Josh.Heidi.Boston

Christmas 2011

2012-01-22T11:54:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve at Grandma Grahams

Christmas morning at our house. I love the stockings my mom made :)

His own little vaccuum, from Grandma Lisa, so he can help mom out.

Opening Christmas Jammies on Christmas Eve

Boston was loving all his toys, but getting mad, every time we would take it away to open a new one.

One more FotoFly Santa picture

Boston wearing his cars slippers

Opening all the fun toys at Grandma Grahams

Josh getting games for his new XBOX

A very sentimental necklace Aunt Judy gave Jenny. It was a birthstone for Baby Jackson in a necklace passed down from Jenny's mom who has passed away. It means the world to Jenny.

Boston was spoiled!

Josh's dad (Terry), Heidi, Josh, Boston, Jake (Josh's Bro.), Brittni (Josh's Sis)

4 generations of Strickland boys

Boston's first snow day

2012-01-22T11:02:00.000-08:00

Boston's first time playing in the snow, January 22, 2012. He looks kinda like an orphan with nothing matching. It's quite difficult to finding snow clothes for a small 17 month old little boy. His coat is a size 18 month and it just drowns him. I love that he likes his polar bear hat. He didn't so much when we first bought it for him. Boston loves balls and was more interested in the ball then the snow. It was still fun though.

It was just suppose to be a doctor's visit

2012-01-21T18:50:00.000-08:00

It all started out on New Year's Eve. Boston had been having a cough and some congestion, and around 10 PM decided to throw up. Of all people throwing up on New Year's I was not expecting it to be Boston. He was so irritable and would fall asleep for about twenty minutes and then wake up crying. He threw up about 3 or 4 times that night. It just breaks my heart seeing him throw up. His little body is confused what is going on and he looks so helpless. He had a fever for a few hours and then it would break with the fever reducer or with a cold towel on his head. This pattern happened over the next 3 days, but not so severe with the throwing up. He did not want to eat anything and would barely drink water(his favorite) or milk. I was hesitant to take him to the doctor with no fever, I felt they would just say there is nothing they can do and send us home. By Wednesday, mid-day, my mom said he was so lethargic, could barely hold his head up, and hadn't really drank anything all day. He had very minimal wet diapers too. So I finally decided it was time to head over to his pediatricians office.

When we arrived at the doc's office, on January 4th 2011, they checked his ears, oxygen levels, weight, and temperature. To our surprise, they found he had his first ear infection, his weight had dropped back down to 19 pounds (we have worked so hard to increase this), his oxygen levels were super low (83,84) and he had temperature of 101. They had 3 different doctors come in and listen to his lungs and they came to the conclusion that they would like to give him a breathing treatment to see if they could get his oxygen levels up and see if they could break up some of the mucus in his lungs.

That was probably the one of the most traumatizing experience I have entailed so far in mommy hood besides the next event that took place. I had to hold him down trying to keep a mask over his nose and mouth to try to get the albuterol into his body. He was NOT having anything to do with that. They even had a cute Dino mask, but he did not care.

After they tried the breathing treatment they tested his oxygen again, and it had not improved. They relayed the message to us that with his oxygen being low while he was alert and awake, is an indicator it probably dropped super low while he was sleeping and can be very dangerous. The doctors all believed he probably had Pneumonia as well. They tried giving him Oxygen in the office to see if they could bring it up and you would have thought they cut off one of Boston's arms. He was screaming blood murder, ripping off sticky band aids and throwing down the oxygen mask, and nose cannula. After this experience, they sent us up to Riverton Hospital to be admitted. That was a hard thing to deal with. I was NOT expecting that at all from this doctor's visit. Especially, since I was preparing myself for the following week for his clogged tear duct eye surgery he was suppose to have and be put under general anesthesia.

When we arrived at Riverton Hospital, they were all prepared for our arrival. The nurses put an IV in him (I left the room for this one) and again tried to give him oxygen. We again had to hold his arms down and just wait until he calmed down so he wouldn't rip the nose cannula out. He was so exhausted and tired by this point he just let it stay in. The doctor came and checked him out and ordered a chest x-ray to be completed to confirm/deny Pneumonia. The results came back negative. The doctor came to the conclusion that he probably had some viral infection defined as bronchulitis with children under 2. This can be caused from a number of things, typically RSV. Unfortunately, there is no treatment due to it being viral. They did give him some antibiotics through his IV for his ear infection as well as some fluids to get him hydrated again.

We ended up staying for a full 24 hours. The nurses and doctors were great with him, but it was a long stay. By 11 AM the next day Boston was feeling back to his normal self, wanting run around, which was impossible with cords hooked up to him and the wall. It was pretty difficult to keep him in a hospital bed for the next 7 hours. We were released around 6 PM with oxygen orders at night. We had to have a home health care company come out and bring us oxygen and concentrator. This again was a challenging actually keeping it on his little face.

While we were in the hospital we had a dietitian come and meet with us and give us some awesome tips on how we could try to get some weight on his body. He is still about 20 pounds and should be upwards of 24 plus. He is doing sooooooo much better with eating as well as feeling 100% like our cute little dude. It was definitely not the most pleasant experience, but I am grateful we had a great support system and a great team of physicians and nurses helping us out.

We now will have to go back to the hospital for an outpatient surgery on February 29th for his clogged tear duct procedure. The anesthesiologist does not like to put kids under within 6 weeks of an illness. A blog update will be sure to follow on this. We love our little man, and are glad he is a relatively healthy little boy.

Santa Baby

2012-01-07T16:59:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2011-Boston 16 Months
Boston has been saying Ho-ho-ho everytime he sees Santa.

We took Boston to FotoFly to get some non-traditional Santa pictures taken. I LOVED how they turned out. This was his 3rd time this year seeing Santa, and it was the happiest he was. Any guess why? I was dressed up as Santa Claus. They had me get all dressed up in a Santa suit up to the beard, so he wouldn't be afraid of Santa. It's a pretty ingenius idea if you ask me. I seriously am in love with these pictures.

Thanksgiving 2011

2012-01-07T16:47:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving this year was wonderful as always. We went to Josh's Mother-in-laws. I love just hanging out with family, and lounging all day. I was in charge of the veggie tray and made an awesome turkey veggie tray that I found on pinterest.

The highlight of Thanksgiving was probably shopping on black Friday. We went out on Thanksgiving day at 8:30 PM. We started at Wal-Mart looking for an X-box, and TV. After the madness and waiting in line for over 4 hours, we were off with our merchandise and hit up Target, were I got my Dyson vacuum. (which rocks). We also went to about 10 other places. Needless to say, we got some great deals and lots of shopping done. Also, we were pretty entertained by people watching and the drunk guy drinking beer in the Wal-Mart makeup aisle.

I am so thankful for everyone I have in my life.

