1st trip to UTAH....

Just visiting my wonderful Grandma at the Bountiful rest home.

Grandpa showing Roxy the frogs and lizards

Hanging out with Carlos Hinajosa

Aim dizzle with her cute baby

Roxy took a short nap in Carlos' Chair....she looked so comfortable in it

Roxy and I had lunch at sizzlers with my grams, my aunts and my cousin Natalie

awe they are destined to be best buddies!

The proud grandmas

Grandpa Rose

Roxy bonded the most this trip with grandma rose....She is always singing..I Love to see the Temple to Roxy, it is too cute

Kim's friends who came to support her At the Funeral for her  dad...George Young

Merry with her husband and Courtney Shut greeting Kim just before they head to the burial

With Nick and Megan. My parents came to give Kim a hug as well. When Kim gave my dad a hug we both were in tears, I know my dad has been like a second dad to Kim, it was very touching

Roxy finally got to meet her honorary aunt!

Roxy loved playing with Kim's mission tag. I got to hear her speak Espanol...it was surreal!

The Rose Classic baby picture!

Here is a sneak peak preview of Roxy's pitcher pictures!! Grandpa Rose did them today...I would consider him a pro!! Jake and I bought him professional lighting for his birthday so we could do these cute pictures that Jake and his 7 other siblings have done. We borrowed the pitcher from Gale salmon and Grandma Joy bought the cute feather headband and white sheet for the back drop. Jake and I LOVE them!!

Roxy's 1st HOLIDAY SEASON!!!

The Christmas Tree is up!!! It literally took me 10 minutes to put up. I was gonna have Jake help put it up but it was so simple to do that It really only took one person to do. He commented on how he loves watching me do things like put up our Christmas Tree tho :) One day I would like to go chop down our own REAL Christmas tree. We got this tree at Walmart last year for 20 bucks. I remember I was pregnant with Roxy and I swear I put it up in October lol I know It was super early but I was way excited to put up our 1st Christmas tree in our own little home that Jake and I have been so blessed to be able to live in while Jake goes to school. We really do love it up here in this cute little town. Who knows we might even stay here for good! We will see where Jake's schooling and career takes us but we would be completely content raising our little family here. I just love that we are only a short drive away from both of our families yet we have our own little slow paced life up here. It has been so great

Jake and I are so excited to celebrate Roxy's 1st Holiday season! We are headed down to Utah for Thanksgiving tomorrow. We can't wait! I think we are going to do the whole black Friday shopping so that should be fun! It will be more exciting next year when Roxy will be into Dolls and fun toys next Christmas...maybe even a new puppy!! hee jk Alba dog is good enough for now :)

The Rocking Chair Roxy is sitting in was mine when I was a little girl. My sweet Grandma Stock had bought it for me. I am not sure how old I was but I remember one of the legs came unglued and my wonderful dad fixed it for me. When I was down in Utah I decided to bring it up here for Roxy to sit in. I am sure she will love Rocking all of her little baby dolls in it!

Roxy was fascinated with the sparkling red ornament. She is too cute! The poor little girl has been teething lately. She even had a bit of a fever and has been  pretty fussy during the night. We got her some teething gel that seems to be helping. I did hear that the tablets work even better so maybe we will have to try those. Jake and I just hate to see her miserable. I can't imagine how it feels to have teeth cutting through your gums...ouch!! She has been a little trooper tho.

My 1st birthday as a Momma!!!

Roxy and I came back home from Utah yesterday evening. Roxy slept the whole way! On our way to Utah she slept from Rexburg till we got to Bountiful so pretty much the whole way as well! 

Dad is on his 4 off so instead of staying in Utah we decided to come back up and spend my 23rd birthday with our little family together.

Some Friends from Sage day spa...Mikaela and Jerrika surprised me with a mini birthday cake! I went home and ate it ALL since Jake is still on his NO sugar diet....wow I feel sick now! I ate half of it for my lunch and then after dinner I finished it off....My neighbor Christa LeCheminant also brought us Cinnamon Rolls and I some how managed to down one of them with a tall glass of milk...oh boy... now i feel REALLY sick. I must say they were just about as good as my grandma's home made cinnamon rolls she would always make us usually for the 24th of July while we watch the parade in Salt Lake City. 

