Thursday, December 6, 2007
The Stockings Were Hung...
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Thanksgiving Update
Oh well, it was worth the laughs!
The day after, none of us braved Black Friday. Instead the girls decided to make candy and have a Guitar Hero jam session. I suck, but it was so fun! I need that game. We also stayed at Cal and Jeanette's that night. It was fun to be able to see that side of the family too. It seemed a little off not having two Thanksgiving dinners this year. All the Nelson's were at their cabins except Cal's family. We were happy they decided to stick around. Spence and Oli had a blast "making science" with Alli and Jessica. We don't get to see the Vegas clan nearly enough these days.
I am truly grateful for our families. They are so wonderful to us. I can't imagine not having that support system. Having parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins that you can share your life with is such a blessing and makes everything so much more colorful. I have the best husband ever and two amazing children. I feel like they help me grow everyday. I am so blessed!
That said, I now will turn into a Debbie Downer. I don't know what my problem is. I am having such a difficult time getting into the Christmas spirit. I have yet to pull out the decorations, which I am sure will help, but I am just not excited to do it. Poor Spencer has been asking for days, but I just haven't gotten around to it. I love listing to Christmas music, but I am not into the jingles and whatnots. I only am moved or filled when it is something beautiful and spiritual. The traditional songs are just songs on the radio and do not even feel festive to me. I find myself actually feeling sad. I am sure part of it is me missing my girlfriends. Life just isn't the same in our new neighborhood, but I know life in our old neighborhood isn't the same either! Everyone has moved, or is thinking about moving, so there is nothing to be done. I know I will get to know people in our new neighborhood, but life is just crazy for everyone this time of year, so I am sure it will take awhile.
I miss not being close to my family. I know they are just an hour away, but it is the everyday buzz that I miss being involved in. I feel like I am missing out on so much, even though they are busy with their day to day stuff too. It isn't realistic to go down there very often especially when there are schedules to keep and when I have a car that requires premium gasoline!
I have even lost the desire to Christmas shop! What you say? Can it be? It is true my friends, it is true. Actually, I don't know that I ever really liked Christmas shopping. I have a hard time with how commercial everything is. It makes me crazy to hear my little guy ask for everything on TV when he doesn't play with his entire toy room full of toys. Now, I know all children do this, but it just makes me sick to think of how much we have and how many more there are that go without. Go without the simple things, at that! Good thing Santa only brings one present to our house, and they only get a few from Mom and Dad! I do, on the other hand, like the idea of spending time with people I love. I love being able to walk the mall with family and friends laughing, people watching, and shoving my face to satisfy a craving of greasy food court offerings. That is what I want. It isn't to spend money and to get more of the unnecessary, but to be around people I love. I feel like I have been removed from all of that, and maybe that is why I am feeling this way.
I recognize the season has just begun, and I am one who does not begin celebrating the Christmas season until Thanksgiving is over. I have time to warm up to all that the season brings. I also recognize that I need to reach beyond myself and think of others. I need to think of our Savior. I must admit that I have been sluggish in my temple attendance. I have been feeling, or more appropriately, yearning to go. Maybe that is where my sadness is coming from. I am disappointed in the lack of service I have been giving to others. I hope that I will take this opportunity to turn it around. I think that is why I am writing this. I think it will make me more accountable for my actions.
After all that venting, I really must say that even though all my friends live away from me now, as well as my parents and siblings, I love nothing more that being able to be with MY family. I love being home. I love when Kevin gets home and the kids are so excited to hear the door. I love the chaos of our nightly routines. I love jammies, stories, crazy night time hair, and most of all quiet time with Kevin. He is my rock. He loves me even when I am not being loving. My family is the best gift ever, and that is all I need.
So if you read this far, thank you! More importantly, Olivia and Nick Nolte wish you a Happy and Safe Holiday Season!!!
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Headbangers BRAWL
So what did I learn from this? Either I will just slap a butterfly bandage on the next wound that requires 3 stitches or less, OR I will have a roll of duct tape ready for restraint purposes.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Monday, November 5, 2007
This Weekend Was a Bust...Literally
After I changed again, my dad and I took Spence to the Quick Care to get checked out. He was crying the whole way. I tried to prep him for the idea of stitches, but that was a bad idea. He just started freaking out even more. Good thing my dad was there...he told him he could have the biggest size Slurpee when we were done. That totally helped! Thankfully the quick care was empty, and we only had to wait a few minutes before we were taken back. We got a wonderful doctor who Spencer really liked. In the end, Spencer had to get three stitches.
