Hiking- Summer Adventures

There is a really simple easy trail by the river up the canyon.
It's so nice getting out and going into NATURE.

Actually, we NEED nature- I hear it's better than therapy :)

I told Jay he needs to start taking some pictures so I can be remembered as being with the family too! 

He goes a little overboard with his new job...

STOP IT!!!!

Dad is good at skipping rocks and catching grapes in his mouth. You seriously, next time you see him, just ask to see his grape throwing/catching skills. You will never be the same again. 

Storytelling Festival

I didn't know our town did a storytelling festival! When I saw the brochures at the checkout line in the grocery store I knew we *HAD* to go!

Of course E sat like this when she actually was sitting down...for like 5 seconds.

G man like the dragon ventriloquist guy.

He also drank most of this can of pop and didn't sleep very good that night....oops! But we taught him a valuable lesson: too much sugar makes your body feel sick! And actually since then, he now asks about how much sugar is in things and will only eat a little bit because he doesn't want his body to feel bad!!! Seriously we got ice-cream the other day and he ate maybe 3 spoonfuls and gave me the rest so he wouldn't get sick! I told him I was proud of him listening to his body as I shoved the rest of it down my throat!!! ha ha!

This was only their second year doing the festival- I hope more people come next year and it grows because it was so FUN!

 And because we got a "family pass" we had extra tickets so the next day while Jay was working with went with my good friend Jennae and her son! This lady is the coolest.

Taken by her son....the only picture he got with our faces in it! ha!

What a fun couple days of storytelling and playing at the park! I hope we get to go again next year. Oh and I was soooooo bummed my camera's batteries died before I could get a picture of G with the dragon guy- he was so cool. Find his story here: http://www.mormon.org/me/3j34

Baby Lambs

My friend has a farm and got 30 baby lambs and invited her friends to come help feed them. Who do you think enjoyed it more? The kids or me?

Esther was SCARED. The lambs were fine from a distance but when they got close- AH!

Grant loved them...until he started feeding them. 

Did you know baby lambs *HIT* their mom to get the milk flowing? The just bump right up into the udder and pretty forcefully too. So they did the same thing with the bottles. Totally freaked Grant out.

So super cute. 

So while everyone pretty much enjoyed the experience, in the end the person who enjoyed it the most was ME.

I didn't know feeding baby lambs could seriously fill you with so much joy and laughter to just bubble out, even when the day had been long and rough. Totally consider feeding baby lambs if you need to feel better about life.

As a side note, I really, really want my friend's farm to succeed. They take care of their animals and feed them well and make sure they are keeping them healthy and happy so the people who consume the animals will be healthy. I support these guys and everything they are trying to accomplish. If you want to check out their website it's: http://hensonheritagefarm.com/

Baby Animal Days

  Baby Animal Days!

We were able to make it to Baby Animal Days this year with Jay!
His class was unexpectedly cancelled and we had planned on going another weekend but they only have the baby bears for the first 3 days.
So our original plan would have been without the baby bears and without Jay.
We were THRILLED Jay could make it with us- we dropped everything Friday and spent the day with the animals.

Grant was soooo excited for the baby bears. 

And the line this year wasn't too bad- only around 45 minutes! Last year I heard rumors it was 2 hours plus and later on in the day it did look about that long so we were glad we jumped right in. Well, Jay stayed in line while me and the kids played games, watched people fish and held baby turtles! That was actually Grant's favorite part of the whole day- those baby turtles were only 1 week old.

So so small! 

Funny random story: my aunt as a baby was said to have eaten a baby turtle. One of my other aunts or mischievous little uncles- or my even my own mother- gasp- must have brought it to her and she ate it.  Totally disgusting and horrifying as a mom! AH!

 We made it back to Jay who stood faithfully in line and told him of our wild adventures. Then we got to see them. Oh they were so cute.

Esther would not stay in line like all the other kids-------------Look at that excitement on G's face!

The baby bears were soooooooooo cute! Drinking milk, rolling around and sleeping- just like a baby.

So cute!

Esther didn't want her bunny- she wanted Grant's- just like everything else in our normal everyday life- she has to have what Grant has.

He did really good with the bunny- so happy!

Train ride! I don't know why kids think it's so fun- but I remember thinking the same thing when I was little.

Reindeer, yak, baby pigme goat 1 week old.

Esther meowed at everything.

Esther does make the proper noise for a horse- the part where they snort. Yep- she rocks that noise.

Hay Ride to see the buffalo.

This sheep had a lot to say to me. We had a good conversation about..... something... wish I knew.

This day was probably one of the funnest we've had as a little family. Grant was old enough to really enjoy everything and Esther napped during lunchtime. Jay and I made some new friends and saw old friends too as we ate yummy food and it wasn't too hot. It was just relaxing and FUN. We've needed this. It was pretty much a perfect day. 

