Steve, Andee, Baby E and Dilly

ARUBA jamaica ooo I wanna take ya to Bermuda...

2011-06-26T08:41:00.000-07:00

We started our trip at the Restaurant Hadicurari for my Mother's Day dinner. This place was fantastic. Right on the beach and the food was fantastic. The owner of the restaurant would say to us... "Hun-ee-moon-airs!! You come 2, you leave three! Next year we need high chair!" We laughed... little did he know we are veterans with 2 at home. Well to make it funnier, this restaurant was right next to our hotel so we heard it EVERYDAY for the next 6 days. Oh gee... funny guy.
Right next door there is an outdoor dance floor and lots of young people jamming to LOUD music. Luckily Steve and I were in the mood to dance so it didn't bother us and once dinner was over we joined them and had a BLAST! We were the tallest people on the dance floor and of course the best dancers :)

Crazy Dinner at Senor Frogs. Probably never again. haha

We took a Snorkel Cruise with the Jolly Pirates on their pirate ship around the Shipwreck and Reef. Fascinating. As far as the size of the ship, it is sunk at a very shallow depth. You can see every detail on the boat from the surface with a pair of Snorkels on.

Steve was so proud of this Jeep. "Look at the tread on those tires! I told them I wanted great tires... that's all I needed, great tires and GUTS"

Wish Garden - 1 mile long down the coast. Rocks stacked on top of each other. We built our tower and made a wish. I hope it comes true! Wish us luck!

Steve saw someone in distress. Stuck in the Sand.

He came to their rescue!! "Come see me at the Duty Free store at the Airport on your way out of town. Bottle of Wine on me!!" The man says to us. :)

Natural Bridge - the other bridge came crashing down just 1 year ago. I hope this one stays standing much longer. It is beautiful!

Bushiribana Ruins built by the original inhabitants of the Island of Aruba - the Arawak Indians.

Natural Pools. You can see how the water was hitting the rocks and crashing over the natural pool. There were like 50 little crabs that would run their little bodies sideways to get back up the rock after being pushed to the pool. Most people had left by the time we got there cause the Ocean was getting a little Scary. p.s. Saw a fish while snorkeling in here that was the size of me... I am not kidding. Okay he was the size of Ethan but still...

Milton and Rachel - Arubans that did not have a 4x4 to get to the natural pool so they rode their bikes... with flat tires. We of course told them to throw their rusty bikes on top of the Jeep and hop in for the rest of the 5 mile mountain terrain ride.

Apparently Milton's bike used to be a tandem? hmm...

snorkeling at Baby Beach.

Guadirikiri Cave which is 30 Meters Deep.

We went to eat at the restaurant named the Screaming Eagle for my birthday. I met a woman in the airport terminal when we first got in that had a 2nd or 6th home or something in Aruba (big $$$ obviously) Anyway, she said that the two of us needed to go to this restaurant because it was so romantic. Well, we took her advice and so glad we did. Never had either of us had such an amazing meal nor had either of us been in a place that was more romantic (or pricey) :) But I will tell you this... I will NEVER forget it.

Parasailing - 1000 ft up in the air!

Aruba was far more family friendly than we were expecting. When we go back we will definitely be taking the kids with us! I would recommend Aruba as a vacation spot!

NY, NY

2011-06-25T20:43:00.000-07:00

Arrived at our Fabulous Hotel, the Hilton at Times Square surrounded by Hell's Kitchen. We spent our first several hours in New York just trying to keep up with Josh Ferguson. Josh is Jeff's Best friend who is out there working as a fashion photographer. He made it very clear that we were not to wear bright colors nor any shirts with graphics on them. We did not listen very carefully. He was obviously embarrassed of us because we spent the whole day chasing him from one monument to the next. Central Park, Trump Tower, the LDS temple, Hell's Kitchen, The Metropolitan Museum of Art (AMAZING), Times Square, Grimaldi's Pizzeria, the Brooklyn Bridge, Financial District etc.

We had heard all about Grimaldi's Pizzeria being the best pizza in NYC so we took our chances with the crowd and headed to the Pizzeria underneath the Brooklyn Bridge. There was a line formed out on the sidewalk with a rope running down the middle of the curb. Grimaldi himself would come out and yell "How many?!" If you don't answer, you get skipped, if you do not have your whole party with you, you get skipped, if you don't have the exact right number of people in your party for his opening.. you get skipped. Many parties of 4 started splitting up into 2's so they could get in. Once you are "accepted" you are placed in the only opening available. Even if that means at a table with complete strangers. The tables are so close inside the pizzeria it's as if you are eating on top of eachother anyway. But I will admit... It IS the best pizza I have ever had. Dunno how he did it either. I don't get it. I COULD NOT figure it out, and if you know me, I am like "little chef" from Disney's Ratoutielle. I can SMELL and TASTE Everything. Usually to a point I can pick out the ingredients. I hear he has ties to the mob and has rights to the most amazing cheese in the world. ??!?! I wouldn't discount that claim so fast...