My wonderful hubby surprised me with 23 Pink Roses!!! I came home from work and they were sitting there in the kitchen. I guess Jake had ordered them at the Sassy's floral down the street thinking they would only be oh maybe $50  oh was he wrong....they ended up costing a whopping $95 dollars!!!! Jake was in shock and could not believe he was about to pay that much for flowers. We were both in shock about the whole ordeal thinking about all the things we could get for $95 but we realized there is nothing we can do about it but enjoy their beauty and learn from this....I'm sure I won't be getting flowers any time soon that's for sure!!!

My sweet note that came with the 'GOLDEN' flowers

Roxy and I enjoying Momma's flowers

I couldn't ask for a better family. I feel so blessed to have them in my life. They both mean the world to me.

Roxy and Dad decided to serenade for Mom. hee no we were waiting to go out to dinner. Grandma Idaho watched Roxy while Jake and I went to the PINEAPPLE GRILL in Rexburg. We got some sushi and shared chicken and Rice. It was delicious!!! Oh i feel so spoiled! My birthday couldn't have gone better.

I just love pictures with Roxy and her daddy spending precious time together.

FAMILIES ARE FOREVER

I received a call yesterday morning from my best friends moms' phone Diana Young, I saw that I got a voice mail from her so I checked it as soon as I woke up and it was my best friend who is serving a mission in NEW YORK she sounded down and told me to call her back when I got the message. The  first thought that came to my head is maybe she came home early due to an injury of some sort because her return date isn't supposed to be for another 6 months. I called her frantically and she told me the news... her father who has been battling diabetes for the past 27 years has suddenly passed away. I couldn't believe what I had just heard and imagine the pain Kim and her family were feeling. I knew right away that I needed to be there for her and her family. I know that if I were in her shoes she would do the same for me. I was able to get work off and have someone teach the YW's lesson for me and I packed for Roxy and I to head down right away. Thanks to my wonderful husband and his loving support he was more than understanding to let his little family go down to Utah almost 2 weeks earlier than expected. I knew that I had to be there ASAP. Kim had flown in at midnight and called me around 9 am that morning. I am SO grateful that she felt close enough to me that she didn't hesitate to call. I truly feel like I have been apart of their family and she has been the same with mine. We have been really close friends for 10 years now...We met in Jr. High gym class and immediately realized our friendship was special and that it would last forever. We went our separate ways as far as going to different high schools and college yet we have still been able to remain super close.
Roxy and I were able to make it down by 5pm last night. My stomach was in knots thinking about seeing Kim and knowing how I could possibly comfort her during this hard time. I was also feeling super excited to see her since it has been a year and for her to see my 6 month old daughter... Kim is her honorary aunt after all! :) I get to her house and see her sweet mother outside who somehow is able to give a warm smile and loving embrace like she always has done every time I see her. I then walk into her house and see all of her family that I absolutely love and then I see Kim and we come running towards each other. I gave her a big hug and told her how deeply sorry I was and how much I love her. She was so excited to see little Roxy. We sat and talked with the family for a few hours. The whole time Kim would say how her father was in a better place now and is with her brother they lost as a still born and also her parents. We expressed how grateful we both are for the GOSPEL and to know that families are sealed in heaven ETERNALLY. Kim expressed how much she feared if she went on a mission she might never see her dad again and that she really wanted him to be here when she got married. Her mission president comforted her and let her know that he is in a better place and that he is with her in spirit.  Kim has seemed incredibly strong along with her family. They are all so AMAZING. I honestly couldn't ask for a better friend and family to be apart of. The viewing is on Monday and the funeral will be on Tuesday then Kim will head back on Thursday...my birthday :) which has been a wonderful gift for me to be able to see her even during a difficult time. I am just so glad I can be there for her and hope that she will always know she can count on me to be there for ANYTHING life brings. On the way down to Utah I stopped in Rexburg at the Deseret Book hoping  to find a comforting gift for Kim and after an HOUR of searching for the perfect gift I was able to find a few things that I hope would help her.  I found a willow angel for Kim's mom. It had a tree on it that represents finding comfort and strength through prayer. I also gave Kim a willow angel as well that symbolizes in time of need, I'll always be there for her, I also got her a picture of Christ holding a young women in his arms that talks about how Christ is always there for us and loves us and I got her a book called " eat your peas girlfriend" It's a cute book that talks about friendship and how special she is to me as a friend. I hope that I was able to comfort her in some way. I have been strengthened through this trial and I know that Kim and her family have been as well. Kim is going to go back out in the mission field with her head held up high having more confidence and perseverance to spread the good news of the gospel which is....FAMILIES CAN BE TOGETHER FOREVER....LOVE YOU KIM!!

