Johnstun Memories

Tis the season...To be Sick

2011-12-08T11:24:00.000-07:00

Well the fall came and went and my family stayed pretty healthy, phew! thank goodness but it didn't take long for the month of December to bring all sorts of nasty bugs into my home.Wednesday Nov. 30th Tate started throwing up, by thursday night he was fine and all better. Friday night I started feeling not so hot, Saturday morning I woke up and was sicker than sick, I could barely move, freezing and weak and nasaues. So I stayed in bed all day and didn't get up until Sunday morning and I was feeling a little better but now Josh was down for the count. Monday came, Josh still sick..getting worse. Tuesday still sick so he went to the doctor, really severe strep throat. I decided to have Tate and Beckham tested, came back negative but Tate had a minor ear infection in one ear (where the tube is starting to fall out). So Tuesday night Josh spent the evening in the basement and me and the boys spent it upstairs.
Beckham spiked a fever Tuesday night but seemed to be doing ok so I took him to the babysitter. Tammy called around 1pm and Beckham wouldn't eat and felt hot again, temp 102!!! So I picked him up and took him to see our Pediatrician (who we love). Dr. Rose decided since he had a high temp, and his ears looked really infected to admit him and do some tests. They tried a spinal tap...twice...but couldn't get it. We are at McKay waiting for the cultures to come back tomorrow. When we first got here he was so lethargic and so spacey. It was really scary. But he started eating really well and he got some fluids and antibiotic in him and is looking much better.
Last night his white cell count was 19 and his CRP was 14. So we will watch him today and see how he does and then the cultures will be back tomorrow and they will do more labs but if all looks good he will get to go home. He is such a strong little guy!

Fall Recap 2011

2011-12-08T10:55:00.000-07:00

We had a great fall season. A few highlights:

Halloween: Tate was the cutest little football player. He loves sports and was so excited to be a football player for Halloween. He actually really got into the holiday this year. I was sure if he would understand or not but he did.
Tate's favorite Halloween phrases: 'Spoookkyy' 'Happy Halloween'
Every time he would see a ghost or something Spooky he would say that and it was the cutest thing ever! He loved getting pumpkins at the pumpkin patch and of course loved all the Candy!!
Beckham wore cute Halloween Jammies, he was just too small for a costume this year. My mom came up and stayed with Beckham at the house so Josh and I could take Tate out. It was a lot of fun!

November:
Time Out For Women conference. My awesome Mother In Law bought us tickets to this conference in SLC and got us a room and the Courtyard Marriott. It was just us girls and it was so much fun! The conference was great and I learned quite a bit and wrote down a LOT of things I want to work on so I can be a better Wife, Mom and person in general. My favorite part was from Hilary Weeks and she talked about Negative thoughts vs Positive thoughts and by focusing on the negative you can become depressed and it will take over how you are feeling. But by focusing on the positive that will take over and you can become a happier person.
Thanksgiving: This year we visited both families but only ate once :) I drove the boys and my Brother out to Magna to hang out with my Mom, Grandma, Aunt and cousins in the morning. After visiting and playing we headed back to Clinton to have dinner with Josh's family. It was a lot of fun, all of Josh's siblings were there. Since it was such nice weather we got to ride the horses after we ate a delicious meal. Tate and Tucker played together like they were best friends it was really cute. After riding the horses we broke out the ads! I went black friday shopping just for the heck of it but got some deals at the mall, nothing major I just like going.
The day after Thanksgiving Josh and Tate went with the Southwicks to go pick out our Christmas tree and cut it down in Idaho. They left at 6am and didn't get home until 10pm, they had a very long day! I worked a little and then was able to go home and clean the house and spend time with Beckham, It was so nice.
The 26th was my 29th birthday. It was a great day! My mom came up and we took the boys to the salon with us so Josh could sleep. He was up all night doing finals. We had fun at the salon, and then headed home got some pizza and decorated for Christmas. Josh's parents said they would watch the boys for a few hours and so Josh and I went and did some shopping and got shakes. It was the best birthday spent with the Guys I love.

Organizing My Chaos

2011-11-20T08:05:00.000-07:00

It seems like forever since I have sat down and wrote my thoughts, I don't really even know where to begin. Our lives have become so crazy lately and every weekend I tell myself I am going to sit down with a calendar and get our life organized so that during the week it won't feel so overwhelming or chaotic. But Friday night comes, and I try to get a start on chores or laundry or we run errands, then quickly Saturday morning comes and as Josh would say drill sargeant Ashlee kicks in and its clean clean clean until I realize oh shoot we need to go Grocery shopping (if it didn't get done friday night) because we have no milk, bread, or anything for dinner next week. Then we come home eat dinner (probably someithing we picked up on the way home from the store because why would I want to cook with all the food I just bought) bathtime bedtime for Tate, I feed Beckham and fall asleep snuggling him on the couch. Wake up and it's Sunday. How does time fly so quickly? I really need to get organized in my time, I have so many ideas and am determined on this upcoming long thanksgiving weekend to put them into play. I think if I was more organized I would feel so overwhelmed at times or feel like I am failing at keeping a tidy home or not being a good friend, sister or whatever else it may be at one time or another. I went to a conference this weekend and there was a lot of reflection on myself and I know that I am not living to my full potential. I am very blessed in my career, it seems everytime there is any chance for me to be layed off or placed in a different position I receive more repsonsibility and am given new challenges and I think it's time for me to recognize that as a little sign from my Heavenly Father that here is the path I am laying for you it is time for you to stop floating through it and being just mediocre, It is time for you to put in all your efforts and challenge yourself to be better and learn all you can about everything. So that is what I am going to do. My work just went through another merge and again I thought for sure I would be heading back to a store as a Front end Manager or something, which would be fine, working back in a store would be FUN! Especially this time of year, it is my favorite time of year in retail but nope I was told I will be staying and keeping up my responsibilities adding to 21 more stores to my current 26 and that I will be adding some pretty important roles to my already busy work week. At first I didn't want to have to learn more, I was nervous and not ready for the change but now I am grateful I look forward to this new challenge and yes I know it is going to require some long days and maybe even a little work on the weekends but I know this is part of my plan and my having such a great job I get to help support my family and I am very very grateful for that.
Other areas of my life I am working to improve, is the relationship I have with others, I have felt that my time at home is so limited that I don't put much effort or time in my relationships with my siblings, mom, Grandparents or even close friends like I would like to. Since I am away from my boys 5 days a week for 10-11 hours a day I am very selfish with my time once I do get home and on the weekends but I miss them I miss seeing my Sisters and Brothers and my Grandma who I love more than anything and my Mom and Step Mom my nieces and nephews. And my girl friends. So I am going to get organized in my week so that on the weekends we can go see those we love so much!!!

Mitt Romney

2011-11-01T11:40:00.000-06:00

My Uncle sent this article to the Cleveland Plain Dealer and they printed it, I thought I would share it with all of you.
http://blog.cleveland.com/letters/2011/10/the_tenets_of_mitt_romneys_mor.htm

While Mitt Romney continues to hold respectable leads in most Republican polls for president of the United States, he still has numerous critics who find fault with his faith: Mormonism. In a world full of turmoil and conflict, corruption and dishonesty, hate and moral decay, and a serious questioning of governmental leadership capable of changing our course of direction, perhaps his faith -- Mormonism -- "is" a strong reason he should definitely become the Republican nominee and the next president of the United States.

Mitt Romney's character, attitude, and example and his governmental and economic experience speak volumes about his ability to lead our troubled country and will have far-reaching influence in Washington and throughout America. His record of success, his ability to effectively communicate, his ability to teach and get individuals to work together, and again, the exemplary way he has lived his life as a devoted and honorable husband, father, grandfather, and governmental leader, are the qualities greatly needed in our next president. If people understood the Mormon religion and all that it stands for, each of us would give Romney serious consideration as a person who could begin to redirect and lead America in the direction we need to be going.

He, his qualities, his strong individual and Mormon beliefs, and his previously proven strong leadership capabilities are the reasons why we should trust the presidency to Mitt Romney. Yes, his Mormon faith -- which dictates honesty, civility, forgiveness, hard work, mercy, love, morality, thrift, gratitude, marriage, family and optimism -- is a strong reason we should elect him.

Bruce Shields, Cleveland

Deer Hunt 2011

2011-10-23T22:02:00.000-06:00

Josh wemt hunting saturday up settlement canyon in Tooele with my cousins and both he and Cody got their bucks! Josh's was a four point. He was so happy he got one.

I am not a fan of deer meat but love the jerky!

Elk Hunt 2011

2011-10-23T20:58:00.000-06:00

We made our annual trip to Fillmore in October for the Spike Elk hunt. We love going to see the Kunz family. We got there late friday night, hunted all day Saturday and drove home. It was a short trip but it was a lot of fun. While the four of us went hunting Ana Davinna's Mom stayed and watched the four kids.

here we are just before we headed out.

Okay so the first half of the day I think us girls did pretty good. We saw quite a bit of big bull elk, but no spike. We hiked all over and really no complaining. In the afternoon that was a different story. My pants were still wet from the morning and I was pretty cold but we were determined to keep up with the guys, that is until this swamp! We were following the boys and got stuck in this, I had black mud clear up to my butt! This was when we decided to wait in the truck. Which was nice girl time chat!

Here is our little snow man we built as we were walking back to the truck. We thought it would be funny if the guys saw him on their way back, when they got back to the truck I asked Josh if he saw it and he did, he said him and Chad just laughed.

Tate and Chanelle. Tate had a lot of fun with Cyson and Chanelle. He was so excited to go visit.

August and September

2011-10-23T20:46:00.000-06:00

While I was on maternity leave we had so much fun. We didn't do too many exciting things but just be able to be home was heaven on earth for me. I know Tate LOVED being able to sleep in until 930 or even 10am some mornings and going to the parks to feed the ducks. Here are just a few pictures of some fun things we did for those 6 weeks.

Tate LOVES to ride the horses. We did the quite a bit, well Tate and Josh did, I finally rode a few weeks after Beckham was born and boy was I sore! Tate has no fear, he rode all by himself.

We made a trip to Tooele, I wish we could have gone more but time went too fast. Taft and Tate playing at GG's house, they were so cute to watch play together.

Tate's favorite outfit, he loves his 'basketball' shorts and his Boots, this kid has way too strong of an opinion in what he wears.

Ashton came and played with us one day! We loved it, he is such an easy going happy baby.

We made a few trips to the duck pond, Tate would run and chase the ducks until they would go in the pond he loved it!

Tate and Josh at the Layton Park feeding the ducks.

And well Beckham did a lot of this while I was home with him. We were so excited that he got to come home after only one week in the NICU, I was so worried I wouldn't have any time with him before I had to go back to work.

Beckham's Blessing Day

2011-10-05T13:50:00.000-06:00

Beckham

2011-10-05T13:46:00.002-06:00

Labor Day Weekend Fun

2011-09-12T22:19:00.000-06:00

We had a great Labor day. Friday night we went to Josh's parents and rode the horses. It was the first time since I had Beckham that I have gotten to ride and it was great! Tate rode with me the entire time. It was so cute! He loves the horses and has no fear. (pictures to come soon).

Saturday me and the boys went out to Tooele. It was so FUN to get to spend time with my family. Almost everyone was at my Grandparents house. We visited, ate good food, played with all the babies, got pictures taken, and played farkul, so FUN. It is so fun because there are so many babies and toddlers and then two sweet little girls. I just wish everyone could have been there.
While we were out in Tooele having fun Josh and his Dad went on a ride up Middle Fork canyon with the horses.

Sunday was a usual Sunday except there were visitors, Josh's Sister and her family came down and his Brother and his family came up. It is always fun when they come to visit. Tate loves his cousins. He was so excited to see Tucker.

Monday we ran errands and then ended the day with a BBQ at Josh's parents house. It was a great weekend!

Beckham is 2 Weeks

2011-08-28T12:30:00.000-06:00

Beckham is doing GREAT! I cannot believe he was 6 weeks early. It is hard to believe he is a premie. He hasn't lost any weight and at 9 days weigh 5lbs 14 oz at his 2 weeks mark he was up to 6lbs 4 oz and measured 20 inches long. He is growing fast!
He sleeps really good waking up consistantly every three hours during the day and at night will go 4-5 hours before waking up to eat. I love it and hope it stays this way! He is eating 2 ounces every feeding and still no clothes fit him yet. Premie clothes are too short and newborns are still baggy.

A few favorites

2011-08-26T22:49:00.000-06:00

Just a catch up of some pictures. Here are a few from the hospital before Beckham arrived and then a few before I went to the hospital.

Tate and Josh looking out the window, I had a great view of the pond and Tate loved looking for the ducks and geese.

Laying in the window on my pillow.

This picture was taken Wednesday the 10th just hours before I gave birth to Beckham.

Me and Tate was day after church.

My favorite picture! Isn't he just the cutest thing.

Tucker 1st Annual Dutch Oven Cook Off

2011-08-26T22:38:00.000-06:00

August 6th was the 1st Annual Tucker Dutch Oven cook off, it was so much fun! There was a LARGE softball ball game, the 'older' family members against the younger. I got to sit back and watch and play with the babies! It a very HOT day but so fun to be with all the family, and some great food!!!

Tate LOVED this little tractor, broken wheel and all.

Tate and Tori, look how cute, they held hands all the way to the park. These two are only a few weeks apart. I think they are going to be great friends!

Aunt Sheri with the kids

Becca and Tate checking on Ashton.

Josh and Tate playing catch

and of course soccer!

The Birth...

2011-08-22T10:07:00.000-06:00

While at McKay I continued to have the pains that I had been having for weeks ( I believed them to be contractions). The pain was very low, and in my back. It felt a lot like cramps. Tuesday night they were horrible but by that day they had stopped. Wednesday morning at about 430am they started again and they were much more painful than usual. They continued throughout the morning and I asked my nurse about them and told her i believe them to be contractions. She hooked me up to the monitor and nope the monitor only showed an irritated uterus (as it had been doing for days). She said it is probably called Round Ligament pains. I said okay, but these thing hurt! I continued to have the pain throughout the day, with it getting worse and worse as the day went on. I finally started to write down the times of the pain because I was sure they were contractions. The pain was not consistance and was about every 20 minutes, so nope she (the nurse) wouldn't call the doctor until I was having 4 or more in an hour. By the time my day nurse left and the night nurse came on ( who I loved and had had the night before) I felt lke there is seriously something wrong. I told her my pain and asked for some pain medicine and had told her what the day nurse told me it was. They put me on the monitors again and still no contractions.
I had some visitors and by 830pm everyone had left. It was then that the pain increased and was nearly unbearable. I couldn't lay down, I felt like I was going to be sick and like I needed to use the bathroom, and was sweating like crazy. Finally at 930pm I called my nurse. I was in so much pain I was bawling and couldn't hold still. She called the doctor and off I went to Labor and Delivery. I hurried and called Josh, his phone was dead, so I called my MIL and then Josh called me back and called my Mom.
I got to labor and delivery, and the nurse checked me and sure enough, I was dialated to a 9 1/2!!!!! I wanted to die! I told them there was no way I could do it, I needed an epidural. But it was far too late for that.
She said DON'T PUSH, they got one of my doctors partners in the room and then they said if you feel the urge to push PUSH. I said no I can't and luckily I had amazing nurses in there that all cheered me on and encouraged me and after about 3-4 pushes Beckham was born.
My doctor walked in right after, and then Josh.
My placenta wouldn't come so I did get my epidural for that part and I will tell you that was painful for the doc to get that out himself.

I couldn't believe I had a natural birth, I never wanted it to go that way and didn't believe I could actually do it. I believe that the laboring part is by far the worst pain of all. But it was pretty neat to be able to feel him come into the world.

Hotel McKay Dee...

2011-08-22T09:41:00.000-06:00

Being on bedrest is no fun at all, especially when it has to be at the hospital, and when you have a sweet little boy and an awesome husband at home that you would rather be with. After being admitted to the hospital I had to get used to the idea that I could possibly be there for 2 weeks before they would start me. I so did NOT want to be there that long but at the same time I wanted our little boy to grow and develop as much as he could before he made his grand entrance into this world.
One of the hardest days I had at the hospital was Sunday night when my inlaws brought Tate up to see me. It was the first time he got to see me since I had gotten there and he wanted absolutely nothing to do with me and it broke my heart. But luckily the other days he came to see me he was just fine. He would snuggle with me in my bed and look out the window at the pond and watch for the Ducks and Geese. We went for wheelchair rides after I asked for permission.
One of the best parts...my swelling in my legs was gone! After a few days of lots of fluids and staying off my feet the swelling was almost completely gone. The only part that was puffy was the tops of my feet. I was so happy to see I still have calves and ankles.
I had lots of great visitors that made my days go back fast and the staff was great. I love McKay Dee Hospital.

