The Wags

Miss Amelie

2012-02-09T08:53:00.001-08:00

I realized that it's been awhile since I wrote about Miss Amelie. She is so much fun these days. She is talking all the time. Most of the time we have no idea what she is saying.Her favorite things and word to say is SHOES! She loves them. She is such a prissy girl. She loves necklaces, dolls, getting her hair brushed, and of course shoes.

Words we understand:
Shoes
Baby (bebe)
Hello
Hi
Hey
Pete
Jane
Jude
Mommy
Date (dad)
Books
Jesus
Done (don)
up
Sounds:
Dog
Sheep
fish
Lion/tiger/bear
Snake
rabbit

She understands all most everything we say. She can help us clean up or go get things we ask her to. She is learning how to pretend play like vroom vroom with the toy cars. She knows babies need lots of kisses and gives them all the time to the baby I baby sit. She loves dancing and can turn in circles.She loves her daddy and wants him to chase her around the house. One of my favorite things she's doing right now is opening her books and reading them to herself (really babbling and turning pages). She loves The Wiggles and will sit and watch for 25 mins.
She loves her own bedroom and sleeps great an hour more than she did in our room and doesn't wake up in the the middle of the night.
I'm sure there are a lot of other things I'm forgetting right now. But she is turning into she a cute little girl.

Videos

2012-01-28T08:36:00.000-08:00

Christmas Dress

2011-12-10T17:34:00.000-08:00

Big thanks to Corin Meibos who took these for us. Last year I had them taken at Walmart and they weren't very good. This year I spent no MONEY and they are Awesome. I'm saving some for a christmas card. Merry Early Christmas!

Surfin' USA

2011-12-10T17:24:00.000-08:00

This is from our LA trip. Forgot to get any pictures with my family.Bummer.

Amélie overload

2011-09-25T17:02:00.001-07:00

Swell Season In These Arms.mov

2011-08-23T13:59:00.000-07:00

3 years

2011-08-23T13:22:00.000-07:00

It's gone so fast. We can't believe three years have passed. We are going to the Broadmoor Summit House for dinner tonight. We also got really good chocolate that we will enjoy for 6 days. We love our little family. We know that this next year of marriage is going to be great and full of changes for us.

Beautiful

2011-08-03T15:13:00.000-07:00

7 months

2011-05-22T18:10:00.000-07:00

Amelie is now 7 months!

she can...
crawl anywhere
pull herself up and stand
takes steps when we hold her hand
get herself from laying to sitting
nose drive off of things (scary)
pick up food (not always in the pincher grap)

she loves...
her mini piano
all food and eats whatever mommy and daddy are eating
drinking from mommy's water glass preferred with ice
drinking from a sippy cup
her hiking backpack
smiling at everyone
bathtime

She hates...
getting dressed after bathtime
being told NO
being put down when she is tried

This month:
She had her first ear infection (Poor baby)
Went to Kristen Ward's baby blessing (let baby kristen borrow her pacifer)
Went to Utah and back for a wedding (she was the perfect baby)
House sat while Grandma and Grandpa H were in Hawaii
Learned that german car's can stuck you dry (ok so that was mom and dad)

Staycation day 1

2011-03-21T21:25:00.000-07:00

My little Brother has spring break so instead of going of going anywhere everyone is staying here. We are calling it a Staycation. We have fun things all week. Today Robert and I were in charge and we went to Denver to the The Denver Museum of Nature and Science for the Real Pirate Exhibit.

Than to Tocabe,a Native American fry bread restaurant in Denver. It's like a chipotle with fry bread. We heard about it from the show dinner,drive-in's, and dive's.

It was a pretty fun first day.

Nose Dive

2011-03-16T20:58:00.000-07:00

Aren't baby toes so cute!

I have been meaning to write about all the cool things Amelie has gotten to enjoy.

Concerts:
Julia and Peter's Allstate performance (she really loved the men's choir and was pretty vocal about it)
Nana's/Emily's Colorado Springs philharmonic Water Music
Julia in grease as Sandy
Many trip to the movie theater she loves watching the big screen
She really enjoys watching mommy do Zumba

Stroller rides:
Garden of the Gods
The Mall
Around the neighbor hood and down to the cottonwood trail
The Santa Fe Trail
She love going for a ride in BOB. I love going in the afternoon and being out for 2-3 hours so that Amelie gets a at least an hour nap. She's not the best at sleeping on her own.

The pillow isn't actually right behind her like it looks in these pictures.

She loves hearing mommy sing but I only know the words to like 3 songs so she gets to hear them over and over again.
Jesus Loves Me (It's not a primary song)
In the Leafy Treetops She loves this one the most
ABC Song
I might know as few more but most of the time that is what she has to listen to. One day she will realize how awful mommy's singing is.
She also is starting to really love being read to she likes to help hold the book and turn the pages.

She is starting to sit up on her own only for a few seconds. She uses her hands to help steady herself and than when she tired flops to the side. Robert and I laugh every time she face dives into the couch.
Amelie is borrowing Sarah's exersaucer. It provides 30 mins of fun where no one has to hold her.
She is a really happy baby and loves being cuddled. I need to sleep train her. She is starting to wake up at 4:00 in the morning and think it's time to start the day.She also has a hard time falling asleep on her own.I wish I could deal with the crying but after about 20 mins I cave and pick her up.

Amélie's 4 month check

2011-03-15T14:30:00.000-07:00

Amélie just had her 4 month appointment one week before her 5 month birthday. She is on track with all her developments. She grabbing and swatting, sipping water, and chewing on everything. She is 27inch long and is in the 98th percentile, 15 lbs 3 oz putting her in the 66 percentile, and head circumference which is in the 24th percentile.So still long and skinny.
She got to try her first rice cereal. I think she liked it but it was hard to tell.

Amélie's 4 month b-day

2011-02-22T21:43:00.000-08:00

Amélie is now 4 months. It seems like everyday she is learning something new. On Sunday the 20 she rolled over from her back to her stomach. She is now a pro at it and thinks it's fun to try to roll even when she is getting her dirty butt changed. She is really grabbing at things. She loves her stuffed dachshund, my cellphone,hair, her Bink,holding hands, and sleeping with mommy and daddy. She is very social and talkative but is really a mamma's girl. Mornings are her best time of day she is content to roll around on the floor for an hour before she wants a good 2-3 hour nap (confession I usually take it with her). I love being a mom it really has brought so much joy our family. I love waking up to her smiling face even when it's 5:30.

Rock Climbing

2011-02-16T14:01:00.000-08:00

The Weather has been pretty warm here in Colorado Springs. We have been enjoying it with walks all over the place. Amélie loves going in the for rides in her BOB. I love the warmer weather and being outside too.

Bath Time

2011-02-06T20:51:00.000-08:00

I look forward to this time of night all day.

