Russell and Ashley

30 Weeks & Gallbladder

2012-01-13T21:08:00.000-08:00

Wow. I feel like a haven't posted about this second pregnancy at all, kinda makes me feel bad. I am already 30 weeks today. This pregnancy is going by so fast!! I have had it pretty easy this pregnancy, no swelling and no high blood pressure, the two main "complications" with Dallas. I had it easy until Jan. 7th, that was the first trip to labor & delivery... which is were this story starts.

On Saturday night, right after dinner I got a horrible pain in my chest that radiated to my back. I have had this pain before, I thought it was heartburn. The pain was the same with Dallas. Anyway... The pain this time seemed worse, I couldn't sit or lay or even stand up straight. I also started vomiting. I took tums and walked around for about 20 minutes and I still couldn't get it to go away so I decided to go get my mom. My original plan was to have her call my doctor and see if they could recommend anything that I could do, but my mom told me to just get in the car since they would most likely just tell me to go to labor & delivery. So 5 minutes later we were heading out the door..

I'm going to interrupt my own story, because I am sure your wondering why my mom was taking me and not Russell, Russell was camping. I had talked to him earlier and told him I had really bad heartburn, (which is common for me) and that I would talk to him later. He told me he was driving back to camp and wouldn't have phone service and that was the last I got to talk to him.

Anyway I felt like a dork for going all the way over there for heartburn but when I told her that's what I thought it was and where my pain was, she just smiled and said I am pretty sure its not heartburn but your gallbladder. They put me in a room to monitor the baby and give me some meds for the pain. They ran my symptoms with the on call doctor and he agreed that it was most likely my gallbladder. After the morphine kicked in they sent me down to ultrasound to take a look. She let me know that I had gallstones and she would send the findings back to labor and delivery for the doctor to decide what to do. They told me that I needed to contact my doctor on Monday to get the name of a surgeon to determine what to do. So fast forward to Tuesday when they told me the doctor I was meeting and when, which was that Wednesday. While I was at the meeting with the surgeon I learned the risks of leaving the gallbladder in for the next 10 weeks or taking it out now. It was a really tough decision for me. To sum it up I could
1. Have the surgery as soon as Friday. They don't usually like to operate in the 3rd trimester but the surgeon felt he had plenty of room to do it safely. The risks were the same with having any surgery pregnant or not, the difference was that two of us were involved. I also ran the risk of premature labor, which this surgeon said he has never had a patient go into labor, even the ones he does further along than me. He felt good about the surgery because the stones hadn't tried moving, I am healthy and the gallbladder is not infected or inflamed.
2. Wait it out 10 weeks. This ran the risk of me having another attack. The stones could try to move which could result in more pain and that they could get lodged in other body parts which is not good! I could also risk the gallbladder becoming infected and having to have surgery further along and at a higher risk. If nothing happened I would be able to have them removed after I healed from birth.

I decided that I didn't want to risk it getting worse and decided to have surgery Friday morning. My doctor felt really good about it and I had this feeling that it needed to be done. I however kept going back to the thought of preterm labor. I felt safer about it knowing that the baby was far enough along that she would be ok, and that they would have my doctor in the room and they would try to stop labor if it happened. Then again the surgeon had never had it happen so the risk was low.

Friday morning my mom, dad, Russell and I headed to American Fork Hospital Out Patient Surgery. The surgery went smoothly. I did learn after that the stones had moved and were clumping together, something the surgeon thought I was low risk for, that was the reason I had the option to have surgery or not. Anyway once I recovered down stairs they moved me up to labor & delivery so baby girl could be monitored. Once we got there we did have a little scare because she seemed to be in distress and I was starting to have contractions. I had one contraction and they had me lay on my side. Once I turned over the baby calmed down and I didn't have anymore contractions, we were very lucky!! The nurse said it was because I had been on my back for so long. I had been flat since 7:30 and it was going on 10am. I am home now and haven't been in too much pain. Dallas has been great, we showed him the incisions and I think he really understands that I can't hold him or be played on. He does come give me kisses and tells me I have owies

Pictures

2011-12-31T20:54:00.001-08:00

Here are a bunch of pictures from my phone....

Christmas, Binky, Baby

2011-12-31T08:15:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a great Christmas!! Santa sure spoiled us at our house. We got a new gun safe, a computer, a deep fryer and a sun oven. Santa brought Dallas tons of candy's, cars, books, movies, clothes tractors, train sets and a black and decker tool set. He was a blast this year, it was a little hard trying to get him to come open presents after he saw the tool bench, he kept saying, "I can't mommy do it." He is such a silly kid. He had fun visiting the families, he is loving all the kids that are around, all the cousins he doesn't get to see. I would have to say he is most excited about Eli because Eli has trains and he lets Dallas play too. I love having kids around during the holidays, it brings back the magic.

Since all of the cousins are in town and Dallas is distracted, Russell decided to take away the binky. I am ok with this, I just hate seeing my baby sad and confused. We deiced to snip the top of the binky so he couldn't suck on it. The first time he asked for it he pulled it out of his mouth, dropped it on the floor and said, "oh my binky broke". We are on day 3 and so far we have had one major binky moment, but we are standing our ground. He is doing pretty good without it, I just keep reminding him that they are at grandmas and they are all broken.

Also this last week my sister had her little baby boy. Michael Wyatt was born on December 28th. Congrats to Amber, Ty and Cameron. He is such a cute little guy!! Dallas loved seeing him and even gave him a little kiss. We asked him if we should take one home and he said yes. We will see how that changes in March when his sister gets here.

Sugar & Spice

2011-11-04T09:26:00.001-07:00

We had our 20 week ultra sound yesterday. We have a very modest little GIRL!! She had a hand over her face as well as one covering her lady parts, she also had her legs crossed. I didnt think we were going to find out, but after jiggling my belly a bit she opened up. Our doctor made sure to tease Russ a bit about being nervous for a girl. My mom made the comment to Russ about what he was going to do if she dated someone like him. He looked at me dead serious and said," I need more guns." It was hilarious but sweet. Now comes the hard part on deciding a name!

Deer hunting.

2011-11-04T09:11:00.001-07:00

This was the first year Russell could hunt, and boy did he have fun!! We went down to la sal, near moab. The weather was great!! I was so glad it was warm, I didnt want Dallas stuck in the trailer all day. Russell ended up getting a 3 point, I think I was more excited then him. Dallas loved seeing the deer, he kept,"get bambi" with his fake gun. It was a lot of fun!

Trick or treat

2011-11-04T08:54:00.001-07:00

We had alot of fun this halloween! On saturday we made it to the trunk or treat, where dallas would only say thank you, (no trick or treat.) We also hung out at my moms that night for dinner. Saturday night Dallas would not wear his honey pot costume so he ended up in his Mickey Mouse from last year. On monday my mom took him to the Lehi main street trick or treating. Then we went to grandma greats for dinner and ended the night by going to grandmas house for doughnuts, they are so good!! Dallas has been asking for his candy everyday, he loved it this year!!

Wow!!

2011-08-23T16:04:00.000-07:00

Wow, I suck at blogging lately. That and I leave my camera home anytime we go anywhere. Since my last post which was Dallas' birthday we have had a summer of camping. We love it. I love being able to sit back and relax. Russell takes care of everything while we are camping. All I do is get Dallas dressed, bathed and back in bed, Russell does everything else. He is a sweetie. Dallas always has a blast, he loves that I don't stop him from getting dirty, he is outside all day!! Our next camping trip is going to be the longest we have attempted, 1 week!! Russell is going on the deer hunt so Dallas and I are going to join him. I hope the weather is semi warm. I know its not going to be hot and sunny like I like since it will be October, but I am at least hoping for jacket weather and NO snow!!! I wont forget my camera for that trip.

Dallas is such a cheese ball lately. He says the funniest things and pulls the strangest faces. He is starting to make more sense when he talks. He has always been a talker but now they are turning into sentences. I love that he can tell me what he needs and wants. He loves playing with other kids and is nice most of the time.... He loves the color blue, everything to him is blue right now. He is so much fun to have around. Dallas is also going to be a big brother!!! Yepp that's right, We're PREGNANT!!! We are due March 25th. Dallas doesn't really understand what that means yet, when I ask him if he wants a brother he tells me no and when I ask if he wants a sister he tells me, "Cam Cam" which is my sisters daughter. He is a dork. With me being pregnant I am sick all day. Dallas is a sweetie, he has witnessed me vomiting. He is always so concerned with it. He will try to come into the bathroom or stand outside the door, yelling" mom, mom, mom," until I answer him and then he replies, "you alright?" I will tell him yes and he tells me its yucky and gross.

One of the most exciting things besides being pregnant is that Russell was released from probation!! We are both way excited!!! He had been on probation for almost 3 years. I am so proud of him, for being able change his life around the way he did. Drugs are such a hard thing to come away from. The whole process we have been through was one of the hardest things I have ever done. I have written the story down, everything that happened and my emotions during the whole thing, but that is something that I have saved for us. It will be something that I share with our children when they get older and if its something they question. I am very proud of Russell and I am so glad that I stayed with him during the whole thing, I don't know where we will be with out each other.

Random

2011-07-16T14:36:00.001-07:00

While I was just blogging the last three, I came across this picture. Dallas is just silly.

