Courtney and Travis

from the mouth of preschoolers....

2012-01-11T18:36:00.001-08:00

i was talking to a friend about the funny things my preschoolers say and wanted to record them so I can laugh about them later.

Today a few kids were arguing about
religion/ Jesus.
boy 1: Jesus is a ghost
boy 2: No he's not he was a baby
Boy 3: No guys he has a body just like me and you.
Boy 1; Teacher does Jesus have a body like (Boy 3)
Teacher: you will have to ask your mom
Boy 3: I did and she said he has a body
Random Boy 4: God is Jesus' dad

About my baby:
Girl: teacher Courtney when you're baby comes you'll be a mom. Are you sure your dogs want a brother?

Girl: Will you let us see your baby?
Me: When he comes I will bring him for a visit
Girl: K take him out so we can see him

Me: He is a boy. His name will be Mason.
Girl: No lets have a girl and name her Tangled

Girl: A boy!?!?! He can be friends with my brother! (her brother is like 4 months or so)

Boy: (after eating and pushing out his stomach) look I'm having a baby like teacher Courtney.

Girl: I asked for a baby like yours but my dad says boys don't have babies so he can't get me one. so I guess Santa can't either

Girl: My aunt had her baby and was screaming her head off because the head and hips were this big (showing me with her hands) and it took like longer than FORTY minutes

From my little esl kids:
The phrase "I do not like" slurred together to sound like I-do-na-like-a and then combined with random objects:
Nose running: I-do-na-like-a nose
wash hands: I-do-na-like-a soap
Bees by him: I-do-na-like-a bees
Sun shining in eyes: I-do-na-like-a sun

A while ago:
Boy 1: when I grow up I want to be as tall as you teacher Courtney
Me; No you want to be much much taller

Girl 1: When I'm 15 I'll have a boyfriend
Boy 1: When I'm 16 I'm going to drive
Girl 2: When I'm 17 I'm going to have a job
Boy 2: When I'm 18 I'm going to be a dad!
Me: No let's be a little older for that...

Girl: My sister loves Casa Lopez because she loves mexican, well the food not the people.

Girl: when is that girl coming back that has the dots on her face like tangled and red hair like ariel (one of the volunteers has freckles and red hair)

(after dancing) Girl: Teacher Courtney you look like ridiculous

Girl: Teacher Courtney I love you because you are so nice, not like my old teacher Ms ___ she made us listen and learn

37 weeks CRAZY

2012-01-09T18:14:00.001-08:00

I cant believe there is only a little over 3 weeks until Mason's due date! Even less if he chooses to come early which i feel like he will. I am getting really excited although i wish i could skip the labor and the first couple days! i'm nervous really. But I'm ready to get my body back and to see what he looks like!
It feels so weird having him move because he has no room. he pushes from every which way. he is stuck on my right side. the doctor said he must not be very flexible because he shoves with his legs into my right ribs. he was more at an L shape instead of the fetal position. Just like Travis... he can't touch his toes
He gets the hiccups multiple times a day. I counted 8 times the other day
my doctor says he's measureing big but that i hide him well. the other day someone thought i was 6 months along instead of 8 and a half. Its annoying because I feel enormous and he is so stinking heavy.
I organized all his clothes and am working on his nursery decor. I will post pictures when it is all done.
I am still going to work and am doing pretty good. one infant should be easier than 20 4-5 year olds right?!? ha ha
any last minute advice would be wonderful :)

A look at my goals

2012-01-01T01:15:00.001-08:00

Instead of new years resolutions I have been working on a list of goals (101) to do in 1001 days. Here is a look at my progress.
1. Learn to drive in snow and ice
(I've been practicing this one)
2. Make a quilt thats not jean (twister quilt)
3. Participate in Just because gift Challenge http://mylifeasacraftaholic.blogspot.com/2010/01/just-because-gift.html
( working on it)
4. Make a tutorial for something I made
5. Get certified to be a teacher
(complete!!)
6. Evaluate my goals monthly (yep)
7. Go on a date with Travis once a month (yep)
8. Bear my testimony in Church on Fast Sunday or Speak in Sacrament (complete)
9. Drink 8 glasses of water a day for a week (complete)
10. Write Buddy on his mission every other week
11. Find a way to stay motivated
12. Run a half marathon or do a triathlon (not even close!)
13. Work out 3 times a week for 3 months ( not yet)
14. Write down 50 things I like about myself (not yet)
15. Get family picture taken every year (1/3)
16. Buy a CTR ring for my pinky finger
17. Mark at least one verse in every page of the Book of Mormon
18. Sell my crafts
19. Buy a necklace from Betsy Farmer (http://www.etsy.com/shop/betsyfarmerdesigns)
20. Make bread
21. Organize my craft room by putting in shelves
22. Make a new Ironing Board cover
(Got one as a gift)
23. Pay off CC debt
24. Pay off Car
25. Pay off Court's Student loans
26. Create a binder full of "get happy" quotes, music, pictures etc to cheer me up when I'm down
27. Be a friend to someone I don't like
28. Get pregnant ( yep!)
29. Don't laugh at others expense. Stick up for them (working on it)
30. Help Travis graduate from the Sports Management program at WSU
31. Paint a room in my apartment
32. Go home 4 times (3/4)
33. Start a Journal of me and Travis’ relationship
34. Earn In-State tuition at WSU (complete!!)
35. Help Travis get a scholarship
36. Help Travis get an internship
37. Do something creative and cute (as a surprise) once a month for Travis
38. Make a list of characters in the scriptures and their attributes that I want to emulate
39. Evaluate my Christ-like attributes (in PMG) every 3 months
40. Host a party every 3 months
41. Host another Murder mystery dinner party
42. If possible breed Nala ( got her spayed instead.)
43. Make a craft once a week for 2 months and blog it
44. Train the dogs to spin, gravel, nod and high five
45. Pick a gospel topic to study each month to build a better testimony
46. Volunteer in a hospital if possible
47. Read the whole Conference edition ensign
48. Memorize the Temple Endowment
49. Attend a college sporting event ( lots!)
50. Get an album cover and name all my songs on Itunes
51. Make a difference
52. Finish my Doctrine Journal by adding D&C notes
53. Help Travis make a 101 goal list… maybe we’ll shoot for 10
54. Do a photo project from http://sh1ft.org/projects/
55. Learn to Crochet
56. Identify 5 people who've made an impact on my life and tell them
57. Do my Visiting Teaching
58. Take a self portrait every day for 1 month
59. Go a week without complaining
60. Make a quiet book
61. Don't spend a dime for a whole week
62. Go to General Conference in Utah with Travis because he’s never been
63. Take the dogs on a walk to Moscow on the Chipman Trail
64. Repurpose a piece of furniture ( Jaimie's bday gift shelf)
65. Blog a little more every year (more than 85 in 2011) (complete for 2011, now for 2012, with a baby that shouldbt be hard)
66. Donate blood
67. Do something for a cancer sufferer
68. Go one week without using the internet
69. Answer the “50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind”
70. Make a blog button for my craft blog
71. Get WA plates and a WA Driver’s license ( plates complete)
72. Take pictures in a photo booth with Travis
73. Use the new features on my camera
74.Take a pottery class
75. Make a playlist of music to get me up in the morning
76. Buy something I really want and give it to someone else
77. Get a library card ( complete)
78. Write a letter to a general authority
79. Write 12 thank you cards a year for random appreciation
80. Cut vinyl with my cricut
81. Buy a new charm for my charm bracelet to represent my puppies
82. Go skiing
83. Label my books so I can bring them into my classroom
84. Be able to do 50 sit ups and push ups ( after mason comes!)
85. Organize photos on laptop and passport
86. Floss every night for a month (complete)
87. Read a motivational book
88. Go to a midnight showing of a movie
89. Wake up at the first alarm everyday for a month
90. Update my “person I want to become” list
91. Draw a picture for Chloe and mail it to her
92. Buy and use and address book ( complete)
93. Make 20 new resources for my classroom 10/20
94. Make a list of 100 good qualities and star the ones I have
95. Take a picture of me and Travis doing something once a month
96. Make a QVC/As seen on TV knock off
97. Document 100 things about me
98. Pay for the person behind me in a drive-thru
99. Take a trip to celebrate graduation/anniversary
100. Make a things to do with Travis list
101. Make another 101 list before this one is over

Here's to another great year of improving myself!

Christmas 2011

2011-12-25T14:49:00.000-08:00

What a great Christmas we had this year. After working until Friday we are glad to be in lake Stevens until after new years.
I worked really hard on Christmas gifts this year for a homemade Christmas. You can check out those gifts on my craft blog HERE.
Travis got me a new iPad which I love. I mean I knew i would like one but I really love it! It was a christmas/ bday/ anniversary/ new mom iPad. I also got a card reader and a keyboard for it.
I got him the harry potter movies. Black ops and a new ps3 camo controller and blue tooth. Nothing like the gift of killing.
We we so spoiled by our parents once again. Even mason got some Christmas presents and he isnt even born yet.
We are loving hanging out and just relaxing. A lot of changes will be coming this next year so we are trying to enjoy our last chance and really relaxing with no responsibility.
We hope you enjoyed your holidays. We are grateful for this time of year, the gospel and the birth of the Savior. We would not be where we are today with out the love and blessings our Savior has given to us.
I love this quote from president monson from the Christmas devotional

"Because He came, there is meaning to our mortal existence.
Because He came, we know how to reach out to those in trouble or distress, wherever they may be.
Because He came, death has lost its sting, the grave its victory. We will live again because He came.
Because He came and paid for our sins, we have the opportunity to gain eternal life."

Merry Christmas.

Maternity Photos *33 weeks

2011-12-14T18:39:00.000-08:00

Valerie took my maternity photos last weekend. I really was apprehensive about taking them but I suppose it was necessary to document. Also Val just started up her business and could use them for her portfolio. I was pleasantly surprised and really loved them! Here are my favorites *lots ...

This one was funny because my stomach was completely flat. So to get a good one I had to hold my breath and push my stomach out as far as I couloved the idea though. Good work Val.ld. I

List of top names we liked... narrowed down to our favorite Mason

Ready to Pop

Thank you Valerie for making me feel so pretty! I needed it!

