Duck Soap

I realized lately that my kids are pretty funny and I need to be documenting this for later in life when I need good blackmail stories to tell! :)

A few weeks ago we were at the store and I remembered I needed dish soap so we go down the aisle and I grab the soap. When we got home I unloaded our groceries and Giovanni decided to help me. He gets the soap out and in the happiest voice EVER he says, "Ohhhh good Mom, you bought the duck scented soap again!" Yep, I sure did, Giovanni... nothing cleans as well as duck scented soap!

It's little things like this that remind me just how precious my babies are. I'm so lucky to have such funny kids!

Free Christmas Cards

We all love Christmas, we all love cards, we all love Shutterfly, and we all love FREE!!

Follow this link for 50 free shutterfly holiday cards-- it's super simple, click on the link, fill out your info, blog about it, and then they'll send you an email with a coupon for 50 free cards! Pretty sweet deal, huh?! Just make sure to send me a card! ;)

Girls Weekend!

Got all cute to go to dinner at PF Chang's! Yummy!!!
Britty and Autty!
Jenny and I-- what is that face I'm doing?
Hiedi going to the dark side!
Hiedi and I-- LOVE her hair dark-- HATE my bangs look all funky!
My ALL TIME favorite pic of Jess and I!



Cute toes!!!!


October 22-24 Brittany, Jenny, Jess, Hiedi, and I piled in Jenny's suburban for a weekend of girl time!!! Originally we were going to go to Palm Springs but decided that was far so we went and stayed in random Goodyear! I had so much fun with these crazy girls! I must admit, I can be the craziest one at times, but I haven't laughed as hard as I did that weekend in too long!
We had fun getting pedicures, some of us got our eye brows waxed, going out to eat, and most of all shopping our little socks off! We stayed up late laughing like little school girls and calling our hubbies giggling like teenagers in love. It was so fun! I guess that's what happens when you get 5 girls who have 12 kids between them alone for a weekend!
I've been blessed to have these amazing ladies as my friends for a few years now.. . Britt and I met the Summer before 8th grade and have been besties for what feels like forever, I thought I knew everything there was to know about this girl but I learned this weekend I was way wrong!! I saw a silly side of Britt that I haven't seen since we were in high school, and I LOVED it! So fun to see my friend crazy again! ;) Jenny and I met when we lived in the Parkwood ward but have become closer friends since we've moved out-- why is that? lol. Jenny reminds me of myself, super outgoing, funny, and loves to have a good time. Totally loved that Jenny let me play beauty parlor with her and do her make up super glam! I loved seeing Jenny laugh and be crazy and learn things about her that I didn't know before! :) Jess and I met when she started dating her hubby, Adam, who was my friend but soon Adam's friendship was replaced by Jess! Jess is the quiet type who sits and observes and then strikes. Jess has had a rough past year and a half with the passing of her Mom and becoming a new mom herself. This weekend brought the Jess out that I remember before everything happened and I must say I missed her! :) Hiedi married Britt's brothers best friend, I've known Hiedi for about a year and every time we hang out I love her more. Hiedi isn't shy telling you you don't look cute, or that your butt looks too big in those pants and I LOVE her honesty. She does it in a way that doesn't make you realize she just called you fat! lol. Hiedi is sweet and sassy and so much fun! I am so blessed to have these 4 ladies in my life. I couldn't have hand picked a better group of friends, who after our weekend I have to remain friends with forever or the humiliation of all shared will be out for the world to know about!
I love you girls, seriously can't thank you enough for getting my mind off of work, kids, and a chores! I also am so thankful to my amazing hubby who took care of the kids while I went away and had fun. I don't know how I got so lucky with him!
Girls... can't wait for VEGAS!!!!!! ;)

Disneyland!!

