Ava Funny

So, Ava just told her dad that if he didn't start to be nice, that Santa was going to put him on the naughty list.... LMAO!!!!

Halloween

So for Halloween, Ava dressed up as Pumpkin Minnie Mouse. She loved her costume and looked so cute. She got way too much candy that I'm afraid over half will get thrown out. Hope everyone had a great time trick or treating.... Loves!!!!

I think....

my winter slump is back and tech, it's not even winter yet. I've just lost my blogging mojo lately.

Well, we had an exciting weekend in Vegas. We went down with my sister and her husband and my sister and I went to the U2 concert, it was FABULOUS. They just keep getting better and better in concert. We'd like to attend another next year, but we'll wait and see. So Vegas is no longer the home of the $4.99 breakfast, lunch and dinner. A beer in Planet Hollywood was $11.50, yes $11.50. You can buy a entire 12 pack for what that baby cost. Oh and I don't consider myself a cheapskate either. I'm good to spend money on things but this was just a bit too much if you ask me. However, we had a fabulous meal on our way home in Mesquite at the Chuck Wagon in the Virgin River, $3.99 ham steak and eggs. It was the greatest meal of the entire trip. I've got some pictures to post but my USB cable has decided it needed a vacation and I can't find it. It'll show up and when it does, I'll post.

We're getting ready for Halloween this week. I was going to dress Ava up as a kitty but that's now changed to Minnie Mouse since my friend Shanan has a costume that we can borrow. We'll also have our adult party later that night and that will be a blast. I'll have to let you all know how it goes... Loves to all!!!!

Sweet Ava...

Hello everyone... I know its been awhile, but we've been busy with the end of the summer nearing. Well, this week has been an eventful one. Ava gave herself her very first "Ava" haircut. Needless to say, it's 6 inches shorter today then it was on Sunday. I've finally quit freaking and getting used to the shorter hair and "bangs". The last time that Ava's hair was this short, she was 2 years old and technically, it really isn't that short and the "Ava" cut could have been so much worse then it really was. Thank you Shanan for saving the day!

No big updates at this time. Kyle is liking his job with the city and mine is plugging right along as well. We're get excited for our Vegas trip in October. All I can say about that is look out U2 here we come. My sister and I are so excited to go and see them. We were supposed to go when they were in SLC in December 2005 but I had just had Ava like 2 days before the concert and Misty's daughter had influenza type A so we didn't get to go. I was home bound and she was home bound. So we are so looking forward to this one. Hope all is well with everyone. I hope to post again soon. Loves....

Remembering September 11th....

We all knew where we were and what we were doing on this day and will never forget.

I flew for work on September 11th... in 2002, 2003 & 2004 and you know what, the eery feeling of flying on that day never went away!

NEVER FORGET!

Lil miss Ava....

I love her piggy's!!!!

Lake Powell

For our anniversary this year we went to Lake Powell. It was a FABULOUS trip!

A few new pics.....

Here is my sweet Ava. Isn't she a doll!!!!

SUMMERTIME.....

and the livings easy NOT! It's so freaking busy! We have a bunch of stuff coming up over the next several weekends and I honestly don't think we have a free weekend till after Labor Day. However, we do have some fun plans so it's all good.

Kyle started his city job on July 27th and I think he likes it. I know he liked the other a little more but this is a lot more stable and NO travel so that will be so nice. My job is plugging right along. I get to take a few days off this month and I'm so excited about that. My anniversary is also fast approaching. I can't believe that we've been married for a year already. This past year has really gone by fast. We're doing something next weekend so I'll post pictures when we get home. Ava starts dance and gymnastics classes on the 17th and is so excited she wants to wear her dance clothes and swimsuit everyday. I think I might have to hide them.

So other then just being super busy, we are all doing well. I'll try to get some pics posted this week before we leave next weekend. Hope all is well. Loves....

Quick update....

since its been almost a month since my last post. WOW time goes by really fast these days. We've been REALLY busy over the last several weeks and don't have an open weekend to just "relax" until sometime next month. However, we love to play in the summer! I have TONS of pictures to post but don't have the time right now. I'll get them up soon though I PROMISE!

So... I have some good news. Kyle has excepted a full time permanent job back with the city where we live. When he left a couple of months ago I was a little torn although we needed the money and the other job well it paid more. However, you never know when a seasonal job could become permanent. Well an employee past away and they offered his position to Kyle. He starts on the 27th. We couldn't be more thrilled... no more travel, no more worry about construction jobs. Kyle loved his other job but needed to do what was best for our family and this is such a great thing for us. We finally finally caught a break. You can't get a better job in a rural area! Anyhow, that's my good news. I really hope that all is well with everyone. Will post again soon. Loves...