Valerie has her site all set up. Check it out... ValerieIshamPhotography

Happy 24th Birthday to ME!

2011-12-05T11:47:00.000-08:00

What a fabulous birthday I had this year!
I went to work... which was the first time in several years. I normally like to take it easy on my b-day. But we had a great time in preschool.
Travis picked me up from work (my favorite) and took me to the fabric store (my second favorite) then we went to dinner with my best friends the Dunns and the Clements.
Then we went back to the Dunns and had a party. Fun fetti cake with rainbow chip frosting. Jaimie wrote a quiz and it was really fun.
Thank you everyone for making my day so special!

Here is the group

and the gifts

and the quiz if you care ha ha (answers are on the bottom)

1 Which teenage heartthrob does Courtney have hanging on her closet door
A. J. Bieber B. Taylor Lautner C. Joe Jonas D. Zac Efron

2 How much did Courtney weigh as a baby?
A. 6lb B. 7lb C. 8lb D. 5lb

3 Which of the following is NOT a name of Courtney's siblings
A. Chance B. Clara C. Chloe D. Christian

4 What is Courtney's favorite movie?
A. Tangled B. Baby Mama C. the Notebook D. Edward Scissors Hands

5 What is Courtney's official due date?
A . Feb 4th B. Feb 2nd C. Feb 12 D. Feb 8th

6 Where does Courtney consider her home town?
A. Everett B.Snohomish C.Seattle D.Lake Stevens

7 What major surgery has Courtney have?
A.Tonsils B. ear tubes C. appendix D. boob job

8 What important skill does Courtney think everyone should know?
A. CPR B. Swim C. Sew D. ASL

9 Who share a birthday with Courtney?
A.Tyra Banks B. Walt Disney C. Tina Fey D. Patrick Swayze

10 Courtney has a scar on her chin from?
A. Ski Accident B. Bike Accident C. Car Accident D. Bowling Accident

11 Courtney's shoe size is?
A. 6.5 B. 6 C. 7 D. 5.5

12 Courtney swam what stroke in High School?
A. Crawl B. Butterfly C. Back D. Breast

13 Which of the following is NOT the name of a dog Courtney has had?
A. Nala B. Penny C. Bandit D. Nieko

14 What has Courtney craved the most since being pregnant?
A. Pickles and Saltines B. McDonald's lil Cheese Burgers C. CCDI Strawberry Milkshake D. KFC fried chicken

15 What was Courtney's least favorite subject in school?
A. History B. Sex Ed C. Math D. PE

16 For the Harry Potter party, Courtney wants to dress up as which character?
A. Lilly Potter B. Professor Sprout C. Minerva McGonagall D. Moaning Mertle

17 In High School Courtney was...
A. Cheer Captain B. Swim Captain C. Homecoming Queen D. ASB Vice President

18 What is the most Molly Mormon thing Courtney does?
A. Canning B. Homemade Laundry Soap C. Freezer Meals D. Food Storage

19 Before marriage Courtney lived off of
A.Hot Pockets B. Pop Tarts C. Dozens of Doughnuts D. Taco Bell Value Meal

20 What TV series on Netflix can Courtney not get enough of?
A. Hoarders B. Grey's Anatomy C. Vampire Diaries D. Say Yes to the Dress

ANSWERS

1 Which teenage heartthrob does Courtney have hanging on her closet door
A. J. Bieber B. Taylor Lautner C. Joe Jonas D. Zac Efron

2 How much did Courtney weigh as a baby?
A. 6lb B. 7lb C. 8lb D. 5lb

3 Which of the following is NOT a name of Courtney's siblings
A. Chance B. Clara C. Chloe D. Christian

4 What is Courtney's favorite movie?
A. Tangled B. Baby Mama C. the Notebook D. Edward Scissors Hands

5 What is Courtney's official due date?
A . Feb 4th B. Feb 2nd C. Feb 12 D. Feb 8th

6 Where does Courtney consider her home town?
A. Everett B.Snohomish C.Seattle D.Lake Stevens

7 What major surgery has Courtney have?
A.Tonsils B. ear tubes C. appendix D. boob job

8 What important skill does Courtney think everyone should know?
A. CPR B. Swim C. Sew D. ASL

9 Who share a birthday with Courtney?
A.Tyra Banks B. Walt Disney C. Tina Fey D. Patrick Swayze

10 Courtney has a scar on her chin from?
A. Ski Accident B. Bike Accident C. Car Accident D. Bowling Accident

11 Courtney's shoe size is?
A. 6.5 B. 6 C. 7 D. 5.5

12 Courtney swam what stroke in High School?
A. Crawl B. Butterfly C. Back D. Breast

13 Which of the following is NOT the name of a dog Courtney has had?
A. Nala B. Penny C. Bandit D. Nieko

14 What has Courtney craved the most since being pregnant?
A. Pickles and Saltines B . McDonald's lil Cheese Burgers C. CCDI Strawberry Milkshake D. KFC fried chicken

15 What was Courtney's least favorite subject in school?
A. History B. Sex Ed C. Math D. PE

16 For the Harry Potter party, Courtney wants to dress up as which character?
A. Lilly Potter B. Professor Sprout C. Minerva McGonagall D. Moaning Mertle

17 In High School Courtney was...
A. Cheer Captain B. Swim Captain C. Homecoming Queen D. ASB Vice President

18 What is the most Molly Mormon thing Courtney does?
A. Canning B. Homemade Laundry Soap C. Freezer Meals D. Food Storage

19 Before marriage Courtney lived off of
A.Hot Pockets B. Pop Tarts C. Dozens of Doughnuts D. Taco Bell Value Meal

20 What TV series on Netflix can Courtney not get enough of?
A. Hoarders B. Grey's Anatomy C. Vampire Diaries D. Say Yes to the Dress

Family Photos 2011

2011-12-04T08:56:00.001-08:00

I try to convince Travis every year to get our pictures taken professionally. He isn't always up for it. Luckily I could convince him this year because my great friend Valerie is just starting up her photography business. I am so excited to share the pictures with you! She did a fantastic job. The Pacific Northwest will be lucky to have her! She is moving to the west side so if anyone needs great photos let me know and I'll get you in touch.

Thanks Val!

Almost 32 week update

2011-12-04T08:05:00.001-08:00

Mason is moving like a maniac. In the book I'm reading it says to lay on your back for an hour in the morning and night and count 10 movements in an hour. Mason is constantly moving 10 times in 5 minutes every hour all day long. He shakes my whole belly!
He can tell when I am starting to eat and will start moving like crazy. I told my doctor as soon as I start to chew he will move. He corrected me and said it takes at least 15-20 min for him to get nourishment and I assured him, just like Pavlov's dogs, Mason can hear me eat. We will have a hungry boy on our hands I am sure.
When I went to Seattle for Thanksgiving, I flew over on Friday night and Travis drove over after a couple more days of work. When we landed at SEA-TAC the landing wasn't very smooth. I felt Mason brace himself with all four limbs. It was such a strange/humorous feeling.
I get Braxton Hicks quite a bit. They are the strangest thing. My stomach gets so tight and hard it is unbelievable.
I am starting to sleep worse and worse. I can't get comfortable. I take a lot of baths and use a heat pad a lot for my back.
The dogs are getting really cuddly. Bandit loves to lay his head on my belly. Sometime Mason will kick at him and Bandit will whine. Nala licks my belly when it's bare and sticking out. They are getting a lot better at not jumping up and they smell all the new stuff we bring in.
I am getting so anxious to see how big he will be. Some people look at me and think I look huge (all belly but huge) others say I am so tiny. The doctor has no real idea because Mason stretched out for the first measurement then curled up for the next, changing the size of my uterus. Although his head is down so Dr. Adkins said that is the best for fast growing babies so they don't get stuck sideways.
The baby shower really made this feel even more real! We got a lot of stuff we really needed for him (and a bunch of super cute extras) We are working hard decluttering and making up the nursery. We can't wait to meet him in 2 months!
Last night I had a dream and he was here. He was so cute and small and he was wrapped in the quilt my mom made him. My dad loved him.

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-24T08:24:00.000-08:00

This year we got to go to Seattle to see our families. Living in Pullman is so nice because it is a much shorter drive. I took a couple extra days off and flew on Friday. Travis drove over with the pups the following Tuesday night after he was done with his football work. I loved all the relaxing, socializing, eating and going through lots and lots of baby stuff!

We ate two Thanksgivings again this year with each family. We didn't get a picture of my family this year but here is Travis' family (minus Melissa and Eric and kinda Kaylee)

Top ten things I am thankful for.

1- Travis
He is such a hard worker and we have gotten through a lot together these past 4 years. I am so lucky to have him for eternity.

2- Mason
Even though he isn't born yet and I was so terrified he was coming at first, I am so thankful to be a mom, to be able to carry him and help him grow. It is crazy to think of myself as a mom but ready or not in 2 short months he will be here!

3- Bandit and Nala
I know not everyone is a dog person but I sure love my babies. They make my day so much more fulfilling. They are the most selfless creatures. They are so eager to please and just want to cuddle and play and be around you. Petting and cuddling them has such a calming relief to me.

4- Family
I am so thankful for my family. It was so nice to see them for 10 days over Thanksgiving. I love my parents and in-laws and my siblings and brothers and sisters in law and nieces and nephew. I wouldn't be who I am today without the influence of my family.

5- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
I am so thankful for the gospel and what happiness and hope it brings into my life.

6- Our Apartment
Although I can't say everything is glamorous about the Outlook, I do love living here. We have great neighbors, for the most part, a great location and lots of space. We have really made it our home the last 18 months.

7- My Job
I love my job. Although it is a much bigger task to do pregnant, I am lucky to teach 24 crazy kiddos. I am thankful for the things they teach me and for my co-workers

8- My talents
I am so thankful for my talents. I am thankful I have patience to work with so many crazy 4 year olds all day. I am thankful that I am creative and crafty enough to make everyone's Christmas gifts. I am thankful that I know how to be a good friend.

