Vatcher Family of 3

Family Photos

2011-10-31T12:45:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago we took some family photos.

It was so much fun!

Unfortunately, Aaron was a little more interested in exploring then photo taking.

Thankfully, they all turned out so darn cute!

Hope you enjoy them!

This is one of my favorites! Aaron always holds our faces when we kiss him!

Seriously, how can such a little guy, as cute as this, not steal your whole heart?

"Rawr" - in the words of Aaron

5.5 years of marriage!

Stop Growing Up!

2011-09-06T16:25:00.000-07:00

My little man is 1.5 weeks shy of being 18 months old. He is going to be in nursery all by himself now. I just can not figure out where the time has gone!

He is ALL boy! You can see in the picture above in nice bruise on his head! He falls all the time. He runs faster then he can manage and has a complete mind of his own!

This weekend was Labor Day weekend. And being the crazy people we are, we decided to ignore the fact that everyone else and their brothers were going to be driving to and from the coast on Monday also, and head over to Monterrey Ca.

Aaron had been to the beach one other time before and loved the water. This time however, he did not. He would not go anywhere near the water. He kept holding our hands and or legs and pulling us away from the water! It was quite cute actually! But the weird part is, that he LOVES the water, but for some reason he did not like this beach. I don't know if the seaweed creeped him out or what but he wasn't going for it.

I love his chunky little feet! He didn't care for the sand in his toes though!

My little man and me! Look at that big smile!

My 4th of July

2011-07-06T17:32:00.001-07:00

Consisted of these people

riding on one of these

Doing a lot of this

And of course trying this!

bad blogger!

2011-06-16T15:47:00.000-07:00

I know most of you are waiting for a blog post with more pictures and I am sorry I have been slacking off lately. Life has been a little, to say the least, crazy! Michael and I have been so busy moving in with his parents. This has been a far from easy task! Both the boys (Steven and David) left their rooms as TOTAL disasters! So, not only did we have to pack all of our stuff at Grandma Noes house were we had been staying since moving her from San Fran, but we had to pack all of Steven's room to make it into a nursery for Aaron, but still leave Stevens bed in there for when he came home. That took a good amount of time plus we need to paint the room to cover up the ugly blues they had painted them oh so many years ago. I really wish I had before and after pictures for you, because then you would see why it took so long!
Might I add that all of this was being done around the time that I was planning my brother in laws wedding and my sons birthday. Well, when David Finally got married and moved out, he took his stuff but left a good amount, and by good amount...I mean a HUGE amount, of stuff in the room. Well to make a long story short, it took us a couple of months to get both the rooms ready for our stuff! We have just finished getting MOST of our stuff unpacked and settled. lol
Moving into my In-laws house is not easy for me or my family! We have been on our own for almost 5 years and now we are not. They have been very generous in opening their home to us so we can pay off the student loans and save up some money for a down payment. We are forever grateful for them!

On another note. My mom as of yesterday is in route to her new life in Oklahoma. a couple months ago she found out the owner of her house was loosing it and that she had to move. So then decided she wanted to move out of Cali. She was even looking into Utah! Well, my sister kept calling us, and every time she called it just seemed like she was more and more depressed about something. She would call crying while telling what was going on. Finally, after hearing it so often, I talked to my mom and told her "Chantelly really needs you! You need to move to Oklahoma." So a month later here she is GONE! Wow! I don't think it has really hit me yet that she really is gone, but I am sure it will eventually.
My sister is so excited to have family out there with her. She has been without family for so long, it will be nice for her to have someone there. But I am not going to lie, I am going to miss her!

Well, I promise i will post pictures soon! everything is just a little crazy right now!

I love.......

2011-04-28T16:49:00.000-07:00

Chocolate!!!!! Aaron had his first piece of chocolate and LOVED it.

What did you find?

2011-04-28T16:45:00.000-07:00

"There is so much mommy! I love it!"

Stop....

2011-04-28T16:23:00.000-07:00

Growing up so fast!

had to share

2011-03-22T10:55:00.000-07:00

If anyone knows me well enough, they know I am a total craft blog stocker! I have serveral that I check everyday! It is an adiction. Well, my adiction sometimes pays off! Today it really paid off! I found this! Click here to check out the blog and get the instructions! You won't be sorry!

I mean, seriously? How cute are these?

Graditude...

2011-03-16T14:58:00.000-07:00

I have thinking a lot about graditude and just what it means to me. Of course I could just give you the text book definition, but what good is that? That is just telling me what it means and going with it. Instead, I want to take about really what it means to me and just what I am grateful for, but I am going to do it with pictures!

First of all I am so grateful for...

He has blessed my life in so many ways. He has brought the church into my life. I was baptised when I was almost 12. I didn't really want to be but it was a family affair. My Mother and Grandmother found something very special in this church and decided that our family needed it. I have to admit, though I wasn't to excited about being baptised, I was very active. I was Active, but for the wrong reasons. Now, I can tell you that I go to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints because I believe in it. I believe all that it has to offer me. I know Heavenly Father Gave me the opportunity to grow in this church when he did so I can grow and learn. That way, when I was ready I would come to apprieciate that decision my parents made. I am grateful to Heavenly Father for providing me leaders in the church that helped me out when I needed them. I am grateful for the Men in the Church that provide the Priesthood to me and my family, and to be the "father figure" that I needed.

and for this...

I am grateful to have this beautiful Temple so close to my home to remind me just how lucky and special I am. To have a House of God so close to mine is incredible.

I am so grateful for

I cannot begin to tell you the graditude I have for my family! They have blessed my life in so many ways. I am such a better person with these two men in my life. I pray that I can be the best I can be for them, to protect them, and to help them become all that they can.

There is so much more that I am grateful for but those are the ones I mostly wanted to touch on today!

Family Photos March 2011

2011-03-14T17:32:00.000-07:00

Meredith, our neighbor and good friend, was awesome enough to take our family photos, like she often does! They are at the Fresno City College Studio for her class project. It was so much fun. I think they turned out so cute!

Ignoring the fact that mommy and daddy look bad, Aaron looks so cute in Uncle David's Glasses!

It was getting past Aaron's bed time so it was getting really hard to get a good picture out of him!

And then he was one!

2011-03-14T10:22:00.000-07:00

Although we have had his first birthday party, My little boy still have 5 days until he is officially 1 year old. It is hard to think about have fast he is growing up!

So far Aaron:
Can say Daddy
Can say Doggy
Loves to eat what mommy and daddy are eating.
Loves Cheese pizza (as of his birthday party!)
Can stand on his own and is trying to walk-not quite there yet, but would rather hold onto something.
Loves boxes and Tupperware more then his toys!
Sleeps all the way through the night from 8:30pm-7:30am (not training needed, he just wanted his own room away from mommy and daddy!)
Loves to play with the dog -by play I mean hit softly.
Loves his sippy cup when he can get it to work! (it is a hard one to use-mommy needs to get a new one!)
and He is the happiest and cutest little boy ever!

Enjoy the pictures!

I forgot to take a picture of his cake before giving it to him, but I made it into a monkey! It was really cute!

discovery of the stairs!

2011-02-22T12:13:00.000-08:00

Stroll with the stoller!

2011-02-22T10:31:00.000-08:00

This is Aaron's VERY first time ever doing this! It is in the middle of Kohls!
He is getting so BIG!

New Years Goals!

2011-01-13T13:07:00.000-08:00

Okay new year = a new chance at keeping your new years goals! Right? Right! (I hope!)

This year I made it a goal to go to the gym at least 2 times a week. And with my membership at bally's having daycare for my little guy, it should make it easier! Mom Vatcher and I have been doing GREAT!!!!!!!!! I started 130lbs YIKES!!!!!! Crazy baby weight! And in the 2 weeks we have been going again, I am at 126lbs now! I am getting there. Mom Vatcher Broke out the healthy cookbook and we are going to rotate on cooking recipes from it for dinner, I have my special k bars for a snack at work now, and now to just break my habit of fast food for lunch! (as I am eating a chicken quesidilla with extra jalepeno sauce from Taco Bell!) My ideal weight is going to be 110-115. So only 11-16 pounds to go! Then it will be a matter of tightening up my butt, thighs, and tummy! Really, that is my only goal! Well, my main goal!

On other news! In February, I don't know what weekend yet, we are going to have a HUGE yard well with mom and dad Vatcher, and the Ellis Family on our block! I might even see if the neighbor want to do it also and make it a block yard sell! So, I will keep you posted!

WARNING.......

2011-01-03T18:58:00.000-08:00

There is about to be a picture OVERLOAD!!!!!!! With all the moving that we do...I tend to loose things easily! This move I lost my cord for my camera, so I have been unable to upload photos for a LONG time!

I love dressing my little man up for Church, unfortunately, he HATES getting dressed! He screams and fights it the ENTIRE time!

For Aaron's first Halloween we dressed him up as a Skunk! He was the CUTEST skunk Ever! Plus, with Dad in the bishopric, he dresses up finally also!

Halloween weekend Michael was out of town til that day doing a writers conference in Ohio, so I went up with little man and Kristin to see the tans. The day after we got home, she we went into the hospital!
I can't believe how BIG my little man has gotten! FYI he is 8.75 months in the picture and weighs 21.5 pounds!
Seeing Grandma Vatcher at Steven Mission Opening "party". Which leaves us to the next picture....Steven got called to the NY NY Madrian Chinese Speaking Mission. He leaves Feb 16, 2010.

My little sonic the Hedge hog!
For Christmas (he's 9 months now) I was on the Activities committee and we got to plan the Ward Christmas Party. All and all I think it turned out so very good! We had good food, good music, and a good program.

Michael got me a wig for Christmas! I LOVE wigs! I think they are great! I have a really hard time growing out my hair cause I get frustrated with it very quickly. So, with the wig I get to cover it up when it is yucky!

