tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18260729608115271382024-03-13T09:00:45.414-07:00TREU FAMILY- Cameron - Ashley - Taya - Dodger -Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00404467975807461579noreply@blogger.comBlogger211125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826072960811527138.post-13730351333932545502012-06-16T00:07:00.001-07:002012-06-16T00:07:17.147-07:00San Francisco<div style="text-align: justify;">
I just got back from a SOLO trip to San Francisco to see Jami. It was amazing and so nice to have a break for a few days. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time, we had an absolute blast! I mostly was just excited to do the things I never get to do ... in peace! :) Call me crazy, but yes, on my solo vacation I planned my dinner meals for the next THREE months <span style="font-size: x-small;">(ha)</span>, wrote about 10 new posts for my <a href="http://www.littleyellowbarn.blogspot.com/">crafty blog</a>, AND read a whole book. Doesn't sound super exciting, but I was thrilled to actually sit down and do it. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's a bunch of pictures from my trip...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xwYn9o4dmFc/T9wtNQoi4JI/AAAAAAAACCQ/WMuieKn4CI0/s1600/DSC_0190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xwYn9o4dmFc/T9wtNQoi4JI/AAAAAAAACCQ/WMuieKn4CI0/s400/DSC_0190.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our friend, Karalee, lives in San Francisco... she was our tour guide for the day :) ... it was sooo great to see her!! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--pqf90Zhix4/T9wrsrD3pLI/AAAAAAAACBU/bCnbEOU6lkI/s1600/2012-06-05+11.35.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--pqf90Zhix4/T9wrsrD3pLI/AAAAAAAACBU/bCnbEOU6lkI/s400/2012-06-05+11.35.03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NBmRdwrLkOc/T9wr_pKHrxI/AAAAAAAACBc/smW8vHSYOvg/s1600/DSC_0239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NBmRdwrLkOc/T9wr_pKHrxI/AAAAAAAACBc/smW8vHSYOvg/s400/DSC_0239.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z6EFchK1hrk/T9wsJKryC9I/AAAAAAAACBk/smT9OwCnX-g/s1600/DSC_0230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z6EFchK1hrk/T9wsJKryC9I/AAAAAAAACBk/smT9OwCnX-g/s400/DSC_0230.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jami checkin' out the donuts... which were AMAZING by the way :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ri0wogyiZAc/T9wsO7rs7JI/AAAAAAAACBs/Csv0m55pYaI/s1600/DSC_0250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ri0wogyiZAc/T9wsO7rs7JI/AAAAAAAACBs/Csv0m55pYaI/s400/DSC_0250.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Drove past the Full House houses on the way out, but didn't want to get out of the car.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-02OVRHCO3sM/T9wsaKKXWzI/AAAAAAAACB4/7bVFg0hz8bY/s1600/DSC_0259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-02OVRHCO3sM/T9wsaKKXWzI/AAAAAAAACB4/7bVFg0hz8bY/s400/DSC_0259.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Probably my favorite picture from the trip. Poor Indie in the wind :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TlnG5JivUuw/T9wskBioTHI/AAAAAAAACCA/XYjzMx5gyCM/s1600/DSC_0249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TlnG5JivUuw/T9wskBioTHI/AAAAAAAACCA/XYjzMx5gyCM/s400/DSC_0249.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5XyMjIEB344/T9wspKmaBnI/AAAAAAAACCI/2Zee7ckBHcA/s1600/2012-06-05+13.49.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5XyMjIEB344/T9wspKmaBnI/AAAAAAAACCI/2Zee7ckBHcA/s400/2012-06-05+13.49.24.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanks again for such a good time, James!! Love you! :)</div>
<br />Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00404467975807461579noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826072960811527138.post-58849751035236044912012-04-13T21:40:00.000-07:002012-04-13T21:40:40.223-07:00Little Yellow Barn<div style="text-align: center;">Sorry for the lack of posting... again. There's been A LOT going on around here! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I started up a new blog with a friend of mine and we're so excited to get things going. A local boutique contacted us and asked if we'd be interested in selling furniture in their store, so we've been extremely busy with that also. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Needless to say, we've been busy and on the computer way too much as it is... BUT I'll get back to posting soon I promise. I've been writing down a few Tayaism's so don't you worry :) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">In the meantime, help me out and head over to our blog and let us know what you think! <b>Follow us</b>, <b>Like us</b>, <b>Grab our button</b>, etc. We'd REALLY appreciate it!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you! :)</div><br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.blogger.com/littleyellowbarn.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Little Yellow Barn" src="http://i1241.photobucket.com/albums/gg510/littleyellowbarn/LittleYellowBarnButton-02.png" /></a></center>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00404467975807461579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826072960811527138.post-47481439521357052052012-02-25T20:50:00.000-07:002012-02-25T20:50:59.218-07:00Painting Letters on Wood<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ekp6XXG0DY0/T0mqpfjbIRI/AAAAAAAAB_U/92u_iUw240w/s400/DSC_0469.JPG" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is a sign I just finished with super-duper-old-rusty wood that has been sitting in the garage for 5 years. Whoops. If you don't know already, I just started a new blog with a friend of mine so you can check out the <b>HOW TO</b> right .... <b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://littleyellowbarn.blogspot.com/2012/02/how-to-make-rusty-ol-sign.html">HERE</a></span></b>. And if you're not a follower already, help us out and follow us to so we can get this thing up and runnin'! :) Thanks!</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">www.littleyellowbarn.blogspot.com</span></b></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00404467975807461579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826072960811527138.post-31034771217551292262012-02-19T21:01:00.000-07:002012-02-19T21:01:48.838-07:002011 in a nutshell<div style="text-align: justify;">Where oh where to begin? It's been so long and I've been dreading this post f.o.r.e.v.e.r., but I decided to just kind of sum up the year 2011. I'll be honest, it was a rough one for us, but we're grateful it's over and hopefully it's made us stronger as a family!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> We started off the year moving to Arizona in February, which we both felt was the right decision. Around September things started changing with Cameron's work and we decided to sell our half of the company in Utah. So so random, but long story short, Cameron is now working full time BBQ and loving every minute of it. We feel like he never would've pursued a career in BBQ had we not moved to Arizona so we know we're here for a reason. We're hoping for the best over these next few months as BAM BAM'S BBQ starts to take off. I'm amazed at how quickly everything has happened and how incredible Cameron has done so far! He is extremely talented and has completely found his niche in life!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The end of October Cameron and I made a decision and he headed to The Biggest Loser Fitness Ridge in Malibu, CA for an entire month. He learned a lot about himself, exercise of course, and has lost somewhere around 50 pounds so far. It was definitely hard on both of us, but we're so grateful he was able to go and experience that. And, believe it or not, my kids survived an entire month with just Mommy. Wait, timeout... I SURVIVED an entire month as a single mommy! :)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I recently started a new blog with a good friend of mine in Arizona- <a href="http://www.littleyellowbarn.blogspot.com/">Little Yellow Barn</a>. We live within walking distance of each other so it's SO nice to have someone SO close who loves the same things that I do! We're super excited about it and hopefully we can keep up now that there's two of us!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The kiddos are doing good! Taya is loving preschool and asks to play with friends literally every single day. Apparently I'm not good enough for her :). Dodger has totally become a little annoying brother to her, which is actually pretty funny most of the time. He LOVES to poke her until she screams, chases her around the house until she screams, and taunts her until she... screams. I guess she doesn't realize she's older and much bigger, but maybe that's a good thing. It's just payback for how awful she's been to him the last two years! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">That's it for now... sorry no pictures this time. I'm in Utah right now and Cameron is in Texas picking up his new smoker. My little sister is taking pictures of my kids tomorrow, so pictures to come... <span style="font-size: x-small;">no pressure Jenna :)</span> For now, sorry this is a picture-less post!</div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00404467975807461579noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826072960811527138.post-48293992695262080152011-11-30T22:28:00.001-07:002012-02-21T23:04:11.554-07:00Taya's Ear Piercing...Taya had been begging me for a while to have her ears pierced and playing with my earrings and her clip-ons for so long that I decided it was time. Over Thanksgiving break in Pasco me, my mom and sisters took her to get them pierced. She was such a big girl and so brave! She didn't even cry- which was a HUGE shocker!! :) I warned her before they did it that it would hurt a little, and luckily there were two women who did it at the same time, but as soon as they did it, she looked at me wide-eyed and didn't say a word. I could tell she wanted to cry, but I think she was trying to be so brave for her audience. It was so cute, she leaned in and hugged me and just laid on my shoulder until she was ready to put her head up again. She loved them as soon as she saw them and was so proud! Here's a few pictures of the big event :) ...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AI95WkTN-Aw/T0SCur6B-3I/AAAAAAAAB90/ipIU0PJtz-c/s1600/DSC_0390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AI95WkTN-Aw/T0SCur6B-3I/AAAAAAAAB90/ipIU0PJtz-c/s320/DSC_0390.JPG" width="212" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-xPg8A639g/T0SCx8-ZgHI/AAAAAAAAB-E/Rz2Y7TWC5rc/s1600/DSC_0393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-xPg8A639g/T0SCx8-ZgHI/AAAAAAAAB-E/Rz2Y7TWC5rc/s320/DSC_0393.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UobLG-a4ALA/T0SC2l-KZ6I/AAAAAAAAB-c/PGmtyTURTYE/s1600/DSC_0397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UobLG-a4ALA/T0SC2l-KZ6I/AAAAAAAAB-c/PGmtyTURTYE/s320/DSC_0397.JPG" width="212" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h66bxYftQTM/T0SCzorLKoI/AAAAAAAAB-M/HRCW5mKmLLw/s1600/DSC_0394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h66bxYftQTM/T0SCzorLKoI/AAAAAAAAB-M/HRCW5mKmLLw/s320/DSC_0394.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WLzRxCPLdmY/T0SC36WWf_I/AAAAAAAAB-k/dbBVnA8i6xQ/s1600/DSC_0398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WLzRxCPLdmY/T0SC36WWf_I/AAAAAAAAB-k/dbBVnA8i6xQ/s320/DSC_0398.JPG" width="212" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QDat9NuoBME/T0SC8v1YWrI/AAAAAAAAB-0/sA4-gcje8IY/s1600/DSC_0400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QDat9NuoBME/T0SC8v1YWrI/AAAAAAAAB-0/sA4-gcje8IY/s320/DSC_0400.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Oh the price we pay for beauty :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_adNieDWvH4/T0SDBQvwSwI/AAAAAAAAB_E/5rowAj76-6M/s1600/DSC_0402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_adNieDWvH4/T0SDBQvwSwI/AAAAAAAAB_E/5rowAj76-6M/s400/DSC_0402.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00404467975807461579noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826072960811527138.post-53590993108012635672011-11-30T21:34:00.000-07:002012-06-16T00:14:30.030-07:00Cameron's Journey: The Biggest Loser Fitness Ridge<div style="text-align: justify;">