My Water Broke....

2011-08-08T09:29:00.000-06:00

Saturday Aug 6th was probably one of the better days i have had in a long time. I felt great all day with only a few pains here and there. Saturday night at about 1245 am I went upstairs to get ready for bed, went pee, stood up and was really naseuas and had a pain on my lower left side.
Went over to get in bed, 1250am and all the sudden i felt a drip drip, looked down and sure enough there was fluid running down my leg, then the gush came! I freaked out, I was yelling for Josh, the dogs were all around me wondering what was going on, and I started to cry. Josh runs upstairs thinking something horrible had happened and when I told him, he said well does it hurt, me "no", him "then why are you crying", me "because it's scary". It was kind of funny. He grabbed a bad and called his parents. We threw a few things in the bag, I got a blessing from Josh and his dad and off we went to McKay Dee Hospital.
They put me straight into the room and then we waited, no contractions, and we waited and still no contractions. After getting monitored all night and three attempts at an IV Dr. Bierer came in to see me.
Since my water broke and I was contracting they didn't want to check me just yet. They wanted to wait since the risk of infection is hirer now that my water broke.
They will not let me go home until I have the baby. I am 34 weeks, they will not start me until I am 36 weeks.
It could possibly be a very long two weeks, unless the little guy decides to come!
Sunday they moved me into a post natal room.
I have had lots of visitors so far; my Mom and Aunt Tobi, Grandma and Grandpa Johnstun, my awesome neighbor who I just love Michelle, my BFF Eva, Chelese, Nancy & Tate.
The worst part of this all is Tate, I am so sad I don't get to be home with him every night. When he came in he sat by me for only a few minutes and they wouldn't come near me or the bed. I have IV's and I think it freaks him out.
It made me so sad. I was bawling after they left.
Today I get to meet with the Maternal Fetal Medicine docs to have them look at the baby.
I will keep you all updated!

Just One More Bite

2011-08-06T11:00:00.000-06:00

A Crazy Day....7-20-11

2011-07-24T11:50:00.000-06:00

For the past few weeks I have been having contractions on and off, normal right. Wednesday morning I woke up at 2:58am with some major pains! I was half asleep and was hoping they would go away, after about 6 minutes they didn't go away, I got up went and sat on the couch...every two minutes I was having contractions. after about 4o minutes I woke Josh up and told him. We waited another 20 minutes and decided okay maybe we should go to the hospital just to be sure everything is okay.
Josh's parents came over and Josh and his Dad gave me a blessing, then off we went to McKay Dee. Sure enough I was having contractions, they were getting better though. They gave me a shot in my arm to help relax the uterus. The nurse checked me, I was dialated to a 1,70% and soft...oh great! BUT.....my FFN test came back Negative!! I was so relived! With Tate it was positive and that was the begining of bed rest.
After three hours they sent me home to rest and go see my doctor that afternoon as scheduled.
I came home and slept for about 5 hours. Poor Josh had to go to work, I felt so bad!

Tate: That same day I had to take Tate to his 2 year well check...He looks great! here are his stats:
weight: 26.6lbs 26% percentile (this is the highest his percentile has ever been)
height: 35 inches 60% percentile (also the highest it's ever been)
Head: 70%
Doc. Rose was very impressed with Tate and said he is very well adusted, he was nervous Tate would freak when he saw him because of all of Tate's previous health issues but Tate was fine. He just sat there and made funny faces at him. He said Tate will do very well in school settings and other social settings, and that he is very outgoing and not timid or shy. His vocabulary is right where it needs to be!
I asked him about Tate always wanting to eat ice, and so Doc Rose ordered for some blood work to be done....
After he got his shots we headed over to McKay Dee once again this time for Tate.
We got back to the lab and as soon as we sat down Tate started to get fussy, he knew what was coming, this was not the first time we had to do this. The Phelbotomist was this big burly guy and said this will be fast, he has big veins...Tate is strong and I couldn't hold him very well and his vein rolled, so they only got enough blood for one vile, for the other arm they wrapped him up, and he screamed the whole time, but as soon as they were done and he got his ball and stickers he was as happy as could be. He even told them Thank you and good bye. It was so cute!

Back to Dr.Bier for me, he said everything looked good and to hang in there. He gave me a prescription for Nephedepine (spelling?) to take as needed and to drink LOTS of water. Dehydration and over heating can cause labor. I am feeling pretty good and am trying to take it easy. I am getting frustrated because my feet are constantly swollen, my sciatic is killing me and my stomach is HUGE, nothing fits. I know I need to hang in there but once we are past the safe stages I want this little man to get here!!!

Tate's bloodwork: it came back very low on iron, so now Tate gets an extra boost of iron vitamins twice a day for a month then we will retest. average starts at 7 and Tate's was a 10.

July Fun

2011-07-24T11:29:00.000-06:00

July has been such a fun month for us, with two holidays and BBQ's it couldn't have been any better!

The day after the 4th of July we had a BBQ with all our old friends, I didn't get too many pictures but it was so much fun! Josh got the horses saddled for all the kids and we got to enjoy each others company. It was great!

Then there was Clinton Heritage days, it was kind of a crazy week so the only part we got to partake in this year was the parade....It was a GREAT parade! It was an hour long with so many fun floats and groups! We got a bad full of candy and Tate loved being there with his Grandma! Thanks Nancy for coming with us.

Then later that day we got to go to Nonna's house for a BBQ with Aunt Tobi, Cousins, and GG and Poppa! The kids got to play in the sprinklers and pool and we had yummy food! I think Tate's favorite part was the strawberries, he probably ate 20! His second favorite part, the sword! He was loving it!

Tate and Emily

This past week has also been a little crazy so Saturday morning while I cleaned a little I built Tate a fort to play in, He LOVED it! I can't believe we haven't done this yet! He got all sorts of toys and played in it all morning and wanted to sleep in it last night. It was cute!

4th Of JulY 2011

2011-07-24T10:17:00.000-06:00

We had a GREAT 4th of July! Josh's parents were out of town so Steve and Chelese were nice enough to invite us to Steve's parents house on Sunday for dinner and some fireworks:

Tate loved the swing set

They have a rocket launcher and we all made rockets, it was so fun! Mine was a little ghetto, but next year I will do better...maybe!

Tate getting ready to launch my rocket.

He loved it, it was so fun to see how high they would go!

Monday the 4th we got up and headed over to Layton for their parade. We met Eva and her family there. Eva got Tate his American Flag Tattoo. To be honest I was a little disappointed in the parade, it was pretty lame. Tate liked the fire trucks and sirens, and the kids that would dance.

At the parade!

That night we headed over to Steve and Chelese's for a BBQ and fireworks. It was lots of fun! Josh and Steve here doing all the fireworks..

Tate and Ashton, Tate loves Ashton so much! This is his new thing, always wanting to hold him.

We are very blessed to live in a country were we get to enjoy our freedoms because of the many brave men and women who sacrifice so much to protect those freedoms. God bless them all and God bless America!

30 Weeks and Counting....

2011-07-13T19:20:00.000-06:00

This pregnancy has seemed to last forever but at the same time I have A LOT to get done in the next 10 weeks and I am really wishing I didn't procrastinate because it is so hard for me to get around. This big ol' belly is really getting in the way. I haven't done a very good job at tracking this pregnancy so here are a few things I would like to remember.
*Being pregnant in the summer hasn't been too bad....this summer. I am very grateful that it stayed cool for so long because now, the swelling is in full swing. My feet actually don't ever look not swollen.
*On top of having swollen feet, they feel bruised on top.
* This little man is very active and very strong! His kicks and turns and punches HURT!
* I often sit at work and watch my tummy as he is moving around, I think he is going to have as much energy as Tate does.
* I haven't gained as much weight as I did with Tate but my stomach is much bigger and sticks out much further.
* No major food cravings, besides WATERMELON and cereal.
* I always thought that the 3D images on ultrasounds were creepy but LOVE seeing my little man that way. Technology is amazing!
* We still have no name for our guy and have no clue as to what that name will be. We have thrown out many names and both of us just are not too excited about any. So please if you have some good ones send them our way.
* Lots and Lots of heart burn.
* very emotional, so emotional I could cry at the drop of a hat, or even better when Tate won't listen to me. It hurts my feelings so bad and then I think 'wow you are way too emotional'. Josh even likes to tease me about it.
* As of last week the Dr. said he will see about taking me earlier than one week early depending on my swelling...cross your fingers I can go around Sept. 5th... One week early is Josh and I's anniversary so thats a no for me.
We are so excited to have this little man here and can't wait to see how Tate does as a big brother. I know he will be very helpful and will love every minute of it. Well except for when he wants my attention, he tends to get frustrated if I don't drop what I am doing the minute he wants me for something.
I am working on putting together an activity box for Tate while I am on maternity leave. I think he is going to get bored being home all day with me and the baby when he is used to playing with his friends everyday.
So if you have any ideas on things we can do please let me know or good places to go around here.
And remember please pass on any Names you like, we are hoping to have Jack as the middle name after my Dad.

Father's Day 2011

2011-07-10T11:35:00.000-06:00

Father's Day was nice and relaxing. Sleeping in, church and then off the Grandma and Grandpa's.

I couldn't ask for a better Dad to my children than Josh. He is so patient with Tate and Tate Loves his Dad so much. I love watching these two. The first 2 years of Tate's life mostly consisted of him only wanting his Mom. But now, it's all about Dad. Whenever Josh leaves and Tate doesn't get to go with him, there is a melt down. He wants to be with his Dad, whether it's working in the yard, feeding the animlas or riding the horses or even just watching sports. Tate has become his shadow and I love it!

Josh you are the best Dad! We love you so much!

We attempted to get a family picture on Father's day, you can see how well that worked....

Johnstun Reunion 2011

2011-06-22T23:23:00.000-06:00

This year for the Johnstun family reunion we went to Flaming Gorge. This was my idea, and I was just barely pregnant when we started planning. I LOVE Flaming Gorge and thought let's go in June because I didn't want to go in August when I was 8 months pregnant. With the spring we have had this year we were getting a little worried about how cold it might be while we were there but it wasn't too bad. The water was freezing, 51 degrees on the surface. Josh said when he got in to ski that is was the coldest water he had ever been in. However, the kids LOVED it and never wanted to get out of the water.

The drive, we left Wednesday afternoon, stopped in Evanston to get some lunch and then headed onto the Gorge!

Once we arrived the kids were ready to play and eat. We had YUMMY hobo dinners that first night and smores. It wasn't extremely hot or cold just right.

Josh cooking our hobo dinners

We camped at Lucerne, it is right outside of Manila. We usually go to the Dutch John side so this was new to us. We loved it! I coudn't believe how nice the campsite was, there were bathrooms, showers, the water was right there so we could walk down to it and we had lots of visits from the Antelope and some bunny's.

The nights got pretty cold. Thursday morning, we woke up and it was pretty nice, a little chilly but nice. All the kids had gone on the boat that morning and then Robby took all the kids fishing and Josh took Tate. Around noon I was in the tent cleaning up putting things away and ran to the bathroom, in there for 3 minutes and came outside to a full blown storm! The wind was insane and the rain, hail, thunder, and lightening. I was thinking oh great! Finally after maybe a half hour of this maybe longer here comes Tate and Josh (and the Robby with the rest of the kids) soaking wet, was Tate mad or upset NOPE he had a smile from ear to ear. I wish I could have gotten a picture. It didn't bother him at all. He loves the out doors!

The storm lasted the rest of the night, luckily Steve and Chelese let us hang out in their tent trailer and we played cards late into the night. Then we retired to our tent and slept soundly!

I don't know what it is but there is something I love about camping and sleeping in out tent. Our air mattress is so comfortable, even for a woman who is 7 months pregant.

Hanging out around the campfire, STeve, Chelese and Ashton.

Josh and Tate snuggling in our tent.

We were in charge of breakfast on Friday morning and Josh and Steve took charge! It was the best breakfast! Bacon, eggs and pancakes!

All the Grandsons (minus sleeping Lucas) in Grandpa's boat. Tate and CJ never wanted to get out.

Tate in his cute swimming attire, shooting someone with his water gun. Friday was such a nice day, we all got a little too much sun but it was so fun to be able to play in the water. Tate loved it and never wanted to get out, I don't know how he did it because I thought it was freezing.

Tate helping Josh drive the boat!

Friday night another small storm came through but it didn't last too long and it wasn't too bad.

Saturday morning, all the kids eating breakfast.

We had so much fun! I was sad to leave on satruday. But it was time for our fun to end. On the drive home we had two of the kids get sick and throw up and one of them was in our truck, we almost made it but it was right as we were getting off the exit. But other than that all the kids did great! It was so fun because everyone got along so well. I couldn't believe non of the kids got into fights! It was a great reunion and I can't wait for next years adventure!

A safari of FUN, Tate turns 2!!

2011-06-12T22:38:00.000-06:00

Tate's 2nd Birthday was so much fun! We had a Safari themed party in our back yard. There are a million pictures but pictures tell the best story!!

Going with Mom to run errands for the party..Friday.

Friday night my sweet mother in law came over to help me decorate cupcakes and Tate's cake. I thnk I left the kitchen once in 4 hours and that was for a potty break.

here we are hard at work.

The finished product, sorry the picture is side ways, i couldn't get it to fix. We did 36 cupcakes, so cute huh!!

and the Cake, it is supposed to be a lion, I think for someone who has NEVER decorated anything like this in my life they turned out pretty cute.

Lots of cupcakes!

Saturday morning, this birthday boy would not get dressed!

Finally dressed to impress in his safari clothes!

The party!

Presents...lots and lots and Tate didn't know what to do!

The cake..

Chanelle and Tate eating their cupcakes.

Sophie and Chanelle playing with all the animals.

My beautiful Grandma and Mom and hansome Tate.

Tate and his Aunt Chelese. He love her so much!

Chanelle and Tate dancing.

The Kunz family, traveled all the way from Fillmore for Tate's big day.

We were so happy to see them! It's been way too long!

The Beckstrom's, Tate loves this family, I think he has a crush on Michelle!

Chanelle and Tate dancing at the end of the day. These two were so cute!

Thank you everyone for coming to Tate's special day. We have such great family and friends! I wish I would have gotten more pictures of everyone. Just know that we love you all very much!

Baby Bump 25 weeks

2011-06-12T22:04:00.000-06:00

It is kind of funny to me, with your first pregancy you want pictures of every month, to watch the progress of your growing belly, this time not so much for me. I haven't wanted any pictures, because I just looked like I was putting on a lot of weight..well here is my fist belly picture I have taken with this little guy. I am 25 weeks in this picture.

I am feeling pretty good. The swelling has started, a little but now that it has warmed up (and I am 27 weeks) the edema has set in. I had my targeted ultra sound and the little man is looking great. He is perfectly healthy and was measuring a few days older than my due date :)

Tate has been really cute with the baby, he will tell my belly hi and give it a kiss but that is about as far as it goes. It will be neat to see how he does when the baby gets here.

We still do not have a name picked out and time is ticking...Josh is set on Jimmer but I don't think I can do it. So any suggestions...

The Petroff Kids

2011-06-12T21:34:00.000-06:00

It had been just over 11 years since all four of my Dad's children had been together. And probably another 5 or 6 since we had all been in a picture together. Jeramie lives in Washington and the last time I had seen him was when my Dad had passed away. I see Jared and Jaquie not all the time but quite often and they have seen Jeramie a few times since Dad died but this was the first in 11 years that we were all together. It was so good for all of us to be together. I will be honest I was on the verge of tears. But I contained myself. I had invited everyone over for a small BBQ memorial weekend. My Mom, Brenda, and then all the siblings.

Jared, me, Jeramie and Jaquie

Do we look alike? Jeramie looks just like my Dad.

Jared-23, Ashlee-28, Jeramie-34, Jaquie-20

Two sisters, and one big ol' belly

We love you Dad!

June 10th was Dad's birthday. He would have been 55 years old this year. I miss him so much and often wonder what life would be like if he was still here.

A trip to St. George

2011-06-12T21:21:00.000-06:00

In May Tate and I drove to St. George with my Mom and Grandma for my cousins wedding. It was a beautiful wedding! I wish I would have taken pictures but I forgot. We had so much fun and wish we could have stayed longer than just the weekend. Here are a few pictures.

