Than they were gone...

Two weeks ago we had my mom's family reunion in Heber and Scott, Sommers and the Boys drove down to come to it. They made it to Logan on Thursday night at midnight. They put the boys to bed and we talked for a little bit and got up to play the next day. Bailey and Shaydon had fun playing, fighting and being together and the babies were good. We hung around the house for the morning and than went to Gossners. Sommers likes to go there and Scott likes to get the squeaky cheese. After that we took the kids to McDonald's for a gourmet lunch! We played there for awhile and than they took off. It was great to have them here and now Scott is on Bailey's top 10 favorite people list. She calls him "My Scott." We loved seeing them and hope they can come back soon!

On my way back from McDonald's I got a call from Ben's mom and they were just about to Logan. We had invited them to stay with us Friday night and they were almost here! Ben's brother Daniel was having the two boys they adopted sealed to them in Ogden on Saturday morning. Ann, Grandma Snow, and Kat did some shopping while the girls napped. Then we were all supposed to meet in town for dinner. Ben was working on the yard and helping our neighbors lay their sod so just the girls and I went. We had a great dinner at Olive Garden and than came back and chatted. I put the girls to bed and went and helped a little with the laying of the sod while Grandma and Ann napped and Kat watched a movie and listened for the girls monitors. After that Kat and I went to get everyone a treat and we talked and hung out for awhile.


The next morning everyone got up and ready to go. Ann, Grandma, and Kat headed for Ogden, Ben went to lay sod again and I got the girls ready to go to the reunion. My parents were able to leave the MTC to come to the reunion to see everyone and say goodbye. It was great to see the extended family and spend some time with my parents. Bailey and Shaydon were so cute when they saw my dad. They saw him at the same time because they are hardly apart they both yelled "Papa" and ran to him and didn't let go until we left the reunion.


After the reunion we headed to my sisters house. She only lives about an hour away and it gave us more time to be with mom and dad. They and Scott all stayed with her Saturday night. We talked, had supper and than around 10 pm Ben and I decided it was time to head home. It was really hard to say goodbye. Of course the girls didn't know what was going on and it was probably better that way. I didn't have my camera So these pictures are from my niece Lexie. We will really miss you mom and dad and our so proud of you for going when it isn't easy to say goodbye and leave your grand kids.

Since my last blog!

Well I know it's been about 2 weeks so here goes on trying to update our lives!

General Conference was AWESOME! I love General Conference and Ben was great about watching conference and not football! What was probably the cutest thing was that Bailey was soo sick of being with us cooped up in the house that when Eric (our amazing picture guy) came over to give me the proofs of our family pictures Bailey had to get as close to him as she could! I think she was just so happy to have someone new to hang out with. Eric is so sweet with her that he just snuggled her back!

We also celebrated Ben's 30th birthday in the past two weeks. I got him to leave work early that day and we went out to dinner at Texas Road House with our friends Tyler and Tiffany - Cara :) I promise we WOULD have invited you and MitChell, but I was told you were already going that same night. Lyndsie was great to babysit while we went to dinner and when Ben and I could eat again we had Banana Cream Pie, Ben isn't a fan of cake, with Bailey, Lyndsie, and Eric. Happy Birthday Ben, we love you!

Ben's sister Misti come into town and spent a Thursday night with us. She had training in Ogden and we were closer than home. It was great to see her and I wish she could of had her son Corbyn with her so he could play with Bailey, but maybe next time. The very next night my sister-in-law Brenda (Lyndsie's mom) came into town. We did some shopping and they went to Tap Dogs together and came back to talk. On Saturday morning we had breakfast got ready and went shopping again! I loved it and Ben and one of Lyndsie's friends came with us this time too. After shopping we met Eric at Firehouse for a wonderful lunch. After lunch Brenda headed back home, but we all had a great time.

Ben and I also celebrated our 7th Anniversary. I can't believe it's been 7 years, since we knew each other 18 years before we got married I really can't imagine my life with out him. He is a wonderful Husband and father. He works so hard so I can stay home and be with Bailey which is a huge blessing. He is my perfect match in every way. And after 7 years I still love that we can laugh together and enjoy spending as much time as we can together. I love you Ben.

Sometime during this time frame, Bailey got a package in the mail from Shaydon. I have the most amazing sister-in-law. When Sommers and Scott came to Utah they went shopping at IKEA and I had mentioned one time that I wanted these bibs that Shaydon had and Sommers remembered and not only bought us some but mailed them to us. After Bailey opened the package she had to put on her bib and wouldn't take it off for the rest of the day! Sommers is a wonderful sister-in-law, mother, wife, and aunt. Thank you Sommers and Shaydon!

