right back, you don't cry!" So cute!!!!!
Here is a list of Brielle's favorites that she wants to do or have everyday;
gum, swimming, go see Shannon or Benson, "Papa come tomorrow!", Movies, go to the park-even when it is snowing out, go to Minnie's house or Disneyland. Take a bath, jump on Mommy's bed, watch Tinkerbell or lately ELF!! Wear her Jazz jersey -she has traded in her princess dressed and tutu's lately. Go see Jonathan, play with Daddy, waffles!
She is our little spitfire girl with lots of attitude and excitement for everything. We lovve our little Brielle Adelaide!

Christmas at our House

2010-12-30T16:03:00.000-07:00

This year we had Christmas at our house. We spent Christmas with the Stilson's this year and Jeremy's parents came for Christmas Eve & Morning.

Brielle was very excited for her gifts. Once she got the hang of this spinning disc her grandparents got her, she couldn't get enough. Even with food in her mouth!

This is defintely not my greatest picture for early mornings, but it was the best shot we got. Brielle didn't want to pause from playing with her toys long enough for a picture.

Brielle asked for a Shopping Cart w/ eggs & a purse and a baby with a bottle for Christmas. She must have been good, because Santa got just what she asked for. She was a happy girl! Her snowflake jammies she opened on Christmas Eve as her first gift to open.

Close to Home Lights

2010-12-30T15:05:00.001-07:00

These are not the best pictures and really don't do these lights justice, so you'll just have to use your imagination. But these are the new holiday decor and lights at our local mall-Valley Fair Mall. It is the most run down mall in the state and not a mall we are prowd to call our own, but they ae remodeling it and someday it will hopefully be the mall we would like to shop at. Since Brielle and I weren't able to see the lights downtown we went over to check these out and were pleasantly surprised! All the trees light up & change as different music is played outside.

Brielle stood on the fountain to watch the show.

We were very happy with the lights they have put together this year. It was a fun night out!

Our First Snowchild

2010-12-30T14:57:00.000-07:00

Even though we didn't have as much snow as we'd like. We had plenty enough to make two little snow children. One for us and one for our neighbor Judy. I had to use the snow shoveled off of the driveway to make the snowchild too. Brielle loved our snowman. She made sure everyone who came to our house saw him/her. Not that you would miss it anyways.

Unfortunately the temperature out side was pleasantly warm so the raisins we used for the mouth slid right off. The nose did too the next day.

Random cute pics of Brielle

2010-12-06T17:15:00.000-07:00

Waiting for dinner. PS I really do do her hair, but she takes it out at nap.

Getting ready for church.

Our Strong Little Girl!

2010-12-06T17:10:00.000-07:00

Saturday was a nightmare, one that keeps replaying over and over again in my mind. It started out as a normal Saturday with cleaning and straightening the house. Jeremy decided to leave and go Christmas shopping (he finally figured out that Christmas Eve is not the best time to start Christmas shopping). I thought it was a good idea to run some errands too while he was gone, but Brielle didn't think it was a good idea. She wanted to stay home in jammies and play with her toys all morning. But being the mean mom that I am, I got her dressed & we were out the door-even against the mother's intuition telling me to stay home. I had my route all planned out. 4 stores in the agenda. I even thought I could possibly finish all my Christmas shopping that day. The day had other plans for us. First stop; the new Nike Outlet. I got Brie out of the car and into her stroller and we rushed into the store. It was a breezy cold day! I started my shopping and soon found my items and stood in the line to checkout-surprisingly short. Just as I was being rung up Brie stood up in her stroller & asked for a treat. I was surprised to see her not buckled, but figured we were just about to leave so no need. I told her she could have a treat if she would sit down and I turned to sign for my purchase. Bam!! I turned around to see Brielle face down on the cement floor with her stoller tipped over and her screaming. I picked her up off the floor to find blood all over her face and hands. Tears welled up in my eyes and scared emotions filled me. All the people around me rushed to get towels, bandaids, tissue-anything to help. I kept thinking she had busted out her teeth or bitten her tongue off, but I was wrong & I could not find the source of the blood. A gentleman behind me said he thought it was her chin. Sure enough the bottom of her chin was cut & gaping open. I cleaned her off the best I could & put on a band-aid, while the cashier gathered my things and we rushed to my car. On the way to the car Brielle stopped crying long enough to tell me she needed a drink. Good sign I thought, & who cold blame her with all that blood in her mouth. I called Jeremy to meet us at InstaCare and we drove quickly there. As soon as we stepped into the doctor's office I lost all control of my emotions. The nurse mentioned it is usually harder on the mom's than the child. And it was true for the most part. Brielle is terrified of the doctor's office, but this day she was calm and did just as they said. She wasn't crying, but I was, or at least for a bit. Jeremy came shortly after and they prepped her for stitches. Brielle received 7 stitches to her chin. She was very bave through the surgery. Just before I asked the nurses to look in her mouth as it had started to bleed again. They said they would during the surgery, but forgot and I forgot to remind them. Later that night when Jeremy was helping her brush her teeth he noticed that both sidesof her tongue were cut all the way through. Two flaps of tongue on each side. With the ibuprofen we had given her she didn't seem in much pain & decided if it still hurt in the morning we would take her back in. Thankfully the tongue is the fastest healing muscle and she was back to eating her favorite...tomato soup and grilled cheese, the next day. Here are the battle wounds-

small smile, but we'll take it! Dad unfortunately took this pic while eating. You get food face too!

Hard to see here, but there are two red lines on each side of her tongue.

Our strong little girl the next day. Still smiling!

I definitely learned my lesson. I will ALWAYS buckle Brielle in her stroller/shopping cart even before going into the store whether it is cold and snowing or windy and rainy. I cringed today when I saw a little boy about to fall out of a shopping cart at Target today. I almost went up to the mother and said, "Look at my daughter. This is what happens to kids that fall out and that is if you are lucky." I didn't but kept a close eye on him instead. I hope she doesn't learn it the hard way like I did. I hate that Brielle is paying for my mistake.

Today when we went to the mall and I asked if she wanted to go in her stroller she said, "I won't fall down mom. Mom, did it break your heart?" I said yes & she replied "It broke my heart too."

Christmas Tree Traditions

2010-12-06T16:33:00.000-07:00

Brielle and I were all smiles to be in the snow covered mountains finding our Christmas Tree. It was a tradition for both Jeremy and my family's growing up to get a permit to cut your own tree down the weekend of Thanksgiving. This is a tradition we are carrying on to our own family now too!

Isn't this tree the most perfect, personally cut tree you have ever seen!!?? Jeremy picked it out and I am so proud of him! Good thing it was his idea too since he had to climb down a hill to cut it and then drag it up and out! It is more work that you'd think.

The Stilson's

Me, Brielle, Jeremy, Kara, Brandon, Sharron & Ed

So much to be Thankful for!

2010-12-06T16:26:00.000-07:00

We spent Thanksgiving in Spanish fork with Jeremy's sister Kim, her family and Jeremy's parents. It was a quiet Thanksgiving with only 12 in attendance, but I think it was practically perfect in every way! Less stress and very relaxing. I am sure Kim (the cook) was thinking otherwise. Thanks Kim for a wonderful day!!

(this isn't the best picture, with the shadows and all, but I love it still!)

Finders Keepers

2010-12-06T16:21:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately this hunting season wasn't a successful one for Jeremy, but while hunting with cousin Todd, Todd came across a pair of moose sheds. These pictures don't quite do them justice. They weigh a ton and are pretty impressive in person. Jeremy would love to have them mounted on our wall, but finders keepers.

Winter Wonderland

2010-12-06T16:16:00.000-07:00

I love it when everything is covered in white! It is so beautiful!

Brielle loves to play in the snow too!!

Trigger & Brighton can't get enough of it!

It's the most wonderful time of the year...Fall!!!