Mom, Grandma, my Aunt Kathy and Natalie. We roomed next to Kathy and her four grandchildren, which Tate absolutley LOVED!

Tate and Nonna early in the morning, Tate loved having his Nonna and GG there.

We swam as much as we could but not as much as we wanted, expecially Tate. He loved having Natalie hold him while in the pool, well he just loved Natalie.

Tate and I just before we left to go to the reception.

Tate and Nonna.

Tate was dancing at the reception it was so cute! Doesn't he look so handsome!

Relaxing in the room.

The drive home. Tate loves ice and so this cup of ice kept him occupied for a lot of the drive.

Free School Lunch?????

2011-06-09T12:11:00.000-06:00

Okay maybe I don't know enough about these types of programs to vent like this but I am going to anyways. And maybe since I don't have school aged children I have no right to vent I am going to anyways.

Why do our elementary schools offer FREE school Lunch all summer long and one school does a breakfast. Why is this? I didn't think our schools had enough money to pay teachers better or for anything why would they offer free lunch, I am pretty sure the ones serving up the lunch are not there volunteering.
Hey I am all about offering school lunch during the summer but why not have it be .50cents or a $1.00.

I just would rather my tax dollars go to bettering kids education and offering more pay or highering more teachers. If anyone knows, please share but how is this funded??????

thanks:)

Information from Davis School District web site:
Summer lunch program begins

The Davis School District will participate in the Summer Food Service Program. Free lunch will be made available to attending children 18 years of age and under. Lunch will be served, Monday through Friday through August 5.
of the schools will serve lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with the exception of North Davis Jr. High, with lunch beginning at 11:15 a.m.
In addition, Doxey Elementary will offer a migrant breakfast from 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and lunch from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., specifically serving children of migrant workers enrolled in the migrant program through July 14.
Lunch will not be served on the holidays July 4 and July 25.

My Goal...

2011-06-06T13:10:00.002-06:00

I have a goal for tonight, update my BLOG!!! I have so many things I need to get caught up on!!

Mother's Day

2011-05-09T21:36:00.000-06:00

My sweet little man! This Mother's Day was pefect and how could it not be with two handsome guys in my life and one on the way! We had lots of fun! Saturday morning I had to work a little but it was fun work, we walked and donated a check to March of Dimes at Layton Park and Tate and Josh got to come with me.
Then we headed to Josh's parents for a Mother's Day BBQ

Grandpa got Tate his very own Car swing (not only for him but Tate can think that) He loved it and didn't want to get out of it!!

I left the party a little early to meet up with all the girls in my family for dinner at the Mandarin in Bountiful! It is the BEST chinese!! Haylee eating with her chopsticks!

My Great Aunt Kathy, Sista Jamie and cousin Kylie

Aunt Tobi and my Beautiful Grandma!

Me and My Mom
Dinner was so good and we had so much fun visiting and laughing! I swear we were the loudest ones in there but it was so fun! We missed all the other cousins and Aunts that couldn't make it.

After we ate I headed back to my In Laws where all the family was still partying! Josh had the dogs over and Molly LOVES her Aunt Chelese just as much as Tate does.

We gave Nancy her present, we got her a Kindle and she couldn't believe it! She was so excited!!!

All us girls got a picture of Christ, I chose one with him and a little boy by Simon Dewey, it will be in the baby's room. Tate has one and now so will this little guy.

Sunday was wonderful, best gift ever: Tate slept in until 9am!! I actually was up before him and was able to just lay in bed and relax. I got a beautiful card from my Husband and we had a yummy breakfast.

After church we had a delicious dinner and then came home to watch a movie. It was a perfect day!

Easter was FUN!

2011-05-09T21:18:00.000-06:00

This year for Easter we headed out to Hickman (by Tooele and Grantsville) with my family and had tons of fun riding four wheelers, hanging out by the fire and shooting guns. Yes that is right we had a red neck Easter and it was a blast!! Tate loved being outside and even though it was snowing/raining off and on while we were there it was fun!

Tate and Nonna finding Easter Eggs--my family always puts money in the plastic eggs and growing up we loved it as kids (not too much just some coin) Tate loved shaking the eggs and listening to the money!

Taft and Tate counting their eggs

Matt let Josh ride his dirt bike, now guess what is on his wish list....

playing in the dirt

My cousins have their cows up there on the property and they were coming in pretty close to us, Tate loved and wanted to get closer ad closer

We had so much fun!

Sunday we went to Josh's parents after church and played games their with all the kids, Tate had a blast with all his cousins and playing Easter games.

Happenings

2011-04-11T22:13:00.000-06:00

Life has been moving so fast lately that I feel like it is just passing me by. There are so many things going on that I want to remember and right now with my mindset I am sure I will forget most of them. Here are a few updates on what is Happening in our life here at the Johnstun household.

Tate: Is becoming a little boy! He amazes me everyday with the littlest things he does. He is hilarious and has Josh and I laughing constantly. He definatley has a mind of his own and wants things done on his time with his terms. He LOVES outside, I am sure I have said this before but if it was his choice we would never come in from outside. Another love he has is Popcorn, Sundays we go to Josh's parents and as soon as Grandma starts making Popcorn Tate is right by her side ready to taste. Yesterday we were there with all Josh's family, even the one's from out of town were able to be with us. (Charity our neice had a baptism on Saturday so we all were able to be together). So outside we were with all the little one's and Josh's mom had yelled Popcorn was ready and Tate couldn't get out of the playhouse fast enough, ran across the entire back yard and went right in for his popcorn. It was the funniest thing.
He loves his bedtime stories and hates waking up in the mornings (just like his Dad).
Loves his blankets and binki and MOVIES! I swear that kid could watch the same movie over and over, well he does: a few favs Frosty the snowman, Baby Einstein, Cars, Toy Story 3, Nemo and a few others. now that it is warming up he is less interested in movies, thank goodness.
He is such a good boy and we love him so much. He is truely makes our house a home and brings so much joy into our lives.

Josh: Is amazing! I don't know how he does it with working full time and a full schedule at Weber. After this semester, it ends in a few weeks, he has summer semester and fall and then GRADUATION!!! I don't know who is more excited me or Josh. He recently took an 8 hour test, it was 300 questions, we are waiting to hear back on how he did. He is so smart it amazes me how well he retains information. He is going to be an amazing contractor and Manager one day. I am so blessed to have him in my life. He is still playing indoor soccer on thursday's and recently bought a very young horse, 3 years old this may, so Josh has also been working with him in his spare time. He is a great husband and Dad and I am so grateful for him.

Ashlee (ME): I am growing everyday, not in height but in width! I went to the doctor on Friday the 8th of April and it is Definatley another little baby boy growing inside of me. I am excited it's a boy, this will save us TONS of money, I don't know if our budget is ready for a baby girl. :) The doctor said I am measuring right on track at 17 weeks so that is putting my due date September 16th, I am hoping to go a week early like I did with Tate though.
This time around it is very different, I am in more pain already, at this last appointment it was the first appointment where I had gained any weight, and boy I can feel it. It just feels heavier. I still fit in regular clothes but I will admit my maternity pants are much more comfortable. I love them.
Work is insane right now, I didn't think I was going to survive the past two weeks and this next week is going to be a big one too. But I love my job and the people I get to work with. I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to help provide for our family while Josh is in school. And it is hard to be away from my Tate but I know he is in the next best care. I don't know what we would do with our the Aults, Tate loves them so much and to be honest I think he gets bored on the weekends with just me and Josh around and no kids to play with.

These are just a few thoughts and a few things I wanted to journal about. It has been way too long, and I am becoming a slacker on my posts. One day soon I will do a HUGE post with all the past happenings with lots of pictures!

Round 2 begins....

2011-03-17T13:29:00.000-06:00

It's official we are going to be welcoming baby {boy} number 2 Septemeber 16th! Currently he looks like a boy so let's cross our fingers and toes it stays....
We are very excited and thus far it has been very different from when I was pregnant with Tate but no time to post now. Soon thought.

Stats for Mom:
14 weeks
2 Doctors visits
lost 2 pounds in between visits {woo hoo considering I am overweight}
Doc says he looks great and I should keep up the good work!
Very TIRED

Food:
I want lots of fresh food, FRUIT!!! and Yogurt Parfaits, lots of cereal, mac n cheese and Salads.
If I go too long with out eating I get very sick, but if I over eat or eat till I am FULL then I am very sick. So lots of little snacks and small meals.

Pains: ciatic nerve is killing me

Misc: very emotional, weird dreams, can't get anything clean enough, if i sit down don't plan on me getting back up because I am asleep in minutes. Skin is starting to get back to normal, my hait looks healthy. Clothes are starting to feel a little snug, and my chest has doubled I swear!

Mr. Tate

2011-02-24T11:03:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures of what we have been doing. The other day I had to run to the store and Tate insisted he wear his tie. He is so funny. It was very hard getting him to smile!

Tate LOVES the outdoors, if it was up to him we would live outstide, on Sunday after the big storm came he couldn't wait to get out. He got his snow stuff on and once we got to Grandma and Grandpa Johnstuns, he didn't want to eat dinner he wanted to stay outside. so we put him out there on the deck and let him play. (we did go out with him and pet the horses and see the chickens.) He loves it outside he is just like his Dad!

When to start Cussing

2011-02-04T14:08:00.000-07:00

Okay this has nothing to do with my family or current events or anything that I would normally journal. But I have to share this with any fellow bloggers and all my friends and family who read our blog. This made my Friday, this is hilarious! Do you remember when you said your first Cuss word? I sure do and I remember the trouble I got in, I was 5 or 6 and I wanted to keep a stray cat I found. When my mom said "no it will S*&% all over the house" I said with the sweetest little voice "It won't S*&% all over the house I promose" needless to say boy did I get in trouble. It is quite funny thinking back. And to this day my Mom still doesn't remember. well enjoy:

WHEN TO START CUSSING!

A 6 year old and a 4 year old are upstairs in their bedroom. The 6 year old asks, "You know what? I think it's about time we started cussing."

The 4 year old nods his head in approval. The 6 year old continues, "When we go downstairs for breakfast, I'm gonna say something with hell and you say something with ass."

The 4 year old agrees with enthusiasm.

When the mother walks into the kitchen and asks the 6 year old what he wants for breakfast, he replies, "Aw, hell, Mom, I guess I'll have some Cheerios.

WHACK! He flies out of his chair, tumbles across the kitchen floor, gets up, and runs upstairs crying his eyes out, with his mother in hot pursuit, slapping his rear with every step.. His mom locks him in his room and shouts, "You can stay there until I let you out!"

She then comes back downstairs, looks at the 4 year old and asks with a stern voice, "And what do YOU want for breakfast, young man?"

"I don't know," he blubbers, "but you can bet your fat ass it won't be Cheerios!"

Every Day A Suprise

2011-01-25T10:50:00.000-07:00

Every day Tate does something to suprise us, he is so full of life and so hilarious!! Last night he was being a little stinker, a little grumpy. I tried feeding him some Frosted Mini Wheats (one of his favorites) nope a few bites and he was done so I asked him: "Tate do you want to go to bed?" With out any hesitation he grabbed his blanket, binki & off he went down the hall straight to his room. I lifted him up and in he went. I couldn't believe it. We didn't have story time or anything.
I kept thinking great in bed at 7pm he is going to wake up at midnight wide awake....NOPE he slept all night and this morning I had to wake him up just after 7am to get ready. And that was nearly impossible to wake him up, it took me five minutes.
He is such a good boy so happy and so very funny. He definatley keeps Josh and I are on our toes!

Happy New Year 2011

2011-01-07T21:31:00.000-07:00

Our New Years Eve was filled with family and friends! We spent it the evening over at Chelese and Steve's with them and Ashton and Karilyn and Troy and their little man Gavin. Chelese it Josh's little sister and Karilyn is Steve's little sister. I love that we are all family in one way or another yet they are becoming our closets friends. We always have so much fun when we get together with them and its so fun that our kids are not only going to grow up cousins but best friends as well.

We started the evening with yummy Chinese take out, it was delicious!!! Then we visited and visited and then we broke out the Wii! Made the count down till midnight and kissed our loves and then watch a little bit of the Other Guys...by then the boys were not so cooperative at 1am so it was time to retire to our homes. Thanks for a great way to start the new year Chelese and Steve!!

Tate and Gavin were dressed alike and a few times I did get them mixed up, until I looked at the hair, Tate's is a little long.... these two are 3 months apart and we can already tell they are going to be teaching Ashton all sorts of naughty things.

Our family at Midnight... HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

A few things I am grateful for this New Years:

My Little man, He is the BEST! He is such a good boy, except when he gets into the flour while I am making cookies...He had so much fun playing in it!

One night before Christmas playing with Dad. He loves his Daddy, Josh is such a good Daddy! I love watching Tate watch Josh's every move.

My doggies...They are the best, they truely make you feel so loved! They do drive me nuts but I couldn't imagine our lives without the beasts!

New nephews and neices, I don't have pictures of the other ones, I really need to get some but babies are the best, I love this little guy..This is Ashton Chelese and Steve's little man. We love them so much and are so glad we live so close and can have so much fun together!

My family...This is the first Christmas Jamie and Haylee were here in a few years but whats even better is that they are here to stay. They finally moved home from Arizone this last summer and even though we haven't spent a ton of time with them just knowing they are in Tooele makes me so happy they are close! Tate loves having his cousin so close and loves his Aunt Jamie! He has even warmed up to Kevin. We all got together for a fun night of games. I am so blessed to have such a great family.

I am so very grateful for Josh's family. I don't have any recent pictures but they are seriously the best. We live not even 5 minutes away from his parents and one of his sisters and I cannot thank them enough for all the help they give us with Tate. Whethers its watching him at nights cause Josh is in school and I am working out of town or late or even the Sunday dinners we get every sunday and all the fun memories we make. Tate loves his Grandma and Grandpa and his Aunt Chelese so much he cries when we leave their house. If anything ever happened to Josh and I, I know that Tate would be in safe loving hands.
I hope you all had a great New Years I know I sure did!

Christmas 2010

2011-01-07T20:54:00.000-07:00

Our Christmas was so much FUN!!! I was suprised at how much Tate got into this year, I wasn't sure if he would get excited or really want to rip open the presents but he did and he loved every minute of it. Even when he opened an outfit from us he said 'ooohhh' and held it up. I was the first one up as always and Tate and Josh and my Mom and Brother quickly followed. We were up opening presents a little after 8am.

Tate got an All Sports Slide from Santa, it has a rock climbing wall, slide, a basketball hoop w/ a basket ball, a place to throw the football w/ a football and a soccer goal w/ a soccer ball. He LOVED it, he kept going up and down up and down. He was so excited!

Opening presents from all his Grandma's he loved everything! He definately got spoiled!

My Mom and Shane slept over so we could have more fun Christmas morning, I think the more the merrier!

Opening a present from Nonna Handy Manny quad...

While Tate was opening this we could hear the Handy Manny theme song going off, it would go off and then it would stop....hmmm kind of like a cell phone ringing... Josh's phone has not worked for about 6 months, it wouldn't ring, well the New Evo 4G went on sale and so I decided to buy it for Josh. I bought it 4 days before Christmas, it came on Christmas eve. I had to get his regular phone shut off and I had my brother in law set up his new one since he and his wife had just gotten two of them. Josh had no clue. We were out in Tooele when I had to do it and Josh was thinking I was working and boy was he mad :) I loved it! I love being tricky! So Christmas morning I sent a text to all of Josh's family to call the phone. Steve set the ringer as Handy Manny because Josh hates that show. It was awesome, we kept asking what is that noise...I told Josh to find what box it was coming from and he did and he was very happy.....

Found it! Finally a phone that works!! I am still not used to having him answer when I call

Christmas Eve we always spend in Tooele with my family we had lots of fun and lots of yummy food! I love my Grandma and all the hard work she always does for us so we can have our traditional Christmas Eve. It was so fun getting together with all the cousins and spending time together. I didn't get very many pictures but here are a few...

Maddie and Taft Josh and Uncle Mike

Taft and Tate finally playing together! Christmas day was spent opening presents first at our house and then at Josh's parents. We had yummy Breakfast Crap as always and then off to our house for a nice Christmas nap. We spent the vacation with all our families and had so much fun! We are so blessed to have so much family so close.

One Phone call.....