A Few Words On The Move

A few words here to describe the moving process:

Croup
Coughing
Dragging
No energy
So much stuff!
Long
Poor Jay
Grant falling from platform
Hurt

No broken bones- thankful
Help from family.
Two trucks and trailers.
New place
Smaller but has windows, light!!!
Backyard for Grant to run


So Jay is finishing up his job in these next few days so we are staying with my parents. Hopefully Wednesday we will have all lose ends tied up and sleep in our new place. And this will all be OVER!

It's bitter sweet.
We have loved our neighbors and our ward and friends we made here. We are sad to be leaving them but there are so many things to look forward to.

The things that stand out to me at this moment that I'm excited for are:

• Backyard area for G to run around and play! Hallelujah! And kids everywhere for little friends- he just loves being with other people.
• I am so ecstatic about the windows! We will have some sunlight and when Jay calls from work for his lunch call my first question won't be, "What's the weather like?"
• Free community classes- I hope I can take a sewing class or wood working- some sort of skill so I can make things from scratch! I would love that.
• Free bus- cool, don't have to pay for gas most of the time- I think G and I will figure out how to use the bus to get to the library! Sounds like an adventure.
• I am excited to be around young moms like me. I think it will be fun to be in a community like that.
• Farmer's markets
• Community garden

Good-bye basement!!!!

Stories for Baby- The Crosswalk

I would just like to say before you read that everyone is totally okay. I'm good, the baby's good and Jay is good.

Okay, now for the story:

Jay and I were going for our usual walk now that the weather is nice and happened upon a crosswalk on Canyon Road. Today there was a higher volume of traffic so we sat there and waited for cars to either clear or stop-neither of which happened for at least 3 minutes. We waited until it was perfectly clear on both sides to start crossing, and just as we started across, another car had pulled up to the stop sign turning left onto Canyon Road.

I didn't think she wouldn't see me- most people these days see me because I'm huge! Plus, Jay was there too- there was two people, one a little rounder so of course she saw us! I would have reacted faster- I would made some sort of escape plan if only I knew.

The only thought that crossed my mind as she pulled out onto the road was, "She's getting a head start so that she is on the road in case cars do start coming soon."

She began speeding up though as she pulled out- Jay later told me he thought it was someone playing a joke on us- you know "pretend" run you over stuff because they knew us or something.

When I realized she didn't see us and she was speeding up instead of slowing down I knew it was too late to really do anything. I just couldn't believe she didn't see me. I was looking right at her face as the car closed in. I could see the front bumper coming up on me- I don't know when that image will ever get out of my mind- the car coming at me- the woman who couldn't see me- the tires turning faster.

I braced myself- still not comprehending how she couldn't see me right there. I stretched my arms out so the car wouldn't hit my legs and I think it was that instant that she saw me. She pushed on the breaks as the car hit my outstretched arms. I was pushed to the asphalt and fell on my side.

My first thought was my baby-Jay ran to my side and we quickly went off to the side of the road. That was a scene because by then there were a bunch of cars showing up and everyone was stopping and asking if I was alright- Yes, I'm fine! What about my baby?!!! I have a scratch! Then I started bawling hysterically I think because I saw what could have happened if the lady hadn't pushed on her breaks when she did. And all I could think about was my baby- I couldn't think because that's all I cared about.

We did end up reporting the incident- maybe it will help make the crosswalk safer? I actually don't know what to do in a situation like that- I've never thought about it. But since we were reporting it, the old lady that hit me kept asking us things like, "What is the purpose of this? Are you going to try to sue me?" I felt bad for her- sad that that was her first thought- that she was more concerned about us trying to get money from her than she was showing her concern for me and my baby. Honestly I am sure she is a good person and cares about our lives but the way she reacted made me realize what a crazy world we live in where people really do try to take advantage of a situation. All I really care about is that my baby is okay and that she learned to be more careful and if her license does need to be taken away, that she understands it is to keep others safe. I know that must be such a hard thing to give up- being independent. But it's that or someone's life.

I don't really want to dwell on it or think about what could have happened because right now I am so grateful. Grateful I can still feel the little guy kickin' and that there are no broken bones or anything. Grateful that the little old lady doesn't have to live with anything other than worrying if we are possibly going to sue her.

We ended up calling the midwives who told us to go to the hospital and be monitored for a little while just to be sure. They asked me a bunch of questions, all of which were easily answered that nothing seemed to be wrong- just a sore hip and some scratches. The baby's heartbeat was jagged, which they said was perfect-exactly what they like to see and he was moving around like crazy.