Aaron is on table foods now, well, for the most part. He loves to eat what the adults are eating. if he is on our lap and doesn't have food of his own, he will reach out and get your food when you are not looking. So, we have just started to give him his own food when we eat, just in really really small bites. BTW he has his two bottom teeth.

He loves taking pictures with his mommy!
On to the corporate world. I got to go to my work party! This is my manager, Patsy! She is Great! and way fun!
Ok, back to Aaron, he is quite the ladies man. This is just 1 of his many Girlfriends!
He also thinks that he is supposed to do everything like and adult, like drink out of regular cups! LOL this was so funny to watch! I even had a girl and her mom come up to me asking me if they could look at him closer because they had been watching him from afar for a while now. They also wanted to pinch his cheeks! LOL that is a common want!
With Grandma Noe! He absolutely LOVES his Grandma Noe!
This was just way too funny! I handed him my bottle with just a little bit of cider left in it and he turned it very quickly into his mouth and drank it. Then continued to suck on the bottle.
Christmas morning......
Christmas dinner he had a little bit of duck, lots of broccoli (not on his plate) and a croissant.
The day after Christmas Our dear friends were blessing their baby boy! So we made a day trip up San Francisco to go to the blessing. Michael got the honor of being in the circle with Henri. This was such a special blessing because he was just baptized a little while ago and got to bless his own son! It was a wonderful blessing and I couldn't help but cry during it. He definitely had the spirit guiding him on the blessing!
Aaron was not quite sure what to think about this little guy, he didn't know weither to reach out and grab him or what to do. It was so cute!
Us and our boys that we have been wanting for a while. It just took awhile for our big boys to be ready for our little guys!
Aaron loves his present from Grandma and Grandpa Vatcher.

New years eve with my girls! Love these girls. (missing just a couple of them though!)

Well, that was me catching up!

15 random Facts about us!

2010-10-21T15:52:00.001-07:00

Only difference is I redid my hair to this:

1. We have been married for 4 years 4 months and 4 days today!
2. We have a BEAUTIFUL baby boy who is 7 months old today!
3. I am an Assistant Manager at Plaza Apartments
4. Michael works at 5 Guys and Rocky Mountain Chocolate factory
5. Michael is Writing a fantasy book - very cool
6. I love to eat peanut butter, mayo, and Baloney sandwiches
7. I love doing crafty project.
8. Michael is craftier then I am. lol He is more creative.
9. I got a professional degree in Bridal Consulting
10. Anything to do with planning I LOVE to do.
11. Michael and I served in Primary the first 3 years of Marriage I hated it, he loved it.
12. Michael would love to be a stay at home dad!
13. I could never be a full time stay at home mom!
14. I want to own my own Bridal Consulting business!
15. We want to have 4 of our own kids and adopt a little girl from Taiwan!

::screaming::

2010-10-08T10:43:00.000-07:00

As most people know, I am an assistant maanger for an apartment complex. I love my job! I love working with all the different people and love seeing all their backgrounds. I love seeing where everyone is from, we have them from all over! It is just so cool!

Part of my job is to take the applications and process them to get approved. We have 3 simple requirement, like all apartments do. 1) Possitive rental history- meaning you don't have and eviction, forclosure, or a lot of NSF checks. It means that you have 2 years of good rental history that your landlord would totally rent to you again if you came back. Simple as that. 2) Possitive credit- meaning you don't have 3 accounts and all or most are in collections. You have everything in good standing. and 3) you can prove that you make 3 times the rent amount as your income. This is sometimes hard, because there are quite a few people the get paid under the counter in cash. Not an easy thing to prove. Well, most of the time we ask you for your last 3 paystubs. We calculate your monthly income and if it is 3 times the rent you are good.

Well, Most of the time, we approve everyone, wether by themselves or with a co-signer. Other times, like yesterday, I have to be the bad guy and tell them that they are declines and to come and pick up their deposit. Normally people are very understanding and will just say okay and pick up their checks, unfurtunately, yesterday was not that easy. Without give to much info, the person was declined for not meeting any of the requirements. So, it has been my displeassure of being yelled at for 2 days by this person. This person keeps telling me how discrimative I am being towards him because of his last name. OMG!!!!!!!!! That is rediculous! I wanted to tell him that I didn't care if he was a >>>>> or a Smith. Either way he wasn't approved. So, he was telling me that he was going to sue us and me for discrimination, well I told him to go ahead and try, but it wouldn't go anywhere. He continued to yell at me for the longest time and normally I can just deal with it, but after 2 days I was so tired of it and hung up on him and that was all I was going to put up with. I was tired of being yelled at and tired of hearing the bad language.

Well, today, after hanging up on him I get another call from someone else that knows our policy for pest control and thinks that they are special enough for me to bend the rules for them. After telling them know and seeing if they want to schedule for next week, they just scream and hang up. OMG what is with people and yelling today! Days like this make me want to hind in my house and never talk to another person ever again, or just to punch them in the face, but I could never do either one.

I am a nice person, at least that is what everyone tells me! But maybe sometimes I think I need to be not nice so people don't think they can just walk right over me and treat me like that. But I never will, because that is just not who I am. Every time I will just smile, while yelling at them in my head, calmly answer them and tell them how it is. Heavenly Father has blessed me with patience and I am going to be putting it to good use at the is job with some people.

Friendly Reminder

2010-10-07T09:08:00.000-07:00

Last night while talking to one of my dearest and bestest friends ever, lindi lu, she reminded me that I have not updated my blog in a while. So, here I am with my camera pluged in, looking at all the pictures that I have not shared with everyone. So let the stories begin.

When leaving for work sometime last month, Michael put Aaron in my drivers seat with me to say good bye. It starting like this...

and ended like this.....he wants to drive already! Smart boy!

Isn't that the cutest smile ever!!!!

Since I was little, I have always looked forward to the day I would have my son or daughter, and be able to take them to all the fun stuff for the holidays. Well, everyone that knows me, knows that Halloween and Christmas are my 2 FAVORITE holidays ever. Well, Monday night for FHE I decided that I wanted to take Aaron to the pumpkin patch. I know he doesn't quite understand it yet seeing how he is only 6 1/2 months old, but as you can see in the pictures below, he really did look like he had fun! He is so eexspressive. I love it.

I promise it is just the angle, but my little boy is not really that FAT. He is a big boy at 20lbs but not that big.

Family Photos!

2010-08-28T15:48:00.000-07:00

I love

2010-07-22T08:17:00.000-07:00

my very big 17 pound 4 month old!

4 years of marriage

2010-06-17T09:13:00.000-07:00

4 years ago today, I married my best friend. If I was told that day what my life would have consisted of, I would never have believed them. We have done so many wonderful things in this 4 years. We have moved every summer to a new place, Fresno to Daly City, Daly City to Taiwan, Taiwan to Pacifica, Pacifica back to Fresno. We have traveled to exotic places such as Tahiti, Mexico, Taiwan (for 1 year), Hong Kong Disneyland, and Mexico again. We have made such wonderful friends, Tans, Seastrands, Rowlands, Picaduras, Wisers and so many more. And now at 4 years, we have a BEAUTIFUL baby boy. We are both just so in love with him.

We have also had our really hard times. We have known what it is like to not have any money to even buy food or gas. To pay our tithing and have faith that Heavenly father won't let us starve to miss work. We have know what it is like to not know what we will be doing in a month or two. We have know the feeling of not knowing if we will be able to get jobs so we have enough money to pay the bills. We know the feeling of being completely alone in a foreign country that we are supposed to make our home for the next year.

But with all these situations we have made the best of them. We were fed before we could go hungry, and shown the light at the end of the dark tunnel hiding our future. We were provided with wonderful job even in the tough economy when everyone else was struggling. We were given friends to keeps us from being alone.

Heavenly Father has really blessed our lives in so many ways. We can not even begin to count the many blessing we have had in our marriage. We have been bless with a love so strong and unbreakable.

I am looking forward to the next chapter in our lives. I know there will be so many adventures to come. I know we will face so many difficult challenges, but know we can handle anything that gets thrown at us. We are a strong family. Heavenly Father loves us so much and tells us that everyday.

Michael you are my best friend. You have been the light that has guided me in the dark tunnel and lead me safely to the light. You have been my strength when I was at my weakest. You have always had so much faith in me and my dreams and hopes. You have helped me to believe in myself and reach some of my goal and start working on my other goals.

I love you so much! You really were a gift from Heavenly Father. He knew I needed you and blessed me to be the luckiest girl alive. To be able to call you my husband, eternal companion, my life. Thank you so much for this last 4 years! YOU ROCK!

Our trip to Mexico.. just the start!

2010-06-03T20:16:00.000-07:00

We took Aaron to the pool on Tuesday. He is soooooo good when it comes to the water! And he looks so cute in his swim wear!

I don't know how any little 2 month old could get any cuter! Is it really possible?

Total Excitement!

2010-05-14T22:36:00.000-07:00

Every morning Aaron and I have the same routine. 3 am feeding then back to bed, the 6am feeding and in bed with mommy the rest of the morning so I can go back to bed til 9am (when he normally wakes up next). After about 9 I wake up and what all the tv shows from the previous day on my lab top, play on the internet, 12pm feeding, then another nap for Aaron, I look up ALL KINDS of wedding stuff for both the weddings I am doing, then about 1:30-2:00pm I finally get my lazy butt out of bed and start packing and cleaning the house. 4:30pm i start dinner so it is ready for when Michael gets home (granted this last part has only happened a couple of time lol). But today was WAY different. 9:30am came and I received a call from one of my closest friends here in the bay area. She told me that she had gone to Fresno for a job interview and that it was killing her not to tell me until she found out if she got the job or not. Well, she call to tell me that SHE GOT THE JOB!!!!!!!!! So, that means she is moving to Fresno with us late June to start working July 1st. I about jumped out of bed when she told me. I was so excited to have that news! We get to stay together. We had been saying how sad it was that we were leaving them and the Tans behind. Now they are going with us and we just have to get the Tans to come. (won't happen, his job is seriously TOO good to leave)

This is where my routine changed. After the call I got us out of bed ASAP and started to majorly pack. That was my major motivation to get the packing done. It made it more exciting to be going home finally! Then I packed the rest of the day with a few breaks in between. When Michael got home, however, I was totally exhausted of packing, so I took him and Aaron to the Hillsdale mall and Ikea for a date night about 45 mins from home. It is a great drive. I love it! So, all and all, it was a GREAT day!