2011-01-05T20:30:00.000-07:00

Dec. 11th: It was a Saturday and my phone rang, it was a local number and I just knew that it was someone from the ward wanting us to do something for Sunday, I told Josh that and he was like no just answer it...so I did....
"Sister Johnstun this is Bro. Bradley, how are you?" Me: "good and you?"
Bro. Bradley: "good, I have a favor, are you willing to speak in church tomorrow?"
Me: "sure, as long as it doesn't have to be very long"
Bro. Bradley: "how is 5-10 minutes and the topic is Jesus Christ"
Me: "okay sounds good"
Josh: "you have to speak, thats awesome"
And Josh continued to taunt me for the rest of the night. He thought it was so funny.

So needless to say I spent that night trying to prepare some sort of talk and luckily I had a book for Christmas that I received from my Aunt Deb years ago called 'I Believe in Santa Claus' and I was able to use that for my talk.... if you haven't read that book I highly suggest you getting it, it is a simple Christmas book that really helps remind you of all the symbols of Christmas that are around us.

Sunday: I was ready for my talk I won't share the whole thing but will share my introduction, it went something like this.
I had shared with the congregation about my hesitation to answer the phone and repeated the conversation Josh and I had about whether to answer or not, I then shared with everyone how Josh had made fun and thought it was very funny that I needed to speak but he didn't have to.
I then turned to the Bishopric and suggested to them that Josh speak very soon in sacrament.
(Josh will call it throwing him under the bus but I didn't think of that way :) )

Not five minutes after sacrament you can believe that Bro. Bradley asked Josh to speak the Sunday after Christmas, which is even greater because Josh's entire family would be there to witness it.

Dec. 26th: Josh had his talk prepared and ready to go, I knew what it was about some what but not entirely....his introduction went a little like this.......

Josh: " I hope you all had a great Christmas with your families, I always hear how you should start your talks with a joke to loosen everyone up, I have a perfect one, 'what does one snowman say to the other snowman, do you smell carrots?'"
Well I will tell you what for how cheesy that was everyone was cracking up, the kids loved it!!!
Josh: " Now I am not sure how many of you were here a few weeks ago to witness my very own wife throw me under the bus..."( i had a feeling this was coming, everyone started laughing).
Josh:" but I decided to be the bigger person and let it slide...however I am not sure how many of you know this but Ashlee has the most amazing voice. She does, and she will deny it till the end."
Everyone was cracking up, I was laughing so hard I was crying. He continued to say how I love to sing solos and if everyone is persistant enough with me I will do it, and that I even did singing telegrams.
It was hilarious. Everyone was laughing so hard, I couldn't believe that he did that. I have yet had someone ask me to sing but I did hear that some people were like oh really i didn't know she sang....
Pretty funny. The rest of his talk was wonderful and he also spoke about Jesus Christ.
I am so grateful for such a wonderful husband. Josh is so fun and he really knows how to make me laugh. He still suprises me after all this time. I love you babe!

Oh Christmas Tree oh Christmas Tree....

2010-12-07T22:57:00.000-07:00

This year we decided to go with Josh's sister Chelese and her husband Steve and his family to Soda Springs Idaho to hunt for a Real Christmas tree. They go every year and have invited us but we have never gone, this year we thought okay let's do it! It will be fun and we can start a new family tradition. So I packed almost every toy imaginable and we loaded up the truck and Friday the day after thanksgiving we headed out at 6am off to North Ogdent to meet up with everyone ( I had already been to Big 5 to get me some snow boots)....

It was a little over a two hour drive, we made it to Soda Springs, got some gas and then picked up our tree tag....930am on our way to the mountains....another hour.....

Heading up the mountain, we realize jeez there is a lot of snow this year, (more than usual from what everyone was telling us)...maybe Idaho had a big snow storm just like us....Well as we approach our first big hill covered in snow, guess what happens...a truck cant make it up. So we pause and all the men get out of the trucks ( there are 10 trucks and I think about 4 have trailers on them for the trees). So while Josh is out digging a guy out after he gets stuck Tate plays...another hour passes us by...

Dad's back now we are waiting and crossing our fingers every one makes it up the hill Josh really doesn't want to get back out to dig someone out.....

Yeah we made it up the hill and caught up with the rest of the party...only to find out two trucks coming down the mountain are stuck in our path to go up, so we decide this could take awhile (after sitting in the car for 30 minutes or so) so Tate and I put on our snow stuff and head out with Dad. Keep in mind it was only about 15 degrees outside so it was rough on Tate he wasn't a fan of the snow suit I think the coat was a little too big.

I tried everything to keep him entertained but he wanted nothing of it. So we visited with everyone for a while and got back in the truck when finally someone made a decision that we should finally turn around and go to a different spot to find a tree, there was no way we were getting to the spot we want. By this time it is about 2pm (usually they are on their way home by this point)....

Last and final stop...we stop at a spot with a HUGE hill for the christmas tree hunters to climb to get to the trees (why...I don't know..) so Tate and I had had about enough of the truck and so I thought I will pull him on the sled while we look for a tree, well he wasn't a fan..by now it is about 330/4pm and it was getting pretty cold pretty fast so we jumped right back in the truck and Josh and Steve headed out to get some trees. Chelese and Ashton joined us in our truck and after about an hour everyone was back except Steve and Josh...we were getting worried and it was dark....so Steve's dad took the truck and off he went to get them.

Well he found them and they were on their way back but Josh was having a hard time carrying our tree... why well because I think he wanted a grizwald tree! It was Huge!!! Finally we are on our way home and when we get back to Soda Springs and I have service on my phone I had a voicemail from my Boss, he had called that morning to tell me he had tickets for the Jazz game that night for Josh and I and to top it off it was against the lakers and it was my Birthday and the tickets were in a suite. oh man were we sad!!!

Tate was really sad and VERY tired...he slept the whole way home and went straight to bed when we got home thank goodness. We ended up getting home about 10pm

And here she is...this was before we did any trimming

I don't have any of it after its decorated yet but it did turn out pretty good, but I think I still prefer my Tree lot trees, they are perfect in everyway :) But it was fun and Tate was really good and we made some fun memories.

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-12-07T22:23:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving this year we were able to go to Tooele and spend it with my family. We had so much fun! It was so good to see everybody. Thanksgiving has always been my most favorite holiday, I don't know if it is because its around my birthday or what but I love the food and the memories and how beautiful the tables always look. This year I have much to be thankful for, I am very thankful for such a wonderful husband, he is my rock. He keeps me in check and helps me remember to not stress the small stuff. He loves Tate and I so much and his such a great Dad! I am thankful for Tate and the blessing he is in my life, I hope I can always make him feel loved and never disappoint him. I am very grateful for two jobs, both Josh and I have been blessed to continue to have work and to have wonderful employers. I am very grateful for a wonderful family and friends who I love so much.

First Stop to see the Petroff's, Jaquie with new baby Jentri, she is so cute! We went to my Step Mom's to see everyone, it was so nice to get to visit for awhile and for Tate and Jackson to play.

Then it was off to the McCoy's for Dinner and Entertainment. This year it was at my Aunt and Uncle's house and if you know my Aunt Carolyn it is either go big or go home and well she as always did a wonderful job. The table was Beautiful, it felt like you had just stepped into a Martha Stewart magazine, I wish I would have gotten a picture. It was gorgeous and well the food of course was amazing!! We have some pretty good cooks in our family and luckily I didn't spoil it, I only had to bring frozen corn :) and with a cube of butter it tasted great!!

Alex, Taft and Tate they thought they were hot stuff sitting on the coffee table, its fun to finally have a bunch of little ones around, kids always make the holidays more fun!

The original plan was to play games after dinner but these three stole the show. My Uncle and Aunt have guitars, drums and microphone because they all are very talented. So I tried out the drums and they were pretty fun, well then Mom and Aunt Tobi wanted a turn and it turned into a full blown concert. It was so fun. We had Melanie on the Guitar, Tobi on the Mic and Mike on the electric guitar or drums. Chelesa also joined in the fun along with Matti and Chad. It was so fun to watch them, probably the most hilarious thing any of us have seen all year.

My sweet Grandma, I don't know if any of you know this but she is the most amazing woman! I love her so much and am so Thankful to have her as my Grammy! We have so much fun together and am so grateful to have such wonderful Grandparents. Love you Grandma!!

2010-12-07T15:05:00.000-07:00

our lil family

2010-12-01T12:57:00.000-07:00

I just love these two they are the BEST thing that has ever happened to me.

A day as a Stay at Home Mom.....

2010-11-30T21:26:00.000-07:00

When Tate had his surgery I was lucky enough to get to stay home with him for Thursday and Friday and it was wonderful!! I loved every minute of it. I really could get used to staying home with him and taking care of our house. It was so nice to not be rushed and be able to go and do as I pleased with no running out of time. Friday the 19th my little sister had her baby girl so Tate and I went into the U of U hospital to have a visit. She is absolutley perfect.

Here are some pictures of our fun weekend, and of course I had to throw in the ones of him and the dogs, he loves the doggies. He was even making sure they were getting enough to drink.

Surgery #3

2010-11-30T21:18:00.000-07:00

On November 18th Tate had his 3rd surgery. This surgery was a good one though, he had Tubes put in his ears and his adnoids taken out. They are hoping this will be the end of Ear infections and well all infection. He did really well. We had to be there at 7am, he went in for surgery around 830am and was done by 9am and we went home just after 10am. He slept most of the day but was eating good and playing, the anesthesia made him a little angry but by Friday he was fine. And he has been fine ever since, it has been great!! Love it! His doctor was Dr. Schueller, he is out of McKay Dee and he is the BEST!!

One of my Favs

2010-11-29T23:21:00.000-07:00

Diet ONE WEEK!!

2010-11-22T11:09:00.000-07:00

DOWN 9 lbs!!!

Diet Day 4

2010-11-18T21:50:00.000-07:00

Day four is over and I am doing good.

day three: breakfast: yogurt and cottage cheese; snack: string cheese; lunch: salad w/ chicken; snack: hard boiled egg; dinner: spaghetti squash w/ red sauce & steamed brocoli.

day four: no breakfast; Lunch: grilled chicken wrapped in lettuce w/ tomatoe and pickles; snack: hard boiled egg; dinner: steak & salad; desert: sugar free fudgsicle-it was heaven!!

Total weight loss: 7 lbs

Today has been the hardest so far, I was really tired and a little stressed so I really wanted comfort food but I held strong.

South Beach Diet

2010-11-17T10:48:00.001-07:00

So I started the South Beach diet on Monday the 15th. Phase one is the hardest but so far I have done great.
Phase one: no sugar or carbohydrates, including no fruits. basically veggies and lean meats for 2 weeks. Then phase two starts.
I am going to track my progress and meals on here so I can remember and be held accountable. Also I am taking a break during thanskgiving, its my favorite holiday and my birthday weekend...

Day One: breakfast yogurt w/ cottage cheese (yogurt is cheating but i hate the plain stuff so I have fat free); snack: string cheese; Lunch: fresh brocoli and cauliflower; snack: string cheese; dinner: omelet w/ cheese and turkey and peppers. Drinks: water and Milk

Day Two: breakfast yogurt w/ cottage cheese; snack: string cheese; lunch: salad w/ celery and raspberry vinagrette dressing; Dinner: baked chicken w/ steamed brocoli and Milk.

Weight Loss: 3lb

FREE MILK ANYBODY!

2010-11-15T09:20:00.000-07:00

Love Fresh Market, I spent $50 and got a free gallon of Shur Savings Milk! Love it!!

Johnstun Family Thanksgiving

2010-11-14T12:59:00.000-07:00

Every year Josh's Dad's side of the family has a Thanksgiving/Grandma and Grandpa Johnstun Birthday Celebration. It was a lot of fun to see all the family and there were so many kids and babies!! Tucker and Tate these two had a blast, they are 6 months apart and we can already tell they are going to get into a lot of trouble together.
Grandma with two of the new babies, Lucas and Becca.

The kids (and Robby) playing red light green light.

It was so fun and we are so Thankful to have such a great Family.

Our newest Nephew

2010-11-07T14:48:00.001-07:00

Chelese and Steve welcomed Ashton Scott Southwick to their family on November 4th. He had a heck of a time getting here but we are so excited to have him here finally. Now Tate will have a little buddy to play with all the time. Tate loved pushing around Ashton's bed, good thing he wasn't in it, Tate is not a very good driver.
Uncle Josh and Ashton

The Proud Parents

And the Happy Aunt

In September Josh's Oldest Sister Misty had Becca and his older Brother's wife Kendra had Lucas, I haven't gotten pictures of them yet but we love all these babies!! In a few weeks I will get one more neice, Jentri!! We can't wait! Babies are such blessings! Little miracles straight from our Heavenly Father.

HALLOWEEN 2010

2010-11-07T14:20:00.000-07:00

Tate was a Dragon for Halloween this year, he looked so cute in his costume. We didn't do too much trick or treating, just to the neighbors and Aunt Chelese and Uncle Steve's then to Grandma and Grandpa Johnstun's.

My little Dragon

Spike Elk Hunt 2010

2010-11-07T14:02:00.000-07:00

Over the Summer Chad and Davinna had come to visit us, Josh and Chad got talking and well Josh decided to buy an Elk tag for the rifle hunt to go with Chad and Davinna down in Fillmore. So of course I got to go along, this was my first experiance with hunting and it was really fun. A lot of hiking and the weather was far warmer than we had expected but it was nice. We didn't see any Spike Elk but we did see a ton of Bull Elk and Cow Elk. Thanks Chad and Davinna for a great weekend, we had so much fun spending time with you!! This was the first morning around 530am, Chad and Davinna live so close to the mountain that we were able to come back to their house every night and sleep, it was nice.
Love those orange vests!!

While we were out hiking Tate, Chanelle and Cyson hung out with Davinna's mom, She was so great to watch all the kids, Thanks Anna!!

My orange jacket was huge but so warm and comfy!

Chad and Davinna

Randomness...

2010-10-25T21:34:00.000-06:00

First off I have about a million pictures and things to update as far as what we have been doing but I don't feel like looking for my camera and down loading all the pictures...sorry...but here are my thoughts as of late:

As I sit here and type away Tate is upstairs screaming his little head off, he doesn't think he needs to go to bed, his usual bed time is 8/830pm for the past week or so, he does not want to go to bed, he will stay up until 11pm. I have tried laying him down with me, nope that doesn't work, its too exciting to be in Mommy and Daddy's bed (he never slept with us as a baby), I have tried laying on the couch, nope cause he just wants to play. I know he is okay, I go in and reassure but I am to the point where tough love is my only option, cry himself to sleep hopefully and maybe he will get back into the routine we all once knew. :)
Any suggestions, please share!!

We are all doing good other than Tate's lack of a desire to sleep. He is getting so big and is so smart, he walks around talking the language of Tate as Josh's parents call it. He loves to jibber jabber. He does have quite a few words that he can say:

Dog; cat; thank you; go; please; hi; dadda; mamma; fish; shoes; (someothers I am sure but I just haven't mastered the language yet)

Loves to make animal sounds: Cow, dog, chickens, duck, horse, snake, elephant, anything that growls

His stats are: 22 pounds and 31 inches tall, he can fit into 18 month shirts but still 12 month pants and wears a size 5 shoe (all this is for my personal journal, I will never remember it all).

He Loves blankets and always wants Josh or I to hold his blanket. He loves his farm animals and his books, favorite book: usbornes Ted and Friends book and Elmo search and find.

Food: recently discovered the joys of dipping, and he loves Salsa! Loves grapes and watermelon, and pretty much all fruit, Likes ground beef, but not too big on chicken, loves to use his own silverware and usually gets distracted playing with those vs eating. He isn't a big fan of juice but will drink it watered down. LOVES water and Milk. Yogurt is still a favorite of his.

Josh: Josh well he still eats whatever and I am trying to be better at making dinner for him. ( I like cereal for dinner). He is good though, very busy working and going to school, one year from now we will be preparing for his graduation, I cannot wait!! and neither can he. He is so smart, it amazes me. I wish I was half as smart as he is. He is busy studying, doing my honey do lists and working and on top of all that he still manages to be stress free and have fun. I don't know how he does it.

ME: well I try to manage my life one day at a time and well as of late I feel like my plate is overloaded but I keep thinking to myself, Ashlee get organized and everything won't seem so bad. So I am considering getting a franklin covey planner, a few people I work with use it and they say it helps immensley with organization. ;) and really when I look at other peoples lives and compare I think come on lady you need to step it up and stop worrying. So thats what I am working on.