Picture Perfect :)

As you can see I did a little remodeling to our blog AGAIN. I am sure it won't be the last time I will do some remodeling to it either. It's something I just love doing I guess. Oh and I have to mention what Jake said to me the other day, I NEVER thought he would admit this especially this soon but he said that he is glad that I have taken ALL of the thousands of pictures that I have. He enjoys looking through all of them on our computer while he is at work. I really have a serious obsession with taking tonz of pictures. It's not just something I picked up since becoming a wife and mom either. I have countless scrapbooks just filled with pictures from elementary school up and till now. I even scrap booked my report cards and greeting cards I got throughout the years. I guess it's not such a bad thing tho. The only problem I have had lately is I usually take 30 pictures of Roxy in the same outfit doing the same pose, then I have a hard time deciding what pictures to save and to delete so I end up keeping all of them! It's no bueno. I am glad that Jake appreciates them cuz I know it can be super annoying sometime to always have a camera in your face :) but I know pictures and video of our kids growing up will be one of the biggest treasures we will have down the road. I always loved watching videos of when we were younger with mine and Jake's family. There are so many great experiences we have throughout our lives that we wouldn't remember if we didn't take pictures or video. Also, it doesn't help that I have the cutest little family ever! :)

Curse my SWEET Tooth!

Ah!!! isn't she the cutest little girl ever!? This is her Peacoat I got at Old Navy while we were at the PC outlets

Blue-Eyed Angel

Who knew Relief Society would be super fun!!! It was my first time going in my ward here and I thoroughly enjoyed it and would like to go more often. I have been a Young Woman's leader ever since I graduated from high school so I have gone to mutual activities instead. I have absolutely loved being with the Youth of the church. I feel like it is where I belong for now. I hope to be a good example for the girls in my ward to look to. They are all so great.
I also look forward to being apart of the Relief Society more, I know that I already am it's just not as convenient since I am much more involved with the YW right now.  I know that the Relief Society will be a big part of my life and I am definitely grateful for it and believe it has great purpose in the church. I also look up to all the older ladies who have "been there, done that" as mothers and wives.
 So speaking of my cursed sweet tooth, I went with Wendy and Patty tonight and they showed us how to make cute simple aprons and how to make CANDY!!! The Lady that showed us how to make the candy (not good with names yet) had made tonz of it for us to eat, she made fudge, peanut brittle, hard candy, Carmel corn, chocolates and much more. She is amazing. They also served hot apple cider. We were given a candy recipe book so I will have to try some of the recipes. boy do I feel sick from all the sugar I consumed tho!! blah!!!
I also worked at the spa today and I had a sweet old lady named Jean come in to get her face waxed and an hour facial. She was so complementing the entire time. It made me feel so good. I guess she has had a lot of bad waxing experiences and was really impressed with my waxing and facial skills. She also has really bad arthritis so she really enjoyed the pampering. I just love when I get clients like that, that are just so appreciative, it always makes me realize how much I LOVE  my job. It is such a rewarding job to be able to pamper people all day and get to know others on more of personal level. I love hearing about peoples lives and the different stories and experiences they share with me.
Well it's time to go to bed with the fam bam. Jake is waking up at 5am to go duck hunting...again (he is crazy for waking up that early on his day off) but he loves it!
good night! :)

Roxy's Tongue Discovery!