We were looking for Breakfast and Josh told us to go into a little convenience store the size of my bedroom that looked disgusting. Had Josh not told us it was safe we would NOT have eaten it. It was delicious, and the people yelled at you for your order and yelled at you if you ordered wrong and yelled how much you owed them and did not smile. It was AWESOME. just exactly cliche' New York Breakfast.

The actual Rebuild of the World Trade Center. The feeling was unexplainable. Though we are smiling in the next picture we really just stood there in awe for about 20 minutes. It truly feels like they are rebuilding the nation
There are still buildings with the windows blown out and boards up. There is also many buildings still missing. It's a humbling experience to see it in real time. Wish I had been back even sooner. I think it was important for me to see and FEEL. Intense.

These last two pictures are of a place in the heart of the Financial District in downtown New York City. Just across the street from the site of the World Trade Centers. I LOVE this cafe. Panini & Co. It had EVERYTHING! Every kind of pastry and dessert you can think of, pasta made to order, sandwiches, and a mix in salad bar. It was like Walgreens but for delicious food. (You know how Walgreens has so much stuff!?! Like random stuff you didn't know you needed but when you see it there you are like "I Need that!" like fuzzy slippers that turn into a neck pillow for airplane travel or a ch-ch-ch-chia pet in the shape of Matt Lauer. That kind of needed stuff.

The Famous Wall Street Bull, NYSE.

I LOVE this pic. This is our CD Album Cover. Really sweet Architecture and Art pieces in the financial district.

On the NY Subways. Since it is the only way to really do New York. Josh just made us ride it everywhere for one; to save cash but two because we were so afraid we would be bombed if we went down there. p.s. we weren't bombed in the metro.

This is a picture of us waiting in line outside an underground Comedy Club that Josh found. There were 3 comedians that night. The first guy... made me scream/laugh he was so funny. The second guy... also hilarious. The 3rd guy... let's just say it was like one of those moments when you are channel surfing and it just happens to be on an episode of Jerry Springer or MTV's "The Grind" the moment your step-Father walks into the room. You feel like you need to explain yourself but if you do, you only look more guilty. So you get that it was awkward.

New York was wonderful and I totally get why people feel so attached to the city. It is amazing and so rich with history. I cannot wait to go back, I feel that in 3 short days it became MY city. I <3 NYC.

Have you been to Aruba?

2011-03-17T20:16:00.000-07:00

Steve and I just booked our 2011 trip! Heading to Aruba in the Bahamas. Have any of you been? What are some things we should look into?

When we went to Cancun last year it was a BIG help to have talked to friends about things to do. We were hooked up with a lot of great people while we were down there and we're hoping you all have some great input or contacts.

Hooray for getting a tan in 2011!

Neck, Nog N' Snog

2010-12-16T14:48:00.001-08:00

We started the evening 'round the dinner table with slippery noodles covered in decadent sauces, Homemade Rosemary bread dipped in Oil and Balsamic and light leefy greens parading 'neath sweet red tomatoes and candied mushrooms. The dinner was accompanied by Mint and Vanilla Hot Chocolate garnished with striped candy cane stirring sticks and petite marshmallows. In tall crystal glasses flowed sparkling apple-cranberry delight, and apple-peach cider and in a tall glass vase the Egg Nog.

Dabney shared stories of Christmas apast and Ryan joked while Kenny G's Christmas album filled the soundwaves. Small baby T was soothed by the humming of the fireplace in the living room and the warm glow of the Christmas tree lights.
Light chatter took place near the tree, mugs filled with steaming hot cocoa splooshed and splashed as the laughter continued.

We then found ourselves snuggled up in a Shuttle Bus to sing to neighbors and friends. A carol or two with a dance and a jig. Dashing through the streets of town, laughing all the way.

Cheers to good company and even better friends!!

I am thankful for friends that I can rely on and depend on for selflessness and entertainment. Thanks for a wonderful Neck, Nog N' Snog 2010!

2010-10-03T14:15:00.000-07:00

Love Em!

Weight Update

2010-09-16T13:25:00.000-07:00

So, One week down... I weighed in this morning at 152.8 lbs. That is 6 lbs down. I know that sounds like a lot but like I told you, I was eating A LOT before I started this.
I had Bunco last night with the ladies, and darling Emilie made a FABULOUS meal for us and I'll tell you what... I ate plenty! So I need to make it clear, I am not being a perfect eater, but I don't plan to either. Especially after having a baby you need to give yourself wiggle room, and like I mentioned before, I am breastfeeding and need to take in enough calories to be sure my milk doesn't dry up. Though... I read up on it and word is that you can lessen calories but be sure your fluid levels and vitamins are sufficient and you won't have any problems with milk supply.
So lots and lots of water!

Anyway, Steve and I are still running together, Tues, Thurs and Saturday. We only run just over 3 miles at a pace of about 9 minute miles. I have done a little bit of stomach conditioning to prepare for my first week back at the gym. Next week: An Abs class and one Body Pump class.