Baby Jackson's Story update:Salt Lake Tribune

2011-12-27T19:31:00.000-08:00

Would-be Utah dad says misplaced trust cost him his son
Adoption • Law says fraud by mother doesn’t excuse a father’s failure to protect himself.
By Brooke Adams
The Salt Lake TribunePublished: December 27, 2011 11:29AMUpdated: December 27, 2011 03:51PM
Leah Hogsten The Salt Lake Tribune Jake Strickland of South Jordan stands in what was to be his son's nursery, designed by his mother Jennifer Graham. He is waging a legal battle to get custody of his son, born Dec. 29, 2010 and placed for adoption a day later.
As they toured the holiday lights at Temple Square last December, Jake Strickland and Whitney Pettersson looked like just another happy, expectant couple.
Their baby was due in less than two weeks, and although not married or even in a relationship any longer, they’d decided to raise the child together. Or so Strickland thought.
A year later, Strickland is embroiled in a desperate, and so far unsuccessful, legal battle to gain custody of his child, born just a day after that visit to Temple Square and swiftly placed with adoptive parents. Strickland is among dozens of men who’ve waged similar fights in Utah, which arguably has the nation’s strictest laws governing unwed father’s rights.
Among several miscalculations on Strickland’s part, he admits this may have been the biggest one: He trusted Pettersson.
Read other parts of this series:
Dec. 25: Stopping an adoption: In Utah, fathers rarely win • http://bit.ly/uT51Tc
Dec. 26: Utah adoption law: model for nation or unjust burden? • http://bit.ly/vFuYQ8
The two met in 2009 at a South Jordan restaurant where they both worked. Pettersson openly discussed her rocky marriage and then announced she had divorced, said Strickland, 24. They began dating last January. Three months later, Pettersson sent Strickland a text message: “I’m pregnant.”
Pettersson, who also has a daughter, was distraught, Strickland said, but he reassured her they’d figure it out together.
Two weeks later, Strickland left for a temporary job in Texas, where he hoped to make enough money to pay off debt and build up a baby fund. During the months he was away, Pettersson twice tried to end the relationship, expressing doubt he’d stick around. Strickland says he constantly reassured her of his intention to be a dad. Meanwhile, she built ties with his family, attending a baby shower and a birthday party.
But the pair’s relationship had run its course by August, when Strickland returned to Utah. Even so, the two continued to meet for lunch several times a week. It was at one of those meetings that Strickland pressed Pettersson about where she stood on adoption and mentioned he might sign with Utah’s putative father registry.
Pettersson became furious and threatened to not let him see his baby, he said, and “told me straight up I didn’t need to and it would be a waste of money, and I stupidly believed her.”
Strickland was reluctant to spend nearly $3,500 to hire an attorney to handle filings when there was a baby on the way. So he did nothing legally to protect his parental rights.
Attorney David J. Hardy, who represents Pettersson, declined a request seeking comment for this story. But in remarks not specifically about the Strickland case, attorney David M. McConkie explained Utah’s law puts the onus on fathers to protect their own rights. In fact, Utah law says fraud on the mother’s part does not excuse a father’s failure to protect himself, said McConkie, who helped draft the law.
“Don’t expect the mother to be the one that’s looking after your interests, to protect your interests, because you’ve got to know that mother may not have the same interests that you do,” said McConkie, who formerly worked with Hardy but now is a manager at LDS Family Services. “You don’t have a legal relationship here. You proceed at your risk.”
As summer wore on, Strickland said he bought groceries and gave cash to Pettersson, who wasn’t working. He accompanied Pettersson to doctor’s visits, although he nearly always stayed in the waiting room with her daughter. The one exception: August 30, the day an ultrasound revealed the baby’s gender: It was a boy.
Strickland felt reassured adoption was out as their discussions turned to baby names and how they’d share parenting.
In October, he gave Pettersson a cashier’s check for nearly $1,000 to cover medical bills. But Strickland said Pettersson put him off when he attempted to accompany her to the last round of doctor visits, claiming she’d already gone or an appointment had been canceled.
In mid-December, Strickland and Pettersson attended a family Christmas party together, then a baby shower Strickland’s older brother hosted for him. A photo taken afterward shows Strickland and Pettersson cuddling on a couch. They went to a movie on Dec. 27. On Dec. 28, after touring Temple Square, Strickland took Pettersson to meet his grandmother and some cousins. Early the next afternoon, Dec. 29, the two exchanged text messages and Strickland asked how Pettersson was feeling.
“Good,” she texted back, using a smiley face emoticon for emphasis. And then she wrote that having sex might help make the baby come sooner.
“LOL, well, that was blunt,” Strickland wrote back.
“Yeah, well, I kept dropping hints every time we hang out, but you are so dumb to them so I thought I would just say it,” she responded, using a smiley face again.
“No I heard you, but I don’t think that would turn out well in the end,” Strickland wrote, apologizing.
His next text message was sent at 2:18 p.m. that afternoon.
“What are you up to?” he asked.
Pettersson didn’t respond. Hours later, she gave birth.
She signed relinquishment papers at 9:45 p.m. on Dec. 30, according to a court filing. Pettersson listed the time of the baby’s birth as 9:18 p.m. on Dec. 29; she’d gone over Utah’s 24-hour waiting period by 27 minutes.
In the same document, Pettersson affirmed the child was born within a marriage. Contrary to what Strickland said she’d told him, Pettersson and her husband had separated but never divorced. And under Utah law, a married woman’s husband is presumed to be the father of her child, regardless of whether that’s factual.
“What the law does is it recognizes marriage as a sacred institution, and the law says if a child is born within a marriage, we don’t care who the father of the child is biologically because we are not going to take a child that was born in a marriage and make the child illegitimate except under extreme circumstances,” McConkie said.
When a married woman pursues adoption, her husband must sign relinquishment papers, too, though he can check an option denying paternity. That’s what Kyle Rathjen, Pettersson’s then-estranged husband, chose to do.
“I asked what would happen if I didn’t sign and the caseworker said I’d be responsible for the child, for Whitney’s medical bills,” Rathjen said. When he objected to the way Strickland was being misled, a caseworker told him to “stay out of it,” said Rathjen, now divorced from Pettersson. “I wasn’t supposed to tell him anything.”
But Rathjen’s conscience bothered him and he sent Strickland copies of the signed papers. Pettersson claimed they’d been forged and, once again, Strickland believed her.
In the days after the baby’s birth, the charade was still on. In text messages Strickland sent to Pettersson between Dec. 30 and Jan. 5, 2011, he continued to ask how she was feeling and about her doctor’s visits. He got the same response each time.
“Good no change,” she wrote on Jan. 3.
“Good still all set for the 12th at 7:30 a.m. right? I can’t wait any more!” replied Strickland, who’d been told the baby would be delivered by C-section on that day.
“Yep,” Pettersson replied.
Finally, on the evening of Jan. 5, Pettersson sent Strickland a text saying she needed to talk to him.
Strickland said Pettersson began that phone call by saying she had some news and he wasn’t going to like it. She informed Strickland she’d given birth on Dec. 29 and placed the baby with an adoptive couple a day later. Strickland said he was so shocked he sank to the floor.
The next day, Strickland initiated a paternity claim.
During a hearing in May, Cory Wall, Strickland’s attorney, laid out Pettersson’s numerous deceptions. Hardy argued Strickland failed to protect his rights under Utah law and, because the child was born to a married mother, lacked standing to bring a paternity action. He also disputed Strickland’s assertion that Pettersson assured him they would parent together.
“Such assertions, however, have no bearing on this matter,” Hardy wrote. “Based on the cited statute, petitioner is presumed to know that Ms. Pettersson might place the child for adoption despite earlier intentions to the contrary.”
But 3rd District Judge Terry Christiansen refused to dismiss Strickland’s petition, calling the situation a “very troubling case.”
“Assuming the text messages are accurate, there is a deliberate attempt by Ms. Pettersson to deceive Mr. Strickland as it relates to the birth of this child,” the judge said. “There were obvious fraud and misrepresentations occurring.”
But, after noting Utah’s strict requirements, the judge said, “No matter what I do, I’m either sanctioning a fraud toward Mr. Strickland or I’m depriving adoptive parents of a child I’m sure they’ve grown to love and appreciate.”
Because the adoptive parents had initiated an adoption proceeding in 2nd District Court, Christiansen asked attorneys — in May and again at a later hearing — to consolidate the cases and figure out which judge should hear them. He put the paternity action on hold.
But nothing happened, and Strickland said he’s unsure why. Strickland admitted in early November he was wearing down. His life was on hold “until I know if I’m going to get my son back,” he said. “I know my chances of winning are slim to none, if they exist at all. They are getting what they want, running me out of money, emotionally.”
On Thanksgiving Day, Strickland and his family learned the adoption had been completed, leaving them bewildered, devastated and contemplating their next move.
“These are small children who are going to grow up to be adults and ask, ‘Why wasn’t I kept with my dad who loved me?’” said Jenny Graham, Strickland’s mother. “Jake is the one who has to look at him in 18 years and say, ‘I wanted you more than anything.’ We’re taking from and destroying one family to create another.”
brooke@sltrib.com
—
Editor’s note
This is the third of four stories examining adoption in the context of unmarried fathers’ rights under Utah law.
—
Taking it public
Each of these fathers has created websites to publicize their cases and raise awareness about Utah’s putative father laws, which you can find here:
Jake Strickland • www.getbabyjackback.com
Cody O’Dea • www.babyselling.com
Robert Manzanares • www.illegaladoption.com
© 2011 The Salt Lake Tribune
Would-be Utah dad says misplaced trust cost him his son
By Brooke Adams
The Salt Lake Tribune

Going Private

2011-12-17T20:59:00.001-08:00

The time has come that, I too, feel the need to make our blog private. If you would like to keep reading, please send me your email addresses. I will be making the switch by January 2012. Thanks!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Sixteen

2011-12-14T11:28:00.000-08:00

Boston is growing up so fast. He is at such fun and perfect stage. He has the cutest personality and really likes to push my buttons.