Work is good, very busy and somewhat exhausting mentally but I enjoy what I do and I have a strong passion for it. I love Fresh Market and I love the people I work with, I seriously work for some of the best people out there. I couldn't ask for a better career choice. Right now it is even more so draining because we are working on closing 3 stores, any time things like this happen it is so hard, not only because of all the work and labor that goes into these types of things but the mental exhaustion of it all, peoples lives are being turned upside down. Let's just all pray that the economy continues to bounce back and that our Government will allow it to benefit all.

Tate has finally stopped crying, time to switch out laundry and go to bed.

Judgement

2010-09-27T21:20:00.000-06:00

On Sunday we had a great lesson in Relief Society, I usually don't get to listen too often because Tate doesn't really allow for it but this Sunday Josh took Tate with him to Priesthood and well it was kind of nice. And I really must have needed to hear the lesson. It was on Judging others and Righteous judgement. What is the difference, how do you Judge someone righteously? Well you really can't. You can make a judgement of whether or not you are going to do something but that doesn't mean you judge the person if you don't agree with the choice they make or the things they do. I liked this lesson for two reasons:

1. I think it is very important I teach Tate the difference between the two, we don't judge others for things they do or don't do but you don't have to do something your friends are doing if it is against what you believe in. AND it is still okay to still be friends with them and be nice to them.

2. I will never judge my Kids' friends for the act of their parents, growing up my family was not the traditional family, my mom didn't go to church or anything like that, and I had friends whose parents I believe made that judgement my way, or at least that was how I felt as a kid. I know I never want that to be the case with any Tate's friends.

3. I will do my best to not Judge someone's acts because I will truley never understand or know the circumstance to which brought them to that decision. We don't always know the whole truth or what has caused a person to make the decisions they have, all we can do is be there for eachother and try to understand eachothers needs.

4. I will never judge someone for what their faith is, I know someone very close to me judges me because of my religion and I don't think that is fair. I would never make a judgement on somone for their beliefs.

5. And last but not least, I will do my best to not assume others are judging me or judge myself based off of what I see other Wonderful Mom's do! I think in today's society we see the "perfect world" everyone I think lives in and I compare myself, now I know that I shouldn't do that and I worry what people might think if my house is a mess or if I am not back to that size 4 I once was but I do. ( I mean really who actually has time to worry about what I am doing, i know I don't have time to worry about what other people are doing :) ).

It was a great lesson and these are just some of the most random rambles that came into my thoughts. I am very grateful for everything in my life and for wonderful teachers in Relief Society that can helps us be better for eachother and our families.

15 Months and Growing

2010-09-19T21:20:00.000-06:00

Tate turned 15 months old this month, I cannot believe how big he is! He is turning into a little boy. Here are some fun facts about Tate!!!

1. He is talking like crazy!

2. Started Walking at 14 months, and is now Running everywhere.

3. Loves to eat grapes and watermelon.

4. Always wants to read his ooks (books).

5. Has to have his own fork and spoon, and is getting so good at feeding himself.

6. Is just like his Dad, LOVES to be outdoors (I am worried about this winter).

7. Has no more infections!! woo hoo

8. Gives hugs and kisses on his own, without being asked!

9. Loves to Dance, and knows how to turn on the stereo.

10. Favorite songs: Monkeys Jumping on the bed, Monkeys swinging in the tree, bringing home my baby bumble bee.

Loves playing in the rocks and eating them.

Loves all types of sport balls

His best Friend Molly

My new favorite picture

Love you Tater, you are the best little boy ever!

9-9-10= 4 YRS

2010-09-18T23:51:00.000-06:00

It's been 4yrs since Josh and I were hitched and it has been the best 4 yrs! He is such an amazing man. He is so hard working, between school and work, taking care of Tate and I and our dogs and our house, he stays so busy yet he never complains, never says he is too tired. I feel so blessed to have him in my life. This year our anniversary fell on a Thursday and so we were thinking we would just go out to dinner at a nice restraunt. Instead we ended having the opportunity to go up to Park City and stay the night at The Canyons Resort. Josh and I don't really travel, we have been a few places since we have been married but haven't ever really stayed anywhere overly Nice, so this by far has been the nicest. It was nice to have a night away from everything and Josh's Sister watched Tate for us. The Hotel EntranceThe view from our balconyNice HUGE bed, Josh and I only have a queen so this King was like Heaven! I don't think either of us slept so good.

Hello Room Service, this was nice too, way too much food for so early in the morning though.

Josh not wanting to get up and go back to reality

The drive home, we had to get back supper early because we both had to work on Friday, but the drive was beautiful with the sun coming up.

It's What Fun is....LAGOON!

2010-09-18T23:32:00.000-06:00

Associated Foods has an annual Lagoon day for all the warehouse and cooporate employess. This was our first getting to attend and it was a lot of FUN! The bosses BBQ hamburgers and hot dogs for everyone and an estimated 2500 people attend. It's great to work for a company who do these types of fun activities for their employees and their families.
This was Tate's first time going to a theme park and well he liked it for the most part.....I am thinking next year will be better, he will be able to go on more rides and probably won't be scared to go alone. This is the first ride he went on, he was having fun sitting in the whale before it started going but once it started it was really fast and well he wasn't a fan, I think he would have been okay if he had someone to go with him. Next year I am sure he will like it.

We hung out with my good friend Donna and her two kids and Tate just loved Lincoln, he wanted to do everything he was doing, it was so cute! Here we are waiting to go on the ferris wheel, they couldn't wait they were so excited.

Here we are on the ferris wheel towards the top, Tate LOVED it, he wasn't scared at all, he even helped Lincoln and Josh make it spin, I was a nervous wreck, I love the ferris wheel but do not like when it is spinning or moving.

Overall it was a great day, we went on one other ride the Merry-go-round of course and Tate loves that, then we enjoyed some fun in pioneer park with yummy ice cream.

It was fun to just be out of the house and having fun as a family.

Why???

2010-09-17T15:39:00.001-06:00

Everyone that knows me knows I am in REtail and I have a strong passion for what I do, I would like honest feed back from you all:
1. Where do you GROCERY shop and WHY....
2. Where do you shop on Saturdays?
3. Are you a coupon shopper?
4. Are you loyal to one store or do you shop ads only.
5. What is most important, location, price, quality, customer service, cleanliness etc.

thanks everyone I appreciate your comments

Ebong and Ivory Gala 2010

2010-08-22T09:43:00.001-06:00

On Saturday night Fresh Market presented a check for $20,000 to the U of U Burn Center. The check was presented at La Caille for the Ebony and Ivory Gala. I was one of 7 that was invited to go to the event. It was so much fun! First, I had never been to La Caille and it was absolutley beautiful! I loved the atmosphere. Very beautiful. I love the people I get to work with every day and spend so much time with when I am away from my family. They all are so much fun and I am so grateful to be apart of this wonderful company and such great leaders.

Then the purpose of the event, to help raise money for the Burn Center, that was amazing. It was so good to hear about all the success and what they do for the victims of fire at the burn center. There was a coupld sitting at our table and the wife and their son had been burned pretty bad from a propance explosion at a family reunion. Her story was amazing. It was a really good cause and it was so fun to get to be apart of it. Donna (Director of Customer Service), me, Troy (District Manager Utah North) Warren (Store Director in Draper)
Donna and I have become so close over the past few years we have worked together, I just love her so much! We have so much fun! She is always encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone and try new things. She has helped me in so many ways, I consider her not only one my dearest friends but a great mentor as well.

L-R Tom (Director of Retail Integrity) Mark Griffin (VP Fresh Market) Warren, Donna, Troy and LeAnn (Mark's Wife)

Don't we look like Sista's

So there were tons of dignitaries, and important people at this event but Jerry Sloan! I wanted so bad to ask for a picture but being this event I am sure he didn't want to be bothered with the "little people" bothering him. So I stood next to him and Tom took our picture. LOL I felt so embarressed after but oh well.

So there was a sillent auction and then there was a live auction while at dinner. It was amazing to me how much money people were just dropping, They did donation Auction, started at $10,000 two people did that one, a few more did the $5,000, then it continued to go down. Amazing, and then some of the other items. How would it be to be rich? and To be able to spend that kind of money and not even think about it, but it was for a good cause. And Fresh Market had the largest donation of the night.

Clinton 19th Ward Campout

2010-08-22T09:26:00.000-06:00

All Summer we have been planning trips to go camping, and everytime we did Tate was ending up sick at the hospital so finally we were able to go camping and it was our wards annual camp out up at Camp Woodland up by Morgan, it was beautiful up there, I wouldn't mind living up there at all, as long as I didn't have to commute!
It was fun, good food, and good company. I love my ward I have made some pretty fun friends!! Tate had a lot of fun too, he loves being out side so this was his cup of tea. Except when it came time to bed time, that is when the fun really started.....

As you can see he is WIDE awake! We have a decent size tent so with our airmattress up and the pac n play there was still room for Tate to cruise around in, he just kept walking around his pac n play over and over again, once he started getting tired he would lay his head down on his blanket but then pop back up.
We decided let's take him for a drive, that alwyas works in times like these, so a little before 11 pm we took Tate for a drive, sure enough it worked! when we got back to the camp, the gate was locked, we didn't know they locked the gate at night. So we climbed the fence, Josh handed me Tate in his car seat, and we walked down to our tent and went to bed. Well of course Tate woke up in the wee hours of the morning, and was pretty much wide awake until about 6am and finally fell back asleep. Needless to say we didn't get much sleep but it was still fun.

In the moring we went up to East Canyon Dam, it was beautiful!! Loved it up there, Tate wasn't so sure at first but soon he was fast asleep and he slept the entire time we were out on the boat, about 2 hours.

It was so fun to wake board I haven't done it for two years since i had Tate last summer. I did pretty good to for it being so long. But I will tell you what, I am sore today!! I used muscles I haven't used in a while

Shields Family Reunion July 31st 2010

2010-08-22T08:59:00.000-06:00

This year we had so much fun at the Family Reunion, It was so fun playing the egg toss and racing games and of course seeing famiy and hearing fun stories of the past.

Tate and my Mom
JOsh and I getting ready for the egg toss, we did really good, actually made it pretty far.

Haylee and Matti

Tate and Taft were having so much fun playing in the cooler, it was so cute to watch them.

Again.....

2010-08-05T07:05:00.000-06:00

Sunday Aug 1st while at church I noticed a lump on Tate's right side of his throat. I was thinking oh great, but maybe it was from when he just fell a few minutes ago. Monday came and in the morning it looked a little smaller and he slept great so I didn't think anything of it, by the time Josh picked him up Monday night he looked bigger and was hard. Well Monday night Tate wouldn't go to bed until 1030pm usually he is fast asleep with no fight at 8pm. He was up again at 2am and stayed up pretty much the rest of the night. Finally falling asleep around 7am.
So I called the Pediatrician and scheduled an appointment.

Doc. Rose saw Tate at 11am Tuesday Aug 3rd, here he at his office. You can see the right side of his face is a little swollen compared to the other side. Dr. Rose said definately an infected Lymphnode again and sent us to McKay Dee for blood tests and a CT scan to see if there was an abcess.

They did the blood work and then they did the CT Scan, and that was not fun becuase he had to get an iv and then he had to hold still in order to get a good picture and He was so mad and then finally I think he was getting so tired from all the crying and fighting that he just layed there and they got the picture. We waited for them to review it and they called Dr. Rose and he did have an abcess so he was admitted.

They were hoping since it was still small enough antibiotics in the IV would be enough to get it taken care of but...

When he woke up Wednesday morning this is what his sweet little face looked like. the Abcess had doubled in size over night. The ENT doctor came in, Dr. Shueller and wanted to do surgery as soon as possible. Tate had eaten breakfast so they didn't do it until about 6 hours later.

Dr.Shueller said that when he cut it open it popped like a zit because there was so much pressure. He face was as hard a rock, and so red. It was so sad.

The surgery went really fast, He was in and out in a total of 20-30 minutes. After surgery he was super tired and we loved to snuggle up.

Every day the abcess got better and better, we didn't get any of the cultures back until middle of the thursday night, and it came back as staph again, then friday night we found out it was the same kind that he had had the first time (good because it will be treated with oral antibiotics). Saturday morning they decided we could go home since his white cell count was normal and he seemed fine, he was playing and smiling all day!

We were so happy to be home, Tate wanted his dogs first thing, it was cute.

Me: this was so hard this second time around, so much scarier than the first, the first time, you know kids get things and there is nothing we could have done but for it to come back a second time and so quickly really had the doctors worried. Was there something wrong with his lymphnodes? was it Luekemia or Lymphoma? I was a wreck, it is so hard to sit in a hospital with your baby and feel so helpless because you cannot fix whatever it is that is causing them to be so sick, and you can't explain to them that the pokes and medicines and nurses are just here to make sure he gets better.

I am so grateful for all the Nurses and doctors at McKay Dee on the Pediactric unit, every single one of them was amazing and so willing to help with whatever. There was one nurse, she was such a blessing to us. Tate loved her, Anne was her name and I will never forget her. And also Jessica she was so wonderful too, I even got her crying cause I was a ball baby when he was going in for his 4 IV while we were there. (yes 4 nights 4 IV).

Neal the nurse manager was so great, he even called me on Monday to see how Tate was doing, that touched my heart so much. And Dr. Shueller, he did the surgery and was so good to explain everything and reassurring. And of course Dr. Rose Tate's Ped. He is the best and he has even called to see how Tate has been.

Then there is our families, Josh and I have the best families ever. Tate had visitors from his GG, and Nonna and Uncle Shane, his Aunt Chelese and Uncle Steve, Great Grandparent Johnstuns and Grandma Nancy and Grandpa Keven. The 3 Grandma's even kicked me out so I could come home and get a shower and new clothes. WE love you all so much thank you for being so great to us!!!

Drum Roll Please.........

2010-08-01T22:21:00.000-06:00

He did it, Tate is Finally Walking! He has been close for a while and we thought for sure he would be by his birthday but that day came and went and still nothing. For the past few weeks he would hold his hand on the wall and walk down the hall, take a few steps here and there but nothing to get too excited about.
This weekend we were with lots of family and lots of Tate's cousins who can walk, and well that must have done it because this afternoon while Josh's parents were here for dinner, Tate did it he walked from the stairs into the dinning room. And after that he was all over the place, he even did it outside. ;) I couldn't find my camera but will get some pictures up soon. Way to go little man! We are so proud of you!!

Tate's First Surgery....

2010-07-27T22:29:00.000-06:00

Over the weekend we were in St.George, we took Tate to the ER (see previous post) we thought he had a hernia, the doctor said to see our pediatrician so Monday July 12th Tate and I headed to the Pediatrician, Dr. Rose checked the "hernia" and was really concerned so he called Primary Childrens, scheduled us an appointment and off we went. We met Josh at home, and we headed to PC. Here is Tate the night before we went to the doctor, you can just see in his eyes he doesn't feel good.

So here he is waiting to go into Surgery, Dr. Rollins, checked the lump and he was very concerned about the hernia, he was going to have Tate get an Ultra sound but decided to not wait any longer, He was going in through the belly button with Laproscopy to see if the hernia was on both sides (so far just on the left).

So they have a miracle drug that helps the kids with Anxiety and also helps them so they don't remember anything (all the trauma) It was within minutes Tate was so loopy. Here is he all drugged up ready to go into Surgery.

Josh and I couldn't stop laughing, we would ask him where he nose was and he would point to the side of it and rubbed his face, it was hilarious. We felt bad laughing but couldn't stop.

Post Surgery, he was in there almost 2 hours, I was starting to get nervous. But then they came and got us. When I went into recovery the nurse was holding him I took him and he was very out of it. They told me it wasn't a hernia, he ended up having an infected Lymphnode, Dr. Rollins came in and talked to me and so did Dr. Phelp (the Anesthisiologist), she is the best Anethisiologist I have ever met, so nice! He did great in surgery and they were going to keep him over night, they wanted to find out what the infection was, so they took a culture of it and also wanted to make sure he did okay after the surgery.

The first night he did really good, slept great, I think because of the meds were not quite out of his system.

Checking out all his wires, not so sure what to think of them and really he was not a fan. Tate started getting fevers Monday night, and had them Tuesday morning, Tuesday night and all night wed. Wednesday morning, then Wednesday he seemed to be doing really good. Played all day and we thought we were going home for sure. Then when the night nurse came in around 730/8pm she checked his IV (it was in his foot) and was really concerned so she had her tech help her and they removed it because the medicine was not going into the vein it was going into the tissue. They then had the Resident Surgeon come in and look at his leg and he proceeds to tells us that they are going to give Tate 5 shots in his left leg, to hopefully force the antibiotic into the vein, if it doesn't work we need to watch for redness, or white spots, this means the antibiotic is eating the tissue and could cause severe scars, possibly would need skin graphs.