I have to say the whole experience was exhausting. I didn't quite have the energy to last very long at Rachel's reception, which was beautiful, so we headed back early to get everyone in bed. I still haven't quite figured out if the weekend was a bust, but we did have a good time. I am still considering making him wear a helmet for the rest of his childhood. I CANNOT HANDLE ANY MORE HEAD INJURIES!!! Enjoy the pictures. Sit down because they will definitely make you legs hurt!
Friday, November 2, 2007
Boys & Girls of Every Age???
Where do I begin? What a Halloween we had! It all began Monday night when we had our annual Bailey pumpkin carving and chili Family Home Evening. We had a great time eating and demolishing Kevin's parent's home. I think we carved about a dozen pumpkins!!! The kids had a blast running around outside in the AMAZING weather while the adults did all the work. This was the first pumpkin I carved since I was a kid! I had forgotten how fun it can be!
Tuesday, Olivia came down with a fever, and we were worried that she wouldn't be feeling well enough by Wednesday. Luckily, the fever had gone and we were able to take the kiddies out for a little Trick-or-Treating. I would have been so sad if her cute Dorothy costume went to waste! I swear I was breaking a sweat just trying to get them to take a picture! Spencer didn't mind posing for a cool Ninja shot, but then Oli kept trying to pose like one too. Oh well. I am learning that trying to get a decent picture of my children is like trying to heard cats. Anywho, we went to Kevin's office first and walked around with some other kids getting candy from the employees. We had a quick pizza dinner and were off to the Trunk-or-Treat. Can we say mini van? HELLO! The whole parking lot looked like a mini van dealership! We beat it out of there pretty fast because we ran out of candy, and we had a HUGE bowl of candy!
We went home and Oli and I got our jammies on (Spencer had his under his costume) and were done for the night. Kev took Spencer to a friends house where lots of kids got to hold and pet snakes and spiders! Spencer loved it and now wants a pet python. Thanks John! BTW, John is our friend that hosted this little shin dig and is the one sporting the French maids uniform. Again, thank you John. The word I hear is if you drop a pen, he will pick it up for you!!! Maybe that is not such a good idea.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Happy Anniversary

niversary Dude ;) 
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Quite the Fiesta
ANYWAY, on Thursday, Lydia and I went to Chelsea's naughty shower where the both of us learned a thing or two! We had fun having dinner with the girls, and it was fun to see Chels before the wedding day.
The sealing was beautiful. It was so fun to watch Nestor's face. He has a really cute smile, which he doesn't show off near enough. I was so pleased with the two of them getting sealed in the temple. That is the best way to start of a marriage! The weather was amazing, and it was fun to visit with everyone outside. It was really fun to see my good friend Candace too. She was the photographer. You can see her site here. I never get to see her when I am down because she is always shooting, so that was really fun for me!
Finally, a highlight of the night was Lydia catching the bouquet! Hooray for Lydia! Now all we have to do is find her a man! Here she is with Nestor's brother (I think). Doesn't she look pretty?!!
The whole day was beautiful, and the night was quite a fiesta! I know for sure the party continued late into the night because they were moving the party to Nestor's parent's house after it was done at the Nelson's! I wish you could have been there to see it, but maybe some of you will be at Rachel and Miles' reception in a couple weeks. It is at Cal and Jeanette's too!
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
My Preciousssssss
Monday, October 8, 2007
Elvira or Vixen?
So what do you think? It has been a couple of years since I have gone dark, and I thought with the season change it was a good time. I was in the mood, and I love it! I wish it was about 8" longer, then it would be fabuloso. OK, so do Lydia and I officially look like sisters now?!! I pulled an expression in the mirror after it was done and I was thinking, 'Holy crap, that is Lydia!' Spencer asked me why I turned my hair brown when I picked him up from school today, but he said he liked it. Few! All I need is a 4 year old telling me I am not cute! Hopefully the hubby likes it! He doesn't know I did it!
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
The Glories of Fall
This last weekend I drove the kiddies down to good ol' Utah County to go for a ride up the ski lifts in Sundance with Nana, Papa, and Uncle Ryan. I was a little worried that the weather was going to turn on us, but it ended up being a spectacular fall day. It was overcast, a little breezy, but it felt just like fall. The leaves were so beautiful. If you are here and haven't been to see them, you must go soon! It seems they are gone before you know it.