He is not gaining weight. 15 month check up 20.2 pounds (not even on the chart)

He is 31 inches long. 50%

He can say tons of words... hi, bye, mama, dada, good girl (a.k.a paisley), thank you, ew, ow, Uh oh ( one of his favorite words), car (another favorite), eye, nose and can point to where they are on his body, touchdown (daddy is proud of this one), cookie, milk, shoe, chug (chuggington)

He loves to wave to people!

He is a MONKEY. He likes to climb on anything and everything. His favorites lately are climbing on the toilet, climbing into the bathtub, standing on his riding toys (we think he may be a stunt man, when he grows up), and the coffee table.

He points and says no no, to mimic us when we tell him no.

He loves to mimic what we do. He is so smart and knows what you are suppose to do with a brush, make up brush, q-tip, curling iron, phone, remote, etc. It's hilarious.

Loves his blankets, but hates to be under the covers.

Loves all cars! He says car all day long. Santa brought lots of cars and trucks for Christmas.

He has 12 teeth, and looks kinda like a hilly billy when he smiles with big gaps from his front teeth to his back molars.

He is such a cuddle bug. He loves to snuggle especially when he gets sleepy.

He is struggling with sleeping in. He only sleeps until 4:30 or 5:00 every morning! That is a bad habit we are trying to break (any and all suggestions welcome)

He loves all balls, footballs, soccer balls, basketballs. This year with the tree up he thought the ornaments were big balls. We had to block him from being able to touch the tree.

He has a cars tree up in his bedroom.

He is somewhat of a picky eater. He likes a lot of foods especially bananas, apples, chicken, broccoli, animal crackers, eggs, cereal, etc, but he doesn't have the attention span to want to seat and eat. Thus, I think is relating to his weight gain problems.

Loves Loves Loves water and ice cubes. He will come from any room in the house if hears the ice machine or water from the refrigator.

Loves to watch Chuggington, Seasame Street and Mickey Mouse club.

Loves to dance. Any music that comes on he stops what he is doing and starts groovin'.

Loves wearing shoes.

Has been in a tantrum throwing mood if he doesn't get his way.

Likes to put lids on things or put things back together. i.e water bottle lid.

I Love My LITTLE man. I am so excited for Christmas and can't wait to see his face light up :)

Chicago-go-go

2011-11-03T19:04:00.000-07:00

The last week in October, I had the opportunity to head to Chicago for work. We attended a Corporate Wellness conference. It was a great networking opportunity as well as a great conference. We heard speeches from many companies that are offering corporate wellness programs, as well as great speakers who have done very well in the entrepreneur world. I have learned so much this past year being in management and continue to learn daily how to run a business, be a great leader as well as be a great employee. We got to hear from Bill Rancic (GREAT SPEAKER), GOOGLE, Proctor and Gamble, the winner from the biggest loser season 2, Dr. Rey 90210(more to come about this man), Hewlett Packard and so many more. It's exciting to see what other companies are doing for their wellness program, and to see we are actually keeping up with these big wig wellness programs. I work in the wellness industry and provide coaching to more than 250 clients per month. I have changed HUNDREDS of lives by helping them alter their lifestyle habits. It's the best feeling in the world seeing someone so happy that they have been able to change a significant thing in their life.

This is Jenny, my boss(who I love) and I on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, a.k.a the Sears Tower. It is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. It was pretty crazy to see how big of a city Chicago is and to step out into this glass box that over looks roads, buildings and people.

We went to the Weber Grill restaurant the first night we got to Chicago. Yummy, salmon! A man's dream to have a grill that big.

Uno's first restaurant, known for their Chicago Deep Dish Pizza. It was so cute!

So funny story! Jenny and I had scheduled a shuttle service to and from the airport through a service that partnered with our conference. For our "shuttle" ride back to the airport, they pick us up in a white stretch limo. It was pretty hilarious! We could not stop laughing. It was just the two of us in this huge ol' limo to the airport. It was a pretty fun ride though. We had the most random experiences that happened on this trip!

So at this conference, whoever marketed the conference was super smart in having the conference have 4 different names. The pro of this was targeting different populations in the health and wellness field, which it most definitely did. Medical Tourism was one division of the conference. Well, apparently Dr. Rey 90210, shown above is heavily involved in medical tourism. Jenny and I had ZERO idea who this guy was until he kept talking about himself and how famous he was and we finally googled him. He was a hilarious, blunt, straightforward, colorful character. He was super intriguing yet so disrespectful. Come to find out he is actually LDS. He has some associations to Utah and was in LOVE with Jenny and I when he found out we were from Utah. He seriously would chase us down every time he saw us roaming around the conference. It was the highlight and joke of our whole trip! Thanks Dr.Rey for making us have a great laugh!

The city was so different and awesome from Salt Lake. There were so many high rises, lights, action, entertainment and people going on all the time. I loved and wouldn't mind taking another trip back there.

Next year's conference is already set for South Florida, and we CAN NOT WAIT!

100 Miles

2011-11-03T18:59:00.000-07:00

I saw a post on Facebook about someone wanting to run a 100 miles in the month of October. She challenged others to do it and it was the perfect opportunity for me to get my butt back in gear. The last two weeks of September I really slacked on exercising and really needed some BIG motivation. I am so excited to say I accomplished my goal of 100 miles. October was not an easy month to choose to exercise 5-6 times a week, but it really proved to me that if I really have the drive and passion I can accomplish my goals. I had a business trip to Chicago(more to come on that) that was 4 days long, the last week of the month. In order to meet my mileage, I had to run 2 days 5 miles each. That was a challenge, but I succeed. I work with individuals every single day in setting goals and coaching them to strive to change their lifestyle and sometimes I forget to set my own personal goals. This was a great goal to work towards and I can't wait for my next challenge!

Happy Halloweeeeen!

2011-11-03T18:25:00.000-07:00

Boston LOVED his first Halloween trick or treating. He Loves to be outside so he was in heaven when he could roam around for a good 30 minutes. I was a bit worried, he wasn't going to be happy about keeping his costume on, but he didn't even notice once I told him we were going outside. I love the stage he is at right now, and love how excited he gets for the little things. I am so excited for the other holidays to spend with Boston and our family.

FALL

2011-11-02T07:06:00.000-07:00

I went and took some pictures of Boston at Thanksgiving Point. We accidentally "trespassed" and the security guard started driving towards. Hey, the things you will do for a cute picture with a "good girl," as Boston would call the horse. I just love FALL.

Pumpkin Carving

2011-10-22T19:39:00.000-07:00

My little family [LOVE]

We attended Jenny's annual pumpkin party. Every year we get together and have fun fall food, and carve pumpkins. This year Boston was old enough to get excited about the festivities. We didnt' let him carve his pumpkin, but we had this awesome push pin pumpkin decorating kit. He made a cute little tigger, which he loved. He tried to throw the pumpkin down on the ground like it was one of his footballs, so that wasn't too wise.

Josh is the only one that carved a pumpkin and he of course carved a UTES into the pumpkin. He is a little bit obsessed. It's been a tough year to be a utes fan for the football squad.

I love this time of year. I can't wait to take Boston trick or treating this year. We have been practicing opening his bag and saying trick-or-treat. We are still debating if we will be a dinosaur or a monster.

Congratulations

2011-10-22T19:29:00.000-07:00

We have had some exciting news with many of our good friends over the past few weeks.

My bestie Tara and Flip got engaged on her birthday September 22. They are gettting married next Summer.