The Zoo

2011-07-16T14:27:00.000-07:00

We finished of the weekend with a trip to the zoo! Dallas loved the elephants the most, he kept calling them Dumbo. The only down side was that it started to rain before we got to ride the train. That has always been Dallas' favorite part. There isn't much to describe so here are the pictures....

Put on your ears!!

2011-07-16T13:56:00.000-07:00

Its time for cheers!! We celebrated Rylee & Dallas' birthday on July 9th. The kids had a blast! We had the party at Rylee's Grandma and Grandpa Last's house. Nick and Felicia were able to get us a bounce house, a little swimming pool, and a splash pool. The weather ended up being great!! The news said it was going to rain, but we lucked out and there was not cloud in the sky. The kids were spoiled rotten, they had so many people come and spend the day with us. I am a dork and uploaded the pictures backward.... so a backwards recap.. They toys took up the whole back seat!!
Eating his Mickey Mouse Cake

Dallas & Isabella playing in the pool

Riding his new bike!

Playing at the party. He kept walking up the hill and then down it backwards

Playing on the bounce house with Brindon

The great cake!

Steel Days Carnival

2011-07-16T13:23:00.000-07:00

We go to the steel days carnival every year. I love this carnival because you can buy the tickets ahead of time for a dollar and then the rides only need one. This was the first year that Dallas really got to ride the rides, we took him last year and he only got to ride 2 rides, but this year he rode a bunch. He loved it. He is such a silly boy. He was really good about waiting in line for his turn. I was worried about that. He only looked nervous on his first ride, but the rest were cake. He is such a silly boy, he would touch the steering wheel until the ride stopped moving. I think this is his parents fault, he knows he cant go on the side by side and touch the steering wheel, he can only play on it when it stops. On every ride he would sit with his hands on his side and then as soon as it would stop he would drive crazy.

July!!

2011-07-07T19:07:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!! I should blog more, lets work on that... The rest of June was spent hanging out at home, relaxing. We did finish Dallas' birthday stuff. We got it all ready for his party on the 9th of July. He did turn two on the 3rd. We were camping during his birthday, but I didn't want the day to go uncelebrated so I made cupcakes and let him open his gifts.. All but one, we bought him a bike, which he will get on the 9th. I am excited for his party!! I hope he has a blast! We had a blast camping, we went with friends both Russell & I work with. Dallas lately has been such a goofball... He is starting to talk about the funniest things. He is starting to tattle-tale when something doesn't go his way. He is always telling me, "mean mom" and "dang it", "oh man". The other day we were playing in the backyard and he said, " mom, keys, truck." I told him, "no way" and he responds, buy saying, " mom mean.." Then I got that picture...

:)

2011-06-04T15:12:00.000-07:00

I should blog more. I always say I am going to do it and then something comes up or I just get lazy. Sorry. I also always forget my camera, always. Well here are the highlights of our month....

Mothers Day!

For mothers day we made bags. Dallas loved playing at first, but once he was done, we were done. He didn't want me to finish making the bags, he wanted his feet washed and down to play. Luckily I was able to bribe him with candy and we got all 3 bags done.

Camping!

We love to camp, if you cant tell! I think we have gone twice since my last post. Dallas is always such a boy when we go, he LOVES the dirt! Since he is in a big boy bed at home, we started letting him sleep on the couch bed. He loves it because he can get out of bed, that's the part I hate. I liked when I put him to bed he was stuck. We went camping for Memorial Day to my grandparents property in Fruitland. The weather was semi-great and the kids had a blast. However, as we were trying to leave I locked Dallas and Roxie in the truck. OK, Roxie locked the doors, I just didn't take the keys out. Whoops. It was not fun, I kept trying to get Dallas to "press the button!!" He wouldn't, he kept telling me NO! After about a half-hour we were able to use a hanger and get the doors unlocked. I learned my lesson and now I will ALWAYS roll down a window! We plan on going on many more camping trips this summer!

Dallas!

Dallas is starting the terrible twos! He has had a melt down every morning for the last 3 days. What about you may ask... Cereal. That's right, cereal. He cried when I took the box from him to pour a bowl, he bawled when I put milk in it, he freaked when I dumped the milk back out and completely lost it when I sat him down to eat. He tried it again this morning and I poured the bowl, sat it on the table and walked away, leaving him there to melt. He is also starting to talk a lot more, a lot of it we still cant tell what he is saying. He is starting to form sentences... like "Rylee go sleep" & "watch this!" He also folds his arms to pray and sings in the car. He is really a great toddler( yikes toddler!!) He will tell us he is going ni-night, grab his binky and a cup and go get in bed, and the best part is that we will really go to bed. I am proud of him, he loves everyone he meets, he shares his treats and toys, especially with his cousin Rylee who he LOVES!! I love him, I wish he would stay this age forever, he is so much fun right now, everything he sees and learns.

May 12th!

May 12th was mine and Russ ells anniversary. We have been married for 4 years! Weird. I swear it feels like we just got married. We have been through so much together and I wouldn't change any of it. We have learned so much from each other and have fallen more and more in love. For our anniversary we kept it small and went to dinner at tepanyaki. It was delicious. I don't ever care what we do as long as we are doing something together.

Pets!

We have 3 new pets in our house. One is a fish. We went to petsmart the other day to get a doodadd for Roxie and ended up looking at all the fish. After we left petsmart we went to Walmart and saw the fish there too! They kids, (Dallas and Rylee) we loving them so we decided that they could have a goldfish. Dallas loves his fishy. We never named it but he does look at it every morning and tell me, "look a fish". He is silly. He is doing great with the fish, he has never tried to touch the fish or move the bowl, he leaves it alone. yay!! Our other two pets are named Pork & Chop. We bought pigs! Well we bought one and Russell's parents bought one. They are living in the backyard. They are so cute, but they are getting so big. Yes we plan to eat them when they are full grown. They don't stink nearly as much as I thought they would, and they eat all the scraps! Russell let me pick them out and name them, isn't he sweet. haha

Pork is the black and pink one & Chop is the pink.

Well I think that about sums our month up!! Also tonight we are going to Eagle Mountain Days and watching Clint Black in concert! Yay!! I bought Russell the tickets when they first went on sale in December. I am excited, Clint Black reminds me of us dating, I think its because we used to play the cd all the time!!!

Brown Chicken Brown Cow...

2011-05-08T15:17:00.001-07:00

This weekend was great weather and what did we do... We made Dallas' room a big boy room. The last couple of weeks Dallas has had such a hard time sleeping. He will sleep great if he was in our bed, the rocker or even the couch, just not his crib. We decided that it was time to put him in a big boy bed. My mom had my brothers old bed from when he was a kid so we decided to use that. His room looks all grown up now. Its bitter sweet,he is not a baby anymore but seeing him in this big bed makes him too big!! He had his first night in it last night and he did GREAT!! He only got out of bed once. I just hope he does ok tonight. His room is mostly brown.. hence the brown chicken brown cow.

Over Easter weekend Ambie cakes broke her collar bone. She wrecked her dirt bike at the sand dunes. I don't have any other pictures of her except this one. Anyway she successfully broke it into 3 pieces. After the first week she ended up having surgery, which will cut her healing time in half. She has been a trooper about it.

Here are the rest of the pictures from Easter. Dallas got a wagon from the Easter bunny and then a basket and a stuffed dog from my mom. The Easter bunny hid his wagon behind the couch and when Dallas found it the first thing he did was climb inside and find the candy. When everyone else came back from camping the kids got to find the baskets my mom got for them. She also got him a puppy named Rags from build a bear. He loves that little pup and sleeps with him every night now. Later that afternoon we went to my grandmas house for an Easter egg hunt. The kids all had a blast finding the candy. By the end of the day Dallas was covered in candy and exhausted! I cant believe how much fun kids are during the holidays, I love doing the things I did as a kid with him.

april...

2011-04-20T13:37:00.000-07:00

Wow, its already April 20th and I feel like we haven't done anything. We did clean out most of my parents basement. It was exhausting but much much needed. It took us two days and 3 loads of junk. Its still not finished as much as she wants but we did put a HUGE dent in it.

We have also taken the Joyner out west a couple of times. Russell is CRAZY when he is on it. He wants to push it to the limits and see what it can do. I am excited for all the camping trips we are going to take it on. The kids all love it.

I had a day off at the end of March, so me and my cousin Felicia took the kids to the pool. Dallas was very scared at first but after an hour he finally warmed up and was ready to play. Rylee was a little fish and had a blast the whole time. I didn't take my camera with me but I will for sure next time!!

We also took the kids to Monkey Island to play. Dallas was more interested in watching the other kids play then playing himself. He finally let loose and had a ball, well until the Monkey came out and then he was ready to leave. I did remember to take my camera that day. Here are a few pictures...

Next2nothingcrafts giveaway!!

2011-03-21T18:46:00.001-07:00

Allison's blog is full of fun decorations!! She makes them all from home, they are fairly cheap and easy. She made cute spring letters and she is giving them away.

Check out her blog. www.next2nothingcrafts.blogspot.com, for qualifications and instructions!

Spring!!

2011-03-20T12:01:00.000-07:00

The other night we put in a movie and within ten minutes I could hear snoring.. I look over and I see this.... So I had to take a picture. My boys are so cute. Dallas reminds me so much of Russell. In the last two weeks we have been playing outside like crazy. On the down side, I broke the U-joint on the Joyner. Russell had some help fixing it.
Dallas also had a blast riding around the back yard.