Weekend Update...

Well... we didn't do much this weekend other then watch it rain. Does the sun shine in Utah anymore??? I'm starting to have my doubts. Ava said this weekend "mom, I don't think there's a sun anymore" LOL. I'm hoping that it's nice next weekend so we can go outside and play! My sister had a great big tree in her front yard that they had to get removed. We made the best of the "twigs" and the kids made some smores and roasted hot dogs so that was fun. Oh... and I got my haircut so that's always fun!

Kyle started his new job back on the 1st and LOVES it. This is such a good thing because he's getting easy to live with again. My job is also just plugging right along other then I've lost my mojo and really have no motivation whatsoever to be there. I think once we're able to do somethings outside, that will change. It seems like the only time we really get any decent weather is during the work week.

So, we're trying to get our house refinanced and I'm find that harder then I thought it would be. I think they want everything including my first and only born in the paperwork. I'm hoping to have this done by the end of the month... and then guess what? I get to buy a new car YIPPY!!!! I'll keep you all posted.

Anyhow, not much new at the abode other then I'm excited to do laundry. Hope all is well with everyone. Loves...

As promised....

here are a few new pics.

My poor puppy....

Here are a couple pictures of Jazz and her latest "accessory". She has stitches in her rear ride leg and a "fun" headpiece that she can't wait to get rid of. She had surgery last Wed and is starting the heal nicely. She's very happy to be home!

Update....

I had my surgery and all went well, feeling much better. I don't really want to talk about the details on the blog because it's a little personal. If you're curious to what it was, jot me and email and I'll tell ya. You all know good ole Utah weather. We get like a week full of a little sunshine and then on the weekends it just pours. Well with all of the standing water, the Mosquito's are HORRIBLE and they love me and little Ava. I try to get bug spray on her before we go out but sometimes she escapes before I get it on her. Needless to say, she has a few bites. It wouldn't be such a big deal if they didn't swell. I do love the rain and the smell but I'd really like to go swimming at the pool sometime this summer. Who knows by next week we'll probably be back up to 90.

Well... when it rains, it pours at my house LITERALLY! DIRECT TV decided it wanted to take a few extra months worth of payments out of my account in one month. This has not been so much fun... still working with them to figure things out! My dog is hurt and has to go to the vet tomorrow; cross your fingers that her leg isn't broken. Last but not least, my washing machine developed a small leak ok it wasn't so small but I still used it until the big gush of water came out. Anyhow, I had to have the washer repair man come over on Sat and he tells me that it needs a new tub, transmission and barrings. The cost of the parts plus his labor was close to $400.00 + $35.00 more for him to tell me what needed to be fixed so obviously we aren't going to pay that much to fix it. After all, I only paid $125.00 for it on KSL.com almost 2 years ago. I think I got my monies worth. I'm now in the pity party depression stage trying to figure out what to do as I really didn't want to buy another used one. So I talked with my mom ok, bawled while talking to my mom. So after I get off the phone with my mom, Kyle calls and said that he just talked with my step-dad (papa) and that I needed to go up to Beck's (this is our local appliance store) and he had already talked with them and they had a new set for me. I am now the proud owner of my VERY first brand new front load Washer and Dryer... yes, this is my very first NEW set. The other two I've had were both used sets. These are the coolest things since sliced bread. I can't believe how efficient they are and the minimal water that is used. I've never been so excited to do laundry in all my life. Thank you so much mom and papa for the help xoxoxoxo!!!!!

I know I've been promising pictures but haven't done it yet. I promise this week sometime or next weekend I will get them on. Hope all is well with everyone. Loves....

Has it really been a month.....

since my last post? When I started this blog I promised myself I would update at least 2xs per month. However, I've just not had the time to do it. Anyhow, a lot has happened over the past month. I had a birthday and it was a rough one. I really thought I was a year younger then I really am. Thanks sister for breaking the news to me! It was like that episode of friends where Phoebe thought she was a certain age and then found out she was a year older. It was like I'd gained a whole new year in a matter of minutes. I really kinda sucked! However, I did new a new camera from my mom and have been taking pictures. I need to get them downloaded off of the camera and get them posted. I have a goal to do that sometime this weekend!