2010-11-09T22:23:00.001-07:00

There is nothing more fun in the fall than to pile up the leaves and jump in! It was one of few Saturdays that I didn't have hair to do, so we all headed out to do some yard clean-up before the cold. Brielle and I had fun while Jeremy cleaned up after us.

Brielle loves to jump! Add some leaves and it was even more fun!

We threw leaves and rolled in them. Burried each other! Great fun!

It was the most perfect fall day!! Too bad it didn't last . I guess that is what they say, All good things must come to an end. Monday we woke up to snow covered leaves. Saturday was the third time we have raked and cleaned up the leaves but I guess the trees aren't done shedding yet. At least we got to have some fun with them before they got soaked! Jumping in leaves...check! Next on the list, decorate for Christmas!! Can't wait! but Jeremy said not yet, so I guess we will have to wait. At least until we cut down our tree at Thanksgiving time.

Play time with Daddy

2010-11-09T22:03:00.000-07:00

Play time with Daddy usually always involves the piano. Brielle loves to get on and play around. It is on at least once every day. She dances to the music it plays or just pushes the keys til it drives her mommy crazy.

Brielle is growing up so fast. Someday she will hopefully really be able to play that piano. She looks so much older in these pictures than the little girl I play with all day. And yeah, her hair is finally growing!!! A hairstylist mother's dream is to have a little girl to do her hair! So excited!!!

Too bad Brielle has such sensitive skin. Now that the weather is cold, her face gets so dried out and she breaks out in rashes all around her mouth. I really do wash her face, this is not food you are seeing around her lips. Poor girl! Good thing she loves lotion!

Happy Halloween!

2010-11-09T21:55:00.000-07:00

After our rainy Trunk or Treat at the church we headed to the mall to snag some more candy...bad idea!! Long lines and crazy crowds for a measley 3 pieces of candy. Lesson learned- we will never do that again.

Because of the rain Brielle decided she didn't want to be Tinker Bell & instead wanted to be the horse costume her aunty Heather gave her to play in. I was very happy not to have a cold Tink to carry around all night! Brielle loved Halloween! She is already telling me each day what she wants to be for Halloween next year. Maybe she will get into the spirit of Halloween like her parents! Great fun!

A Spooktacular Party!!

2010-10-25T14:57:00.000-06:00

This year we have 3 parties we are invited to as well as Halloween with our ward Trunk or Treat. It is a busy couple of weeks, but we are excited to get all dressed up for some fun nights out!

Brielle getting her sparkles on for he Tinker Bell costume.
She isn't quite sure who is behind the camera...daddy or Gus Chickens!

Let me introduce you to Gus Chickens aka Jeremy
If you have seen the SNL skit with Will Ferrell you know the name.
But to everyone else he is the old prospector off Toy Story.

Oh Ricky!!!
I have always wanted to be Lucy & this year I was able to pull it off.
No luck with Jeremy being my Ricky though!

Nanny McPhee & the host of our party, Lanette Turcsanski
Thanks to all the Turcsanski family for hosting such a grand party!
We had a blast!

The little kiddies in their costumes!

Thanksgiving Point with the Girls (& Jonathan)

2010-10-25T14:47:00.000-06:00

Cousin & BFF, Michelle & her family came to town last week. We decided to spend our afternoon with her and her kids at Thanksgiving Point. We knew it would be fun for the kids to see the petting zoo they have.

Emery, Jonathan, Bailey & Brielle

Yes, this is the 3rd week Brielle has ridden a pony. She can't get enough of them!
Our cute little cowgirl!

Michelle had to walk around with Emery, which also made her very dizzy!

The wagon ride! They were so excited! Emery didn't want to get off when the ride was over. Poor thing!

Mommy & Brielle!

This turkey was definitely dressed to impress. It kept walking in circles trying to impress us girls!
Looks full & fluffy -ready for Thanksgiving I think!

The horses were the favorite of all the animals. They would eat the corn right out of our hands!
But watch your fingers-they eat those too!

Heather & Jonathan petting the big black horse!

Here piggy piggy!

After looking at all the animals the kids played in the jailhouse.

The girls danced while Jonathan looked out all the windows.

It was such a fun day! We would love to have Michelle live closer so our girls could play together more often. Brielle talks about Bailey and Emery each day! She misses them so much! She'll have to wait til Christmas when they come to visit again. Another reason why we can't wait for Christmas!

Brielle & Elmo

2010-10-25T14:33:00.000-06:00

Everyday Brielle and I read books. It is one of her favorite activities, if it doesn't mean nap or bedtime. Every other week we go to the library for the toddler class and exchange our books. When I read to Brielle she usually sits on my lap as we read. This day Brielle decided she was "mommy" and wanted to read to Baby Elmo. It was so cute I had to have her freeze while I grabbed the camera. I love how her lap isn't big enough to hold both Elmo and the book so she uses her legs too. She can't read, but she knows most of the stories good enough that she can retell it in her own words. Today it was Princess and the Frog.

Happy Harvest!

2010-10-21T15:32:00.000-06:00

We have been busy doing a lot of fun things this October. Let me catch you up on all the latest events. Last week Brielle and I went with Kim Turcsanski & kids to the Tooele Pumpkin Walk. There were games and other fun things to do for the kids as well as many decorated pumpkins and craft booths. We had a really fun time! Even though Brielle was a little emotional that day as you can see in the picture below.

the Not-so-happy Scarecrow (Brielle) & the pumpkin, Camryn.

This year the youth in our ward put together a fun Halloween party for the primary. Brielle is one of the only kids in nursery without an older sibling in Primary so we tagged along too. I was planning on Brielle being a black cat this year. Still thinking she is too young to really decide for herself what she wanted to be. Boy was I wrong! when I showed Brielle the picture of the cat costume I was going to try and recreate, she said "No, I don't want to be a kitty. I want to be Tinker Bell for Halloween!" Of course this is all the night before the party so thankfully I was able to use the black pants and shirt I had already bought for her new Tinker Bell/ fairy costume I ran out to get the day of the party. Brielle is growing up so fast. She looks even more grown up in these pictures. Guess my days of deciding her costume is over.

All ready for the party!

Brielle with her best friends; Camryn & Parker

~Partners in Crime~

This is Tialer (Tyler) with Brielle.

Tialer was also the one who drank Tylenol with Brielle on that horrible day. But they are still great friends!

Pumpkin Relay game at the party!

Jessica painting a spider on Brielle's cheek. The pink spider was also her choice!

After each group finished with the games and activities they met in a classroom for drinks and a movie.

Look at all the cute costumes!

Keep on Swimming, Swimming, Swimming

2010-10-07T14:45:00.000-06:00

Today Brielle and I went to the Living Planet Aquarium with my friend Andrea (who was in Hawaii same time as me) and her daughter Hannah. It was so fun to catch up and see each other again after 7 years! Brielle was very excited to see Dori, Nemo, Marlin, Bruce & Crush & to meet a new friend, Hannah. She even watched Finding Nemo on the way to the aquarium. My favorite part is always the jellyfish & now the penguins!

unfortunately there was no one around to take our picture, so this is a nice close up.

Brielle and Hannah had a fun time following each other around. They are just 8 months apart.

I had a hard time getting them both to look at the same time.

"I want to ride a horsey!"

2010-10-04T16:49:00.000-06:00

This is the phrase we have been hearing all weekend.

We went for a drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon, thru Guardsman's Pass & down to Park City Sunday morning, planning to see some horses, but with no luck.

So rain or shine I took Brielle today to Gardner Village to ride a ~~horsey~~, pony!

This was her pony Charlie. She kept saying "whoa Charlie!" She loved it so much that the second she got off she asked for it again, but we went for a walk thru the village instead. Next time we'll come & bring Daddy!

"Hi Witch"~Brielle

She loved her big diamonds on her hands!