I have found something that works really well for me, I would love to hear if it works for any of you... let me know
Remember the old saying "Eat Breakfast like a King, Lunch like a Prince and dinner like a popper"? Well I have my own little twist
I eat a small breakfast, A LARGE lunch and normal dinner.
The reason I don't do the Breakfast like a king is because it makes me eat more throughout the day. Especially since Breakfast is usually a High-Sugar, or High-Fat meal. (Cereal, Pancakes, Bacon, Sausage..) I prefer a Light N'Fit yogurt, or eggs with tomatoes or a Protein bar.
A large lunch is great because it propels you throughout the rest of the day, gives you the energy you need for work and we make SMARTER decisions at lunch. Chicken, Sandwiches, Fruit..) all things that we usually overlook for dinner. This is a great time for snacks if you need them since you have the rest of the day to burn them off.
Dinner I make sure to eat before 7pm and drink only water the rest of the evening until bed.

Seems to be working thus far.
Wish me luck in the weeks to come!

Chicken Salad Sandwich

1 can white chicken meat - 140 cal
1 tbsp Light Mayo - 20 cal
1 tsp mustard - 0 cal
5 sprays Can't Believe Not Butter - 0 cal
6 Kalamata olives - 20 cal (these add a lot of flavor)
1 leaf lettuce - 0 cal
2 pieces Sara Lee Multi Grain Bread - 45 cal each
1 peach - 60 cal
330 calories TOTAL

DELICIOUS!

Who Would Post This!?!?

2010-09-09T15:41:00.000-07:00

So, everyone knows I am the one to take a joke too far or to tell way too many details... Well this is no exception!

I had a friend tell me to post about losing the baby weight since I was able to get back down to size after the first babe. But truth is... I didn't lose the weight until Ethan was 10 months old, after I had stopped breastfeeding and when I had been training for a Marathon! Well of course anybody would lose weight after running 30 miles a week.
Anyway... Steve's family is having a Weight Loss Challenge and whoever loses the most weight wins a pot of money.

So it begins... I am going to tell you all how much I weigh (EEEK!!) and update you with the progress as I try to shed the rest of the baby weight.
The day I went into Labor I weighed 180. A week later - 170. week 2 - 165. week 4 - 160. week 5 - 159. I am at week 9 and I am still 159.
So... I have 14 lbs to lose to be back at my starting weight.

Weighed in yesterday at 58.8 lbs. with 24.8% body fat.
Goal is to weigh 143 lbs with 17-19% body fat.
Ran 2 miles with Steve this morning, ate a protein shake for Breakfast had a grilled chicken breast with Saute'd mushrooms on it and feta cheese crumbles for lunch. Whole Grain English muffin with Peanut butter and honey for a snack and for dinner will eat a salad with imitation crab meat on it and poppyseed dressing.

I have to be sure I am eating enough since I am still breastfeeding but lower my calories... we'll see if I am able to do it!

Wish me luck!

p.s. The picture on here is the only "body" picture I have of myself since having Dylann. It is the most accurate. We are taking Before pictures tonight so I will post them tomorrow. I can't believe I am telling everybody my weight and posting pictures of my big ol bum, but like I said.... I always take it a step too far! Don't you just love that about me though? :)

My Life Lately

2010-08-02T13:48:00.000-07:00

So I had Baby Dylann on July 5th. Delivery went well, I was even feeling pretty good the says following, then all of a sudden, my back teeth were killing me.
Dentist - "I won't look at those teeth until you get your wisdom's out!"

Oral Surgeon - "We need to get those wisdom teeth out asap, come in tomorrow." (The 15th, Ten days after having a baby)

So they forget to tell me not to eat to get the anesthesia, so I scarfed food all day, get to my appt... "We'll have to just give you a bunch of shots and keep you awake"
I'm bawling cause i'm super hormonal (remember the baby) and I'm scared and tired and etc..
First tooth comes out, a cinch! Other side... NOT SO MUCH. He sat there digging at my face for a good 15 minutes, yanking, cracking and throwing my head around like it was a rag doll.
Next day, misery, pain, torture! Waking up every 3 hrs when Dylann cried to eat, only to be reminded that my face is ripped open! Thanks to my husband we survived it.

So for the last 2 weeks I have had major swelling on one side and a bruise that was black, blue, red, yellow, so bad that MANY people asked if my husband had gotten physical with me. "Nope, just my wisdom teeth" "Oh my gosh, I have never seen anything that bad!" they say (In my head I am thinking, thank you for that.)

So 2 night ago I wake up in excruciating pain, feels like a truck had hit my face and my face started swelling again! Migraines continue until this morning when I had my appt with the doc to see what was wrong... TMJ?? Did he leave part of the tooth in there? Infection from the surgery?? Will I need a major operation to fix whatever has gone terribly wrong?

NOPE.

A Popcorn Kernel. Yes. The exact popcorn kernel I decided 4 days ago I was addicted to. The love affair with my white cheddar popcorn is OVER.

YUM

2010-07-31T12:21:00.000-07:00

ADDICTED.