Joyner

2011-03-13T13:27:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the middle of March!! I cant believe how warm it is getting and it makes me really excited for summer!! Dallas was a blast last year in the sun, sand & pool! Here is a picture from the other night, I thought it was cute He fell asleep relaxing on the couch.

We finally sold the trailer!! We decided not to payoff the other trailer, but to buy a UTV instead. It was more a deal Russell & I agreed upon. I let him buy it if he stopped chewing and smoking, and he has been doing great!!!! I am so proud of him. I never wanted to explain to Dallas what his Dad was outside doing or what he was spitting in that nasty cup and now I don't have too!!! Anyway we now own the Joyner. The kids love to ride in it!

Also in February Russell & I went to Las Vegas. I forgot to take my camera so there are no pictures except on my phone. We did have a blast! We ended up bringing home some extra cash which is always nice! We will plan another trip in a few months....

Until next time!

cake, tubs & hives

2011-02-06T20:11:00.000-08:00

I have been addicted to cake decorating shows lately so I made a cake for the superbowl. Since the cowboys didn't make it, we went with the Packers. My dad HATES the Steelers. It didn't turn out as cute as I was hoping but with it being the second 3D cake I have done, I don't think it is that bad. It sure did taste good! I used white cake for the bottom and chocolate cake for the football and covered it with chocolate molding instead of fondant. The other night for some random reason I gave Dallas a bath in my moms tub. It is deeper then a normal tub and as you can see, his little head barley reaches the top! He had a blast. Denver even came over to play!

Dallas being a little gamer. He loves stealing Russell's controller and he loves to wear the headphones. I am glad he doesnt like to watch him play!

I don't remember the exact date but one night Russell had picked up Dallas and there were a couple red bumps on the back of his neck. When I got home they had spread EVERYWHERE!! I knew right away they were hives. He was scratching them and looked so uncomfortable. We decided right away to take him to an instacare. Luckily the doctors office we go to is an instacare so we got to see a doctor in the same practice. The doctor gave him some meds to take for ten days which seemed to help in the mornings but then at night they would come right back. After they started to go away they left bruise looking marks. At first I thought it was a food allergy, either to peanuts or carnation instant breakfast but then digging a little into family I learned that there are about 4 or 5 of them allergic to penicillin. Dallas had been on amoxicillin that week for an ear infection. When I talked to my family about this they mentioned that it was normal for them to have the meds before the allergy actual shows up. I have not done the allergy testing yet, but I will.

He was still such a good baby. Very happy!

Ice Fishin'

2011-01-11T11:15:00.001-08:00

This last weekend my family rented a cabin up at Strawberry. My dad had a wild idea of going Ice fishing, something he used to do all the time when we were younger. The kids had a lot of fun being pulled on sleds, playing on ice, fishing and riding the snowmobiles. Denver really is her daddy's daughter because she didn't care how cold it was; she wanted to ride!! They didn't have any luck fishing and only got a few bites but they stayed out all day!! We had a lot of fun and I am sure we will go again. Here are some pictures from the weekend, sorry I uploaded them out of order. :) Russell fell asleep where Dallas was supposed to be sleeping so he got Dallas' bed...
and Dallas got ours.

Jaxon and Dallas in matching PJ's

( I think Dallas was growling..)

Baby Cameron fell and cant get up!

Dallas fishing with Daddy

Why all the snow??

Cheese!!

Dallas playing with the toys.

December

2010-12-29T17:11:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it is already the end of December!! I was so excited about December and how much fun we would have and now it is over. We started off December buying a new trailer. Our old trailer was a bit crowded for us, Dallas had no room to sit and play. Our old trailer was a 97 bumper pull and we upgraded to a 94 fifth wheel. Our new trailer has a slide out, which gives 10 times more room!! It will make camping a lot more enjoyable. The even better news is that we got a great deal, we bought our new trailer for less then we bought the first one!! Here are some of the pictures of the new trailer...

On the 18th we had our Whaley Christmas party. My uncle rented a great little cabin above Sundance. I left my camera in the truck the whole time, well until the ride home..But anyway... We played ping pong and pool. Dallas played in the snow and LOVED it!! We bundled him up tight which he hated but once we had him out there in the sled he was fine. We pulled him around so long that he actually fell asleep. We haven't really had a chance to play in the snow down here because we haven't had any but up there it was above his waist. I did manage to take a few pictures on the way home.

Christmas Eve started bright and early at my house. My work does a Christmas Eve breakfast every year at the Cracker Barrel. So at 5:45am I headed to work to meet my coworkers Kim & Janiel. We got to the Cracker Barrel around 6:00am and enjoyed a yummy yummy breakfast. I still had to work that day but we closed at 3:00pm. Later that night we went to the Willes Christmas party, where we ate yummy food and the kids played the white elephant game and "a minute to win it". They had a blast, Dallas really warmed up to his cousins that he rarely sees and they played and played. When we got home we opened the annual Christmas PJ's and put the babies to bed. My mom and I stayed up to wrap some last minute gifts and headed for bed. Christmas morning Dallas was up at 7am! He wasn't so sure what to expect when walked into the living room and saw all the presents, but once he saw the John Deere Tractor he had no interest in the other toys. We tried to get him to open the other gifts and he would look in them and go back to his tractor. I had a blast with him Christmas morning, having a baby brings back the magic of Christmas. After we opened presents we went to my grandma Whaleys for breakfast, it is always so yummy!! Russell's parents went to Colorado this year so after breakfast we had no where to go but home. We spent the rest of the day letting the kids play and just relaxing. Overall it was an amazing Christmas! I feel like got spoiled with gifts, Russell got... a tom tom, a new XBOX, a Super Black Eagle Shotgun, movies and Clint Black concert tickets. I got a Kinect, a camera case, a barbie ( I collect the Holiday ones) tons of clothes, a pillow pet and movies. We got tons of gift cards together and I cant wait for date night!! Dallas of course got the blunt of the gifts which made it so fun!! He got a tractor, a coloring book, a CD, a dump truck, regular trucks, a racing car toy, dancing mickey, a pillow pet, books, clothes, blanket and pillows and candy candy candy!!

The 26th was Russells birthday, he turned the big 25!! I cant believe I met him when he was 17 and now he is 25. It is crazy!! We went shopping for part of the day and played the kinect for a while. My mom made him mashed potatoes, ham and turkey for dinner and I made his requested Pudding Pie for dessert. He is a strange one because he only wanted vanilla pudding pie. It turned out delicious. He got a shop vac, a pillow and some comfy slippers for his birthday. The day unfortunately was not the greatest day. We woke up that morning and learned that my grandpa Willes had past away. He was 90 years old and will be missed dearly. My heart aches for his children. I have had great-grandparents pass away but never someone that close to me. I have never seen my parents go through something so traumatic. I pray for their closure. I know he is in a better place and that his pain is now gone, but it doesn't make it any easier to be without him. His viewing will be this Sunday night at Wing Mortuary in Lehi and the funeral Monday at the new church on Center Street. We love you Grandpa and you will be missed.

November.

2010-11-28T15:38:00.000-08:00

November started off slow and now its already the 28th. wow!! We had two Thanksgiving dinners this year, one with Russell's parents and one with my parents. This year was a lot of fun because we had a lot of family come that we haven't seen in a while, giving Dallas even more kids to play with. After we had dinner we headed back to Russell's parents to drop off Dallas for the night. My mother in-law watched him so we could go shopping! She is wonderful!!! I am proud to announce that I am DONE Christmas shopping. I had gotten the main gifts a long time ago and then we finished with black Friday deals. I am excited to start the wrapping process, that is my favorite!! I do find it harder this year to fit in time to do it, I blame that on Dallas. He is dang cute. Also over the Thanksgiving break we took Dallas to the Living Planet Aquarium. We made the mistake of taking him to see the penguins first. He LOVED them. He still likes looking at everything else but wouldn't stop trying to go back to see them. I think we will take him again but see the penguins last. I hate that the weekend is ending, I have been off work since Wednesday and I have LOVED every bit of it!! I think Dallas has had enough of the craziness from the holiday, he is having a very lazy day today. I am very excited to start Christmas traditions, Dallas is going to be a blast this year!! Here are a few pictures from the aquarium.

October!!

2010-10-31T10:59:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!!

October was a lot of fun! I unfortunately had to work four of the five Saturday's, which I hated, but it was worth it because I finished my CNA class, I am still studying before I take the state test. Also this month we went camping with our camping with Josh, Amber, Ty, Cami, Nick, Felicia, Rylee and Brindon. It was a lot of fun, it was a lot colder at night then I expected it to be but the day temperature was great! The boys had fun shooting guns and playing in the dirt. I love camping, I am sad the season is mostly over. Russell says we can go in the winter but I don't think I would enjoy that one bit. We are still trying to sell the trailer, so if you know anyone interested... let me know!!

Also this month we made it up to Gardner Village to see the witches. Dallas had a blast there but was being a turd but the whole time. He was not into shopping but wanted to roam free. He did see the ducks and would have stayed there all night if I would have let him. He did great at dinner, but after waiting almost 45 minutes for dinner he started to get impatient, he was Starving!! When they brought him out his dinner he shoveled it in with two hands and ate almost the whole plate! I did get one Christmas item while we were there. When I was growing up we always got a book from Santa, so I bought Dallas' book from there. He loves the Usborne touch and feel books, which is what i got him! Dallas was exhausted by the time we got home.