I also went to Menopause the Musical with Lyndsie. We really didn't enjoy it as much as most of the older women that were in the crowd, but it was fun to spend time with Lyndsie. I have LOVED having her in Logan this year. After the show we went to Caspers Ice Cream and we both got a Hot Shot. It was soo good.

This last Saturday Ben decided that we needed to really enjoy college Football. So we got tickets and went to the USU game at 1:00pm. Bailey decided that a nap just wasn't going to happen for her that morning so we took a napless child to the game. She did pretty dang good until about half time. She was hot, tired, and really frustrated that she just couldn't move very far. So we went home to we get out of the sun and get some rest. Ben got a ride home from Tyler, thanks for bringing him home! :) There was a BYU game on that afternoon also so after the game we woke Bailey up (a little crazy) and headed to Shawn's house, he works with Ben. For the BYU game which started at 4:00 but thank heaven's for DVR we got there at 6:00 and were still able to see the whole game. Lucky us, and lucky us that BYU won! After the game we got pizza and Eric brought over the Proposal which I have been dying to see, so thanks Eric for hooking us up!

Wow, I think that's about it. Sorry if this blog is a little long, but I honestly haven't been on the internet for about 2 weeks, just haven't had a lot of time!

Time with Family

We got back from our trip to Boise on Sunday and we were short one person. We took Lyndsie home when we went, but my brother wanted her to stay until Monday and he and my sister-in-law Brenda would bring her back to Logan on Monday. So we were able to all go out to dinner at Firehouse. We had great food, dessert, and so much fun just being together. Well Lyndsie hung out at our house after her parents left and then went back to her apartment. We she got there, there were some major issues going on so she came back to our house and lived with us until Thursday when we could get her into a new apartment. It was great to have her and I'm soo soo happy that we could be here when she needs us. She is in a new apartment with a lot less drama.

On Thursday Ben had a flag football game that Bailey and I were able to go to. It was a good game and soo crazy trying to chase Bailey everywhere. My cousin's daughter Brookie was there with her uncle, who is a partner at Ben's accounting firm. She was so cute with Bailey, I don't know if Bailey even remembers her but she helped keep an eye on Bailey for me which was really nice.

On Friday we had our last gymnastics class. Bailey was a lot braver about the horse, tramps, etc, than she was when we started and she had a ton of fun so I am happy that we took the class.

The afternoon my parents came into town. My Mom and I had tickets to Time Out For Women for Friday night and Saturday. The speakers were awesome and we had such a great time together! On Saturday Ben, Dad, and Bailey, picked up lunch, picked us up and we headed to the park. Bailey loved running around and I loved spending time with some of my FAVORITE people. The meetings lasted until about 4:00pm and than my parents had to rush home for a stake meeting my Dad had. It was great to be with them and I am so grateful for the wonderful people who raised me!

Trip to Boise

Last week one of Ben's friends got married in Boise it is about a 5 hour drive and made for a very crazy Friday.

Bailey and I left gymnastics early and headed home. Ben and Lyndsie (my niece) were already here when we arrived. We made it out in good time, but because we hurried so fast we didn't get time to grab lunch so we stopped in Tremonton at a Burger King. It's usually fast but we had to wait for 20 minutes for our lunch which slowed us down. My parents had a funeral to go to and they were keeping Bailey so we dropped Bailey and Lyndsie off at Lyndsie's house and hurried to my parents house to drop off bags and the dog.

We made it to Boise about an hour and a half before the wedding. We dropped all of our bags off at my brothers house, chatted with his wife and kids for a few minutes, changed our clothes and off we went. The wedding was nice and we knew some people from home. After the wedding it was back to Eric's to change clothes again and head over to my other brother Scott's house. We hung out with Scott, Sommers, and Shaydon until around midnight and headed back to Eric's.

On Saturday two of Eric's kids had soccer games that morning so we hung out with them and then headed out to meet Scott and family for breakfast at the Cracker Barrel. Breakfast was good and it was so much fun to hang out with my brothers and their families.

After breakfast we headed back on the road to my parents. Watched the BYU game, hung out, went to church the next day and were back on the road for home sweet home.

And of course no pictures so these two pictures are some old ones from this summer of my nieces and nephews!

A Little Behind!

Last week we started GYMNASTICS! Yep, Bailey and I are now in a Parent/Tot class and she loves it. After class and Bailey's nap we headed to Jamba Juice for a treat for Bailey and I and to thank Lyndsie for all of her help that day and to introduce her to Jamba!