Baby Mama Advice

2010-07-27T12:32:00.000-07:00

This is kinda a weird post... So What!?!
Just to let ya'll know... because most of you are Baby Mamas and why not?!
I have a Double Electric Pump by Medela (like $270) that I used with Ethan. Nice pump but ya Gotta sit by an outlet, gotta hold those clamps to your chest and listen to the motor go "Brrrrrr......DDrrrrr.....Brrrrr.....DDrrrrr" and try your best not to feel like a Dairy Cow.

BUT NOW... INTRODUCING... The Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump! Cachow!!
I LOVE this pump. This is me... feed baby under blanket, then switch baby for this fabulous little tiny pump and Wah-lah! Milk! I can pump wherever I need! In the car, in bed, at the park... haha haven't pumped at the park yet but oh I will! ha

I am being completely serious when I say that I really like this pump. I got it at Target for $35, it is super efficient and easy to use, clean and carry around. I usually keep it in my diaper bag since it is such a convenient size. Also, I got mastitis with Ethan and I definitely feel that this pump will help to completely extract all the milk so I don't get any infected ducts.

So if any of you are moms to be and are looking for a pump, this is exactly what you should go for!

Introducing Baby Dylann..

2010-07-06T10:31:00.000-07:00

Little Miss Dylann
7 lbs 13 oz - 20.5 inches long and DIMPLES!

Here are the gorgeous pictures my sister took at the labor photo shoot.

One Memory at a Time - Baby Dylann

Alisha, I just want to let you know how much I appreciate you for being so supportive and so excited for me. My babies are so lucky to have you for an aunt, they are so loved... and they love you too.

You are a fantastic photographer, thank you so much for taking the whole morning off and coming to sit with us. I was so glad you were there. Love You

NESTING...

2010-06-28T16:55:00.000-07:00

We have been working non-stop lately. Wait a minute, let me re-phrase that... STEVE has been working non stop lately. We have been living in our apartment now for 2 years (wow!) and never really did anything too fancy to it... Until NOW. I am so excited to show you what my fabulous husband has done, but of course my part (the decor) isn't finished so I can't take any AFTER photos, just BEFORE'S. I promise I will post them this weekend, cause if I don't finish it... It will never happen. But anyway here are a few pictures of before our little transformation.

I want my hubby to know how much I appreciate everything he does, and how he will put in HOURS upon HOURS of work to make me happy, and give me a nice place to hang with my babies!

Avoiding my Calls... I will not bite.

2010-05-15T11:50:00.000-07:00

So I seem to always come to all of you for advice, and once again I find myself in yet another situation that I need you. Here goes... Oh and thanks to all of you that comment on my "Need advice" blogs. I really appreciate all my friends suggestions and support.
I have never been a Visiting Teacher (ya know... in relief society) due to I guess just being overlooked? Well now I have been called to visiting teach 2 newlywed girls and my partner is also a newlywed girl. I am actually very excited, and am taking it very seriously.

Well my partner is not inactive but she is more the kind that prefers to sleep in on Sundays, one of the girls we teach has a very inactive husband but she is strong and comes regularly and the other holds a calling and is very active. So I have got a great group right?!
Then why is it that none of them will call me back? I call my partner, leave a message, and rather than calling, she texts me back. I think because it is easier to come up with an excuse texting rather than on the phone.
Okay... so I will go by myself. No problem. If my partner doesn't really want to do it, I don't mind doing it by myself... but my other two girls won't answer my calls nor return my messages!!! My partner offered to set up the appt's with our girls last month cause I said I felt dumb like I was annoying them calling with no response. Unfortunately... it did not happen. So this month... it is one of my girl's birthday. I bought her some jewelry (super cute I might add) and have left messages to just be able to stop by and told her I just needed to drop something off for her I guess to like LURE her into calling me back. NOPE. NOTHING.

So What do I do?? I really want to take my calling as a visiting teacher seriously and be able to help my partner want to come to church more often and even make friends in my ward but they are all just making me feel like a creep. Do I just keep reporting back to my supervisor that I was unable to get a hold of them? Do I just stop by like an uninvited visitor and give them the lesson on the doorstep? Or do I stop calling them EVERY month and maybe start calling every OTHER month so they don't feel like they are being bombarded with me? OR maybe just maybe keep doing what I am doing... take one for the team and feel like an absolute loser for the next while and hope that 4, 5, 10 months from now they will answer their phone.

Let me add real quick... this is the same group of girls I picked up in my car and took to a cupcake parlor so we could ALL get to know each other and be able to enjoy the visiting teaching rather than feeling like 2 strangers in the ward are stopping by your house every month. Guess it didn't work.

I don't bite.

Can't get enough!

2010-03-08T21:47:00.000-08:00

How adorable is this video done by Nate Pickett and Gideon Photography?!? These two totally have the "look" but I just dream of having a video EXACTLY like this for my children to watch years from now. Can you just imagine watching this of YOUR parents?

a shot in the dark from Nathan Pickett on Vimeo.

I really need some advice from you pros!

2010-03-05T20:41:00.000-08:00

I have no kitchen table.
I have no baby blue in my kitchen.
I want a baby blue kitchen table.