Kyle started a new job back on April 20th for the city where we live. He's so funny. He told me the other night "you know when you drive by a city worker and there's 4 leaning on a shovel and one working" that's really how it is working for the city. Needless to say, he's the one that's working. My dad always told me when I was younger that it's easier to find a job when you already have a job. Well, I think he was right. Kyle put in his resume with a local company a few months back and we never heard back from them. Well, they called yesterday and offered him a job. The hourly pay is $6.00 more per hour then what he's making for the city and it was only a part-time job that went until Oct. This is like almost a $1000 per month pay increase WOO HOO (maybe we can get me that new car now)! He couldn't really turn it down. He starts on June 1st. He really feels bad that he's leaving the city job but he needs to do what's best for our family. He said that the city was very good with him and even told him that if the have a permanent job come available, they give him a call to see if he's interested in working for them full-time.

Little Ava has been better. She was so sick this past weekend. I don't think she's ever been that sick. She's still not 100%. I hope she peps back up soon. It makes me so sad to see her when she's sick. We did her testing for preschool a couple of weeks ago and the average score is 85-115, Ava scored a 127. I knew she was a smart cookie!

The summer months are fast approaching and I'm so excited. I can't wait to get out in the sun, BBQ, boating, camping, riding 4-wheelers and hanging out with good friends. The last few days here have been so nice... but, we do live in Utah so it could technically be 90 degrees today and snow tomorrow. I'm so totally not kidding!

I have to have a minor... well not so minor surgery on the 29th for some female problems that I'm having. I'll let everyone know how it goes. I promise I will post some pictures soon! Loves....

Easter....

Yes, I've been neglecting my blog AGAIN... just haven't felt up to blogging very much lately. The weather is still very gloomy and cold and I feel like I'm still in a winter slump. I'm also cameraless again. The one my dad sent me finally broke. It gave him several good years and me a good month but its now gone off to camera heaven. I'll get a new one someday, I just don't know when. Oh well! Anyhow, a few good things have happened over the last few weeks though. Kyle finally found a job and starts on the 20th with the city. It's only a 6 month position but could work into something more permanent and full time at a later date. It scares me that it's only temporary but temporary is better then nothing right now.

Easter, oh how I love the holiday's.... NOT!!!! I have no cute pictures to post. I'm hoping either my mom or Stanton got a few good ones and if so, I'll post them. Well, I got to have Easter at my house this year. The weather cooperated so we could be outside which was good since my house is a little small. We planned an Easter Egg hunt for the kids and had a great lunch. The hunt was a little disappointing but oh well, I won't go into that. I'd like to though!!!! I was a little on the peeved side and still am but nothing I can do about it and if I say anything, I'll just get in trouble **SIGH**! Other then that, it turned out to be a great day! Ava and my niece had to dress up in the same dresses and it was so cute. Kyden is such a girlie girl and Ava isn't too far behind. However, Kyden likes her dress shoes and Ava likes her flip flops. When it's time for flip flop season, she's just like her mommy and that's all she likes to wear. However, I don't think the dresses will ever come clean from them rolling around on the grass... if grass is what you could call it. It was really wet and semi muddy.

My work is plugging along. I work for an agency of the state that took some pretty hefty budget cuts but nothing like our sister agencies have taken. We lost a few people but I'm worried about some of the programs that they want to cut. They're so vital to our vulnerable citizen's. It's a waiting game now to see what is going to happen. I'm just hoping for the best. Well... better get back to regular life. I hope to post again soon. Loves....

Dearest Blog....

how I have neglected thee... and so many other things these past few months including, myself! However, I hope that's all changing. I'm even posting some new pictures. We've done a few things this past weekend. We took a trip to Capitol Reef and went hiking for Kyle's birthday. We came home and had a couple of beautiful warms days so we took our first Jeep ride of the year with friends. Needless to say, it's dang cold today. That's how Utah is... warm one minute, cold the next! I've also starting walking every night with my friend Ann. I do a lot better at going when I have someone to go with me. It's hard to get to the gym because I have to be to work so early that I don't have time to go in the mornings. I try to go a lunch but that doesn't work and then if I go at night, I feel guilty for leaving Ava because I'm gone all day as it is. It feels like this is such a catch 22, no right answer. So needless to say, I've been trying to do some different things at home and then just walk at night. It must be starting to work because I've lost 10 pounds already YIPPY!!!!!

Things at work are much better. We won't be doing any furloughs our benefits are supposed to go up a little but that's the least of my worries. I've worked in the private sector before and I'll tell you what, I listen to some of the older people that I work with complain about the benefits going up a few dollars and all I think to myself is they have no idea how good they really have it. I'm just glad and so thankful that we have health insurance. Kyle also finally has a job offer. It doesn't start until sometime in April. We don't have all of the details yet so I'll let you know once I know more. I still have some leery feelings about him going to work with an old business associate. He's going to talk with the company this week and see if he could get on a different shift then him. If he can, I think it will be all good. If not, I'd almost rather have him unemployed... how sad is that! I wish I could go into details about the previous business associate but it just makes me a bitch when I think about what happened so I won't do that tonight.