Brielle was watching the witches dance round & round. The sunflowers behind her were so pretty!

~Our Little Pumpkin~

Brielle thought this was funny to see Shrek's wife dressed up as a witch!
Looks like the frogs followed her from the swamp!

Taking a rest on the hay stacks!

Hey!!!

Peek-A-BOO!!

I'll get you my Pretty, & your little dog too!

West Jordan Fire Dept. came to put out the fires the witches started.

A Day at the Zoo.

2010-10-04T16:26:00.000-06:00

~On the Train~

I have decided that this ride goes way to fast to enjoy the animals along the way.

But the bison did grunt and run along side which was one of the highlights of the day.

This is Brielle's "Cheese" face. We are still working on the genuine smile.

Aunty Heather & Best buddy Jonathan

This elephant was hungry & kept banging its trunk on the door.

Momma & Baby Zuri

Brielle couldn't wait to ride the carousel!

Her favorite animal is the panda right now, so of course that is what she picked to ride.

See you later Alligator!!!

Brielle & Johnny on the run. They loved having the freedon out of their strollers.

Grape flavor burst ice cream cones are the best treat at the zoo!

Giant gorilla watching the people.

Brielle with the Gorilla statue & her new zoo hat.

I didn't come prepared for such a hot day!

(she kept telling me he had boobs!)

Jonathan wasn't so sure about getting close to the gorilla.

Overall it was a really nice day at the zoo.

Bottling up our Harvest Goodies.

2010-09-26T14:49:00.001-06:00

One of Jeremy's favorite parts of going to Grandma & Pa Greenhalgh's house, is getting to have some of their yummy sweet pickles. So since this is the last year my grandparents will be having a garden, I thought I better learn how to make the yummy relish. I went to Nephi for a weekend to get the process down, since it is a two day process. A few weeks later my sister and I decided to give it a try.

First Day: Cutting all the veggies & adding them to the salt brine
(The pearl onions give your hands a great smell for days.
My husband wouldn't come close til the smell was gone).

Second day: adding the dry mustard and other savory ingredients

Heather and I with our finished product.
We were so proud that we did it on our own & only had to call Grandpa two times.

Now I have got the bragging rights with these in my pantry, or at least when it comes to Jolyn & Todd (cousins who love this delicious treat & have yet to learn how to make it) I guess I will share a bottle.

It's Raining Trees!

2010-09-23T15:36:00.002-06:00

Yesterday was a sad day at our house. The neigborhood climbing tree, which happens to be in our front yard, was cut down! It has been dying over the last few years and with much sadness we decided it was time for it to come out. During the last big wind storm, we had about a month ago, the top half of the tree broke and fell into the street. I woke up from a Sunday nap & found 1/2 my tree in my driveway. Jeremy was gone hunting so the neighbors kindly moved it out of the road for us. Once the top half was gone and we noticed the split up the trunk, we decided the rest was going to have to come down. But silly boys decided yesterday had to be the day. Why silly you ask? Because it was pouring rain!!

Before: View from our front porch

After: New view from our front porch

In Between: The first cut
Even the neighbors stopped to watch

Before cutting the rest, we had to let Trigger in the tree one last time.

Yes, we have a tree climbing dog. Too bad he isn't the dog that chases cats.

Savoring the moment

About to take the trunk down

Grandpa Stilson working on the limbs

Our neighbor Bob always lends a helping hand.

Jeremy cutting into the trunk.

Grandma Stilson & Brielle watching from the porch

We tied the tree to the truck & let it do the work.

TIMBER! (& barely missed Bob's mailbox)

More sawing, cutting & axing (in the rain)

Our new bare yard.

Oh & did I mention it was raining? Yes pouring!!!

Silly boys!

End of Summer catch up

2010-09-20T15:52:00.008-06:00

We have had a fun-filled summer. I am actually really sad to see it go. My favorite season is fall, but I have really enjoyed our summer! Being barefoot, eating breakfast & BBQ's outside, cooling off at the pool, picnics at the park & weenie roasts in the canyons, camping, fishing, hot days and warm nights. I am starting to think my favorite season is going to change to summer. Don't get me wrong, not all our days have been bliss. Summer in Utah without an AC is almost unbearable! Yes, that is right, we don't have an AC; not central air or a swamp cooler. But since that is how my life here in this house has always been I have gotten pretty used to it. Though it will definitely be on our list of purchases next spring!

One of the last times I posted I said that it was almost hunting season, well now it is in full swing. Jeremy is up the canyon every spare night & weekend morning he can go. No luck yet, but we are crossing our fingers he will get one soon! Brielle and I in the meantime have been spending lots of time together figuring out extra things to do while daddy is gone. We went over to the Jordan River Parkway fishing pond and park a few weekends ago. It was a really windy day, but a beautiful morning and a lot of fun! We brought home a cattail to show daddy too. I also posted a while back about my 10 yr high school reunion. I took Brielle with me which was fun and tiring! Next time I think I will go without the kids. It was held at the Skybox Sports Grille at the Gateway. There were only about 60 classmates there which isn't a very good turnout considering we had a class of around 500! It was still fun to see old friends and acquaintances and what everyone is up to. During the night they had a trivia game where we learned 75% of our class is pregnant! Maybe that is why people didn't come!! We also learned that 90% still live in UT. Kind of some fun facts. We also got to see the plans for the rebuilding of our school. They are planning on tearing down the old one and building a new one where the Granger park is now. It looked like a really nice school, but I will be sad to see the old one torn down with all the good memories there.I love how Brielle is smiling behind her binkie!

Rhianna, Kelsey, Brynley & and I

I hate my double chin in this pic, but I love my friend Christina.

She was one of my best friends through school. Love her!!

Stephanie, Jill & I

We went through all of school together, all the way from Kindergarten to High School.

Last Monday Heather & I volunteered our time at the Shirley J booth at the Utah State Fair. It was a really long day (13 hrs) but it turned out really good and we had some fun during the day too. Last I heard we were 2nd place in sales! If you haven't heard yet about Shirley J yet, check out my website at www.shirleyj.com/4438. It will change the way you cook!

Our family went to the fair on Wednesday night. There was a really cool Sea Lion show that I was so impressed and entertained with! We also loved the giant robot man and the fried pickles. Brielle had a fun time on all the rides! She is actually a little more daring than I would have thought! She wanted to go on all the rides that mommy and daddy were going on without her! Maybe next year or 3! Sorry I forgot my camera so no pics of the fair.

Jungle Love Baby Shower

2010-08-16T16:24:00.003-06:00

My cousin Jolyn is having her first baby, and it's a boy! She wants her nursery to be Jungle themed so that is also the theme I picked for her shower. I had so much fun planning this shower! I found a fun website, kojodesigns.blogspot.com for all my ideas! It took a lot of work, but turned out so cute!!! Here are some pictures of the day.

Party favors of bags of popcorn that said "Thanks for coming, Jolyn is about to "pop!"

Welcome pendant banner with a lion's head as the "O"

The food table. We had hoagie sandwiches with fruit & chips.

The "Watering Hole"

lemonade bar with fruit mix-ins, all drank out of mason jars.

Bottled water with animal print labels.

The Cupcake Herd

Jolyn's Greenhalgh family

Jolyn's Curtis family

Friend Katie & Grandma-to-be Linda!!

Best Cousins Tamara & Mother-to-be, Jolyn

The Advice Tree

Everyone wrote great advice on the animal die-cuts and then hung them on the tree.

It was great fun hosting this shower. I can't wait for the next party I can plan. Just don't tell Jeremy! I get a little high strung the day of when things don't go my way.

Thanks for Tamara and my sis Heather for all the help in planning too!

A Fun-Filled Summer!

2010-08-16T14:48:00.011-06:00

I can't believe July is over and we are half way through August!! July went by in a blink of an eye and I guess that is all due to being really busy! Looks like our August will be about the same if not more! I have been a slacker at blogging -among other things!! But here is our updates!