Actually, I want to first paint it red and then use a brush to paint it blue so it shows red through the brush strokes. I do have red in my kitchen area and can add blue of course but do you think this is a bad idea?? I want truth! and when I say truth I don't mean in the "Should I cut my hair into a bob and perm it?" "Yeah, totally Andee! That would look super cute on you!" sort of truth. I am serious... Am I just hoping it will be cute or does this actually sound doable and have a possibility of being good? If this IS an okay idea, how do I do it? Spray paint red, brush paint blue? Does the spray paint create enough of a primed surface?

I really wanted to do the baby girl bedroom in red and blue but red is supposedly not a good color for sleep energy and if I use too much baby blue it will look like a boys room. So maybe I am just trying to use this color combo and it's a bad idea ?!?!

I AM HAVING A GIRL!

2010-02-27T08:10:00.000-08:00

So... I'm not gonna act like anybody even really looks at my blog and say stuff like "I'm so sorry that I haven't blogged in a long time!" or "I know all of you are mad at me for not posting lately!" or "I have been a total slacker... I'm so sorry I haven't blogged what I ate last night and how long I sat on the treadmill today!" But I am sorry for leaving that Jokingly '2010 Goals' up because I think some of you thought I was serious... so just in case you did, I am replacing it so the fact that I am crazy isn't flaunted any longer! haha

I thought I would make it easy on everybody and just put the "jist" of this post in the Title but if you are still reading and are unsure whether I am having a girl or boy.. I am having a GIRL!! I guess I knew it all along but acted like I didn't cause I didn't realize I would be so excited!
I have ordered the bedding, I am starting her blankies, and burp rags, kicking Ethan outta his room so the baby can have it and I eat a lot of "girly" foods to ensure she is a for sure girl. haha

We are pretty solid on the name we've chosen so I don't see it changing but just in case it does... i'm holding off on the name reveal. :)

So I made cupcakes for a special occasion this weekend and in lou of the baby girl! I tried to get them to look like Pink Peonies. I think they turned out alright! They tasted great which is all that matters.

Ethan is a total stud these days... He always gets into our shoes, I guess it's normal at this age to have an obsession with shoes but I still think it's super funny to see him try on Steve's size 13's!!!

We are in St. George! Since it still seems to be a surprise to everyone I talk to... yes, we are back permanently!
Oh oh and Steve bought me a new car!!! My hands are cramping. I'll post pictures tomorrow!

2010 Goals

2009-12-31T13:29:00.000-08:00

After reading my friend Tori's list of goals for 2010, I found myself trying to think of my own goals: Tori I love you! hahaha

1. Always look hot. Wash my hair only once a week so I can do super cute curls and they won't fall out!

2. When I get hungry, chew on a lemon peel. No swallowing!

3. Must have my eyelashes curled at all times. I don't ever want to be caught in 2010 without perfectly pumped lashes.

4. Pedicure every 3 weeks. I want a flower, a gem, or super cute stickers of kittens on my big toe at all times in case anyone sees my feet.

5. Compliment my husband more. I hear that if you compliment someone about something you want them to be, they will eventually BECOME that way. I am going to start with "You clean so well and so often," Next will be "You always buy me things. Thanks for always buying me things"

6. Teach Ethan the importance of taking care of his body. I am going to take him to the gym with me or have him start lifting little things around the house. Nothing big, but just teach him how to do curls and sit-ups. It's important that he understands the significance of looking good.

7. Buy more shoes that I can't afford. Even if I have to charge them all to credit cards, I think that nice shoes make a huge difference to a person's overall outfit. People will think I am rich if I wear nice shoes so I will take out loans if I must to impress people!

8. Only eat foods that start with the letter C. Califlower, Carrots, Cottage Cheese, Cranberries, Cucumbers, Celery, Corn and Crabmeat. The only C words that don't count are Chocolate, Cupcakes, Cake, Candy, Cheese, and Cherries.

9. Lose the baby weight in 3 weeks. I will run everyday if I have to, but I swear to lose all 35 lbs in 3 weeks or I will burn all of my clothes, including all my nice new shoes.

10. Last but not least, Follow every single fashion and health trend that comes along this year. I will double dose my HCG shots with a prune juice cleanse, while having fake eyelash extensions put on after tattooing my eyebrows black and cutting my hair into a super adorable Kate Gosselin Bobcut, wearing thigh high snakeskin peep-toe boots!

Gosh, This is gonna be a great year!!!!

Oh, I almost forgot! I am going to name my child Jessica Simpson no matter what the gender! YAY!

Mexico- Shmexico! Lots of Guacamole!!

2009-12-16T17:00:00.000-08:00

Mexico luckily was filled with beautiful weather and lots of great company. Steve and I were going going non-stop taking advantage of every minute without the babe. It wasn't all fun and games though... I did get very sick on a boat ride to the island of Cozumel and cried the first three days just thinking about our fabulous boy Baby Ethan... but from the amazing Hotel, to the breathtaking snorkeling, it was an incredible and memorable trip!