Thank Fresno Community Hospital for hiring my freshly Graduated best friend so I can keep her and her husband with us in Fresno and not the bay area! No I just need Lucas Films to let Henri work from home so they can move down too! Keeping my fingers crossed!

catch up time!

2010-05-09T22:14:00.000-07:00

The weekend of Aaron's Blessing in Fresno we took LOTS of pictures. So...this blog is going to be mostly pictures. Enjoy!

We took the Tan's to Country Waffles for Breakfast! Yummy!

My dog got jealous!

All of my mom's kids by age!

My Brother and sister's new lil girl!

4 generations!

To My Sister in Law Charise!

2010-05-09T22:03:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's day!

1 month pictures are in...

2010-05-09T12:53:00.000-07:00

My good friend Josie took some pictures of my little guy and I (sorry no make-up on me though, I wasn't planning on being in the pictures) for his 1 month pictures. It was great! She is amazing.

in your first month you:

1. making eye contact
2. discovering voice
3. drinking up to 4 ounces
4. sleeping from 11pm-4:30isham
5. lifting his head more frequently
6.loves looking at mommy and daddy in the mirror when getting his diaper changed.
7. accidentally put his binky back in his mouth when he wanted it.
8. Loves being swaddled
9. won't sleep in bassinet, he sleeps in his swing.
10. Smiles lots when he has gas!

A new meaning to Mother's Day

2010-05-07T10:55:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all 4 of my Mom's

I never really understood a mother's love for her child until recently. I knew my Mom loved me and she would do anything for me, but it isn't until I had a child of my arms that I fully comprehended it. Being a mommy to my beautiful baby boy is one of the best feelings ever. Last night in bed my husband told me that is didn't think he could love someone as much as he loves me or equal to me because he didn't think there was anymore room in there for anyone else, until we had our little boy. And it is true. We both had our hearts grow so much when this little boy came into our lives. And I am sure it gets more and more every year he will be with us in this life.

My mom has always been more then my mom, she has been my best friend. (She'll tell you that also.) We have always been really close. Growing up without a father never really fazed me because My mom was always enough for me. She gave my sister and I all the love we ever needed and more. Plus, it meant her bed always had room for the both of us, and even all 3 of us at times. To this day, when I am in town I crawl in bed with her just to snuggle with her and watch a movie or sit on her lap on her big comfy chair (when her dogs let me). She has always been someone I could talk to and I appreciate that.

I love my mom so much and hope I can show my little man the love and support that my mom showed me and still shows me. I love you mom! Happy Mother's day!

My Grandmother has also been so important in my life. I wasn't blessed with a father in the home, instead I had a Grandmother to play that role. She, like my mother, was one of my best friends. I knew I could talk to her about anything and everything. I also knew that as much as I needed her she needed me. We both seemed to need each other. I don't really know how to describe our relationship. We were and always will be really close together. We have our moments were we want to strangle each other, but mostly we are like sisters. We would do everything together. I love her so much. She really was my 2nd mother. Happy Mother's Day Grandma!

And to my Mother in law, thank you for excepting me into your family with open arms. You are such a strong and supportive women. I am so grateful to have a mother in law that isn't one of those typical mother in laws that the wife dreads seeing. I love spending time with you and planning all that we plan together. it is so much fun! I love you! Happy Mother's Day.

Then there is my mother away from mothers. Sister Yang! She was our host mother in Taiwan! She took Michael and I into her home for a year and helped me to survive a new culture and Country. She made me feel loved in a place I didn't feel like I fit in at first. She helped me with everything that I needed help with in regards to my visa and Puppy. Although I didn't understand most of what she said we always managed to work it out. (mostly through her daughter translated for us!) I truly appreciate everything she did for us. It can't be easy to open your home to a perfect stranger and take her in as your own daughter. The year I was there I came to love her and her family so much. She really came to be my mother away from mothers, and to that I am grateful.

Myself and Foxy, Sunny (her daughter), and Sister Yang

lots of smiles lately!

2010-04-30T15:49:00.000-07:00

Aaron's blessing

2010-04-26T12:58:00.000-07:00

Michael and I had Aaron's baby blessing in Fresno, our home town. As you can see, we had lots of our family and friends there to share this special time. Michael gave the blessing and had all the male members of the family in the circle with him, which included, Michelle's brother Bill, Michael's dad Gary, and 2 brothers' David and Steven, Uncle Bob, Uncle Dave, and brother in law Scott. It was such a beautiful blessing.

(Cathy, Linda, Me, Chantel, and Janet)

Of course my girls came and supported myself and family.

Our family is so much for complete now that we have our little boy. He is such a blessing in our lives. We love him so much and are so glad we were able to have in born in the covenant so he can be sealed to us for time and all eternity.

Aarons Weekend

2010-04-25T00:19:00.000-07:00

This weekend, so far, has been great! My WHOLE family got together for the first time in almost 4 years. Friday I went to the Zoo with my family, Mike was at a writers conference so he didn't go. Saturday we had a BBQ with everyone. Below are just a few pictures we took with my family. I'll post more pictures when I get home. Bed time!!!!!!!

New famiy

Mom's Kids with Kids

Easter outfits.....first Sunday...etc...

2010-04-17T21:12:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday was our first Sunday at church together as a family. I dressed us all up in matching outfits (our Easter outfits) and it was adorable. I was so nice to finally be able to go to church with my little boy. He did great! He lasted all 3 sessions. Only cried once cause he was hungry. Then I didn't even feed him...one of the Sisters' fed him and did everything. I hardly had to do anything at church. It was great actually.

Below is just fun video for everyone's enjoyment.....Aaron will hate me for it later I am sure.

below are just some pictures of the last few days.Enjoy!

I'm hungry!!!!

2010-04-13T16:03:00.000-07:00

I love....

2010-03-31T15:19:00.000-07:00

being a mommy to a beautiful baby boy! He is perfect! Granted, I don't get much done around the house due to the simple fact that I just can't stop snuggling the little guy, but Give it time. I'll get something done soon.

This weekend we had Grandma and Grandpa Vatcher, Uncle David and Steven, and Auntie Lindy Lu over. It was so much fun having them here with us. (Sorry Uncle steven for not getting a picture of you two together!)

Family Stroll on the beach!

2010-03-27T15:53:00.000-07:00

Today I decided I couldn't stay in the house any longer. It is such a BEAUTIFULLY sunny day! That doesn't happen often so I couldn't let it go to waste. So, I bundled Aaron up and Dad, Michael, and I took him to the beach for a stroll. Granted he did sleep through just about all of it. But it was so nice to just have some fresh air and good sun. Here are a few pictures we took. Enjoy!

Smothered in kisses

Family Photo

Three Generations of Vatchers

I love his hat! It is way too cute!

more pictures!

2010-03-22T18:01:00.001-07:00

Aaron's Story

2010-03-21T16:08:00.000-07:00

Wow! I still have a hard time believing that it happened, but here is the story for your enjoyment along with my journaling.

Thursday I decide to try out my exercise ball, I had heard it can induce labor. Well, I had a few cramps nothing big, so didn't think anything of it. I went to bed that night feeling nauseated and just sore in my lower back. Well, about 2 am (Michael had not gone to bed yet) I rushed out of bed thinking I had peed the bed cause I could hold it. I got there and peed, but sat there for a min, and then it went again. So, I sat there a little longer, and again it happened. At this point I didn't really know if I just really had to pee or possibly that my water had broken, so I called my Michael and told him I think I may be loosing my water... Can you call you mom and find out? I described what was going one and she said yes I was loosing my water. WOW! I got soooooooo excited and Michael a little scatter brained, but still a great husband and took care of me. I called my mom and told her and told her to come on up to S.F. Again because this time I was not leaving that hospital without a baby!

By 3am Friday morning we were at the hospital and getting all set up. About 4 I started having hard and steady contractions. the nurses couldn't believe how often they were coming. Finally I had the epidural about 6 am. Very happy! That kicked in ASAP!!!!! After that it was smooth sailing and didn't feel an ounce of pain the rest of the time! It was great! actually, I got so numb I had to get a cafiter put in just to be able to pee. LOL. They checked me at 9 am and I am 3 centimeters dilated and 90% effaced. 2 hours later I was 7 Centimeters and 9.5% effaced. Then they just waited for the last 3 centimeters. At 3:30 they wanted to do a train set of pushed to see if that would get him down further (he wasn't really scooting down). So I pushed and pushed and pushed. After about 1 hour it started to stress the baby out a little bit so, they call the dr in for the real deal. By then I was so exhausted already. Mind you it is 13 hours since I got there. We pushed for another hour, the whole time with me really wanting the vacuum to help me out, and being rejected the whole time. Finally about 4:30pm. they decided I had to have the vacuum cause I wasn't going to be able to get him out on my own. They had me on oxygen my this point. I wasn't in any pain at all due to a very numb bottom half, but all the pushing wore me out. They had me continue pushing as much as I could because the baby had pooped in the womb and they needed him out before he inhaled any of it. Needless to say in about 9 mins when he finally got pulled out, Michael wasn't able to cut the cord but was right there for everything else.

While they cleaned up Aaron with Michael the Dr. told me that I would not have been able to do that on my own, and that she barely was able to get him out with the vacuum. It was her toughest vacuum delivery yet. I ended up tearing just a little but and have a few stitches, but other then that I am perfectly healthy and so is Aaron.