We have been trying to fit in as much into our summer as possible. We invited some family and went to Cowabunga Bay. We went without Brielle last year and had a blast, but decided to bring her along this year. She loves swimming! She loved playing in the kiddie pool and the lazy river. & in this picture apparently the garbage can too =)

Cowabunga Bay resort.

Brielle playing at the bay.

Brielle & Mommy in the toddler pool.

Tia, Tani & Brielle

Jeremy has had the itch to fish. So we have been going as often as possible.We went to Silver Lake Flats up American Fork Canyon. It was so pretty and peaceful. We saw lots of little duck families. Jeremy and Weston fished while Brielle and I went for small walks, played in the dirt, threw rocks in the lake & I got to read a little too. It was all catch and release that day. Not too many worth keeping.

Brielle playing with the rocks. Her favorite toy!

Silver Lake Flats up American Fork Canyon

Brielle entertaining herself with the binoculars that she then used as a microphone.

Jeremy & Weston fishing-they almost blend in to the rocks.

The end of July we headed up to Miller's Flat area for the unofficial Stilson tradition of camping together as a family. But due to work and other scheduling it was just us and Ed & Sharron. Kim & family were going to come, but the rain scared them away. And I don't blame them a bit! I wouldn't want to put up a tent in the rain for one night! Thankfully, Ed & Sharron let us borrow their trailer and we really enjoyed not having to be in a tent either. In between storms we fished and went four-wheeling. It was a nice week away from the city. Our dogs were happy to be there too! So much so that they didn't want to leave and we had a hard time getting them in the truck to go home. The stars were so beautiful camping as always! They are my favorite part!

Peek-a-boo! Brielle loved playing in the trailer.

Jeremy and the dogs getting settled into camp.

Our campsite. Loved not having neighbors!!

Brielle and I at camp.

Jeremy and I fished at Huntington Reservoir. So beautiful! & yes I like to fish! It is the best time to get in some book reading even though Jeremy finds that annoying. He says I don't enjoy the nature if I am reading. But I beg to differ.

Hunting Season starts this weekend and so Jeremy is getting ready. He hasn't hunted the past two seasons so he is happy to get back to his favorite past time. My 10 yr class reunion just happens to be the same day as opening day of the hunt so I will unfortunately be going alone or with Brielle. I'll keep you updated on those after this weekend.

Open House for Mike & Kim

2010-07-02T17:59:00.006-06:00

My brother Mike & Kim were married in May in Las Vegas. Some of our family & friends were unable to make it from Utah, so we decided to throw them an open house this past week. We had chocolate & nacho cheese fountains with all the trimmings & fruit galour! It was pretty and delicious! We had originally planned to hold it outdoors, but an hour before while decorating our canopy tent snapped in half by a big gust of wind, so we had to bring everything inside! Of course a 1/2 hour before the weather cleared and it turned out to be a beautiful evening.

The book

Some of the guests; our good friends the Roskelley's.

The happy couple

Dad enjoying the live band outside!

Holly, Jeremy, Erin, Maia & Julia also enjoying the music

Jonathan was busy mowing during the event.

Manti Pageant with 2 Turks

2010-07-02T17:30:00.008-06:00

Here we are in Manti for the Morman Miracle Pageant. Jeff & Shannon & Justin & Kim Turcsanski & families came along to enjoy some country life. Here is just a few pics of the fun filled weekend we had.

Brielle, Camryn & Jacob taking turns pulling the wagon. This was the favorite toy of the weekend. & for the most part they all took turns pushing, pulling & riding.A few of us got distracted playing a little catch while setting up tents. (See the crowd across the street at the city park! The town was full of people everywhere)
Not the best picture, but this is just a glimpse of the famous pageant turkey dinners that are served at the churches each night. Around 950 dinners served the weekend before! & that is just one night!
All the kids (yes I meant Jeremy too) playing on the lawns outside the church.

Brielle & Camryn all smiles in their pj's ready to watch the pageant. They both stayed awake for the entire thing! Much to our surprise!

Justin & Kim enjoying some funnel cake, yum!

Some of the crowd eating breakfast.

Lunch after the morning at the park.

A full day of swimming at Manti City Pool.

Justin with Camryn & Jeremy with Brielle.

Jeff with Lucy & Parker

Jeremy & Brielle

Me & Brielle getting warm

Shannon & Parker

Brielle & Camryn

The cousins: Chase, Jacob & Taylor

Brielle all smiles after a day at the pool!

Water Day

2010-07-02T17:21:00.004-06:00

There have been many water days since the summer weather has finally reached us & we are loving it! With 90+ degree temps I am starting to think every day should be a water day.

Turcsanski's invited us over for a water day and we had lots of fun! Brielle isn't much for sprinklers yet, but she will jump into a small pool anyday! For this reason I am starting to think that she is ready for swim lessons. So now I am on the hunt for a good place for her to take them.

Happy Father's Day!!!

2010-06-21T15:32:00.005-06:00

For Father's Day we celebrated by having a BBQ with my sister and her family. We ate lots of yummy food, and the kids loved playing in the yard.Jeremy opening his new shoes!

Jeremy playing basketball with Brielle & the kids.

Jeremy is such a great dad!! I really had no idea when we married what a wonderful father he would be. I get many compliments on how well he plays with Brielle and other kids too. Not too hard when he is a kid at heart & would rather be playing with the kids then chatting with the adults! Thanks Jer for being a great daddy!! We love you!

Updating...finally!

2010-06-14T14:25:00.011-06:00

Summer has definitely begun, whether the weather (he, he) is cooperating or not. I am really busy with just about 100 different things & trying to fit in as many fun summer activities as possible. It is all my fault really. I like to stay busy so that I feel like I accomplish things & don't waste a bit of summer. Anywho, let the updating begin!

Memorial: We went to Manti for Memorial weekend. They have Scandinavian Days over memorial every year which includes a parade, music, fun vendors, and much more. We invited our friends the Turcsanski's to come down for the festival and had a really good time. Sunday morning, just after church, we decided to go for a drive through town so we could see if there were any changes. We headed towards the pool to see if the slide was in yet. Headed towards to pool on Main Street we passed the Manti House Inn. I glanced over to look at it and noticed a gentleman sitting on the front porch. I told Jeremy that I thought he looked like George Lopez & Jeremy agreed. After looking at the pool, I told Jeremy we better turn around and go see if it was him. & What do you know!!!??? It was GEORGE LOPEZ!!! We parked on the side of the Inn & debated about whether to go talk to him or not. We thought we better not lose the opportunity. We happened to have our camera too, but after a brif chat with him we were about to take a picture...& our battery died!!! Our luck! He was friendly and mentioned that he was in town for the graduation of his niece @ Wasatch Academy in Mt. Pleasant. He said he had never been to that part of Utah and thought it was very pretty. We said our goodbyes and he hurried inside. We told all our family about our star sighting right there in little ol' Manti.
We always enjoy going across the street to the park to play. Brielle loves the swings and sometimes, depending on her mood, loves the slide. This day I had to go down with her.

Shirley J: About a month ago I was introduced to Shirley J's. Shirley J's is an easy-to-use, hassle-free, delicious line of sauces and mixes. Every product incorporates a no-fail, "just add water" formula to ensure simplicity and perfection. Shirley J's products are universal, simple and foolproof, economical, healthy & delicious! The idea of Shirley J's is to start bringing the family home for dinner. So I decided that it would be a great job opportunity and enrolled in the Executive Chef program and enlisted my sister as well. We are really having a fun time with it & loving the delicious meals we have created. If you would like more information about it, please visit my website www.shirleyj.com/4438, or leave a comment and I'd love to introduce it to you!