9- My friends
I have been blessed with some of the best friends in the entire universe. I can't thank them enough for getting me through tough times in my life and also for creating the best memories. I love my relief society and have so many friends at church. Project group makes me laugh so hard and fills my social fix every time. I love how even if I haven't seen some of my friends for a while we still have so many things in common and still have genuine concern and love for each other.

10- Technology
I am thankful for this blog, pinterest, facebook and email because without it I would not be able to keep in touch as easily with friends, get great ideas in any category and keep a journal.

Mason's First Baby Shower

2011-11-19T07:50:00.000-08:00

On the first day I was back in Seattle for Thanksgiving my sister Clara threw me a baby shower. It was so much fun and we were totally spoiled with things for Mason. It was so nice to see so many people care about me and Travis and our new family. It was also wonderful to see so many friends and family members I haven't seen for a while.

I forgot to take pictures but my mom took a few. The theme was "Cute as a button" and there were button die-cuts hanging on ribbons from the lights, 2 banners and lots of jars of green and blue candies. There were crescent sandwiches, fruit cups and punch along with other little snacks. We played a matching game with candy bars. Everything was perfect.

Mason got lots of cute clothes and essentials

My mom bought me a breast pump. I have been reading reviews and stressing over this for months. I want to pump when I return to work. This is a very nice pump, 5 stars, maximum comfort. I sure hope it works!

Several people also made Mason gifts. I love getting homemade gifts!

We are pretty much set. I will take pictures and post about the nursery later and show off some of my favorite things later. Thank you Clara for an awesome first baby shower!

Fathers weekend 2011

2011-11-12T07:44:00.000-08:00

Travis' Dad and mom came over to Pullman for Fathers weekend. It was short but super fun to have them. While they were here we ate out, did a little shopping and went to the Blue Brothers in Concert. We spent some time with Travis' Aunt and Uncle too. I love family!

28 week update

2011-11-08T21:06:00.000-08:00

Heartburn, Acid Reflux, Peeing ten times a day, stomach itching and stretching, ribs expanding.... why was I so anxious to get to the third trimester?

WOW Mason is getting bigger and stronger everyday. I am so glad he is healthy and growing but really in only one week I have felt huge and he moves and it is either jabbing my ribs or pressing my bladder. And I still have 3 more months! I am trying so hard to be positive. I am so exciting to meet him! And my first baby shower in next Saturday! That is SO exciting!

No work Productive Day

2011-11-02T18:02:00.000-07:00

It worked out that I didn't have to work today since I am going in on Saturday.
I am happy to report I was super productive today. Just need to document:
First I got to sleep in and have a lazy time getting up with cuddle time with my pups and husband.
Then I drove Trav to school.
Then I got the oil changed in the car
Then I went to the dentist so they could fix my swollen gum (pregnancy related)
Then I went to library time with all my stay at home mom friends
After that I paid rent
Then took the dogs on a walk.
Came home and watched only ONE episode of Grey's Anatomy.
Went to the Jeep dealer got a new key for the Jeep
Then I went to Cartridge World and ordered new ink
Then went grocery shopping with a list
Then picked up Travis from school
I took him to the Eye Doctor to pick up his new Glasses and for his fitting
Then we went home and I watched him eat lunch because I had to fast.
I fasted for four hours then ate 25 jelly beans so I could pass my glucose test
I went to my glucose test (hopefully passed)
Took Travis back to football work
Then came home took the dogs out turned on the TV and relaxed.
Then I cleaned up the apartment,
changed the clock battery,
organized paperwork stacks from the office.
What a day! Many I love being productive!
Now its time for Modern Family!

Halloween 2011

2011-10-31T22:37:00.000-07:00

We had a very good Halloween. On Friday night we went to the Up All Night party at WSU again and watched a magician, ate Subway, went in a haunted house (Travis did, I waited for him) and carved pumpkins. Travis had practice tonight so I waited and we had pumpkin Papa Murphies. Yum!

Mason and his first pumpkin papa murphies

I was a skeleton this year. I made it with a freezer stencil. I was pretty impressed with my bone drawings. (idea inspired by Make it and Love it)

I made a baby football helmet on him. I thought it turned out pretty cute. My preschoolers (and their families) really liked my costume.

The dogs didn't get into the "howl-ween" spirit this year... either did Trav. At least next year I will have Mason to recruit! :)

Pumpkin Carving

2011-10-23T10:00:00.000-07:00

Travis traveled with WSU football this weekend so I went pumpkin carving alone. It was a lot of fun and everyone's pumpkins turned out great. I was pretty impressed with my pumpkin. I drew it and carved it myself. Not bad!

My little pumpkin with his first pumpkin :)

Troy Craft Fair 2011

2011-10-23T09:51:00.000-07:00

This year I did the Troy Craft Fair again. Last year, I did it with my friend Ashlee, but she moved :( but luckily my friends Chelsea and Danielle decided to do it this year. Unfortunately we weren't very successful. But our booth was super cute and we had fun.

Danielle and I made Preschool/Toddler Busy Boxes with 14 activities for little kids to practice colors, fine motor, letters, patterns etc all while keeping entertained. We have several left over if anyone is interested!

Danielle made hair bows and I made birds nest necklace. We didn't sell any... it was quite disappointing.

I also sold my friend Becky's Headbands and my friend Robin's hats and aprons. They weren't too lucky either.

Chelsea sold adorable headband/flower combos as well as hats and bow ties for little boys. She sold a few.
Chelsea's mom also came over from the west side. It was fun to have her (and he beautiful blankets) in our booth.

Overall we had a rough go around. It wasn't busy like last year at all. You win some you lose some I suppose. But if anyone is interested in anything let me know for sure!

There is always next year....

25 weeks prego update

2011-10-22T10:21:00.000-07:00

Since we like the name Mason we decided to call him that until we don't like it anymore. If that day doesn't come that is what we will name him. I really like it now. It seems more real.

Even more real is the pain I am in. Leg cramps twenty-four seven, horrible back pain, and now when he moves it feel less magical more like move again so you stop hurting me. I guess that means he's getting stronger so that's good.

I love being pregnant so I try not to complain but man the weight it what has been killing me. My skin is very stretched and feel like I have a heavy back pack on my front that is pulling on my shoulders.

More positive note though is other people can feel or see him move now. Which I think is neat. And I actually look pregnant all the time now. Which I also think is neat. Although I still look at pictures and am shocked when I look at my ever growing middle.

I am loving licorice and caramel bugels. I went to the store to buy some snacks for the craft fair and ended up getting chips, licorice, almond M&Ms and bugels... a pregnancy craving trip for sure

Mason kicked liked crazy when I walked past the pumpkins so I bought him one and carved it last night. I thought it turned out pretty cute

Prego update 23 weeks

2011-10-09T13:14:00.000-07:00

I am definitely starting to show. I feel way bigger. I bump and spill on my new belly basically everyday. I feel the baby move and so can Travis... when he wants to.

I've been very happy lately. Travis and I are doing great, work and school is going great. We are both really looking forward to the holidays, baby showers and of course our little one joining the family.

We have been really thinking about boy names and nursery colors etc. We like the names Liam, Briston, and Meric. Then we thought of the name Mason and now that is our favorite. We are thinking brown and blue for the bedding and patriotic decorations like red white and blue. My mom is going to make the cutest quilt I can't wait to see what she comes up with! And my sister Clara is going to throw me a baby shower and I can't wait!

Side Note: My sciatic nerve is killing me! I can't get comfortable. Any advice?

Nala's lady biz...

2011-10-08T19:53:00.000-07:00

Our baby Nala Bear went in to get spayed this weekend. I was so worried. I was super emotional (I blamed the baby) but I cried when I dropped her off because she was thrashing and freaking out when they took her from me. But everything went just fine and she is back with us. The vet said Nala acted like we were never coming back. She just crouched in her crate and watched all night. She was so happy to see Bandit and I when we picked her up. She rolled on her back and licked his face and was whining. It was adorable. Those two are the best of friends. Now we just have to keep her from running, jumping and playing for the next 2 weeks. ha ha Anyone who knows Nala knows that is basically impossible. Sure enough even in the Vet she was jumping and wiggling like crazy. Hope it's a quick recovery.

SONIC and COSTCO

2011-10-08T19:36:00.000-07:00

I don't think a Saturday trip to Lewiston for Costco and Sonic could get any better....

Oh wait it can, When they mess up on your order and you get free drinks!

Oh and when Travis leaves work to come too! Yippee!

Betty and Jack's 60th Anniversary

2011-10-08T19:31:00.000-07:00

Travis' Great Aunt Betty and Great Uncle Jack have been married for 60 years! Their son and granddaughters planned a great party for them and we were happy we could stop by

Here we are with Travis' Grandma and Grandpa (mom's side)

Here we are with Betty and Jack. We are hoping the baby will be born on the 5th of February because that is Uncle Jack's Birthday!

I-D-A-H-O Idaho Idaho Go go GO

2011-10-08T19:23:00.000-07:00

Vandal Homecoming game has a parade every year.

The Chilldcare Center I work at walks in the parade.

Here is Lynn Chantelle Molly and Me and Bandit

I love Molly! Parades are our tradition. Last year she carried Nala the whole way. She was at the vet this year so she didn't get to go.

A birthday party for Val

2011-10-08T19:13:00.000-07:00

I have this SUPER girlfriend named Valerie. We go way back to the Snohomish Stake and Girls camp days and stuff.

Anyways she had a birthday and so we had a party!

An Appitizer night and a Carmel apple bar. It was SO tastey

We had caramel fondue

We had nuts, reeses, candy corn, choco chips and sprinkles

Here's the whole gang. We ended up chatting *and telling ghost stories* until 3AM... Party People!

The Girls! Chantelle, me, Val, Jaimie and Nikki

GO COUGS

2011-10-02T17:34:00.000-07:00

Trav and I finally got some fun photos near the WSU sign! I was excited, Travis was tolerant!

Pups love Grandma and Aunt Chloe

2011-10-02T17:23:00.000-07:00

Bandit and Nala LOVE Chloe and Grandma!

Grandma with the "grand-dogs"

Bandit and Chloe have a special bond! He is obsessed.