We sort of had an interesting weekend, on Friday Ben headed to Idaho to help his brother Jacob. He left that morning around 6:30am with my car. He wasn't sure that his pickup would make it (or so he said) I think he just didn't want to put the miles on it and it doesn't have any A/C. It was also the first time that I have been at the house alone with Bailey over night since she was born. Ben is usually gone for several days so we head home to Idaho, but it was just over night and I feel that sometimes it is easier to just be at home so we stayed,and I slept like a Baby!

My niece Lyndsie is living in Logan for school and I am sooo happy that she is. She played chauffeur for the day and so she was able to take pictures of our first gymnastics class. Thanks Lou for all of your help. This picture is of Lyndsie and Bailey during class while I fixed the camera.


This is a big round cushion they have to crawl over and after helping Bailey get over it she leaned over and gave me a kiss. That is a way to melt my heart!

Busy, Busy, Busy!

We had a really fun, busy week. On Monday Bailey and I started swimming lessons. They are four days a week for 40 minutes and she loves them. I don't have any pictures because 1- No one needs to see me in a swimsuit and 2- I'm in the pool with her so I don't have a way to take the pictures.

On Tuesday Ben took half a day off, took me to Cafe Sabor for lunch, and we hung out and had a great time. I was serenaded by two of our neighbors; Nicole, Elli, and Megan sang to me and gave me a package of Oreos, the whole Hofland family sang and brought by a box of Creamies, Jon, Sherri and girls came by that night with a whole banana cream pie! My friends like to make sure that I weigh more than they do. Thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes - they were appreciated.

Ben and I bought a car a few months ago and decided that the car was going to be our birthdays and he bought me a new ipod Nano which was supposed to be part of my b-day. But when it came right down to it he had a hard time that we were turning 30 (he won't be 30 for a couple of months, but it still struck him a little hard :) So I got the shoes I have been wanting for a while now, he bought me a Cold Stone cake and some other great gifts, I love my Star Wars Chewbacca bobble head! I had a great Birthday - thanks for everything Ben.


On Wednesday Ben was asked by one of the partners at work (we'll call him Brett) to help the firm out that night. I would have been fine with that except that Brett wanted Ben to play on the firms softball team! Ben had decided that he wasn't going to play this year so when he came home at 5:00pm and announced that the game started at 7:00pm we quickly ate and headed to the park for a little while before the game. Well lucky for me the 7:00 game was canceled because the other team didn't show up and since it was the play offs the firm automatically won and would play again at 9:00pm! So Ben took us home and he went back a little before 9:00, at 10:20pm I got a call saying that they had won the 9:00 game and would be playing again at 10:30!! I was thrilled and Ben didn't come home until after 11:30pm! But they came in second so congratulations Jones Simkins.

On Thursday we went to the Cache County Fair. It just isn't the same as our home town fair so we just can't really get to excited, but we got dinner there and Ben enjoyed his immensely. :)

Friday was Ben's firm Summer Party. They rented a theater and took us all to the movie. We saw Ice Age 3 and we took Bailey - it was free so hey why not. Thank heavens Nicole saw us walk in and came and got us and we sat with them. It was great, Bailey and Megan played with each other, ate each other snacks, sat in the same chair, and entertained each other. They are only 3 months apart and I SO wanted a picture of them sitting in the same chair together, but I don't think my flash would have been appreciated in the middle of a movie. After the movie we went to a park for dinner and to play on the park toys. Bailey was ever so grateful that her mommy is under 5'0 so that I could fit on the kiddy slide with her!

Saturday we took off to Pocatello to see Jacob and Breawna, because you know it had been two weeks since the boys had seen each other. Jacob is thinking about starting a mechanic shop and found a building so he wanted Ben to look at it. So we had a fun, rain filled day in Pocatello. We love spending time with J & B so it was great to see them and the boys will only have to wait 5 or 6 days before they see each other again, whew!

And on a side note sometimes when I'm on my cell I sit on the steps and talk. Bailey has obviously seen me do this and now thinks that it is normal to do this and when she is pretending to talk on her cell she hangs out on the bottom step too! I'm already screwing up my kid! Ok I'm sure I started long before now.

My Next 30 Years

In the words of a wise man (Tim McGraw) quote "I think I'll take a moment and celebrate my age." Today is my birthday and I usually don't tell people or make a huge deal of it but after spending some time listening to said wise man this morning I decided to spend a moment thinking about my last 30 years. And yes I am 30 today.

I was raised by AMAZING parents who, even though they were told that it probably wasn't a good idea to adopt a girl of such a different race (remember this was 30 years ago in a tiny town in Idaho) did any way. They were wonderful, loving parents who treated me just like the rest of their kids. I had amazing brothers and sisters who married amazing people who have all helped to shape my life.