Hobby: My new hobby has been a little sewing. Jeremy bought me a sewing machine for Christmas so I thought I better put it to use. My project lately has been sewing carseat canopies. They are really easy and have been great baby shower gifts. Here is a picture of just one of the canopies I made lately for a boy.

Brielle's new step!: Brielle finally let me paint her nails!!! I was so excited! She loved looking at her toes and showing them to everyone. Weston kept telling her that she'd never be the same and that I had introduced her to a new addiction...pedicures! It is so fun to have a girl!!!

Birthday Boy!!: Jeremy celebrated his 34th Birthday last Friday. His boss at work brought n donuts for the whole refinery to celebrate with Jeremy. We went to dinner at Tepenyaki's and I made him tres leche cake for dessert. He got a new drill, Sportsman's Warehouse gift card, money & sushi for his birthday! What a good day it was! Jeremy is such a good father and husband! Brielle and I feel very lucky! Love you babe!

Fishing: Jeremy has had the itch to fish lately, so we went to Little Dell Reservoir to have some fun. It was a little chilly & he didn't catch anything, but it was nice to get outdoors and closer to the mountains. It really made us want to go camping! Brielle loved throwing rocks in the lake and going for a little walk on the trail.

Vegas & Cali here we come! Our First Family Vacation

2010-05-25T14:31:00.004-06:00

Besides going to Grandma & Grandpa's houses, this was our first family vacation. And really it couldn't have been better. First we went to Las Vegas to be apart of my big Brother's special day. We had great food and partied at Kimmie's parent's house the days leading up to the wedding. Mike & Kimmie were married on May 15th at the Paiute Golf Course & Club. Brielle was the flower girl, though no flowers were thrown. She got to push a lawnmower next to her cousin Jonathan (ring bearer-though not officially) down the isle. It was so cute!! They just about stole the show! (I got this on video so sorry no photos) Brielle had so much fun dancing the night away with Grandma & sleepy Jonathan.When we checked into our condo, Brielle was so excited!! I asked her if she was excited and she put her hands on her face (she could hardly contain herself) and exclaimed Yes!!! Not sure if she was excited to be somewhere new and on vacation or just to be out of the car. We spent one afternoon swimming in our condo pool and a few hours on the Strip.Sunday after the wedding we headed with Grandma & Grandpa Stilson to California!!! We drove instead of flying, but Brielle was great! I have learned that with a portable DVD player anything is possible! We checked into our condos and then went to dinner in Downtown Disney. I have never been there and thought it was a lot of fun! We got back to our condos just in time to watch the fireworks over Disneyland. All night Brie kept saying, "fiyawoks mummy!" We went to Venice Beach & Hollywood the first day. We toured the famous houses in the Hills and saw them roll out the red carpet for the Prince of Persia Premiere.Tuesday we headed to Disneyland!! The forecast said rainy for the morning but sunny in the afternoon. The rain thankfully scared off the crowds. The longest wait was 20 minutes for a ride.Brielle was so excited to see Minnie Mouse. For over a month now we used going to Minnie Mouse's house as her reward for being good. If she was ever having a terrible-two spell we would just claim that we were no longer going to Minnie's house and Brie would stop crying. About a week before I think she stopped believing we were ever going.I think Disney was a little overwhelming for her in the beginning. She just stared at everything showing no emotion. By mid-day she gt her giggles and smiles back. Her favorite rides were Small World and Tea Cups! I think I may have been just as excited as her. I haven't been to Disneyland in almost 20 years. I had not seen California Adventures until this trip either. I still love Thunder Mtn Railroad & Space Mtn. Though Soarin & Indiana Jones are really fun too! We left the park at closing filled with all the magic of Disney, hopefully to last us another few years but hopefully not 20! The next and last day of California we went to Laguna Beach.The sun finally showed up long enough for us to enjoy the beach...but just the beach not the water.Brielle and I built sand castles which of course washed away shortly after. Jeremy explored some sea caves and gathered sea shells on hard to get to beaches. Laguna Beach is so beautiful and the houses along the cliffs were amazing.I could easily live in a beach town. I love the ocean and the laid back attitude. It really made me miss Hawaii. Maybe that will be our next vacation!!! Brielle and I were walking along the beach and I told her "Brie we are going to start driving home tomorrow," her reply; "Yeah!!!!" Not quite what I was expecting.We drove from Aneheim to St. George to stay with my parents before continuing on home. As we were pulling into our neighborhood Jeremy announced, we're almost home! Brielle's reply, "No home, Grandma's." I guess we weren't the only ones not ready for our vacation to be over.

Playing Catch up

2010-05-07T14:17:00.014-06:00

I know it has been forever since we have posted, but for some reason our somewhat busy lives went into overdrive over night or at least it seems. So get ready for quite a long post.

Easter we went to Manti which was a little of a change for us. We are usually camping somewhere and usually in Moab. We love Jeep Safari time down there, but decided that this year it was too cold to camp. Mainly because if Brielle wakes up in the night, it is me that has to climb out of my sleeping bag to sit in the cold, rocking her back to sleep. We though it would be a nice change to visit with family and spend some time in Manti since we only go every 3 months or so now. In Manti they have an annual Easter Egg hunt at the city park (conveniently right across the street from Jeremy's parents house) the day before Easter. So we thought the Easter bunny should probaby come one day earlier so that she had her bucket emptied and ready for the hunt. Brielle got a lot from the Easter bunny! She got plenty of candy, a new tutu/ leotard to play in, a kite, some new crayons, and really I can't remember what else. We are still helping her eat all the candy. Sad news was that it snowed the second we arrived at the park. Everyone was bundled in coats and hats, but it didn't damper our hunting party. Brielle found a dum-dum sucker and was ready to be done. But Jeremy of course helped her get much more!! It was so nice to wake up Easter morning and stay around the house to enjoy conference. Another reason I am glad the Easter bunny came a day earlier! About a month ago, for some reason I figured I didn't have enough to do during the day so I decided our basement was ready for some remodeling and an overall upgrade. Our entire basement (& house) is covered with wallpaper-yikes!!!! This wallpaper has been on for well over 20 yrs. But I was determined and really thought it would take just a week or so to complete. Boy was I wrong!!! But I can now say that with new paint on the walls, new shelving and decor, our basement looks 100 times better! I should have taken before & after pics, but I was too busy taking down wallpaper in the beginning to even think about pics. Maybe I can scrounge some up and add some photos.

Well this past month I turned 28! Just another year, but it does make me nervous for 30! Thankfully most of the friends and family I hang out with are all older than I am, so I am usually the youngest in the crowd. Jeremy is very thankful for the friend that sent me an early birthday card too!!! The Sunday before my birthday I asked Jeremy if we had any plans that next weekend, he said not that he knew of. That was the first sign that told me he has forgotten. I know he knows the date of my birthday, but I also knew that he didn't pay that much attention to what day it is. I was going to let him forget it, that way I would get more out of my gift, he, he, he!!! But thankfully for him we received the card in the mail for a reminder.The day of I went to the zoo with some friends. The baby elephant was so cute!!! Our family went to dinner at Madeline's. Then Jeremy and I went to see "Date Night" the movie. It was a really nice Birthday!

Brielle & Camryn (born a day apart) love playing together. Especially if it has anything to do with WATER!!! I am pretty sure Brielle coaxed Camryn into this. It was really nice weather on my Birthday, so Kim & I let the girls play in the sprinklers. Not that we had much of a choice. They jumped in the puddles after the sprinklers were off too. Brielle even laid in it so that she came out all muddy black!! She cried when I pulled her inside to change before going dinner.

The next day we went to our Ward's service project up at "This is the Place" Park & Monument. Our ward did it last yr too but we were unable to make it. After doing the weeding and other yard work we were able to play! We had a picnic, rode the train, pet the animals and went on pony rides. It was Brielle's first pony ride. She is usually terrified! But every time I asked her if she wanted to ride the pony, she said yes! I was so proud of her and excited for her too!