Cameron started a blog while he was at Fitness Ridge, but <span style="font-size: x-small;">(shocker)</span> has lost interest and isn't doing it anymore- sorry Cam :). So I decided to transfer all his posts to our family blog because I think his stories are inspiring and something he'll never want to forget.... </div>
<span style="font-size: small;"> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Sunday, October 23, 2011</span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=1826072960811527138&postID=5359099310801263567" name="8449446765681236148"></a> First Day at Fat Camp!</span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="post-header">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm going to keep this short and sweet. I have to go to bed. I'm going to be blogging about my month here at Biggest Loser Fitness Ridge in Malibu CA as much as I possibly can. This first week may be difficult since I will probably not be able to stand. Tomorrow is the first full day here, it starts at 5:45 am and does not end until 7:30 pm. When everything is wrapped up I will try to give you a more detailed account of days 1 and 2. Night night, Cam<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a> </div>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Sunday, October 30, 2011</span><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=1826072960811527138&postID=5359099310801263567" name="9042370805984752931"></a><b><span style="font-size: large;">What a Week!!!</span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="post-header">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I do not even know where to begin. This last week probably changed me more than just about any other single week in my life. I guess I should start with a little open disclosure on why I came to Fitness Ridge in the first place. I will keep some things to myself but other things I think can be helpful to others that might be struggling with the same issues that I am. I have always been a big guy, and who doesn't love to eat? Once I moved to AZ that is where I saw the biggest turn for the worst. I gained weight fast, and was just becoming more and more miserable. Being big really takes a toll, not just physically but emotionally. Not a second went by that I wasn't thinking about it. If I was working, I was uncomfortable in a chair, if I was at a restaurant, an office, a house I was thinking about and hoping that they had seats/furniture to accommodate my size. I tried to stay away from planes, I always wondered what others around me thought of me, whether it be a potential client that may not trust my skills as a business owner because I obviously couldn't care for myself, so how could I run a company, to the person that stared when I was in line at McDonald's, with that "He shouldn't be eating here" kind of look. Sunday's were the worst day's, uncomfortable chairs at church and feeling fat as can be in tucked in church clothes. I would sit there and try to sit up as straight as I could just to suck in a little, and that would make me hot, and uncomfortable. You get the point. Being fat sucks and it really takes its toll. For me it just made me irritable and angry. It got to the point that the only thing that made me feel better was food, and not just any food, the worst food! A few weeks ago I went to the market for Ash and when I pulled into the parking lot, I just sat there for thirty minutes. I had no idea why, but I just did not want to do anything at all! That's when it hit me. I was sinking into real deal depression.<br />
<br />
We had a lecture here the other day about emotional eating and food addiction. The therapist here is super cool, and when she explained it, it hit me like a ton of bricks. I WAS ADDICTED TO FOOD! Yes, just like a drug addict is addicted to drugs. They are one in the same. She explained how the brain functions and the different chemicals that are released when we do things that we enjoy. Everyone has heard of serotonin. It is released in our brain when we do something that we love, and it makes us happy! When I ate food it made me happy and since I was doing a lot less of the other things that produce serotonin for me, eventually the only way for me to get that feeling was with food. It throws your whole system out of whack, and it is a vicious cycle. The fatter I became, the less I wanted to snowboard, or play hockey etc because those activities stopped producing that feeling. They started almost feeling like work. Therefore, food was my only happy place. It got to the point where I was coming up with errands to run so I could hit a drive thru!! That's bad folks! Hearing all of this was such a wake up call. I asked the therapist after the lecture if depression is a common side effect of food addiction, and she informed me that it was VERY common. All of things that I HATED about being fat could only briefly be forgotten about by consuming the one thing that got me there in the first place!! Scary stuff! <br />
<br />
I can't come close to describing everything in two or three paragraphs but I hope that gives you a better understanding why I took such a drastic measure and left my family and job for a month to come here. This place is crazy! It is right in the middle of Calamigos Ranch in the Santa Monica mountains above Malibu CA. I arrived Sunday Oct 23rd. The place is really nice. There is a central or main office and inside is our dining hall and spa. Then outside there is a large pool and hot tub, then there are two large gyms. One is an aerobic gym and the other has all of the cardio and weight equipment. Our meals our all provided here and we eat right around 400 calories per meal, for a total of 1200 per day! KILL ME!! I have been instructed to eat a little more than that but that just means I eat a pile of beans and two bananas ;). The main goal of this place is not just to exercise us to death, but to reformat our tbrains, and educate us how to get high volumes of healthy food without consuming lots of calories. Its quite surprising how good the food is, and how filling it is. My average lunch at home was 1000 calories and here that pretty much gets me through a day, and that's with 7 hours of exercise. It's pretty eye opening. Its also crazy how basic the concept of weight loss is. Calories in and calories out. Easy to track them both.<br />
<br />
Many of you have asked about the daily schedule here. I'll give you my schedule for tomorrow.<br />
<br />
6am: Stretch/yoga for 45 minutes in Aerobics gym <br />
7am: Breakfast<br />
8am: Leave for hikes (these are killers, about 3 hours each)<br />
11:15: H2O circuit training (HARD pool workouts)<br />
12:15 Lunch<br />
1:15 Open Gym (mandatory workout)<br />
2:30 Core Training<br />
3:30 Circuit Training<br />
4:30 Mountain (Welcome to hell)<br />
5:30 Dinner<br />
6:15 Spending calories wisely lecture<br />
<br />
The hikes vary in difficulty and they are by far and away the biggest fat melters. I generally burn over 2000 calories on the hikes alone. The hikes are hard for me, only because they seem never ending and boring. I like the classes because you know when they are going to end and you just push yourself hard for 45 minutes and switch to something new. I will say though, the 3 hours between 2:30 and 5:30 are a living hell! These classes push you to your physical limits. Every class has at least two world class trainers that REALLY care about you, and by that I mean that they are breathing down your necks at the slightest let up. They really do genuinely care though and I think that is what makes this place so special. The trainers are AMAZING! On top of that you meet some incredible people here that are struggling with the same issues. Its an awesome support system. The other interesting thing about this place, is the amount of people here that are EXTREMELY successful. This place isnt cheap to attend and it attracts folks from all over the world. Just last week the CEO of NBC universal was here. The stories you hear are amazing! I have a handful of friends here already that I have no doubt will be friends of mine for life.<br />
<br />
I could go on and on but I have to hit the hay. I'll describe the workouts more in depth maybe tomorrow. One last thing. I am absolutely floored by the outpouring of support for me during this. It has meant the world to me and has picked me up when I felt totally destroyed this past week. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. By the way, I lost 10lbs in 5 days and already shrunk an inch in the waist. Not a bad first week. More importantly though, my body is waking back up. I can hike for hours with no back pain, and I can touch my toes again LOL! Yoga and stretching do wonders for me. Its unreal! I love you all and I'll try to post more often. Loves and kisses, Cameron </div>
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<span style="font-size: small;"> Tuesday, November 1, 2011<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Oh The Pain!</span></b><br />
<h3 class="post-title entry-title">
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></h3>
<div class="post-header">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Two days down for the week. First of all I would like to thank all of you for the amazing emails and comments. Its so encouraging to see so many of you behind me. This week has started off with a bang, that's for sure. The workouts seem to have increased in intensity, but its very cool to see how my body is responding to it. I really am getting in great shape. Losing weight is really such a small part of the overall equation for me now. I came here to break my horrible eating habits and to educate myself on how to live healthier. Never did I imagine that I would be tuning up my body the way that I have been. Its a whole new motivation. When I arrived I wanted to break my bad habits and lose weight. Now, I want to become a machine! I'm really starting to see the athlete coming out of hibernation. Everyday I seriously almost break down into tears when I finish these workouts because I am so amazed that I just accomplished what I did. I do some VERY hard workouts here, I sweat through four shirts a day, yet I am able to just keep pushing! Its one of the most rewarding feelings that I have ever experienced. <br />
<br />
I guess I should explain the subject line. We hike between 5 and 8 miles every single morning, and no these are not leisurely strolls around the dirt roads of Malibu. These hikes SUCK! Horse trails and fire roads are everywhere here in the Santa Monica Mountains and wow do they kick my butt. I lose on average about 7 to 8 thousand calories a day and a third of those burned calories come from the hikes. Its insane. Today was by far the worst hike of them all. The trail is called Zuma Ridge and its a steep fire road. The guides got us all excited about the frequent celebrity hikers up there, and of course we saw none, but what is worse is that this hike is a 10 to 12% grade uphill for 2.6 miles. That may not sound bad to you, but it was a never ending uphill battle. I mean, not one flat spot. I had completely drenched my shirt in under 45 minutes, my hamstrings and quads were on fire, but of the 15 people in our group I was 1 of only five people to make it to the top! I wanted to quit so many times, but wow did I feel good to get to the top! What was even better was watching 400 pounds and gravity work so well together on the way down. It was almost equally as hard going down as it was to go up. It also turned my legs to mush and with toning and whats called cardio intervals still to come in the afternoon, I was worried. I made it though and had one of the best/toughest days to date.<br />