The boys went up on a lift together with Spence, and the girls took Oli. I am sure my dad and Ry had a little easier time with Spencer, but we had nonstop action on our trip. Olivia almost lost a shoe in the first 30 seconds, she tried to throw her hat off at the half way point, and I swear that girl has a death wish. She would have jumped off if we let her (probably because it looked like the mountain bikers below were having so much fun). Even though she was a handful, Mom and I had fun kicking our legs and letting the breeze blow through our hair. It is amazing to look at the what Heavenly Father created for us, and that he did it to bring us joy.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
No Habla Espanol
Our first day we got in and went to our Aunt Aleda's house. Um, HOLY CRAP! This place was incredible. It was perfect down to the last detail. It needs to be professionally photographed because I don't think we quite captured the feel of it. There are 6 bathrooms to start. Yea, you heard me. There were three casitas, two of which were bedrooms. Eric and Ryan's room was completely chiseled (literally) out of stone. Ours had the most amazing ceiling EVER. Both of our rooms had their own little terrace with tables. The entire exterior was covered in foliage and flowers. So beautiful. I can save all the other details for those that ask. Anywho, we went to dinner with Carlene and Aleda, and had a mariachi band play while we ate. It was so fun. Sadly, none of us got any footage of the old, overweight, toothless woman bumping and grinding to the music. She was the baste!
The rest of the trip contained lots of shopping in quaint little towns, sight seeing, museums, amazing food, and being crammed into the back of a suburban.
We spent time at Carlene's 17th century home, uh huh, and let her staff attend to us. Just kidding, they didn't really "attend" to us. They just made us some really tasty food!
A highlight of the trip was going to a Queen tribute concert. It was hilarious!!! Honestly, I wasn't sure what to expect, especially when it claimed to be 'multimedia.' Lets just say there were big screens of Queen videos playing, terribly choreographed ballet dancers, and a magician that would put Gob to shame, and an orchestra that we couldn't hear. I must admit that the drummer stole the show, according to me of course. He was awesome! The crowd was wild! I don't know if they would have reacted any differently if Freddie Mercury was there in the flesh.
Finally, my favorite day of the trip was going to see our Aunt Carlene's and Uncle Rosendo's ranch. They are planning on turning it into a resort, and it is well on its way. Before we actually went there, we stopped at another ranch and got to see Uncle Ro at his carriage lessons. They are learning to drive them so they can have carriage races at their ranch. It was really fun to watch but even better to ride. We went from the lessons to their ranch and had a 4 course meal (prepared by their cooks of course) and went on a tour of the property. It was so relaxing, and as far as describing the ranch, you just need to see it for yourself. It was wild.
We had a wonderful time and left with an open invitation to come down at anytime with anyone. So, who's up for Mexico? Oh yea, and we all got Mexican wrestling masks!
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Viva La Mexico!

Well, it is Saturday night, the kids are in bed, the house is clean, and I need to pack! We are off to Mexico tomorrow morning! Aye aye aye aye! Kevin, my dad, mom, Eric, Ryan, and I are heading down to Guanajuato, Mexico to visit our Aunt Aleda, Aunt Carlene, and Uncle Rosendo. Carlene and Ro live there with their twins, and Aleda decided to buy a vacation home there just around the corner. It is a sweet little town that is full of character. It is even know to host a film festival or two. Believe it or not, my Aunt Carlene had Tim Burton over for dinner a month or two ago! How I would have died to met that man. He is so creative and created my cute Jack Skelington! Anyway, a full week without children and just soaking in culture, conversation and food is exactly what we need! The town is located in central Mexico, but I think we are staying a day or two at my aunt and uncles new Bed and Breakfast (or is it a Chair, Lunch, Dinner?) on the beach a couple hours away. We are so excited!