Another bestie, Bobbi had her little girl Gracie on October 2nd.

Corey and Dayna, had their little girl 2 1/2 weeks early. Little Audrey.

Congratulations on these exciting life changing moments. We know you will enjoy them just as much we do.

L.O.V.E

2011-10-16T13:37:00.000-07:00

I just LOVE him!

Hurricane Boston

2011-09-28T11:42:00.000-07:00

Boston is 13 months old.

He makes HUGE messes every day.

His favorite thing to do every morning is take EVERYTHING out of the bathroom drawers and throw it on the floor.

He likes to pull every book off of the shelf.

He is a blanket baby. He will roll around on the ground with his blanket.

He throws lots of fits and when he doesn't get his way, he will get in the ostrich stance. (i.e. head on the ground with feet wider than his hips)

He is a little tyke.

Stats from 1 year check up

Weight 19.6 Pounds (5th percentile)

Height 29 3/4 inches (5th percentile)

Head (10th percentile)

I don't know where he gets his petiteness from.

Loves to give kisses now. He says MUAH as he kisses you.

He can say "hi", "good girl"(to the dog), "mama", "dada," "cookie", "thank you", "muah", "ew", "bye"

He LOVES being outside and going outside. About 15 times a day he will grab your hand and walk towards the front door to go out.

He likes to make a bee line for the bathroom to go grab the dog food and splash in the water when he sees the door is open.

He loves his little four wheeler he got for his birthday.

His favorite toy is a CAT tractor that rumbles and makes noise.

His tricks are: high five, down low, shake, clap, blow kisses, wave bye, give kisses, shakes his head no, points the remote at the tv, picks up the phone and has a "conversation", uses any brush to try to comb his hair, points at everything.

Mimics everything we do.
Loves to push the barstools around the kitchen.
He loves animal crackers, hotdogs, mac and cheese, carrots, strawberries, yogurt, oatmeal, cereal, puffs, and anything we are eating.
He wears size 3 diapers.
He wears 6-12 month clothes still.
Boston wakes up at 5:45 to 6:30 AM every morning and goes to bed at 8:30 PM.

The daily messes at our house. Dvd's and books pulled off all the shelves.

Daily bathroom look. All of the stuff taken out of all of the drawers.

He loves pushing around anything!!

My silly monkey!

He loves walking Paisley!! Paisley doesn't love it as much!

Go Utes!

2011-09-07T14:49:00.000-07:00

Josh and I got to go to the first PAC 12 Utah game against Montana State. His Aunt Judy really loves him and gave him tickets to this game and the UCLA game in November. Josh is an avid Utah fan and this made his whole year. We are super excited to see what Utah can do in this division.

GO UTES!

Brighton Lakes

2011-09-07T14:38:00.000-07:00

This Summer my mom and I have been hiking every weekend. We have explored many different canyons and trails in beautiful Utah. I have never really hiked the great outdoors, and boy was I missing out. Last Sunday, we went up to Brighton ski resort and hiked the mountain to what is known as the Brighton Lakes.

The first Lake we came to was Lake Mary. It was definitely worth the hike up the rugged terrain. It was gorgeous! It was so picteresque really. My mom and I were talking and wondering who gets to name lakes? We would have named this glass lake if we got the chance, because there was not a ripple or wave to be found. The next Lake we came upon is Lake Martha, and finally Lake Catherine.

Here is a clasic picture of us hiking. We are nice and sweaty!

We saw some cool wildlife and flowers on this hike. We saw mule deer, a moose and many squirrel looking things. They were in love with us because we kept giving them a granola bar and they were fighting over it. It was a little scary at times how close they got. I wasn't sure if they were going to attack to try and get food.

If you have explored Utah, I highly recommend it. It's B.E.A.U.tiful!

Boston's Circus Party

2011-09-07T14:26:00.000-07:00

Boston had a massive Circus party on August 13th, even though his birthday was on the 19th(josh had to go deer hunting). I spent months dreaming and planning his birthday as you can see from every little detail. Josh thought I was a little bit extreme to have this huge party, but I wanted to celebrate with all our friends and family this wonderful year we have had with our little man. It was such a bittersweet day having him turn {one} He is such a ball of fun, and has the cutest personality, but it does make me miss the sweet little cuddly newborn, he was just a short year ago.

A big thanks to everyone that helped make this circus a true success!

Details

Thanks Bobbi Hadfield for all the great pictures!

Guests

Eating birthday cake

Thanks to Lacy Broberg-Zimmerman for the awesome cake!

Happy 3 Years

2011-09-07T12:56:00.000-07:00

{8.8.11} Josh and I celebrated our

3 year wedding anniversary.

This year has flown by and life has been crazy busy. For our anniversary, Josh and I celebrated, by having lunch together at WENDY's. It definitely wasn't the most romantic date, but we made up for it a different day, by going out for dinner and a movie.

It sure is true how things get a bit more challenging and not so important once a baby comes into your life, but we don't need a date to celebrate being in love because we get to do that daily.

I am so grateful to have such a wonderful man in my life. He truly treats me like a princess and makes so me so {happy}. I didn't always have the best taste in guys and I never really got treated the way I should of until I met Josh. He truly is a GENTLEMAN. I am so happy Boston and I have him in our life. Here is to another 3 years babe!

Seattle

2011-09-07T12:44:00.000-07:00

Aunt Kiki

yummy, colorful fruit

The sailboats were a lot bigger than I pictured

Crazy entertainer

Goregeous flowers at Pike's Market

The first of August I had the opportunity to go up to Seattle for work for a couple of days. I have only been there one other time when I was boarding a cruise ship when I was about 13 or 14, and I was in love. It is so so beautiful up there and is so quaint. I loved seeing all the sailboats on the water, it almosted tempted me to move up there, but then I remembered all of my Aunt Kristi's posts talking about how crappy the weather had been this year. I had the chance to go see my Aunt who lives in Arlington, which is about 40 miles north of Seattle. She lives on a 5 acres of lush greeness as well as a farm. It was fun to catch up if it was only for a few hours. I definitely will be making a trip back up there.

Summer 2011

2011-07-25T17:10:00.000-07:00

Summer has been a crazy time, but it's been awesome! We have

Attended two beautiful weddings

two bachlorette parties

gone swimming

wakeboarding

hiked to Timpanagos Cave/Bell's Canyon

ran the dirty dash obstacle course 4 mile run

gone to days of 47 rodeo

West Jordan 4th of July Parade

gone to fireworks

dressed like white trash

had BBQ's

Boston:

WALKS!!!! ALL OVER THE PLACE

Jabbers all the time

loves to go for the dog dish and sometimes he is quick enough to shove a handful of food in his mouth

signs milk

says mama, dadda, ew, ow, dog, vroom- vroom

puts the phone up to his ear and has a conversation with himsel

points the t.v remote at the t.v (I guess that is a sign we watch too much tv)

pulls out the air vents

pushes the laundry basket around all over the house

loves to take anything out of drawers, bags, etc

loves to unplug any and all cords

trys to be he-man and knocks over our night stands

gets mad when we shut doors to places he wants to get too i.e. bathroom, pantry

throws fits if he doesn't get what he wants and lays sprawled out on the floor

has 8 teeth

weighs about 21 pounds

likes to spit his food out

can give you knuckles, high five, rolls it, claps

Daddy's Day

2011-06-19T13:29:00.001-07:00

Happy Father's Day to the best dad in the world. Boston and I are so blessed to have Josh in our lives. He is a wonderful father and such a great role model to Boston. I am so happy he wants to be in Boston's life and wants to show him how to fish, take him hunting and show him how to ride a four wheeler.

Growing up I didn't have my dad in my life and now I know he is the one who is greatly missing out. Boston is blessed to have so many great men in his life that are great role models.

To all the AMAZING FATHER's out there in our lives, this is your day and you deserve it!

Ten Months

2011-06-19T12:55:00.000-07:00

Boston is growing up way too quick. He is already 10 months old today! Everyday his personality is evolving and becoming such a little character.