So at 4:39 pm, Aaron Michael Vatcher was born weighing 7 pounds and measured 20 inches long. Very cute little boy. Hardly ever cries and when he does it is only to let you know that he is not happy.

high emotions

2010-03-12T11:25:00.001-08:00

Maybe it is the fact that I am 9 months pregnant, maybe I am just an emotional basket case. Either way, that is how I would describe me right now, even as I write this. On Wednesday night at 11pm everyone was asleep except for myself. Michael actually had just gone to bed. I started to have some really sore contractions, so I waited them out for an hour. By Midnight they were still going, so I woke up Michael. and My Mom and told them I think it is time. We stayed home and counted the contractions to make sure is was consistent for the most part they were. Michael and I at 1:30am took a walk around our neighborhood just to see if they kept up at that point too. They did! So off to the hospital we went. They checked me and told me I was 3 Centimeters Dilated and 50% effaced. They emitted me and put me on potoycin to help thing along. Well, long story short, 18 hours later with no sleep and no pain meds I wasn't getting any further along, I just had they contractions from the potoycin. They Decided at that point to discharge me.

Well, I don't think my mom and Husband were prepared for that ride home. It was the quietest ride home. I for made my mom sit in the back seat cause I couldn't look at the car seat without crying, but evidently that didn't matter, because I cried more then I have ever cried before in my life the whole way home and in the bath tub when I got home. I can't even begin to describe the pain and disappointment of thinking for 18 hours that you are leaving with a baby in your arms and no longer in your tummy. It was so hard to even walk in my house at look at the baby bed next to mine without crying. I know, it is nothing. It could be so much worst. But this is why I am saying that I am an emotional basket case.

I guess when baby is ready he will come out. Heavenly Father is just really testing me and seeing if I am ready and testing my patients. I couldn't stop asking him why he would put me through what he did yesterday. I really still can't understand it, but I guess I will soon enough.

Thanks for letting me vent.

Boy, how time flies!

2010-02-18T20:10:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that 8 months ago I was announcing that we were expecting our first baby! Now, we are 1 month from having our little bundle of joy! As I sat in our Dr.'s office I couldn't believe that I would only be seeing her for 1 more month. It is a crazy scary, but happy feeling to know that in just a matter of a few weeks we are going to hold our baby boy for the first time. He will have just come from the presence of Heavenly Father. Oh amazing is that? He is trusting me with his son. To look after him and raise him to be a loving and amazing priesthood holder, son, and someday Husband to a wonderful Young Women.

Okay lets not jump the gun.....first we have to get through all those diapers, teething, and sleepless nights. LOL I am so excited to see how Michael does with all of this. He has NEVER EVER changed a diaper, or anything like that. In Taiwan, for FHE we would have "baby Basics" lessons for our activities. One of them involved my teddy bear and a blanket. I made the Blanket into a diaper and showed him how to change the teddy bear's diaper (granted it is VERY different, but it gave him the idea a least), and then how to "swaddle" the baby nice and tight. He was so good, it really watched and took in what I was showing him. It was great! I know he will be fine when the time comes.

Its funny, sitting here in the mall, as I type this, I am watching all the different parents. I watch how they handle different situations. Some I smile at and think they must be amazing parents, and there are some where I have to wonder why Heavenly Father gave them kids. They are like yelling for no reason and even hitting. It is so sad to watch those ones. I definitely hope that when I have my little boy, I am one of the ones that would make someone smile to watch, and not the opposite. I'm sure I will be!

Anyways....time to the pregnancy catch up.

the last couple of months I...

~Have gone through 1-1 1/2 gallons of milk a week to help with the acid reflex.

~Have had to roll out of bed instead of just getting out of it like I normally would.

~ Have to have Michael give be a push to sit up from a laying position.

~only gained 17 pounds so far.

~STILL working full time at my job. Did switch to just front desk instead of leasing consultant, and having to tour all day.

~Hate wearing a bra- it totally kills my back! Weird I know!

~Started having the Braxton Hicks.

and have gotten more sleep at night, but still feels like I could sleep all day long.

33 weeks = 8 months!!!!!!!

2010-02-05T21:30:00.000-08:00

With only 1 more month to go, I have only gained 17 pounds. I feel great, as long as I have milk near by. Nothing really new. Just a little bit more pressure on the back, so a lot more pain in the back. I did stop leasing at my job and go to just front desk, a little less stressful. baby vatcher has rotated completely now, and getting ready for his big premier (as am I). We are just so excited that this time is getting closer! It has just flown by!

better 6 month picture!

2009-12-20T18:10:00.001-08:00

I wanted to post a picture or my 6 month mark that wasn't with my make up worn off and me half asleep at 11pm. So here it is! This was right after church Christmas Sunday, Today.

Christmas for the 2 (3) of us!

2009-12-18T21:20:00.001-08:00

Family Photo! We decided to do our Christmas exchange tonight due to going out of town next week. We had lots of fun. It is seriously our favorite time of year!

Can't really have Christmas without Chocolate! Sorry dad, it's See's.

Our gift as a couple from Santa was a photo book of our Honeymoon in Tahiti. SOOOOOO beautiful.

Michaels gift from me that we have been looking for for the past 3 years.

and of course his new mario wii game. (He has the best wife ever!)

All me cook accessories from Michael. ( I have the best hubby ever)

Aaron got a few gifts also. This is a cute collection of classic pooh books
The Classic Pooh story!

My turn...

We love eggnog!

6 months

2009-12-13T23:38:00.000-08:00

Okay! It is now 6 months into the pregnancy! Starting to really show and not look "fat". My clients at work now ask me how far along I am without questioning if I am prego or just fat. lol
In the last month I...

1. have gone through 1 gallon of milk a week (I don't normally like to drink very much milk)
2. Have had a harder time sleeping
3. started to nest, Michael loves this one. He comes home and I am either baking or cleaning. I don't normally do the cleaning part. But the house is the cleanest it has ever been! I redid our house-rearranged the bedroom to fit the bassinet and baby stuff in it. I clean our closet and organized it. Totally cleaned the kitchen from top to bottom, and did all the Christmas decorating, shopping, wrapping, and other stuff to do with Christmas, went threw some storage stuff and reorganized that and donated stuff to the church and lots of other things.
4. have had horrible acid reflex. Yucky!
5. feel like I am carrying weights on my back and tummy!
6. have avoided stretch marks still! WOOHOO!!!!!!

Giving away something cool!

2009-11-01T07:35:00.001-08:00

Time for a new give away! This time it is the coolest tile with vinyl lettering about family and home. You definitely want to check it out!
(Click on the words give away to be directed to the right page!)

It's a.......

2009-10-26T17:02:00.000-07:00

Baby foot!

Can't really see it but IT'S A BOY!!!!!!!!!

Yep that is right it is a BOY!!!!! We Can't be more excited. We are the first to carry out the Vatcher name! He looks healthy and has a very healthy heart rate. He was a little shy showing off his parts, but then gave us a quick peek. I told him I couldn't stand to wait any longer so he needed to show us now.

As for Mom.....Well, I am on Bed rest for the next 2 days or so. Yesterday, I started getting a really sharp pain on the right side of my back. The doctor thinks it might just be a sciatic nerve, but also do to my scoliosis. he says I am just really small and that I just might have problems with my back the whole time. So, for right now I am on Vicadin and bedrest! Joy! I can't walk, stand, sit or move my right leg without being in soooooo much pain.

I did have my husband give me a Priesthood blessing, so let the blessings begin. :) Well, enjoy the pictures. It looks like we have a beautiful baby coming. (how can we not) LOL

Fee give away!

2009-10-09T22:34:00.000-07:00

http://santasgiftshoppe.blogspot.com/2009/10/free-giveaway-is-finally-herecheck-it.html

super cute check it out!

Unopenable gift!

2009-10-05T20:10:00.000-07:00

My Husband can tell you that when it comes to gifts, I am soooooooo bad at waiting to find out what is inside. I just have to find out! Well, my pregnancy right now is like that gift! Only this time I can not convince them to let me open it early! All this time I thought that tomorrow would be the day I would get to open it to just see what was inside (boy or girl) and much to my dismay, the doctors tells me I have to wait til I am 20 weeks! WHAT!!!!!!????????????? How can you make me wait that long when I know for certain you could tell now if it is a boy or girl! Are you Seriously doing this just to test my patience? Or just to irritate me to death!
Don't get me wrong! I am very excited for tomorrows appointment. I will be able to hear my babies heartbeat and find out what day I can pick into my gift! BUT.....this whole time I was under the empression I would be finding out tomorrow morning and now I am not. Kiaser SUCKS!!!

Anyways, just venting! Sunday, October 4, marked 16 weeks, or 4 months for me! I am so excited!
So far:

I have only gained 3 pounds so far
only feel nauseous when I need food,
I really don't want to eat food still at this point, but still do,
still have to eat first thing in the morning.
Brushing my tongue, when brushing my teeth, makes me throw up
I can't do Taco Bell anymore or I get sick
love spicy food
get acid reflex when I do eat spicy food
am finally to the point that I don't think I will be wearing heals to work on my 8-9 hour days
sleep really well until about 4 am then I can't sleep at all until about 10 minutes before my alarm goes off.
am starting to show just a little bit! ( I can't fit into my regular work pants)

Well I think that is it so far! Really I think this pregnancy has been super easy so far. I am loving every bit of it!

Pregnancy= longer hair faster!

2009-09-19T19:15:00.001-07:00

3 months ago I had really Short hair! (Above)

Woo Hoo!!! Now it is growing so much! It is still a little awkward but it will grow out fast! I cut my own bangs! I needed something in front!

The last 3 years...

2009-09-14T10:48:00.000-07:00

Have have had soooooo many looks to my hair! Lets look back at just a few shall we: (they are in no particular order!)

Yummy Yummy! New Business!