This week has been a really eventful week. And not eventful in a good way! It really started last weekend when I heard from my mother that my grandfather (her dad) has cancer of the bladder. He is in his late 80's so they are uncertain which options would really be helpful. This was just the beginning. I guess when it rains, it pours, eh?
Monday: I went to a funeral of a friend of my family's.
Tuesday: I got a phone call at work from my sitter asking me how much children's Tylenol was in Brielle's diaper bag. Brielle and another friend at the sitter's named Tyler had gotten into my diaper bag and drank almost the whole bottle!! It was a parent's worse nightmare, that thankfully ended a lot better than it could have. I rushed to the sitter's where we talked to poison control. We had to wait 4 hrs from the approximate time that they drank it to go into the hospital to be tested for her toxicity level. We checked into the ER at 2:30 and didn't leave until 7pm. It was a long day!! Thankfully her toxicity level wasn't high enough to do further treatment. Tyler's level was normal and she was at home by 4pm, lucky her! We did one more test before going home. It was so scary to not know if the Tylenol was affecting her liver while waiting those hours for the test results. WE definitely learned a few things that day!
Wednesday: Brielle wakes up the next morning with a runny nose, but figured it was due to her teeth coming in. I am running around trying to play catch up on all the work I wasn't able to do the day before. & cleaning house since family are coming in town. & finished painting the basement!!
Thursday: Brielle wakes up with watery eyes, runny nose, coughing. We hang around the house and don't do much to see how things go. I bring her in the bathroom so I can take a shower which only lasted about 5min when I noticed she was really quiet. I open the shower door and see her covered in lipstick!!! Hooker red lipstick too! This is Halloween make up I swear!!

More cleaning and decorating the basement. Finally sat down for a break at 10pm. Ouch! Just now noticing I have a sore throat too!
Friday (today): I took Brielle to the doctor today and learned Brielle has a small ear infection (first one!!!) and possibly has strep throat. The docter gave her an antibiotic to wipe them both out. Thankfully Brielle is quite the trooper and even when in pain or sick has a smile on her face & giggling! She is stronger than I am! Canceled lunch with friends. Who wants to eat lunch with the sickies, right?
I ran to the grocery store to pick up her prescription and I get a call from my parents who were in Nephi with my grandparents last night (slowly making their way to my house) saying that my grandpa is in an ambulance headed to Utah Valley Hospital. He is going to have a pace maker put in. (PS this is my dad's father). My parents headed to the hospital to take them some clothes for the overnight. Not sure when they will arrive at our house. There goes mine and Jeremy's date night.
I am really hoping this weekend improves. Especially with Mother's Day and all. I am also thankful that we are sick this week and not next! Next Thursday we are headed to Las Vegas for my brother Mike's wedding. The Sunday after we are headed to California for a well-needed vacation. Can't wait for the beach, sun & Disneyland!!!

Snowy Spring day...Inside.

2010-03-26T15:23:00.004-06:00

Now that the temperatures are getting warmer, Brielle & I spend most days outside. We go for walks, play at the park, blow bubbles & have picnics. We definitely have Spring Fever! But today it snowed!!! Normal for Utah, but it forced us to stay inside. Brielle hates when it is cleaning day. She gets very bored & hates that my attention isn't all on her. So I decided to have her help me make strawberry jam. We both put on aprons & I'd have to say she looks pretty cute in her's. She loved the apron Aunt Heather gave her & doesn't like to take it off. Well I started to wash the berries & put them on the cutting bored & this is what happened next....

Apparently Brielle thought they were all for her to eat! As I cut them up & put them in the bowl, she would yell at me because she thought I was taking them from her. I kept telling her they were for jam, but she didn't want them for jam. After a few she gave up on "helping," but this is what she found next.....
For some reason she is excited to wear one of these...I am not. But I couldn't resist taking her picture in hopes of one day showing it to her boyfriends. He, He, He!!!! Somehow even with her pick of wardrobe, crazy hair, & strawberry stained face, she looks too cute!!! It was all smiles today, even though we had to stay inside. This is what it looked like outside! It was one big rain, hail & snow storm!

Brielle's Birthday Parties!

2010-03-26T15:19:00.005-06:00

Look who's 2!!!!

2010-03-10T08:13:00.001-07:00

Today Brielle turns 2! I can hardly believe she is two already! It has been a fun two years so far! She has definitely changed our lives for the better! We are so grateful to have her in our family! Her favorite things right now are ELMO!!!!! Which she wants to watch every moment of the day. It is even the last thing she asks for each night. She also likes to watch the reruns of the show Hee-Haw! We are not sure what she likes so much about it, but we enjoy watching it a little more than Sesame Street! She loves to run & jump & slide on anything she can find. She also loves to dance!! We have nightly dance offs in the living room & she makes sure everyone is dancing! Her favorite songs happen to be "Poker Face" by Lady Gaga & "Tik Tok" by Kesha. Great dancing songs! We are going swimming tonight which is another favorite for Brie! Then we will come home to eat an Elmo cake & ice cream. Saturday we are having a family party which is all sweet themed. There will be a desert buffet of cupcakes, cookies, chocolate covered strawberries & much more! She cannot wait to see her Grandma's & Papa's & cousins!

Girls Night Out!

2010-02-20T16:47:00.003-07:00

"Rich Willbey, Iona Barr, Foxy Frampton & Desiree Streetcar"

~Kim (9 mos prego!), Me, Shannon & Tori~

Last night was my GNO with friends from high school, who happen to also be my neighbors. Each month we take turns picking what we do & this month Karen (not pictured) picked a Murder Mystery Dinner Party. If you can't tell from the pics, the theme was from the 1920 era. I really love the 1920's style! I had a little difficulty with my costume at first. My first costume is actually on Shannon. The costume originally belongs to my Aunt Merial. Unfortunately I am not as skinny as my Aunt, but lucky for Shannon it fit perfectly. As for my costume, I made a few last minute phone calls to women in my ward where I found the hat which belongs to my neighbor's mother who was alive during the 1920's!! So cool! the dress is a costume borrowed from another neighbor. Thankfully it all came together about an hour before the party! The party was a lot of fun! I look forward to next month, it is my turn to host!

Howdy Y'all!!!

2010-02-20T16:40:00.002-07:00

Brielle was all about putting on this hat & riding her horse this morning.

Funny how she would know these go together.
All Smiles!!! Say Cheese!

Brielle loves wearing hats. Too bad we don't have any snow so she could wear this one outside.

Prayers for Bronson

2010-02-04T15:16:00.003-07:00

If any of you have not heard of this story, please take a minute a read this heart wrenching true story. You can find it at http://www.stakerzxposed.blogspot.com/. The story begins on Feb 1st, so scroll to that first post. This blog belongs to a girl that grew up in our ward.
My heart aches for her and her family. Our prayers & thoughts are with them. My testimony has grown quite a bit stronger by reading & following her "right now" life story.

The Best 4 Years!

2010-01-27T15:10:00.006-07:00

Today is Jeremy and my anniversary. Can't believe it has been 4 years already! It is also our 7 years together anniversary. Some of you may not know, but Jeremy and I were married exactly 3 yrs after our 1st date. We didn't remember this when we picked our date, it just worked out that way & it is a cool coincidence. I laid in bed this morning thinking over the last 7 years remembering all the fun times we have had. I loved when we first dated and Jeremy would hide in his roommates truck to scare me when I came over to his apartment. It worked every time. I also loved our picnics at Sugarhouse park even when they were just Taco Bell. I loved being in Manti & seeing his rugged side. We'd go on 4-wheeler rides up the canyons and come back covered in mud. Or laying on the tramp listening to the crickets and looking at all the stars that you can't see in the city. We've had such a great time together, I can only look forward to the rest of our adventure. This day is so special to us, but I thought I would share some photos from the day. (Different ones than last yr-tons to share)

He went 1st and was pretty nice. I gave it my best shot.

