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!