<br />
I'll stop there I think. I love you all and keep the posts and comments coming. They really push me!! <span style="font-size: small;">Love, Cam</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><span style="font-size: small;">Wednesday, <b>November 2, 2011</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Curse the Mountain!</span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b> </span></span><br />
<div class="post-header">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Wow today was by far my most difficult day here! The hike up Zuma Ridge yesterday really did a number on me. I woke up so sore, and just thinking about hiking today made me want to get in my car and escape! It was a real struggle. Hiking is just so boring to me. In the morning we meet for breakfast, which today was oatmeal (oh joy) and they announce our van hiking assignments. I was trying to focus all of my new yoga zen energy LOL to have our van sent to the beach hike. The beach hike is very mild and its right on the water and its amazing! Of course that didn't happen and instead we were sent to a hike called Backbone Trail. Its just a leisurely 6.5 mile hike up the MOUNTAIN! I'm not going to lie, I was pissed this morning. The breakfast sucked, and my body was hurting so bad, then to be sent to Backbone just kind of sent me over the edge. I have not struggled very much here with lack of motivation, but today I was tested. We arrived at the trail head and to avoid bringing my friends down with me I just put both head phones in and kept to myself. Overall the incline of the hike was a lot better than yesterday but that just meant a faster pace, and usually after about 15 minutes my muscles wake up and burn less, but today it was not happening. My Hamstrings, quads, and calves were on fire the whole hike. What made it worse was some nasty Santa Ana winds and a nice dose of stinging nettle. Yeah, of all days, today I rub up on stinging nettle! Kill me!<br />
<br />
We arrived back at the ranch and I jumped in the pool for H2O cardio intervals which are pretty tough. I was still dragging a bit at this point, and what further depressed me was what the schedule looked like for the afternoon. The first class after lunch is called MOUNTAIN! Wow does it suck! You hop on a cardio machine of your choice and you progressively increase intensity every 3 minutes and you do that 12 times! Its as if you are climbing a mountain. By the time you are at level 8, things start getting a little gnarly, by the time you hit level 12 you want to die. I will say though, I always feel really good about myself after a really tough, sweaty workout. It actually cheered me up a bit. I was even happier after finding out that my next class was kick boxing. Kick boxing is what is ultimately going to get this guy skinny. I truly love doing it, whats better about it is that there is no other exercise out there that you can lose 1000 calories faster. When I love doing something I go all out, and I really saw that today. I was absolutely drenched in sweat. Then, I started dry heaving. I was working my @$$ off! It felt amazing, and our instructor called me off my bag to the middle of the gym to hit his mitts with a 4 punch combo. I was swinging as hard and fast as I could, and I felt like a killer! He made me repeat the combo 12 times, and just hearing those mitts echoing in the room pop, pop, pop,pop jab, straight, jab, hook felt amazing! After all of this I still had another H2O class and I was dead to the world but happier! I fought hard through it and after that final stretch in the pool I felt like a million bucks. It was a VERY hard day mentally, and I overcame and worked hard! It was an awesome victory! <br />
<br />
To wrap up, and the timing of this is amazing considering the day that I had, but my sister in law Jami sends me a picture of my beautiful little niece Indie every single day with a motivational quote. I really cherish these texts. Today though was really incredible and I thought that I would share the quote:<br />
<br />
"The moments when you feel like resting are the times that you should really push yourself the most. That extra effort will pay off in the end, and you'll be proud of yourself for pushing."<br />
<br />
This quote could not be more correct. Today was the perfect example. I was more down in the dumps today than ever, and it turned out being my most successful day, and it took everything in me during that last stretch of the day to not break down in tears at how much pride I felt at that moment. This place is amazing!<br />
<br />
To make this day even sweeter, there is a gentleman here named Troy who owns a major MMA company in Canada, and is also an avid hockey fan! His favorite team is the Edmonton Oilers and they are in LA tomorrow night to play the kings. We have become pretty good buddies here and he ended up buying four tickets on the glass at $400 a pop! He approached me this evening and told me to be ready to leave by 5 pm tomorrow because one of tickets is mine!!!!! I'm so freaking excited! front row glass seats for free baby! What a way to end the day! I sure love you all and absolutely LOVE reading the comments you post. It keeps me writing. Goodnight, Cam</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;">Sunday, November 6, 2011</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=1826072960811527138&postID=5359099310801263567" name="7748123992020680722"></a></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Week 2 in the Books!!</b></span> <br />
<div class="post-header">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--1Bcdr3Tp98/TrY-OZVfcUI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/nFz3ME7db4Q/s1600/IMG_0042.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--1Bcdr3Tp98/TrY-OZVfcUI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/nFz3ME7db4Q/s320/IMG_0042.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This is me on top of the NASTY Zuma ridge hike a few days back! Wow it sucked! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-REIcVASerZI/TrY-HraDNUI/AAAAAAAAAQs/IYLmwGTp0uE/s1600/IMG_0022.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-REIcVASerZI/TrY-HraDNUI/AAAAAAAAAQs/IYLmwGTp0uE/s320/IMG_0022.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
This is me on my second day here.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n64v788XU3I/TrY-VzHXRBI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/-g6cwZ_wTkg/s1600/IMG_0047.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n64v788XU3I/TrY-VzHXRBI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/-g6cwZ_wTkg/s320/IMG_0047.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
This shirt was dry 45 minutes prior to this photo. Want to lose weight?? Than sign up for a kickboxing class! 1400 calories in 45 minutes!!<br />
<br />
I'm so proud of the week that I had. I had some speed bumps that for sure. Mostly my joints just screaming uncle. Got the knees and ankles treated and only had to miss one hike, and one class. I have not weighed in yet but I am pretty sure that it is going to be a good result. I stuck to the food plan very well and I worked out really hard. Im really starting to see the permanent change happening here. For the first time, I dont look at my weight loss as some huge wall that I might as well not even start climbing. Its a marathon to be sure, but I am off to a great start! Like I said before, it's as simple as calories in and calories out. I think the other advantage that I have now is how in shape I am! I haven't felt like this for years. When you are in good shape, which you can be in even though you carry extra weight, it makes working out not seem like such a chore! It also enables you to get a better more intense workout in. If you want to lose weight, I suggest getting with a trainer and getting yourself in shape to start your weight loss program. In other words, dont look at your weight loss goal as some insurmountable wall, but as a two part program. Spend two weeks conditioning yourself, then start your program. Then those first two weeks when things are really hard, you wont treat it as a part of the long term program, you are working towards a much shorter more attainable goal. Once you start feeling in shape and comfortable again, its amazing how the motivation to stick with it follows, and how much that working out does not seem like work at all. I hope that all made sense. <br />
<br />
After those first few weeks when pants start fitting looser, medical issues disappear, tying your shoes gets easier, you start fitting in chairs again, you find that when you climb a set of stairs that you are barely breathing at all, and your confidence sky rockets, that it is going to be very simple to follow through this time. It also changes your outlook on your weight loss goal. 3 Weeks ago, I thought to myself, I need to lose 150 pounds, and that just seemed impossible. Now though, I look at it as something that WILL happen in the very near future. I dont have to focus on the number (lbs) anymore because if I just keep living this lifestyle then its automatically going to happen eventually. Its so refreshing to see it in that light. Bottom line, I FEEL GREAT RIGHT NOW!! Ill only feel better as I progress, but its great because the way I feel right now shifts my focus away from the BIG number or goal which very easily sidetracks us all. Now its more of a day to day thing. I LOVE IT!!<br />
<br />
I know some of you wanted to hear more about our workouts here, sorry for not answering the questions. Ill get to it I swear. I sure love you all and really appreciate the support. Have a great Sunday, and if you want to start getting in to shape again then on Monday, get off of your @$$ and do it. I highly recommend hiring a trainer though. Their knowledge is priceless and you will feel so much better so much faster with their help. They are also GREAT for accountability. When you are out of shape, its so easy to go easy on yourself, a trainer will push you past that. Loves and kisses, Cslice<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;">Monday, November 14, 2011</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>One More Week To Go!</b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="post-header">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm so glad that it is almost over!! This has been a life changing experience for sure, but wow do I miss my little family. This last week went by SO fast. I guess I will try to start from the beginning. If you have read this before, you know that we hike every single freaking morning. There are 3 vans for hiking. There is a beginner van, and intermediate van, and an advanced van. I was moved to the advanced van on Monday and had no idea of the hell that I was in for. The hikes this week seemed to all be 6 miles long and straight up hill. It really gets so frustrating sometimes, because you turn a corner and pray that around that corner you will find a 10 foot flat spot, but noooooooooooooo, on the advanced hikes you turn a corner and see a 2 mile stretch of fire road that climbs the whole face of a mountain. Lets just say that on a couple of hikes this week, I was a little bit ornery.<br />
<br />
It was cool to feel the improvements in my fitness again this week, and it was also cool to have to buy new shorts because the ones that I have been wearing for the last 3 years fall off. Around Thursday though, I was hitting a high high wall. My body just felt exhausted. I pushed through it the best that I could, but once friday rolled around, that became difficult. My right knee and ankle are whats giving me the most grief for sure. I did a good job of resting this weekend though, so I should be ready to go hard this last week.<br />
<br />
