I'm in LOVE...with another woman!!!

I can't even tell you what an amazing night Jay and I just had...we just got home from seeing KELLIE PICKLER in concert! (Don't laugh...haters!) Both Jay and I instantly fell in love! She is just the cutest thing you have ever seen and an absolute darling gal! Our seats rocked...4th row, front and center baby! I get all giddy just thinking about it :)! Many of you know I love celebrities and am totally one to be STAR STRUCK...sure enough the second she walked on stage Jay and I just looked at eachother and grinned from ear to ear...we were speechless! I'm not sure if Jay or I like her more...either way it's a win-win...I can buy the most expensive seats and he doesn't say a word cause he loves the upclose view! (He'd never admit to it being the gentleman he is, but he was pretty quiet and focused the entire time...and it wasn't on me :)).

The best part of it all was my sister-in laws, younger sister (Whitney Layne) opened for Kellie and she rocked! Whitney too has such an amazing voice not to mention she's beautiful! Jay has always loved Whitney's voice and begs her to serenade him whenever we're on vacation together. If he had the money he'd pay her to sing him to sleep every night...she's amazing!

We went and ate at my favorite, quick, little joint...RUMBI...yummy yum!



Whitney Layne...you are amazing hun!



Jay and Whit...



Jay and I impatiently awaiting KELLIE PICKLER!



Oh and I almost forgot...my batteries died after Whitney sang, so here goes Jay running across the street to the nearest gas station to buy me new batteries...you're the best honey!



KELLIE PICKLER...be grateful I'm only showing you a few of my favorite pictures, I took over 100 pictures of just her...I was in heaven!



It's times like these I wish I had just forked over the extra money to get a more expensive camera with higher megapixels. It was all funky lighting obviously and I couldn't zoom in my camera at all or she became all fuzzy, but nevertheless she looked amazing...



Don't tell me she's not the cutest thing you've ever seen, she's absolutely gorgeous...









Jay, Whit and I...thank you Whit for inviting us to such a fun evening!



Thanks honey for the best 24th of July ever...I know you feel the same :)! We couldn't have had a more enjoyable night! HAPPY 24TH OF JULY!!!

GOODBYE :( ...

Last night a couple gals and I from the neighborhood dined at the MELTING POT down town to say goodbye to Audrey, our awesome friend and neighbor who is moving on us next weekend! Audrey is one of those women you look up to and hope one day to be half as kind and strong as she is. Audrey is an absolutely incredible mother and the kindest, most down to earth friend any one could wish for. She is such a joy to be around and I think any one who knows her would agree what a life saver she has been to so many of us in the neighborhood on a day to day basis...we love you Audrey and wish you all the luck in the world as you begin your new adventure!

The gals...Audrey, Mandi, Adriane, Me, Whitney and Jen...thank you gals, I can't remember the last time I laughed this hard! Hopefully we (ok...I) didn't offend anyone and the details of the night don't get back to Jay...he would so diapprove:)!



The MELTING POT rocked! It was such a fun and unique experience...tons and tons of yummy, yummy food! The appetizers, main courses and desserts are all done fondue style...it was so fun to spend hours dipping and laughing!





I have to say...we are so lucky to live in a neighborhood with such close friends who would do absolutely anything and everything for eachother. It can be hectic with all the kids in our culdesac (32), but I wouldn't change it for the world! How lucky I am to have some of my best friends just footsteps away! (We missed all of you who couldn't make it.)



Thank you for being such a great friend and an amazing example Audrey, we will so miss you! Good luck hun...don't forget us!

Small town...Big fun!

The 4th of July is absolutely, hands down, my favorite holiday! There's nothing like a week full of rodeos, parades, BBQ's, cotton candy, snocones, 4 wheeling, games, late nights, sleeping in, lounging around, yummy food, friends and family! Every year we go to my parents cabin in Oakley for the week of the 4th of July and it's an absolute blast! It is without a doubt my favorite week of the entire year. We have gone with the same wonderful friends for years and every year our group gets a little larger thanks to all the little jammers who are so rapidly gracing us with their presence!

Our awesome friends who make our week so much fun, we love you guys!



Megan, Jay and Brandon...Thanks for the cheeser hun...he was irritated I interrupted the game to take pictures :)!



Heather and I...she's my darling hair gal and she rocks if you need an awesome stylist!