Here are some of Boston's Tricks:

Gets in to everything

Claps his hands

Shakes his head no

Rolls his arms in patty cake

Says Mama, and partially says dadda

Says Vroom when he is playing with his trucks

Has started to bite (little stink)

Doesn't like to hold his own bottle: He is lazy when it comes to that

Loves most all foods, pulls funny faces when he eats something citrus

Has been gnawing on his crib

Loves his head to be tickled when he is going to sleep

Loves to be sung too

His favorite thing to do currently is pull everything out of the shelves, drawers, bookcases, laundry baskets, and his diaper bag

Loves going for cords plugged into the wall

Goes straight for the dogfood and water when the bathroom door is open

Loves to play tug-a-war with Paisley and her stuffed animal

Is almost walking, he will walk along furniture and holding on to one hand

Loves his blankies, when he gets tired he will grab his blanket and roll around on the ground with it. When he is really sleepy he will hmm his self to sleep

Sleeps from 8:30 PM to 5:30 or 6:00 AM-Total early bird

Had his 3rd haircut

Loves all technology, he is always wanting my phone or computer

Loves Balloons

Loves the water and the pool

Loves to be outside

Weighs 19.2 pounds- he is only in the 10% for weight, but 75% for height. Not sure where he got the petite thing from?

What we have been up to....

2011-06-11T08:41:00.000-07:00

:::Twenty Six:::

2011-05-25T09:56:00.000-07:00

Josh is 26 today! Here are 26 reasons why i love him:

1. is an amazing husband
2. is an awesome father, he is so great with Boston.
3. is a hardworker
4. gives me the sweetest compliments always at unexpected times
5. buys me flowers for no reason
6. cleans and cooks when I need him too
7. watches my girly shows with me when he doesn't want to (secretly I think he enjoys them)
8. is so passionate about hunting and fishing
9. loves to be outside working in the yard
10. will always rub my back even if I ask daily
11. always gives me a kiss before he leaves work, first thing when he walks in the door and right before bed
12. loves to play with Boston
13. doesn't care if he burps, farts or makes other gross smells around me
14. will wear anything I buy him, even if he swears he will never wear, I somehow convince him too eventually
15. will support me in my races
16. is a great friend no matter what
17. is always willing to help move anyone, no matter how many times in a year (right tara?)
18. is an avid Utah Football fan and is always trying to fenagle his way into getting season tickets
19. loves to sing
20. let's me have crazy shopping sprees every once in a while
21. deals with my crazy shoe addiction
22. pretends to hate Paisley, but secretly loves her
23. makes me laugh
24. is a great role model for Boston
25. is a mama's boy
26. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABE! I LOVE YOU ALWAYS AND FOREVER!

8 Months

2011-05-08T13:33:00.000-07:00

Boston is now 8.5 months old and is changing daily. He is a little active ball of energy.

He started crawling on April 5th and has been on the go non-stop ever since. He loves crawling and getting into everything especially the things we tell him no too. His favorite thing to go after is his baby swing, he doesn't even use anymore and tries to stand up with it.

He can clap, shake his head no, wave and point. He loves to point at the different pictures in his books.

Boston jabbers all the time and loves to scream at the top of his lungs like a little girl.

He typically sleeps through the night. He goes to bed around 8:30 PM and has decided it's time to play at 5:30 in the morning. He LOVES the morning time and is so happy in the morning. He usually is standing up in his crib when I and get him in the morning.

Boston loves to feel like he is a big boy and likes to drink out of the big glass, and eat big people food.

He is wearing size 3 diapers and 9-12 months clothes. He is growing like a weed and his clothes seem to only fit once and then we have to put them away. He has 6 teeth, two upper front teeth, 2 canine teeth and the two middle lower teeth.

I am so excited for the summer and playing in the pool. Boston loves the water and loves to splash around.

I am sure by my next post, Boston will be walking. He loves to walk underneath his high chair and push it around the kitchen. Baby proofing here we come!

The above photos were taken at FOTOFLY in Draper. I highly recommend them if you are wanting pics of your kiddos. They are awesome, have cool backgrounds and are very affordable!

Can you find Boston?

2011-04-03T09:29:00.000-07:00

Boston has a ton of bears, thanks to Papa Graham. Everytime he goes on a road trip, he picks him up some kind of stuffed animal, usually a bear. These pictures crack me up!

Boston now has 3 teeth, two on the bottom and one on the top. It's not the front tooth on the top, though it's the one to the right, he is gonna look like a hilly billy.

We love our little snuggle bear!

VOTE FOR ME!!!

2011-03-24T17:04:00.000-07:00

Boston is on 97.1 ZHT Baby Idol Contest. Voting begins tomorrow March 25th at 7:00 AM. Please vote, vote, vote, vote for my sweet little boy. We can win a backyard play set and a trip to Seaworld!!!

Thanks so much!!!
Vote Here..... He is #254 and #448. They posted his picture twice :)

www.971zht.com/pages/babyidol11/

Going Banana's

2011-03-24T09:49:00.000-07:00

Boston decided it would be fun to eat my banana instead of his baby food.

He LOVED it! He loves to eat everything we are eating and not only that, but he wants to hold it himself.

He is such a funny little dude, I love him.

Boston's 2nd Haircut

2011-03-24T09:38:00.000-07:00

Boston had another haircut. We hate to cut his hair, because it's one of the first things people comment on, but it was getting to the point of not being able to style at ALL.

He has a pretty sweet bald spot on the right side of his head from laying on his back, but he has GREAT hair. He will probably be a little blondie after the next hair cut.

We LOVE it. He even has his own pomade. It's made just for kids!

seven

2011-03-19T20:56:00.000-07:00

Boston...

loves baby Einstein, his puppy that talks, and his ball
loves to grab anything and everything that is in front of him
loves technology... he is obsessed with phones, remotes, etc.
is a momma's boy
likes to eat all fruits, some vegetables, sweet potatoes are good, the green ones we are still working on
is almost crawling.. he is at the hop, scooting stage
sleeps most nights from 8:30 PM to 6:30 AM
loves to giggle and laugh
loves peek-a-boo
likes to scoot under the table and make noise
puts EVERYTHING in his mouth
loves to jabber... we think he has said mama and dada
wears 6-12 months clothes dependent on the brand
loves the water!
always wants to drink out of the big people cups
wants to eat anything and everything we are eating
loves to arch his back and look upside down
is recognizing who everyone is
has 2 teeth on the bottom, 1 more on the top almost poking through
has had 2 haircuts
makes indian like noises when you put your hand over his mouth or bounce him on your knee
loves Paisley

Baby Idol contest

2011-03-19T20:29:00.000-07:00

Look for me on the baby idol contest with 97.1 zht.

I need all the votes I can get :)

Please vote for me! Voting begins March 25th!!!

Living planet aquarium

2011-02-14T20:24:00.000-08:00

Fun Sunday afternoon at the aquarium. It was a fun educational day. Boston was loving looking at all of the fish, snakes, penguins and fun things! Did you know that sharks lose 20,000 teeth over their lifetime? Pretty awesome!

Super funny hahaha

Boston watching the cute penguins

6 month check up

2011-02-14T20:09:00.000-08:00

Boston had his 6 month check up a couple days early, but he had a fun time at the doctor's office with the paper on the table. He didn't love it too much when the doctor came in.

Boston is...

26.5 inches(aproximately he wouldn't hold still enough to measure him) 25-50%
16 pounds 8 ounces 25%
and his head was 42.4cm 10%

Poor little man had to get 3 shots, get the earwax buildup scraped out of his ears and had his circumsion cut again because it wasn't healing properly. Definitely not the best trip to the doctor we have had :(

Boston a.k.a chunky monkey, bubba, b, boo, bugga boo loves...

baby einstein- my lifesaver in the morning

baby food mainly cereal, and fruits, the whole vegetable thing is still kinda funky

to put the blanket over his head to fall asleep

his singing musical night light

putting his binky in out of his mouth

reading books

tigger

paisley

playing with blocks

jabbering

bathtime

grandma's and grandpa's

smiling and laughing

ripping things up

putting everything in his mouth

Boston's body art

2011-02-09T19:11:00.000-08:00

Boston got his first tat today! I bought Toy Story Valentines to send out with his pictures and they included tattoos, so his crazy mom experimented. He got REX on his arm!!! Don't worry it's not permanent, but I think its pretty freakin' awesome.