So I finally weighed in this week, which I had been putting off only because I did not want a number to discourage me if it was low. My shorts fell off and my belt was down to its last hole, and that was all of the motivation that I needed last week. But this week they wanted my data and after 3 weeks I have lost 25 pounds. At first I was a little bummed, but quickly reminded myself how many inches I have lost in my waist, chest, and gut. This isnt the show, this is a "reset" button. I still have a very long way to go, but right now I am in the best shape of my life. Everything I do from getting in and out of cars to tying my shoes has become so much easier, and I never want to lose that feeling again. So what I am saying is that I am VERY happy with my progress. I truly do feel like a different man. I also have a feeling that this last week will be my best. I committed to participate in even another class everyday this week, its going to be very difficult, being that I am already working out 7 hours a day, but whats another hour?? So wish me luck!<br />
<br />
I have been telling you all that I was going to write more about the program, and I am sorry for putting it off. I will do a more in depth blog about the place with pictures before I leave, I swear. I will give you a brief explanation though, on our daily routine. Everything here is about calories in and calories out. Most of our daily workouts revolve around cardio, that frustrates me sometimes, but since muscle mass weighs more than fat, that doesn't look to good at your final weigh in. Many people that come here only stay for a week and they really want that number! Therefore, a lot of us stay overs do our own strength training, because we realize that the "number" means nothing! Our day starts at 6 am with a stretch/yoga class. We then head to the dining room and get our cute little 400 calorie breakfast and then head out for the hell hikes. We get back around eleven and do a class called liquid moves or H2O intervals. These pool classes are so great for us bad knee people, but believe it or not, they are super tough workouts. Lots of swimming against currents, sprinting, under water weights, and bands. We also tread water with big rocks in our hands etc. The water classes get your heart pumping for sure. My best investment here was some of those five finger toe shoes for the pool. Those things are unreal.<br />
<br />
After pool, we have another dainty 400 calorie lunch. It is amazing though, how much food that you can eat and still be around that calorie count. I will say that I never leave a meal hungry. Which blows my mind. After lunch we have lectures, then we have an hour of open gym. From 2:30 to 5:30 though, we get killed. It all starts with one of four training classes. Mountain, cardio intervals, treading, and circuit training. All of these are very difficult . We then switch to the aerobics gym and have a core class, toning class, a ball works class (HELL), and a kickboxing class. everyone of these classes are super tough as well. For the third hour you can choose between another hour of cardio or another pool class. I usually take the pool. We then have dinner and another lecture and then we are free. I am burning an average of 7 to 8000 calories a day. Its super intense.<br />
<br />
One part of this trip I havent really mentioned are the people. I have met some friends that I hope to keep for life. Especially Darrell and Vicki Martin from Dallas, and my good buddy Kate Taylor from Raleigh NC. We have all become very close, and since Darrell and I are two peas in a pod, poor Kate and Vicki are generally busy shaking their heads or rolling their eyes at our shenanigans. They are great sports though, and such wonderful support for us. Love them all to pieces. Another HUGE part of this program are the trainers. They are all amazing people!! They have such an authentic enthusiasm, its so much more than a pay check to them. Every hike we have 3 guides, and in every workout session, there is a lead trainer and an assistant trainer. I can honestly say that there is not one staff member here that I don't like, and if you know me , that's a miracle.<br />
<br />
I'm super tired, so I am going to cut it off there. I love all of your support and encouragement. I will need it more than ever this week, so thank you in advance. Love you all, Cam</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;">Thursday, November 17, 2011</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=1826072960811527138&postID=5359099310801263567" name="2879073538804753291"></a></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Finish Line!</b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="post-header">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This has been a very interesting week so far. When you are this close to being done, it is extremely difficult to stay focused on the task at hand. When Monday rolled around, I just could not stop thinking about how much I have missed my family, and I really thought about banking my last week. That means that for a fee, I can come back whenever I would like to finish my last week. It hit me though, that that is a huge factor in my weight issues. I realized that this would probably be the most beneficial week of the 4 that I have been here. I have really turned a corner, and I feel so strong right now. So I decided to put my head down and just get it over with. I will say that just about everyday this week has been a struggle to focus and get going, but I am proud to say that I have worked out in the gym harder this week than any other week here. Yesterday made me especially proud. After lunch we have 3 classes straight between 2:30 and 5:30 pm. They are very tough classes. There is an optional class offered at 1:15 and yesterday it was spin class. I promised Ashley that I would try it once while I was here. While I was sitting at lunch, I just kept saying, Im too tired to spin, it was excuse after excuse. I finally decided to buck up and get it done. WOW was it tough! I absolutely loved it though. In 45 minutes I burned 972 calories and was drenched in sweat. 15 minutes after that, I went to a cardio class called mountain, I sweat through another shirt and burned another 850 calories, I changed AGAIN, then it was right on to kick boxing, another 950 calories, and of course another t shirt! Then it was of to H2O intervals and wow was I exhausted! After all was said and done, I sat in my room before dinner and thought about what I was like just three and a half weeks ago.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I could barely hike a mile. I could not touch my toes, and if I hit 160 heart rate, it lasted about 2 minutes before I thought I would die. But yesterday, in all 3 classes, spin, kick boxing, and mountain, I averaged a heart rate of 168 bpm for 45 minutes at a time. I could not believe it. I also hike on average, 5 to 6 miles a day, and these are not tinker toy trails either. This place has changed my life. As hard as it has been, it has been totally worth it. I really feel like I have changed, and I am actually excited to put my new habits to the test in the "real world". I have a long way to go still, but it is amazing how much easier it is to workout hard and to stick to a diet when your body feels like mine does now. It is a feeling that I never want to lose again! I cant wait to play hockey and snowboard again!! I also cant wait to run around with my kids and not breathe hard. More than anything else, I feel so grateful to be able to hold my head high again! No more sad fat man here. Life is exciting again!! So I will leave it at that for now. Thank you so much for carrying me through this over this last month. 2 more days to go!! I will post my final numbers on Saturday! Good night!</div>
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
-------------------------</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This was all Cam posted. We are so proud of him for going through all that not just for himself, but for our family. We are hoping to reach new milestones this next year and excited to see the change in him both physically and emotionally. I can't speak for Cameron, but being his spouse I have already noticed how much the ranch has changed his life for good. He is doing what he loves, going after goals he never would have, and happier than I've seen him since we got married. Needless to say, we are happier as a family and will never regret having him leave for an entire month to change his life. Hugs and kisses to you Cameron, we love you!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When Cam got home he flew straight to Pasco for Thanksgiving. Here's a few pictures of meeting him at the airport and the family seeing him for the first time in way too long...</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Taya sneaking up on him :) ... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vxglAZAnFv8/T0Ru0T54TyI/AAAAAAAAB88/I0EmPJ7yBw0/s1600/IMG_3720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vxglAZAnFv8/T0Ru0T54TyI/AAAAAAAAB88/I0EmPJ7yBw0/s320/IMG_3720.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-atou71hiols/T0Ru38g6GFI/AAAAAAAAB9E/E_-EBxb2z3g/s1600/IMG_3721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-atou71hiols/T0Ru38g6GFI/AAAAAAAAB9E/E_-EBxb2z3g/s320/IMG_3721.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WAEXxCQ7jGs/T0Ru7yP-jfI/AAAAAAAAB9M/VQsjquem8aE/s1600/IMG_3722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WAEXxCQ7jGs/T0Ru7yP-jfI/AAAAAAAAB9M/VQsjquem8aE/s320/IMG_3722.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Norf_TT8RS0/T0RvKIDlAcI/AAAAAAAAB9U/d8AKwo7Gsmk/s1600/IMG_3726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Norf_TT8RS0/T0RvKIDlAcI/AAAAAAAAB9U/d8AKwo7Gsmk/s320/IMG_3726.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u-RZbY1pvr0/T0RvPPBatGI/AAAAAAAAB9c/3eo9c6-gdBc/s1600/IMG_3740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u-RZbY1pvr0/T0RvPPBatGI/AAAAAAAAB9c/3eo9c6-gdBc/s400/IMG_3740.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00404467975807461579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826072960811527138.post-61478903955221433742011-11-14T21:34:00.000-07:002011-11-14T21:34:06.068-07:00My 4 Year Old<div style="text-align: center;">"Mom, take my hair thing out of your hair and go put it back. ....... Or you can buy it from me."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ok, Little Miss Sassy Pants!! Sheesh!</div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00404467975807461579noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826072960811527138.post-2408703871801693212011-11-09T19:11:00.000-07:002011-11-09T19:11:22.334-07:00Tayaism<div style="text-align: center;">Taya saved up her money in her piggy bank and got to buy a brand new bike with it... yes, in November :)... that's the beauty of living in Arizona! Today my neighbor asked if she got a helmet too...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Me: "We DO need to get you a helmet, I forgot about that!" (terrible mom, I know)</div><div style="text-align: center;">Tay: "Yeah, so I don't break my head."</div><div style="text-align: center;">Me: "Yeah."</div><div style="text-align: center;">Tay: "Then I'd have to get a new head!"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">...Pretty sure it doesn't work that way, but whatever!</div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00404467975807461579noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826072960811527138.post-28534122053918215432011-11-07T21:33:00.000-07:002011-11-07T21:33:42.135-07:00California Part 2<div style="text-align: center;">After Friday's adventure at Disneyland we were all exhausted so we decided to spend the day at the beach just lounging around. This was the first time our kids have seen the beach, the ocean, that much sand... all of it! They were so excited, a little nervous at first, but loved it. I wish we could've gotten a video of Taya's face whenever a wave would come within 10 feet of her. It was like death was approaching her. H.i.l.a.r.i.o.u.s. That kid is scared of everything, poor thing. Get ready for picture overload...