2009-09-08T19:50:00.000-07:00

Okay guys! Get your orders ready for Christmas if you are in my area! We are going to be starting up our own little "candy Shop". We are going to make Caramel Apples, peanut brittle, nut clusters, caramel squares, and more! Here is a little sample: this is the surgar and Cinnamon Apple!

Are they Clean? Or Dirty?

2009-09-08T17:17:00.001-07:00

Okay, I get really tired of tiring to figure out if the dishes are clean or dirty. My friends, the Tans', have a magnet on there dishwasher that they use. It is really nice, so, I decided I wanted one too. I couldn't find one the I liked so I just decided to make it! so here it is!

3 months already?

2009-09-07T19:49:00.000-07:00

I have officially reached 3 months! I truly can't believe how fast the time is going.

In the past 3 months I...

Have had NO appetite.

Have to eat first thing in the morning when I wake up or I hug the toilet.

Started to drink a lot more water then I normally do.

Out grow a few of my nicer work pants and had to buy a pant extender lol.

Not gained any weight, maybe just 1 pound but that is all.

Had just a little bit of morning sickness my 2nd month.

And

Have slept every extra minute I could find!

Over all this first 3 months have been AMAZING!!!!! not too bad at all.I am so looking forward to the next 6 months of my pregnancy until I can hold my baby!

PS. Everyone needs to vote to the right and tell me what you think I am having!

Sunday July 5th!

2009-07-12T21:47:00.000-07:00

So it took me a little while but I got Michael to go to church in his Chinese outfit with me! Everyone loved it! After church my brother and sis-in-law and nephews come and spent the night at our house til Tuesday! We had so much fun! The boys LOVED the Video game! MARIO CART!!!!!!

more!

2009-07-12T21:42:00.001-07:00

So, they are a little backwards in order! sorry!

The boat we watched the fireworks from!

My Bro and his Wife have a Kids are Music group! SOOOOOO CUTE!!! They paraded down fishermans warf and sang for everyone! It was way cute!

4th of July Fun!

2009-07-12T21:27:00.000-07:00

I am pretty much going to let the pictures do the taking, but This was when Michael and I spent the weekend with My brother and his wife and 2 kids for the 4th of July!

Yummy Bread!

we're.......

2009-07-12T08:38:00.000-07:00

Congrats Jennifer on your baby GIRL!!!!

2009-07-08T11:49:00.001-07:00

Caitlyn Eleanor

7lbs 7 oz 19.75 ozs

A new found respect for service wives....

2009-06-11T23:25:00.000-07:00

Whenever I would think about a Military, Navy, or Airforce Wife, I didn't know how they could stand being home alone. Seeing your husband only a few months out of the year, missing holidays, birthdays, and even their babies being born is not something I could ever imagine doing in my life. Now, being apart from Michael for ONLY 3 weeks, I have come to realize what they go through. Granted, it is only 3 weeks out of our 3 years of Marriage we have EVER been apart, but Dang, it is not the easiest thing to do.

I can't even recall having a good night sleep since we separated for this short time. When you have had that extra person in your bed that, when you wake up in the middle of the night and can't seem to get comfortable in any position, you can always find a way to be comfortable when turning over and just snuggling with that someone. It is a feeling that most, hopefully all, wives will know what I am talking about. It is the feeling of knowing that even though they are not awake but automatically embrace you in their arms, you find yourself asleep in a matter of seconds.

Not having this has been so hard for me to deal with. I really do respect the wives of those that serve and stay faithful to them. It is such a hard thing to do. And they do it most of their marriage until they are released. I can't do that. I like having my husband right here with me everyday. I don't care if we don't even talk to eachother the whole time as long as we are together.

Sorry for a boring post this time. I just felt like writing a little bit this time. I am totally Missing my husband and want him home. Soon, just a few more days!

Jennifer's Baby Shower

2009-05-30T16:59:00.000-07:00

Two days after I got back from Taiwan, I had planned to throw my Wonderful Sister-in-law a baby shower. Well, it turned out soooooo good! Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, was pink! It was great! A big thank you for Mom Vatcher who helped put this together while I was still in Taiwan. Thanks! Also to those who came and made it a day that Jennifer will be able to remember. She got some really great gifts!

Her friend, Eleanor Meredith, who was our Photograph and good neighbor!

Jennifer with Grandma Noe

Myself and Dear Sister C. with Jennifer

Mom Vatcher, Jennifer, her Mother-in-law Pam, Aunt-in-law Toni, and Grandma Noe

Both Aunts, Aunt Cheryl and Aunt Wendy

Mom Vatcher, Jennifer, and Myself

FOOD!!!

On the Menu:
Made by myself:
~Stuffed Mushrooms
~Homemade eclairs :)
~Homemade Cheesecake Tarts

Made by Dad Vatcher:
~Homemade Sushi
~Chocolate covered Strawberries

Other:
~Chinese Chicken Salad
~Fruit salad
~Cheese/meat cracker tray
~Veggie Tray

Over all, I think it was a great turnout! We had lots of fun! Congrats Jennifer on your upcoming baby girl!!!

Newest hair!!!

2009-05-27T13:53:00.000-07:00

So, When I got to Fresno, Ca I quickly made an appointment to do my hair. I just had my Favorite girl add blonde highlights to it! I think she did amazing! She also trimmed it up a little too. My mom also went with me and cut her hair and did her nails! She never does anything like that for herself, so I finally got her to take the day for herself!!! YEAH MOM!!!! I love you!

I'm HOME!!!!

2009-05-20T02:14:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to let you all know that I am home safe! It was a great, but long flight! I will blog more later! It is so great to be home! I am going to seriously miss all of my Taiwan Friends.

Catching up part 3

2009-05-06T01:59:00.000-07:00

I love the Summer! I love to swim. That is just what we did Friday, May 1, as soon as the water park opened. It was the first day it was open and it was HOT!!!!!! So we went and we had it to ourselves, because no one could decide wither it was open or not. We didn't even know until we were about to leave and just call the Bishop to go swimming at his pool. Jadyn doesn't really like the water. Nicole and Cody are trying to get her to like it more. By the end of the time there she was doing a lot better. But she really didn't like the really cold water. The inside pools were warmer so she liked those. The only thing was that we had to wear hair caps in the indoor pool. YUCK!!! She pulls it off really well. Isn't my little Jadyn just the cutest thing ever!

She LOVES her Michelle!!!

I am seriously going to Miss this family! Nicole and I are together almost everyday. It is funny because sometime we won't do anything except lay on the couch and talk about anything and everything. It is great! YOU NEED TO MOVE TO SAN FRANCISCO WITH US!!!!!!!!!

We went to the restaurant called P.S. Bu Bu and it is a car restaurant. WAY cute and WAY yummy! This was our second time going together, so we brought Leone and her little guy Ashton with us for lunch.

Ashton loved driving the car. I am in the far background of the picture. :)

Catching up part 2

2009-05-06T01:42:00.000-07:00

Michael had gone to the restroom the other day and I hear a "OH MY GOSH!!!!" come out of his mouth. He ran for my camera and I find this! HOW GROSS IS THIS???????????? That thing is huge! Let just say now before I go to the bathroom I have Michael check it thoroughly!!!!! Closer look at the spider in comparison to my razor!!!!
After Michael got my shoe, this is what is left of it!
EWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was sooooooooooooooooooo Gross!
We had gone to the chapel for a baptism, but got the date wrong so we figured we would take pictures at the Temple at least.

As for Foxy! She just gets cuter and cuter everyday. She finds the cutest ways to be close to her mommy! I found her between my legs sleeping one day.....see below.

I just love this picture of her above. Below: We got her a crate for when she flies home with me and she LOVES it. I will notice that she isn't by us anymore and wonder where she is and then notice she is in there sleeping. She loves the M&M blanket Mom Vatcher got us and has adopted it as her own. I am trying to decide wither it would be better to put something smaller in there for the flight so she has room or if I should keep it in there because she loves it and it would give her comfort. What do you think?

catching up...part 1

2009-05-06T00:57:00.000-07:00

So in April, we went with the Chinese wards on a field trip. I am not quite sure where they took us, but it was pretty. Above is the group minus us (I was taking the picture and Michael was talking to the missionaries about one of our student being baptized-you'll read about in later in the post)
While we were there I had a lot of fun taking pictures of the different flowers. There weren't many different kinds but this was my favorite.

Okay, this was way fun! In Taiwan they have a traditional bamboo dance. Way fun!!!! I will teach it to you all when we get home, Just find me bamboo. At first I couldn't get it at all. I kept getting my foot stuck in the middle of the bamboo or stepping on it. After a while I got the hang of it. Now I was really enjoying it. So, we had a competition with different groups. They made me go with the singles ( My group was full so I couldn't go with them and I think even though most know I am married there are a lot that don't know or just wish I wasn't). It was way fun. I still don't know who won though. Below is Michael doing it. He caught on really fast and was really good at it. It helps that He had tennis shoes on and not just sandals like me. LOL
After lunch I went for a walk with Michael really close by and got attacked by this wooden Crocodile. He wanted my purse. So I pulled and pulled but couldn't get it back....so
I got reinforcements. Vic is a boy I taught last semester (Click on last semester and it will tell you more or click HERE) is getting baptized! YEAH!!!! We didn't even know he had started to go to the church. Now his whole family is joining.

I got to see where they grow wax apple! I am really going to miss those! They are the best apples I have ever had.
I even got to see a real water Buffalo. They are sooooooo cute! (How Ka-i!!! That is Chinese for Very cute!)
This may not look comfy since it is wood but you would be surprised at what is comfy to you after sleeping on a blow up mattress for 7 months and a couch for 3 months.

91* in Taipei

2009-04-23T22:57:00.001-07:00

Okay so it is definitely HOT here in Taipei. It is 91 here. That is not even counting the humidity! EWWW!!!

Late but this was Our Easter in Taiwan

2009-04-18T05:55:00.000-07:00

Us after a large Easter meal! Fat and Full! What a way to end the day.

