Spring!

I am so ready for Spring! This bi-polar weather is driving me crazy!

I HATE ANTS!!!

AHHHHH!!!!!!!! I am so sick of ants!!! This morning I was actually ready to leave on time for work and feeling good.... until I walked into my kitchen and spotted 2 flying ants. I turned my eyes down to where I have often had ants invade my house and there were millions of them! More than I had ever had in my house before! I tried to keep my words clean but it made me so mad!!!! I sprayed them with my ant raid killer and cleaned them up as much as I could. I didn't want to get down on my hands and knees because I was all dressed for work. I don't look forward to returning home and taking care of the rest!!!

San Diego

Well, I just got back from a wonderful vacation with my cousin JB to San Diego. We left on the 23rd and came home on the 28th. We stayed at a hotel that was just across the harbor from a Navy Base and saw quite a few ships headed out to sea.

Sunday we drove up to LA to visit JB's brother and his family. We had fun with the kids and after a nice family dinner drove back to San Diego.

Monday we jumped in the car with no real plans, but ended up in Old Town and had a lot of fun looking in all the little shops, ok, shopping in all the little shops. Monday night we watched the new Night at the Museum, which was great, and we are still quoting lines from the movie.

Tuesday we did some shopping at the mall and then enjoyed massages. Tuesday evening we went to dinner with JB's cousin and his girlfriend at this great place that overlooked the ocean.

Wednesday we did some site seeing at Cabrillo National Monument, Coronado Island and then we napped on the beach, and yes, I have a sun burn!

We had a great time, but it is nice to be back. Well, with the exception of the homework!

What I Am Really Good At

Well, obviously I am not good at keeping my posts up to date. My sister wrote something on here back in April, and I just now saw it. Needless to say, life has been busy. So, what am I really good at.... procrastinating homework!!! Yes, homework. I am starting back to school to get a doctorate degree in psychology, and I will do just about anything to avoid doing my homework!!! Even update my blog!
So, why am I going back to school.... funny thing. I have always wanted to get a doctorate degree and even looked into a few different programs over the years. Over the past few months my life has felt a bit out of control with so many things going on. I knew it was time for something to change. I considered switching jobs, moving out of state.... becomming homeless.... just about anything to get some type of change and feel like my life was more in control. So what did I do, well I prayed. Trust me, going back to school was not the answer I anticipated. I thought, maybe I'll get a big raise and only have to work one job, maybe I'll meet Mr. Right and he'll be rich... but no, the answer was to go back to school. My term started last week and I have a project due on Saturday and I'm having a difficult time getting back into the mindset of homework.
So, that's my latest life update. I hope you are all doing well!!!!

Bailey's New Friend

This week, Bailey gets to have a friend stay with us. Jared, a co-worker of mine, is out of town with his family, so his cute little dog Mushu, is staying with us. The two had never met before and in the past, Bailey hasn't done extremely well with other dogs, but he is loving his time with Mushu! I'm sure he is going to be very sad come Friday when his new little friend leaves.

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas!!!

I can't believe it is here already! I hope you all have a wonderful time with your friends and family! I am celebrating in what has become my usual way, sick! For the past few years I've been in New York at my parents and ended up with strep throat or other diseases. Well, this year I decided to stay home, but it has not saved me from being sick. My good friend and past roommate of 5 years, after having to cancel a lunch with her due to strep and bronchitis, said, well it wouldn't be Christmas if you weren't sick. I hope this is a tradition I can end this year and one none of you try out!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I just want to take a minute to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving! I hope that each of you get to spend time with your friends and family. On a sentimental note, I have so much to be thankful for. I have so many wonderful friends that I couldn't imagine trying to get by without. Some of you have gone above and beyond this year for me and I am so thankful for you. My family is the greatest. This year I was able to spend time with both my mom and dad. My dad came in the summer and helped with some things around the house and made sure my yard was taken care of and that I had what I needed to be able to continue to enjoy it. Then a few months later, my mom came and did so much for me and left all of my cupboards full. I've been able to spend time with each of my siblings in thier homes this year and had the best opportunity an aunt could ask for by being with 2 nephews and 1 niece for their baptisms. I also have 1 new nephew and 1 new niece who have joined my family. My hearts is truely full of gratitude for all that I am blessed with.

Bailey's Birthday

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Yes, I had a party for Bailey! All of his little friends got to come over and we had a great time!

The Cutest Star!

My cute little niece Sonora (3), is all about "Dancing with the stars!" She has her own version. You can't hear the music very well, but her moves are worth watching!!!

Megan's Account

I though I posted this already, but it's not showing up.... anyway, on the right you'll see a link to my sister's sewing site. She makes some things that are helpful for mom's with little ones. I've never had a baby, so I'm going on her word and the words of others that these are helpful, but check it out and feel free to add the link to your blog too!