When something like this happens to you it really does make you sit and think about how precious life is. It could be gone in an instant. What really matters in life and did you do everything you could? Are you living life to the fullest? Do I really show how grateful I am to my family and friends? Do I really try to serve others and make their lives better or am I just living for me? Also, it has made me reflect on what kind of driver I am and how you really should be so careful. I know I have been distracted before by turning a station on the radio or the phone- yah you only look down for two seconds- but two seconds could be someone's life.

Someone was there watching out for us- maybe we needed this experience to really understand that you can't control everything in your life- that life is precious and to be grateful everyday and to make the most out of everyday. I really hope I can do that because I have such a great life and an awesome family who I love dearly and great neighbors and friends. I am so thankful for all of you in my life, even on this little blog- reading your stories and sharing feelings on whatever- I love it and am thankful!

Jay's idea is what a great story the little guy is going to have to tell about before he was born! He's going to be in his kindergarten class and say, "My mom was hit by a car before I was born!" and all the kids will look at him in awe. It sounds a little more epic than it was.

P.S. Actually I have a pretty good one when I was in my mama's belly:

I was chased by a moose! I should get the details on this again because that's all I really know- that my mom was chased and she hid behind a tree or something and everyone was fine afterwards.

LoveSac and Wild Lady

Being thrifty is awesome. I have actually really enjoyed not having much because it has really started to make me become a creative, cheap, do-it-yourself, find-it-used kind of gal. I have found amazing deals on things that I absolutely love; for example, I found the cutest t-shirt at DI, brand new, and was able to bargain it down to a dollar. A dollar for my now favoritist shirt?

Yes, it's cool.

So when I found out that my cousins had made a giant love sac by using scraps of foam and just a lovesac cover for $20 I was on the boat to make myself one of those. Now, where to start?

I know! KSL- the free section! I'm going to find some free couches, take the cushions apart and voila I will have foam! Perfect, perfect plan.

What do you know? There was a girl on there giving away a few couches and a loveseat. I called her up, she said come on down and just take the cushions- don't even worry about the bodies of the couches. I told her I could come around 4-5 to pick them up and she said she would leave the cushions out on her porch.

I picked up Jay from school and we were on our way. We easily found the apartments where she lives and looked on her porch to see a dinky chair type thing.

When we couldn't see anything else I whined,"Darn it, someone must have already taken the bigger couches! Oh well, we can at least take these." It looked weathered and it's outside on her porch, where she said it would be, and it's a little wet from the rain. Guess this is it.

"Jay, take the cushions and put them in the car and I'll knock and see if there by chance is anymore left that she just didn't stick outside".

I pull off the bottom cushion for him and he starts to take the top one off- oh the top one is sewn to the base- I guess just rip it off. So, *RIP*- he's got the cushions and putting them in the car and I almost leave but then I really wanted more cushions than that so I knock on the lady's door.

"Hi, I'm Aubrey- the one who called about the cushions- were there anymore?"

"Oh yes! Sorry, I forgot to put them on the porch! Let me show you where they are- come along, they are out back."

.......

Wait, what?!

"We just took the cushions from this chair right here on your porch...." I started.

"Oh, no, that's not mine, that's my neighbor's!" She chirped, not realizing what had just happened.

......

I didn't really believe what I was hearing and she was trying to have me follow her I remained planted in the spot. She turned around confused as to why I wasn't following her.

"I....we....took the cushions from this chair- we ripped them off....I need to talk to your neighbor."

The lady just looked shocked-and scared- like she might start crying.

"Oh no! I am so sorry!!!" she whimpered.

Jay is back to join us, oblivious of what is really going on- I tell him we took the wrong cushions and instantly you could see embarrassment cross his brow and then a little anger.

I knock on the neighbor's door and in a big whirlwind the neighbor whisks to the door and sticks her head of wild hair out the door and stares at me with her big glasses, suspicion already in her eyes, and asks with her poorly applied red lipstick lips,

"What do you want?!"

"I came here to apologize..." I start.

"For WHAT?!" She interupts and opens the door a little wider.

I was a little taken aback, considering I was trying to figure out how to go about telling her why we just ruined her furniture. I figured I should just be straight up with her and I didn't think she would wait for the story so I told her in a flat voice, "We ripped your chair".

"Why would you do that?!!!" she thundered.

Man, this lady is scary. I explained that it was an accident, that we thought it was something else and that I was here at her door because I wanted to restitute the accident.

She thought about that for a moment and then promptly started going on and on about what a special piece this was and how upset she was that we ripped it.

I glanced at Jay who just looked like he wanted to punch someone in the face (you must understand he hadn't eaten lunch that day and was starving...anything at this point could make him upset).

The wild lady had a lot of wind and kept going on and on, not telling us how much she had paid for it, so I finally decided to offer something else.