Anyhow... here's some new pictures. The first couple of pictures are from my dad. I love the big trees in the Redwood's.

Jeep Ride

Urs & Franki

Shanan

So tired

Shanan & Franki

Capitol Reef

Blooming Trees

Petroglyphs

Well....

I am battling some new challenges this week. I just feel like I keep getting kicked harder when I'm already down. It doesn't feel like it is ever going to end or we're ever going to catch a little break. I know that there are a lot of other people out there who are in the same boat that we're in right now and I empathize with them. So, I'm thinking of getting another job. It hurts so bad to think that I might have to do this. I'm already away from Ava more then I should be. There are a lot of adolescent group homes where I live and since I already work with troubled youth, I pretty much have the job if I want it. I just need to get back to them and let them know. I'm really really struggling with this right now. If I do take the job, it will put me back a year or so on my graduate degree as well as a lot more time away from the home... and at my job with the state, it's possible that I might have to take a mandatory furlough of 8 hours per month for a year and that my insurance premiums will go up as well. If that is the case, I really have no other choice but to take a second job. I've also went back on my birth control pills... so no baby right now either! I'm also really struggling with that one. There are just so many things I'd like to post right now but it would be from emotions and not logically thinking so I'm not going to post some of those things. So.. how's that for a pity party???

There are some positives though. Ava can sing her ABC's, count to 20 in both English and Spanish and she's only 3 years old! I'm so proud of her. She's such a smart little cookie. She loves to sing songs, dance and play. She's my little sunshine and the light of my life. She's has such a cute personality and a very creative imagination. She drew me a picture on her closet doors. So instead of being the big bad mommy and getting mad, I joined her and we drew a picture together. I told her that tomorrow we were going to paint and once painted, she couldn't draw anymore and she said "okay mommy". I just think with all of the stressors in my house right now, she can feel the stress as well and I think it relieved a lot of stress for both of us. I really don't think she'll ever do it again. If she does, I'll probably have to get mad next time. She's just growing up so fast. Mommy loves you sweet Ava!

So... there's my life in a nutshell right now. I'm hoping for some good weather in the next few days so we can go outside to play and take some pictures. I'll post pictures once I get some. Hope all is well. I'm going to bed! Loves...

Hello Everyone....

I know I promised pictures awhile ago but I haven't had time to hardly even sleep let alone post pictures. However, I will try to get to it very soon.

The abode is still the same. However, I did finally get part of my kitchen painted. This has been a work in progress since I moved into the home. I didn't realize how bad the walls were until I started trying to prep them to paint. Needless to say, we're still mudding trying to fix some of the walls so they'll look good once painted. I forgot how much work older homes were to remodel, even something just as simple as painting is a royal pain in a home where the walls are totally crooked. Oh well... I'm finally getting it! I'd post more about the home life but it really hasn't changed and is just getting more frustrating day by day. We're working through things but again, I'm just frustrated so I'll leave it at that for tonight. The work life is the same, totally busy. This is very good because of job security but also very bad because it means there are a lot more families that are in dysfunction right now.

I finished another class and pretty happy about that especially since I got an "A". Oh... for those of you who need college text books, go to http://www.cheapesttextbooks.com/ you'll seriously save TONS! Well... better go hang with the family. Hope all is well with everyone. I'm hoping that I'm back to myself very soon and once I'm back to myself, that means I'll blog more again. Loves to all....

So............

my cute, nice, sweet dad sent me a camera... that means I'll soon have some new pictures to post. Thanks Dad!!!!!

Happy Valentines Day!!!

So, I'm really not a fan of good ole Valentines Day. If' you're single, it's known as singles awareness day and even if you have a significant other, the day can still pretty much suck! Kyle and I decided that we weren't going to get each other anything this year. I'm more a fan of bring me flowers on some random day, not a day that he's expected to bring flowers. Anyhow, we decided no gifts this year. Well... that still means that you need to get something as I can't be known as the wife who didn't give her hubby anything for this gift expecting day. So I go shopping and find a cute little something and the cute little something is about $100 so I decide that maybe, just maybe I'll go with the agreement of no gift giving this year. Needless to say, I found the cute little something when I got home online for only $30 so I decide to order it. Well, it was supposed to be delivered yesterday and when I checked my email yesterday morning, it said it was out of stock and my card would be credited back for the amount of the purchase. I'm now back to no gift. I really just figured that it's ok at this point. We agreed on no gifts and when I tried to get something, it didn't come anyway. So I go to the local Walmart and just buy a cute card and me and Ava sign it. So I get up this morning and Kyle gives me a card. I'm thinking it's just a card since he really can't stand this special day. So I open the card and guess what's in it?!? a gift.... Well the nice hubby that he is went and bought me a gift card for a massage and some speciality foot bath. He said that I've been really stressed out with work and things at home and that I need to just do something for myself! WOW... what a sweet guy! So now, here I sit at the computer feeling totally guilty that all he got was a card! Oh well... I guess it's the thought that counts!!!!