The Princess

Here are the most recent pictures of my niece Brooke

Isn't she beautiful!

She is doing great and may not have to have surgery until she is 2!

I can't wait to see her!

Saying Good-Bye

My mom has been in town visiting since last Wednesday. It has been so nice to have her here, eventhough I had to share her with her parents and her sisters... I've had a great time with her and was able to introduce her to people I work with and live near. I know she enjoyed getting to know you all as well. Now she'll have faces to put with the names when I talk about you :)
My dad is counting down the hours until she gets back home. Each time she leaves he misses her more and more which I think is so cute!
Last Saturday for the Relief Society Conference, my mom and I attended with many of my aunts, cousins and my grandma which made the experience all the better.
I took Monday off of work and we went shopping and had a great time. Yesterday, we went to the temple for my cousins wedding. Now the fun is over and she's leaving. Thank you all for being so kind and welcoming to her!

Tag You're It! Fun Facts from High School

Thanks a lot Megan! I love my sister, but sure don't like that she's making me do this! I don't know if I remember enough about high school to answer these questions, but I'll try!


1. Did you date someone from your school? Not until many years later.
2. What kind of car did you drive? No car, only the family van!
3. Were you a party animal? No, more like the work horse, I guess not much has changed!
4. Were you considered a flirt? I didn't know how to flirt back then.
5. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir? I was in band from 6th grade through my freshman year. I didn't want to be in marching band, so I quit! I played the clarinet.
6. What was your most embarrassing moment of high school? Probably the fact that my mom worked in the in-school suspention classroom!
7. Were you a nerd? NEVER
8. Were you on any varsity teams? Nope
9. Did you get suspended/expelled? No way!
10. Can you still sing the fight song? Of course- Go Toppers go, for the green and for the gold.... (I can still here the band playing it!) (I stole that answer from Megan)
11. Who were your favorite teachers? I barely remember their names! Probably Mr. Hofek (but I know that's not how you spell his name) and Mr. Reid.
12. What was your school's full name? Los Alamos High School
13. School mascot? The wellknown "Hilltopper"
14. Did you go to homecoming, and with who? I went to a few dances but don't remember which ones were with who...
15. If you could go back and do it again, would you? NO WAY!
16. What do you remember most about graduation? Being so glad to be done!
17. Where did you go senior skip day? Work, BORING
18. Were you in a club? BPA - Business Professionals of America
19. Have you gained some weight since then? Gained some, lost some, gained some, lost some, gained some, gained some more, lost some. Gained some. Who hasn't?
20. Who was your prom date? Jake Davenport, my brother's best friend who was waiting to leave for his mission. His girlfriend, who is now his wife, said she didn't care. It was all just for fun.
21. Are you planning on going to your 10 year reunion? Already did.
22. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself? Have More Fun!!!

I tag Kendra and Kristin! Your turn!

My New Niece

This is my cute new niece, Brooke Eilene Talley, born to Scott and Gina. She was born on Wednesday, September 24th weighing 5 lbs., 12 oz. and was 18 inches long. Brooke is a very special addition to our family. She has Downs Syndrome. We did not know this before she was born and it did shake us all up a little bit. My oldest brother had a daughter that died following complications at birth, so I think we were all extra shaken up because we had gone through that in the past. Brooke has some heart problems and will eventually have to have open heart surgery. They want to put it off as long as possible, hopefully not until she's about 4 months old so she has a little more strength; however, she could have to have it at anytime. I am so happy that she has 5 older brothers and sisters who will always take good care of her and love her more than any child could ask. I already love her so much and cannot wait until I can see her. Any prayers on her behalf, as well as her parents behalf, would be appreciated. I will keep you all posted as to when she will have to have surgery. We are having a special fast for her on Sunday and you are all invited to join in.