I interrupted her ramblings,"We could look into repairing it if you would like..."

She looked gleeful. "Yes, yes let's do that!"

Okay, so she doesn't look like she's going to grab my throat anymore; we must be making progress. We exchanged numbers and I told her I would look into the repair and get back to her in a few days.

Now, what happened to the other lady? She felt horrible of course that she was part of the confusion and offered to pay half the fee of repair, which helped us feel a little better that she took some responsibility for this craziness.

Long story short?

The next week we took it into some upholstery repair shop and were told it would be $70 to sew the cushion back onto the back part of the chair. To make it look really nice, they would have to do a lot more taking it apart and sewing it back together which would be around $250. We took the $70 option because the tear was in the back and as long as you can't see it, it should be fine.

$70-Yep. Thinking that could have bought a used LoveSac. Pretty sure. Worth the story? Maybe someday....

Rebekah's Wedding

I took pictures at a friend's wedding today!
They aren't the best ever, I know that, but I'm learning and I thought I would share my attempt on my blog for fun.

Yah, I wasn't ever planning on doing anyone's wedding because I have next to no experience with using my DSLR and it was one of the scariest things ever. A wedding happens so fast and moments pass and people get tired and there is such a thing as smiling too much. I am so lucky to know Rebekah and that she let me tag along and practice all these skills that I lack!!!
What a beautiful day to be taking pictures too- in January???! Rebekah actually told me that they chose this temple specifically because they thought it would look good in the snow. Ha! And it was better weather than it was on my wedding day in mid-March.

So, it was so much fun, and holy cow- it taught me I have a lot to learn about how to operate my camera.
Thank goodness for photoshop (still learning that too)!

They are so happy and in love and it was so much fun to take their pictures on their special day.
Here's a few from today:

I loved it and Rebekah is so gorgeous!
Thanks for sharing your special day with me!!!!

Karate!

Okay, that was not gas.

That was my baby.
With a head-butt or
some kung-fu action.


I have been feeling little movements, or so I thought- but how do you know for sure if it's the baby or if it's just some gas or your body doing weird things like it does nowadays.


Well, today was the day I knew.
I knew it was my baby.

Coolest feeling in the whole entire world.
Who thought pregnancy could be this sweet?

Grandma Saves the Day!

As I flipped the french toast, I knew something wasn't right. Why is it so warm in here?

"I think I'll sit down a minute" I murmured.

Grandma was busy cutting some vegetables for her lunch. Funny that our meals finally matched up today- Jay and my breakfast and her lunch. We stayed out late for the third weekend in a row so we slept in on our Saturday.

"Are you feeling ok?" Grandma looked over, a worried expression crossing her brow.

"I think so, I just feel a little light-headed."

No big deal, just sit down and I'll feel better. Oh wait, I need to get that french toast off the pan on the stove top or it's going to burn. I feel so hot. Maybe I should wait till I feel better.

......

The next thing I remember is my grandma's face above me, blurry and I can barely hear her- you know just like in the movies- she's asking me if I'm okay. She says some more things and tells me to stay there.

I am on the ground, I see that. I'm by the stove and the sink. How did I get there? Why am I on the floor? I don't remember coming over here at all.

Jay's there and I'm finally starting to understand what must have happened, it was all so surreal. I'd never fainted before, I had no idea it would be like that.

We laugh and joke about it a little and tell our different accounts of the event.

My grandma, eyes wide, says, "You started wobbling and you went limp started falling and luckily I was there to catch you and make sure your head didn't hit the stove- you were falling towards the stove- and then I lowered you to the floor as far as I could and you fell a little bit of the way!"

Yes, thank goodness! Can you believe that? I just didn't think it would actually happen- but now I know some symptoms that I will not ignore if I ever encounter these in the future:
1. Feeling light-headed
2. Feeling really warm all of a sudden
3. Sound starting to be muffled

Kind of cool that I fainted for my first time right? I don't know why I think that's cool except for the fact that nobody got hurt and it wasn't something that's happened before or something that you even see everyday, let alone experience. Except now I'm paranoid about doing things like taking a shower now...

So have you ever fainted before? What was it like? Similar to my experience, like the movies? What happened? I'm really curious now.

Festival of Colors

We were able to make it to the Holi, or Festival of Colors and it was so cool. Colors were flying everywhere in celebration of spring!!!



Surprise!!! Colors flying right in the FACE!!!



Bethany had way too much fun, she was getting everybody.





From head....



to.....


We were covered with colorful powder!!!

The coolest part was when they yell out "Hare Krishna!!!" Hare means energy and Krishna means beautiful/godlike. So when "Hare Krishna" is yelled, everyone throws their colors in the air at the same time and the color powder flies everywhere and looks absolutely awesome.