I got Dallas' Halloween costume online for $13.00!! He was the cutest MICKEY MOUSE ever!! He didn't mind being in his costume, he would just get frustrated when his hands would get stuck in the mittens. The costume was a little big. I started the 30th, by taking him to trick or treat at my work and my moms. At Topstop they had a hand the would reach into the bowl of candy, Dallas wasn't scared at all! He wanted to play with the fingers. After we left topstop we went down to Russell's sisters house. Shaila and Von made yummy chicken curry, which I have never had before last night. He also made chicken wings that I wouldn't taste but Russ did, he liked them. Dallas loves playing with kids so he had a blast with his cousins. He loves to show off to everyone so he was a ham the whole time! After dinner and dessert we headed home to do some trick or treating. Dallas fell asleep on the way home so we decided to let him sleep until it stopped raining. Finally around 7pm we headed to what I thought was a trunk or treat, but when we got there, it was empty. I swear I saw car after car after car turn in there so I don't know if i missed it or if it didn't exist. Dallas didn't enjoy trick or treating until about the 4th house or so... Even then he was not to happy with me for taking the candy from his hand to the bucket! We only went to about 10 houses, but he had fun. After trick or treating headed home where Dallas played and played with his cousins, until he was too tired to stand! It was a great night for him and I am glad he had fun! He doesn't really know what was going on and even this afternoon when I would show him his bucket of candy he wasn't sure what he should be doing with it, he will get it one day!

Dallas Camping.

Riding with Dad.

Dallas saying CHEESE!!

M.I.C.K.E.Y M.O.U.S.E ( I dont know how to flip the picture)

My pumpkin.

Dallas all dressed up!

Dallas brushing his teeth.

wow.

2010-10-11T15:33:00.000-07:00

Well since it has been over a month I will just update you a bit.. First of all, I lost my camera so there are NO pictures in this post, sorry. Here is just a highlight of everything since September till now...
1. My birthday was the 12th, Russell spoiled me.
2. The first weekend in September I started taking classes at ccCNA and yesterday was my last day, I do have to take the test but other then that I am done. I am wanting a job working nights in a hospital.
3. Dallas had a 15month check up. His doctor was surprised on how happy and calm he was during the check up. He only cried when he got his shots but who doesn't!! He also was laughing and flirting with all the nurses. He was so cute.
5. We bought a storage unit so we don't have to pay for ours anymore. yay!!
6. I have the Christmas budget set into place, and most gifts picked out. I hate to buy anything before thanksgiving so that I don't miss a chance to get it on sale.
7. Dallas is going to be Mickey Mouse for Halloween, I got it on eBay for $13.00 and that included shipping.

wow. what a boring month so far. I am however super excited about HALLOWEEN, Dallas is going to be a blast!

Labor Day Weekend!!

2010-09-07T12:18:00.000-07:00

Labor Day weekend was GREAT!!! My family had planned a vacation but it didn't work out. I decided since I have already requested the time off that my little family was going to do something!

I left work early Friday and headed to park city with Russell. We left Dallas home with my mom, so Russell and I could have some time alone. On the way there Russell saved us from a 4 car pile up!! We were cruising along in the middle lane and the left lane started to slow down and then all of a sudden we heard screeching tires and cars were diverting every which way!! Russ jerked the car over off to the median and got us the heck out of there. He was so calm like it was no big deal while I was freaking out!!! Not five minutes later we heard them report it on the radio! We finally get to the hotel, get checked in and head to dinner. We went to Ruby Tuesdays which was tasty!! We spent the rest of our night just watching movies and hanging out in the hot tub. The next morning is when the fun started for me, we headed to the outlets! We all know how much Russell LOVES shopping!! We got tons of AMAZING deals, and we still brought money home! The rest of Saturday afternoon we spent at home.

Saturday night we got invited to go up to White River to camp with Nick & Felicia. We always LOVE camping, and got ready in record time!! Dallas LOVES camping because he can get as dirty as he wants! We spent the night hanging out by the camp fire. The next morning we ate breakfast and headed down the canyon. Dallas was not to happy about heading home or being in the car for another 3 hours, but he did great!

Monday we started the day by picking corn to freeze. We didn't get as much as we wanted but I think there is PLENTY!! After picking the corn we came home to get ready for the Zoo, I have been wanting to take Dallas for a long time now, and there never seemed to be a good day, so I planned Monday since most everyone had the day off! Dallas LOVED it!! He would cry when we would put him in the wagon to go to another animal. He would yell, "Whats that??" and proceed to talk to them. I think his favorites were the penguins and the giraffes on account of he spent the longest talking to them. He loved the merry-go-round and the train. We had a lot of fun and I will be for sure taking him again. Here are a few pictures from the zoo!!

Dallas & Daddy looking at a monkey

The boys on leashes.
looking at the giraffes

nice cheesy grin and a finger in his nose.

having a rest

I LOVE the zoo!!

All worn out!

What a great weekend I would have to say. Next weekend I start school!

wow.

2010-08-27T22:05:00.000-07:00

wow, it has been a month since I made a post. I am sorry. I really have nothing exciting to blog about, here are a few highlights...
I am registered for both CNA and Medical Assisting.
We are selling our trailer.. any takers(we want a bigger one)..
We sold the bike.
My sister had a baby, so cute!! I LOVE her!
I adore Russell.
I have an amazing family.
I am horrible at returning calls.
Dallas is crazy, he has so much personality. He can make anyone laugh and loves too!!
I dislike my job, I am gone all the time.
I haven't read a book in over 3 months which is very heartbreaking.
The xbox might be breaking, (yay!!)

well maybe I will post more tomorrow...

Dallas my cute boy!!

2010-07-27T20:36:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the pictures that Kelsie took for us, they turned out way cute and I have no idea which ones I want to send to people because I LOVE them all!!

One year check up!!

2010-07-13T19:17:00.000-07:00

Dallas went to his one year check up today. He is still on the skinny side, weighing in at only 20.9 pounds. He is 29 inches long and his head circumference is at 19inches. His growth is steady so his doctor said there is nothing to worry about. Now that he is one, here are some of his highlights...

He can walk, he took his first steps about a week ago!

He LOVES whole milk

He still loves bath time

He loves to play outside, and cries when its time to go in..

He loves eating

He loves playing with his dad

He loves four wheelers

He can say momma & dadda

He is a ham!!

He loves to cuddle

Here is a picture of him today...

2010-07-07T20:43:00.000-07:00

My dad, Russell, Josh & Beau all built a giant sandbox for the kids. They LOVE it!! Dallas got tons of sand toys for his birthday which was perfect because they play in it almost everyday. Here are a couple cute pictures of them having fun...

BIRTHDAY BOY!!!

2010-07-07T20:21:00.000-07:00

Dallas turned one last Saturday, the 3rd. For his birthday we had a little party on the 4th. I did a construction themed birthday party, which was so much fun. Everything was orange, yellow and black. My mom always made my birthday cake when I was little, and it was something I wanted to carry on, so I made Dallas' cake. I attempted to make a bulldozer. I think it turned out ok, but Russell said it looked like a race car. Dallas however LOVED the cake. He of course loved the black frosting. After the cakes we went straight to presents... he got spoiled. He loved all the toys and didn't want to open the next gift, and would cry when I took them away. I just cant believe he is already one. I cant imagine what life was like without him, he is so funny and has such a great personality. He doesn't go to the doctor for his one year check up until next week, so I will have to post the stats then. I didn't take a whole bunch of pictures at his party due to the fact that he was a crazy kid, it was windy and I was trying to film it at the same time, so I will post as many pictures as I have..

The Cake

His dump truck

He only wanted to play with the ball all the way home.

Camping!!

2010-06-01T21:24:00.000-07:00

These pictures are out of order... sorry. After camping, on the way home!
Mom! I LOVE dirt.

Memorial weekend was a BLAST for us. We left bright and early Saturday morning to Fruitland, Utah where my grandparents own property. As soon as we got there Dallas couldn't wait to get in the dirt he pretty much dove in. He loved driving the cars around and eating it, I must have pulled 15 rocks and twigs out of his mouth, but he is a boy and he loved it! The boys went fishing for a little bit Saturday and all day Sunday, and didn't catch a single thing. Thank goodness we took other food or we would have starved!! We did stay in a trailer so bed time was great for Dallas, nice and warm and off the ground!! I am so excited that Dallas loved camping, so we can go all summer! After cleaning up and getting things unpacked we headed over to Grandma & Grandpa Rowley's for a BBQ. Dallas played on the tramp with the cousins and couldn't stop laughing, he thinks he is so funny. He also likes to show off to anyone watching, he is mastering his standing skills. I am not ready for this walking thing!! Is also started talking a lot more this weekend. He can say, Daddy (favorite word!) Momma, uh-oh and toys. They all sound so cute!

Boating

2010-05-16T20:02:00.001-07:00

Today was Dallas' first boating trip and he loved it!! As soon as the boat started he started smiling and clapping his hands. He had a blast, I can't wait till it is warmer so we can play in the water!!

May 2010

2010-05-15T21:53:00.000-07:00

Dallas is now 10 months old which completely freaks me out!! I can't even believe that in two months my baby boy will be one, I don't think I am going to handle it very well. I love that he is growing and learning new things everyday but I want him to stay a baby. I cant imagine what our lives would be like with out him.