After taking scooters around the island of Cozumel we stopped at this little resort to play around a bit.

Guacamole and Chips... what else?

Coba - Mayans built these towers and carved their calendar into stones. recognize this one? "2012" Hmmm... END OF THE WORLD!

Steve at the top of the tallest tower

Tulum

Carrrrr Sick... I made Julie take a picture of this because it is how I spent most of the trip... argggh

Snorkeling in AkuMal at Ya-kul. Unreal. Dori, Nemo... and a Lobster!

Steve swimming down into the caves

Saw ALOT of fish that looked sorta like this...

The "Lobby" of our hotel. Seriously?! I know... we didn't belong there haha

Welcome Home Mama and Dad!!!!

I wanna be like.... Marilyn

2009-11-06T13:09:00.000-08:00

I just received my weekly San Diego Fashion Newsletter. It always has a fun fact about a famous model, celeb or designer. This week, it included

"Did You Know.... Marilyn Monroe used to wash her face up to 15 times a day. When at home, she applied vaseline or olive oil on her face, she believed that this was the way for her face to remain fresh and young."

I'm on day 4 of my vaseline and olive oil facial applications. Things seem to be going well! The 3 deep wrinkles I usually have on my forehead are almost non-existent today! Other than my forehead I don't really have deep lines to practice this on... but if Marilyn did it... hell, so will I!!!

My Fabulous Boy is Fabulously One Year Old!!!

2009-11-04T11:56:00.001-08:00

Ethan's Sand Castle Cake!!!!

honestly.. I dunno why I made a pig but it totally made it onto the cake, along with the chicken and sheep??

Julie's Awesome Crab

Sierra the Sea Horse also attended the party... with Sally the Sea Slug and Sylvia the sand dollar! All of Ethan's Friends were there!!

We kicked off Ethan's 1st Birthday out at dinner with Grandpa Dave, Grandma Jo and Aunt Jolee! Ethan was super excited to open his presents but waited patiently til we got home...

Now that he is "of age" he can have sugary drinks and he LOVED it!

October - Marathon Weekend

2009-11-04T11:33:00.001-08:00

Rushie, Paige, Ethan and Mr. Bentley all made it to the finish line is style while Grandpa lead the way!
`tober
Steve and I right after finishing the race with my new friend Darren Rowley. Darren and I ran together for much of the race.

Steve crossing the f

SO HOT... even in super shorts!

So rude that I would take a picture, but there is just something I can't resist about crying babies!

Mr. B and the Evil Chuckling Pumpkin

Ethan LOVES his aunts, uncles and cousins!!!

This One Is For Me...

2009-10-06T10:58:00.000-07:00

If you and I aren't tight... this will bore you to the bone. This is really just for me... and maybe my mom. haha

As our car pulled into the parking lot of our apartment complex in St.George late that night, with no sound of ocean waves to lull us to sleep, just the passing by of fast cars and noisy semitrucks. No surfers in the morning doing what they live for, just the hustle and bustle of Life waking up and getting to work on time. No cool ocean breeze or mist to cool me down after a run, just the brisk mornings and blazing afternoon sun. Though living at the beach is a dream, after a week back in St.George, I am starting to forget about life in California.

After I put Ethan back down for a nap, I spent the morning reminiscing this same time last year. I was big as a house, uncomfortable, swollen yet I miss the anticipation of something great. I stand here in my apartment and remember how I used to wake up every morning and walk in to my "soon to be baby's room." I used to sit in the glider and hold a stuffed bunny rabbit my mother had given to "her newest (unborn) grandchild" for Easter, just after we found out I was pregnant. I would hold the bunny,wrapped in a blanket and just stare at his closet full of teenie tiny clothes given to us at the baby shower. I knew I was going to have a baby, but I did not realize the impact this funny little bump in my belly would have on my entire world.

The cold weather outside, the Halloween decorations, the week of pain like I had never felt before. Tucks pads, and normal pads, and crying for no reason. Trying so hard to take care of someone else yet needing someone to take care of me just as much. I remember thinking the pain would never end, and sleep would never come.

The smell of the Scentsy given to us last Christmas is warming in the other room, reminding me of the time Ethan was only 2 months old. Steve and I, tired and still clueless as to what we were doing. The smell of uncertainty, exhaustion and overwhelming responsibility. As I peek in Ethan's bedroom while he sleeps, with his legs all tucked up underneath him and his binkie in one hand, I feel so small, so worthless without him.

It is not until this day, a year later, have I missed those painful kicks to my ribs, the swollen ankles, taking hours to find something to wear, more specific, something to fit! I am so proud of the parents Steve and I have become and the Amazing child that has created us. Yes, I truly believe that Ethan has taught us and molded us into more patient, more loving, more grateful and thoughtful people.

Though I love falling asleep to the crash of waves, and waking up to the sight of dolpins, nothing will replace the feel of home, the start of this amazing thing we have called family. St.George is packed with people I adore, and people that I feel adore me. No sandy beach can compete with the excitement of bringing home a baby for the first time or being so close to so much family.