September 23-September 30th we went to Disneyland! Bry had a business trip in Santa Barbara September 19-22 so the kids and I drove to pick him up the 22 and enjoy the what should have been cool weather! Little did we know while we were there it was record heat at 111 degrees!! We still had so much fun enjoying all the rides and fun time with cousins, Grammy and Papa, Auntie Summer, Uncle Jared, Uncle Mark, and Aunt Connie celebrating Papa's 70th Birthday!!
I grew up in Southern California, so I was an old timer to Disneyland but let me tell you, taking my kids to Disneyland and seeing their reaction was so cool! It was like experiencing the magic for the first time all over again! The first night we went on Splash Mountain at least 7 times! For sure we picked the best dates to go, the longest line was 45 min and that was the first night for Space Mountain {which Giovanni sat next to me crying the entire time!} after that most lines while we were there were 15 minutes.
The 28th Bry had to fly back to Arizona from Santa Barbara so we took the day and went shopping in LA! Sooo much fun! We were sad Bry had to leave, we were having so much fun! And I wasn't too excited to take 3 kids back to Disneyland the next day by myself! But I survived!!
We really had a great family trip. We LOVED spending time as a family. I really loved that we had so many days there to really enjoy and take our time. We didn't set alarms, we didn't rush. We got there when we got there and that was good for us!
We all had a blast, our feet were tired, we were tired but I must say-- even I can't wait to go back!!

8 is Great!

On August 14 Natali was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She was so excited to be baptized and couldn't wait for her special day!
In our new ward (and maybe this is how they do it now, it's been 3 years since Andy got baptized) they do Stake baptisms and have a ward "host" the baptisms. It was not our wards turn, but it was nice to be able to enjoy the speakers and music.
One speaker told all of the kids getting baptized to imagine they were at the carnival and that the rides were all there but they needed work. Some needed oil, some needed paint, the games needed attendants. He said that being a member of the Church was very similar to a carnival. That while you are young you get to enjoy the rides and the games, but as you are older, you still get to enjoy but you also get to enjoy "working" at the carnival as well. I really liked that analogy. It helped me to remember how important callings are in the church.
We were so excited to have so many friends and family members with us to share Natali's special day! We loved having everyone come over after for lunch, too! Thank you for everyone who shared in our sweet girls special day!
I am so proud of Natali and the testimony she is developing. She loves to write in her journal and read her scriptures. She loves going to Activity Days also! I love seeing my little sweet heart developing her testimony and seeing her share her light with others!
Congrats, Nati-do on getting baptized and becoming a member of the Church! I love you!

Alive... I think...

It has been so long since I blogged last, I just thought I'd let you all know we are still alive and I have sooo much to blog about!!

Like...

Natali's baptism
Our trip to Disneyland

BUT those are going to have to wait because my little bugs are watching The Princess and the Frog on my computer with all of my pics on it... rats!

In the mean time, you'll just have to know we had a super good August and September and you'll be updated shortly! :)

The "P" Present

For the past month the kids have been trying to get out of us what their "big" present is for their birthday's... Well, since Natali is first up in the busy birthday month we decided to be nice parents and unveil the gift on baby girl's birthday.


These were the hints they were given

1. It starts with a P
2. It lasts a year
3. It wasn't cheap
4. It could sometimes be dangerous
5. Parts of it were electronic
6. If you didn't stop asking questions you weren't getting it! :)

What would YOU have guessed?

They guessed pony (apparently it was a sickly pony that would only last a year?), pool, plane, parachute, pigs, phones, 'puters, poop, pizza (like cici's for a year lol) , Paris (temporary relocation?), pawns, peasants, and the list goes on... it was seriously so funny hearing all of the things they all came up with. BUT they NEVER guessed they were getting

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PASSPORTS to Disneyland for a whole freakin year!!!!!! {before you ask, kids, no, we can not go every day and no, we are not going today}


Happy Birthday little loves! We hope you enjoy your super fun present as much as we have enjoyed not telling you what it is! We love you more than life itself and are so glad we are a forever family! {Btw, Natali, don't feel cheated, I'll blog about you later I just thought it was cruel to make you all read 2 blog posts before finding out your "P" present! Happy Birthday, baby girl!!}

A few of my favorite things

This afternoon we decided to go to the Temple and take some pics for Natali's baptism announcements. We got some pretty great shots, but I was sad when my battery died almost right after we got there!