Dallas Loves..
baths
drinking out of a sippy cup
mac & cheese
pushing the buttons on the TV and then looking back and laughing
crawling away when he knows you want him
feeding himself
standing
sharing daddy's drinks
stealing straws
his binky
being naked.

Dallas hates..
being told no
being in the car for long periods of times, or in & out
being fed
having things taken away from him
having his diaper changed
getting dressed
when daddy leaves for work
when mommy takes forever bringing the food
taking a nap.

May 12th was our 3rd year anniversary!! I have decided that I would prefer to have a more elaborate celebration every five years. For our anniversary this year we left Dallas with my mother and went to dinner. I took Russell to Rodizio Grill and it was NOT the best. I think we might have had a better experience if we would have gone on a weekend when they were busy and the food was rotated more. I swear they offered me the same streak three times. We topped off our night by grabbing a shake on the way home, yummy yummy Ice cream!!

until next time here are a few pictures from the month.

Grandma Dawn & Dallas on Mothers Day.

Dallas loving the ride!!

Just laying in the sun.

Day at the park..

2010-04-28T21:00:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures of Dallas on the swings at the park. He LOVED them!!

Stuff..

2010-04-09T21:20:00.000-07:00

EASTER

Easter this year was a blast!! We started the morning off finding our Easter Baskets at home, Dallas was spoiled this year with three Easter baskets!! Dallas didn't really care about the baskets, every time I moved them closer he would crawl away. After we played with the baskets we headed over to Grandma Greats house for breakfast and the Easter egg hunt. (I forgot to take my camera but I did take my camcorder, I will have to upload video later) Dallas loved watching all the kids running around the yard. After breakfast we went to Grandma Rowley's house to visit. We tried to get Dallas to nap there but no luck all he wanted to do was play with the kids, he hates to miss out. Here are some pictures of his Easter baskets.

1st. Swimming Suit, Outfit, Thomas the Train movie, bunny, Lollies! Thanks Easter Bunny!!

2nd. Dump truck, Tons of candy, bubbles, hoe & shovel, squirt gun. Thanks Grandma Willes

3rd. Highchair toy, candy, shovel & pale. Thanks Whaley's!

EATING

Dallas is still hating baby food and wants to feed himself. Today we gave him spaghetti-o's and he loved them. He may get messy but whats a bath for right??

THE WORK TRUCK
The other day Russell suggested that I buy him a work truck. He doesn't want to ruin our new truck by putting tons on miles on it and leaving it at a construction site. I told him NO!! I was not buying anything else, I want to move!! Then Russell told me that he had a friend who was moving and wanted to sell his 2001 Dodge Ram that he had been using for his business, I still didn't want to buy it. But then we talked more about it, about how much it would cost to add some features to his truck and we decided that it was going to be cheaper to just buy the Dodge. How would it be cheaper you might ask, well we bought this truck for $1,200.00!!!! I was hesitant because I figured that at that price there was something wrong with it, the only thing we have to replace is one tire. Another plus of this purchase is that my insurance goes down about $50.00 woot woot us! I was to eager to take some pictures so the truck still has the previous owners info on it.

March Crazy Madness!!

2010-03-30T12:45:00.000-07:00

My March Madness has nothing to do with basketball, just cute baby Dallas! He is growing up so fast, I can't believe it! He will be 9 months in April, so I took him today for his 9 month check up. Here are his stats..

Height: 27.5 in. 27%

Weight: 18.9 lbs. 26%

Head: 18 65%

So to sum it up I have a short skinny baby with a big head. hhheh His doctor isn't worried about his weight or height because the growth is steady, he is also developing great! Dallas is not liking baby food anymore, he loves to feed himself! He loves noodles, marshmallows, goldfish, and of course he still LOVES his milk!! As of today Dallas has four teeth and is getting another. Dallas loves to clap and talk up a storm. The most exciting news is that he started crawling on march 17Th!! What a LUCKY day for me!! Here are some pictures from March... enjoy!! (some are out of order, sorry)

Here is Dallas after his long walk, all worn out.

And Dallas before his walk.

Daddy's dressing.

Watch out I'm CRAWLING!!

Have you seen my Duck??

have you?

2010-02-15T16:43:00.000-08:00

Have you seen anything cuter then this little boy....

yeah, I didn't think so.

little updates...

2010-01-30T21:25:00.000-08:00

#1. Now that it is a month into the new year I will tell you about the two new years resolutions I set. I didn't want to post them because I didn't want to turn around and tell you all that I failed. Anyway, my first resolution was to become an active member of the church. So far so good, my second resolution was to exercise more, I have been almost every morning, every now and then someone is asleep on our couch, which prevents me. I am loving it, I love the feeling of being sore the next day and how my energy level has increased. Plus I must look funny because Dallas laughs quite frequently during the work outs.

#2. My little sister is going to have a baby. She is due Aug.21st. She doesn't want to find out the sex of the baby, but either one is fine by us. yippy!!

#3. Dallas is cutting teeth. The beginning of the week I noticed he was fussing more then normal and now there is a tooth there!! It isn't grown in all the way but it is almost there, I am hoping it wont go back in. He is loving the cold teething toys, but when you try to look at it he likes to cover it up! Now that we have started this process I hope they don't give him much trouble and that it gets easier as we go.

#4. Dallas loves bath toys, in and out of the tub.

#5. Dallas hates to lay now that he can sit up. He still hates being on his stomach but is improving a little more everyday. Crawling is not in the near future for this little guy.

#6. Bedtime for Dallas is EASY!! He wants to eat and have you lay him in bed, asleep or not. He then pulls the cover up to his head and turns to his glow worm and closes his eyes. night night bud.

#7. Luckily Russell's job has been picking up very slowly, it is still nothing were I would like it but the bills are paid, and we have the basics. :)

#8. Dallas hair is still only growing in the center and on the top. It is long in front and then gets shorter as it goes back, looks like a reverse mullet. It also still has a red tint to it.

#9. I dyed my hair brown black. I like it, but with my white skin I look even whiter.

#10. I finally went to see The Lovely Bones, I also got the book and loved it more then the movie. If anyone is looking for a good book that is definitely on the top of my list, I couldn't put it down!

Here are some pictures from January...

Dallas & Me

Dallas in Daddy's hat.

Dallas' cute hat.

I love my food!

Watch out Ladies!!

6 month check up.

2010-01-07T13:01:00.000-08:00

Dallas had his 6 month check up today. Here are his stats...

Head: 17in.....32% Weight: 16lbs.....33% Height: 27in.....69%

The doctor said even though his weight is below average he is growing at a steady pace and is perfectly healthy.

When he was born he was considered "tongue tied" which is where your tongue is attached to the bottom of your mouth closer to the tip of your tongue then average. Anyway his doctor wanted to wait until he was older to decided when and if he needed it clipped. He said there was a chance it would stretch on its own, but it didn't. He said in his future it could be a problem for eating or cause a slur. So today he got it clipped. I have never felt so bad for him. He was sound asleep in my arms when they put the clamps on and he woke up screaming!!! He kept looking at me with these teary eyes that were just heartbreaking, they finally finished clipping it but since it was bleeding they had to hold the gauze there for another few minutes which resulted in more crying. As soon as I calmed him down they came in with the shots, so I had to lay him back down for 3 shots. He was screaming and crying at that too! He was crying so hard and sounded so exhausted that I started crying, and I couldn't stop. I was so heartbroken that I had to pin him down and that I couldn't do anything to make him feel better while they were clipping him and giving him the shots. Anyway so after we left the doctors he fell right asleep and I called into work telling them I couldn't come in because I needed to be home with him. My boss probably thinks I am a wuss, which I am, because I called in bawling!! When he woke up from his short nap home he just started laughing and wanting to play. Here I thought he needed me when really he was fine. I am just glad I didn't wait any longer to get it done and that he is young enough not to realize what happened.

Christmas/New years

2010-01-03T20:47:00.000-08:00

I have slacked so much this holiday season!! I also realized as I was trying to do this that I took my camera to one Christmas party and hardly any pictures Christmas eve, Christmas day or new years. So here is what I got, sorry its so long...

We went to two Christmas parties with the family, one for the Whaley and one for the Willes'. We had a blast at each one. The Whaley party we always draw names at Thanksgiving for our gift exchange. This year my aunt Terri had Dallas. She got him the cute seahorse glow worm which he LOVES!!!

Also this year was the first year that all of Russell's siblings were here in a long time. It was so much fun getting to see everyone! We got addicted to the game settlers of catan which I have played 5 times just today. Becky also had family pictures done the day after Christmas, we each got family pictures and then we had the big pictures, I cant wait to see them!!

Christmas eve we had the Willes christmas party, followed by playing games at the Rowleys and then back to our house to open PJ's. Christmas morning was also spent at our house. Dallas got a couple toys and clothes. Russell and I got a camcorder from my parents which I LOVE. I had mentioned to my mom that I wanted one now that Dallas was getting bigger. After we opened gifts we went to my grandmas house to have breakfast. We also got to talk to my uncle Brad, Aunt Mel and the kids on the web cam. I loved it because we also go to see the new baby girl!!! After breakfast we headed over to the rowley's. We had dinner, opened gifts and played games.