 

I first realized Roxy curling her tongue just a couple of weeks ago! She loves to curl it up, It's too cute!

p.s. the scratch is self-inflicted. She loves scratching her face... well unintentionally of course. Her Nails grow super insanely fast...I guess that's what happens when ALL you eat/drink is momma's milk! 

Roxy is just playing in her crib. I remember getting this cute Caterpillar from Jen Nielson, a lady in our home ward back in Utah. Also tho super cute Rag quilt that Grandma Joy made for Roxy is in the background. I got the lady bug quilt from Walmart. We ordered it online along with her black sleigh crib about a month before Roxy was due. I love her sleigh crib!

Attempting to be a "Crafty Mom"

Here is Roxy's 1st "decent" hat I made the other day. The other two hats I made didn't turn out so well. The 1st one got shredded up by Alba dog. the other one I ended up making too small for Roxy's head so her stuffed animals can keep warm with it on them :). I started making these hats last December. My little 10 year old Brother in Law Jaxson was making them at his house and I figured if he can make them...I better be able to make them too! It's really simple tho... you just rap yarn around a plastic loom and wallah an hour or so later you have a hat made! it's a great winter hobby. I was able to crochet a couple of blankets with the help of Grandma "Idaho". I have always liked doing crafts but I definitely don't consider myself the most  talented crafter...I'm hoping if I start this young rather than in my Grandma years, I will be pro! My mother in law is amazing at quilting and every other craft there is. I'll have to post a picture of the Rag quilt she did for Roxy...It is beautiful!

Our precious little Doll

Here is Roxy modeling her flower mommy made. They literally take 5 minutes to make. I thought they would work perfectly for Roxy's headbands.

I got Roxy to laugh by making Oinking sounds like a pig! Yes...that is my trick to get her to smile :). It doesn't take much to make such a HAPPY little girl to smile tho!

The other little flowers...I like the way the purple flower on the bottom right corner turned out. I'll need to get more of that same yarn in different colors!

Jake's Favorite....Cheeseburger Soup!!

 yumm......
There is nothing better than a warm bowl of soup on a cold day!
 Jake said he loved this soup on his mission so I decided to make it crock pot style. it's delicious!
 you'll need:
--4 cups chicken broth
--1 T dried onion (or 1/2 of a white onion, diced finely)
--1 lb lean ground beef, browned and drained on the stove top
--1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
--2 potatoes, cut in 1-inch cubes (the photo showed 4, but after cutting 2, I saw it was plenty)
--2 small garlic cloves, minced
--1 cup milk (to add later, soy is fine)
--24 oz Velveeta, cubed (to add later)
--Tabasco sauce, optional
--crumbled bacon, optional

The Directions.

Brown the meat on the stove top with the onion, and drain fat. I have used 1/2 pound instead of a whole pound before, and we didn't miss the extra meat. Set aside to cool a bit.

In a 5-6 quart crock pot, pour in chicken broth. Add garlic, bell pepper, and potatoes (I didn't peel them), and add. Stir in the browned meat and onion.

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until onions are translucent and potatoes are tender. Stir in milk and Velveeta 20-30 minutes before serving. If you'd like the broth thicker, blend a bit with a hand held stick blender.

Garnish with Tabasco sauce and crumbled bacon if desired.

TIS THE SEASON FOR....PUMPKIN!!!