Boston's Valentine Pictures. They are adorable, but this is a picture of a picture not so good looking. This is for you spokey!

Pretty awesome tattoo! You can also see his cute little birthmark on his forearm. This birthmark didn't show up until he was one month old. Pretty crazy! I love my stud muffin!

As of late...

2011-02-09T18:46:00.000-08:00

Jake holding Boston, and Easton giving Boston lots of loves. It was adorable although, he didn't really know his strength and kept smothering him.

Boston loves putting everything in his mouth! Clothes are no exception.

Boston is loving exploring his new toys. First thing he does is shove them in his mouth, and then bangs on them :)

Boston still loves bathtime. I am so excited to go swimming with him this summer. He is going to have a blast. What have you moms thought about the baby swimming?

His daddy so in love with him. We are so blessed to have him in our lives.

Paisley can't stand when the baby is center of attention. She either trys to steal his attention or hang around to see if any food is dropped.

The things my boys do when I am gone....

Boston got this big bear from his grandpa for Christmas. Grandpa Brent goes on road trips every few weeks and always gets him a stuffed animal. We now call him "papa bear."

Boston's future best bud Easton

Dayna.Tiff.Me and Tami at the Poker tournament

Brothers

Josh being a goofball

Do you see where Boston gets his gorgeous blue eyes?

Paisley trying to have Boston play with her toys. Boston absolutely loves Paisley. He giggles and laughs any time Paisley is near him. Paisley is so gentle with him and loves to give him kisses on cue.

Boston looks sooo much like his dad, although he does look like his mom too. He is about ready for another haircut. When we do get it cut, he will be a blonde little boy.

My little bundle of yumminess

2011-01-13T21:00:00.000-08:00

Boston is now 5 months old! I am in awe... I keep blinking and time if flying right by. I have taken on a new managament position at work and don't have a lot of time to update this anymore, but here are few pictures of our happy little boy.

Boston is now:

Rolling over every time we lay you on the floor
you love your feet- they go right in your mouth once we are changing you/dressing you or even in the tub
have been teething
had your first real cold-not fun
eating cereal
have now tried eating bananas
wearing 6-9 months clothes
sleeping through the night :)
loving baby einstein, your jumper, books, any toy that makes noise and lights up
so happy and energetic
trying to scoot and crawl
loving to stand up
grabbing anything and everything and shoving it in your mouth, especially my hair or necklaces

I just love love love being a mommy!

New Blog

2011-01-13T20:52:00.000-08:00

Please go to http://getbabyjackback.blogspot.com to get all of the latest information on getting baby jackson back :)

Please Read : Baby Jack

2011-01-09T11:12:00.000-08:00

Over the past few days, we have received some heart breaking news. My brother-in-law, Jake was expecting his first child with his ex-girlfriend. She was scheduled for a c-section on the 12th of January. He received a phone call on the 5th of January from Whitney. She told him that she had the baby on the 29th of December and had given him up for adoption, WITHOUT his consent. She put on the adoption papers, she didn't know who the father was, but in reality actually did. She was with Jake the night before and had been in communication with him the entire time. She led him to believe that they were raising this baby together, with joint custody.

Now, we have a heartbreaking situation for two families. Jake is devastated that he doesn't have his son, who is now a week and half old, to hold in his arms. Our family is devastated for him especially when we get to see Boston all day long, and just think of all of the precious time and memories Jake has lost with his son.

Jake is fighting to rightfully get his son back, but it is going to be a long and sad journey, for us and for the adoptive family.

Jake has set up an account at AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION, under the name Jake Michael Strickland, to help with the legal costs. This is going to be a long and expensive battle, but Jake is willing to do anything and everything to get his son back. If anyone would like to donate that would be greatly appreciated. Everything will help with this legal battle.

Please keep Jake, his family, and the adoptive family in your thoughts and prayers. There will be no happy outcome for one family.

We love you baby Jack and can't wait to meet you!

Christmas 2010

2010-12-27T06:23:00.000-08:00

Boston had a blast for his very 1st Christmas. There was no relaxing for us this weekend. We were on the go all weekend long.

Friday: We headed up to Logan and saw my lovely friends Bobbi, Lacy, their spouses and family. I LOVE THEM! We exchanged presents then headed over to my Grandparents. They are the sweetest couple ever. They have been married 50+ years and are such an inspiration to what marriage should be like. After catching up with them we headed up to the Ropelato annual Christmas Eve Party. I have been going up their since I was 5 and have made it almost every year since. We eat, laugh, sit on santa's lap and get yummy oranges. I love this party and sadly it's probably our last year going. I got to see my Bestie Tara, who has moved away :( It was so good to see her and all her family. We are so blessed that we are so close!

Saturday: Boston decided to wake us up bright and early and open presents at 6:30 AM. Boston had fun sucking on the wrapping paper and making noise with it. We enjoyed putting the bows on him and acting surprised to all of his gifts. He got everything he hoped for as well as the rest of the gang. After our house, we headed over to Josh's mom's house. There we opened lots more presents, eat awesome orange rolls and breakfast, and hung out with the fam. We decided to plan a vacation for Feb. 2012. Caribbean here we come!! That afternoon we headed up to Roy to hang out with Josh's dad's side of the family. Again, we ate (GEEZz we ate a lot) opened presents and hung out. All in all it was a great day! It was super packed, but full of friends, family and fun!

Sunday: We were able to play with our toys for a little bit, then headed back to Jenny's for some yummy prime rib.

Side note: Boston has been teething poor dude :( he has not been feeling the best, also we all have had some sickness going around

WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! LOTS OF CUTE PICTURES BELOW! PROCEED WITH CAUTION!

Julie, Brittni, and Terry (Grandparents and Aunt)

Jake. Josh. Boston. Heidi. Brent
Randi. Hailey. Jenny

Nana and Boston-He loves putting his fingers in his mouth and making himself puke

Aunt Randi and Bubba

We thought the bows looked better on Boston

Doesn't he look so excited to open all of his presents.

My mom having a GREAT time

Boston loved the cold orange on his painful gums

Josh telling Santa he had been a good boy that year

I love my little family :)

My beautiful bestie Tar-bear

my other gorgeous besties Lacy and Bobbi

Christmas Fun

2010-12-17T06:34:00.000-08:00

Boston is loving the Christmas festivities. He is "pretending" to open Christmas Presents.

Josh's Mom has a gingerbread party every year. This is our's that Josh decorated amazingly. He is a perfectionist when it comes to these type of things, you should have seen my tree, not so pretty.

Brandon,Tami, Easton and Us. Everytime we tried to take a picture Easton would giggle and Boston would just stare at him. Pretty fun to watch! It's amazing how small Boston looks next to Easton, but when he is alone he looks so big too me. My little boy is growing up.

Thanksgiving

2010-12-17T06:25:00.000-08:00

This year for Thanksgiving we went down to Phoenix to see AUNT RANDI. This was her first time meeting Boston and she loved him. We left and stayed in St.George, before the big "blizzard" hit, and then drove the rest of the way to AZ the next day. He actually did pretty well in the car considering. He was pretty fed up the last hour though. We had a blast in AZ, shopping, going to dinner and just hanging out. Randi and I braved the shoppers on Black Friday and got some great deals on a computer and TV. Boston felt left out on Thanksgiving, so he got to try his first real food-Sweet Potatoes! He loved them! Although, he couldn't quite figure out how to keep most of it in his mouth.

On the way home from AZ, we actually did get caught in the huge winterstorm and it took us 15 hours to get home, when it should have only been about 10. We all had enough of the car. We were on so tense and on edge, because of the road conditions. I think we have had our share of road trips for awhile. Next time we will be flying :)

::4 Months::

2010-12-17T06:09:00.000-08:00

Boston had his 4 month check up on the 10th of December. He is growing like a little weed. Everytime we go to the doctor I think he is going to weigh more than he actually does. He feels like a chunk, but really is just average.