All day on Christmas Russell was complaining of chest pain, which had me worried but he said he was fine, it wasn't going to his neck or chest so we figured it wasn't anything to bad.. The next morning, his birthday, he still had the pain and it was only getting worse, so finally at 5 that night he let me take him to the instacare. Lucky it was only a fractured rib. We are not 100% sure how it happened but luckily he got to rest the rest of the weekend. For Russell's birthday we just stayed home and watched movies with the family and opened his gifts. We also went to the movies the next afternoon. He wanted to see Alvin and the chipmunks, he said it was for Dallas but I think not....

New Years Eve was spent at home playing more games with the family. After midnight my brother, dad and brother in-law decide they want to launch fireworks. All we have are old fireworks from Wyoming. After they had lit of a few and nothing wrong happened they decided to launch the rest, right after they lit them the cops showed up... Me and Russell and opted to stay inside on account that it was freezing and Russell can not get any sort of tickets. anyway.. They cop told my dad that is was $500.00 a firework setting their bill at about $6,000.00 luckily this was a Murray cop who can not issue a ticket but can detain them until a Lehi cop can make it. So Mr. Murray cop goes back to his car telling my dad that he is going to call a Lehi officer, which at 1am they are too busy with the bars they they told him to let them go. LUCKY!!!

Dallas is now 6 months old, has no teeth, loves the bath, can sit up unsupported, and reach for all the fun toys. He goes in later this week for his 6 month check up. I will post more then.

Here are the few pictures I have....

Dallas at the Whaley Christmas Party

I love my seahorse

time for bed!!
Christmas Eve in my new PJ's with dad.

Christmas Day at grandma Rowley's

One of my bath toys

5 months!!

2009-12-06T21:32:00.001-08:00

Dallas is already 5 months old and it is CRAZY!!! I hate it, I want him to stay little forever!! He still HATES being in the car seat and on his stomach, but he LOVES taking a bath, being naked (heheh), eating, playing with his toes and of course playing with mom and dad. He is eating a lot of baby food but is picky about the cereal, some days he loves it others he wont touch it. He is getting pretty hot headed but not very often, only when he is starving or when he refuses to take a nap. He still sleeps all night, which I love!! The night he does get up, I just sit there and wonder how people do this every night and I have to do it once a month??? ahahh I am very blessed to have such a sweet and happy baby. Here are a few pictures from the month...

Dallas & Daddy on Thanksgiving

Dallas with his Great Grandpa

Amber playing with the boys, or asking if she is crazy to have them both...

Today we finally blessed Dallas. We blessed him at my moms house and ate a great dinner after. My cousin Dane blessed Jaxon and Dallas' Grandpa Rowley blessed him. They both did a fantastic job and both boys were great, they didn't fuss once!! I am so thankful for how many people were there to support us and be there for Dallas, he has so many family members and friends that love him so much!!

Dallas & little cousin Rex

Grandpa Rowley & Dallas after the blessing.

Daddy & Dallas

Family Picture.

toes

2009-11-17T14:59:00.000-08:00

Here is a mini post to show you that Dallas has found his toes. Whenever he can he has them in is mouth, I think it is cute!!

Last Sunday Denver fell off the bed and hit her head. She was great about the pain and having to shave her head, she kept telling us to get the blood out. Now that she is process of healing she will tell you over and over again to not jump on the bed, and monkeys don't jump. She will go in a few days to get the staples out.

Trick or Treat!

2009-11-01T20:29:00.000-08:00

Halloween was so much fun this year. We started the weekend by taking Denver and Auri to the trunk or treat. My mom & I tried to take Dallas and Jaxon but they fell asleep before we left so they got to hang out with Russell. Saturday we went to Luke's house and made doughnuts, they were yummy!! Dallas screamed the whole time!! Poor baby, I cried because he was in so much pain from a gassy stomach. After we got home we hung out with my family, where my aunt announced she was pregnant!!! yay!! We also went to my co-worker Janiel Halloween party, there were so many fun costumes, but we finished off the night by watching a movie and me falling asleep. Here are a couple pictures from October.

3 months!

2009-10-11T09:34:00.000-07:00

I cant believe Dallas is 3 months old now!! He is getting so big! He sleeps all night and has for a long long time. He still loves taking a bath but hates getting out and getting dressed. To me he still looks just like Russell, but I am getting more and more comments that he is starting to look like me. He also LOVES taking medicine. haha He has an ear infection right now and he fusses when the meds are gone. Its cute but I am sure it will change. I also think he may be getting teeth. He always has his fists in his mouth and is drooling like crazy, but luckily he hasn't been to fussy. I love making him laugh, he has the cutest smile. Russell is such a great dad, he loves holding him and talking to him and telling him all the things he is going to teach him or show him when he gets older. Anyway here are some pictures of the last couple weeks...

Laughing at me being silly
New Binky!! It matches the overalls Russell got him.

cute little grin

talking talking..

gave the fingers a rest long enough for the picture

Dallas & Jaxon just laying around

overalls Russell got him. They are so cute!!

grandma making him laugh.

my sweet boy.

I Love both my boys so much, I cant imagine what life was like before them, and I am so proud of Russell for the man he has become.

September..

2009-09-20T21:15:00.000-07:00

Nothing too exciting happened this month, except it was my birthday and I went to the Keith Urban concert! It was amazing!!! Me and my mom have gone every year he has been here, it always lands close to my birthday which makes it great!! Russell also got me a new camera which I LOVE!!! I really needed one since mine broke and since Dallas is getting bigger everyday, so it is much needed. Any way here are just a few pictures.....

Dallas watchin some TV half asleep.

Luke making Dallas laugh.

Just watching Winnie the Pooh

Keith Urban Concert!!

Dallas and Jaxon watching Winnie the Pooh

Just being cute..

Update..

2009-08-23T16:16:00.000-07:00

Well it has been forever since my last post so here is what has happened!! Unfortunately my camera broke so I only have a few pictures...

Dallas is now 6 weeks old!! I can not believe how fast the time has gone by. It is depressing it seems like just yesterday he was a week old!! Dallas unfortunately has a herniated belly button so he is on medication for an infection, it seems to be working so we don't have to have surgery or anything! Also he is only waking up once a night, which is nice for me!! He is growing like a weed. When I took him to the doctor for his belly button he was 11 pounds, and I love it. He is getting the cutest fat rolls.

I had to go back to work on Aug. 17th. It wasn't has horrible as I thought it was going to be, but I do miss him like crazy. I wish I could stay home with him, but that is not an option right now. It does make it easier to work since I have amazing family members watching him.

Before I went to work we made a trip down to Vegas to visit my uncle. We had a lot of fun just hanging out. We did take the kids down to the strip to visit the M&M and Coke factory and swimming. Dallas was a trooper about the heat and even had fun in the water! All the babies did great about the long car ride there, they slept the whole time! Here are a few pictures!
Dallas ready to go swimmin'

with his aunt helga

Also we started hearing more and more about the cash for clunkers deal and also that a dealership was offering to match the $4500.00 for it, so we decided to go see what they would do for us. Well we left in the 2000 Chevy silverado and came back in a 2009 Dodge ram!! We ended up getting an amazing deal!!! We were really upside down in the Chevy and it was falling apart so this seemed like the best option for us.
From this... to this..

( this is not a picture of ours, because my camera is broken but it is the same:) )

We also got a new puppy named stitch, he is a blue heeler mix. He is a cute little puppy but at the same time he is a handful, I am used to little Roxie, not a big outside dog. :)

Here is Dallas with his Daddy on the 24th of July..

Dallas sleeping like "SID" on Ice Age.

Pictures!

2009-08-03T15:14:00.001-07:00

When Dallas was a week old a friend of mine took some pictures, here are a few of my favorites!

2 weeks!

2009-07-21T16:57:00.000-07:00

This last two weeks have gone by so fast!! It was just yesterday I was coming home from the hospital. During the last two weeks we have done a lot with baby Dallas. I being a moron forgot the camera for everything except bath time, so I will just tell you about it.

Dallas went to his first Bee's Baseball game. He slept the whole time! The Bee's however lost the game. My work gave everyone tickets so I took my mom, Denver and Dallas. Denver loved the game and LOVES the Bee, she gets so excited when you talk about baseball. It was so fun and the weather was great!

Thursday night the whole family went to American Fork Steel Days Carnival, Dallas rode the merry go round with his grandma dawn, Denver, amber and Jaxon. We also went to the carnival again on Friday but Denver was the only one to ride rides.

Dallas also had his first bath on Friday, and he LOVED it!! He was a little fussy at first but once the warm water hit him he just laid there letting it hit him. He only started screaming when bath time was over. Russell said he did the same thing at the hospital. I am glad he loves his bath.

Here are some more pictures from the week. This first one is Dallas napping with his daddy. They are so cute. The others are just Dallas sitting around, but really what else is he going to do.