By now I was freaking out, I had held it together pretty good while we were there, I hadn't cried one time, but this was really getting scary. Josh's parents and Chelese and Steve and my Grandma were all there, so the guys gave Tate a blessing. Once they all left they took us to another room and I said I would hold Tate while they gave him the shots, big mistake, I was bawling, it was so hard to see him in so much pain, he was screaming. It was probably the hardest thing I had to do.

Well the shots worked and Tate's leg was fine. Thank goodness. But he kept getting fevers so we stayed another night yet again.

Wednesday they sent the Infectious Disease department in to talk to us and they wanted to run a bunch of tests to make sure that Tate didn't have an immune problem and that all the infection was out. From the culture the infection ended up being Staph infection, that is why they wanted to check everything, they did a stool sample, mucous sample, blood tests, and gave him a catheter for a urine sample. Poor kid! I felt so bad.
Friday the tests were all okay, he had gone 24 hours without a fever and seemed to be feeling much better!! : )

Tate's favorite sleeping position while at the hospital, he would nap like this all day.

Funny Story: I had Josh bring me some clothes on Tuesday and some other necessities because I needed to shower!! Primary Childrens provides shampoo and towels so I didn't have him bring any of that, so he got there and I hurry and jumped in the shower, (not in Tate's room there are showers in the unit for parents), well there I am and after I get in I realize I have no shampoo/conditioner or towel. So I shaved my legs, washed my face, wet my hair, and dried off with my T shirt. Kind of funny but I couldn't Wait.

Mom and Tate hanging out.

Tate had lots of visitors, here he is with his Nonna. Grandma and Grandpa came also and his GG and Aunt Chelese and Uncle Steve.

Friday he was so much happier, playing and dancing I think he knew we were finally going home.

So happy to be home and sleep in his own bed again. I love how he is using the bumper as a pillow.

Here is a video of Tate dancing while at the hospital, he loves the music on Barney.

St.George FUN!

2010-07-27T21:46:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago I had to go to Cedar City for work for a Team Meeting at the Fresh Market there. It was my first time being away from both Tate and Josh since Tate was born, and well it was weird, I missed my two Guys so much. Especially since I was away from them for two nights. I drove down to Cedar city Wednesday morning, and then went to St.George thursday evening, it was a surprise for Jess, she had no idea I was coming and I loved it!!

Josh, Tate, Steve and Chelese drove down on Friday afternoon. Once they got here we all went out to eat with Heather at Pasta Factory and just visited.

I have to back up a little bit.....all week while I had been gone Tate was really fussy, he wouldn't eat, was sleeping okay, but very very onery. Crying almost constantly, but then he would be fine, so we were thinking, his eye teeth are coming in, it has to be that.

Friday night after I gave him a bath, I noticed a Large lump on his left side, in the low abdomen/hip area. I touched it and he started crying like crazy. I ran him down stairs to where Jess and Heather and Chelse were to ask them what they thought and all said hernia, so off the Dixie Regional ER we went. ( it was after nine so no insta care).

The doc looked at him and felt around as Tate screamed his head off, and said yup its a hernia, keep him calm all weekend and when you get home Monday call your Pediatrician and he will see you. Keep him on Tylenol as needed for pain, but if he stays calm it shouldn't bulge.

So thats what we did, Tate got whatever he wanted all weekend!

Here are some pictures of our Trip.

2 places I have to go every trip, Pasta and Pizza Factory, thanks TJ for the best pizza ever!! It's just so much better getting it from the REAL PF!!

It wouldn't be a STG trip if Jess didn't take a self portrait with my Camera!!

Pictures out on the Truck! Sophie and Tate

The Girls, I miss these girls more than you know! My BFF's!

So this is what Saturday consisted of, swimming, eating, more swimming, laying in the sun, and umm eating and SWIMMING!! Hotel Shattuck is by far the best! Thanks Heather for letting us crash at your house. It was so fun to relax and swim and play with the pups and of course get to finally visit with you and Jess!

Steve and Josh Playing in the pool, us girls were all pooled out! :)

4th of July

2010-07-27T09:09:00.000-06:00

We spent the 4th of July weekend out in Tooele. I was so excited to spend time with my family and actually stay the night!

Friday night we had a BBQ with Chelese and Steve and his sister and brother in law and his cousins. it was so much fun, Gavin and Tate had fun playing, it was fun to watch them and then Steve and chelese brought this, its the human boomerang, seriously the funnest thing ever!!!

Saturday morning Tate and I headed out to T-Town. We started at the Park to see Mattison (cousins little girl) dance, she was so cute! We then went swimming up at Ali's parents pool. It was so much fun. This was Tate's first experiance in a real pool, and at first he wasn't so sure, especially with all the big kids splashing and yelling but after a while of sitting on the step he loved it. He actually didn't want to get out.

Tate and Taft having popsicles!

We then headed over to Grandma's for a yummy BBQ and then off to the Rodeo. I was soo excited to go to the Tooele BitnSpur rodeo for the 4th of July, something we did all the time when we were in Jr high and high school. But sad to say, I was a little disappointed. There wasn't much entertainment (other than the rodeo itself). The Barrell racing and Bronc riding was by far our favorite. Tate did seem to like it though, he kept watching all the bugs up at the lights, it was funny.

After the rodeo, we headed over to the McCoy's For fun fireworks! Every year we sit at my Aunt and Uncles' house do fireworks and listen to the scanner for any fires, well this year my cousin Matt, was on the Squad this year, his first and We loved having him pull up lights flashing and all in the fire truck. :)
Sunday we had the privilage of attending Matt and Alison's new baby's baby blessing. Mason Micheal McCoy was blessed on the actual 4th of July. He is the most handsome little guy!.
We of course had more yummy food and visiting and then that night did another round of fireworks at Matt and Ali's house.

Jamie and Haylee and Kevin finally made it from Tuscon as well and so Tate got to meet them for the very first time. We had a lot of fun!!
Tate and I ended up staying another night and Monday we just relaxed and then headed home for a BBQ with Josh's family. It was an overall great weekend full of Fun, Family, Friends and FOOD!!

Utah's Dixie

2010-07-08T23:26:00.000-06:00

I just have to post this because this is one love of life I never really quite realized how big it was. A little history.....

When I was 9 years old my mom moved us to St.George Utah, I loved it instantly! I don't know if it was the weather or because we got to stay with The Nortons when we first moved there and I thought they were the best people ever or what but it was instant love. Well, we moved when I was 14 back to northern Utah and I will just be honest, I hated my Mom for moving me away from St.George I thought she was doing it just to ruin my life, you know how dramatic teenagers can be.

So four years later, June 2001 I graduated high school and 2 weeks later I packed up my little Nissan 200sx and headed south, all by myself, and I wasn't even scared or sad to leave. 4 1/2 hours later I arrived in St.George and from that moment on it was love. For the next 5 1/2 years (with a few short moves to northern utah for a month or two or to Boston for 2 months) I loved it. I loved the summers the winters, the smell. The heat on your skin! I loved that we would have the air so high in our apartments that we would wear hoodies to stay warm but you never dared turn the air down in case it getting too hot. I loved the Temple, I can't even tell you how many Sundays or even just random days I would go and read my scriptures on the lawn and just watch people and stare up at the beauty of that Bright White temple in amazement. I loved that I had my spots, the places I could go when I just needed to get away from everyone and everything that seemed to be a stress for me.

Well the time came for me to leave this place that I loved so much, I didn't really know why it was time to move but it was time, I headed back north, and a few month after being home Josh and I started dating and the rest is history. And now its been 4 1/2 years since I moved away from St.George and I am not going to lie, I definately haven't been back as often as I would like to, I am a time in my life when I am too busy for quick trips, its usually because I am too tired. But yesterday I had to go to Cedar for work and decided to make a weekend trip to St.George and never before have I noticed until today, how much I really miss it. And I can't even tell you exactly why or that I would even live here again but I miss it more than I realized. Everywhere I look I have a memory. A memory of crazy things we did as freshman at Dixie, places I worked, all the different apartments, houses and condos I lived in, the many different room mates I had and personalities I had to learn to deal with. Everywhere there is a memory, and it's almost like it was a different life time. A lifetime that seems like it was so long ago. Or even like it was a different person, like there was a Ashlee Petroff of St.George and now I am Ashlee Johnstun of Clinton. I don't know and non of this probably even makes sense, I am sure it just sounds like I am rambling forever but as I sit here at one of my Best Friends houses, a house I used to house sit for her all the time and watch the pups for her and her husband I feel at home at peace. A different home and peace from what I feel when I am home with Tate and Josh. I can't explain it, just different. Well anyways I better end, because this is probably getting worse and worse as I continue to type. Good Night.

2010-06-24T14:11:00.001-06:00

hey everyone I am doing a Mary Kay order so if you want or need anything let me know by July 4th.

Father's Day

2010-06-21T22:56:00.000-06:00

Okay so I was really bad and didn't snap one picture all weekend but I didn't want to pass up a Public announcement to Josh for a Happy Fathers Day. Josh is such a wonderful Father! It is so fun to see a bond between Father and Son. Tate loves his daddy! The other day I was feeding Tate and Tate heard the door open downstairs and said 'Daddy', and was looking for him. It was so cute! Tammy, Tate's babysitter, always tells me how excited Tate gets when Josh picks him up everyday. So thank you Josh for being such a hard working and Fun lovin Daddy!
Happy Fathers Day to my Father In Law, he is so great! I never had a super close relationship with my Dad, Time just ran out, and I definatley feel the love of a Father in him. He helps us so much and it's so nice to be so close to them.
And my Dad, Miss you so much, everyday, I think, I wonder what my Dad would say about my life, what he would think of Josh and Tate and where I am at with my career. I know what he would think of Josh, that I couldn't of gotten a better man, and he would love Tate so much! Today I had my picture of my DAd out on the couch, and Tate kept touching it and smiling, he knows his papa Jack, I am sure of it.
There are many other men in my life that have been father figures to me, my Uncle Mike and Uncle Jeff. Love you two so much! and of course my two Grandpa's. My Grandpa Petroff is the sweetest Man. and My Grandpa that I have loved since I was a little girl, he taught me to whistle and one of my favorite things is going to my grandparents and walking down to the basement and knowing we can just chat.
Happy Fathers Day to all! I hope you all had a great one!!!

Tate Turns ONE!!!

2010-06-21T21:15:00.001-06:00

My Baby boy is ONE! I cannot believe a year ago I was just holding him for the first time! Tate's birthday fell on a Friday so I took the day off to spend with my Boy. The plan was to go to the park, but the weather wasn't so nice and his nap schedule was way off! We had so much fun, just playing all day. We started the day off with making Pancakes, and Tate loves to help!
Then we headed down to Watch Good Things Utah for Tate's TV debute!

The big Day! We had Tate's Party on Saturday, the plan was to have it outside, but nope we were having April weather and it was rainy so inside it was.

GG and Tate

Tate and his Grandpa Keven, He loves him so much!

We ate yummy food and then opened presents

Tate wanted to play with the toys, he couldn't understand why we kept taking them away and making him open another one.

Wheneve Libby or Jackson would get close to the toys when he was opening them he would say nononono. It was so cute!

Loves his present from his GG.

Josh and I got him a popper, HE LOVES IT!

Natalie at the Clinton Fresh Market Did a GREAT job on Tate's cake and they thrown in a Free "smash" cake for the first Birthday. (yeah I thought about being domestic Mommy and making it myself but let's face I am a working mom, not a baking one) and the best part is, IT WAS SO YUMMY!

Cousin Jackson Helping Tate blow out his candle

Tate does this thing with his index finger and thumb, he grabs everything with it, it's so funny. So it took him a while to get a handful. But he did....

By this time he was done! I think he was already feeling the sugar high! And the whole time we were cleaning him off, by spraying him with the shower head, he was screaming! But once it was done, he was happy to get out and play with his new toys.

Eva and Libby came to celebrate with Tate! He loves his friend Libby!

Playing with his Basketball set from Josh's Parents

Nonna and Tate ( I think he is preparing for the Flash)

Playing with Nonna in his new pool from Mom and Dad

These two are growing up too Fast! Tate is now One Weighing in at 20 pounds 9 ounces and 29 1/2 inches tall Molly is now 6 months old, and is probably around 3 feet tall and weighs around 80 pounds.

Tate's 12 month check up was really good! The doctor said he looks great, very Healthy! He is still in teh 20th percentile for weight but is up to 45 % for height, which is good!

We love you buddy! You are so much fun, you make us laugh and smile everyday! You are such a good boy and so smart. A few things Tate Loves:

-Bananas

-Yogurt

-Soft Blankies

-Balls

-his Doggies and Cat

-His Daddy

-Horses

-His favorite words: Daddy, Doggy, hello

(he only says mama, when he cries, mamamama)

-Loves to sleep in his crib, not really anywhere else

-Loves the remote

and well Tate Loves to SMiLe! and he knows just when to do it!

12 Months Mile Stone

2010-06-21T20:56:00.000-06:00

For Tate's 12 Month Milestone pictures we went out to Tooele and Ali (my cousin in law) took Tate's pictures for me. She recently started up her own photography business and she did so great! She was fast and got some great pictures, she had an invitation and edits ready for me in an hour. Love you Ali, thanks for capturing Tate's personality....and her blog link is on my favorite list, Aislyn Photography.

Tate LOVES this horse! One of my Best Friends brought this to the Hospital the day I delivered Tate and he loves to snuggle it! I am so glad she got some pictures of it.

Making Memories

2010-06-21T20:43:00.000-06:00

This isn't much of a post but mostly I just wanted to remember these two moments. We went out to Tooele to see my family since we couldn't make it out there on Memorial day. Here is a Classic picture of my Grandma and her two Great Grandsons,

Memorial Weekend/Johnstun Family Reunion....

2010-06-04T09:18:00.000-06:00

So this Memorial weekend was the Johnstun Family Reunion, it was so much fun and I can't thank my Mother and Father in Law enough for making it fun for Everyone, sometimes it is hard to please 18 People (11 adults--3 pregnant women, and 8 kids). Thank you for the fun and all the memories. Here is a recap.... I am going backwards starting with Monday Memorial Day, to end our reunion we spent the day at the Hogle Zoo, it was a lot fun. The kids loved it and I always like seeing the animals. Even though there weren't any bears, or lions, and the Great Ape wasn't out there was still plenty to see.

Tate really didn't see much sitting in the stoller most of the time, but he still had fun chillin in his stroller.

Baby Zuri is so cute! She was probably the high light of the day. You just want to snuggle her!!!

This is Tate's Aunt Chelese, and I just had to post a picture of her, he absolutely LOVES her, we are so glad they live close and have become more than just family, her and Steve are one of our closet friends.

and here is Josh and Steve, these two are like two are out of control when we get together. Like true brothers.

Sunday we all went to church and then after spent the day at Josh's parents have yummy dutch oven chicken and potatoes and roasting marshmellows for smores, we even roasted twinkies, it is so yummy!!! This is Tate and his Grandpa, he loves his Grandpa and will usually choose him over any one else.

Kenny came all the way from DC for all the fun!

not the best picture of me but it shows you all how big my puppy is, Molly is 6 months old now and probably is around 75 pounds. and she loves to come and sit on my lap.

here is Molly and Gunner, remember Gunner is 6 years old and 85 pounds, Molly is taller but still a little lighter....for now any way.

the guys played some basketball, it was fun to watch .

Saturday night we went the the Real Salt Lake Soccer game, it was so much fun! they are so good, they won 4-1. Tate loved it, he was so good during the game, I was really surprised. He really liked the Drums they play.

Friday we spent the afternoon at Boondocks in Kaysville, it was so much fun! They have things for all age groups, my Favorite was the go carts and the laser tag. I didn't participate in the bumper boats because it was kind of cold.

As you can see though, most everyone else did participate and they were soaking wet! It was so much fun to watch them all get drenched.

Tate and Tucker, they are not quite to sure of eachother, but they sure are cute!

thanks for all the fun Grandma and Grandpa!!

Ogden Half Marathon

2010-05-17T21:10:00.000-06:00

So back in January or Febuary my work was going to do a drawing for the Ogden Marathon, so I thought heck I will enter why not. WEll I got picked so I was like yeah sure I can do a half marathon. I have always wanted to I have plenty of time to train....