His Stats:

Length: 25.5 Inches -79th percentile
Weight: 14 pounds 6 ounces- 48th percentile
Head: 41 cm- 24th percentile ( he got his mama's pinhead)

Fun Stuff he has been up too:

Sleeping in his own crib
Rolling over and over, he loves this
Eating rice cereal
Sleeps through the night occasionally
Laughs/giggles/smiles constantly
Grabs on to anything and everything, and then shoves it in his mouth
He loves to suck on his thumb
He loves his tigger blanket/animal
Has really tries to sit up by himself
Really wants to try to crawl
Loves Loves Loves his bouncer/jumperoo
Loves to have books read to him
Is constantly moving/never wants to hold still

Before the shots-so HAPPY

Blessing

2010-11-18T11:48:00.000-08:00

We blessed little baby B on November 7th. We decided to just do a home blessing at Jenny's (Josh's mom). We had quite the turnout. There was about 4o people who came. My grandpa did his blessing. I love my grandpa. He has been a big part of my life. He blessed me, baptized me, walked me down the aisle and now blessed my son. He is amazing! Boston is now 3 MONTHS old. He is the cutest little chunky monkey around. I just love him and can't get enough of him.

Boston is:

wearing 3-6 months clothes
wears size 1-2 diapers
still loves bath time
loves to smile and coo
is trying to sit up by himself
has rolled over twice(both of which I missed)
loving his tummytime mats
loving to have books read to him
still cuddly
acts shy sometimes and will turn his cheek while giving a big smirk
still waking up once or twice in the night
eating 4 ounces every feeding
his mommy and daddy's pride and joy

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T17:01:00.000-07:00

Here is a our cute 'Lil stinker'. We had a pretty chill low key Halloween. We just stayed home watched the UTES game and handed out candy to all the little trick or treaters. We didn't get many due to the rain I think, which doesn't really do much for the pile of candy we have at our. I think our little skunk is the cutest thing ever... JUST SAYIN!

Wearin' daddy's fangs hehehehehehe

Don't take life for granted

2010-10-30T15:13:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, October 24th around 8:00 PM, I was on my way to pick Josh up from his friend's house who was getting home from the deer hunt and came upon a car accident. There was about 15 people that had stopped already, but the accident had only occured about 2-3 minutes prior. I am CPR and First Aid certified, so I jumped out of the car and rushed over to see if I could help. There was 2 people ejected from the car, and another lady that had been trapped in the car. I PANICKED. When you are in a life and death situation, things become a lot different than in a role playing class. I took the ladie's pulse, who was trapped in the car, and she had already passed. They were doing compressions on the man who had been ejected trying to bring him back, but they weren't successful. About 2 minutes after I was on scene, the paramedics showed up. I couldn't handle all of the chaos, and decided to leave once the paramedics showed up. This taught me a huge lesson 1-Have a first aid and resucitation mask in my car at all time 2-NEVER text and drive 3- Don't ever take life for granted. These two individuals live's were taken instantly. Really Life is so short! Tell your loved ones everyday how much you appreciate and love them! I encourage everyone to become CPR and First Aid certified. You never know when you are going to be put in a life and death situation. I praise all of the EMT's and first responders who have to deal with tragic accidents like this all of the time. It definitely messes you up in the head a little bit.

Wowzers... I am really behind

2010-10-30T14:36:00.001-07:00

So time flies when you are having fun! Our little stinker is 10 weeks old already and we have been having a blast! Boston is growing everyday and he is becoming so much fun. He is so attentive and alert and loves making eye contact. He is so smiley and has the biggest grin! He had his two month appointment and here are his stats:

Head-39 1/2 cm-10% percentile, which he gets from his mama

Weight-11 pounds 15 Ounces- 25% percentile

Height- 23.5 inches-50% percentile

I went back to work at 8 weeks and it was a bit of an adjustment, but we are getting things down. I just love being a mommy and can't imagine things without him. Here are plenty of pictures to keep you entertained.

Boston's Best Friend Easton

We ran the love your body 5k on October 9th and it was my mom and Jenny's first race ever.

He is waving hello

Boston with his friend skeletor and Paisley just watching out for his little brother

I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS PICTURE

Bosty loves his bumbo

The bathtime still is one of his favorite times

Tayla loved holding Boston

My sweet grandparents met Boston

My beautiful friends!

My sweet bestie that moved away to Spokane :( We miss you Tara!

Daddy and Boston taking a nap

Boston's first trip to Cabela's

::4 weeks::

2010-09-16T16:19:00.000-07:00

My little man is 4 weeks old today! We love him more than ever!

Daddy's Little Man

Paisley is thinking the baby is alright

I just want to smooch those lips

3 plus weeks

2010-09-12T12:11:00.001-07:00

Boston is now 3 WEEKS OLD!!! Oh my, oh my! He is so precious I just love him more and more everyday.

Boston is:

*Super Strong, he loves to hold his head up and tries to kick and stand up

*He is making more eye contact and doesn't looke so cross eyed

*He is a lot more alert and stays awake during the day for longer periods of time

*His newborn clothes are starting to get tight on him

*He is eating 4 ounces every 2 hours! He is a hungry monkey!

*His grandparents just love him to death and can't get enough of him

* He will have a girl cousin born in December to my brother and his girlfriend

*He will have a boy cousin, baby Jack born to Josh's Brother in January, we can't wait for friends :)

Here is my attempt at some newborn pictures... I hope he doesn't kill me when he gets older of the leg warmers. I couldn't help it they were adoratble! Look at that cute bum!

Thanks Bob for the cute beanie!

What's a family photo without Miss Paisley Bear

LOVE THIS!

We went to the Real Game last weekend with Tara, her boyfriend and my mom. It was a lot of fun!

Josh not to enthuased to be at the game, haha

BBQ at Jenny's before the game

2 weeks

2010-09-02T15:50:00.000-07:00

My Little Man is two weeks old today! Time really is flying by. He had has two week check up and everything looked really well. He is 8 pounds which is up from when he left the hospital at 7 pounds 4 ounces and he is 21 and 3/4 inches long, and he was born at 20 inches long. His umbilical cord has officially all fallen off and he seems like he is really filling out. He is a little hungry monkey and wants to eat ALL of the time. I swear all I do is feed him.

-He LOVES his baths

-Hates to be burped

-Likes to pee and spit up on me

-Is more alert and likes to stretch out and lay on his back

-Likes to be swaddled, but likes his arms out

-He is a very noisy sleeper, he is always making coo's, grunts, and little crys

-He ususally wakes up every 3-4 hours at night

-His daddy and mommy really love him

Paisley thought this was for her. She is so confused why she can't play with all these squeaky fun new toys. Poor baby :(
Boston trying out his tummy time mat, he isn't too interested just yet

Daddy all dressed up for the big Utes game. He is so excited! Boston looks like his cheering too!

Boston's Arrival

2010-08-31T16:11:00.000-07:00

August 19th, was a day that I thought was never going to come. Being pregnant for 10 long months was harder than I thought. My entire body was aching everywhere. My feet were swollen, the bottoms ached so bad it hurt to walk, my back constantly ached and it hurt to try to even bend over to put my shoes on or pick anything up off of the ground. I had mad heart burn and acid reflux, I would get up every 2-3 hours to have a trickle of pee come out. Even with all of this pain and negativity, I got the most wonderful, beautiful boy and it was all worth it, I would do it over and over again. I honestly have forgotten how horrible I felt those last few weeks of being pregnant.

My inducement date had been scheduled on my 40 week appointment for the 19th. I had instructions to call the hospital at 6:30 AM and see if it was alright if I could come in. I figured there was no way they would push me back and I kept saying if they push me back I WOULD FREAK OUT!! I had a minor freak out and then all was good. Well, I called and they said they had an "influx" of patients I would need to call back at 8:00 AM. Well, I had been awake since 4:00 AM already and was so ancy to get this going we drove up to Josh's mom's house who lives only 5 minutes from the hospital, just so we would be closer once we actually got the call. Once 8:00 AM rolled around I called the hospital, AGAIN, they told me that they were just waiting on a nurse to show up and then they said they would call for me to come in. SERIOUSLY?! I was getting so mad hahah. 9:00 AM finally rolled around and they said they were finally ready for me. YAHOO!