When mom comes to stay the girls will play!

2011-10-02T17:12:00.000-07:00

WOW what a fabulous weekend. Chloe and My mom came for the weekend!!

I loved every minute. Not only because I was completely spoiled but I wasn't lonely all weekend. Travis tried to be around as much as he could!

What would a weekend with my mom and sis be, without food, shopping, and crafts!

We got the little man lots of new things! He is going to be SO stylish!

Speaking of styln' look at all the maternity clothes I scored from my mom as well! I am happy!

A trip to the fabric store was definitely in order!

And of course CRAFTING! we made pom poms and pillowcase dresses! We also picked out fabric and patterns for baby quilts and nursery! Hooray!

Thanks mom for the well needed weekend of spoiling! Love you!

Relief Society Service, Dinner and Broadcast

2011-09-25T10:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday (after mutt strutt) I went to the church to help sew bibs and burrito babies for the less fortunate. It was a fun service project. The bibs were so cute and easy I'll have to make a few for this Baby BOY growing inside me.

After we had a dinner and watched the general relief society broadcast. If you missed it you really need to hear Elder Uchtdorf's talk "forget-me-not" It was exactly what I needed to hear. You can find it in two parts
HERE
and
HERE

It was a great day filled with fun, laughter, socialization and spiritual enlightenment.

2nd annual MUTT STRUTT

2011-09-25T10:41:00.000-07:00

Last year we went so I called it a tradition that we needed to go. I was sad we had to ditch Volleyball but boy did we have a good time.

It is so fun to go out with friends, socialize, wear out the dogs and of course score some free swag!

Here are some fun pictures from the day.

On the way there! The dogs were very excited!

Here is the best group shot of the dogs. Ruby Kellum (black great dane), Cricut Smith (white and black mix dog) Bentley Clements (brown boxer/pit) Bandit and Nala Mattoon and Bronx Dunn

Nala and Ruby with matching bandanas I made *side note: while making I sewed through the tip of my pointer finger!*

My babies! They are so adorable!

Nala Bear, Me with Baby boy Mattoon Bump, and Bandman all in our coug gear

The whole group. The clements and Bentley, Mandy and Cricut, Marium and Sidney and Ruby, the Dunns and Bronx and Me with Nala and Bandit

Travis had to work as the Tournament Director for tennis. He claims that means the resident bad-a** for Tennis. They even moved the tournament to a bi-week for football so Travis could help.

And here is a final shot of the dogs out the window on the way home.

Now if they don't make the dog park, at least we'll have another mutt stutt next year! ha ha

Travs is excited

2011-09-24T13:17:00.000-07:00

It is a BOY! We will be having a SON in February!

Here are some ultrasound photos

His little feet crossed

Bum Shot proving he is a boy... see the arrow

Laying on his tummy with his hand up by his mouth

Couldn't get the best profile shot since he was on his tummy but his heart and body look great!

It was so great to see everything and be able to find out its a boy! It really feels real now! And we can start planning for our little future football player!

Travis

2011-09-22T13:35:00.000-07:00

If any of you really know Travis you will read this quote and know that it is a perfect statement.

A couple of nights ago we were at a friend's house and the have this "universe of names" book. Well it was a perfect desciption of the man I chose to live out eternity with. I love him but really, we couldn't be more different. I sure do love him though. Head over heels. He has been very busy lately so I don't get to see him very often, so when I do I really feel lucky to have him around.

I know that Travis never reads "our" blog but I really wanted to give him a shout out. He has been working so hard and just being awesome. Here are some things lately I don't want to forget.

Travis tried to surprise me at the church (but the activity wasn't there) walked all the way home, called, figured it out and walked all the way home instead.

Travis is actually really excited for Tomorrow *the ultrasound* and each day before we go to bed says "____day is over tomorrow is ____day....so much closer to Friday"

He hasn't eaten tuna since I asked him not too.

He takes the dogs out even when he's been gone hours longer than me.

He politely told me the Football Oreos were a rip off so to just buy the regular kind.

He told me I wasn't fat when I was having a mental breakdown.

Everytime I freak out about something he gives me peace that it will be okay. He reassures me that I will be a good mom and that we won't have to get rid of the dogs and that my crazy weird dreams are not real. (yes those are my top three fears... in order... at the moment)

He has been giving me "sports lessons" because I refered to us as a "sports family" so he's working on making that a true reference.

He doesn't ask me to make him dinner at ten at night when he finally gets home.

And because we are such good Bob Marley fans... this is deep! Courtney and Travis Mattoon, by the Great Bob Marley

Yay for happy marriages and eternal families!
Tomorrow we find out if it is a baby boy or girl growing inside of me so stay tuned!!

Church V-Ball

2011-09-18T15:26:00.000-07:00

I played Volleyball with my ward on Saturday. It was really fun! The baby was safe and I felt it move so I think it's going to like sports. Here is the awesome team photo we all posed for. I have the best ward right now! I love relief society and all of the activities we have! I am so blessed to have great friends

20 week add in

2011-09-18T15:18:00.000-07:00

I felt the baby last night. I haven't felt it very consistently but it was moving around a lot. At one point I felt it kick 3 times even with my hand on the outside. It is definitely Travis' stubborn baby (worried already) because the silly fetus stopped as soon as Travis touched my belly. It even moved for the dogs. They've been so interested in my belly lately. Bandit sleeps with his head rested on my belly bump every night.
Also we saw a model of the baby at the one of the fair booths. It was crazy! It fit in my hand. The lady said several twins have been born at 20 weeks and have lived! Crazy!

Prego Update 20 Weeks HALF WAY

2011-09-17T07:44:00.000-07:00

Crazy that I am 20 weeks. It doesnt feel like I am half way but probably because half of that half I didn't even know I was pregnant.

I am feel good. Just achey by the end of the day and after laying all night. I started a yoga class so hopefully that will help my back

I found a cute website how to "dress the bump" and I thought lots of ideas were really cute.

We find out if it is a boy or girl on Friday the 23rd and I am SO excited!

So what do you think it is? A boy? Or girl? We are hoping for healthy!

Craft Blog

2011-09-11T13:13:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder about my Craft Blog. You can click on the link on the side of my blog or go here.
I've been updating that like crazy! Enjoy!

Nine-Eleven

2011-09-11T11:27:00.000-07:00

Ten years ago I was laying with my mom in bed before school and we got a call from my dad that we needed to turn on the TV. The rest of the day was spent watching and praying that everything would be okay. I was only in the 8th grade but its a day I will never forget. I am proud to live in the land of the free because of the brave.

On of my favorite blogs had this photo on their blog an offered this free printable. I will be printing it and hanging it up soon.

I love America. Travis loves America. We love and our grateful for those who serve. We are proud to be Americans!

Labor Filled Labor Day

2011-09-06T12:40:00.000-07:00

My friend Molly was in labor all labor day-- literally. I was not in birthing labor but I did have a whole list of things to do and was so proud of myself when I was all those little check marks appeared. The truth is in the list!

I was really proud of myself for 2 reasons. One, When Travis is not home I don't have much motivation to do anything, I lay around and wait for him to come home. Unfortunately he is gone a lot lately. And Two, "Productive Courtney" and "Pregnant Courtney" don't really get along that well... not very often do they work together.

Oh and another proud moment was when I picked these off my plant. I grew them! They are delicious and there are still plenty more to finish ripening! At my preschool our beans, peas, carrots, sunflowers and corn are also still growing and alive! Not to shabby!

A very hungry caterpillar party

2011-09-01T12:10:00.000-07:00

One of my best friends has this son, that just turned one. I was so excited she wanted my help to plan a party. Being a teacher I thought of all sorts of book themes. She liked the Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle best so my creativity went wild! It was such a fun party.

We had some inspiration from Pink Pistachio but she doesn't share her labels so I designed them by scanning pictures from the book. I don't know how to file share but if you're interested i could e-mail them to you.

First the food. I "designed" the labels and my friend made all the food.

Here are the cupcake toppers and "On Saturday" label

For his own cake I designed this banner

As you can see the food was amazing and super tastey. It was so cute to serve what the caterpillar "ate"

For decorations we did a catterpillar banner

And timeline of all the months of his first year

We read the story to the kids with a story telling kit, and the kids played pin the head on the caterpillar and colored pictures of the caterpillar.

We made butterfly take home favors. full of candy. It was a great party and I loved helping plan it!

soggy doggy weekend

2011-08-28T22:24:00.000-07:00

This weekend it was HOT! We spent a lot of time in the water. At a outdoor pool here in Pullman, before they drain the water for the year they invite the dogs to come swim. My friend Ashley and Justin and I took Nala and their dog Bentley to Soggy Doggy Day. It was so fun and the dogs loved it! Nala swims with just her front feet and hops with her back legs when she can touch and just splashes all over. But she loved it and swam and jumped in from the side non stop for over an hour.

We also went to the dunes again. This time the water was warm and the dogs loved swimming and running in the water. Even Bandit swam! I was so proud of him! He was slightly traumatized in his earliest puppy days so didn't really like the water in the past outings but today he loved it and it was so fun!

Here is bandman and I enjoying the nice warm day!

As the dogs ran around the boys played catch

Nala and Bandit ran around like this for an hour. When we went out deeper they swam and chased each other too

PREGO UPDATE

2011-08-23T20:33:00.000-07:00

I will label my pregnancy updates so if you don't care you can skip over it. I am not going to turn this blog into a pregnancy journal.

I am 16 weeks

First thing, since this pregnancy was a total surprise I have my good days where I am totally excited to days where I am majorly freaked out and hoping it will work out ok.

We heard the heart beat twice. Everything sounded great and he found it really easy.

My doctor's name is Ben Adkins. I LOVE him. My top three reasons I like him are:
He wears people clothes. I hate those doctor jackets with the embroidery names.
He looks kinda like a little boy. He has this little gap between his teeth and is not too nerdy and not to attractive.
He gives me general health advice. It's nice to go in and learn about other things than just pregnancy.

I have been incredibly sore, all of my joints from the waist down hurt. Unfortunately not a lot to do about that.