This is a picture taken in June by Christina is Classic Robby:

If your wondering week one of my diet and exercising was pretty good. I started off strong but started cheating a little. This week I have a goal of no cheating. I started running this week. It feels so good to be getting back in shape.

My Love Affair

2011-01-27T21:57:00.000-08:00

You know when you find something you really believe it and you want to tell everyone. Well my friend Melissa recommend this book called "The baby Whisperer" and I keep thinking why didn't I have this book three months ago. I've started putting Amelie on a routine and it is so nice. Part of the routine is nightly baths and baby massage it relaxes both of us. I have got her to stay in her own bed!(now to do it during nap time). I almost quit nursing Amelie this week but after reading this book I've decided to keep with it. This books really hit how I want to parent. I'm never going to be on a strict schedule but I can do a routine. I love this book.
I'm about to start a diet this next week. I have a goal of losing my baby weight and more by July. We'll see how this diet effects my nursing. I hope it doesn't if so no more diet. I also have a goal of running a 5k in March, a 10k April, and a half marathon in June. As a reward I want a new swimsuit and outfit.

3 months already

2011-01-23T11:54:00.001-08:00

Amelie is three months. Robert and I enjoy having her in our lives. She is wearing 6 month clothes mainly because she is so long. She has discovered her hands and loves to put everything in her mouth now. She loves bath time and hates getting out. Hates being dirty. Loves cuddles, smiling, and babbling. Robert bought the Hawaiian dress for his niece Isobel in 2008 and now Amelie gets to wear it.

Starting Soilds

2011-01-22T21:40:00.000-08:00

So for everyone who has kids and reads my blog. Tell me your thoughts on starting solids. Amélie's doctors in Provo recommend anywhere between 4-6 months. I have been doing a lot of research and feel very conflicted as to when to start. So I would love to hear about when you guys started and how it went.I have already decided to make most of my baby food. My mom said it's easy and fast and cheaper so I thought I would try it. Anyone else makes their own baby food?

Typical Amélie

2011-01-21T16:09:00.000-08:00

Learning Early?

2011-01-07T21:49:00.000-08:00

Amélie blessing

2011-01-07T16:42:00.000-08:00

On December the 29th Robert blessed Amélie. We were able to have her blessed in the Van Wagenen's home so my dad and brother could be there. We had lots of family there to help bless her. It was such a sweet experience and we are so grateful for Amélie in our lives. Some of the wonderful things she was blessed with were: She would be able to discern people and know which ones would be best to have in her life, She would have great intellect and wit, and she would be loved by her family.

Christmas!!

2011-01-07T16:35:00.001-08:00

We had a good Christmas this year. I caved and Robert now owns a PS3...I don't know if that was a wise decision. I got a kindle for Christmas and have been enjoying it. We had a fun time with the Shifflers who came all the way from North Carlina aren't my niece and nephew so cute? We miss them already.

oldies

2011-01-07T16:30:00.001-08:00

So these pictures our from Rod and Emily visit to utah in nov and than thanksgiving.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-26T19:27:00.000-08:00

Sorry I don't know how to use the scanner yet...but here it is anyway.

Charlie Brown Christmas

2010-12-08T21:30:00.000-08:00

Charlie Brown

2010-12-08T21:21:00.000-08:00

This year as I was watching Charlie Brown I had a realization it's a story about commercialism and the REAL reason for Christmas. Not many movies focus on what really is the reason for the season. It just touched me to hear the nativity story.
I'm so grateful for Jesus Christ's willingness to be born into the world to save me. My goal is to try to remember the Savior a little more this year and maybe forget about some of the commercialism.

Modern Science

2010-12-08T20:58:00.000-08:00

So I bet everyone is wondering how breastfeeding is going? The answer is better Amélie now is latching on great and a little faster. My milk supply was/is pretty low and so last week I thought I was going to have to bottle feed her. Well I did a lot of research and found out that there are drugs for people like me. yay! I was able to get this drug called Domperidone it works so well mothers that adopted babies can breast feed them. I was lucky to have a midwife that was familiar with it and felt comfortable prescribing it. I was lucky again to find a pharmacy in Sandy that makes it. It's not that common yet in the States. It takes about 3 to 6 weeks for it to have full effect but it seems to be working so far.
Robert is going to kill me for bloging about this but... This Sunday we went to church and I had an overwhelming sense of peace and I know that Heavenly Father would help me through this. After Church I told Robert and He said " Of course he will because he loves you even more than I do". Oh and this is the really embarrassing part he got a little teary eyed. I was already emotional and tearing/trying not to sob. I'm so lucky to have such a wonderful husband to raise our daughter with.

Kelly is Amazing

2010-12-08T20:30:00.001-08:00

I've always hated my wedding photos! Kelly Anderson our amazing photograher edited a few of them for us. She also took some amazing senior pictures of my handsome brother carson!Enjoy!

We love Kelly's work and will use her in the future. She has an amazing eye and easy to get along with and did I mention the best part her prices are so reasonable.

She's worth it!

2010-12-01T10:50:00.000-08:00

Breast or bottle?

2010-11-29T22:26:00.001-08:00

I mentioned in my last post that breastfeeding was/is kicking my butt. I had been having this feeling that something was wrong with Amelie and breastfeeding.She still looked so skinny at 4 1/2 weeks. So I went to a Lactation specialist. It turns out I was right to be worried. She was not latching properly and was having a hard time with the cradle hold. I also had low milk supply since she was not eating properly.The Lactation Specialist helped me come up with a game plan for the week. It sounded do able and easy. Everything is easier on paper! I was to start giving her supplement of formula/any expressed breast from pumping.Pump after each feeding. Listen to make sure she is swallowing and not just hanging out. Which sadly meant no more night time feeding while I slept. Do a milk supply test and do power pumping for one hour a night.Let her go no more than two hours without feeding her. Try the football hold.
I was so thankful to go home the next day and have help. My mom was able to help me with getting Amelie to latch and the football hold. I would like to say I can do the football hold on my own now but I can't. I never got the hang of it. She is doing better though with the cross-cradle hold.
On Saturday I had a pretty bad emotional break down over breast feeding. I considered just bottle feeding her and giving up.I was so upset I skipped my nail appointment with my mom (I don't think I've ever turned that down).My mom tried her best to make things better but talking about it only made me more hysterical. Robert took Amelie over to his families and kept her so I could have some alone time. I slept a little, cried a lot, and breast pumped.I had a good talk with my sister-in-law Christina who had gone through a lot of the same issues with Isobel. She made me feel better about giving Amelie supplements.
I had another appointment today and it was not as encouraging as I had hoped. She did gain one pound and is now at 9 lbs 4 oz. Still behind but a lot better. At her first appointment she ate only 1/2 oz in in ten minutes today 1 1/2 in ten minutes and over three by the end. She still is a very poky eater and might always be one since it's her style. I still need to increase my milk supply so more faithful pumping for me. I pretty much had dropped the ball on it last week.She is still going to be supplemented until we feel I have enough for her to be exclusive which may or may not happen.
So here it is week two and I'm going to try to do everything that's in my power to keep breast feeding!
I'll post about thanksgiving and put up pictures tomorrow.