I wish I could have it all, yet I already feel I do.

- Journal Entry

October 6, 2009

Love Always & Forever, Andee

Wet Wipe Fiasco!

2009-09-13T16:35:00.001-07:00

Ethan was getting tired so I thought it would be funny to wrap him up like old times. He fought it at first but as soon as I finished getting him wrapped his eyes rolled to the back of his head he took a deep breath and just fell asleep.
The pictures with me is only to show how big he is. I wish I could find some of the pictures of him wrapped up when he was tiny. Either way... what an adorable little burrito.

Okay, so the beachy pillows I ordered online got here and I wanted the beds to look all pretty for our next company so I set Ethan up with some toys while I made the beds.
Here is a look at the guest beds.

I came to check on Ethan and this is what I found...

56 Wet Wipes scattered around Ethan. This is the initial guilty look, but right after I put the camera down and said "Ethan..." he panicked and started ripping them out violently. like he was thinking " I gotta get to the bottom of this before she stops me!!"
It was super cute because I know he was just curious, but I was still super annoyed that I had to either throw them all away or have to refold them.

I decided to refold them.

He stayed by his toy bin and watched me clean it up and when I looked back this is what I got...

Now how could I be mad at that?!?! blowing bubbles and cheering to me for cleaning up!

Kevin and Rachel to Ourselves for a Whole Weekend!

2009-09-09T10:50:00.001-07:00

Our friends Kevin and Rachel came down with their baby Claire last weekend. Claire is only a week younger than Ethan so it makes it a lot of fun to hang out with these guys, since they are going through all the same things as us. Ethan and Claire made each other so happy! Ethan would wake up in the morning with a huge grin on his face while he searched for Claire! While Claire would try to sneak into his room when he went down for naps.

They had so much fun together!

We cruised around on the bikes a lot. It is such a stress relief to just cruise around in the ocean air. We ate at a lot of great Restaurants this weekend too. Cafe 101, The Longboarder (our favorite), Maui Wowi for fabulous smoothies, and Steve and I ended the weekend with endless shrimp at Red Lobster! YUM. I'm like a thousand lbs heavier though. Totally worth it.

Top Gun House

Cruising on "The Strand" in front of our house.

We had a perfect beach week too. The surf was perfect, the weather was perfect, and the beach seemed to always be at Low tide giving us lots of acrobatic room!
Here is a pic of Rachel being AWESOME!!! We couldn't get a pic of me doing one this weekend... but I promise I can do it, Thanks to Rachel. She was so brave and just whipped it out. I had no choice, I had to try even after running 16 miles earlier that morning!

Fun weekend with grandparents!

2009-08-20T12:19:00.000-07:00

We took this cruiser out with all 6 of us packed in... Ethan had the nicest ride but that stinkin helmet was so heavy he finally just gave up and laid his head on the bar and tried to look out the corner of his eyes to see what was going on. He looked so adorable, he got a lot of whistles.

Steve's Grandma Janet, his dad Tim, mom Becky, Ethan and Steve and I squeezed in right between the two boys up front! sorry for making all of you do the pedaling!

Straight up Flinstone style... ha

Ethan and Grandma Janet. Two "Blue Eyed babes"

Bubbles!

Ethan and GRANDPA TIM!

Finding Nemo.. which played about 4 times that day.. I think all I know is I have the whole movie memorized

Summer Recap!

2009-08-06T16:03:00.000-07:00

1ST TIME HOME ALL SUMMER!

We went home for the 24th of July festivities and Ethan had a blast playing with his cousin Paige, Aunt Reese, and Grandma! Grandma Kathy and Grandpa Dave came out to see us last weekend and for some reason, I can't find a single picture from the entire weekend! We loved having them here though I wish they could come a lot more often!

BOYS WEEKEND

Tim and Jeff came out to have a nice vacation and we put them to work!!
The three of those guys ripped 3 layers of shingles off my roof!! It was so impressive and so helpful!! Ethan LOVES LOVES LOVES playing with his Grandpa Tim and Uncle Jeff.

SURF AND TURF

Reese, Chris, Anna, Jolee, Jo, and my Dad came out for a weekend. EVERYBODY was out surfing, and did some Beach BBQ'n! Thanks so much for all your help cleaning and working that weekend, it was such a big help to Steve and I! It was great to have a few extra hands with Ethan too!

INSIDE-OUT WET-SUITS

Jeff, Julie, Kaulin and of course Mr. Bentley came out for the 4th of July on the beach. Though there were no fireworks, no biking and no driving, we sure had a lot of fun anyway! E misses the B man!

We have had a ton of visitors down here to see us through the summer and we are so grateful! We love having friends and family down here with us!

California Baby! 9 Months Old!

2009-07-31T10:35:00.000-07:00

Ethan is 9 months old!!

1. Ethan laughs a ton! Especially at Puppies! He LOVES puppies!
2. He loves to walk holding on to his shopping cart

3. Ethan gets shy around new people. I'll say "Ethan.. say 'hi..' " and he'll turn his head to the side smiling and look at them out of the corner of his eye
4. He has 2 bottom teeth and 3 coming in on the top right now! Lots of drool!