For Eater we had a dinner at Nicole and Cody's house. The day before, Nicole and I make these Delicious Eclairs. These were so good and soooooo easy to make. I got the recipe for her if you do want it. On the menu was: cola cooked ham, Funeral potatoes, salad, Fruit salad, and deviled eggs. Oh it was a very yummy dinner. My fruit salad tasted horrible to me but they all said it was good. I think my taste buds must be off. They must be as trunky as I am personally. LOL!
This is the cutest little girl ever. Jadyn was all dresses up in her Easter dress and carried her bunny around everywhere.
Nicole and Andrea relaxing after dinner. They are so cute.

Macaroni Grill in Taiwan for my Birthday!!!! Plus at my School!

2009-04-11T03:07:00.001-07:00

For my birthday, Nicole and Cody went with Michael and I to Macaroni Grill. Oh it was soooo good! They were the sweetest for remember that it was my birthday that day! So, Thanks guys!!!!!!!!! I am going to miss my day time buddy when I go home along with my sweet little Jadyn!!!!!

Okay, So I got this Free chocolate cake for my birthday there and MAN was it huge and the best Chocolate cake I have had since being in Taiwan! YUMMY!!! I WANT MORE!!!!! I even had an opera singer sing happy birthday to me! That was way cool!!!

F

That afternoon before dinner my students celebrated my birthday also! Michael brought a cake that he made for the student to enjoy. After they sang in English and Chinese, I took out a candle and ate the chocolate off of it. They just didn't understand that at all. It was cute!

I had a great birthday! Thanks to those who wished me a happy birthday and to Nicole and Cody who help celebrate it while here in Taiwan! It was soo much fun! We should go again before I leave!

Easter Party at my school!

2009-04-11T01:35:00.000-07:00

The school that I teach at has never celebrated Easter before! I decided to have an "Easter Celebration" for them. When we got there I had Michael take them all out and have an Easter Egg Hunt while I had the Oldest ones help me in the kitchen to learn to cook American Style. YUMMY!!!!

So, on the menu was:
Ham (lots of it)
Mash Potatoes (restaurant style)
Deviled eggs
a cabbage salad
fruit salad (whipped cream, cream cheese, and Fresh Fruit) YUMMY!!!!!
Rolls
and Cheese Puff (just because they loved them!)

Okay well they LOVED the mash Potatoes and fruit salad so much. They loved everything but those were their favorite! We had a lot of fun!

Moses loves Cake

The whole group!

The food!

Teaching how to cook the American food!

Even how to peel a boiled egg!

new craft blog!

2009-03-30T00:15:00.001-07:00

hey everyone! I have started a new blog with different blog ideas and things I have done with links to how to do them. I thought it would be nice to have a blog that had different craft ideas on it. So here is the link for it!

Michelle's crafty ideas

Hope you all enjoy it!

more pictures! Enjoy!

2009-03-29T22:43:00.000-07:00

Hualian trip this weekend

2009-03-29T19:51:00.000-07:00

Okay so My pictures are a little backwards, but oh well. This weekend we went to Haulian! It was so much fun. We went to Turtle island. We were going whale watching too, but we canceled it due to really heavy waves and people were starting to get sea sick, well I was, and the whales won't come out during heavy waves. So, we all just said to go back to shore and eat lunch! Which is pictured below! The first picture is of the steamed fish! Oh it was soooooooo good! After we when to Turtle island and then had lunch, we traveled to haulian and went for a small hike then went to the hostile to stay the night and prepare for Toroko Gorge.. .not pictured yet. Look in the next post!

All new crafty me!!!

2009-03-25T05:26:00.000-07:00

My super cute origami bunnies in my origami Boxes.

My little origami Ducks.

The Final Project

Maybe it has to do with the fact that I have so much free time on my hand now that I am in Taiwan and my hours have dropped at the school I teach, or maybe it has to do with the fact that I am trying to prepare myself now for motherhood when it does happen. I always knew I wanted to be one of those moms that brought the really cool cute goodies to my kids class during holidays or on their birthdays. So, now that Michael and I are talking about starting our family when we get back to the states (oh it seems so far away, yet it is only about 2.5 months away) and get our insurance going again, I am trying to get all my creative juices flowing.

I teach at a private school here in Taiwan. I teach 4-15 year old kids. They are super cute. I am teaching them all about Easter. It is a holiday that they have never celebrated before. So, being the planner I am, I decided to throw them a really cute Easter party Sat. April 11. Michael and I are going to teach them how to Color eggs, play hide and seek with them, and I am going to cook them an Easter Lunch (well, as much as I can on a very small student budget). They are all so excited for it. I am so excited about it. I think that if I can just let them all have 1 Easter to celebrate, I will feel like I have accomplished so much here. When ever I have done anything for them, including Christmas and Valentines day goodie bags, they have just been so excited. The teacher even get a kick out of it too. I might add, also, that I have NEVER done any origami before these! Impressive huh?

Okay, so other then my craftiness, I have come to really really really like my hair. The color and the cut. ( I do want to add the blond highlights to it still to lighten it up a little bit though.) Today was a very cute hair day! yeah! Just don't mind the worn off make-up. This was at the end of the day and you can totally tell.

Then there was dinner tonight. Oh man oh man, was there dinner. I made Sloppy Joes! So AMERICAN!!!!!!!!!!! I tell you, I love the food here but what I wouldn't do for In n Out, Taco Bell, Chipotle, or Panda right now. YUUMMMM............. Anyway, here was dinner. We even brought some, as always, down to the Yang Family (our host family) to try. Hopefully they liked them. They seem to always like everything that we have made them, especially Burritos.

New Red Hair!

2009-03-11T17:01:00.000-07:00

The New look! Let me know what you think! Honest Opinions!

So we decided it was time for a new look! Really Short and Red!!! Thanks for Leone for Cutting my hair! She is Great! and Hubby for helping me color!

Can I really be a "Housewife"?

2009-03-09T04:04:00.000-07:00

I never really thought about myself as a "housewife". Lately, with all the housesitting we have done (have I mentioned that Michael and I have now slept in the entire bishopric members beds?) for all the bishopric members, I have come to realize that it really could happen. I could be a regular housewife.
When at these homes, I find myself actully doing something other then playing on the enternet. With all the facebooking, blogging, and websurfing it is very easy for me to be distracted for HOURS on end. I really wouldn't be doing anything, just looking up different party ideas, cake ideas, and now cupcake ideas. I love to plan! I could totally do this all day long. So, when I am at their houses, my housewife instincts kick in. I cook full dinners, I take care of all the kids responsibilities, and get this...... I even.....wait for it.............wait for it............CLEAN!!!! If my Grandma was to see this she would not believe I was the same girl that lived with her.
When living there, other then the regular Saturday Chores, I didn't clean! I HATE cleaning. I found it absolutely boring and rediculous. But for some unknown reason, I am starting to just do it. I find it a little relaxing, still kinda annoying, but relaxing. I think it is just the wife instincts kicking in FINALLY! It has only taking me 3 year to get it to kick in, but it has.
I have a theory on it though. I think it is because I am suck in a SMALL I do mean small place that I miss the nice houses, even my little apartment in San Francisco. Now with a new offer for housing in Daly City, I really am wanting to really be a Good Housewife and have my house nice and orderly if someone just pops in to say Hello!
ANYWAY! As for an update on how we are and what we are up too.....

Well, I am still teaching at the private school. I teach from 9-11 in the mornings Mon-Fri and 2-3 in the afternoon on Wed and Fri. Also on Wed and Fri I tutor the Chinese wards Bishop's -kids from 3:45-4:45. It makes it a Very long Wednesday and Friday. I love it and Hate it at the same time. LOL
Michael is back at school. He also tutor a little girl in Creative writing. He really enjoys it. Plus it pays for his transportation. It is way nice! He is also working really hard on his book.
Well, I think I have typed enough. I am going to go and watch a movie!

Tag Your It

2009-03-03T19:33:00.000-08:00

3 Things I was doing 3 years ago:
1. Engaged to Michael and trying to plan our wedding
2. Working at David's Bridal
3. married by June!

3 Things I would do with a million dollars:1. Buy our House
2. Help My family get out of Debt and Buy them a house!
3. Send my In-laws on a Mission to Taiwan!

3 Places I have lived:
1. Fres-YES, CA (aka Fresno for those who aren't down with the Fresno lingo)
2. San Francisco
3. Taipei, Taiwan

3 Jobs I have held:
1. Davids bridal bridal consultant
2. Classic Car Insurance Receptionist
3. Apartment Leasing Consultant for 3,000 apartments in Daly City, Westlake Village Apartments

3 Things I want to be doing in 3 Years:
1. Be a Mommy
2. Living in Fresno in our Home
3. Go back to Tahiti!
4. Selling Michaels 2nd book! 1st one publish hopefully this year!

People I tag:
1. Cody
2. Ashley C
3. Chantel
4. Bill and Charise

. . . and anyone else that wants to share!

sorry

2009-02-26T03:20:00.000-08:00

I don't know why it is so big in the last post! I tried to redo it but it didn't work!

Me, a Mormon House Wife?

2009-02-26T02:59:00.000-08:00

Yes!!! Can you believe it? I made a regular "Utah Mormon" Sandwich! LOL A Chicken salad Sandwich! The only thing is, I didn't have any Chicken, so I made it with tuna instead! Oh boy is it yummy!!! Another wife here in Taiwan taught me how to make this sandwich the other day! Now I am going to teach you! hahaha

Boiled chicken (or a can of tuna in this case, You can probably do turkey even)
2 Celery sticks
about a 10-15 grapes (I used green and so did she but I am sure you can you the red ones too for a prettier sandwich :) )
Fresh Pineapple maybe about 2/3 cup full (you can you canned also. I just like the fresh! Spoiled in Taiwan I guess!)
mayo enough to moist the sandwich. (I think maybe about 1/2 cup or a little less I didn't measure it for mine!)