Dusty and Ryan...what is it with guys not wanting to take pictures?!?!



My mom and dad with my sisters Em and Nat and Dave and Shelly.



Thanks Heather for teaching Landon to play Guitar Hero...he took it very seriously, hence the straight face!



Binnie, Cameron and Ava...our little bathing babies! PRECIOUS!!!



Grandma painting Binnie's toes...



The week before the 4th of July Jay, Landon, Binnie and I went and bought cowboy boots for Landon and Kauner, something I vowed I would never do (my child in cowboy boots...uh, NO!). Not to mention it was early on a Sat. morning so my hair and makeup weren't done, in other words I was a mess, Jay hadn't showered and was all hairy, Binnie was in her dirty knee jammies and Landon was in shorts...walking out of the store with his little cowboy boots ON! GHETTO!!!! I have made fun of, put other mothers down and vowed to never let my child wear cowboy boots with shorts...sure enough, here I am eating my words. I can't help but cringe every time I see those boots which become Landon's prized posession! I have to admit, Landon and his cousin Kauner did look pretty darn cute in their little YIT KICKERS and they couldn't have been happier!



We go to the Oakley rodeo twice during the week, because we just love it! If you haven't been to the Oakley rodeo, I would totally recommend doing so. It has the small town atmosphere and the yummiest food of all the rodeos around! My mom somehow always gets the best seats and the kids love the front row.

1st night of rodeo...

Whitney, Natalie, Me and Em...



The Fam...



2nd night of rodeo...

The Fam...



My incredible parents....thanks mom and dad for an unforgettable weekend! Love you!



My handsome man and his homely wife (thanks Brandon) going to the rodeo! I honestly could go to a rodeo every Friday night and be in heaven...tight pants (oh wait, they're all tight)...cowboy boots...and concession stand food! Oh, and you know there's something about a man in WRANGLERS - gotta love em!



Landon's highlight of the entire week was having his picture taken with these little buckle bunnies...he was so giddy and absolutely speechless!



Next thing to look forward to?!?! KELLIE PICKLER is coming to SLC on the 24th of JULY! Whitney (in the pictures above) is opening for her!!! So exciting, I love them both...Whit has amazing talent, obviously!

Tagged

I always enjoy reading friends blogs when they've been tagged, but I rarely ever do one myself when I'm tagged by someone. I just feel I'm not all that interesting and I'd have to lie to make myself sound good :)! But here is goes...total truth!

I am: funny…just kidding. I’d love to be funny but J thinks my sense of humor is “crude” so therefore I’m not allowed to be funny.

I think: I have the best family I could have ever asked for and an awesome neighborhood with some of my best friends!

I know : my faults and insecurities.

I want: so badly to get an airbrushed - spray on tan from SUNSET TAN @ the PALMS in VEGAS! Girls trip any one?

I have: an incredible husband who is so thoughtful and patient with me. He’s my rock…he’s just a solid person when it comes to anything in life, he’s someone I truly admire for the way he leads his day to day life.

I wish: I could have a bouquet of fresh flowers delivered to me weekly…maybe one day…

I hate: a messy home…I can’t function and I’m outright mean if the living room and kitchen are messy.

I miss: sleeping till noon, eating anything and everything and never gaining an inch, hanging out all night (oh wait, I never did that :)) and laying out for hours a day!

I feel: happy when I have something to look forward to…holidays, special events, vacations, dates, bed time…

I smell: the gorgeous bouquet of flowers sitting on my counter…YUMMY! Thanks baby!

I crave: attention and slurpees!

I search: for reasons to get a facial or massage.

I regret: having held back for fear of failure.

I love: reality TV!!! The Bachelor, The Hills, So You Think You Can Dance, Survivor and many, many more I’d never admit to :)!

I care: to the point I cry…I cry when I’m too involved in a difficult situation and I can’t fix things on my own.


I always: overanalyze and worry…my life would be so much more carefree and enjoyable if I could just relax a bit.

I am not: a pleasant person to fight with. I go for the jugular!

I believe: the Lord will never forsake us. We are never tried or tested beyond what the Lord knows we can handle. Through HIM we are strengthened and buoyed up in times of complete desperation and heartache.

I dance: in my car…but only when a girl is singing the song, if it’s a boy singing, only Landon can dance, that’s his rule!