My mom sends me all these super cute prego clothes that make being pregnant much more bearable.

My preschoolers are SO interested in my "baby in my tummy." When I eat lunch and take a lot of something they say "Does the baby like that" When I take a little they say "Tell your baby its ok to not like green beans." They are always saying "tell your baby" this and that and talk about how it's coming to preschool at valentines day. and all the things they are going to teach it. It is so fun!

I love love love fruit and chips and salsa, and cheese and pickles. pretty much in that order.

And since several of you have insisted here is the little baby bump...

The chinese birth chart, the old wives tales and the amazon baby quiz all say it is a boy... we will find out if its right in a couple of weeks!

Anyways that is all... Send all of your happy vibes to me. I need them! And advice. Thanks friends

Camping weekend

2011-08-05T19:36:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty sure I've been camping more since I've been pregnant than I have not pregnant....

We went camping with travis' family. The first 2 nights we camped with Travis' dad's side of the family (did the hiawatha) up in Coeur D'Alene.

Then we spent another night and 2 days with Travis' moms side of the family.

Now camping with either side is pretty fun. Everyone has an RV or a Trailer except us, we have a tent. whoop whoo

Bandit and Nala LOVE camping and LOVE running wild

After like fifty takes we got this family pic

This is travis' mom and her sister and parents. I got to meet Julie this weekend. It was great!

What a good camping weekend. Monday morning sure came early though!

Hiawatha trail times TWO

2011-08-05T19:26:00.000-07:00

We have ridden the Hiawatha trail twice this summer. The Hiawatha is a 17 mile bike ride on an old railroad grade. It is right on the boarder between Idaho and Montana. It is an easy 2% grade gravel trail. Because it is a railroad trail it has tunnels and trussels. One of the tunnels being 2 miles long. It was a really nice trail with a fun camping trip to go with it.

The first time we went we went with Travis' family and brought the Dunn's along. It was a fun little campout and a great way to get exercise in the sun.

Jaimie and I ready to bike and camp

Jaimie and I won at ladder balls (horse balls as travis calls it) and we had a wager if we won they had to be in a picture with us. They were supposed to do frowny faces but... boys will be boys

Nala and bronx cuddling (while bandit was on my lap)

The second time we went again with Travis' family including his grandparents. This time we were smart enough to bring our camera on the actual trail. We got some great shots!

This beautiful water fall is at the end of the large tunnel. You can hear the rushing water the whole way through

The end of the giant tunnel. It was cold, and DARK

Beautiful blue skies and green mountains the whole way. The further down the taller the trees and less view

Travis liked all the scenery, perfect chance to get lots of pictures with him

Here is one of the trussles. They were pretty neat

Travis taking a rest. He has his bike gloves he bought on the first visit

And at the bottom! Yay. We made it!

When you got to the bottom you took a shuttle back to the top. The hard core guys biked back up, no one in our group though. It will be fun to tell the baby I rode 30 + miles while I was pregnant. It's Travis and I's new favorite thing to do!

Sleepy pups

2011-08-05T19:02:00.001-07:00

Sometimes the dogs sleep in the funniest ways. Here are a couple I caught on my camera

In the car bandit has the whole back but wants to be as close as possible and usually ends up like this.

Nalas face all pressed up against the crate. Doesn't look comfy to me

We have been training the dogs to sleep on their dog beds next to our bed on the floor. Nala is very good at it however Bandit, like everything, is a different story. He loves to cuddle me at night. The other night while I was asleep he snuck up to lay with me. When Travis came to bed he was mad and pushed him on the floor. In my sleep I told him "He was cold, He missed me and wanted to cuddle me. Don't punish him for loving me"

We joke that Bandit is my dog and Nala is Trav's. This is becoming more and more true everyday. It's funny how Bandit will look to me to try and get away with things. Nala loves to wrestle and Bandit loves to cuddle. Nala has went backpacking with Travis because she listens better and wouldn't run away. We love our babies and are trying to do a lot with them now until they get put on the back burner when the baby comes

"Dunes"

2011-08-05T18:52:00.000-07:00

These dunes are not to be confused with awesome Rexburg Dunes, however still pretty fun.

Since its been forever since I blogged I don't really remember when we went to the dunes but it was a gorgeous day, and beside the drunk driving accident on the way home, the perfect day to go.

You drive over the dam to get there. I am always fascinated by their size, too bad the beavers are just not capable of making them that large or strong.

Nala and bronx LOVED the water they were running all over

Bandit was perfectly content on the sand. All the dogs ran and ran and ran

Jaimie and I enjoying the first really sunny day of the summer

Nala on the way back. Such a beautiful dog.

Bandit hates the back. He much prefers my lap

WE love having our Jeep. They my sandy trip like this much better!

Thanks Dunns for showing us a sweet new place

New addition to the family

2011-07-13T10:32:00.000-07:00

... Nope not another dog this time!
We are having a baby!
Baby Mattoon #1 is set to arrive February 4th 2012.
Check out the picture of the little babe... It's a fetus and already awesome!

We saw it wiggling and moving. Just having a party! It probably pretty fun in there.

Yay for eternal families... even when they are unexpected!

Memorial Day Vay Kay

2011-06-05T21:16:00.000-07:00

Travis and I went on a little vacation with my family to Sun Lakes. I took off Tuesday for a 4 day weekend. It was a great time.

Travis jumping the cliffs

Courtney jumping off the cliffs

Travis and I on top of the butte overlooking the lake

"the kids" and Sassy sisters

Swimming in the FREEZING water

And my once a year tubing!

Trav loves going fast and dangerous

What a great break from reality! Thanks Mom and Dad!

Jaimie's Surprise party of the Century

2011-05-22T19:43:00.000-07:00

My best friend Jaimie turns 23 Monday! We turned the whole weekend into a celebration! I have been planning a surprise party for her for months and pulled it off without her knowing.

It started when I found this old shelf out by our dumpster. I knew with a little bit of work it would be perfect for Jaimie's entry way. So I haul it up to my apartment. Later Jaimie is talking about the shelf she wanted and she had told Nayt to go get it but when he went down it was gone! I was so happy with myself. So over the last month or so I've been working on a frame for the top and a couple of baskets and liners to go on the shelf as well. Travis helped me prime and paint the baskets and the shelf! He is a lot better at it than me! I should have taken before pictures but just imagine an old shelf that fell apart and had lots of scratches and stickers on it. And the three little baskets were rainbow easter baskets and the bottom basket was light wicker.

When Nayt mentioned we could have a girls party I thought it would be awesome to have a surprise party. So I had my Aunt Shari make these AWESOME Digital invites with her digiscrap stuff.

For decorations, I used the streamer idea from MADE and loved how they turned out! I also borrowed a birthday banner from Ashlee

For the guests I made everyone part tiaras and rose earrings for the goodie gift. Jaimie got the queen crown.

And lastly the surprise! It was perfect. She had spent all day in Spokane with her mom and sisters and when we were ready I called and told her my washer was overflowing. She hurried over with towels I opened the door and we all shouted Surprise! It was wonderful

Happy birthday Jaimie!

Pityriasis rosea

2011-05-15T22:31:00.000-07:00

I've had this weird rash on my stomach for the last couple of weeks. I hate going to the doctor because they normally don't know what is wrong with me (or they say its cancer... but thats a whole other story) and this rash didn't itch it just looked really bad. I tried Benadryl cream but it didn't really help. So I went on trusty WebMD and they didn't have an option for symptoms of a non itchy rash spreading up, only down... ya thats not my problem. So I tried google and sure enough came up with the self/google diagnosis of

Pityriasis rosea

Pretty much its viral so there is no real cause, not contagious, not itchy in one and four suffers so I scored on that one. Anyways glad I could figure it out on my own. Also super glad it is going away. (it last 4-6 weeks) best part: Only 2% of sufferers get it twice!

Ps this is not my stomach (google images) but it looks the EXACTLY the same

So now if you get a weird rash that doesn't itch you can know not to waste a co-pay and lab fees!

Small world!

2011-05-15T22:04:00.000-07:00

So I had this super fun super cute roommate named Marie when I was in Rexburg. I loved her and we had a blast together. Anyways she got married, I got married, she moved to Utah, I moved to WA. We still keep in touch through blogs and facebook and such. She has a cute dog that looks a lot like Nala and she has a super adorable baby too! (which I do not have ;))
Anyways she went on a little trip to Detroit and left from SLC. and guess who was on her plane? as in the seat right next to her actually!
Good old, Elder Christian Reid!!

Here is her story!
"On our first plane to Detroit a missionary leaving the MTC to go to his mission sat next to us. I asked where he was from and he said Seattle. (I wanted to ask of do you know this person and this person what are the odds he would know some one so I didn't.) He is going to Canada, French speaking mission and we left it at that. He slept most of the plane ride. It wasn't until I saw his name tag when we were getting ready to land that I had to ask. His name is Elder Reid. I had to ask if he knew Courtney Reid, one of my old roommates back at BYU-Idaho. So I leaned over and said, "I have to ask do by chance know a Courtney Reid Mattoon?" He leaned back and smiled and said, "Yes I do." Holy crap. What are the odds! Well Elder Reid is Courtney's little brother! Small world. So we talked about her and about Opal and it made me miss them so much! I told him how I knew them and about how Courtney and I both have Boxer's that look very similar and just random tid bits. It was so funny so when we got off the plane we had to take a picture. Here we are in Detroit."

I was SO happy she shared this with me! I loved it! I love my brother and even though it's hard to have him away I know he is where God needs him.

Take me out to the Ball Game!

2011-05-15T21:14:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful weekend we had in Pullman. We enjoyed the summer sun out in about in Moscow with the Dunn's (are you surprised) We went to the farmers market, window shopped a bit and then headed back to Pullman to watch the Cougars play a little baseball! We met up with our friends the Childs, Samm, Andrew and their darling son Boston! The cougars won! It was a fun game and amazing weather!

We love the sunshine!

2011-05-13T22:54:00.000-07:00

We are LOVING the nice weather we've been having here in Pullman. I went on 2 field trips with my class because it was so beautiful outside. We have been spending time on our deck, playing catch and taking the dogs for lots of walks. And this is just the beginning!