3 weeks

2010-11-09T20:27:00.000-08:00

What Amélie's been up to:
She had her two week check up. Still super skinny in the 19th percentile for weight. she still was a few oz under her birth weight. Still working on breast feeding I was doing what her doctor suggested for a week but that didn't seem to work. Now I'm feeding her on demand. She is a really pokey eater like she takes an hour and half. I think she may have gained some weight but it's hard to tell.
Her sleeping habits are sketching at best. One day she sleeps great the next she'll be up for hours. Yesterday I realized in might be my love of caffine. I'm going to try not to have any after 6:00 pm. I hope it's not my CAFFINNNEEEEEEEEE!

As most of you have seen on Facebook and this blog we had her newborn pictures taken. They turned out so great! I'm trying to control myself on putting to many baby pictures up.It's Kelly Anderson fault for making me have to have control she took way to many adorable pictures. Seriously Kelly is great if you live in Utah want some family photos taken you should ask her.

She has had two baths now. The first one was not a fun at all. Her second one I remembered to put the towel in the dyer, turn on the space heater in the bathroom, warm up the water before undressing the baby, and have a pacifier. She seemed to not mind it after a few seconds of screaming. Robert is good at holding her still while I bathe her.

On Friday she got to see Big G or Grandpa Hiltbrand since he had a layover in SLC.

She had her first sacrament meeting and was only a little fussy. I took her in the hall walked around the building once and she was out. She wore this cute little blue dress from Aunt Christina and Isobel.Sorry not the best picture.

We went to North Salt Lake on Sunday and showed off our little cutie to Robert's Nanny and Granddad Van Wagenen.

She has been to two movies with us. Where she was a perfect angel. She loves her sling. I love that she loves her sling. I can't say enough about her sling. On a related note she went on her first walk out side last Thursday and than on Friday for another one. Did I mention that she loves her sling?

She seems to have a pleasant personality. Even when she has been awake for hours she still is not too bad. It's so easy just to stare and her for hours. She is just so beautiful even though she is a mini Robert. I don't see much of me in her maybe when she is older.

On more thing I love watching Robert with Amélie he is just so loving. He is great with her. He takes her a lot at night when she is upset because she has gas. He comes home from school and always asks how his baby is and holds her. It's just so dang cute.

The clothes are clean and warm she loved it...all but it does make us look a little white trash.

Amélie Joy's Newborn photos

2010-11-08T21:37:00.000-08:00

Just cuz'

2010-10-30T15:47:00.000-07:00

I didn't get any pictures of my parents holding the baby. This one is from my dad's cell.

My parents went to Rosewell to visit my brother Carson who is in military school and doing great. Here is a picture of Carson looking all grown-up in his uniform.
My Parents also just climbed Pikes Peak with some friends and our family dog Cheyenne. It was my mom's first time! Way to go Mom.

1st check up

2010-10-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

My mother-in-law Emily sent these to me last week and I wanted to take a picture of them. I love that they are in a pumpkin that I can put out every Halloween and remember the birth of our daughter. We can't wait for Rod and Emily to come out and meet their new granddaughter. Amelie is so lucky to have two sets of amazingly loving grandparents.

Here are her stats from her check up yesterday:

At 8 days of age Amelie weighted in at 7.21 putting her at the 25.4%
Height 21.75 inches putting her at 96%
Her head circumference is 13.5 putting her 23.03%
Tall and Skinny (she takes after her daddy)

Her first week of life was a little stressful with her neonatal jaundice and feeling like I had no control. I've had an easy recovery. Aside from my hormones making me a little sensitive/overly stressed things are going well.I started walking and that seems to be helping me calm down and counter act the hormonal ups and downs. I put Amelie in a sling and walk with her close to me with music on.She really is such a sweet baby. Breastfeeding is kicking my butt! I'm trying to get Amelie on somewhat of feeding schedule since she basically snacks all day long. Her Pediatrician had an idea so I'm trying that. She already sleeps for about 5 hours straight at night.We think she has Van Wagenen eyes all the way. My parents think she looks a lot like me as a baby. We had her newborn pictures taken yesterday and hopefully will have them back next week. I can't wait to see how they turned out! Things are going more smoothly here but I'm defiantly looking forward to being in Colorado where the Grandparents can be more involved.

Count your many blessing

2010-10-26T19:27:00.000-07:00

Monday morning Robert and I got up early so that we could take Amélie to the lab to have her bilirubin levels checked. It was one of the only really cold mornings this fall so far. We got in the car and tried to start the car. It would not start and the sound it made when we tried was not a good sound. I thought it was just the battery but Robert said it sounded worst then that. I called my parents to come over so they could help me get Amelie to the lab. While Robert walked to class. Even though I had only asked for a ride my dad went into action mode and tried to figure out what was wrong. He came to the conclusion the battery was dead and would not take a charge and the gas was on empty. I felt so stupid that we had let the gas go so low. Did you know the you should NEVER LET A DIESEL CAR RUN OUT OF GAS? You can't just put diesel gas back in and except the car to work since there is air in the lines. We called a tow truck and luckily our insurance covered that. My dad handled all of it. Since Robert was in class all day. Turns out that not only was our battery completely shot, the gas on empty, our alternator had seized, and the timing belt needed to be replaced. Can I just say OUCH! Total a few thousand dollars. My dad took care of the bill too. It's great to have such wonderful parents who are so generous with their time and money.

CUTIE PIE!!!!

2010-10-24T15:14:00.000-07:00

Old Yeller

2010-10-24T14:54:00.000-07:00

We went home from the hospital knowing that Amélie had high bilirubin levels that would need to be checked on Friday night. It was still high so it had to be checked Saturday morning. Still high so Saturday morning they delivered a bilirubin light/case. Because her levels were so high she would have to stay it all day. Let's just say Robert had to deal with two very hysterical girls yesterday. Thankfully my mom came into town last night and took a turn trying to calm the baby. Up until yesterday she had barely been put down it was horrible. She just cried and screamed. But this morning her bilirubin levels are down. She still has to have some time in the case/torture chamber but hopefully tomorrow will be better.