We are also so lucky to have Kevin's sister and her hubby watch our two little ones while we are gone. They have two children too, so that means four children four and under, and three of them are in diapers! What the?!! Let me not forget to mention they are coming from another week long sitting job of four children (so 6 total) including a set of twins!!! Maniacs, I know. Good luck Nicole and Garrett! We love you for doing this!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
I Love Technology

Believe it or not, I am back! I seriously feel like I have been in the stone age! No computer, no TV, and my cell reception sucks at our new house, so I have pretty much felt isolated without the technology I am used to! I have to say that I am overwhelmed at the idea of catching up, but I am also looking forward to it. I have also been accused of being like my younger sibiling, name not to be mentioned, for not posting. I feel like I have some pretty good excuses!!! Moving for one! In that process I lost my internet, boo hiss! I also was out of town at my 10 year reunion the day my hubby decided to move us in. BTW, it was so fun! The reunion, not the moving. I think Kevin almost killed himself. He was so exhaused for days, and then he got the flu. Poor guy. So in the process of unpacking, taking care of my chillins (kind of, hee hee), not having technology sweet technology, school and soccer starting, and just running plain mad, I haven't posted. Also, you will have to go another week without me starting on Sunday because Kevin and I and some of my fam are going to Mexico to visit our aunts. Yippee! Anyway, I've now posted. I will do my best to catch you up! Here are just a few pics of things that happened. Thanks for not forgetting about me!
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Heaven Help Me
Ok, ok, I have been TERRIBLE at posting lately. I have a billion things to blog about but I just haven't done it. Life is crazy here. My house is filled with boxes, Spencer just got over the flu, and Olivia gave herself a black eye. I have been running in circles everyday, and my poor hubby is working all hours of the day. SO, today I felt like I should take some time out to spend with my sweet attention deprived children. We went to a local pool that has some really fun indoor and outdoor kiddy pools (this pic was from a different day at a different park). We had a ton of fun, and I began to feel like a better mother. On the way home I decided to stop for some food because I hadn't eaten all day and was starving. Anywho, as we pulled up to the drive through, a Hispanic girl with a mole on her face handed me my food and we left. Spencer was a little distraught because I didn't get him a drink, so he told me to go back and "tell the brown girl with the spot on her face give him a drink." WHAT! I couldn't stop laughing, which of course totally confused him, and all I could think was HEAVEN HELP ME! WHAT AM I TO DO WITH THIS CHILD? All I can say is that I was glad I was in a car when no one else was around. The end.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Shop Til' You Drop

Believe it or not, I am alive! It has been a while since I posted last, but give me a break! I am running around like a chicken with it's head cut off. I am sure it is mostly my fault for not being organized enough right now, but I feel like I have been so busy. Our house is moving along pretty quickly, so we thought we would head down to Vegas to do a little shopping. Furniture shopping! We left the kids with Bree and Eric (thanks a million guys), and took Ryan and Lydia with us to shop til' we dropped. My mom's friend Leslie was kind enough to take us with her to the Market. Kev and I needed some furniture, Lydia needed the experience (she is in the interior design program at BYUI), and Ryan was along for the ride.
We stopped at the R.C. Willey outlet when we got into town and found a couch for the kids toy room and a chair for the guest room. Not a bad start if you ask me! The next day we went to the Sands convention center to check things out. Holy grail! It was packed with stuff! There were a few things that I wanted, but they had already been purchased. Oh well. The guys split up from us because they would have killed us if they had to wait around for us. They were great sports! We made some mental notes after we walked it all and decided to come back the next day.
After we conquered the convention center we went back to the World Market Center. This place is huge! I am still not sure how much we didn't get to see. I know we didn't cover it all. Lyd and I stayed until closing to scope things out for the next day, but we couldn't buy anything because Leslie had to head home early. No worries! We ended up running to Tuesday Mornings so I could look for some sheets, and I ended up finding a rug! Of all places! Can you believe it?
The next morning we woke up early and headed out again! We scoped out a few more floors and then got serious. We ended up getting a sectional for our basement, 3 leather bar stools, a love seat, a chair for the den, a chair for the family room, a bed for our room, a 6 piece bedroom set for Olivia, a 5 piece bedroom set for Spencer, and 5 pieces of art!!! Sa-weet! I can't believe the mark up on furniture! There is absolutely no way we could have even bought half of this stuff if it was from a public furniture store. I honestly don't know if I can buy furniture at a furniture store anymore. I know that isn't realistic, but it seems so overpriced now that I have seen how inexpensive it can be!
Overall, I feel like it was a completely successful weekend. We got a ton of furniture, got to hang out with some cousins, saw a few flicks, and had no kids for four days! Not bad, eeh?