Am I the only one who can't believe my baby girl is turning 8 Saturday?!

What? I don't have attitude!

The boys' faces in this pic are classic!!

Giovanni was so worried Andy would fall in!

And now Natali with the crazy face!

My three little lover buggers!

My baby girl, she is so grown up and so excited to be getting baptised! Tomorrow on the agenda is getting all of the supplies for the invites she must have! I'm so lucky to be the mom to these three precious kids. I couldn't imagine a day without them {or my handsome hubby} in my life!

A post I never wanted to write

Many of you already know, but in case you didn't... I had a miscarriage on Friday July 2nd. I will just say my heart is broken. After 3 plus years of trying to have a baby the thought of actually being blessed with one was so exciting. Our kids talked about the baby on a daily basis. Giovanni kissed my belly several times every day. The thing that was so strange about everything, the whole time I was nervous. I never fully could wrap my mind around the fact that we would be having a baby. I was so excited, but very, very nervous. Not that it made miscarring any easier. My heart still hurts. I laid in bed and cried with my kids and hubby most of the day Saturday. I'm trying to be strong, and have faith that one day when the time is right we will have a baby, but it's hard. I want one now. I'm angry, sad, frustrated, and a thousand other emotions right now. I know that the Lord knows what is best, and He schedules while I plan, but, nothing is making me take comfort in that right now. Especially when we were leaving to go swimming Friday night and Giovanni said,"I wish the baby were here still" my heart broke.
I am thankful for the Priesthood blessings both Bryant and I received from my Dad. I take comfort in the words that were spoken. I am thankful for a loving family who realize that at a drop of a hat I cry. I feel so blessed to have friends who are willing to listen to me say over and over how bad this sucks. I am thankful for the many prayers that were said for my family. I'm trying to make goals for myself so I don't slide deeper into the dark, this week my goal is not to cry. Well, at least not in public or at work. Good things will happen for my family, and we have seen blessings this past week that we weren't expecting. One being Bry got {and accepted} an amazing job offer. I guess the thing is, it's so easy to just be sad. It's so easy to want to lay in bed and cry and think about how bad this sucks. It's so easy to let myself go to that dark place. But we all know just because it's easy doesn't make it right. Sorry, I'll stop my huge run on of a sentence now. Again, thank you for the calls, the stop in's, and all the prayers.

A Picture Worth a Thousand Words

NYC, baby!

As most of you know I got a promotion at work and am now the new office manager! I'll save you the boring details and just let you know I'm so excited and love it! It's a lot of work, but I love helping people and I love seeing people's lives change.

As part of my new job I get to be spoiled by our vendors who take me to lunch and bring me goodies. Last week I was at lunch with our Lap Band rep when she asks me if I'd be interested in attending a seminar to learn how to give lap band fills. I say, sure why not. Then she says, ok it's in New York. All expenses paid. WHAT?! OK!!! So then I say the smart thing, do I have to go alone or can I bring someone in the office. I'm given permission to take Kristen, who is with me! We are trying to hold off on screaming and act cool. I think three seconds after the car door shut Kristen and I were doing the happy dance about our NY trip!

SO... here's where YOU come in, loyal blog reader... neither Kristen or I have EVER been to New York! We are extending our trip for 2 extra days so we will be in New York from Wednesday through Sunday... we don't have a ton of time, so we need help making sure we don't miss any good places... so what are the "must see" of New York? {besides like everything!}

I Love to See The Temple

Today the Gila Valley Arizona Temple was dedicated, because we live in Arizona it was broad casted through out the state for members 8 and above. I have never been to a Temple dedication, so I was really excited! I was a little sad for Natali and Giovanni they couldn't go, but I also was thankful for the opportunity we had to share this experience with Andy.

It never ceases to amaze me when you are trying to do everything right how the adversary attempts to prevent it. Last night plans changed for our sitter. This morning my alarm didn't go off {note to self, when setting the alarm make sure it's set for the proper day}. I forgot our white hankies. But, when we finally got there the Spirit was so strong I had a hard time keeping my emotions under control. We went to our old stake center to see the broadcast, and I loved seeing some familiar faces, even if I didn't get to say hi, just seeing the faces was nice!