Amélie's Birthday

2010-10-22T18:42:00.000-07:00

This is Amélie's birth story and sorry it is long. I started writing this and wanted to make this my record of her birth.
When it became apparent after two weeks of thinking labor should happened anytime. My midwife said if by some miracle I had not gone into labor by weds the 20th (39 weeks) she would induce me. Monday I got a message from my midwife saying she would see me bright and early on Wednesday at 6:30 am. I was group B strep positive so getting induced was ideal they could have enough time to get me antibiotics before labor and during. We got to the hospital and they checked me in at 6:30. It wasn't until 7:45 am that they had started the antibiotics. I was not informed until then that after they started the antibiotics that I would have to wait 4 hours until they induced me. At 11:45 am they finally started the pitocin. I had been having contractions for about 2 weeks which were strong enough to put most women in the hospital. So I didn't need much pitocin to get "active" labor started. I progressed to a 5 after weeks of being a little over a 4. Around 1 my midwife came and ruptured my membranes and turned down my pitocin to almost nothing.My labor really start to pick up. I had planned on doing a natural birth. Most of my coping methods involved being able to move around the room. Around 2:00pm My contractions were really starting to pick up and become closer together.Robert had already expressed to me his wish that I would just get drugs. When none of my pain management methods were distracting enough I decided on the epidural. I asked Robert to call my nurse and order the epidural. My nurse had been saying all morning Robert was a man of few words. She swears that Robert calling was the first time she had heard him speak.By 2:30 pm the nurse and the anesthesiologist came to put in my epidural. Robert was excited to see the epidural be placed.The epidural worked so quickly. My nurse left and was doing other things for what seemed to be FOREVER! Around 3:30 I started wondering and asking Robert why nobody had come and checked on me in awhile. I doubted very much that I had made any progress at all. I even had taken a small nap and made so jokes. My nurse's ears must have been burning because she came right in. Checked me and told me that I was complete and went to call my midwife and get the table and room ready. From 4pm I started pushing, pushing, and more pushing. Apparently I have a very strong pelvic floor which is why after two weeks of her head down that low it had not started labor. I was glad to have an epidural since it was almost three hours of pushing. Apparently I'm the kind of patient everyone loves because I'm so dang nice and positive about things.Haaaaa... Who says the glass is always half empty! I would push and they would say I see her head but then as the contraction would stop her head would go out of view. But all my hard work paid off and her head finally stayed out and then a few good pushes later and her whole body appeared. The midwife placed the baby on my stomach and in seconds she was breathing and crying on her own. Robert was able to cut the cord and watch as the afterbirth was delivered. (Here is where we gross everyone out) We both were amazed by what the placenta looked like, how much blood, and amniotic flood there still was.It's truly amazing what the human body can do. I had a little bit of tearing but nothing to complain about.My epidural wore off quickly and I had no problem getting up and walking.
She had an 8 on her first apgar and a 9 on the minute mark. She weighted in at 7 pounds 13 oz and 20.5 inches long. She is such a sweet baby. She had no problem learning how to breast feed! We were able to go home 24hrs after delivery! Our first night at home was great.

Amélie Joy Van Wagenen

2010-10-22T09:24:00.000-07:00

BORN 10/20/10 Orem Utah 6:50 pm
7 lbs 13 oz 20 1/2 inches long

Rant

2010-10-12T20:51:00.000-07:00

MIDWIVES LIE:
Thurs: I had a check up and was pleasantly surprised to find out that I was closer to having this baby than I thought. She said labor could begin at anytime and she thought that the baby would come this week.So Exciting! Thurs: Night I had been having lots of contractions and they seemed to be about 3 to 4 mins apart. We headed to the hospital. They checked me and said I was 100% effaced and a little over a 4. One of my midwives came in and checked on me and said that she thought "real" labor would most likely start 6, 12, or 24 hours and again I had hope that the baby would come over the weekend. Let's just say it was a long weekend. Each day I would wake up sure today was the day! Today might have been the hardest for me since I really wanted our baby to share her birthday with her cousin. I finally broke down and had a good cry. I feel much better now. I know that I might be one of the unlucky few who stops progressing for a few weeks. Anyway we will let everyone know when the big event does happen via facebook,text, meibos email chain, and probably a blog update.
I learned a lesson here don't let a medical professional give you a dead line...no matter how good that deadline is.

Guessing?

2010-09-27T15:14:00.000-07:00

I thought it would be fun to see when everyone thinks Baby Amélie will come? Her official due date is OCT. 27th. Her second ultra-sound showed her her due date being more like OCT. 19th. So when do you think she will come? Whoever guess closest will get the satisfaction of guessing correctly.
Until than only Amélie knows.

Life

2010-09-13T12:57:00.000-07:00

Some of our our Engagement pictures:

A Wedding picture:

Only a month left before we are no longer just two. We can't wait to meet Amélie. We wonder what kind of personality she will have and what she will look like. The only thing we do know about her is that she is sure to change our lives.

No Doubt It's a girl

2010-07-02T10:56:00.000-07:00

We got a cool 3/4d ultrasound done today. Our little girl was facing towards my back so no face pictures. She did give us many opportunities to make sure she was a girl. Here are a few of my favorites:

She has long legs

And already know how to give us the thumb up!

Camera shy already shielding her face

No Doubt

All balled up
Not only was she facing my back she was trying to do a somersault in my womb. She is one active little girl.

P.S Robert really wanted it to be a boy so he is a little disappointed right now. What is it with men and always wanting boys???

Harry Potter

2010-06-30T18:15:00.001-07:00

Let me say that it was so hot in Florida! We thought we would get lots of pictures from this trip but it turned out to be too hot to even stand still to take pictures or it would pour buckets of water... I didn't want to get the camera wet. We had a blast! My mom earned this trip for four and I tagged along.

The first day someone that my mom knows told us that although The Harry Potter theme park was not supposed to have it's grand opening until the 18th of June they had a soft opening. This was the Park all of us wanted to go to so bad.I'm not embarrassed to admit I love all things Harry Potter. Universal Parks are meant for "older Kids" so this was the park that almost every ride is so amazing. The Harry Potter park is located in Universal's Island of Adventure. Some of the many things we loved was tasting frozen/regular Butter Beer and Pumpkin Juice. The Harry potter Castle was just like the movie and had an awesome ride in it. We ate in Hogsmede it was YUCKY. The Boys and my Mom loved the Flight of the Dragon ride.After we had our fill of Harry Potter we rode more fun rides in Island of Adventure before calling it a day. It's hard really to tell you which parks we did the other days since we had a park hopper and could go to any of Disney's Theme Parks. We did Disney World,Epcot,Disney's Hollywood Studios, The Animal Kingdom, and one of the water parks Blizzard beach. Some of the favorite rides were Splash Mountain (I didn't get to ride most of them), the tower of terror, Peter Pan, the safari ride, Rollin' Roller Coaster. I personally loved the lazy river it was so relaxing. We ate lots of ice cream and walked about 6 to 8 miles a day. It was so hot I'm talking a 110 degrees. My mom spent some time by the pool while the rest of us wimps fled to the air conditioned hotel room. It was super fun but by the end of the trip everyone was ready to go home.
. For some reason my mom is only in one picture we do have other camera's with pictures but if you look behind Peter you will see her in the red. We really should have gotten more of her since with out her hard work we wouldn't have been able to enjoy this trip.