Here I am on our deck watering our plants! I love going out on the deck after work!

Travis can be found playing his PS3 (borrowed from his parents) and watching his fantasy feed for baseball. He has quite the step up.

Here are my tomato plants. Travis planted the green one and I planted the teal one. We are having a competition to see who can grow the best/most tomatoes

A bed on top of the crate!

Bandits new favorite spot

Cute Nala Bear ready to play

Cockroasches

2011-05-10T17:54:00.000-07:00

This is just a google pic not actually the ones in our class. But they look exactly the same. The top one is a boy the bottom one is a girl. You can tell because the boys have those bumps on their heads or "horns" as my kids call them.

So in case you didn't know my preschool class has 12 cockroaches, madagascar hissing cockroaches actually. The kids LOVE them and I, well they have grown on me. We have even seen them have babies (they give live birth) so now we have 6 babies.
Well I was cleaning out their cage and giving them some fresh pine chips so I put them in this big bowl. Well they have mad climbing skills because of their little claw hands so I always assign a "helper" to watch them and let me know if one is getting out. I also counted the roaches as I took take them out, especially the baby ones. I change the bedding and clean the cage as quick as I can. Then I put them back in. Well today I only put back 5 babies. So then I was second guessing myself. Were their 5 or 6 ? 5? 6? And the "helper" says "Six one got out!!" And then I panicked I searched the floor, the cupboard and nothing. I was super worried! I even took off the "helpers" shirt and shook it off. Still nothing so I just thought well maybe there were only 5 because I was so quick it couldn't have gone too far. So I put the cage away and had to set up breakfast. As we were eating breakfast I looked over at my "helper" and that baby cockroach was crawling down his FACE! I say "DON'T MOVE" and quickly pinch it off his neck. He was a little panicked but more excited saying "I'm going to tell my dad how brave I am"

WOW never a dull moment in the D.B.

What the HAY it's MAY?

2011-05-08T17:21:00.001-07:00

I can't believe it is already May. I can't believe we've lived here for almost 10 months and that Trav is done with the school year! It is already the 5th month into 2011! Crazy sauce!

One time on my friend's blog she shared their "Roses, Buds, and Thorns," The "rose" was the good part of the day, "bud" was something you were looking forward to, and "thorn" is the not so great part of the day. I loved it, so....

"Our Roses"
Travis is done for the summer from school and can stay up late, play video games and take care of the dogs.
Preschool graduation is on Friday and I am really excited for it!
The puppies aren't crated all day now that trav can be home more!
Bandit loves running with me and can out run me every time.
Summer is right around the corner
Our Electric bill was only 24 dollars!!
I got 2 plants to keep alive... tomatoes and roses!
I babysat for a friend and smelt like a baby for the rest of the day!
Travis made me dinner and called me a mother of 3 (2 pups and him)
Bandit and Nala got a giant tennis ball that is too big to chew up but perfect to chase.
We had an AWESOME girls night while the boys had their man night! Two locations is key :)

"Our Buds"
Travis is going to help at his Grandparent ranch this summer to help out! He loves it out there and really loves his family.
I can't wait to have sunny weather and have a small summer preschool class.
We are going to Sun Lakes with my family for a mini vay-kay over Memorial day!
We should get instate tuition next year!!
I can't wait until I like running! and either can Bandit!
My best friend Jaimie's Bday is this month! and I'm giddy over her gift!

"Our Thorns"
It's still pretty chilly
Trav doesn't have to go to bed early or wake up early and I do!
Bandit and Nala chewed up both their leashes while unsupervised!

And here is some pictures of the pups just because I know you love them!

Mother I love you

2011-05-08T17:05:00.000-07:00

FB status for the day: Sorry to inform you but Clara, Christian, Chloe Chase and myself have the best mom in the whole world. All other moms will have to take second to the most beautiful, selfless, funny, and caring mother around Tiffany Reid!!! Love you mom you are the best and wish I could be home on your special day!

Last year Me, Travis and My sister surprised our moms for Mother's day. Best surprise ever. This year my Brother Christian will call my mom from his mission. So pretty much anything I came up with wasn't going to top that. But I did make something she loved. I made her a bird's nest necklace. I saw these on Etsy... but it was pricey and I'm on a budget so with a friend I made one for my mom and mil and she did too for 5 dollars. Then I showed them off any ended up making and selling 10 more. Then I gifted about 10 more and 2 pairs of dangly earrings so ya it was a pretty good deal :)

I wrote this poem and ashlee made the card.

SO if your mother's day gift wasn't everything you hoped I could make you one of these too. It looked so cute with one or two eggs too. And I made some with white eggs that were darling as well.

I LOVE my mom. She is a great woman and makes me so worried that I can't do what she does for my own children!

I also LOVE my Mother in Law Chris. She is such a wonderful person and I am grateful for all she does for us.

I am surrounded by women who are excellent examples of AWESOME moms! I am so thankful for their example even when it makes me insecure that I can't do it!

Yay for Mom's everywhere

Cinco de Mayo

2011-05-05T16:57:00.000-07:00

Yay for good friends and yummy Mango salsa like my mom always makes!

Fond of You Fondue Party

2011-04-28T16:48:00.000-07:00

Our friends the Drolettes are moving and we are so sad.
He love Baseball, She loves crafts... enough said on why that works :)
That's the tough part about living in a college town. People move out and move on.
We will really miss them though!
So why not have a party. We threw them a "fond of you" fondue party. It was very tasty and very packed!

Lots of tasty treats. I made the fondue and each guest brought something to dip in the fondues. There was a LOT of bread but thats ok it was SO good. I made a cheese fondue, a cream cheese chicken fondue and a chocolate fondue!

A bit of entertainment was the cute and funny were the 2 kids there were playing in the dog crates and were completely entertained. My friend Becky's daughter kept saying "Lock me in Mommy" I joke that if my kids ever say that Travis might lock them in there for a while ;)Who would have known kids like crates more than dogs ha ha

It sure was a fun party!

A Christ Centered Easter

2011-04-24T16:27:00.000-07:00

This Easter we really tried to bring in the spirit of the Savior and his Atonement into our home. A week before Easter I was part of our Stake Easter Program. It was so beautiful and really made me rethink the importance of the month of April. For the whole rest of the week I tried to think of my Savior and the love we have for each other. I know that He loves me and I love Him. I am really good about thinking about Christ and his life in December but it really came into perspective when I heard a quote by an apostle that without Easter and the crucifixion, that Christ's birth would have just been another baby born. I am so grateful that He not only gave us his time and energy of his life to serving others but He also sacrificed his life so we could return to live with Him. I love that so much.
We did have the chance to eat easter dinner and brunch with Travis' family that came over to his grandparents and also with our good friends the Dunns.
Travis made Beef Pinwheels that were absolutely delicious. We also had deviled eggs, twice baked potatoes and cream corn!

Later that night we decorated some eggs with the Dunns and Drolettes.

The boys were required to decorate one egg. These are what they came up with.
Travis (mariners S) Spencer and Nayt

I used hot glue to write words and dots. I dipped some then wrote then dipped again. Then peeled off the glue. Sometimes it worked sometimes it didn't, that's why I didn't peel Travis' off.

Ashlee's Birthday!

2011-04-20T16:15:00.000-07:00

So normally I put these posts on my craft blog but I loved this wreath and needed to share it on both! Jaimie and I worked all week on this wreath. And all the time paid off when Ashlee loved it! Now that I'm obsessed (and a pro at rolling) I want to cover everything in these flowers, Lampshades, picture frames! Oh endless possibilities!
I used this tutorial
http://lovin-life-piersons.blogspot.com/2011/02/book-pages-wreath.html

Yay for the return of the wifey pearls!

2011-04-12T18:03:00.000-07:00

I got my necklace fixed finally! It is my favorite necklace, a 15" strand of pearls from Ross Simons. My mom bought them for my wedding and I wore them night and day for the last 3 years. Well in a tragic accident they broke! I am so happy they are fixed. Long live the wifey pearls. (I am going to try to remember to take them off to shower and sleep so they last longer but we'll see if I can do it!)

Ten things I love about preschool

2011-04-12T17:46:00.000-07:00

I'm getting a little down about working this summer (it will be the first time in a long time I've had too) So I thought I would turn up the optimism and write my 10 favorite thing about Teaching preschool.
1. I am a celebrity in my class. Everyone wants to talk to me, come to my house, have a sleep over, invite me to their party and sit by me ALL THE TIME. I try not to let it go to my head but really they adore me and even though their 4 and 5 I love the attention ha ha
2. I am in control of the fun we have. Since I plan the curriculum I plan the fun. I can wait to plan some fun sun activities that will get me to jump out of bed in the morning!!
3. I get to plan at work. So when I get home I get to have me time. I can take the dogs on a walk, hang out with travis, craft, what have you from 4:30 on!
4. I have some funny kids in my class. I never know what they are going to say next. Like today when Carson told me that ke$ha (singer) brushes here teeth with jacks when I told him to brush his teeth after lunch. ha ha someone must listen to the radio with mom.
5. I get messy and love it. I love when my kids make a mess. I play right there with them in the paint mixed with glue mixed with glitter. It is awesome.
6. My assistant makes my life so much easier. She makes me laugh quite a bit too.
7. Teaching is like this high for me. When I teach the kids something and later I see them applying it all by themselves I just get such a good feeling, like an adrenaline rush. I love when I make an impact on their lives.
8. Preschool graduation is coming up and I can use all my corny party planning ideas because they love them.
9. The girls in my class tell me they want to be like me, the boys tell me they want to marry me. I tell you I can't be loved enough over at that place!
10. Four to Five year olds have got to be the cutest age. If I could just birth out a preschooler I would. They are independent in some things (like hygiene, bathroom, feeding) but need you so much with other things (attention, story telling, playing)

Gosh I just love my job!!