I am thankful for our sweet Prophet. I loved seeing him interact with the children. I'm so thankful for the atonement that allowed me to attend this sacred ordinance. I am so thankful for a husband who is a worthy Priesthood holder who held my hand and got emotional with me as well. I am so thankful for a son who is growing into an amazing young man. I am so thankful for the Temple and for being sealed to my awesome hubs. I can't wait to make the trip to Gila Valley to see the Temple in person!

The Phone Call That Started it All

16 months ago I was laying in bed and the thought popped in my head about having weight loss surgery-- would my insurance cover it? Would I ever do it? The next day I picked up the phone called the insurance got the ok, then went online and called the office with the prettiest website (yes, that really is how I picked my surgeon, sad but true!). Fast forward 9 months and I'm talking to Jen (the office manager at said surgeon's office) and she asks me about coming to work with the office. Fast forward another 6 months (yes, it really has been almost 6 months) to Friday... I will set the scene for you... I'm at work and get a phone call from Bry saying he had picked up the certified letter from the post office and it was from our landlord, he was raising the rent. Grr.

Now, first things first, Bry and I really have been trying to live within our means and stick to somewhat of a budget, this leaves no room for "rent increase". The increase wasn't much, but like I said we have a budget and needed to stick to it. The straw that broke this camels back was that the landlord mailed us the paperwork and then said we had 4 days to let him know, by March 31 if we weren't staying it would be our 30 day notice. What?! 4 days?! That just seemed rude to me! So I get off the phone and casually mention to Jen what was going on who then tells me that Melissa over in scheduling at the hospital had a house to rent. I email Melissa, she sends pics and I fall in love with the house. No cost is mentioned so I figured it was out of my budget. I asked Melissa how much and that this was the amount we needed to stay in, so if it was more then please let me down easy... I get an email back and actually, rent is $10 cheaper than what I pay now! For a bigger, newer home! I get excited and set up a time to see the house the next day. That night Bry and I prayed fervently that if this was what we were to do for our family that we would know. That we would be presented with an opportunity we couldn't turn down.
Yesterday we went through the house and fell in love. It's really everything I've ever wanted in a house. The back yard is beautiful. The great room is great. Bry loves the surround sound... it's a win, win, people! We continue to talk all the while I'm scared to ask deposits and hoops to be jumped through. Melissa then asks if we like the house and when we want to move in. That's it?! Wow! It was seriously too easy. The Lord knew we needed to know and we needed to know quick.
I'm so torn. I LOVE this new house. LOVE it. We attended our new ward today and people were really friendly. It was odd not to see familiar faces. I actually got to go to Sunday school and Relief Society. I cried during sacrament thinking of saying good bye to my sweet ward. But then I remembered, I'm moving 5 miles away. People who love me will still invite me to their parties, or to go out. They will drive the 5 miles to come see me. And I will most defiantly drive it to see them.
I really am excited for this opportunity to get a new start. I've needed change. I didn't know what kind though. I'm excited for my kids to meet new friends and to have a backyard to play in with grass! I'm excited Bry won't harass me for surround sound anymore. More than anything, I'm thankful that the Lord showed His tender mercy to a child who has had wavering faith lately, took her in His arms and showed her the path that needed to be taken. And it all started with one phone call.