Well it came time to start training, and well I found I didn't have plenty of time to train and before I knew it it was the week of the marathon. The Monday before the race, I walked 6 miles. And that was about it, that was my training, with running here and there the past few months. So Saturday the 15th of May was the big day. I was all ready to go! We got up there about 6am, Eden Park was the starting point. It was cool, about 32 degrees. 7am the gun went off and we were off. I was feeling pretty good, all pumped and full of adrenaline. So I was going pretty well. Decided I would walk the hill, I didn't want to over do it, cause I still have eleven miles. Well surprisingly I ended up running most of it. I did role my ankle when I was going down Ogden Canyon, and that hurt so bad but I got up walked it out and moved on.
Anyways, it wasn't all that bad, the hardest were the last 3 miles, my knees were killing me. But I made it through to the finish line in 3 hours. I was never so happy to finish something. It was a great experiance and I plan to do it again next year, but this time train and get a better time.

Mother's Day 2010

2010-05-17T20:40:00.000-06:00

This was my first Official Mother's Day and it was perfect! Why you ask, because I have the best husband and the best Son a woman could ask for. I did have to work all weekend, but wasn't all that bad.
Friday night, we got to get together with Josh's childhood friends (Adam and Laura, Rachel and Lyle, Adam B and Mercedes, Cory and Stephanie) one last time before the Mill's family move on to bigger and better things...well Sunny Southern California! We are very excited and happy for them! And we can't wait to visit. So we enjoyed one last BBQ at the Mills' home eating yummy food and playing games.
Saturday morning I got to help with Activity Days cooking breakfast and then it was off to work for a while. Then that afternoon I went to dinner with my Mom, Grandma, Aunt Toby, Kelsi and Natassja at the Mandarin in Bountiful. It was so good!
Sunday Morning I worked from about 6am until 1130ish. So I was able to make it to some of church, and got to listen to wonderful talks in Sacrament from two very amazing moms.
And then we went to the park for a BBQ with the Johnstun side of the family. Tate Loved the park, he love the swings! It was the cutest thing ever.
For Mother's Day I got beautiful Flowers, which Josh knows I love getting flowers! and I got some Ariat boots. I have been wanting a pair for the past few years but never get them because they cost too much, but Josh is the best and he surprised me! I love them!!

I am grateful for all the amazing mothers in my life. I am blessed to have 3. I love my Mom so much, she is so much fun! I love my Step Mom so much. We were never that close when my Dad was alive and he has been gone for 10 years now and I feel so blessed to still have her in my life and we are closer than I ever would have thought. And then there is my Mother-in-Law. I have heard all sorts of horror stories about my friends and thier mother in laws, but my Mother in Law is the BEST! She is so amazing I can't even put it into words. She is probably the most Christ like person I know. She has taught me so much in the 3 and a half years Josh and I have been married. I feel so blessed to have her in my life.
Then I have my Grandma, who I love so very much. She is so amazing! When I look at her life and everything she has got to experience and all the love that she has for so many others I am amazed. My Grandma and I have always had a close relationship, and I am so grateful for it. I love her so much.
Then there are my Aunts, I love them all for their very own reasons. There is one Aunt who really isn't an Aunt at all, but my Grandma's Cousin. but I call her my Aunt Deb, she also is one I considered more like a Mom. She has helped me in so many ways, I don't even know where to begin. When I was young I just adored her, thought she was so beautiful and just the coolest Mom. When I moved to St.George after I graduated, they let me with them, helped me get into my apartment, and well just made me feel like I was part of the family. I don't talk to her very often but she is one Mom who I Love so much and have learned so much from.
There are many more, all my friends are amazing Moms and I love that we all are going through this new world of parenting together.
I have two sisters and many sister in laws that are amazing also. I hope you all had a happy mothers day!

yep again....

2010-04-30T15:18:00.000-06:00

Some one I work iwth's wife has a photography business and they told me to enter Tate in their contest for a free session. so please visit www.forevermomentsbyshaunie.blogspot.com (this link is also under my favorites. )
Tate is baby number 7!!!
Thanks!

Easter...and more

2010-04-07T20:40:00.001-06:00

This Easter was full of FUN! Get ready for picture over load but I think pictures tell the Story the best! It's Easter, so why all the Black? My sister in Law Kendra had the best idea, the night before Easter all the adults had an Easter Egg hunt outside in the dark. We all were supposed to wear dark colors, bring one flashlight and we were off. Each couple had 10 eggs of one color, you had to find all 10, and as a bonus there were 3 gold eggs. Well Josh and I came in second on finding our color but we had 2 of the 3 gold eggs, our prize, a gift card to Zeppes and yummy it was!! This is our new tradition. It was so much and got us adults excited for Easter too!

Here are some pictures of the crazy dogs, they were so excited for Easter they couldn't handle it

Weight update: Molly is weighing in at 54 lbs! I cannot believe it. She is catching up to Gunner way too fast!

EASTER Morning!! Tate didn't really care about his basket but he loved the plastic eggs!

The Easter bunny brought him new church clothes, shoes, a new CD cause Mom broke his in half, Brother Bear DVD, and a new ball, which he LOVES!

Okay here are a bunch of Tate in his dang cute Easter clothes. I know we didn't have church because it was conference, but he still looked good!

Here he is playing at GG and Poppa's with the Toy GG got him.

Uncle Shane drove out to Tooele with us, Tate loves his uncle

Our Little Family

Shane's Birthday was the day after so Grandma had a cake for him. The big 23!!

and Me and Ms Molly. I love my pup so much,

she is so lovey and such a well behaved puppy.

Its fun becuase she doesn't realize how big she is!

Tate's First Birthday Party: Miss Libby

2010-04-07T20:29:00.000-06:00

Tate got to go to his First Birthday Party, one of his many girlfriends turned One! Miss Libby had her birthday party a few weeks ago and so Tate and I went and had so much fun. Poor Tate was the only boy but he didn't mind! He loves the girls. Libby looked so cute in her little Lady bug outfit! Here are a few pics of the FUN! Here is the gang, Libby (birthday girl), Miss Berlyn, Tate and McKenna's daughter

I love how Tate had his hand on B's shoulder, it was so cute!
Eva and Libby

Mom's and Babies

While Libby opened presents Tate and B played with the bags, these two were all over the place, they loved to play together since Libby was getting mawled by all the visitors.

Thanks Eva and Libby for having us over, it was way fun! We love you guys!

A Visit From G-Ville

2010-04-07T20:19:00.000-06:00

My Step Mom, Sister and Nephew came and had a BBQ with us on March 27th. It was so fun to see them and just visit. Tate Loved seeing his Gramma and cousin and Aunt! Love you guys!!!

11 Years & 22 Jobs.....

2010-04-06T08:49:00.000-06:00

I went to a retirement party not too long ago for Evelyn Henley, she hired me when I was 16 years old as a Courtesy Clerk (Bagger) at Albertsons in West Layton. She had a scrapbook of her entire working career, including her first pay check stubs. It was so neat to look back at her career life and she how far she had come as well as how far the world had come. So I thought, I would document all the different jobs I have had. Becuase I have had ALOT!!

Albertsons-West Layton Utah, 1999-2001 started at $5.15 Courtesty Clerk then moved up to be a Cashier
Albertsons-Washington Utah 2001 Cashier
Costco-Washington Utah 2001 started at $10.00 Cashier Assistant
The Gap-St.George Utah 2001-2002 started at $6.15 Sales
Pasta Factory-St.George Utah 2001-2002 started at $5.25 Salad Girl/Hostess
Albertsons-West Layton Utah 2002 I think I was making $7.00ish Cashier
Head Start- Ogden Utah 2002 I don't remember my wage but it wasn't a lot Teacher Assistant
Pasta Factory- St.George Utah 2002 back to $5.25 Salad Girl/Hostess again
Paula's Mexican Restraunt-St.George Utah 2002 I don't remember my wage Hostess
Nanny-Wenham Massachusettes February-March 2003 $800 Month
I worked at the Airport for a company hired by Delta, we helped people in wheel chairs get to their flights. Salt Lake City Airport, 2003 April-August I think I was making around $7.00 hour.
Wal-Mart- Washington Utah 2003 /september to end of the December, $7.00ish HBA Clerk
Pasta Factory- St.George Utah, 2003-2005 Salad Girl/Hostess
Village Bank-St.George Utah 2003-2004 I think I might have been making $8.00ish Teller
Albertsons-Washington Utah March 2004-December 2005 ended up at $13.06 I went back as a p/t cashier, went to be a service supervisor on the front end, did Book Keeping, Grocery key person, and then Service Operations Assistant.
Albertsons-Draper Utah Dec 2005-Jan 2006 Service Operations Assistant $13.06
Albertsons-East Layton Utah Jan 2006-March 2006 Book Keeper $13.06
Albertsons-West Layton Utah March 2006-November 2006 Front End Manager $15.06
Albertsons-Clinton and Ogden November 2006-June 2007 Loss Prevention $14.75
Mary Kay Cosmetics--Independant Beauty Consultant
Albertsons- Salt Lake City Utah June 2007-November 2009 Safety Manager--Salary
Fresh Market- Salt Lake City Utah November 2009-Current DSD Coordinator--Salary

Okay, so there you have it, as you can see I have had many many jobs! Also, the ones that are highlighted, that means I had those jobs at the same time. At one point I was working 3 jobs all at the same time, Walmart, Pasta Factory and Village Bank. Then I quit WalMart and worked at Albertsons, Village Bank and Pasta Factory. It seems like a lot, but I had fun. I learned something different from every position I have carried. Some jobs were a lot of fun and others well they were jobs to pay the bills.

Obviously my loyalty lies with Fresh Market now and I love it! The company is such a strong growing company who truely cares about the Guest. I couldn't be happier with my career choice and I love this company. I feel truely blessed to get to be apart of this and to still have my job. I work for wonderful Leaders and I know that this company is going to go far!!

A Nice Reminder.....

2010-03-25T17:25:00.000-06:00

Sometimes I think I have to DO EVERYTHING, and if I don't I am a failure and I often find myself comparing my efforts to others, thinking how on earth do they do it all. And if they can do it why can't I. But I think one thing we need to remember as women is most women can't do it all but none of us see that in others only in ourselves. So here is a reminder of how our Heavenly Father feels, and really when it comes down to it He is all that matters.

Do the Best We Can

"The Lord doesn't expect us to work harder than we are able. He doesn't (nor should we) compare our efforts to those of others. Our Heavenly Father asks only that we do the best we can—that we work according to our full capacity, however great or small that may be."
Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Two Principles for Any Economy," Ensign, Nov. 2009, 56

Tate's 9 Month Check up

2010-03-18T21:31:00.000-06:00

Tate Keven Johnstun

Height 27 Inches

Weight 18.4 pounds

Percentile: 20%

Skills: Great Eye Contact, Very Social, Great Personality,

Smart, Crawling Machine, Soft Skin,

Very Healthy, Right on Track.

Fans: Mom and Dad, Molly and Meeka and Gunner

Molly and Gunner....

2010-03-14T15:52:00.000-06:00

Here are the Dogs or should I say our 2 other children...

Molly is now 3 months old and is weighing in at 40 pounds. Gunner is middle aged, now 7 years old and weighing in at 90 pounds.

It won't be long before Molly is twice as big as Gunner...But they do love each other and do everything together. I just wish Gunner could teach her to listen better...well she listens to Josh, just not me... :) But I love her!

9 Months!!!

2010-03-14T14:48:00.001-06:00

Our little Man is 9 MoNthS and so Much FuN! Here 9 things about Tate....

1. He is Crawling, started crawling on Monday March 8th.

2. He has his 2 Bottom Teeth

3. He Loves to eat. Some of his favorites, bananas, oatmeal, teething biscuts, sweet potatoes, peaches and applesauce.

4. Tate loves water, he especially likes to drink it out of a glass and spill water all over him.

5. Tate really loves his binki, I love it too, but worry when it comes time to break that habbit.

6. Tate loves books, he likes to flip the pages back and forth.

7. He really loves his Grandpa. He is Grandpa's little buddy and Grandpa LOVES that!

8. Tate's favorite time of night, is BATH time. He would sit in there forever if I let him.

9. And last but not least.... Tate LOVES to Smile! And he knows that when he smiles he gets a reaction out of everyone. He is such a happy baby and I am so so happy about that! He is our Joy!

We love you buddy and can't wait to see what the next 3 months bring!!!

Tate has had a rough few months this first winter of his life. He was pretty much consistently sick from the week of Christmas up until about the first week of March. He had a really bad cough, another ear infection (that would make number 5) and very congested. In Feburary it got really bad, he was miserable, it didn't help that he started cutting his first 2 teeth either.

Well we kept going back to the doctor and finally they tested for RSV and Yes he had it, he also had Adnoid virus. so the poor guy was just miserable. I had taken a week off of work and then Josh took another week and a half. He was put on 2 different inhalers and now is just on the one, Flovent, until April. He is much better and back to our happy little guy.

In the picture I am seeing how he likes the inhaler, he actually sometimes smiles when you put it over his face, its really funny.

Here is Tate at my Grandma's house enjoying the Swing, he loved it and was making it rock back and forth so fast. It was hilarious!

TATE'S POST.....

2010-03-13T07:53:00.001-07:00

h yvvk j.z2AZY UJBHJGHEGFYUUJkhijui88888i
KUHDRFTG NILIB JMGGkj75rgbvkji n
u y6666jyu c rzx

is
x jkuuuuuuuuuuuuuuun h ikl kjhnjdsf gtvctroljkghgeryt6u7ui ik joi u iv66c6v7ybn n jn

Tate loves the laptop and always wants to help so here is his first post...
bn nn~111111111

Another Milestone.....

2010-03-08T21:15:00.000-07:00

Mr. Tate is..... CRAWLING!!! Woo Hoo! Finally, it took him awhile, but he finally did it for me today. For the past month he would get on his hands and knees and act like he was going to do it and then, he would go backwards. It was the funniest thing, he would get so frustrated. Then he started going up on his toes, sticking his butt straight up in the air. Hilarious!
But today, I got home from work, put him on the floor while I went to the bathroom, he was in my bedroom and next thing I know, here comes Tate, with a big grin on his face. It was the cutest thing ever! Of course I quickly finished my duty and praised and celebrated with him and Josh. It was so cute and as soon as he saw how excited I was he just kept on going, and the whole time a smile from ear to ear!
Today was also Tate's first day at a new babysitter, my awesome friend in our ward offered to watch Tate. She is brave, she has 2 boys of her own, one is 3 weeks old, and she watches 2 other kids. Well Tate loved it there! He had so much fun with CJ and the baby. Tammy said he was trying to get to CJ and that forced him to crawl.
I am so happy for my little guy, now its time to baby proof this house and get it prepared for curious hands!

Josh Turned 27

2010-03-07T15:05:00.000-07:00

Thursday MaRcH 4Th was JoSh'S bIrThdAy! (I am a bad wife and didn't get any pictures) But I know Josh doesn't mind because he doesn't like making a big deal out of Birthdays, so this year was very low key! Josh didnt have to work on his birthday so he was home with Tate. When I got home from work Josh rushed off to go take and Test and then after that was party time!
Every year Josh's parents take you and your family out to dinner for your birthday, we invited Chelese and Steve and all of us headed to Texas Roadhouse for dinner. As AlWays it was so yummy! And of course he told them it was Josh's BirThDay, and he got to sit on the saddle and they announced it was his 27Th BiRThDay! It was a lot of fun!
Love ya babe!

Car Accident....

2010-03-03T10:50:00.000-07:00

My Mother In Law is great, she writes stories of Adventures that her and my Father In Law and well on her latest adventure Tate and I were right there front and center. I love her stories and I want to be able to remember the accident as well as her words that is why I chose to share this post.

Car Accident March 1, 20101

We saw the hand of the Lord in our lives yesterday. Chelese went with me to pick up Ashlee and Tate from the Nissan dealership. Ashlee called ands said she had to take their car back because they had not fixed it right. Chelese had come to our house to use the treadmill, but Keven was using it, so Chelese drove our car and away we went. We picked up Ashlee and Tate. I told Ashlee to ride in the front and I rode in the back with Tate. For some reason we were taking the back roads home and we were on the frontage road coming to a curve when a white vehicle took the corner too wide and was coming right at us. Chelese pulled over as far as she could, luckily the driver saw us at the last minute and swerved back into his lane. I was on the phone to Keven at the time and telling him a car was coming right at us. With the disaster averted Keven and I made arrangements to go try out a Ford Fusion as soon as we got home. As we were getting off the freeway Chelese was telling me not to get a grandma car like the Buick was. I said that I didn’t want a nice new car because I was afraid I would wreck it. By this time we were stopped at the light at the intersection of 5600 and 1900 waiting to turn onto 1900.
We were chatting away when we heard a crash, we looked up and gasped as a white truck was coming right at us. It seemed like slow motion as the truck kept coming closer and closer and closer until it ended up on top of our hood. The front windshield didn’t break, the airbags did not deploy, the car did not jerk, lurch, or move in any way. And the Engine did not smash in on Chelese and Ashlee’s legs. Miracles for sure!