I sing: my heart out to Carrie Underwood, Rihanna, Fergie and random songs I know ½ the lyrics to…I make up the other half :)!

I don't always: think before I act, let alone speak.

I’m proud: of the fact I just gave up my Soap Opera…no more General Hospital:( …I’m growing up:(

I write: to do lists every night for the following day…there’s nothing better than checking off a completed task!

I win: J’s heart, simply by letting him ride his bike and keeping my mouth shut…not too hard eh? If only I could keep my mouth shut…

I never: not have anything to say…I have my two sense for absolutely everything, even when I’m not asked for it, you’ll get it. Poor J between Landon and I, there’s never a quiet moment.

I listen: to my heart more than I do my head…

I am scared: for the day when someone I love passes on…

I am happy about: where I am in my life right now, I am one lucky gal!

I tag: Whoever thinks this would be a fun tag-

That's my man!

This past weekend J and I spent the weekend in St. George...biking (J), sewing (me), eating, laying out, swimming, napping and totally kid less! It was such a fun mini vacation! I can't think of anything better than just laying out and eating all weekend and J is totally content riding his bike in 100+ heat (whatever floats your boat hun)so it was an ideal weekend for the both of us. We stayed with my awesome aunt, uncle and cousins which made the trip all the more wonderful!

My cousins Tara and Jason and my Aunt Pam and Uncle Steve...J rides with Tara and Steve while Jason, Pam and I lay out and swim...perfect set up if you ask me!





All of J's biking and training (yes, even his late night laps around the neighborhood for hours) paid off this weekend when he won a GOLD medal as well as a SILVER medal in the Summer Games in Cedar City! I have no idea what on earth drives him to peddle his little heart out in 105 degree weather, totally clothed, but he rocked! He competed in 3 races and took a medal in 2...pretty impressive babe!

Doesn't he look hot in spandex?!?





Good Job Baby!



J has had his fair share of bike wrecks so I'm happy to say...all my nagging paid off when he came home safe and sound without a scratch. However, there were a couple wrecks, one which was too nasty I didn't have the heart to take a picture of his torn off face, but the other not so bad. His wife wouldn't even look at him after his wreck knowing how much money they'd be forking over to replace his bike...they get mighty spendy when they're worth as much as a car. I had to laugh...I'd be reaming J out, poor guy! Here's a little road rash all for a chance at a medal...



Our cute pedicures...thanks Pammy!



Sewing away until the wee hours of the night!



J views himself as "cultured" so I thought I'd surprise him one night and get tickets to Les Miserables at the Tuacahn Theatre. Needless to say it was such a blast! It was so serene (not sure what that means, but hey, sounded good:)) being outside in the mountains, listening to crickets chirp, with a warm breeze watching an incredible play. This was one time where J's "culture" and "matureness" finally paid off!

We hit up a yummy Mexican joint prior to the play..MmMmmmm...



At the Tuacahn for our "cultural" experience...



I came home thinking I wanted to move to St. George (regardless of the fact my hair goes flat and limp in the heat)and J quickly reminded me I would have children in St. George if it became our home, so my dream quickly faded. But I absolutely love sewing till 1AM, sleeping in, laying by the pool reading my hollywood gossip magazines, getting all dolled up at night and going to eat. So not really reality, but a whole lot of fun!

Here's to amazing dads...

I love Father's Day...besides the fact that I get to change all the poopy diapers, get up early with the kids and take care of them all by myself all day...it's the perfect day to really think about what a wonderful, loving hubby and dad I have. I feel so lucky that my children have been blessed with such an incredible, loving, fun dad. J is absolutely the most wonderful dad and is by far their best buddy. Landon just lights up when he walks in from work and Binnie bounces up and down grinning from ear to ear when da-da comes home! He is a wonderful example to me and the munchkins and I feel so lucky to have you honey! Thank you for the many late nights you pull cause I can't manage to open my eyes in the middle of the night, for getting them both ready and to church all on your own each Sunday so I can go early, for making them dinner far more than I ever do, teaching them, holding them and mostly for loving them! I love you babe!