Dallas Todd Rowley

2009-07-13T11:41:00.000-07:00

Dallas Todd Rowley

7 lbs. 4 oz 18.5 in

July 3rd 2009 8:05pm

At my doctors appointment on Wednesday (07/01) my blood pressure was still high. So my doctor wanted me to do another 24 hour urine test, to start on Thursday. So Friday morning I went to the hospital to turn my urine in, great fun!! Anyway after I waited for the test results my doctor came in and told me she wanted to induce me, that I had preeclampsia/toxemia. So tn minutes later they broke my water and started me on potocin, they also had to give me magnesium sulfate. The magnesium sulfate is used because with toxemia there is a 1% chance you could have a seizure, and they want to prevent it, the only down side is that it can make you feel like crap. I felt fine with it, it just made me really sleepy.... Anyway hours later I was still pretty much asleep and so relaxed that it caused Dallas' heart rate to fall below the normal rate of 120. They put me on oxygen and it kept coming back up, luckily! Later that night they came to check my progress and I was still only at a four, and Dallas was tyring to come out. At that time my doctor was worried about his heart rate and that he would have a cone head and since i was still at a 4 she wanted to do a c-section. I was prepped and Russell was dressed in his astronaut gear. I then had some really bad back pressure and was checked again, i had gone from a 4 to a 7 in 15 minutes!! My doctor then decided to let me wait for an hour to see if I would dilate anymore, unfortunately I did not. I ended up having the c-section. He was born at 8:05 that night. I don't remember much after that because of all the medicine, I just remember being cold. I was then moved down to the mother and baby floor where I got to see him!! Anyway we are home now and he doing great!! He was born with a little cone head but it was gone before we left the hospital. Well here are a few pictures!!

39 Weeks

2009-06-26T21:40:00.000-07:00

As of today I am officially 39 weeks!! I have been so lucky to have a healthy pregnancy, however this last week we hit a little snag... Mid-pregnancy I had one appointment in which my blood pressure was slightly high. My doctor assured me that it was nothing to worry about. Anyway at my 38Th week appointment my blood pressure was a little higher then normal, but still nothing to worry about, but I also had a little bit of protein in my urine. So this last Thursday at my 39Th week appointment my feet were HUGE, my blood pressure was high and there was even more protein in my urine, so my doctor sent me to the hospital for tests. I had a blood test done, which came back fine and then they also had me do a 24 urine test. That was sure fun!! I got to save all my pee for 24 hours and I had to keep it cold. :) Anyway, the urine test came back fine as well, but if it wouldn't have I would have been induced today!!! I am glad I was not, I want the labor to start on its own. I will keep you all posted!!

*Here is the 39Th week picture, could I be any bigger???*

TRANSFORMERS!!

Josh, Stephanie, Russell and I all went to see transformers on Wednesday and I LOVED it!!! I am glad I was able to go, but the sitting was horrible! My butt and back were killing me and my feet were HUGE!! I couldn't get the flip-flops on and off. But the movie was well worth it!

36 Weeks.

2009-06-04T20:44:00.000-07:00

I am now 36 weeks, and man has it gone by fast!! I have been feeling great, the only thing I complain about is my swollen feet. I get indents on my feet from wearing flip flops!!!! I basically come home and put my feet up on a stack of pillows and hope that the swelling will go down, however it never has. I have been watching my salt intake and drinking water like its going out of style. At my last doctors appointment, my blood pressure was a little high but the doctor told me not to worry about it and that they would watch the next few appointments. Anyway I had a doctors appointment today and my blood pressure was fine. I am also measuring right on for 36 weeks and the baby is doing perfectly fine. Russell and I still have not agreed on a baby name but I am sure when he arrives we will find the perfect name! Here are two pictures that I have taken from the last week. This first picture on the right is me relaxing at work. The bottom picture is me at 36 weeks. You would think there were twins in there, but according to the doctor, there is only one. :)

2 years!!

2009-05-12T19:40:00.000-07:00

Russell and I have now been married for two years!! I can't believe how fast it is going by. I am so proud of Russell for everything he has accomplished in the last year and how much we have grown. I just wanted to tell Russell how much I adore him and that I can't imagine my life without him.

32 Weeks

2009-05-07T19:44:00.000-07:00

As of today I am 32 weeks, I only have 8 weeks to go!! It seems to be passing by so fast! I just wish we had a named picked out.. so if there are any suggestions just let us know. The doctor today told me I am perfectly healthy and have zero complications, unless killer heartburn is a complication!! I am trying to write this and I have taken at least 10 tums and it is not helping!! I am also having horrible back pain, which I only get when I have heartburn. Oh and if I can complain just a second longer I am sweating to death and my hands and feet are swollen! I have posted a belly pic, but it is from a few weeks back, but to me I look the same size. If this heartburn ever goes away I might take a new one..

MELTING

2009-04-18T20:56:00.000-07:00

Well it is April and it snowed this week and what am I doing right now??? I am sitting directly in front of a fan. I am melting.... to me it feels like it is 100 degrees in this house when really it is only 70. I have checked the temperature many times today. However since i am not the only one who lives here and there are two babies in the basement, we can not turn on the ac. What am I supposed to do until July??? I think I might invest in a kiddie pool and live in it in the backyard, someone just bring me ice please.

grr..

2009-03-29T08:38:00.000-07:00

I HATE the wind!! Yesterday was a nice, warm, sunny day and I was stuck at work. Now I am home all day today and it is FREEZING and the wind is rattling my door!

anyway.. In my last post I mentioned I had a new nephew, Jaxon. Here are just a few pictures!!

baby, work, baby.

2009-03-22T20:13:00.000-07:00

This last month has been quite slow.... nothing exciting has happened to me but more to the people around me so here we go.

1. I did go to the doctor for my 24th week appointment and everything is GREAT!! My blood pressure, stomach measurements and my weight are all perfect!! I do feel like my stomach is getting pretty big, my belly button is shrinking, but it looks like it is getting bigger, but that is ok!! I have been feeling the baby kick a lot lately, I only wish Russell could feel it too... That day will come eventually. I am not craving anything to the point that I make Russell or anyone else for that matter go get me anything. I do love salsa and jalapenos!!

2. Unfortunately Russell is out of work. He is temporarily laid off, until things can pick up for his boss. They hopefully will be starting some condos in about a month!!! Right now he is enjoying the time he gets to sit at home and the fact that he can go fishing everyday. Luckily he has been doing some side work for various people, which is always nice.

3. Alright and the most exciting part of this month is.... I have a new nephew!! Josh and Stephanie had a handsome little boy on March 19th. He was 5 pounds 4 ounces and 18 inches long. His name is Jaxon Craig and he is adorable. Unfortunately he was about 2.5 to 3 weeks early and had a little trouble keeping his body temperature up, but he is home now and is doing great! Denver is so sweet and always runs to him when he starts crying, saying Baby, baby. She can not say his name so Baby is all we get.

Other than that I can not think of anything remotely interesting that has happened this month, so until next time.....

Baby Boy!!

2009-02-12T21:09:00.001-08:00

We had our ultrasound today and I can't keep it a secret!! We are having a baby BOY!!!! Here are all the pictures. I wish I could upload the ultrasound video so everyone could hear the heartbeat and see him sucking his thumb but I don't know how. sorry. Anyway, Russell and I are ecstatic!!! At first I didn't want to know the sex, but I am so glad we found out!

Here he is getting ready to suck his thumb.

Here is his arm stretched out.

and the little leg.

and here is the clear shot that it is a BOY!!

25 Random Facts.

2009-02-10T19:45:00.000-08:00

25 Random Facts: I have seen this post going around and now it is my turn. I just hope I can come up with something fun. I tag anyone and everyone...

1. I love all types of pickles. Sweet, Dill, Homemade, ect...

2. I hate cucumbers.

3. I change into sweatpants or pjs within an hour of getting home from work.

4. I love to read.

5. I can only play guitar hero on medium and I still suck.

6. I love playing dance dance revolution with my mother in-law.

7. I like to play blackjack.

8. I love watching CSI Miami with Russell.

9. I am addicted to Orange Dream ICEE's, that I can only find at Chevron in Saratoga Springs. I however blame this addiction on the pregnancy.

10. I have two scars on my face. My brother ran me over as a baby.

11. I have never been to the emergency room for my own health.

12. I love to clean out and organize our file folders.

13. I love to pay the bills.

14. I love my husbands motorcycle.

15. I can't keep surprises from people, but I love to be surprised.

16. I hate wearing shoes and socks.

17. I don't own a pair of socks. If I have to wear socks I steal them from Russell.

18. I want to write a book of short stories, all of which have affected my life.

19. I love to dance.

20. The longer I laugh the louder it gets and it annoys people.

21. I baby my dog Roxie.

22. I love Russell to death and could be with him everyday all day!!

23. I think I am more mature then people my age.

24. I am excited to be a mom!

25. It took me 30 minutes to think of this list.

12 weeks and counting....

2008-12-19T13:21:00.001-08:00

As of today I am 12 weeks along!! Unfortunately I have been sick everyday all day!! I am hoping now that i am zoning in on the 2nd trimester the morning sickness will pass!! My doctor this morning luckily gave me some medicine that should help with the nausea. Also at the doctor we got to hear the heartbeat, which was amazing!! I wish i would have recorded it, but I didn't. It is so fast and so cute and made all the morning sickness suck just a little less!

Bun in the Oven...

2008-11-24T17:53:00.000-08:00

It is baby time for Russell & Ashley. We had our first doctors appointment today and learned that I am 8 weeks and 3 days prego, putting my due date July 3rd!! We don't care if it is a boy or girl, however Russell wants to learn the sex and I do not, but we still have a while before we have to decide!! We will try to keep everyone update as much as possible!!

Scentsy

2008-10-29T20:12:00.000-07:00

!!SCENTSY!!