Crazy day at preschool

2011-04-05T17:39:00.000-07:00

We do some pretty fun stuff in my class... if I do say so myself since I plan it. But sometimes my ideas are LOVED by my kids SO much. Today was one of those days. We read "If I ran the circus" by Dr. Seuss. So I thought it would be fun to paint our faces and have a talent show. The kids loved it and wanted to paint their faces for the rest of the week. They begged me to paint mine. No face was safe in the Dark blue room!

"Rainbow" by Makai

"vampires killing zombies" by Baily

"Self Portrait" by Sophia

Family's First to Visit to Pullman

2011-04-04T21:49:00.000-07:00

My family came to visit this weekend! It was so fun to chat, catch up, shop, eat and get our nails did! It was a great time. So short but so fun.

The dogs loved the attention by the aunt clara and chloe and uncle chase. They really loved the attention and expected it even after they left.

We also got our toes done! Oh how we love to be pampered.

We went shopping and I showed the fam my classroom. Chase had fun going to football practice with Travis. We also ate great food. Including yummy burgers and shakes at CCDI (that's what the cool kids call cougar country drive in!)

thanks fam! come again soon!

rAiNy DaY wAlKs

2011-04-04T21:39:00.000-07:00

I got Nala and Bandit the cutest little raincoats from the dollar store. Nala's has an 80's vibe to it where Bandit's is more Nautical. I think they're so cute!

Opal's visit

2011-03-25T21:30:00.000-07:00

SO this is late but my Freaking Best Friend (fbf for short) Opal came to visit me while travis was away in Spokane to work the women's basketball game. He was gone for 5 days and 4 nights. Opal met my friends and we went to see Tangled. We chatted and had a sleepover like old times! It was so great. She also finally got to spend time with the pups! Of course they loved her. Love you Ops thanks for coming to visit!

Down Syndrome

2011-03-22T13:30:00.000-07:00

Remember my friend AMAZING ABE?
Well his WHOLE family is amazing actually. While we were home Travis and I got to hear Abe's sister Jessica give a speech she has been working on for a completion! It was INCREDIBLE. It made me cry, smile, laugh and feel every other emotion possible! It was incredible live and I really wish I video taped it. But I got the next best thing. I asked her to send me the copy and got her permission to share it with you. It was so wonderful I hope you will take the time to read it. It will be worth your time I promise so come back when you have a little more time and read it!
Here is Jessie and Abe:

Every morning Abe wakes up and sits on the couch with his sister Emily. Dad has gone to work and the rest of family is still asleep. Emily has started her school so Abraham or, Abe as he likes to be called, sits on the couch quietly and wakes up. Usually he watches the window for the paper boy to come by and drop off the daily paper. As everyone starts getting up, Abe is getting ready. He makes his bed and gets dressed. Then it’s time for breakfast. Abe presses for eggs and toast. He would eat this every morning if he got to pick. The whole family sits down to pray. They trade off the responsibility and this particular morning its Abe’s turn. He says a little prayer, thanking the Lord for the food and the new day. Abe has the sports section of the paper right next to his bowl. He loves to look at the pictures. There is just something about the action recorded on the pages and the looks on the athletes faces that intrigues him. He has his favorite teams that he stands by whether they win or lose. As the day goes on Abe does school with mom and plays with Henry and Ruby, his younger siblings. What he loves to do is go downstairs, turn on a good CD and just zone out with the music for a while.

Abe seems like a perfectly normal child, doesn’t he? The truth is that Abe is different. He is special. Abraham was born 12 years ago with Down Syndrome.

Down Syndrome is not a disease. It is not an illness. People with this disability love all the things that we love and get frustrated with the same things that frustrate us. Down Syndrome is the name of a genetic alteration that occurs when an individual has three, rather than two, copies of the 21st chromosome. A website that brings information and resources for people with disabilities tells us that “The most common chromosomal condition, Down Syndrome occurs in one out of every 733 babies born in the U.S.” (Disaboom.com). yet this number is dwindling due to prenatal testing and abortion of the unborn baby. This is a tragedy because people with Down Syndrome are valuable and lead worth-while lives. Their lives are precious!

Foremost I will be talking about Prenatal Diagnoses and Abortion, then about the facts of Down Syndrome, and Lastly the value of these special people.

When a woman finds out she is pregnant she is usually overjoyed at the news of a new life growing inside her. Everything is fine and moving along great. In recent years Prenatal Diagnosing has become a regular part of prenatal care. In addition to an early ultrasound, women can now take a blood test between 15 and 22 weeks. While some feel pressured by doctors others take the test because they just want to know. The website of Eastside Maternal Fetal Medicine tells us that in this quad test, a doctor draws some of the mother’s blood and the lab checks to see if her levels of bio-chemical markers, proteins and hormones are normal or not. This specific test will tell you the percent or chance that your child has a neural tube defect, Down Syndrome, or Trisomy 18. If the test indicates a possible birth defect, the mother most likely will go and get more testing done such as an amniocentesis, or a high-resolution ultrasound (www.eastsidemfm.com). These tests can be fatal for the fetus but most mothers feel the need to know if their child has a problem. Very soon after the diagnosis of a fetus with Down Syndrome mothers are given the option to have an abortion. According to The National Down Syndrome Congress, “About half felt rushed or pressured to decide whether or not to continue the pregnancy.” (www.ndsc.com)

The National Down Syndrome Society tells us that “the main 2 reasons for Prenatal Testing are:
- To give the family time to prepare for a child with a disability.
- To give the parents the chance to abort a fetus with the diagnosed condition” (ndss.com)

The second reason (in all honesty, perhaps the first?) screenings exist is to allow people the abort an innocent child!! According to Wikipedia “Most doctors view a baby with a disability as an ‘infected Fetus‘and will follow up the test results with the question, ‘Would you like me to schedule the procedure?’ “(Wikipedia.org)
British Peer Lord Rix has stated that “alas the birth of a child with down syndrome is still considered by many to be an utter tragedy.” (en.thinkexist.com)
Is it because they want a perfect child? Is it because they are afraid of a child with a weakness or disability?

Life Site News.com tells us that “….More Down Syndrome babies are now killed than are allowed to be born.” (www.lifesitenews.com)

In actuality it’s 92%. According to ABC NEWS, “92 percent of women who find out their child has Down syndrome choose to terminate their pregnancy.” (abcnews.com)
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”- Matthew 19:14 (New International Version)

By aborting the pregnancy, that mother is taking one life that could have changed the world. Even if that child is disabled they can still have an impact on the people around them.

So, what is Down Syndrome? My family is involved in a music program where I play drums in the percussion section. I also have the privilege of teaching and coaching Abe. Everybody loves Abe. The director Mrs. Tina Riley had a son named David with Down Syndrome who passed away 10 years ago. In honor of David, she started the North County Homeschool Music Program. Every Thursday Mrs. Riley comes over and gives Abe a hug and asks how he is doing. One day we got a new song to practice and play together with a cymbal solo at the end. Abe got the part. The song started and when it came to the crescendo roll, all eyes were on Abe. He did it perfectly. Everyone cheered. Even some of the advanced drummers were impressed by his job well done. Later in the day when we performed for all the parents and it came to his Solo, Mrs. Riley smiled and nodded. Once again he did a fabulous job and beamed as everyone clapped. Treasured moments like these really impact me. I am so blessed to be able to be a part of this little boy’s life.

People affected by Down syndrome are all different. I have had the opportunity to babysit children with this disability. They love doing crafts and baking and eating cookies. But then again, what child doesn’t? They each have their own unique struggles as well. Some are severely disabled and require much assistance in everyday tasks while others can get up, take a shower, and get dressed without any help. They each have their quirks. Some absolutely loathe going to the dentist or refuse to get their hair cut. One little girl I know has her dental work done at Children’s Hospital where she is sedated before having her teeth cleaned. Just like us, none are the same.

Life Issues says “One of the truly gratifying developments in the last half-century has been the mainstreaming of people with Down syndrome. These pleasant and functional people now have an average life expectancy of 55 years. Only 2% are born with fatal heart defects, and less than 5% with severe mental retardation. Most now can lead semi or completely independent lives and enter the workforce in some type of supported employment. Others are competitively employed.” (Lifeissues.org) My Grandfather loves to see Sarah working at a Starbucks in Bellevue. She brightens his day with her smile and cheerful attitude as she sweeps and tidies tables.
Are people with Down syndrome valuable? Yes, ask anyone who has had the opportunity to spend time around these special people. They are happy and filled with joy. I believe that that is because the world is an innocent place through their eyes.
Ike Ditzenberger is a part of the Snohomish High school football team. Last September he was given the opportunity to go on field and play. His coach asked the opposing team to please let him get a few yards. Instead of giving him 5 yards they gave him the field. Ike scored his first touchdown. Having Ike on the field gave everyone a chance to be selfless and to give someone else a moment to shine. Ike’s story is now one of the ten most inspirational stories of 2010 according to Guide Post Magazine.

“Casey is always happy, smiling, easy-going, sweet, and very affectionate. He is constantly giving us hugs,” said Mrs. Julie Hernandez, mother of Casey, Age 9. Although Casey can’t verbally communicate with his family he is the joy in their household. Although he has not progressed at all since he was 24 months old, he is the apple of their eye. The way this mother talked about her son, I could tell he was the biggest blessing God has given them.

Jamie, a 12 year old girl has her love for life, her joy, and her trust to make her so special. She has a wonderful imagination and is always putting on fun shows for her family. She loves to act out parts in plays and sing and dance. Her mom, Mrs. Lori Schmieder, told me her family loves her energy and zest for life. She said that “she’s just Jamie and we love her the way she is.” These are all lovely people from my community and each has Down Syndrome.

But as I told you before, 92% of these people aren’t even given a chance.
2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. (New International Version)

Approximately 5000 children are born with Down Syndrome every year in the United States. These are people, these are lives, and these are stories….NOT tragedies!
Once at a band workshop, all the students got in line to play bump basketball as a warm up and just to have fun. Everything was going great. Then it was Abe’s turn. We were all clapping, cheering, and encouraging him, except of course for the intense little girl who was playing against him. He took a shot and missed. Everybody groaned and then went right back to cheering his name as he fetched the ball. His next shot was nothing but net. We all shouted hooray and gave him high fives.