I love you Babe!!! Thanks for all the great memories! Looking forward to many more.

Resolution smalution, blah, blah, blah (venting)

2010-01-14T14:31:00.004-07:00

Like my title? So I am not into making New Year's Resolutions because I don't like disappointment. But secretly I have had these goals in the back of my head to be a better homemaker, mother, wife, organizer, and really the list goes on and on. But I decided I need to at least make an effort.
I really actually don't mind cleaning my house, but on one condition; that I am the only one home. Being that that doesn't happen very often, my house only looks clean. No deap cleaning unless Jeremy does it. I know that it shouldn't be too hard to clean a house with only one 2 yr old running around the house with me, but for some reason I struggle. I can always think of funner (i know that isn't a word) more exciting things I would like to do during the day.
For some reason yesterday I got the itch to clean. Brielle was busy watching Elmo, her new favorite person, so it gave me a minute to clean a bathroom. I was so impressed with myself that I got one whole bathroom cleaned! And then when Brielle took her nap, I cleaned the master bathroom in my bedroom and that includes scrubbing the shower & our big tub!! I also did the dishes (a daily duty, but none the less I am including it), folded laundry, & washed windows and mirrors. It was a very successful day. I also fit in time to workout too-for the 2nd time this week!! Not quite sure what has come over me, but I think I like it. I was even a good wife and didn't make dinner! Yes I am a lucky wife of a man that would rather I didn't cook. Not that the cooking is bad, you can ask him or Weston if you don't believe me, but Jeremy works out a lot & doesn't want a big dinner before heading to the gym. His ideal meal is a sandwich or cereal during the week. So he made us dinner! (Mac n' cheese & hot dogs, but who is complaining!) Today Brielle is sick so we are kind of taking it easy. But I did straighten all her toys and am organizing all her old clothes by age for storage! & the dishes, again a daily duty & paid the bills-all of them, hooray!! I am really having a good week. Just wanted to share a positive post. Hope this good mood and goal seeking continues although I do suffer from "Happiness Anxiety" ~when things are really good you have anxiety knowing the bad is not far behind. Thankfully the bad helps us realize the good.

No Place Like Home for the Holidays!

2009-12-28T22:11:00.005-07:00

This year we stayed at home for Christmas. It was nice to have my parents & brother come for Christmas Eve and day. I have been busy baking pecan tassies, peanut butter cups and truffles. There is nothing like smelling the baked goods at home, visiting with neighbors & exchanging gifts during the holidays. I love Christmas time!!! The Saturday after Thanksgiving we went up Manti canyon and cut down our Christmas tree. It is a fun tradition Jeremy and I both have had from childhood. Christmas morning at our house.

My father made Brielle this beautiful rocking horse which looks just like the one he had as a child.

Brielle only had eyes for the kitchen Santa brought her. She didn't have any interest in the other gifts and toys until later that day.

We spent the morning playing with our gifts as well before heading to Grandma Kone's for lunch.

The holidays have been so nice, especially after our earlier events that week. It has been fun to visit with family, play games, eat yummy food and even have a white Christmas. We hope your Christmas was very Merry and that your New Year will be a good one!!

Spoken too Soon.

2009-12-28T21:54:00.002-07:00

I guess I should have waited a few more weeks before posting on our blog that we were expecting. Last Monday I miscarried our little one. It was a really sad experience for Jeremy and I. You hear about them happening so often and you don't really think about the process until it happens to you. It has been my greatest trial in life so far. It is so hard to be pregnant one day and not the next. It is also amazing that you can love someone so much & not ever know them. I am thankful that it happened just before Christmas. I love Christmas time and it has really helped to heal. I am thankful that I have my beautiful daughter which has also helped me too. She brings Jeremy and I so much happiness. There is a sadness inside that will someday heal, but for now the only way to describe my feelings is I feel like I have been to a funeral of someone I loved so much and the sorrow is still hurting. Jeremy has been so strong during this time. He is my rock. It is good to know that we are an eternal family and someday we will have our baby again. Thank you to our family who have given us so much love & support.

So Much to be Thankful for!

2009-12-03T13:11:00.003-07:00

I love this time of year! It is nice to reflect on the past months and realize how blessed we are. This past year has been a good one to our family. We are new home owners!! It was a big step for us, but we are happy with our decision to purchase the house I grew up in. It will be fun for me to always call this place home! Brielle is a fun, energetic, healthy, beautiful little girl who brings Jeremy and I so much joy! She has started into the "terrible two's" a little early and her temper has been a learning experience, but she is also very silly and loveable and we couldn't ask for a better child. This Thanksgiving we thought it would be fun for Brielle to share our news. Look closely.....If you can't read what it says, it reads "Big Sister!" We are very excited to have a new little one in our family! Brielle will be such a good big sister! I am due July 7th, but my Dr said he may deliver me the end of June. For the most part I am feeling fine. Though the ride to Manti Thanksgiving morning brought on a little quesiness. Feeling tired, not fitting in my jeans, and frequent trips to the restroom are about the only symptoms. Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Now it is only 22 days til Christmas!!! Yipee!!!

All Hallows Eve at the Ward Trunk or Treat

2009-11-03T15:46:00.003-07:00

Cute as a bug!

She must not have liked what she saw in this pic.

A viking, a fairy and a bug-quite the combo.

There were a few clever costumes this year. One little boy was an ardvark (not sure if I spelled that right). One man was The Man in the Yellow Hat from Curious George. And the grim reaper man on stilts is always a favorite. Sorry forgot to take pics.

All ready for the snow!

2009-11-03T15:43:00.003-07:00

Snow gets everyone excited at our house. Since majority of us are snowboarders, the countdown is on until snowboarding season. Even Brielle is ready for the white stuff. She loves her snow suit! Daddy is excited to take her snowboarding. Got to start them young you know!?

Cold October Fun at Cornbelly's

2009-11-03T15:33:00.005-07:00

Grandma Sharron & our princess Brielle in the pumpkin carriage.

Mommy and Brielle in the pumpkin patch

Our little pumpkin

Papa Ed and Brielle

Daddy & Brie jumping

All smiles!

Pumpkin carving art. It was amazing!!

Silly pics with the cousins Tani & Tia & Uncle Tom

Being a kid at Cornbelly's

More Family Pictures

2009-10-20T14:24:00.010-06:00

Our Cute Family

The Greenhalgh Clan

Brielle's favorite things: Going for walks, swinging & jumping!

WEEEEEE!!!!!

~Our Litte Cowgirl~

AWWWW CUTE!!!!!

Grandma & Papa with Brielle

Mommy & Brielle

Daddy & Brielle

Fall Family Pictures

2009-10-19T21:19:00.003-06:00

This is just one that I received from our photographer. She has yet to finish the rest. I am so excited to see them! My side of the family also got their pics done and she took over 850, so I think I can give her a few days since they were just taken Saturday! I will post my favorites when I get them all. Wheeler Farm was packed full of people, but we managed to squeeze in. We had our engagement pictures done there too. Great place for pics!

Hooray for Sweater Weather!!!

2009-10-15T13:59:00.005-06:00

I am so happy that the hot days of Summer are gone and it is time to pull out the sweaters and jackets and get cozy!!! Fall is my favorite time of year! I only wish it lasted longer. For all you that are in Utah, have you noticed the beautiful red and orange color the mountains have turned? I crave going into the mountains to enjoy the beautiful colors this time of year! Best time for photos! We are actually having family pics this Saturday, so I will post them later. The only thing I don't like about the colder weather is having to bundle Brielle up before going out. Thankfully we have had some warm days and cooler evenings to help balance that out. I will try to get out and take some pictures of the fall mountains soon so those of you not in Utah can enjoy them too. I know some of you may have mountains too, but not like Utah! Sorry!