It's been a typical yet great day with my little family so far! Roxy and I slept in till noon once again. I don't know what has been wrong with us lately but we have been sleeping in a lot lately! It is good for us tho apparently our bodies need the extra sleep. Poor Roxy caught the cold. She has had a runny nose and watering eyes since yesterday afternoon. It's always so sad to see her sick. She is still ALWAYS a happy baby tho. Last night she woke up randomly several times and let out a panic cry that made my heart jump out of my chest, as soon as I held her she would fall right back asleep. I think she just would wake up feeling like pooh and then my Soothing mommy powers would comfort her back to sleep.  Jake went duck hunting this morning with his buddy Ryan Nef. Jake shot 3 or 4 ducks. He brought one home to show ALBA dog and she was super curious about it, I don't think she quite knew exactly what to think. Jake decided to cook the breast in our crock pot with some potatoes, so we will see if it tastes any good! I'm not too sure how excited I am to eat some duck for dinner but I think I will at least give it a try :). I know I have had duck before at a chinese restaurant. I've also had chicken heart a couple of times and it doesn't taste too bad. I think it's the fact that Jake killed it that is the most disturbing part of it all but I best get over it quickly since I will have to greet lot's of dead animals over the years with a husband that has picked up a love for hunting.
Some exciting news!!!.....After discovering her hands first....then her little feet.....then her cute little voice....Roxy has discovered her TONGUE! She loves to curl it up and touch the top of her lip. She is the cutest little baby ever!! There hasn't been a day that has gone by that Jake and I haven't felt more blessed in our lives to be PARENTS of this little ANGEL. We feel so blessed to have her in our lives. I honestly couldn't ask for a better life than to be a wife and mother. It has been an absolute joy to be able to bring life into this world with my sweetheart.
I have had absolute PUMPKIN fever this holiday season!! In fact I have pumpkin bread baking in the oven right now!! I have bought can of pumpkin and so far have made bread and smoothies with it. I don't know how to make the smoothie as good as they are at Jamba juice but they arn't bad.

This is my pumpkin bread...it was delicious and YES Jake took one bite of it and I ate the rest! I feel my bootie getting bigger already! lol

I JUST LOVE ANYTHING PUMPKIN! :) Pumpkin butter, ice cream and empanatas with whipped cream are also some of my favorites! let's not forget PUMPKIN PIE!! hee

Roxy's 1st HALLOWEEN!!!

                                                                                                                   Getting ready to go to our ward's Trunk or Treat.

Well ROXY'S 1st Halloween was fun!!!! I'm sure next year will even be funner cuz Roxy will actually know what is going on and be able to stuff her face with that sweet yummy stuff called.... CANDY! It was fun taking lots and lots of pictures of her  tho:). We went to our wards TRUNK OR TREAT on Saturday evening while dad went to work. I just took the jogging stroller over and put a bowl of candy on Roxy's lap. It was fun seeing all the different costumes and handing out candy. I loved showing off my little fairy!!


On Sunday night we put Roxy into her black skeleton PJ'S we got from my Mom :). We didn't know that they could glow in the dark btw!! On Monday morning or should I say afternoon since we managed to sleep in till noon!! We did the norm....ate breakfast, watched some T.V. and went to the gym. The whole day was almost over by time we got done from the gym it was sort of sad but Jake headed out with Alba to go duck hunting. He was planning on going with his buddy from the mission....Ryan Nef but he ended up not being able to make it. Jake shot a few birds but wasn't able to get any ducks. The saddest part is ALBA was completely covered in burrs. When they got home Alba and Jake went straight to the shower, they were covered in bud and left a nice little trail on our freshly mopped kitchen floor and bathroom for mom to clean up. Jake had to cut all the burrs out of her.

Before the  Butcher Job

After the Butcher Job....poor thing!! she looks horrible!! 

Meanwhile, Roxy and I handed out candy to the cute little kids! I put Roxy into her Fairy outfit. I even had to run with her to family dollar cuz we were short on candy. Our street seemed to be pretty busy with trick or treaters.

Jake stopped into town at Cal Ranch and got him some waders for duck hunting. It totally looks like he dressed up for halloween! hee 

While we waited for other trick or treaters to come.... we took pictures!

This Halloween season has been by far the best cuz I got to be a

MOMMY to the sweetest  most precious girl on earth!!

LOVE it!

Daddy's little Angel

For Dinner we ordered mexican food from our favorite restaurant...La Jalicience!