I was not Planning on putting up any pictures of me pregnant so enjoy the one picture above.

Father's Day

2010-06-22T06:40:00.000-07:00

Last week we were in Florida for a family vacation to Disney World. I'll post more on that latter and put some of the few pictures up. I want to focus on my Father's day story. Journal style:
Robert and I flew home Saturday the 19th in the evening. Emily made a great Fathers day breakfast of creamed eggs and toast. Yummy. I got ready for church and was starting to feel yucky. I tricked Robert into driving me to my parents house so I could celebrate with my Father. On the way over I was saying to Robert "I don't feel so good". Sure enough I brought all the wonderful creamed eggs back up. Thankfully Robert was able to pull into a parking lot before the gross stuff ended up in the car. We got to my house were Robert told me to go take a nap while he cleaned up my mess in the car. Robert is the Best Husband EVER! I said hello to my dad and sorry I can't go to church with you I think I have the stomach flu. Robert went back to his house to spend some more time with his dad. Around 12:15 in the afternoon I knew something was not right. I was having pains in my stomach mainly on my right side. I called Robert and had him take me to the Er. We went to the Er first who then sent me to labor and delivery. They checked to make sure I was not in labor. Lucky for me and the baby I was not. She had a strong heartbeat and was enjoying her normal routine of using me as her trampoline. I was in a lot of pain but knowing that my baby was just fine gave me a sense of peace. I'm sure all those prayers for me helped keep me calm as well. We were sent back to the Er were they put in an iv and took a lot of blood. By then we all were thinking I either had really bad constipation or appendicitis. Being pregnant makes testing very difficult. The doctor first sent me for an ultra sound where they found some free floating fluid but never could see my appendix. My blood test came back with elevated white blood cells. The doctor finally said I needed to have a CT scan. We were a little nervous since CT scans can be damaging to the baby. Lucky for the baby all of her major organs have already formed so the risk was a little less.
Good thing they did the CT because they were able to see my appendix and I indeed had appendicitis. They got me into surgery within an half hour of having the CT done. The surgery went well and I'm now appendix free! I had to stay over night and half the next day at the hospital. I could not have asked for a nicer hospital staff and I felt like they listened really well to me. I had my own room with a bathroom which was so nice. My mom stayed the night so that Robert could go home. Did I tell you my mom turned 50 on Monday morning. Way to spend your birthday! Robert looked so tried and stressed out by the end of the night.
I feel so blessed that my parents were in town and that Robert had Sunday and Monday off of work. I have great in-laws that prayed for me and were willing to come stay with me as well Robert brought me a movie from red box, In style magazine, and red roses. He really is such a sweet man.I'm hoping to feel well enough to drive to Utah with Emily and Robert on Friday.

Baby ?

2010-06-02T14:48:00.001-07:00

We had our 20 week ultrasound this week:
We learned we have a very very active little one,that it is very long, and looks like a baby. The ultra sound tech said that it was probably a girl. We are thinking about waiting a month and going to one of those mall places and making sure. We are thinking our naming her Amélie Joy. We reserve the right to change our minds~
Here are some really good pictures of the baby:
ummm maybe not! We can't seem to make the scanner work. Hopefully we can post them later.

Spooky

2010-04-05T09:20:00.000-07:00

For all those still in the dark.
Robert and I are EXPECTING in Oct. Spooky huh! I'm doing really good and have not been very sick!
We are pretty excited about this coming fall. Fall should be Robert's last semester of undergrad and hopefully we will know where he will be going to dental school. It is going to be so busy this fall!
We are going to be home for the summer in Colorado Springs. Robert is going to have a busy summer. He needs to do some shadowing, some more community service(the more the better for dental applications), take a few online courses, get a part time job, study for and take the dat,and start the application process for schools.Poor Robert!

Too much HGTV

2010-01-28T22:35:00.000-08:00

I watched a lot of HGTV at home it might be the best tv channel EVER. I'm glad I don't have cable so that I don't go into "I WANT MY OWN HOME TO DECORATE NOW" mode!!!!!!
I settled for a few little home improvements.

Over Christmas I had gotten a few things for our living room with the help of my mom.

This is the end result. Christina found the small metal flower pictures this summer!Yay to having a sister-in-laws with great taste.

I have been dying to see where my friend Ashley Blossil works.This Saturday Robert and I went and checked it out. Home Again is a consignment store. I can't wait to go again. Next time I will come with an idea in mind though. I wandered the store thinking "I want it all". Ashley reminded me that I had made a comment about wanting something more over the bed. I found these great pictures that match my existing blue/brown theme.

I love Home Again and did I tell you that everything is so reasonably priced!

I made these today. My mom was nice enough to send me all the stuff! I just had to put it together. I love how they turned out! It was so fun and easy. My kind of
craft.

And now my best home accessory!

I know Robert wants something when he looks at me like this:

Sad cute puppy eyes

At last!

2010-01-12T21:22:00.000-08:00

It seems that the whole Van Wagenen Family has been blessed with work. Brooke my Brother-in-Law just got a Job and so did my Sister-in-law Jenny. I just got a job too. Yay! I was getting pretty worried. Lucky for me I have a friend that kept her eye out at the place that she works at.It's all about who you know! Right after we got back from Provo She emailed me saying that they had openings. I called and got an interview the same day. I started two days later. The pay is way better than average in Provo. I work at a Place called Renevati we help pre-screen people for College. It is a call center job but not bad since the people I call requested the information. This is the perfect job for me because we had decided go home for the Summer to save money for dental applications. Robert has started classes again and it off to a great start. We are both happy to only have one semester left of under graduate school after this one.
I have no Pictues of us to post so here is a really cute one of Our niece Isobel!

She really is the Cutest!

Bling Bling

2010-01-12T20:30:00.000-08:00

We had a great time going home for Christmas this year. We were able to go home for almost three weeks. We had fun hanging out with all our family. We have been very blessed with two wonderful families.
Unfortunately I didn't get very many Christmas Pictures. So I will share some of our Christmas highlights.

My family celebrated Christmas a few days early on the 22 which was fun. We had the traditional Christmas Chowder and than put on our Christmas eve PJs. We watched The Homecoming together. We than opened all of our Christmas goodies. Santa brought everything on our wish list and so much more.
We than got to enjoy Christmas eve at the Van's with lots of great food and people. We sang Christmas carols, played the pipes, games, read the Christmas story, and shared our thought on the Savior. We had a wonderful Christmas morning and again got tons of great Christmas gifts. One Gift I loved was BBC Elizabeth Gaskell collection on dvd. I just love having a mother-in-law that likes similar movies. Robert was able to bond with my brother and Dad on a Boys Ski/snowboard trip.
We rang in the New year at my parents home with Roberts family as well. We played games and got to make lots of noise with all sorts of party favors. It was a great trip home and we were sad to go back.