Stir and serve on pita bread

Now you know! it is REALLY good!

Bath Time

2009-02-17T21:09:00.000-08:00

Foxy is sooooo cute in bath time! Because she has long hair she is not the normal short hair chihuahua. She has long hair! And it goes everywhere. It is adorable. When she is all dried off she is the fluffiest thing ever! And Smells soooo good!

No Worries here

2009-02-17T20:51:00.000-08:00

So, lately with all the kid talk and preparations we have been making in order to have a baby, we have been a little worried about how Foxy would do with a baby around. Well, all our worries went right out the window on Sunday when our friends Cody and Nicole came over for dinner with the little one! She is sooo Cute! Well, Jadyn decided to grab a big chuck of Foxy and swing her around and I would have bet that Foxy would have turned and bitten her but no. She just went with the flow and looked and Michael and I with the cute little eyes saying "Mommy? Daddy? Save me!" It was the cutest thing I had ever seen.
Well, They played and played All Night and had a blast! The picture above even looks like they are dancing! It is sooooo Cute!

We even got her potty trained! YEAH!!!! This picture is extra funny because we had gone out of town that day with the yang family and she went with us. She would not go potty outside (she doesn't get the idea that it is okay to go outside and not on the pad. So, as soon as we entered the house she went straight to her pad and peed for the LONGEST time! LOL So cute

The Flower Farm in Tao yuan

2009-02-16T21:31:00.000-08:00

For Chinese New Year we went to the Flower garden with the Chun Family! It was a lot of fun! The kids had a lot of fun and played with all the animals.

Can you guess what he is eating?

Squid! Yummy (kinda)

The Cows were my favorite!

The bunny was really cute too! I told the Chun family that I used to raise rabbits and eat them in stew or fried and they thought that was gross! They kept telling everyone!

This dog was soooo cute!

I don't think he knew what to do with her. He was just the closest to here when she was running off so he went to get her.

All the pretty flowers!

Seriously! How cute is Rebbecca?

Valentines day!

2009-02-14T23:41:00.000-08:00

For Valentines day! I went to the jade market that morning til late that evening with another wife here in taiwan! It was really fun! HUGE and fun! Then when I got home I was surprised with Oragami Roses! ( Funny thing was I was just telling the girl I went with that I don't really like getting real flowers because I kill them very quickly. I love them to last to I love fake ones!) SO I got home and had these waiting for me it was great! Plus Michael got me this dress (shown above) for me. I LOVED it! I actually picked it out! Last one in the store!
That evening we went to the Church and we taught the english ward how to dance Swing, Salsa, and Waltz. They were so cute! More then half of the couples there were the older couple missionaries! LOL All in All we had so much fun! Then today we went to Church with the Yang family and enjoyed it very much!

Tonight we are having the Roland family over for My favorite Korean Dish (the only one I know how to make!) It is the best dish ever!

Chun Family

2009-02-02T05:58:00.000-08:00

This is the Chun Family! They are the Cutest! They took up to the Flower Farm and and a BBQ with their whole family! Chun momma was there cooking and we all had a lot of fun! I'll post more pictures of it later.

More Pictures

2009-01-19T21:23:00.000-08:00

Our wedding photo shoot here in Taiwan!

2009-01-19T15:59:00.000-08:00

In Taiwan they have the best wedding photos ever! So, We decided that this was one of the things we had to do while we are here. These are just a few of the pictures! When I get home from work I will post more so you can see them all!!!!

Hong Kong Disneyland!!!

2009-01-14T06:22:00.000-08:00

Okay it is late! But It was fun! SMALL but fun! We had so much fun shopping for our future baby! You can see some of the things we bought little Tristin (well hopefully it will be a boy first!) This Disneyland didn't have many rides at all, it was mostly centered on the shows and parades. They did have space mountain which I have never been on. That was way cool. Over all it was really nice to just have a break from teaching. As far as Hong Kong goes, we were not that impressed. We found it expensive and hard to get around. Plus really dirty. We are definitely parcial to Taiwan.
Unfortunately it won't let me upload anymore so I will try later!

Twilight

2009-01-11T03:57:00.000-08:00

Okay so, I made michael take this test with me!

Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!

I can totally see me as Alice!

Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!

happy new years

2009-01-02T00:46:00.000-08:00

For New years eve we went to dinner at a Hot pot place with Jack again. He taught us how to eat cor on the cob taiwan style (on your cop stick). Mine ended up in my lap the first time I tryed to do it. But it was a great dinner and we had a cute little boy stop us and talk to us. His english was really good. Other then all the taiwaneese people staring at us, we really enjoyed the dinner. After dinner we cruized around xiemin and I got a cool warm scarf, I was going to need one to keep warm because it was sooo cold. Xieman is definitely the "young" persons hang out. I love it. There are hardly any older people there. It is just a really Large fun place to go to just hang out or go shopping and get lots of really good food.
Michael and Jack with Dinner, Hot Pot!
This was a really cute bunny hat and the scarf I did buy!

You can see the scarf on the picture below! I didn't get the hat. Though, my head wished I had because it was SOOOO Freakin' Cold outside.

Getting around in the public transportation took a little bit longer (2 hours) then normal. As you can see in the picture below the MRT was packed with people (at least they aren't driving drunk unlike California). It was definitely a fun experience. I loved it!

Okay well, We are going to our Ward Temple night! I will have to comtinue this post later tonight! or in the morning!

Christmas Day Events! Yikes!

2009-01-01T23:27:00.000-08:00

Okay so Christmas was a WAY different Experience for me. First Michael spent the morning, which I didn't mind this part, playing fable II with his brother Steven. Then, we had to go to imigration Center to try to get my resident visa! Evidently Marriage isn't a good enough reason for me to stay in Taiwan with My husband. So we get their and we got a BIG FAT NO!!!

I am forced to leave, BUT it isn't going to be that bad! We are going to go to Hong Kong on the 12th of this month (January) and go to Disneyland there and do a little bit of site seeing there. Not too bad then I just do what they have been having me do this whole time and just start over! We had to rush to Costco because we were already running late for the dinner we were suposed to have at our house. We got Costco's ready made chicken, and a few other things for me to make to go with the chicken. I made mash potatoes, and brocoli and so bread with jam to go with it. It was really yummy.

So we had Jack, a less active Michael worked with on his mission and is still trying to work with him now that we are back in Taiwan, and 3 of my students for the Jaeha School, the private school I teach at Mon-Fri. We put on an english movie for my students, Enchanted, and the loved it. They all loved the food. Then Michael and I had attempted to make a cake in the rice cooker again but had to leave it while we ran and did all of our arrands. Needless to say while frosting it we found out it was just a little too moist and it was a DISASTER!!!!!! It will be a cake to remember! LOL

Over all this Christmas will be a Christmas we will never forget!!!

Christmas Eve with the Yang Family

2009-01-01T22:25:00.000-08:00

Christmas eve we had a nice dinner with the Yang family! They are the ones letting us stay in their upstairs studio apartment. They had Brother Yang's Dad come and another sister from the church. I made a tuna noodle cassarole that they loved. They ate all of it! Sister Yang made the "sushi" thing but not with raw fish. It was really good it was with tofu on the outside and ride with some kind of sauce in it and some seeds on the top. It was really good. So, I DO like that kind of "sushi". LOL We had a lot of other dishes also, like a fruit with lettus and rasin salad. I didn't try that, but it looked really good.

From Left to right: Sister Yang, Brother Yang's Dad, Brother Yang, and the other sister, Michael and Sunny, their daughter. Super Cute girl. She loves coming up and hanging out with us and watching TV and Playing the video game every once and a while. She loves trying all the different foods that I cook too. (LOL poor girl is in for it today. Nacho hamburger helper!)

Everyone with me this time.

All and All we had a really fun time!

Good-bye Class

2009-01-01T17:51:00.000-08:00

This is our night class on the last day of school. The school gave them cute games that they had us give to them one by one. They are the cutest kids ever!!! We had a lot of fun teaching this class. We are going to miss them.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T06:53:00.000-08:00

Beofre starting the movie, please pause the music above.

Meanings of Christmas

2008-12-24T21:58:00.000-08:00

I got this from Krysta's page and Loved it! Thought I would share!