Now to my dad...yesterday I had the opportunity to speak in church at my parents ward about my dad and the values he has instilled in me that have guided me throughout my life. Each year the bishopric in his ward asks children who are grown and have moved away to come back and speak for Father's Day. It's a total surprise so the dads don't know if their child is speaking until they see them sitting on the stand, it's actually really neat. I was of course terrified since I don't have a way with words and my dad has written every talk I've ever given, so I was on my own to somehow give my dad all the honor and credit he deserves. As I reflected on all my dad has done for me throughout my life and the strength and confidence he's given me, I was brought to tears time and time again. My dad has been such an example to me in so many ways...I love him so much and I think the absolute world of him!

Thank you dad for being a wonderful grandpa and an amazing dad!

A must have....for your children's sake!

So, a few weeks ago I got together with a couple gals to celebrate a friends birthday...as we're eating and chatting one of them brings up the horribleness (yea, I know that's not a word, but that's as good as it gets at 12 AM) anyhow, she goes on to describe how heart wrenching it is to have sick children(which she had at the time)and to watch them so helplessly knowing you can't take the pain away. So then I, yes I, have the audacity to pipe up and heartlessly say, "Yea, my kids just don't get sick, I'm lucky." Well, Elisa you'll be glad to hear that I have been eating my words for the last 3 weeks.

A week after this conversation Landon got a horrible wheezing cough which led to pneumonia...4 days later, bless his heart, he had a double ear infection...3 days later Brynley too had a double ear infection...3 days later she woke up with a fever of 102* which lasted three days...tonight, Landon wakes up screaming hysterically because he's "on fire", with yup...a 103* temperature. Talk about eating your words!

What a wake up call to the realities of motherhood...which leads me to the above picture. Your asking yourself, "how on earth can outdoor rocking chairs possibly have an effect on children?" Well ladies, here is your chance to shop :)and the hubby can't say no, after all it's for your children's health and safety :). I have used these recently purchased rocking chairs almost every night the past couple weeks, to break the many fevers that accompany pneumonia, earaches and temperatures for no apparent reasons. These trusty little chairs have been my saving grace when I can't seem to get their fevers to break. So, a little rock in the middle of the night on the front porch in the cool fresh air has been life saving...to my kiddos, my sleep and my sanity. However, they must be bought in pairs because you never know when your darling neighbor is up with a sick child and she too needs a fever to break. So, when she peers out the window to see you rocking at 1 AM she can pull up a rocker beside you and keep you company until your little munchkins catch a break. (Thanks for the company Maria...it makes chilly nights on the porch so much easier to bear:))

So, there you have it, I'm a senseless friend who is slapped up side the head with the realities of being a mom and my little rocking chairs are my best friends these days!

(You can purchase them at Lowes...I promise you won't live to regret them...they can obviously hold 2 bodies at once without collapsing while rocking and also come in handy for your children's "popsicle parties" on the front porch as well...happy shopping!)

Picture Day!

Picture day is a day I absolutely dread...it always turns out being such a headache and a total waste of time and money. We have walked away many times without even buying a single photo due to Landon thinking he's so funny (which he usually is, just not in these cases) and his fake little smiles (he really does try, just a little too hard). However, I must say we had a handful of pictures turn out pretty darn cute this time! It was a total different setting which I think helped quite a bit...it wasn't in a store where you have 20 minutes and the photographer is trying to get your children to look at the camera and produce an award winning smile, but rather she came to us and did more candid, upclose photos which I love! She's was wonderful despite the cranky mood Binnie was in and Landon's crazy antics. Here's some of my favorite pictures of my little angels...did I really just use the word angles to describe my children?!?

My precious little Binnie...she's an absolute doll!


This was my favorite picture of Landon...look at the darling grin!


These shots are kind of fun...her chubby little toes! Landon wanted so badly to wear a tutu...I had to explain to J that your little boy wanting to wear a tutu isn't something he should get in trouble for...it's merely a fun thought, not time-out worthy!


My best little buddy ever!


Don't you just want to squeeze her?!?





J used to think I was nuts when I'd tell him it'd be worth all the time and all the money if we could just get one cute photo of each child...I think he now understands what I mean. Crazy day, but totally worth it with all the darling photos!
Oh, and yes...you're right, there's no pictures with the two of them together. For some reason they just didn't turn out too cute...I'm sure you can imagine the scenario of the two of them trying to take a photo together, if not just take a scroll down my blog and you'll soon see why the two of them just don't do photo shoots together!