5. Whenever were at the beach he tries to crawl as fast as he can straight out into the ocean
6. He plays peek-a-boo with anyone he can just by smiling at them and then turning his head to the side so he can't see them anymore... then turns his head back really fast!

7. When I say "clap" "jump" "hooray" "hi" and "bye", he claps, jumps, raises his arms, or waves!
8. We still get people stopping us wherever we go so they can look at him. "look at his eyes!!" (everyone says that) He does have very pretty eyes.. definitely didn't come from Me...9. He has a stuffed sheep named shia, that makes sheepy noises and when it does he reaches out and pulls it in, gives him a big hug and burries his face in shia's fur.

10. He is still really chill, he makes running errands super easy cause he is so calm and patient the whole time.

Ethan I love you so much sweetie! Daddy and I don't know what we would do without you. We are so blessed to have such an amazing little boy around all the time!

My Favorite Sister

2009-07-12T15:57:00.000-07:00

I just wanted EVERYONE to know that I miss my incredibly beautiful gifted favorite sister jewls.

That's all! Love you Jewls!

4th of July Beach Bums!

2009-07-05T21:43:00.000-07:00

Here is Kaulin's masterpiece! His "beach front resort". He even put in a little hot tub for Ethan!

My boys!!!

boing! boing! boing!

Bums Bums Everywhere!

2009-06-22T16:09:00.000-07:00

Last night two transients were making a home on our front porch!! I guess they just played all day at the beach and then just wanted somewhere close to stay??!! Anyway 4 cop cars and 6 policemen later we had our porch cleared of bodies!!! It sort of freaked me out at first but now I just laugh because this happens all the time down here!! On Friday morning some kid came stumbling out of my garage closet while I was downstairs spraying down the carport. He made up some weird story and kept talking really fast and walking/running away! I went into the closet and it just blazed with the smell of alcohol!! He was so drunk he couldn't make it home and must have seen the closet open?? haha But don't you worry about us... Steve has installed new doors and deadbolts on our house so everything is secure. I'm gonna stock up on water balloons so that next time it happens we will just start bombing them!! haha funny hu? Just think.. if you were a bum minding your own business on MY porch and here comes flying... RED... BLUE... GREEN!!!

Well the bums are not half as exciting as what has been going on this week! On top of getting a new washer and dryer (So I can finally stop turning my underwear inside out! jk) and a new couch, Ethan is now crawling!!!! He is super funny too... he crawls best right after he wakes up.. the closer to nap time it gets he starts using his face to do all the work! Unfortunately Ethan wouldn't perform for the videocamera so for now I just have pictures... Happy Happy Boy!

OCEANSIDE CALIFORNEEEYAH!!!

2009-05-14T08:32:00.000-07:00

It's True... It is so very true...
we are headed out for a couple months, and no, were not going to sell security systems! Steve and I are the newest managers of A Strand Of Paradise... Resort, Hotel, and Casino (If my Dad and Jo had their way). You can find the Ott family on Thursday nights performing a variety show with Ethan on the bongos and Steve on the ukulele. jk but seriously we're going to be managing vacation rentals on the coast. We are super excited to be total beach bums for a couple of months. The whole family has been putting in their time to get the rentals looking hot and ready for vacationers, it has been a really fun project for all of us!

4 Months - One Moment At A Time

2009-05-01T08:13:00.000-07:00

Here are some funny shots of Ethan at his 4 month photoshoot by Alisha with One Moment At A Time. I think this little guy is hilarious!

Ethan & Mr. Bentley

2009-03-16T08:49:00.000-07:00

Alisha was taking glamour shots of Bentley in the backyard and Ethan just had to get in on the action! Monkey See, Monkey Do!

Chicken Wraps

2009-03-05T21:19:00.000-08:00

So I have no idea what I am doing but I desperately want to be included in this blogging fanciness...

I am trying to be a good wife and make my husband dinner more often, and though I haven't gotten into pounding my chicken (Jealin) I have found a tasty little chicken dish that I want to share!

Ingredients:
4 large chicken breasts, boiled and shredded
3 cans cream of chicken soup
1 small can of sliced olives
1 small can of mushrooms
1/4 C Milk
1/2 lb Monterey Jack Cheese
1/2 lb Cheddar Cheese shredded
8-12 Tortillas

Mix cream of mush, olives and mushrooms. Set aside about 2 cups in sauce pan over low heat
Add shredded chicken to other bowl:
Fill tortillas with chicken mixture and roll like burrito

add to sauce pan that's over low heat:
milk and monterey jack
pour over the top of tortillas

Cover with tin foil and bake at 350 for 30 min.
Uncover: sprinkle with cheddar and bake for 10 more minutes

The secret is to add a garlic salt or powder to chicken and cook on low-med heat, this makes the chicken inside the tortillas more moist and delicious!

Make this amount, and save half of it in the freezer for the week after! Just thaw and cook the same! Hoorah!