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>--Huntington Beach--</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hkIUj6LXlWY/Trionr1fysI/AAAAAAAABwI/QRVKxjLpk9U/s1600/DSC_0247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hkIUj6LXlWY/Trionr1fysI/AAAAAAAABwI/QRVKxjLpk9U/s320/DSC_0247.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hAEJfoQqPCg/TriopLNrvEI/AAAAAAAABwQ/bQDeYpVkXgM/s1600/DSC_0252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hAEJfoQqPCg/TriopLNrvEI/AAAAAAAABwQ/bQDeYpVkXgM/s320/DSC_0252.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Andrew and Jessica's little girls, Kami, Genna, and Taya...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qal8CIcHR2s/Trio2MzZkqI/AAAAAAAABwY/QdH2VCojYxI/s1600/DSC_0259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qal8CIcHR2s/Trio2MzZkqI/AAAAAAAABwY/QdH2VCojYxI/s320/DSC_0259.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mLeKC6TwKXg/TripSjTO1oI/AAAAAAAABwg/FM_HcYhkUE4/s1600/DSC_0279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mLeKC6TwKXg/TripSjTO1oI/AAAAAAAABwg/FM_HcYhkUE4/s320/DSC_0279.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">That night we went to Erik's (Cam's cousin) wedding reception. It was absolutely beautiful and the kids had a BLAST dancing all night!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bfRBt5uvQm4/TripgcLyQyI/AAAAAAAABwo/x8fuw5c3xd4/s1600/DSC_0294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bfRBt5uvQm4/TripgcLyQyI/AAAAAAAABwo/x8fuw5c3xd4/s320/DSC_0294.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Taya, Dodger and Kami...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-77brLHnGdFQ/Trip2dBHjsI/AAAAAAAABww/niGXadfMGPs/s1600/DSC_0289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-77brLHnGdFQ/Trip2dBHjsI/AAAAAAAABww/niGXadfMGPs/s320/DSC_0289.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Dodger and Taya resting by the fireplace before it was time to go...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--lVL6dfvkmY/Trip3kGna2I/AAAAAAAABw4/8cmptWmFRNo/s1600/DSC_0305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--lVL6dfvkmY/Trip3kGna2I/AAAAAAAABw4/8cmptWmFRNo/s320/DSC_0305.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sunday we went back to Huntington and walked the pier... it has to be done, right? :) It was windy and chilly so we didn't make it the whole way...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w-k_wA0Q_TM/TrirEVG8c7I/AAAAAAAABxA/thvyYMNf-C8/s1600/DSC_0312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w-k_wA0Q_TM/TrirEVG8c7I/AAAAAAAABxA/thvyYMNf-C8/s320/DSC_0312.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wlzkHExTHJE/TrirFk2_P9I/AAAAAAAABxI/f3s0lHoX0Rk/s1600/DSC_0314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wlzkHExTHJE/TrirFk2_P9I/AAAAAAAABxI/f3s0lHoX0Rk/s320/DSC_0314.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> And finally, to end our trip, on Monday we went to...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>--Sea World--</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">The kids LOVED it. I think Dodger was in heaven. :) Honestly, Sea World was my favorite place in the whole world... until this trip. Sadly they changed SOO much about it it wasn't even that cool. The exhibits were cool, but the shows were so lame this time. It was depressing. Maybe someday they'll change it back. The kids had a blast though, so it was worth it!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Like Taya's face? ...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DUBUw6T18H0/TritDXad9mI/AAAAAAAAByA/xSVOLPE1Prg/s1600/DSC_0383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DUBUw6T18H0/TritDXad9mI/AAAAAAAAByA/xSVOLPE1Prg/s320/DSC_0383.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4oDkvJSj77k/TrirTDIqDgI/AAAAAAAABxQ/VQZ0ATrULak/s1600/DSC_0325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4oDkvJSj77k/TrirTDIqDgI/AAAAAAAABxQ/VQZ0ATrULak/s320/DSC_0325.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-efvfGuuZKPo/TrisNPxG93I/AAAAAAAABxY/jlfmOtJyNjo/s1600/DSC_0328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-efvfGuuZKPo/TrisNPxG93I/AAAAAAAABxY/jlfmOtJyNjo/s320/DSC_0328.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cF3V4Yu3h40/TrisOq0gDRI/AAAAAAAABxg/fpY8WKuYoa4/s1600/DSC_0338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cF3V4Yu3h40/TrisOq0gDRI/AAAAAAAABxg/fpY8WKuYoa4/s320/DSC_0338.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> He could've stayed in this spot all day :)... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-glC-1opRYvk/TrisPqhkUbI/AAAAAAAABxo/dFwWsK47ReE/s1600/DSC_0348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-glC-1opRYvk/TrisPqhkUbI/AAAAAAAABxo/dFwWsK47ReE/s320/DSC_0348.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ap4kS4bW7CU/TrisgooRTnI/AAAAAAAABxw/jKFxku-jsw0/s1600/DSC_0357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ap4kS4bW7CU/TrisgooRTnI/AAAAAAAABxw/jKFxku-jsw0/s320/DSC_0357.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Cam made buddies with Shamu. He said the whale was swimming by, came to a dead stop, looked him straight in the eye and blew these bubbles. So cute...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H7jogCOPHsA/Trish54BDUI/AAAAAAAABx4/5813B3-VS44/s1600/DSC_0359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H7jogCOPHsA/Trish54BDUI/AAAAAAAABx4/5813B3-VS44/s320/DSC_0359.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Our trip was a blast. I know I've used that word probably 10 times in this post, but it was really fun. Everyday was extremely full and exhausting, but we had fun and were able to see a lot of family and friends we haven't seen for a while. Maybe I can convince Cam to take us again in the next few months...? :) </div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00404467975807461579noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826072960811527138.post-17299121966519545732011-10-28T22:30:00.000-07:002011-10-28T22:30:44.773-07:00Trip to California Part 1<div style="text-align: center;">Yep, I'm breaking it into parts. Sorry. I'm tired, but have been needing to blog for far too long, so maybe it'll be easier this way...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cameron's cousin got married a couple weeks ago in California so our family decided to make a trip out of it. This was our first official family vacation, with the kiddos and all. They were hilarious. As soon as we got in the hotel room Taya found the phone and "talked" all night. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ePPcf8S76O4/TquI2dUmbjI/AAAAAAAABtM/2PRyG9n735o/s1600/DSC_0119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ePPcf8S76O4/TquI2dUmbjI/AAAAAAAABtM/2PRyG9n735o/s200/DSC_0119.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We drove on Thursday, October 13th, and went to Disneyland the next day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-53ue8vgjyGE/TquJSjgK4sI/AAAAAAAABtU/Uhh05p-2UE0/s1600/DSC_0239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-53ue8vgjyGE/TquJSjgK4sI/AAAAAAAABtU/Uhh05p-2UE0/s320/DSC_0239.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The kids were in heaven. We met up with our friends and all the kids were able to play all day. Cam, luckily, was willing to do most of the rides with Taya since I'm a pansy and get motion sickness on pretty much everything :). Tea Cups? No thanks! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Taking a break, watching the ducks... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jEu2gYU7vUA/TquKqmCRfiI/AAAAAAAABtc/3n3epOan9R4/s1600/DSC_0146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jEu2gYU7vUA/TquKqmCRfiI/AAAAAAAABtc/3n3epOan9R4/s320/DSC_0146.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Dodger was SOOO excited to see "Me Ne Hooouuussee", but didn't want anything to do with him as we got closer :) At least we got to hear him say menehoooussee all day :)...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hqOlskOzYVk/TquKrS_34eI/AAAAAAAABtk/Fh0f9bjtvMU/s1600/DSC_0190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hqOlskOzYVk/TquKrS_34eI/AAAAAAAABtk/Fh0f9bjtvMU/s320/DSC_0190.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Carousel...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6W9Kt6u8D2s/TquKsItgUwI/AAAAAAAABts/h8W1AUjts9I/s1600/DSC_0198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6W9Kt6u8D2s/TquKsItgUwI/AAAAAAAABts/h8W1AUjts9I/s320/DSC_0198.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Taya LOVED the castle!! ... and so much smaller than Cam and I remember, haha!...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lsbps7Rn1_M/TquLMpG_BrI/AAAAAAAABt0/SsfFd_i2ag4/s1600/DSC_0203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lsbps7Rn1_M/TquLMpG_BrI/AAAAAAAABt0/SsfFd_i2ag4/s400/DSC_0203.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Kami, Genna, and Taya...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q7YmmMWbwzE/TquLNlNDeXI/AAAAAAAABt8/cGcreGXfFRs/s1600/DSC_0207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q7YmmMWbwzE/TquLNlNDeXI/AAAAAAAABt8/cGcreGXfFRs/s320/DSC_0207.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> By the time we got to the princess area the line was soooo long so we decided not to even attempt it. I was so sad because I knew that's the one thing Taya was SO excited for. BUT prayers are answered, and on our way out of the park a parade was starting just then! She got to see everything she wanted and all the princesses were just as beautiful as she had imagined. Peter Pan walked right in front of us and I thought she'd have a heart attack <span style="font-size: x-small;">(we were so sad he didn't talk to her though)</span>. ...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OlDKsJBJovM/TquLO7qhoOI/AAAAAAAABuE/zTvhm-Wfe2I/s1600/DSC_0222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OlDKsJBJovM/TquLO7qhoOI/AAAAAAAABuE/zTvhm-Wfe2I/s320/DSC_0222.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I LOVE this picture! It's not very often that we get picture from Taya without a funny face or a real smile and the smile she has on her face here makes me want to take her back to Disneyland everyday... <span style="font-size: x-small;">or maybe just once a year :)</span>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W5JzAoDtIXk/TquLhanGzAI/AAAAAAAABuU/k0PlHaiBDCI/s1600/DSC_0235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W5JzAoDtIXk/TquLhanGzAI/AAAAAAAABuU/k0PlHaiBDCI/s320/DSC_0235.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We were ALL exhausted by the time we left! Dodger fell asleep about .2 seconds into being buckled into the car. He had probably more fun than all of us at "Ne Ne Naand". We had a blast though and are excited to take the kids back someday.</div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00404467975807461579noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826072960811527138.post-3599294429589894702011-10-28T21:54:00.000-07:002011-10-28T21:54:15.661-07:00Tayaisms<div style="text-align: center;">These always come in spurts, but when they do it's always one after the other. I usually try and remember to write them down as I hear them. Enjoy...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">* Went for a walk the other day:<b> "Why do we live in this area? It's toooo hot here!"</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">* She walked into the kitchen a couple weeks ago, sighed, and said slowly, <b>"Cam is adiculous"</b>. (ridiculous)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">* We carved pumpkins yesterday after she had been begging me every single day to do it, and this is how it turned out: <b>"This is NOT fun, it's just yucky and stinky!!"</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">* Taya asked Cam for something a few weeks ago and he said no so I told her, "Taya maybe if you make a puppy face he'll let you". She looked at Cam and said, "ruff ruff". We both died laughing. :) 4 year old minds. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">* As we were eating at the dinner:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>"Mom, you're the best cooker I ever saw."</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>"Thanks hun!"</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>"Dad, you're the best cooker I ever saw too."</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>"Thanks honey."</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>"You guys think I'm the best cooker with you guys?"</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>"Yep, you're the best helper too."<br />