For My Great Friend Sarah Lyle

Sarah told me I need to be better at writing on here. I can't promise I'll be better, but I will try!! This week was quite an interesting one. I've been attending a conference at the Salt Palace on Domestic Violence. I know, I go to strange conferences. I remember when I lived with Sarah, and the rest of the "jamshackers" and they were puzzled by the fact that I was attending a gang conference. My job takes me to strange places, that's for sure! The best thing that came out of the conference was the fact that I made a new friend. One of my co-workers at LDS Family Serivces was there. If you don't work the same hours at that office, you never get to know each other, so it was nice to spend some time getting to know her better.
As far as family goes... My niece, Sarah, tried out for a choir that is a combination of kids from all the elementary schools in her district. I'm still waiting to see if she made it or not. She is pretty shy in front of people and she had to audition, by herself, in front of 3 judges. Regardless of the outcome, I am so proud of her for trying.
I talked to my 3-year-old niece Sonora on on the phone the other night. It was about 9:00 pm her time and she overheard my sister talking about muffins, so she kept telling me, "Aunt Nanon, I am soooo hungry." It was making me laugh. Then she said, "I will come and pick you up at the airport later." She has been with her mom several times to pick me up at the airport, and she's ready for the next time. I love talking to her on the phone. She always makes me laugh so much!
The only other family news is that my sister-in-law is going to be having a baby girl any day now. They want to name her with a name that starts with "B" because they have Brittnee and Bethany. They are having a hard time coming up with one they agree on, so if you have any ideas, please share them! Otherwise, she'll end up just being called Baby!
Other than that, I'm just anxious for my mom to come visit next week! She gets in on Wednesday, but I won't be able to see her until Friday :( She'll be down in Provo at my grandparents house and I'll be up here working. I'm sure we'll have a great weekend though!

Great Friends

I am so lucky to have so many wonderful friends and a great family. I just wanted to tell you all thank you for your love and support! Here's a hug from me to you!

I Made it Through the First Week!

We started our 4 ten hour days last week at work. I was not very happy with the governor each morning as I got out of bed long before anyone should have to! I figured out that the last time I got out of bed regularly at 5:30 in the morning was when I was a missionary and the only reason I survived that was because there were millions of members of the church praying for me. I hope that I'll adjust to this new schedule, but I've never been a morning person so it will be interesting. I got my hair cut short on Friday to try and help my mornings go by a little faster. We'll see how this week goes!

Beautiful Angela

This is my niece, Angela, who was baptized while I was in New Mexico. Her mom made this dress for her.

1 Hotel Room, 1 Tent and 1 Guest Room

Wow, I had quite the week last week! I left last Monday for a work trip to Vernal. My friend Barbara came with me which made the ride much more fun. While I worked on Tuesday, she was able to go to the temple and relax. Working for the state, I often have to travel to different youth facilities and spend time at them. In Vernal, we have the Split Mountain Youth Center that serves as a detention center, observation and assessment center, youth services, and a shelter. It is a newer facility and much nicer than some of our older buildings. I was able to meet 3 girls who are in the facility in different sections and leaned some good things about the work the counselors are doing there.

After a day's work in Vernal, we drove to our ward's girls camp near Kamas. When I was growing up, we only had stake camps, so this was my first experience with a ward camp. Barbara and I stopped and bought ice cream in Heber and you would have thought we showed up with a million dollars for each of the girls. They came running fast! I really enjoyed getting to know the girls in our ward better. They are all amazing and have so much strength that gets them through the diffiuclties of adolescents. I had a great time up there, we stayed until Wedensday night and then drove back down to Sandy.

First thing Thursday morning, I jumped back into the car and headed for New Mexico. Barbara was going to come, but was called back into work, so it was just Bailey and me. Well, Bailey gets car sick I quickly learned. I felt so bad for him, he was miserable the whole way. I stopped in Price and bought some dramamine, when he was finally able to get some in that stayed in, he did much better. it made for a long trip.
We stayed at my brother Justin's house. He has 2 little boys, Brent and Logan, and 2 dogs, Brutus and Sox. I wasn't sure how Bailey would do with the dogs, he's not around other dogs often. They all got along great! Between running around with the other dogs and being chased by Brent and Logan, he was exhausted at the end of each day.
My sister-in-law Ruth and I took Brent and Logan to the zoo. I soon realized that I had forgotten my camera on this trip. I wish I would have had it, there were so many cute picture moments!
The reason for my trip down this time was to go to my niece, Angela's, baptism. She was baptized on Saturday afternoon. My sister-in-law Becky is the best seamstress in the world, I learend this quickly as we were roommates in college. She made a beautiful dress for Angela to wear. My nephew Greg gave the talk on baptism and I was able to talk on the Gift of the Holy Ghost. It is so great to see my nieces and nephews make such important decisions in their lives.
Bailey and I drove back yesterday. I gave him dramamine before we left Justin's house, but he still got a little sick. I think he's still feeling the affects of it today as he has been knocked out all morning and would usually be up running around. I had such a great time visiting family and being back in New Mexico. I love it there and a part of my heart will always remain in the Land of Enchantment!

Back Home

Well, baby and mom got to go home yesterday. I stole some pictures off of my sister's blog of baby Chase with each of his siblings.....

This is the new big sister, Sonora, holding Chase.

This is the happiest big brother, Caden, who has wanted a little brother forever!

And this is the best mother's helper anyone could ask for, Sarah, who is such a great big sister!