It's begining to look a lot like Christmas!

2009-12-01T11:21:00.000-08:00

The Van Wagenen's get to go home for Christmas! Yay! I'm still looking for a job. Over the Thanksgiving Holiday my Mom and I made snow flake paper ornaments. I never got to the beaded ones so I'll have to do that over Christmas break. I decided to put up some Christmas decorations. Grandma Meibos let me borrow two little trees and I had some ornaments. It won't win any awards but it makes me feel like Christmas.

My German Christmas Tree that my Dad helped me get a few years ago.

My brother and Dad found us our own mischief elf! This is where I found him on Sunday! Our Mischief elf looks just like my parents but with better clothes. I love this tradition.

Christmas mooning! Maybe his butt checks will be our Christmas picture this year?

Christmas Trees

2009-11-12T17:23:00.000-08:00

It looks like the Van Wagenen's are staying in Provo for Christmas. I have never not been "home" for Christmas. I was so sad. I love my family and their many traditions. I have found a brighter side of things now. I can decorate my first Christmas tree! I have a few ideas and would love your input. I want to start right now!

I love the idea of a silver and white tree
\

I love the all gold

Traditional Tree

Zoomed out view of tree

Leave your comment~!

New Project

2009-11-12T17:20:00.001-08:00

Tomorrow I'm going to make these. Thanks Martha Stewart!

Beads can be used to create beautiful, everlasting Christmas ornaments. These snowflakes use a combination of small and large beads: small rocailles (silver-lined transparent beads); long, thin bugle beads; and larger druk beads (smooth, round beads).

Tools and Materials
-20-, 24-, and 30-gauge tinned copper wire
-Round-nosed pliers
-Wire cutters
-Beads (see above)

Beaded Snowflakes How-To
1. Create a snowflake form by crisscrossing three 10-inch lengths of 20-gauge wire so their midpoints meet and the wires extend from the center like equally spaced spokes.

2. Secure the center by wrapping 30-gauge wire around it several times. Alternatively, you can solder the wires together.

3. Transfer four size-5/o rocailles to one arm; wrap one end of a 12-inch length of 24-gauge wire on the arm, as close to the last bead as possible.

4. Thread a large, a small, and another large druk bead onto the 24-guage wire; repeat bead transfer (see step 3) on next arm, and wrap the wire close to last bead.

5. Repeat until an inner perimeter is formed (below, right), then add two 5/o rocailles, a bugle bead, and a large druk bead to each arm.

6. Loop the end of each arm closed with round-nosed pliers.

Out of the loop

2009-11-11T10:19:00.000-08:00

This morning I was taking Robert to school. I noticed that pretty much every house on our street had a American flag out. I thought long and hard and thought is it for the tragedy in Fort Hood? Duh... It's Veteran's day. I think that Holidays mean more when you get the day off. In College I knew every holiday I couldn't wait to sit around the house all day. Now, I hate every minute of it. I hate not having a job. It's hard to put in applications all day in your house. I have banned myself from books and movies to make myself put in more the just 6 applications a day. Yuck. I have put in applications for places that I would really like to work and hope they see me as a good candidate. I really want a job that does not make dread going there everyday. I want to feel proud of whatever I'm doing. But I know that I might end up doing another job that is not ideal. I have to be ok with that. I need to change my mind set to being more open to the idea the work is not always going to be enjoyable.

Snow fall?

2009-11-09T15:49:00.002-08:00

I hate being cold, a hate driving in snow and ice, and I hate getting out of bed in the winter. With all these "hates" one would naturally concluded that I hate snow. Which is true and not true. There is something magical about the first snow fall of the season. The way the snow sparkles, the crisp air, and crunch of the snow under foot. I love sitting inside listening to Christmas music and watching the snow fall. I love to dance around the living room. It seems you never get to old to enjoy the excitement of snow. So what is wrong with Provo? We have had weather in the 50-70's and it's November. Great for my heating bill... sad for me. I want to dance around ,bundle up, make a snowman, drink hot coco, and look at flocked trees.

Suzy Snowflake needs to come visit me!

Robert and The Great Tooth

2009-11-07T18:54:00.000-08:00

Robert and I have made a list of the top 15 dental school. He will be applying for in June. I got really into looking for schools. Robert had a pre-dental teachers said these wise words "let your wife pick where you go since she will be the one actually living there!" Not all the schools on the list are places we wanted to live. Cost of tuition and cost of living were how I made the list. The schools with the lowest GPA's where the highest in cost and living.

1. University of Denver- By far the best place to live and so cheap
2. Creighton- cost of living is great (I love Omaha)
3. University of Pacific- done in 3 years - high cost of everything
4. University of Washington
5. University of Illinois at Chicago
6. University of Boston
7. Marquette in Wisconsin
8. University of Florida- cost of living is not bad, tuition moderate
9. Stony Brook- New York (nowhere near NY city)
10. Kornberg (temple)-penn
11. UCS-La EXPENSIVE
12. UCLA- La EXPENSIVE
13. Oregon OHSU- doesn't let in a huge amount of out-of-state-residents
14. Howard Unviersity- Distict of Columbia
15. UCSF- EXPENSIVE

This is the list for now. The order is not permanent. Lets face it we will have to go where we get in. The nice thing is that Robert does not have to apply for each school individually there is this mass application process. If the school likes him they will send out seconds where he will do individual applications.If they still like him he will get an interview. The whole process makes me sick. I can't wait to next December when Robert will be graduated and we most likely know where we're off too.
I was looking at the requirements for Dental Schools and Robert has taken all the required and most of the suggested courses already! Yay! He also has a competitive GPA and has some really good community service. He is currently volunteering at a middle school tutoring kids in math. He likes it and probably will do it next semester. Things left on the check list are shadowing some dens and maybe a TAing position if he can get one. He also needs above a 19 on the Dat. I'm not that worried about him getting in. I'm just not patient person.

TRADITIONS

2009-11-05T09:48:00.000-08:00

-Yesterday I was getting together a Christmas play-list. Some might say that November is to early for Christmas Music I say "bah humbug to you"! If you happen to like Christmas music here are some of my personal favorites:
Charlie Brown Christmas
Mannheim Steamroller- Fresh Aire, Actually all four Christmas Cd's are good
MOTAB Christmas
Handel's Messiah
Rodger Whittkater (he is folk and writes his own Christmas songs)"Mighty like a rose" and "The Governors Dream"
Dean Martin Christmas personal favorites "Marshmallow world in the winter" and "Baby it's cold out side"
The Carpenters Got to love their medleys
Trans-Siberian The Christmas Attic - Christmas Cannon

Rosemary Cloney "Suzy Snowflake" and "Count your blessings"
The Nutcraker
Peter Kater he is strictly piano music

CHRISTMAS Movies:
The Santa Clause: Who doesn't love TIM ALLEN?