The real tragedy would have been if Abe had not been born. Abe’s life, like a crashing cymbal, has impacted so many people in a positive, uplifting way.
I believe that every being that has a heartbeat deserves a lifetime. Even if that specific being has a disability, their heart is still beating.
A true blessing from God, Abraham Lucas Cooper is my brother.

Original Oratory Source Citation Page
a. Wikipedia.com http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Down_syndrome accessed November 14, 2010
b. Eastside Maternal Fetal Medicine http://www.eastsidemfm.com/quad_screen.htm accessed November 9, 2010
c. American Pregnancy Association http://www.americanpregnancy.org/prenataltesting/quadscreen.html accessed November 1, 2010
d. Hub Pages http://hubpages.com/hub/Down-Syndrome--Prenatal-Testing-and-Changing-Perceptions-of-Down-Syndrome accessed January 8, 2011
e. New International Version Holy Bible 2 Corinthians 12:9
f. New International Version Holy Bible Matthew 19:14
g. Think exists Quotes http://en.thinkexist.com/ accessed November 3, 2010
h. Lifesitenews.com http://www.lifesitenews.com/ accessed November 3, 2010
i. Life Issues PART V INFANTICIDE & EUTHANASIA http://www.lifeissues.org/AbortionQandA/chapters/c25.pdf accessed January 8, 2011
j. The National Down Syndrome Congress http://www.ndsccenter.org/resources/documents/prenatal.php accessed January 10, 2011
k. Disaboom.com http://www.disaboom.com/parenting-and-family-general/abortion-rate-affected-by-down-syndrome-test accessed January 13, 2011
l. ABC News: Down Syndrome Births Are Down in U.S. By Susan Donaldson James November 2, 2009 http://abcnews.go.com/Health/w_ParentingResource/down-syndrome-births-drop-us-women-abort/story?id=8960803 accessed January 9, 2011

Grand dogs and Dogsins

2011-03-20T21:44:00.000-07:00

Bandit invited his Dogsins (dog cousins) to his bday and we took these cute family pictures

Bandits "friends" party

2011-03-19T19:41:00.000-07:00

On saturday we had a great dog party at the dog park. I sent out invites. Here are the pictures
the invite was a poem said
"Bandit the beagle is turning ONE,
So a party is in order to have some fun.
Birch Hills Dog Park is where we will celebrate,
Arrive at noon so you won’t be late.
March 19th is the day it will be,
The people will chat while the dogs run free.
There will be cupcakes, peanut butter treats and toys.
Bowties will be made for all the handsome boys.
We won’t forget the ladies; they’ll get pearls to wear.
We hope all of Bandman’s friends will be there.
Rain or shine so dress nice and warm please,
It won’t phase the dogs but you don’t want to freeze.
So RSVP and say you will attend,
And all the ladies and gents will see you then!"
Here is the outside:

Bandit was so cute with his little boytie until he ripped it off while playing. At least he was having fun right?
I made necklaces for the girls and bowties for the boys. I didn't take a picture of the bowties but here is one of the necklaces

We had 8 guests
Belle (Chihuahua)
Criket
Belle (cocker spaniel)
Buster
Sage
Juneau
Tiger
Nala

What a great way to spend the afternoon.
Thanks for everyone that came!

Bandit and his Best friend and Sister Nala

Bandit's favorite game is Chase

Bandit's friend Criket. Great Sunday Dog Park Friend

Muddy muddy boy!

Bandit and Nala with their cousins Tiger and Juneau

All Tuckered out from a long day of partying

St Patty's day is the best when you teach Preschool

2011-03-17T20:14:00.000-07:00

WOW do I love St. Patty's day. I may be my 3rd favorite holiday. All week the class got the classroom ready by decorating green and preparing the trap.
Too bad he escaped the trap and took the gold!

Here are some pictures of the mess those silly little leprechauns left.

Bandit the birthday boy!

2011-03-15T21:33:00.000-07:00

My baby bandit is ONE! I can't believe we have had him for almost a year. He is such a good dog. We love him so much. He makes our lives so happy!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BANDIT!

2011-03-15T20:51:00.000-07:00

Today is Bandit's first birthday! I missed him so much while I was at work. But when I got home I made sure he had a great day once I got home. We had a "family party" tonight. We had the Dunns over and the Newbolds. I made Bandit (and Bronx) a birthday cake. Bronx's bday is at the end of the month.

Here are some fun pictures of the night

Bandit posing with his hat and new bandana

Here are the "cakes" I made. Yogurt and Peanut butter and kibble. YUM.

Bandit enjoying his first birthday cake! We are going to have to go on some walks to work off some of those calories... don't want to turn into a sausage beagle.

Cute Nala with party hats on.

Family Photos, Bronx Jaimie and Nayt

Family Photo, Travis, I and the pups.

Emma and The pups. Emma is Bandit's new best friend and so excited to come to the party!

Birthday Bronx

Party pups! They were so tuckered out from all the partying.

Nala's 10 Favorite Things

2011-02-28T13:58:00.000-08:00

Nala's ten favorite things are:
10. Boxing
9. Food
8. Riding in the car
7. Eating tissues/ toilet paper
6. Playing with ropes
5. Bandit
4. Bandits dog bed
3. Rolling on he back
2. Me
1. Travis

Abe Cooper is Amazing

2011-02-27T15:12:00.000-08:00

While we were back in Seattle for Christian's farewell we go to see my friend Abe and his family. I Love Abe and his family. They are just so fun and nice and friendly. Abe (and his brother Henry) love Travis. They spent a long time playing basketball. It was so cute.

I Love my new camera! Check out this action shot!

Craft Blog

2011-02-27T14:20:00.001-08:00

My craft blog has been updated if you want to take a look click on the picture on the top left side!

Bandit's 10 Favorite things

2011-02-27T13:53:00.000-08:00

Bandit's ten favorite thing are:
10. Sleeping under blankets
9. Going on Runs
8. Bronx
7. Wrestling with Nala
6. Eating Snow
5. The dog Park
4. Garbage (especially water bottles and milk jugs)
3. Food
2. Me
1. Travis

Trained Pups

2011-02-26T13:49:00.000-08:00

My dogs are trained. Some people don't believe me. This is a great photo proof. I have them sit, lay and wait. Then I covered them with treats and they waited and waited. Then I went to get my camera. Turned it on focused and took the shot with out them breaking. Man I love being the Master.

Nala Bear is a baby

2011-02-25T13:47:00.000-08:00

I love that Nala lets me hold her like a baby.

Grumpy Boxer

2011-02-24T13:46:00.000-08:00

Elder Reid

2011-02-23T14:08:00.000-08:00

My brother Christian got his Mission call to Montreal Canada French speaking. He left on February 23! He will be gone for two years teaching people of Montreal all about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Find out more HERE
I am so proud of him and love him SO much. Travis and I were able to go to his farewell before he left. Here are some great pictures from the weekend.

Nala the bball star

2011-02-23T13:43:00.000-08:00

The jersey fits Nala too!

Bandit, A true gentlemen

2011-02-22T13:41:00.000-08:00

Tut tut Looks like rain?

2011-02-21T13:37:00.000-08:00

What's under there?

2011-02-20T13:35:00.000-08:00

The dogs always know where we hide the toys and treats

Two Handfuls of Pups

2011-02-19T13:34:00.000-08:00

This is quite the workout!

Bronx and Jaimie

2011-02-18T13:32:00.000-08:00

Bandit's best friend and My best friend.

Yummy Bones!

2011-02-17T13:31:00.000-08:00

learning to walk?!

2011-02-16T13:29:00.000-08:00

Play fight

2011-02-15T13:27:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day 2011

2011-02-14T14:02:00.000-08:00

This year we had a great laid back Valentines day.
We went to the best Mexican restaurant in Moscow called La Casa Lopez. We went there with the Dunn's because it's just more fun with friends.
Travis gave me a card! I have asked for a card since we've gotten married and so I was totally excited. Silly but really I just needed it!
I also got a stuffed dog that holding a bone that says "Puppy love" and chocolate.
He is just a sweet heart.
I gave Travis all of his 14 days of Valentines. He really just loves getting a little treat each day... I mean come on who wouldn't?

my valentines pups!

2011-02-14T13:17:00.000-08:00

70 cents jersey

2011-02-13T13:19:00.000-08:00

I love finding little kids jerseys at the thrift store for Bandit. He just looks so cute in them!

Lap Boxers

2011-02-12T13:24:00.000-08:00

Sleepy babies

2011-02-11T13:14:00.000-08:00

wanna play?

2011-02-10T13:11:00.000-08:00

Bandit trying to dig in the water bowl

2011-02-09T18:59:00.000-08:00

Since the movie won't load here is a still. He just kept digging it was so cute!

In memory of Neiko

2011-02-08T17:57:00.000-08:00

Neiko was Trav and I's first dog. He was a great dog and I will always miss him. Read more Neiko posts HERE, HERE and HERE. okay and one more here...

Ps it is super weird to look back and see that was two and a half years ago

sleepy pups

2011-02-07T18:57:00.000-08:00

SMILE

2011-02-06T22:17:00.000-08:00

SUPERBOWL XLV

2011-02-06T22:05:00.000-08:00

We went to an AWESOME superbowl party at our friends, Brenna and Matt Klien's apartment. It was so fun. We ate great food and cheered for the Packers. Best part, they won! Travis will be in a good mood all week!

bandman

2011-02-05T22:12:00.000-08:00

We love our Bandman. He is stubborn and tries our patience but he is a good boy. He LOVES garbage and licking the bathtub. He is curious about what is on the kitchen table and barks in his crate. He loves ropes and wrestling with Nala. He loves going on runs and can out run me any day of the week!

Nala Bear

2011-02-04T19:26:00.000-08:00

Nala is our angel pup. She is feisty and rules the house. She chases her nub and can't figure out how to hold her ears forward. She loves to sleep on her back, head on the pillow, like a human. She loves water, she can't stop drinking it and jumps into the shower if we leave the door open. She lets me dress her and paint her nails. We love her so much!

Bronx in a Hoodie

2011-02-03T19:36:00.000-08:00

Gangster Bronx