"I love you guys."</b></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00404467975807461579noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826072960811527138.post-23990248160493404322011-10-28T21:38:00.001-07:002011-10-28T21:39:52.680-07:00Happy Birthday Kiddos<div style="text-align: center;">Wow where has the time gone!? Yes it's been forever since I've posted anything. I should be ashamed. Where to begin? ... Guess I'll start with birthdays...</div><div style="text-align: center;">................</div><div style="text-align: center;">Taya turned 4 on September 1st. She LOVES her birthday. Let's be honest, every kid loves their birthday, but this kid talks about her birthday almost every single day of the year. For Christmas she asked Santa for a birthday cake. So yes, she was excited to say the least. I was a little sad we weren't in Utah to throw her a huge 4 year old birthday party :) but we had a good time here and had a little party a few days later.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-22Nnzi2v9YQ/Tqt_kFAl5KI/AAAAAAAABss/cPgdlO3i7UU/s1600/P1030774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QcSZZaAPmMg/Tqt_iVU3u-I/AAAAAAAABsk/QT1lDF4Wf9o/s1600/P1030766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QcSZZaAPmMg/Tqt_iVU3u-I/AAAAAAAABsk/QT1lDF4Wf9o/s320/P1030766.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MfBZ_dwcHvU/Tqt_eOfa3pI/AAAAAAAABsM/Da5ZvVOZfFY/s1600/P1030752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MfBZ_dwcHvU/Tqt_eOfa3pI/AAAAAAAABsM/Da5ZvVOZfFY/s320/P1030752.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zdp6bjpzYhk/Tqt_fSaH88I/AAAAAAAABsU/k36pUr3wcfI/s1600/P1030754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zdp6bjpzYhk/Tqt_fSaH88I/AAAAAAAABsU/k36pUr3wcfI/s200/P1030754.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RiBhDUeOkBM/Tqt_hEzXo6I/AAAAAAAABsc/bfZiCbvtv54/s1600/P1030759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RiBhDUeOkBM/Tqt_hEzXo6I/AAAAAAAABsc/bfZiCbvtv54/s200/P1030759.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> She started preschool the middle of August and has loved every minute of it. She sings preschool songs all day long and always hopes for homework! Dodger and I have loved it also :). Whenever I say, "Dodger, let's go pick up Taya" he always says, "no!". That's how well they get along. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O8b9D1vZlKI/TquAsS6WbnI/AAAAAAAABs0/-jwAPm8df0g/s1600/P1030749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O8b9D1vZlKI/TquAsS6WbnI/AAAAAAAABs0/-jwAPm8df0g/s320/P1030749.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Dodger turned two on October 22nd and I'll be honest, it was a rough one. Sister had a hard time remembering his presents were HIS presents. :) Taya said the breakfast prayer and blessed that it would be her birthday soon. Dodger REFUSED to take a nap that day so he was a bit ornery all day. We didn't get to celebrate too much (with Cam leaving the next day), but he had fun and LOVED his presents. We even got him to say "happy burtday". </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PiV_Xn_W3Vs/TquCRwobs-I/AAAAAAAABs8/sdaH-aEmqKE/s1600/DSC_0405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PiV_Xn_W3Vs/TquCRwobs-I/AAAAAAAABs8/sdaH-aEmqKE/s320/DSC_0405.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> He could NOT keep his hands of those cars, or the frosting, hence the scoops out of the front of the cake :) ... Glad he liked it! He's OBSESSED with Cars and asks to watch it every single day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k4XsdLlqEZM/TquClvsR-DI/AAAAAAAABtE/ATatnyREqrE/s1600/DSC_0400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k4XsdLlqEZM/TquClvsR-DI/AAAAAAAABtE/ATatnyREqrE/s320/DSC_0400.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Birthday to my sweet kids! Love you love you love you!</div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00404467975807461579noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826072960811527138.post-32197210780873467332011-08-26T19:49:00.000-07:002011-08-26T19:49:15.636-07:00Tayaism<div style="text-align: center;">"Taya, we need to have a bath."</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Hane on, I'm gonna get a baby doll in the bath."</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Sweetie, those babies can't go in the bathtub."</div><div style="text-align: center;">"But... they're not gonna die in there."</div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00404467975807461579noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826072960811527138.post-85354124113035688172011-07-06T21:12:00.000-07:002011-07-06T21:12:43.545-07:00Taya's Prayers<div style="text-align: center;">Just had an interesting conversation with Taya after prayers tonight...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Taya, do you know who Heavenly Father is?"</div><div style="text-align: center;">(Blank look.)</div><div style="text-align: center;">"We can't see him, but He's always there to help us."</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Why we can't see him? Where is he?"</div><div style="text-align: center;">"He's in Heaven."<br />
"(gasp) Is he DEAD?"</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Uh, well, no. He just lives in Heaven to watch over us."</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Why Grandma's doggie died?"</div><div style="text-align: center;">"She was just old, honey."</div><div style="text-align: center;">"What's her name?"</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Pheobe."</div><div style="text-align: center;">"She's in Heaven with Jesus?"</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Yep."</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Heaney Fadder makes us alive again?"</div><div style="text-align: center;">".... yeah.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Wow. The questions that come out of that girl! I was just trying to teach her to be reverent during her prayers and that's what it turned into :). Glad she knows what the resurrection is... at least the 3 year old version of it!</div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00404467975807461579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826072960811527138.post-62037757257872327712011-06-24T21:14:00.001-07:002011-06-24T21:19:28.066-07:00June, In a Nutshell<div style="text-align: justify;">It's starting to feel like we actually live in Arizona now. This week we've been graced with the presence of <span style="font-size: large;"><b>114 degree</b></span> weather, <b><span style="font-size: large;">105 degree nights</span></b>, and we welcomed our first, very own <b><span style="font-size: large;">scorpion</span></b> into our house. Ok, it was already dead when I found him, THANK GOODNESS, but still. Cameron has officially been warned if he ever hears a <b>death scream</b> from me, not to panic, it only means I've seen a scorpion. I got 5 jars of tomatoes bottled before the heat got the rest of them. Next year I'll know to plant sooner :( . So far, <span style="font-size: x-small;">and maybe ask me again after the summer</span>, I'm LOVING this weather. Am I crazy?? I <b>LOVE</b> being at the pool almost every single day, wearing shorts and flip flops everyday, warm nights, warm house, tan skin. Love it. In fact, sometimes the house gets too cold for me (yes, our 77 degree house) so I have to go sit outside for a few minutes to warm up! I think I need a hammock! Maybe next month I'll change my mind about all this though. I'll keep ya posted.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Taya</span></b> finished her first set of swim lessons a couple weeks ago and thank goodness, she's still alive. It was a battle almost everyday, but we made it. And by we, I'm including myself. It was rough. :) ...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gszmPXcu6ZM/TgVWU32PYzI/AAAAAAAABro/yUGiMQxy22I/s1600/P1030601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gszmPXcu6ZM/TgVWU32PYzI/AAAAAAAABro/yUGiMQxy22I/s320/P1030601.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BPTolAwXmF8/TgVX2aQk2wI/AAAAAAAABrw/hGMeyvs5WRk/s1600/P1030618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BPTolAwXmF8/TgVX2aQk2wI/AAAAAAAABrw/hGMeyvs5WRk/s320/P1030618.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Dodger</span></b> is now our little fish. He LOVES the water. Every time we go he gets better and better, it's so cute. He got his first buzz the other day, thanks to Daddy. Cam disappeared for a while, came back in the room and said, "Uh, I need help", with a partially buzzed little man. I LOVED his little toe head so I was a bit sad, but he looks like a stud with his shaved head. Guess his name fits him a little more now for some reason :). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yVlVYpl2wFE/TgVWkKW0HxI/AAAAAAAABrs/AGGazaHv_hw/s1600/P1030617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yVlVYpl2wFE/TgVWkKW0HxI/AAAAAAAABrs/AGGazaHv_hw/s320/P1030617.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">A Few Random Tid Bits...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Aunt Jami was here for a visit and completely spoiled my kids with attention. She just left today and my kids are already wondering where Jami went. I asked Dodger where Indie was and he walked right to the room she'd been sleeping in and came out with a confused look. He absolutely LOVES Indie! He gave her loves and kisses every time he saw her, so cute...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3MabZ46Jl_Q/TgVayK4nS7I/AAAAAAAABr0/amMVJ62Zq5k/s1600/2011-06-21+12.05.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3MabZ46Jl_Q/TgVayK4nS7I/AAAAAAAABr0/amMVJ62Zq5k/s320/2011-06-21+12.05.47.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Jami bought Taya a new friend from Costco while she was here. Taya named her "Taya". Shocker...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MdoIrkQGD50/TgVbtDS5lsI/AAAAAAAABsI/PLAiukpI2Rw/s1600/2011-06-22+10.58.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MdoIrkQGD50/TgVbtDS5lsI/AAAAAAAABsI/PLAiukpI2Rw/s320/2011-06-22+10.58.12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I came in the family room the other day and found Dodger watching T.V. like this. I almost wet my pants...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A3fOaszlvjk/TgVbqTTV6wI/AAAAAAAABr8/VOlkHBRajWc/s1600/2011-06-07+09.01.24%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A3fOaszlvjk/TgVbqTTV6wI/AAAAAAAABr8/VOlkHBRajWc/s320/2011-06-07+09.01.24%25281%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Taya's underwear was pulled so far down he could barely even open his eyes. So random.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We've been doing a whole lot of this lately. Pool and popsicles, what more could a kid ask for? ...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bJxzlslTEm0/TgVbp3c0okI/AAAAAAAABr4/GkCeJfU0YR8/s1600/2011-06-04+11.45.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bJxzlslTEm0/TgVbp3c0okI/AAAAAAAABr4/GkCeJfU0YR8/s320/2011-06-04+11.45.01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