Gotta Get Away

It's 4:45 am and I've been up since 3. I went to bed at 10:30... what is wrong with me?! Apparently I've become all to accustom to not having sufficient sleep! I've been working more hours than I've been sleeping, then trying to juggle the family, school, and a social life I've been on over load. Not to mention last Saturday our car broke down and left us stranded in Glendale... thank heaven's my parents live in Glendale and rescued us! So this week has been spent selling both of our cars and getting new (to us) cars. I feel like I don't have room to breath right now. I'm sure any of you who read this and are in my ward are wondering how you are reading this from me because you've probably assumed I died... never fear, I haven't. But there is a light at the end of my tunnel (I think). This afternoon when I get off work we are driving to Kingman to meet up and have them go to Utah for the week while Bry and I go away to Newport for our early anniversary trip. Everyone has been asking me what we have planed for our trip... I'm so excited to report we don't have one single thing planned. Except sleeping in, lounging by the pool, going to the beach, and not thinking about homework, or housework, or work work. No stressing about money, or aging, or why Giovanni refuses to help do chores. 5 full days of nothing to rush to, nothing to hurry up and finish. I. Can't. Wait. My biggest hope for my vacation is to come back relaxed and rejuvenated where I can feel like I can breath and maybe even with a slight tan! ;)

Fun With Family

So this post is a lot of pics and they are out of order, sorry!!!

We were super lucky to have both of my sisters visit this month! Auntie Summer came first with Uncle Jared, Emma, Carson, and baby Harrison from Cedar Hills, UT! It was so fun to meet Harrison, and I think it may have been the first time the kids met Carson. We had fun going to Cabella's and the Glendale Chocolate Festival. We also had fun having Sunday dinner at our house!



The kids thought this elephant was soooo cool! And Giovanni thought it was soooo cool to have a kid smaller than him to boss around (please note this same "tug" he's giving Carson in the other group shot lol)


Emma and I


Summer, Papa, and Harrison at the Chocolate Festival


Our fam at the chocolate festival... I think I ate pretty much everything that was seen in this pic!


Natali and Emma at Grammy and Papa's


My kiddos and Summer's kiddos!


For not liking cheesecake I could have eaten a dozen of these little suckers!!


Me and my love... and Bry hehe! This apple was sooo good though! ;)


Carson loved being on Uncle Bryant's shoulders!

Next Auntie Amy came with Caitlyn, Colby, Calleya, and baby Cwynn from Oceanside, CA. It was so fun meeting another new baby!! We had fun with them going shopping, playing at the mall play area, and having family dinner at our house Valentine's day!



Me and Caitlyn...can't believe how big she is already!


Papa, Giovanni, and Colby


Calleya and Natali


Calleya is so freakin' cute!!


I don't think Cwynn thought it was funny, Uncle Bry!


My all time favorite pic of Andy!!


It was a busy two weekends but we sure loved seeing our family! We wish they lived closer so we could see them more! Maybe we'll have to make a trip to see them next!!

Surg-iversary

Bry and I Feb 2009-- 1 month post op

Bry and I today 1 year post op



Me today-- 1 year post op (100+lbs gone!)

Me November 2008 2 months pre op

Today marks a huge day in my chapter of lap banding... it's my 1 year anniversary! I can't believe how quick that went! Looking back at this journey, it just amazes me!
I was happy to spend the day with my family then the hubs and I went to a support group meeting that my work holds the 3rd Sat of the month, and topped the night off spent with fab friends!
Though I'm not at my "goal" I am pretty darn proud of my success and am excited to get to my goal... in time! At our support group today we talked about self image so that's my goal to work on while headed toward my weight loss goal... to have a more positive self image.
Anyways, thanks for all of your support! I really couldn't do this without such amazing friends and an incredible hubby!!

Sooo... Happy Surg-iversary to me!!!

Head Start

Every year Bry and I take turns planning our anniversary. So far we've taken a trip on our first anni and then our second we stayed local and low key. This year {our third anniversary!} is my year to plan and I need some serious help! I want to make this anniversary super special... not that every year isn't super special but I want to make this year relaxing, romantic, enjoyable... especially because the last few months have been crazy. So, friends, I need your help! We obviously don't have the time or money to take a lavish vacation to Hawaii or Paris but I am welcoming ANY ideas! We can stay around here or take a road trip.... So, now you tell me... what is your idea of a romantic anniversary trip/staycation?


Bry and I at the SD Temple 1 year anniversary





Us here in town on our second year anni



Ugh, btw, these pictures just made me so thankful for our lap band surgery! Dang we were fat!!