The Classic Animated Rodelph the red nose reindeer and Santa Claus is coming to town
The Polar Express
Chevy Chase's Christmas Vacation
A Christmas Story

The Grinch who Stole Christmas
Miracle of 31 street
Come to think of it I don't know many Christmas movies I don't like.

Traditions
This Tradition started with my dad (The Hiltbrand's) family
To be done all holiday season
The Mischief Elf- He has bendable hands and legs. The Game is someone hides him and once found they have to hide him. Over the years he has been spotted in the shower,using the toilet, coming down the garage door on a string, in bed, in the refrigerator, hanging from a chandelier, waiting for you in the car, it has even been known to have his butt checks showing with a sticky note saying "fart". The Mischief Elf is so much fun and keeps us entertain all season long.

The "Swoosh" this is a highly embarrassing practice also something my dad's family came up with. On Christmas Morning my Dad will go downstairs and tell us that "Santa" did not come. We know he is joking than he will say you have to do the swoosh to see for sure. The Swoosh evolves running down the stairs streaming and yelling and making funny faces while my dad video tapes the whole thing. Highly entertaining as a Child. Robert thinks this is great fun and wants to make sure when we have kids they do this too.

Robert's family sings songs around the piano on Christmas eve. It's really amazing to listen to them sing songs they have the perfect blend of voices. Eggnog and Pineapple Wassail is one of the best thing about Van Wagenen Christmas.

I love Christmas lights. I love going around in the car and just looking at all the beautiful Christmas lights. Some are tastefully done and others are just over the top crazy.
What do you think?
The classic look is my
favorite.

I love Christmas!

Tricks and Treats

2009-11-02T12:52:00.000-08:00

This Halloween was low key but so much fun. Robert and I went over to our fun friends Jeff & Ashley's house. We watched The White Lady (80's Horror is so funny). I must of been on a egg kick cuz' I brought egg rolls and eggnog. Ashely makes the most delicious caramel apples and caramel popcorn.She has it down to a science. Both of the recipes I made are from my mother-in-law Emily. Ashely asked me to post the recipes. Yum.

Eggnog Van Style:
2 eggs or 1/2 c. egg substitute
1 quart milk
1/8 tsp salt
nutmeg
1 14-14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 pint heavy cream, Whipped

Whip eggs in blender, then strain into a large bowl. Add milk, vanilla, and salt. Gradually stir sweetened condensed milk. Spoon on whipped cream. Sprinkle with nutmeg. Chill thoroughly before serving.

Lumpia (Philippino Egg Rolls)

2 lb Ground Beef
1/2 green pepper, finely chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
5 gloves garlic, minced
2 beef bouillon cubes grates
salt and pepper
2 carrots finely chopped or shredded
1/2 red pepper, finely chopped
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
2 eggs
2 tsp. sugar
Lots of Lumpia wrappers ( Kim recommends Mei Ling or Wie chun)

Combine all ingredients except wrappers and sauce. Assemble like very skinny egg rolls: about 2 tsp. filling diagonally near corner of a lumpia wrapper. Fold corner up; tuck sides in; roll up and seal edges with a little water. Keep wrappers under a damp towel so they don't dry out while you're working. When ready to fry, heat 325- 340 degrees. Fry a few at a time, flipping over until brown both sides. Serve with sauces- over favorite is sweet chili sauce.

Personal Note: Putting the right amount of filling takes practice. You get better at rolling them as you go. They still taste great no matter how they look.

Sweet Chili Thai Sauce:
1 cup sugar
2 tsp ginger, minced
2 tsp hot chili pepper, minced
2 tsp cornstarch
1 cup water
1 c rice vinegar
1 tsp garlic, minced
2 tsp ketchup

Boil water and vinegar. Add all other ingredients except cornstarch and simmer for 5 minutes. Thicken with cornstarch and refrigerate. If you don't have time to cool it put in ice bath.

Enjoy!

Thumb Fashion

2009-10-23T21:47:00.000-07:00

Robert nice Flames! Yup that's right, Robert's Superhero power...who know that all you had to do to get this flame ability was to cut you thumb nail and finger tip off. It's as easy as that.
I threw a Halloween party. It ended up being really fun. I'm always afraid that nobody will show up. It turned into an early party with the family(Robert's Cousins) and a later party.
I'm still looking for a job which sends me into regular melt downs. I hate looking for jobs, putting applications out there that can take hours and then to realize that you will probably never get an interview. I had 3 interviews they sadly didn't landed me a job.I'm the kind of person that takes everything personal. I go through the interview process and always end up feeling lousy about my performance. Self-doubt can plague me. I hate it.

So, I'm going to have to come to terms with things and I'm going to improve. I realized that if I read my scriptures more,stopped judging others, made a goal plan for each day, and exercised; I would feel a lot better about myself and that it would reflect on my job search. Yeah, I've been told I'm Intense,with a Capital I,that is what my mom always says. I'm going to do this 30 diet and exercise plan "Making the Cut". I need some self-discipline in my life.

Not having a job has some advantages. I really enjoy getting to spend more time with Robert, cooking, and cleaning. Those things may sound dull to you but I've been really enjoying it.

2009-10-23T14:03:00.000-07:00

Fall! We went to the corn maze with some friends Jeff& Ashley and their friends Aaron& Carol. It was really fun. There was so much to do. Corn maze, hunted Dinosaur, and corn throwing, a big chair , and prince charming.

Boycott

2009-10-08T20:23:00.001-07:00

I'm been in charge of the typing of this blog and Robert is in charge of formatting and putting up pictures. For about two weeks now I have had a post ready but Robert won't do his part.....We may have to wait a few more weeks. That one has some good pictures from some of our fun outings!

Update: I quit working at Ross. Long Story! Oh the woes of work. I have had some great interviews. So, Hopefully I get a new job quick.
Robert is still slaving away at BYU.
My friend Neva came down from Idaho to play with me. We did a girls day which was tons of fun. The picture at the top is Neva and I on a little hike.
It's snowing in Colorado and some how I feel sad that I'm missing it. I hate being cold but I do love the first snow storm of the season. I've been missing "home" lately so I've been pretending it's closer to Christmas by listening to Christmas music. I can't wait to go home for Christmas.
Life is going great in Provo,really, no I mean really. I've finally made some great friends. It only took me a year. Oops, where are my social skills? I have been getting back into shape. It's always a work in progress. I also have been inspired by fall to make lots of fall comfort foods. Fall is the best season. I love the rich colors, the crisp Autumn air, or the smell of crushed dry leaves, or maybe the best of all hot cider wafting through the house. Fall is a time of warmth... unlike winter when everything looks cold.
Anyway, Don't judge me to harshly on my lack of proof-reading skills.(Robby usually checks it) Blame him :)

Summer Fun

2009-07-01T14:35:00.000-07:00

Spending Time in SLC with Robert's grandparents and family was great. Robert enjoyed playing The Sims with Peter and Jenny. [I made a character that does nothing but cook and eat all day... and use the bathroom in the golden toilet sitting in his front yard.] I enjoyed ~~nothing~~ everything ~~because~~ even though I was sick.