Late one Christmas Eve I sank into my easy chair. Admiring the tree with its decorations, I couldn't help but feel that something was missing... The kids were in bed, the gifts were all wrapped, the milk and cookies were in their place for Santa. It wasn't long before the tiny twinkling tree lights lulled me into a deep sleep.I don't know how long I slept, but all of a sudden I opened my eyes and there stood Santa Claus himself next to my Christmas tree.He was dressed all in fur from his head to his foot just as the poem described him. But he was not the "jolly old elf" of Christmas legend. The man who stood before me looked sad and disappointed with tears in his eyes.I had to ask, "Santa, what's wrong? Why are you crying?" "It's the children," Santa replied sadly. "But the children love you," I said. "Oh, I know they love me and the gifts I bring them," Santa said. "But the children of today seem to have somehow missed out on the true spirit of Christmas. It's not their fault. It's just that the adults, many of them not having been taught themselves, have forgotten to teach the children.""Teach them what?" I asked. Santa's kind old face became soft, more gentle. His eyes began to shine with something more than tears. He spoke softly. "Teach the children the true meaning of Christmas. Teach them that the part of Christmas we can see, hear and touch is much more than meets the eye. Teach them the symbolism behind the customs and traditions of Christmas we now observe. Teach them what it is they truly represent."Santa reached into his bag and pulled out a tiny Christmas tree and set it on the fireplace mantle. "Teach them about the Christmas tree. Green is the second color of Christmas. The stately evergreen with its unchanging color represents the hope of eternal life in Jesus. Its needles point heavenward as a reminder that man's thoughts should turn heavenward as well."Santa reached into his bag again and pulled out a shiny star and placed it at the top of the small tree. "The star was the heavenly sign of promise. God promised a Savior for the world and the star was the sign of the fulfillment of that promise of the night that Jesus Christ was born. Teach the children that God always fulfills His promises and that the wise will still seek Him.""Red," said Santa, "is the first color of Christmas." He pulled forth a red ornament for the tiny tree. "Red is deep, intense, vivid. It is the color of the life giving blood that flows through our veins. It is the symbol of God's greatest gift. Teach the children that Christ gave His life and shed his blood for them that they might have eternal life. When they see the color red it should remind them of that most wonderful gift."Santa found a bell in his pack and placed it on the tree. "Just as lost sheep are guided to safety by the sound of the bell, it continues to ring today for all to be guided to the fold. Teach the children to follow the true Shepherd who gave His life for the sheep."Santa placed a candle on the mantle and lit it. The soft glow from its one tiny flame brightened the room. "The glow of the candle represents how man can show his thanks for the gift of God's Son that Christmas Eve long ago. Teach the children to follow in Christ's footsteps... to go about doing good. Teach them to let their lights shine before men that all may see it and glorify God. This is what is symbolized when the twinkling lights shine on the tree like hundreds of bright, shining candles, each of them representing one of God's precious children, their light shining for all to see."Again, Santa reached into his bag and this time he brought forth a tiny red and white striped candy cane. As he hung it on the tree, he spoke softly, "The candy cane is a stick of hard, white candy. White to symbolize the virgin birth and sinless nature of Jesus. The shape 'J' to represent the precious name of Jesus who came to earth as our Savior. It also represents the crook of the Good Shepherd which he uses to reach down into the ditches of the world to lift out the fallen lambs who, like sheep, have gone astray. The original candy cane had three small red stripes which are the stripes of the scourging Jesus received by which we are healed, and a large red stripe that represents the shed blood of Jesus so that we can have eternal life. Teach these things to the children."Santa brought out a beautiful wreath made of fresh fragrant greenery and tied with a bright red bow. "The bow reminds us of the bond of perfection which is love. The wreath embodies all the good things about Christmas for those with eyes to see and hearts to understand. It contains the colors of red and green and the heaven turned needles of the evergreen. The bow tells the story of good will towards all and its color reminds us of Christ's sacrifice. Even the wreath's very shape is symbolic, representing eternity and the eternal nature of Christ's love. It is a circle without beginning and without end. These are the things you must teach the children.""But where does that leave you Santa?" I asked. The tears gone now from his eyes, a smile broke over Santa's face. "Why, bless you, my dear," he laughed. "I, too, am only a symbol. I represent the spirit of family fun and the joy of giving and receiving. If the children are taught these other things, there is no danger that I'll ever be forgotten.""I think I'm beginning to understand at last," I replied. That's why I came," said Santa. "If you don't teach the children these things, then who will?"Author Unknown

Taiwan's Christmas Nativity

2008-12-15T01:52:00.000-08:00

This last weekend, the 14th and 15th, we had the 8th annual nativity put on by the English Ward here in Taipei. Okay, so this is a huge thing here because there really isn't much Christmas here. So, we had 4 showings of it, 2 each day with the seats filled and people standing all around watching. It was at the Tienmu sports park. It was a lot of fun. I have never been able to be a part of it before but Michael had as a missionary. He loved it.

This year, the bishop put me in charge of it as the Director, I thought this was silly seeings how I have NEVER even seen a movie of the past years of it, but oh well. I guess he figured it was in my background anyways, with the planning and all. Anyways, It ended up being such a great experience for me and a little bit of a test of my self confidence. I have to admit, even though I normally do not EVER ask for help with anything when I need it, I would have died if I would not have ask the bishop's wife to help me out. She is the most amazing women ever. If you saw her in action you would totally understand. She managed to help me to understand how things worked and to do her part in everything all at once. (Someday I will be like that too! I hope!)

It was such a great experience to be apart of something so special and to remind people of the true reason for the Celebration. It is too easy to to get caught up in the commercial side of the holiday that we forget why we celebrate it in the first place. It is sad that now in the states people are now saying "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas!" The Stores are not allowed to have things like this in there store. They are taking Christ out of the Holiday that is ment for him. So, hopefully, as we all Celebrate we will remember the true reason for the season and take a moment to share it with our family and friends, to read the story about our Saviors birth on Christmas day, that we will remember to say "Happy Birthday Jesus!"

Here are a few of the pictures!

Learn something new about someone

2008-11-26T21:50:00.000-08:00

Saw this and thought it was kinda fun!Copy the list and highlight the ones (mine are Pink) that are true about you!
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a Praying Mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21.Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
8. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book (very soon)
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Talked your way out of a ticket

Crazy Eights

2008-11-23T00:03:00.000-08:00

Crazy Eights
8 Shows I Love

1. CSI Miami

2. CSI Las Vegas

3. Loius and Clark (not showing anymore but I own the tapes)

4. Desperate housewives

6. America's next top model

7. Dancing with the stars

8. Eli Stone

8 Thing I Did Today

1. Sunday- went to church

2. Cooked apple Cinnamon pancakes

3. Got people to sign up for the nativity play

4. Cooked a roast for Philly cheese steak sandwiches

5. make cookies

6. Made Frosting

7.Cleaned house

8.Played with my dog

8 Things I look Forward to:

1. being home in the states again (I love Taiwan though)

2. Owning our home someday soon

3. having a baby!!!

4. Thanksgiving

5. Christmas Hot pot dinner

6. the money we will make with the teaching jobs I have

7. Moving out of our studio apartment

8. Taking my grandma and mom to taiwan someday!

8 Favorite Resturants

1. Hot pots places (taiwan)

2. dennys

3. In and Out

4. Pizza Hut

5. the mexican place we go to for birthdays with the vatchers. (I am having a blank memory)

6. DiCicco's

7. Bobby Salazar's

8. anything really

8 Things On My Wish List

1. To be able to stay home and raise our babies

2. Our home in fresno

3. A second car

4. Pay off our cars

5. More sleep

6. an oven

7. for a heathy family

8. to win the pageant!

8 People I tag

1. Cody

2. Ashley

3. Ashley Tracy

4. Chantel

5. kathy

6.Courtney

7. Ashley Ortega

8. Charise

WOW!!!

2008-11-17T17:34:00.000-08:00

"Proposition 8 is now a part of the California constitution! That is probably the best news from an otherwise difficult election for conservatives and Republicans. In very large part, we Evangelicals must thank our Mormon cousins for that fact. They, along with our Catholic brethren, were better organized than us and that provided a base from which we could ALL work together to get this job done. What more, as we have chronicled here, Mormons took the brunt of the abuse, derision, and even threats of physical harm that came with this effort.And like us, they have given thanks to the Almighty that is ultimately in control, even if their understanding of that Almighty is a bit different than ours.I cannot help but wonder how much more thankful we ALL might be today if we had been more willing to embrace these religious cousins a few months ago - but alas, politics is always about governing today and looking forward to the next election.Said John Mark Reynolds:In the battle for the family, however, traditional Christians have no better friends than the Mormon faithful. It would be wrong if that support were taken for granted. We are intolerant of the false attacks on Mormon faith and family. We stand with our Mormon friends in their right to express their views on the public square. We celebrate the areas, such as family values, where we agree.A heart felt thank you may not win points from other friends who demand one hundred percent agreement from their allies, but it is the decent and proper thing to do. Thank you to our Mormon friends and allies! Hard to do better than that.The “Ruth Youth” ministry proclaimed yesterday “International Mormon Appreciation Day.” Very appropriate, yet still inadequate.In addition to our thanks, Mormons deserve our protection. They have been oppressed in ways during the Prop 8 campaign that this nation has not seen since the 1960’s and the civil rights movement. The rhetoric has been deplorable, but moreover. we have seen instances of vandalism, property destruction, and some leaders in the fight currently find themselves with armed protection because of the threats made against them and their families.Our nation will not and cannot tolerate this sort of behavior - it is incumbent on all of us to stand against it, and the best way to do that is to stand between the Mormons and the forces that would perpetrate such evil.Now I am sure the Mormons can, and probably want, to take care of themselves, but as a Christian, it is my duty to protect the innocent and free the oppressed. To turn a blind eye in this circumstance is not only ungracious, it is simply unChristian.Make all the theological distinctions you want, but in the political arena we are yoked with the Mormons (he said borrowing some religious imagery) and it is darn well time we started acting like it.Absolutely, positively thank the Mormons - but don’t stop there. Stand up and be counted against the evil that has been perpetrated towards them in this campaign. As Christians we can do no less.

How to make the dog sweater with a sock!

2008-11-12T00:50:00.000-08:00

I made this sweater set and posted the result in my last blog! Here is how you make it! It is so simple. I did mine in less then 5 min. I wish I could sew it nicer, so ify ou have a sewing machine to mend the edges.

Homemade doggy clothes with bennie

2008-11-11T05:06:00.000-08:00

Okay, So, I learned how to make these really cute turtle necks and bennies! They are super easy to make and look adorable on dogs.

Making Paper Field Trip with Michael's School

2008-11-06T05:04:00.000-08:00

Well, today we got up way early and went with Michael's class and had a field trip to the paper Museum. I know, I know, I know, It really doesn't sound that great at all. I really wasn't looking forward to it, but went anyways to get out of the house. When we got there it was great! Paper lanterns, books, a paper designed dress and shoes, and Chairs. All kinds of things.

My new hair cut (ONLY $3). Do you like?

We are getting really to put our hands in and mix the mixture up.

All the paper stuck to Michael's hairy arms! LOL!

He was the only one had a problem with this.

Almost done!

And we are finished and it just has to be ironed!!!!! All and all it was really fun! I recommend doing this at home! I will post the directions tomorrow when I am not so tired!

More Halloween Pictures!

2008-11-05T00:29:00.000-08:00

My pirate costume!

The mission president and his wife passing out candy!

A Soldiers message to Obama...

2008-11-02T22:11:00.000-08:00

Thought this was great! Enjoy!