Wendy taught me it was ok to be girly!
Todd has the biggest heart and always helps others.
Eric gave me a love for 80's music and Star Wars.
Scott has always been my best friend and even though he has always been a little shy is one of the funniest people I know.
All of my older nieces and nephews were more like my little brothers and sisters and my younger ones more like nieces and nephews that I love to spend time with.

I married an amazing man, who for some reason chose me to fall in love with and marry. He works hard to support his family and is the perfect man for me. He loves me when I am emotional and can't tell him why I am crying and he even watches chick flicks with me (only once but at least he does)!

We have beautiful, healthy daughter who has us both wrapped around her finger. And I wouldn't trade all the crazy late nights and bad weeks of being a mother for anything.

I married into a wonderful family who have accepted me (maybe because they were afraid of Ben :) I have an amazing mother-in-law who with Don raised a wonderful son. She is an amazing grandmother. And I am so thankful that I got to know Don before he passed way.

So in the words of the above mentioned wise man, quote "Lord have mercy on my next 30 years." unquote.

Saturday Parties

On Saturday Ben did his usual morning basketball playing, than some friends and I went to the movie, than of course we had a football party. The Holy War was this weekend, BYU vs. the Utes. Jon, Sherri, and girls (3) came over, Mitch, Kara, and their daughter where there too. So we had a lot of little girls, a lot of Food, and a lot of fun. Thanks everyone for consoling Ben!

6 Wonderful Years

Today is Ben & I's 6th Anniversary. Six years ago today we were married in the Bountiful Temple. It was a crisp, clear morning, no snow, rain, or clouds. We had a lot of wonderful friends and family that were there with us. We have had a lot of fun these past 6 years. He is my best friend and the perfect husband for me. He laughs with me, hugs me when I cry -and then tells me to stop crying :) - forgives me when I am a brat, supports me, and loves me. He is a wonderful husband and father. Thanks for all the laughs-love you.

Flag Football Injuries!

I arrived home from my little trip to Burley on Friday around noon. I called Ben when I got here to let him know we had made it safely. He decided to come home for lunch and to see us and when he walked in the door this is what he looked like! He had a flag football game on Thursday night and decided not to tell me that he got kicked in the head by someone wearing cleats! I have to admit that I don't have a lot of sympathy for injuries that come from Jones Simkins sport activities. Ben loves playing all of these sports and I support him and always have, I go to all of the games that Bailey and I can. But I don't see his playing as a necessity of life, Ben is very competitive -which I don't understand, but is usually why he gets hurt, so I'm not very sympathetic. So not the best picture, but notice the big red bruise in the center of his head!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEN!

Today is Ben's Birthday! We - Bailey & I- just want him to know how much we love him. Ben works hard so that I can stay home with Bailey. He is a wonderful husband and friend. He is a great father to Bailey and we hope that he has a great day and remembers how old he is! :)

BYU vs. USU

Well Bailey and I had another weekend of Football. On Thursday Utah played Oregon State, I have no idea who won, but Ben had a few friends over to watch the game. Bailey was happy because Tyler brought Maddi and Bryson with him so Bailey had someone to play with. Tyler came around 7:00pm and left around 8:00pm. Not long after he left Jake came over and shortly after Jake got here MitChell showed up. Ben had a great time watching football with his friends, who are always welcome to came over to watch sports.

On Friday MitChell and Tyler decided to have a Jones Simkins Tailgate party for the BYU - USU game that was here in Logan. The tailgate party started at 3:30pm and the game was a 6:00pm. Since USU was playing BYU we had half the population on Provo here in Logan for the game and traffic & parking was CRAZY from about 4:00pm on. Of course Bailey was supporting BYU.

Thursday Night Football

It's that time of year again when my husband is all about football, college football, NFL all day Sunday football, Monday night Football, and Thursday night Flag Football. Yes, thanks to Jones Simkins -the firm where Ben works-for sponsoring the Jones Simkins Flag football team. Ben now plays football every Thursday night. Last week was their first game of the season, which they won. Bailey and I were unable to go due to the fact that it started at 9:00pm and her bedtime is at 8:00pm and we don't mess with the bedtime schedule. This weeks game was at 7:00pm and so we were able to go and watch them play. Ben made a touchdown catch tonight and REALLY enjoys playing. He loves sports of any kind. Unfortunately two of the regular players were unable to be there; one had a sick child so that is totally understandable. The other player -lets call him "Tyler"-doesn't really have an excuse, because he was there on the sidelines and I am pretty sure that if he were willing to play Jones Simkins would have won the game tonight. "Tyler" - I'm sure- would have been the extra muscle and skills the team needed to pull off a win tonight. Anyway good luck Jones Simkins for the Flag Football season! I forgot my camera tonight, so this is a picture of the team from last year. Ben is number 26 and is on his second football jersey.