So tonight we're going out with my friends Ann & Brett. I think we're going bowling and the somewhere to have a few cocktails. I hope you all have a great day!!! Loves....

Hello Everyone...

Again, I know I suck at blogging right now. I apologize but I just haven't been in the mood to do much of anything lately. I'm overly swamped at work which is good but it totally wears me out and then when I get home at night, I have no energy to do anything. I also have a very hard time in the winter. I used to ski when I lived in SLC and would like to take it up again but no moola to do that right now. I have some friends that I can go and play volleyball with on Tues and Wed nights but then I feel bad because I leave Ava all day to go to work and then have to leave her again when I get home if I want to go and play. It's like a no win situation. I'm so ready for warm weather or even just spring weather for that matter. Ava wants to go outside and play and we go but she's cold in like 5 minutes so then back in the house we go. Lets just say that I'm really looking forward to this Spring!


The home situation is still the same and I don't even like posting about it because I feel like a broken record. Kyle is still looking for work and put it one way, we don't really have anyone knocking down our door trying to offer him a job. I just feel so bad and to be honest, I'm sick and tired of having to defend him to everyone... family, friends, co-workers etc. I promise he's really sending out resumes and looking. There's just not much out there right now for a construction superintendent. Oh I promise... it's more frustrating for me and him then it is anyone else!

All in all things are ok. I still can't post any pictures though. I still can't get that camera to work right. I am trying though as it doesn' t look like I'll be getting another one anytime soon. The picture will not download off of the camera onto the computer and it won't switch over from external memory to my SD card.... here again, is a no win situation. Oh well..... it's all good!!! Loves...

I know I know.....

I so suck at blogging right now. Sorry I haven't updated for a while but I've been very busy at work the past couple of weeks.... and I think I'm totally depressed with the cold. I'm so ready for warm weather. I want to go outside and play. I'm so sick and tired of being in the house! Ava wants to go outside too but we get out there and she gets cold in like 5 minutes and then is miserable and wants to come back in the house. SIGH.... Oh well!!! There's my pity party!

I've had a decent four day weekend now and finally out of those days, have one at home. Things are really the same at my house. Kyle has a pretty good job lead and we're hoping to know something very soon, hopefully within the next week. I'd like to post some pictures but I'm REALLY disappointed in this camera. It takes the worst pictures I've ever seen. I get teary eyed when I think about it. I'm just hoping that maybe I can get a new one sometime soon. I'll cross my fingers on that one. Mom and dad if you're reading... I LOVE YOU!!! hint hint.... J/K. Oh, there's my second pity party on this post!

I've got back into my school work in the last week and will have another class finished next week. I'm on track to graduate in June 2010; 18 more months! The school was gracious enough to give me a grievance on my student loan payment and dropped it in half because Kyle is not working. I was so very grateful they were able to do that for me.

Ava is her usually self. My little stinker and I wouldn't have it any other way. We want to take her sledding later and I will really try to see if I can get some pictures and post them.

Well... I'm off to do laundry and clean house. Hope all is well with everyone. I PROMISE I will post again very SOON!!!! Loves...

Biggest Looser

Hi Everyone.... I was reading the news this morning and came across this blog http://utahtib.blogspot.com/2008/12/biggest-loser-6.html they're offering a "biggest looser" contest starting this Friday. Check out the blog, it sounds like it might be fun!!!!

Silly Ava....

So when Ava woke up this morning she was doing her morning snuggling with mommy. When mommy's not home, she'll snuggle with daddy. Well I've been home since Christmas and I have to go back to work on Monday and we've snuggled every morning for the past 10 days. So I tell Ava this morning that mommy has to go back to work in two days and Ava says no mommy, you can just stay home with me. So mommy tells her well... mommy's got to bring home the bacon. This is where it gets good. Ava looks up at me and says "but mommy, we already have bacon"! What a silly little girl! I just thought I'd post about my morning funny.

I should have some pictures from our New Year's party soon. I don't have any myself because I forgot my camera :( so I have to wait to get the pictures from my friend before I can post. I sure hope that everyone had a safe and happy New Year. Talk to you all soon. Loves....