Sanpete County Fair

2009-09-19T18:50:00.006-06:00

Here is a few pictures of Brielle at the fair down in Manti a few weekends ago. We had a good time watching the demolition derby, parades, seeing the rides and all of the animals. We also went swimming at the Manti pool, it was our first time there. Its a nice pool.

Anyway, at the beginning of this week Brielle and Heidi both got pretty sick, and I thought I would be able to avoid getting it, but I didn't, I got sick on Wednesday and missed work. It only lasted a day for me, but on Friday, after fifteen years of living with hernia I got surgery. So now I am walking around like an old man, and can barely take care of myself. It was only the second time Ive ever been in the hospital for myself in my life. The first time was for appendicitis. I'm not a big fan of those places. Anyway, it is a relief to finally have the procedure done, hopefully I will recuperate quickly. -Jeremy

Weekend at the Lake

2009-08-26T21:44:00.003-06:00

Last weekend we went to Yuba Lake for an unofficial ward campout. 10 families came to play and camp. We weren't planning on going, but last minute changed our minds. I called in a favor to my grandparents to use their truck and trailer which was so nice! Much better than a tent! I didn't get any pictures while we were there, just boring video so I will spare uploading it. We had a lot of fun boating and playing on the beach. Brielle even likes sand on her feet now! On our way home we took the Nebo Loop road back. It was a really nice drive. Brielle enjoyed it for a while but soon got antsy to get out. We gave her licorice to keep her busy. A short while later she fell asleep. She kind of looked like a clown with her red licorice smeared all over her face. I even found some in her ears! Here is our cute clown. Kind of hard to see the licorice all over her face with her binkie in.

Corn, Corn & More Corn please!

2009-08-26T21:35:00.003-06:00

There is nothing better than fruit & veggies fresh from the garden during summer months. Wish I could say it was my garden, but our hectic lives don't permit us to keep up with the planting, weeding, watering, picking & eating that a garden requires. Maybe next year. Anyhow, Brielle's favorite food right now is corn on the cob. YUM! She can't get enough of it. She was so cute with her messy corn face, we had to take lots of pictures. If only corn was more nutritious!

Lazy, Hazy, Crazy days of Summer

2009-08-26T21:07:00.007-06:00

It has been quite a while since we posted, so I thought I better catch you up on what we've been up to. It has been a great summer full of lots of activities. Even though summer can be hectic and crazy, I think a busy summer is better than a boring one! On the days I am not at work, I try to take Brielle to the park or to play with friends. Sometimes it can get boring just the two of us entertaining each other, so I try to stay busy running around. And we hae been running around literally! Brielle loves to run, which leaves me to chasing her. Her favorite thing to do is play with keys. The other day we were car shopping with cousin Michelle and I gave Brielle the keys so that she could be entertained while we waited on the dealer. BAD IDEA!!!! She wanted to try putting the keys in every keyhole to every car. All I needed was for her to scratch the paint on a brand new car, which would lead to me buying a brand new car!! Yikes! So I bribed her with popcorn to get the keys back. Bribery is such a wonderful parenting tool!

So at the beginning of summer I got a new haircut. I haven't had my hair short in 9 years!!! But I love it and it makes life easier! This is the only close up picture I have since I got it cut.Brielle's hair is getting longer and fuller. It is fun to put in ponytails & bows! I am so excited for the day I can braid it and round brush it and curl it!! I love having a girl!!!

Staying Cool in her new Pool!

2009-07-17T13:42:00.002-06:00

Brielle loves the new pool Daddy bought her! Do you see the nice "farmer tan?"

The hose was the best toy!!

Weekend of water!

2009-07-17T13:31:00.004-06:00

Gateway Mall FountainJeremy & Brielle

The steam was very intense!

All the kids love running through the fountains...some adults too!

Getting wet!

Brielle & Mommy!

The next day we went to Raging Waters- forgot the camera, sorry no pics.

Stilson Family Reunion-Camping @ Miller's Flat

2009-07-17T13:10:00.005-06:00

Brielle is saying CHEESE!!! She looks so cute in her overal bibs! They are the best for camping.

Jeremy did a good job as cook with his mama. We ate very well while camping. Yummy!!

Brielle loves to go on 4-wheeler rides with Daddy!

Saying Cheese again with Grandma Stilson!

Sunburnt face.

Daddy and Brielle-they both look ready for naps! Jeremy had a hard time keeping contacts clean with riding the 4-wheelers on the dusty roads.

Cousin Destiny and Brielle. Born one year apart. They were good friends when they didn't fight over the same toys.

Potter's Reservoir

Kevin fishing at Potter's

Tired girl!! Fell asleep the second we left camp. She did so well camping! I was so nervous that we would not get any sleep with everyone staying around the campfire late and 4-wheelers going all day. We had a large group with lots of kids, but somehow she was tired enough to take every nap and sleep if not all, most of the night. We will have to do it again soon!

Sprinkler Fun!

2009-07-17T12:57:00.003-06:00

Brielle's first time in the sprinklers. It was not exactly a warm day. We were having lots of cloudy rainy days at the end of June. Jeremy turned on the sprinklers one evening and Brielle thought it would be a great idea to run through them...clothes and all. But once she was in the middle of them she decided she was stuck and didn't like being cold anymore. She slowly came out of them. But what a brave little girl on a cold day!

Happy Birthday Jeremy!!!

2009-06-11T10:24:00.002-06:00

I just wanted to pay a little tribute to my husband who is turning 33 today!! Here is 33 reasons why I love Jeremy!
1 He is such a great husband!
2 He is the best daddy!
3 He loves life to the fullest!
4 He always makes me and everyone else laugh.
5 He is adventurous
6 He is smart
7 He has the nicest bod ever!!!!
8 He always tries to do his best at everything; work & play
9 He can turn my frown upside down =)
10 He is my handyman
11 Tries to stay young, JK he is very young at heart!
12 He has a testimony and loves the gospel
13 Loves to travel
14 Very artistic
15 Is so HOT!
16 Is a manly man
17 Honest
18 Responsible
19 Once committed, you know you can always count on him.
20 He will put on a happy face even when he doesn't want to do things or be somewhere.
21 Likes to stay busy
22 Athletic (snowboarding, backetball, golf, softball, football, hunting etc.)
23 Loves to go to the gym and keep in top physical condition
24 Has a great family and loves to spend time with them
25 Musically talented
26 Problem solver
27 Likes to be the example and show people "how it is done"
28 Likes to be silly
29 Always in for a good time
30 Hard worker
31 He is a clean guy-picks up after himself, puts the toilet seat down & the lid on the toothpaste!!-Actually he is probably cleaner than I am!
32 Did I tell you he is sexy??? Because he is!!!!
33 And last but not least...the last reason I love him is because he chose me to spend eternity with!!! I got the best part of the deal!!
I love you Jeremy and hope you have a great Birthday! Love you, Love you, Love you!!!

Early Summer Vacation

2009-06-08T11:01:00.004-06:00

Here is our Water Baby Brielle! She loves swimming and she even loved having her sunglasses on. She looked so cute in them too. We spent a week at our St. George condos and it was just about the perfect trip ever! We did a lot of swimming even on the overcast days.

Brielle and Jeremy keeping cool in the pool!
Brielle and mommy getting warmed up in the hot tub. The hot tub was broken and wasn't as warm as usual, but it made it perfect for Brielle!

We went to Zion's National Park and went on a hike to the narrows. This is the end of the trail, but it continues through the river almost 10 miles! Big squeeze for daddy!!

Ed & Sharron joined us on our trip too. We all had such a good time, we will have to do it again!

How cute is this pic of Brielle!!!? All greased up with sunscreen, her already tan skin and

fohawk made her look like a little Roxy chic! she was always excited to head to the pool!