After we made sure we were all okay, I got out with my cell phone to call 911 and see if the other people were okay, Ashlee said she would call Keven, Chelese said she would call Steve. There are time when it is nice that everyone has their own cell phone. The driver of the white truck was a boy. There were no other passengers, when I asked if he was okay, he looked young and pale, but he said he was okay. When I asked the boy in the SUV if he was okay, he just glared at me, I wondered if he was in shock. As I came closer, I noticed he had a passenger, probably his dad. I asked again, “Are you both okay?” They just glared at me and nodded. About that time I turned to see a car pull up amongst the rubble with a flashing light. It was not the normal police car and the man in the car didn’t look like a police officer, but he was taking charge. I was dialing 911 as I turned back to our car when I saw another boy walking into the mangled mess saying “We have a 10??? on …” so I knew the accident was being reported. We later realized that he also was some kind of an officer even though he looked like the only officer he could be was a Junior High Student Body Officer. But I don’t think they can carry guns, and Ashlee said he had one in the back of his shirt. Imagine that 2 officers on the scene. Although neither worked for Roy City, they took charge until the Roy City Police responded. When Ashlee went to undo her seat belt to check on Tate, she realized that she hadn’t been wearing her seat belt. Chelese didn’t have her license with her, and when I told the one officer, he said it was out of his jurisdiction and to tell the Roy officer when he arrives.

The boy from the truck sitting on our hood came over and leaned in Chelese’s window, (Let me remind you that we’re talking about our GIVE ME MY SPACE Chelese) and said, “I’m sooo sorry, are you sure you are all okay. When I saw the car seat, I freaked because you had a baby in the car. I am soo sorry, are you sure you’re okay.” Then he leaned in further to see Ashlee and Tate. I must admit Chelese handled her limited space problem very nicely.

The Roy Officer asked Chelese if she could back the car up. By the looks of things we didn’t even think the car would start, we knew the engine had been smashed onto the pavement under the car, but to our surprise the car started and she EXPERTLY backed out and over to the designated crash pit. The battle wounds on our car were a disappointment. We thought for sure everything would be mangled, but it seems it was mostly the hood and fenders, not the innards.

By the time the officer asked for Chelese’s license, Keven our dashing hero had arrived with her purse and drivers license. While we were waiting to give our statements, Josh stopped by on his way to school to check on his little family Ashlee and Tate. Steve was relieved that Chelese was not driving their car, and that it wasn’t our fault, being the responsible Insurance man that he is.

Yes indeed, we saw the hand of the Lord in our lives yesterday. I want my children and grandchildren to know that the hand of the Lord is ALWAYS in our lives, sometimes it is just a little more invisible than others. I testify that God loves us and even though His children are more numerous than the sands of the sea, or the stars in the sky He IS AWARE of us every second of every day, 24/7. He never takes a break, He never takes a sick day, He never takes a vacation, He never even want to ‘get away for just a minute.’ He is ALWAYS with us.

May we live our lives that we mat always feel his sacred hand in our lives.

Car Update!!!!

2010-03-01T10:50:00.001-07:00

I WOULD LIKE TO THANK KEN GARFF NISSAN FOR FIXING OUR ALTIMA! NISSAN COMPLETELY PAID FOR THE ENTIRE REPAIR WHICH WAS A NEW ENGINE!! I HAVE LOVED BOTH NISSANS I HAVE EVER OWNED AND WELL THIS JUST PROVES THAT NISSAN WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU WHEN WARRANTED. YOU HAVE EARNED DEVOTED CUSTOMERS. THEY EVEN WASHED MY CAR FOR ME! THANKS KEN GARFF NISSAN OF RIVERDALE!!

St.George & Valentines & Car.....

2010-02-22T19:37:00.000-07:00

I was determined to go to st. george for Presidents day weekend. First bad thing: I found out I don't get Presidents day off from work, so trip cut short, no big deal. Second: ummm I can smell anti freeze... no big deal, Josh and his Dad look at the car, everything looks fine, watch it all week. So Friday came and all was well and off we went with Chelese and Steve in tow. Just in case we forgot how to get there, Steve brought his GPS woo hoo
Tate had Aunt Chelese and Uncle Steve in the back to keep him company

The Cagles also went to St.George and Saturday we all enjoyed a day at Snow Canyon!

oh it's been way too long since we have had one of these self portraits! Love ya girl!!

I love this place, I seriously miss it more than I ever would have thought. It will always be home to me!

Hiking in Snow Canyon on the "cow Pie" thats what I call them, I think they look like red cow pies, I don't know why but I have always thought that.
Our little family

Tate at the sand Dunes, He actually enjoyed playing in the sand

I had to get a picture of this, Daddy's Hands ( love that song)

Little Miss Sophie filling her shirt with sand, yeah she threw that at me after I took the picture

Eating at Pasta Factory

The Bentley's treated us very good on Valentines Day. They had treats for all the kiddies and us Moms. TJ Made a delicious Breaksfast!! and TJ took the guys golfing at a 4 star golf course in Mesquite, called Wolf Creek.

We spent the weekend at my Aunt and Uncles house, the Nortons! It was sooo good to see them. I love them so much. They are my second parents, they have been such a big part of my life. I lived with them for a while when I was in St.George and I just love that whole family. Thanks Jeff and Deb for letting us bombared your house this weekend. I am so mad I didn't get any pictures with you! Next time for sure! Love ya!!!

Well Third: we made it all the way to Clearfield and our car started to over heat, quickly Josh pulled over and well needless to say we ended up waiting on the side of the road for it to cool down, 5 minutes from home ended up taking another 30+ minutes. We finally made it to the clinton exit, Josh and Steve pushed us down the exit ramped, we coasted down the street and into the chevron parking lot where Josh's Dad rescued us.

Well a week later, a new radiator didn't fix it, so our car is at Ken Garff Nissan, we found out today that it has a Cracked Block, NOT GOOD! Hopefully our warranty will cover it. Ken Garff submitted it to Nissan that it should, hopefully they agree.

Our World

2010-02-22T18:50:00.000-07:00

I know I say this every time but it's been way to long since I have blogged, every day when I am working I think I am going to blog tonight, I always want to and have so much to say but then by the time I get home from work, fix dinner, spend some time with my Sweet little baby boy and get him ready for bed, I am exhausted and ready for bed myself. So finally here I am getting it done! Here are a few pictures of what our evenings consist of. Tate is getting so unbelievably big! I cannot believe it! He is weighing 17 pounds and I am not quite sure how tall but he is about average. He now has 2 bottom teeth and I will say that I do not like the teething period at all!

Molly is getting bigger and bigger every day literally! She is almost 3 months old and weighs 30 pounds. Molly Loves Tate, he not so much, likes her from a distant but she likes to give him kisses and he's not a fan!
I am always finding ways to keep Tate entertained, he has become a little attached to his Mama and it makes it difficult to make dinner or do dishes so he gets to play in the kitchen while I am in there getting things done.

Crazy hair Tate

Gunner, Tate and I

Tate Loves bath time!!

Molls

What's Going On....

2010-02-04T21:47:00.001-07:00

Things have been pretty crazy at our Home! January 15th we picked up Molly, well it seems like since they things have just been out of control. It's like having twins I swear except one of them walks around just trying to eat everything in site (that would be Molly not Tate).

Tate is great, he is getting so big. He has had quite the time with a cough and stuffy nose, but I think part of it is because he is teething. His first tooth has finally made its appearance. I cannot believe it! My little baby boy is growing too fast! Here are some pictures of our hectic life lately! I had Josh get a picture of Tate and I, we spend a lot of time doing this and yes I am holding his bottle, he knows how to hold it, but when I feed him he lets me hold it for him. He wont hold it for me at all! I hate it! (but love it at the same time).
Playing with those toes! Tate Loves the Cowboys already! Maybe next year we'll get our superbowl ring!

Molly and Gunner

Molly and Tate, she loves him. Look how cute, this was one sunday when we were going to Steve and Chelese's house.

this just shows you how much she loves Tate.

Libby and Tate

Berlyn, Tate and Libby

Eva had Devyn and I over for dinner tonight, it was so fun! The babies played so well together! Tate was obsessed with Berlyn's head and Libby wanted Tate and Berlyns binki's and Berlyn wanted Tate's binki, it was a blast!

Libby

Berlyn

Help expert Mommy's

2010-01-20T11:58:00.000-07:00

Tate has a had a bad cough and stuffy nose for a while, on and off. It's been on this time for almost 2 weeks. He is breathing fine (except when he eats), and he has had no fever. a little fussy but for the most part seems okay except when a coughing spur comes.
WHAT CAN I DO....
the pediatrician said motrin, but on the package, it says after 2 days stop giving it to him.
the pediatrician also said there is nothing you can do, just watch his breathing. well its fine but there has got to be something.
He has a cool mist humidifier, I suck the boogies out at every chance.
I tried baby vicks on the feet for 2 nights, no change really.
Any miracle cure out there that you all might know of?
Please share if you have a cure for a nasty cough and bad stuff nose.
thanks!

Meet MOLLY

2010-01-19T19:09:00.000-07:00

This is Molly our New Mastiff Puppy! This is what I got for Christmas, definatley a surprise. I have been wanting a Mastiff for quite some time and Josh found a good deal and a good breeder and here she is. She is 7 weeks old today. She is Apricot color and a TANk! She is the biggest of litter weighing in at 11 pounds last week, when all the other pups were 8.

Here are some pictures of our little girl. She Loves Tate and tries to take his toys, its really funny. He likes her, just not when she chews on his feet.
She will just sit with Tate, its so cute.

I will keep pictures coming so you can watch with me how fast she will grow.

7 MonThs

2010-01-19T18:53:00.000-07:00

Tate turned 7 months last week (yes I am behind). I cannot believe how fast that last month went! He is growing so fast and He is so much fun! Here are a few pictures of our little chunk!

Some fun things about Tate:

He LOVES Veggies: peas and sweet potatoes are his favorite

also Enjoys Bananas & Peaches

So far he is not a fan of Juice

He enjoys watching the animals, he gets so excited when Meeka gets close.

He definately knows how to get a rise out of people, he is the smiliest baby! Every where we go he is smiling at someone.

Enjoys his blocks, stuffed animal from Ang, and his Keys

and well his Hair is out of control, I don't know what to do with it! Its so Curly!!

We love you Tater!

missing you

2010-01-15T10:14:00.001-07:00

I miss posting weekly! I am at work...tee hee....so I thought I would say that my GOAL this weekend, is to update my blog! Tate is so big and I need to introduce our newest member of the family!

Maurice

2010-01-07T15:48:00.000-07:00

they sent this article to us at work, i tried to get the picture uploaded so you could see this mans face but it didnt' work. I am sure you could find it online through the Standard Examiner.
I thought you might like to hear this feel good story. It touches my heart so deeply. I want to cry for this man who has had to have such trials in his life but as you read the story you see that he has not had trials but has been blessed in his perspective. It is so wonderful to know that in a world of selfishness there are people out there that still want to give back, no matter the cost. I hope this year brings us all many blessings of Love and Happiness. enjoy...

A new hope for Washington Terrace husband, father and youth coach. He will have surgery to remove facial tumors today
By JaNae Francis (Standard-Examiner staff)

WASHINGTON TERRACE -- Maurice Simpson knows all too well that he has a face people don't forget.
Simpson, 33, is afflicted with neurofibromatosis, a rare genetic condition that causes tumors to grow on the right side of his face and head. The tumors get bigger over time.
He is disfigured by elongated tubular lesions hanging most noticeably from his eye socket and nose, leaving him with only one eye. His mouth slants at about a 45-degree angle, causing him to slur his words.
While a number of folks carry the genes for the disease, his family knows of only one other case as severe as his. But despite all that, Simpson's self-image couldn't be higher.
"I don't shy away from social interactions," said Simpson, the general manager of the Bountiful Arby's who has worked continuously in the food service industry. "I enjoy people and I want to interact."
But today, much of the continual reminder of his condition and barriers to such interactions could start to change for Simpson. Starting early this morning, he will undergo surgery at University of Utah Medical Center that could last as long as 12 hours and involve a dozen doctors. At least four specialists will contribute, he said.
The surgery, Simpson said, will not only change the shape of his face but could save his life as well. One of the tumors is encroaching on his brain.
"It makes me a little nervous, but the excitement is overshadowing my nervousness," Simpson said. "It's been so long (17 years) since I had surgery."
It's just one of a series of operations he'll undergo in the next few months to reconstruct his nose and maybe even his eye socket.
He said doctors are considering giving him a glass eye to give him a more regular appearance.
It's all been made possible by a generous donation from an area businessman who would like to remain anonymous.
"It's a touching gesture," said Simpson's dad, Willey Simpson, of Flint, Mich., who is visiting during the surgery and part of the recovery. "He is our angel."
Maurice Simpson's wife, Charity, said the philanthropist first saw her husband 10 years ago and was haunted by the image of his face and thoughts about how he could help him.
"He thought about it a long time," Charity said.
Then last spring, Simpson saw the man again when he was delivering 10 pizzas to his office complex.
Simpson remembers the meeting.
"I was trying to get the pizzas in and he said, 'Here, let me help you.' And he was the owner of the company."
Weeks later, Simpson's supervisor at the Roy Pizza Hut told him a man wanted to pay for him to have surgery and she'd already checked out the philanthropist to make sure he was legitimate.
Simpson doesn't remember ever having a normal-looking face. His mother, Brenda Simpson, said she discovered a problem with her child's eye when he was just 2 months old.
By the time she found the right specialists who could operate on her son, unusually large growths already had begun to jut out from his face.
Even after dozens of surgeries from that time until he was 15, mostly to remove the bulky parts of the tumors, Simpson said his appearance never changed all that much.
But despite his looks, Simpson said his parents raised him to feel good about himself.
"My self-esteem is pretty much out the roof because of my upbringing," Simpson said, recalling his parents telling him to be proud of who he was and putting him in special schools with kids who were worse off than him, who could be his friends.
"Don't be ashamed of who you are," Brenda still tells her son today. "Jesus Christ, people talk about him. No matter who you are, people talk about you."
But Simpson said doctors and surgeries in the past have taken away from his sense of self as specialists gave him false hope that the tumors would stop growing when he reached puberty or adulthood.
"I felt like there was a lot of broken promises from the doctors," Simpson said, explaining his decision as he approached adulthood to give up on surgeries and get on with his life.
Back then, the family had insurance that would pay for the work.
"We had insurance through General Motors," said Willey. "It was good insurance."
But despite that, the parents decided to listen to their son when he didn't want any more surgery 17 years ago.
"The tumors just kept coming back, coming back," Willey said. "When he decided he'd had enough, we decided he was old enough to decide for himself."
But Brenda said she has renewed hope in today's technology.
"The things they can do with medicine now, they can make it a lot more presentable," she said.
Today's surgery is largely cosmetic and not covered by insurance.
The family has not been involved in the finances behind the procedure and can only imagine the astronomical costs involved.
But they also understand the personal benefits of charitable service to be received by the donor, who they've met and have promised not to disclose.
"You can imagine how people would go to him once they find out he has money," Willey said.
In like fashion, Simpson has given his share of service by coaching boys and girls recreation and competition basketball teams in the city for the past 12 years.
He and his wife also have four children of their own
Simpson said his condition opens doors for him to be a positive influence on those he coaches.
"I find it makes it easier," he said. "I bond with them a little easier and I love it. ... I don't get any complaints."
Simpson recognizes the positive influence he has on others who don't share his challenges, as he holds his head up high every day and focuses on the abilities he has and not those he doesn't.
"I play in different basketball leagues," he said. "Adults know that I am playing and they'll bring their kids. Their kids will be saying 'Dad, he is so cool.'"
Simpson said a coach at a three-on-three basketball tournament paid him the highest compliment.
"He said, 'My kids are just sitting there amazed by your confidence,' " Simpson said.
It's those experiences that keep a smile on the left side of Simpson's face and the words of his father in his heart whenever he gets a negative reaction from those he meets.
"Sometimes the world can be cruel, but you gotta face it," Willey said.
And that's all Simpson wants to do, tumors or not