HEY EVERYONE!!

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED, MY MOM IS NOW A REPRESENTATIVE FOR SCENTSY, SO IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ORDER OR LOOK AT A CATALOG PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT HER @ (801)360-9385 OR JUST LEAVE ME A MESSAGE!

New Hair

2008-10-06T18:21:00.000-07:00

So as most people could tell, I was in desperate need of dying my hair. I had about 5-6 inches of re-growth. So finally this weekend Stephanie did my hair for me. Here is the result.. What do you think???

MY HUSBAND!

2008-09-29T21:18:00.000-07:00

1. Where did you meet your husband?

school. we met at a party then i asked him out.

2. How long did you date before you married?

3.5 to 4 years

3. How long have you been married?

1 year 5 months

4. What does he do that surprises you?

remembers the little things

5. What is his favorite feature?

on him or on me.

6. What is his favorite quality?

easy going

7. Does he have a nickname for you?

just the usual, hun babe, sweetie, guppie

8. What is his favorite food?

lasagna

9. What is his favorite sport?

hunting

10. When & where was your first kiss?

November 14th 2003 in back seat of my truck that my brother was driving on our way home from the "preference dance"

11. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple?

motorcycle rides, fishing and watching movies

12. Do you have any children?

nope

13. Does he have any hidden talents?

he is magic

14. How old is he?

15. Who said I love you first?

He did

16. What is his favorite music?

he has phases.

17. What do you admire most about him?

he has accomplished so much in the past year

18. What is his favorite color?

black

19. Will he read this?

nope

20. Who do you tag?

everyone!

21st Birthday!

2008-09-16T17:47:00.000-07:00

Well my birthday was this past Friday, the 12th. On Friday my family took me to Texas Roadhouse for dinner. On Saturday me and Russell headed to Las Vegas!!! We stayed Saturday night at Tracy and Helga's house. It was so much fun getting to see family!! I just wish they would have had their baby!! On Sunday afternoon we headed to the Stratosphere Hotel to check in! Sunday we played Blackjack to all hours of the night!! Russell kept winning and winning, then of course losing and losing...On Monday we hit a few free shows and did some shopping.. Also because we stayed at the Stratosphere we got discount tickets to the show, BITE. Its about vampires! The King of Night losses his soul mate and searches for her. I thought it was amazing!! We headed home this morning. We had so much fun having a mini vacation. It was also really nice having a vacation with only me and Russell. It has been a while since we have had a vacation alone. Well here are a few pictures from the trip....

Appendix?

2008-08-29T14:50:00.000-07:00

hello everyone. I just wanted to let everyone know that Russell no longer has an appendix. The doctor took it out last night. Russell started feeling sick to his stomach Tuesday night. By Wednesday morning Russell was feeling worse, he came home from work a little early to lay down. By Thursday Russell's stomach pain had moved to his right side. By the time Russell got off work I made him go to the ER, which I am glad I did!! They removed it around midnight, he was transported to his room at about one thirty or so. Today Russell and I were able to leave at 2pm. Russell is terrified of needles but handled it very well, he was just mad that now he will die with out an appendix. It seems that Russell was more of a joker last night then a surgery patient. He also happens to look adorable in a gown. I think he should wear them at least 3-4 times a week. Anyway, Russell is currently laying on his butt relaxing, which is GREAT! I hope is starts to feel better in the next few days.

the last week.

2008-08-28T18:09:00.000-07:00

Well it is now, 08/28/08. This last week has been kinda slow. Nothing has really happened. Saturday Russell and I started packing our stuff from my brothers house in Tooele. We realized really how much junk we have!! We also went to Tyler Wyatt's wedding reception. It was such a long drive, but well worth it. It was fun getting to meet Russell's long lost friend! Sunday we didn't do a whole lot, we just sat around home, watched movies and ran errands. On Tuesday Ashley went to the dentist, YIKES! I am scared of the dentist now that I had to find a new one. When I was little I loved going to the dentist. He gave me the teddy bear nose and never did I feel pain, Dr. Atkinson was the sweetest dentist, however he retired.... It was a sad day at the dentist. That is pretty much all that has happened....

new phone

2008-08-22T18:12:00.000-07:00

Russell is such a sweetie. yesterday, (08/21/08) he surprised me at work with a new phone!! My old phone was horrible and the keys hardly worked. I would never get phone calls or texts, but now I wont have that problem.. He bought me the Env2 in maroon and it is so cute, i love it! Anyway it is now Friday and can I say how glad I am for the weekend! We don't really have plans but at least we don't have to work. anyway.. catch ya later!

Welcome

2008-08-18T21:54:00.000-07:00

Well to get started I must confess, I fell into the temptation of blogspot. I never thought that I would create a blog or even use it, but I hope too. To start off this blog I will give some history on me and Russell, so here is goes.....

Russell and Ashley met for the first time the summer of 2003, right before Russell's senior year and Ashley's sophomore. Ashley's older brother invited her to her first "high school party" which was held on the side of a mountain. After being there for a few hours everyone started yelling "Vern's here, Vern's here", apparently everyone loved him, however Ashley had no idea who he was. As Ashley sat in her chair, Vern made it a point to introduced himself, but he called himself Russell instead of Vern. Ashley just figured that he was a jerk and didn't want her to know his name,so she brushed it off. Now lets skip forward to November 2003.

Ashley and Josh, (her big brother), we starting to debate who to take to the "girls choice" dance on November 14Th 2003. Ashley begged Josh to take her friend Lindsey, who back then had a HUGE crush on him. Out of the kindness of his heart he said yes, but only on one condition..... Ashley had to take out one of his friends, but who could it be.. Josh had chosen Vern the Cowboy. Ashley later asked Russell out by decorating his truck. Russell was super excited because apparently he loved Ashley the moment he saw her.

November 14th 2003- The BIG DAY!!
Of course in high school you go on a "day date" and then go to the dance. Russell and Ashley had agreed to go four wheeling with Josh and Lindsey as well as Ryan, whose date was working). We met at Josh and Ashley's house and then headed out to White Hills to start the date. While on the date, Ashley did not say Russell's name once, on account she was not sure what to call him and what his legal name was, so she rode silently.... While riding a strange man started running up to them demanding they stop! Apparently they has been riding in a no trespassing zone, that was not posted, and the man was furious!!! The man had told them they would die if they did not get all the dirt off them that is was full of arsenic, which is found in rat poison. The kids were held until the cops showed up 3 hours later to issue trespassing tickets and contact our parents. Ashley's parents thought it was a joke and said, "just hose them off and send them home" which the cops did not think was funny at all. However they followed her directions. Russell and Ashley were sprayed off, issued tickets and then rode the four wheelers back to the trailer where they laughed all the way home. When they finally made it home the dance had less than an hour left, so everyone jumped in showers and rushed to the dance, not even getting the dirt off their boots. Russell and Ashley were shy about dancing but eventually started dancing, they danced to "My Valentine" by Martina McBride. Russell and Ashley shared that one dance and then decided to head home. Josh had to take Lindsey home at the same time as Russell so we all rode together. On the way home Russell decided to go for the first kiss. Which turned out to be very successful, Ashley didn't decline. Josh circled the block just so they could keep kissing, before Russell had to leave.

(*sorry picture is from prom, not from the "girls choice" dance)

After that dance Ashley went through a phase were she ignored Russell, only because she was scarred. Russell however decided that he would try one more time to ask her out. He figured if Ashley said no, he would leave her alone, if she said yes he would keep asking. Ashley agreed to let Russell take her home from school on Friday. While in Ashley's driveway Russell confessed his love for her, but Ashley pretended she didn't hear him and ran inside. She kept thinking, how do you know if you love someone after one week??? Russell must be crazy. But the more Russell came around the more Ashley wanted him there. They started hanging out more and more. They couldn't get enough of each other. Three years later, in a hotel in Wyoming, Russell asked Ashley to marry him. She accepted!! They were married 11 months later on May 12th 2007. Of course they have had their ups and downs, uncommon ups and downs, but they are still going strong and looking forward to living their lives together.

This of course was written by Ashley, on account that she has a much better memory then Russell!

Russell and Ashley

30 Weeks & Gallbladder

Pictures

Christmas, Binky, Baby

Sugar & Spice

Deer hunting.

Trick or treat

Wow!!

Random

The Zoo

Put on your ears!!

Steel Days Carnival

July!!

:)

Brown Chicken Brown Cow...

april...

Next2nothingcrafts giveaway!!

Spring!!

Joyner

cake, tubs & hives

Ice Fishin'

December

November.

October!!

wow.

Labor Day Weekend!!

wow.

Dallas my cute boy!!

One year check up!!

BIRTHDAY BOY!!!

Camping!!

Boating

May 2010

Day at the park..

Stuff..

March Crazy Madness!!

have you?

little updates...

6 month check up.

Christmas/New years

5 months!!

toes

Trick or Treat!

3 months!

September..

Update..

Pictures!

2 weeks!

Dallas Todd Rowley

*39 Weeks*

36 Weeks.

2 years!!

32 Weeks

MELTING

grr..

baby, work, baby.

Baby Boy!!

25 Random Facts.

12 weeks and counting....

Bun in the Oven...

Scentsy

New Hair

MY HUSBAND!

21st Birthday!

Appendix?

the last week.

new phone

*Welcome*

39 Weeks

Welcome