We also went to Joseph, Utah [that's right: the Joseph, Utah.] for the Meibos Family Reunion. I had fun getting to know Robert's family better. I especially enjoyed the family games and getting to see our cute niece, Isobel.

[Gathering herbs and bumping the streetz of Jozeph.]

Robert makes a handsome captain in his tiny life vest! [So does Casey.]

Isobel and Christina on the boat! Casey and Jenny making funny faces in aspen grove.
[not featured: Brooke and I sating our WoW withdrawals at the public library].

Robert, Erik and I went to Rock Canyon in Procrapvo. I went along to be the Photographer and to enjoy the beautiful wilderness. Robert also wanted a photo shoot of his great tree-climbing body.

We're are excited to see Spencer in a few weeks time! Life is going well for us. I continue to look for a new job... [We also enjoyed the 4th of July festivities with grandma and grandpa!]

Dolla' Scoop Night.

2009-05-28T11:32:00.000-07:00

While we were home visiting between semesters Casey's dad brought us on an adventure to recover a rope that had been left behind on one of his recent search-and-rescue missions. The following pictures ensued.

Greg, Casey, Cheyenne, and I were boldly going where neither I nor Casey had gone before.

This is Casey hiking through the snow in her capris and sneakers.

Greg and I scrambling up the beginning of the climb.

This is me at the summit, really really exhausted.

Casey looking pretty.

Cheyenne looking pretty.

And, finally, this is a photograph taken by my cellular phone of an adventure of similar magnitude.

Who says dying Easter eggs is for kids?

2009-04-14T17:44:00.000-07:00

Spring Feva'

2009-04-10T13:15:00.000-07:00

This month Casey's parents and brother and my brother, Peter, came to visit us. We had a blast with them and Casey's mom even filled up our kitchen for us even though we made her sleep on a futon. While they were here we (minus Casey's parents) went to the festival of colors. For those of you who don't know, the festival of colors is where this happens:

In other news: I have changed my major to exercise science (just like almost all of the other pre-dental students at BYU). Turns out it is about the easiest degree at the entire school. We are excited to go home for a week as soon as this semester is over.

Triassic Park

2009-03-16T17:52:00.000-07:00

This weekend we went bouldering at a place called triassic with our friend Erik. For those of you who don't know what bouldering is, it is rock climbing... on boulders. Since they are much shorter than cliffs, you don't use a harness or rope. Instead you have a "crash pad." Casey was our diligent photographer.

Before climbing we grilled some delicious steaks. Casey was so excited she could hardly keep her tongue in her mouth:

Rumor has it that there are some Indian petroglyphs in the area but we never managed to find them. Here is Casey helping us look:

Here are some climbing pictures for your consideration:

Update-

2009-02-25T12:34:00.000-08:00

Since our last post Casey went to visit her mother in California and I slaved away allllllll day studying. Then we bought a mac and some cinnamon bears. Here are some photos of it (click to enlarge):

Ooh lah lah.

Since then Casey has been trying to stave off the guilt of buying a new computer by frantically looking for a job. If you know anyone in the "job business" let us know. Casey likes being at home because she has time to cook/clean/exercise. Robert has been frequenting The Quarry (local rock-climbing gym), to which he has a membership. In our spare time we have mostly been kicking back and watching movies, when all of the sudden...

PHOTO BOOTH EXTRAVAGANZA!

2009-01-19T20:08:00.000-08:00

Our trip to Idaho was for my sanity! I never thought I would say this but I miss Idaho! It was great to hang out with friends and enjoyed a few home-cooked meals.

We started our trip off with a quick jaunt to American Falls... never heard of it? That's because it's a small farm town in Idaho. We stayed with my good friend Neva and her family. I enjoyed some girl talk while Robert got schooled on the Wii. I played Wii tennis and was, as usual, bad at any form of video game never mind how interactive it may be.

After our wonderful morning in American Falls we traveled to a place that for the last three years was my home, only to find that in the six short months I've been away the city has exploded in a state of growth. We had Thai food with some friends. Robert's old mission buddies P-Chan and Wille (and wife + the second most adorable baby in the universe!) were there.

My wonderful college buddies Sam and Laura were also there. Sam, who saved me from starving through college, made sure we did not starve on Sunday with her delicious soup. Laura and I went to the movies. We saw Bride Wars which was just the right amount of cheesy. Our mini vaction was just what I needed!

On another note over the course of Christmas vacation Robert had a little rebellion. He started to grow his very own beard. This picture was taken the day before Robert would have to shave the evidence off his face. I liked his beard a lot more than his mustache! I decided to grow a garden in our kitchen window. Well, it was actually only one flower which was supposed to bloom around Christmas but just popped up a few days ago. I think I might have a green thumb after all.

Christmas etc.

2008-12-30T07:38:00.000-08:00

Well the Wags are home after a great Christmas vacation in CO. Highlights of the trip include (click photos to view larger):

Mom got her eyes lasik'd! Also: the Bizz is cuter than ever!

We bought ourselves a camera for Christmas so we can embellish our blog with photos of beautiful people. Here are the historic first three photos taken with our new Nikon D60:

My dad picked us up at the airport and took us to the Denver Christmas markt via the Denver Light Rail where we enjoyed the company of former president Franklin D. Roosevelt and Jack "The Manassa Mauler" Dempsey:

Casey and I achieved a greater respect and appreciation of each other and of marriage itself when we realized that two families means two (2) Christmases and twice as many presents. w00t.

Jenny appreciates her new college computer while Casey embraces her dog, Cheyenne, and we all embrace Carson's Billy Idol impression (the gift that just keeps giving... and giving).

2008-12-06T22:48:00.001-08:00

Robert and Casey are still happily married and still reasonably happily dwelling in Provo. Robert is taking pre-dental classes at BYU while he lives off his wife's sweet, sweet income. She is currently working as a receptionist at an internal medicine clinic and babysitting in her spare time. Robert contributes by selling his body (i.e. plasma, liquid gold).

The Front Fell Off

2008-12-04T20:06:00.000-08:00

Just a little something to entertain you while we figure out what to put on this blog.