That's about it for our month of June. It hasn't been filled with anything crazy, but after everything my brother and his family have been through I thank my Heavenly Father everyday for even being able to do the things we've been doing. If you haven't read their story yet, go <a href="http://www.mommastimeout.blogspot.com/">here</a> to their family blog. It will change your life and allow you to appreciate the things we take for granted every single day. Keep fighting Clara, we love you!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.loveforclara.bbnow.org/">www.loveforclara.bbnow.org</a> </div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00404467975807461579noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826072960811527138.post-62852804114710052392011-06-12T22:11:00.000-07:002011-06-12T22:11:39.314-07:00Oh Taya<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">If this doesn't put a smile on your face, I don't know what will.......</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jUyfw8ssiRg/TfWb7s75pNI/AAAAAAAABrg/Ep-6O85AYFg/s1600/IMG_1374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jUyfw8ssiRg/TfWb7s75pNI/AAAAAAAABrg/Ep-6O85AYFg/s400/IMG_1374.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00404467975807461579noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826072960811527138.post-19567065521674913082011-06-03T18:26:00.000-07:002011-06-03T18:26:59.176-07:00Before I Forget<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>One of my favorite things about my little 3 year old:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Whenever I go to the gym and workout, afterwards Taya asks to see my muscles, touches only my elbows, and says, "Whoa Mom, your elbows are SO STRONG!".</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Why she thinks elbows are muscles... I have no idea, but it sure is cute for the time being! Let's just hope my elbows aren't the only strong part of me. Maybe I should be offended that she completely bypasses my biceps and looks straight to my elbows. :)</div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00404467975807461579noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826072960811527138.post-14296714811044718902011-06-02T22:17:00.000-07:002011-06-02T22:17:23.191-07:00Pool Time<div style="text-align: center;">I've been TERRIBLE at posting, so to catch up I won't blab on like I usually do :) ...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We usually try and go to the pool at least a few times a week. The kids love it and so do we :) ...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_5Ku93g8q5U/TehtA7Nz2SI/AAAAAAAABq8/h6LeQt9Ak-Q/s1600/P1030521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_5Ku93g8q5U/TehtA7Nz2SI/AAAAAAAABq8/h6LeQt9Ak-Q/s320/P1030521.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Daddy & the kids playing in the "bubbles"...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-stUwvcfAYxk/TehtIj_KcjI/AAAAAAAABrA/tXkbwUjgi3c/s1600/P1030524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-stUwvcfAYxk/TehtIj_KcjI/AAAAAAAABrA/tXkbwUjgi3c/s320/P1030524.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Taya has ALWAYS loved to lay out. We think it's pretty cute :) ...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RMf_FM6w1xo/TehtMaN2LiI/AAAAAAAABrI/6MBf3q5vpyM/s1600/P1030526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RMf_FM6w1xo/TehtMaN2LiI/AAAAAAAABrI/6MBf3q5vpyM/s320/P1030526.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wTFP1cn_X6o/TehtNcc2JBI/AAAAAAAABrM/KovmIzR9RnE/s1600/P1030527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wTFP1cn_X6o/TehtNcc2JBI/AAAAAAAABrM/KovmIzR9RnE/s320/P1030527.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00404467975807461579noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826072960811527138.post-13997708949013600972011-05-31T22:39:00.000-07:002011-05-31T22:39:47.355-07:00Utah Trip<div style="text-align: justify;">A little late on the posting so I'll just be quick... We made a trip to Utah the middle of April for Indie's baby blessing and to see/meet baby Chloe (Cam's sister, Tiff, had a baby :). ) We had so much fun and loved seeing family and friends again. I will admit, it was a little weird not having our own home to go back to, but Taya was in heaven at Aunt Jami's house, of course, so it was worth it! Here's a few pictures from the trip...</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Made a quick day trip to Wyoming to see baby Chloe and the rest of Cam's family...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BAbxu83Q7uE/TdQ37zwTsII/AAAAAAAABpU/L7_c72EcR0A/s1600/P1030349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BAbxu83Q7uE/TdQ37zwTsII/AAAAAAAABpU/L7_c72EcR0A/s320/P1030349.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Taya lookin' studious with Nana's glasses... just "checkin' my friends Mom"...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tntfsexPnMk/TdQ4KZHLrbI/AAAAAAAABpY/g2GAAnwveQo/s1600/P1030360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tntfsexPnMk/TdQ4KZHLrbI/AAAAAAAABpY/g2GAAnwveQo/s320/P1030360.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Taya and baby Indie...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qdGAF13Cjow/TdQ4yakKh0I/AAAAAAAABpc/-BFAE--bWO8/s1600/P1030362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qdGAF13Cjow/TdQ4yakKh0I/AAAAAAAABpc/-BFAE--bWO8/s320/P1030362.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Good times at Kangaroo Zoo...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zgcnkZ0wJ5A/TdQ5AGdo_dI/AAAAAAAABpg/F8jUoWr67QM/s1600/P1030369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zgcnkZ0wJ5A/TdQ5AGdo_dI/AAAAAAAABpg/F8jUoWr67QM/s320/P1030369.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This was my mom's attempt at taking a picture of us coming down the slide... so funny :) I love how happy Dodger is though ...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UstfRMbPxmQ/TdQ5EJR_9_I/AAAAAAAABpk/HHCA27mONbc/s1600/P1030370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UstfRMbPxmQ/TdQ5EJR_9_I/AAAAAAAABpk/HHCA27mONbc/s320/P1030370.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The girls were laughing SO hard, it was impossible to get a good picture (miss my still-broken camera!) but here they are, Tessa, Taya, and London. So cute...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dw75y4vIoRc/TdQ5WdLfC0I/AAAAAAAABpo/qWzt8Gx9bUU/s1600/P1030376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dw75y4vIoRc/TdQ5WdLfC0I/AAAAAAAABpo/qWzt8Gx9bUU/s320/P1030376.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And how do I NOT have a picture of Indie's blessing?? Apparently I had Jami take all the pictures... Jami, could you send me a few please? :) </div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00404467975807461579noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826072960811527138.post-50205240298966575602011-05-25T22:40:00.000-07:002011-05-25T22:40:44.017-07:00Love For Clara<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Please</span> read about sweet Clara <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://furniturefix.blogspot.com/2011/05/love-for-clara.html">HERE</a></span>.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4CCW2CL_AOk/Td3nrqSUWsI/AAAAAAAABqw/yfMTSAsDyHY/s1600/Picture+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4CCW2CL_AOk/Td3nrqSUWsI/AAAAAAAABqw/yfMTSAsDyHY/s400/Picture+2.png" width="315" /></a></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00404467975807461579noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826072960811527138.post-8348916201340789842011-05-18T14:38:00.003-07:002011-06-02T21:45:50.549-07:00A Little Too Excited<div style="text-align: center;">The other morning I was going to fill the pool up so it could get a little warmer before the kids got in. Well, I turned my back for two seconds and this is what happened...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TmjejqStzQ0/TdQ8W_s3XSI/AAAAAAAABqU/QiohAUtsZFo/s1600/P1030476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TmjejqStzQ0/TdQ8W_s3XSI/AAAAAAAABqU/QiohAUtsZFo/s400/P1030476.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Needless to say, pool time came a little earlier than planned.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Caught...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qspRaZ_5RS4/TdQ8ZVaL7xI/AAAAAAAABqY/tBPb5mfeS9o/s1600/P1030477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qspRaZ_5RS4/TdQ8ZVaL7xI/AAAAAAAABqY/tBPb5mfeS9o/s400/P1030477.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This kid LOVES the hose!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mw8IvklceiQ/TdQ8bXHgcJI/AAAAAAAABqc/QB3R8Ti1yXQ/s1600/P1030478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mw8IvklceiQ/TdQ8bXHgcJI/AAAAAAAABqc/QB3R8Ti1yXQ/s400/P1030478.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kNHg3DK3jZc/TdQ8dYg5RVI/AAAAAAAABqg/c2WSrVs_eyw/s1600/P1030479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kNHg3DK3jZc/TdQ8dYg5RVI/AAAAAAAABqg/c2WSrVs_eyw/s400/P1030479.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00404467975807461579noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826072960811527138.post-15459034441159371282011-04-18T20:47:00.000-07:002011-04-18T20:47:32.611-07:00Noses<div style="text-align: center;">Taya thinks she has two noses. </div><div style="text-align: center;">"I gotta go blow my noses. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Obviously it's because of 2 nostrils, but is it bad that I think it's cute and don't want to correct her? :)</div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00404467975807461579noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826072960811527138.post-71870244942326356572011-04-03T22:49:00.000-07:002011-04-03T22:49:21.572-07:00Tayism<div style="text-align: center;">This was Taya's conversation with Cam this morning...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>"Ya goin' to work today dad?"</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>"No, not today honey."</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>"You gonna stay home ALL day, Dad?"</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>"Yes, it's Sunday, I'm staying home ALL day."</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>"You can't stay home. You hafta go get us more money, Dad!"</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">I promise she didn't learn that from me! :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">On another note, I wanted to write this down before I forget. Her prayers lately have been hilarious! Most the time you can't even understand her because, for some reason, as soon as she starts her prayers her voice goes up about 5 octaves and you can barely understand her cause it's so high pitched. It's pretty cute and I usually have to hide my face because I'm laughing so hard. :) Maybe sometime I'll try to record it.</div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00404467975807461579noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826072960811527138.post-12807812293424951172011-03-28T22:03:00.002-07:002011-03-28T22:17:53.150-07:00Just A Few Highlights...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">I don't want this post to get too crazy, so I'm just going to give brief explanations of the things we've been up to :). Sorry, Cam is out of town and I'm exhausted, but I know I've put this off too long :) ...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Welcome to our home...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2J2eZjQ6WVE/TZFTh_b653I/AAAAAAAABoE/rWRT16udHE0/s1600/2011-02-09+16.54.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2J2eZjQ6WVE/TZFTh_b653I/AAAAAAAABoE/rWRT16udHE0/s400/2011-02-09+16.54.06.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is our rental house for the next year (or however long we decide to stay here). So far we love it! No stairs and plenty of space for the kids to <span style="font-size: x-small;"><strike>get lost</strike></span> play... what more could you ask for! :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We have a lemon tree and a grapefruit tree in our backyard. Taya loves to pick the lemons, but has a hard time reaching them :) By the way, did you know lemon trees have thorns?? I cut myself one day and my thumb was swollen for 3 days! Yikes! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UdaoKwZ8iL8/TZENXy8mmJI/AAAAAAAABng/yb588QGR7jo/s1600/P1030248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UdaoKwZ8iL8/TZENXy8mmJI/AAAAAAAABng/yb588QGR7jo/s320/P1030248.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our dogs- which I'm sure you've been DYING to hear about :) - couldn't be any happier here! They lay in the sun all day and love to go on walks with this princess...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lS3y_6qz4TM/TZENdv8thtI/AAAAAAAABnk/1ruf7AMSRmQ/s1600/P1030264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lS3y_6qz4TM/TZENdv8thtI/AAAAAAAABnk/1ruf7AMSRmQ/s320/P1030264.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Trey, Jami, and baby Indie came for a visit in March!! We had lots of fun, ate lots of great food and enjoyed the warm weather while they were here! ...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z-luz04QU6I/TZFnDVLsuqI/AAAAAAAABok/LWuDgQEDz5U/s1600/P1030270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z-luz04QU6I/TZFnDVLsuqI/AAAAAAAABok/LWuDgQEDz5U/s400/P1030270.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-su530tBY284/TZFTm-I5PFI/AAAAAAAABoI/j8tjpcFeW_A/s1600/2011-02-23+12.20.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-su530tBY284/TZFTm-I5PFI/AAAAAAAABoI/j8tjpcFeW_A/s400/2011-02-23+12.20.56.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We said goodbye to our truck a few weeks ago... it was a sad day for all of us! I had a love/hate relationship with the thing, but it will be missed for sure. BUT gas prices got the best of us- <span style="font-size: x-small;">and probably everyone else</span>- so we decided it was time! ....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qgsl2HNgN_4/TZENmfbL8bI/AAAAAAAABns/XK_IXPNaSdw/s1600/P1030296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qgsl2HNgN_4/TZENmfbL8bI/AAAAAAAABns/XK_IXPNaSdw/s400/P1030296.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Cam's new beauty....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ThPvIxnQEc4/TZFT1oQyTmI/AAAAAAAABoY/EyUXpJDFyc8/s1600/2011-03-12+17.07.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ThPvIxnQEc4/TZFT1oQyTmI/AAAAAAAABoY/EyUXpJDFyc8/s400/2011-03-12+17.07.43.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">On a lighter note- since all of you are depressed about us selling our truck too :) ...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">YES, this really happened</span>...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lodGupqou5o/TZENwW52XoI/AAAAAAAABnw/wHy0EA-ghxs/s1600/P1030277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lodGupqou5o/TZENwW52XoI/AAAAAAAABnw/wHy0EA-ghxs/s400/P1030277.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">It was great. Didn't make a mess at all. ;) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">.....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm not going to lie, most of our days consist of this...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-il7ZsPMs-nk/TZFTwLxcgSI/AAAAAAAABoM/qWWPBzLiDYw/s1600/2011-03-03+12.14.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-il7ZsPMs-nk/TZFTwLxcgSI/AAAAAAAABoM/qWWPBzLiDYw/s320/2011-03-03+12.14.11.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nczhhGfCxiM/TZEObx-wMDI/AAAAAAAABoA/3ACUD4rb6RI/s1600/P1030336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nczhhGfCxiM/TZEObx-wMDI/AAAAAAAABoA/3ACUD4rb6RI/s320/P1030336.JPG" width="236" /></a></div> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Sorry for all of you who are freezing right now... but just remember we'll be scorched in a few more months if it makes you feel any better. And if that doesn't make you feel any better, there's a mosquito that's bit me about 4 times in the small amount of time it's taken me to write this post.)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">If any of you have any friends in this area you know there's been crazy sicknesses going on- croup, pneumonia, etc. ... We were lucky not to have gotten pneumonia, but don't worry, the kids alternated being sick for over a month. It was AWFUL, but at least the kids were still able to entertain themselves being stuck inside all day...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Taya made lunch for her dollies, and apparently a bunny :) ...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t_5ZAXKvU6A/TZFTxw2KoMI/AAAAAAAABoQ/Zu65V7ifVbU/s1600/2011-03-04+11.00.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t_5ZAXKvU6A/TZFTxw2KoMI/AAAAAAAABoQ/Zu65V7ifVbU/s320/2011-03-04+11.00.17.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hide n' seek has been a daily game at our house lately. It's actually pretty funny. I hide with Dodger, who squeals and giggles the entire time, in hiding places that Taya assigns for us. It's very effective. And Taya either hides in the exact same spot the we just hid in or tells me before I start counting where she's going to hide. This is probably my favorite time of the day :) ...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e368IPRnKco/TZFT0FgFHFI/AAAAAAAABoU/QPUaYeYSniw/s1600/2011-03-12+09.30.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e368IPRnKco/TZFT0FgFHFI/AAAAAAAABoU/QPUaYeYSniw/s320/2011-03-12+09.30.39.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FvGO9xy7qUg/TZFT3ggFfRI/AAAAAAAABoc/SEUE58EGC5M/s1600/2011-03-15+10.09.49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FvGO9xy7qUg/TZFT3ggFfRI/AAAAAAAABoc/SEUE58EGC5M/s320/2011-03-15+10.09.49.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And Dodger, we've learned, is O.B.S.E.S.S.E.D. with Dora. :( I'm not talkin' like the kid likes it, I'm talking OBSESSED! If the t.v. turns on and he doesn't see Dora within a couple seconds he hunts down the remote, brings it to us, and whines until Dora is turned on. I haven't decided whether I think it's cute or sad! Haha. But it sure is cute watching him sit on his knees to watch it. (Which, by the way, is the only way he will sit. NEVER EVER will he sit on his bum. In fact, when I'm holding him and reach to set him down he bends his knees so he can kneel down instead.) ...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fvl2r1Sch4Q/TZFT4_E5j9I/AAAAAAAABog/nw32SQeSMa0/s1600/2011-03-28+16.19.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fvl2r1Sch4Q/TZFT4_E5j9I/AAAAAAAABog/nw32SQeSMa0/s320/2011-03-28+16.19.15.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We went and saw the Mesa temple last Sunday night. It's gorgeous! Our kids loved it-- loved the flowers, walking around, etc. Such an amazing feeling just to be on the temple grounds and get to escape "life" for a minute...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Miwsj1yzNg/TZEODQASl9I/AAAAAAAABn0/015mJb8LJHw/s1600/P1030317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Miwsj1yzNg/TZEODQASl9I/AAAAAAAABn0/015mJb8LJHw/s400/P1030317.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_zF4BBFIPdI/TZEOG79Z84I/AAAAAAAABn4/ntzvxWPQYAU/s1600/P1030318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_zF4BBFIPdI/TZEOG79Z84I/AAAAAAAABn4/ntzvxWPQYAU/s400/P1030318.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And last, but not least, we celebrated the big <span style="font-size: large;">"32"</span> for my handsome hubby this past Thursday. He didn't do or get much because 1. Without fail he ALWAYS picks out any kind of present he gets at least 2 months before the actual holiday (and I'm tired of feeling bad and caving so he gets double the presents :) ) and 2. Haven't found ourselves any babysitters yet, so until that day happens we're at the mercy of our children (<span style="font-size: x-small;">wow that sounds bad :)</span> ). But hopefully he still had a good birthday! He wanted Joe's BBQ for lunch, so he brought it home and got to use our new "special" plate for the first time...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k6Zj6sLgqfE/TZEORx-CW9I/AAAAAAAABn8/_LtxPCC7nFo/s1600/P1030326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k6Zj6sLgqfE/TZEORx-CW9I/AAAAAAAABn8/_LtxPCC7nFo/s320/P1030326.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Thanks to Cam's mom! :) )</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And of course we had cake and all that good stuff... with matches for candles (whoops!). Happy Birthday Babe! We love you!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">***Sorry this was the most random post ever! Hopefully you made it all the way to the end :). We're still alive and kicking here though! <span style="font-size: large;">Arizona seriously has THE NICEST PEOPLE EVER!!! Everywhere I go I cannot believe how nice everyone is. Grocery stores, gas stations, fast food restaurants... which usually you get the most ornery people out of, but here, there really is something in the air. Everyone genuinely cares about everyone. It really is awesome. And infectious! So, for now... Yes, we love it. :)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">**Update... My sister just asked if that was poop on Dodger's face. No, my son is not eating poop. He got into a chocolate bar when I was out of the room and shoved the entire thing in his mouth. Apparently he's been food-deprived for too long. Dang allergies. </span></span></div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00404467975807461579noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1826072960811527138.post-8986334571848641042011-03-13T21:36:00.000-07:002011-03-13T21:36:20.180-07:00Sickie-Wickies<div style="text-align: center;">My sister just yelled at me because of my slacking blog(s) so I thought I'd write a quick update. It's depressing... 2 weeks ago Dodger got sick- fever of 102+, throwing up, etc., was sick for a week, almost was over it and THEN Taya got sick- fever, croup, etc. It's been 5 days now, she's still not any better, and guess what... Dodger's getting it AGAIN! Are you kidding me!? Needless to say we're heading to the doctor tomorrow. The one good thing about this whole situation... I haven't gotten it yet! <span style="font-size: x-small;">Knock on wood.</span> I ALWAYS get whatever the kids get! I'm starting to think all these supplements I'm on are paying off! And also, I guess there are a few more positives to the whole sickness business- we've decided Taya has the CUTEST raspy voice ever, I wish it would stay :) . She's also been sooo cute with Dodger since she's been sick, I wish that would stay too! It's been nice for a change!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cam figured out something the other day that we also LOVE :) ... Dodger can sing the tune of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. It's absolutely adorable. I never noticed it until Cam mentioned it, but I usually sing that to him every night and he always sings during the day. A few days ago Cam said, "Is he singing Twinkle Twinkle?" Sure enough, he totally was! Now that we've started noticing he'll do it all the time and does it when you ask him to. So cute. It just comes out as "la la la la la la la" or "yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah", but still, pretty cute for a 17 month old. Speaking of which, do they let kids into the nursery if they're not walking yet? I'm getting worried! And I don't care what people say, I HATE the crawling stage. I'd rather them go straight to walking so 8 months of crawling for me is TORTURE. Maybe it's my way of being taught patience ... can you tell it's not working? :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyway- I'm sorry for the lack of blog posts! We really haven't been up to much, though, as you can tell! Cam just got our garage 100% organized and ready for me to start painting again and I'm SOOO excited! It's been long overdue and I'm definitely needing an outlet.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We're missing our family and friends a TON, but we still love it here. We're doing good besides our house of sickies! Can't wait to see everyone again in April! </div>Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00404467975807461579noreply@blogger.com3