We got to the hospital at about 9:15 and all of sudden it hit me I was really going to have a baby today. Everyday that I was pregnant felt like I was never going to have a baby, but we knew we wouldn't be leaving the hospital without a baby today. By the time I got checked in and in my room, it was about 10:00. They started the pitocin at 10:30 and told me that my doctor wouldn't break my water until I got 4 hours of penicillin in me, because I tested positive for Group B Bacteria. I was kinda bummed, but my doctor came in at 11:30 and broke my water!! It was a huge gush of fluid and felt so gross, but I was happy to get the process going. When I got to the hospital I was dilated still at a 4 and 80% effaced. I wasn't feeling any contractions or pain. Once she broke my water things became a lot different. The contractions were getting stronger and stronger and the pain was super intense. I was still really determined to go without an epidural, but the pain was becoming unbearable. I asked for some demerol to ease the pain, and it helped for a about 15 minutes. The contractions were coming every 1-2 minutes and they were pretty intense. I had to be hooked up with an internal monitor to see how strong my contractions were, plus had the pitocin, so walking around and getting in the tub to control the pain were out of the question.

Finally, at 1:30, the pain was HORRIBLE! I was dilated to a 6 and 100% thinned out, but I was dying. I finally gave in and got the epidural. Josh was amazing through the whole thing and felt so horrible I was in so much pain. I didn't' want him to touch me or anything, he just sat there and was amazing. Once the anesthesiologist came and to give me the epidural I was in heaven. The epidural didn't hurt at all. It felt like a little prick in my back. Josh loved watching him put the needle in my back and thought it was really cool how they did it. I didn't even look at the needle. I think that would have made it 10x worse. After about 15 minutes, I was pain free! It was amazing. I couldn't believe I had not wanted to get an epidural ever. I was just laying there and the contractions were coming pretty quickly and intensely and I felt nothing. I was progressing about a cm an hour so things were going great. It was crazy how heavy my legs felt.

At 6:00 PM, the nurse said we were finally ready to start pushing. I couldn't believe how amazing my nurse was. She did everything! I was pretty shocked to see only her and my doctor and the baby nurse in the room for the delivery. On TV shows it looks like a whole herd of people are in there. Once I started pushing, I was making pretty good progress each push. I still couldn't feel any pain or even pressure. My doctor came in about 6:30 PM and we had about 10 good pushes and he was out. Josh swore my whole pregnancy he was going to stay up by my head and not look "down there," but once the process happened he thought it was so amazing. The last 3 pushes I could feel a lot of pressure, and they could see all of his hair! The doctor said he probably would have been here a few pushes ago if he didn't have as much hair. At 6:57 PM Boston James Strickland arrived. It was amazing! Once, he was out they laid him on my chest while they cleaned him off and all I remember is saying how little he was. I was dying to know how much this so called 9 pound baby weighed. Once they were doing all the tests, and weighed him only 7 pounds 11 ounces. I was shocked as well as everyone else. It truly is the best feeling in the world giving birth to a beautiful healthy little boy. It is true what they say you don't know what love is until you have a child of your own.

Josh has been an amazing father. He is so concerned about everything little thing Boston does and is so hands on. He changes his poopy diapers, baths him, and loves to just sit and hold him. He can't wait for him to be a little bigger so they can play and go fishin. I love my two sweet men!

::1 week::

2010-08-26T17:36:00.000-07:00

One week can be the longest or shortest days of your life. I was one week over my due date, and I thought that the next hour was never going to come. Now, my sweet little Boston is one week old and time has flown by. We haven't really done a whole lot either, just changing lots of poopy diapers, feeding him, changing his clothes and of course loving and cuddling him. It's amazing how you can really love something so much. He is absolutely perfect and I am so thankful to have him here. We have been extremely blessed with many visitors and helpers. We have great friends and family. Thanks to everyone that has brought dinners, presents and love. Birth story to come soon....

Corey, Dayna, and Parker came and made Cafe Rio style pork salad dinner for us. They are too sweet.

Dayna

Parker... I think he may be a little scared of children (j/k)

Paisley laying by her baby

Grandma Deb

Aunt Lacey, Her and Bobbi came and made us lunch the day we came home from the hospital. Homemade macaroni and cheese, it was AMAZING! We are so blessed to have such amazing family and friends.

Aunt Bobbi

Coming home from the hospital :0)

Corey

Finally...

2010-08-21T06:13:00.000-07:00

Introducing:

Mr. Boston James Strickland

August 19, 2010

6:57 P.M.

7 pounds 11 ounces

20 inches long

and

PERFECT!

August 19th?

2010-08-14T18:22:00.000-07:00

Well, I am now 40 weeks and 2 days. WHAT?! I never in a million years thought I would be overbaked. I am dilated to a 4 and 80% effaced, but not having any real contractions. My doctor is estimating that this baby is about 9 pounds? So much for wearing any of his newborn clothes, which fit 5-8 pounds! I am so so so so over this pregnancy thing. I even stooped as low as drinking castor oil and CAN you believe it?! NOTHING I MEAN NOTHING happened. I know he is ready to come out, but if he won't do it on his own, I am being induced on the 19th. I really hope something happens before then though.

Dear Baby B:

2010-08-10T13:20:00.000-07:00

Baby B:

I have everything ready for you. Your room is perfectly finished, your crib sheets

are washed, the bassinet is ready for your sweet little body to snuggle in, the

rocking chair is ready to rock you. All of your clothes are organized, we have

mounds of diapers and wipes ready to change your sweet little bum, and your diaper

bag is packed. I have had your car seat in the car for the past few weeks, just in

case I had to go straight to the hospital. Now, I am off work anxiously awaiting

your arrival, yet you don't want to come out. Your official due date isn't for 2

more days, but come on I know our family likes to be early to things. So if you

could please come and play with your mommy and daddy we would greatly appreciate it.

I don't know how much longer I can wait. I have tried everything to try to get you

here. Long Long walks that really hurt my back, deep pressure point feet rubs,

eating spicy spicy food, even a four wheeler ride, but nothing seems to get you

here. I know you are taking your sweet time, but I really can't wait to meet you. So

if you could make an appearance today that would be great. Then, I can tell all the

sweet people that text, email and call me everyday that you are actually here now.

XO XO XO,

Mommy and Daddy

8.8.08 - 8.8.10

2010-08-08T12:54:00.001-07:00

TWO YEARS ago today, I married my best friend. We had a fabulous wedding, a fabulous honeymoon and have had an even better past two years. We have created many awesome memories and I am lucky to have Josh as my husband. I can't wait to see him as a father and play with his son. I know he will be amazing. We celebrated our anniversary on the 24th, and went and got a couples massage. It was fabulous. I was hoping I would be in labor or have a little newborn that we wouldn't be able to celebrate our anniversary on the actual day, but so far it's not happening. This waiting game has been so long the past few weeks. I couldn't be any happier with you babe and I LOVE YOU. Here is to 50 more years and counting

37 Weeks

2010-07-22T17:09:00.000-07:00

This baby is going to be here soon! I had a doctor's appointment today and was dilated to 2.5 cm and 50 % effaced. He is head down in the pelvis and the doctor said he is approximately 7-7.5 pounds!! GEEZ! He needs to come out now, before he gets any bigger. I think I am over this whole pregnancy thing. I really want to just start being a mommy! I feel like a big blob, I am only able to just lay on the couch. I can't wait to be active and go running again. Bobbi and Lacy took some maternity pictures, they did a great job, even though I look horrible in most all of them! Hopefully, I have some good progression this next week.

Baby B's room

2010-07-10T12:55:00.001-07:00

It's FINALLY done!! I am so happy to finally have the baby's room done. It has been a long few months and I am glad I started right after I found out what we were having. Now, I just can't wait to have the baby to put in the room. I am 35 and half weeks!! I have a doctor's appointment on Thursday and I get checked to see if I am dialated at all. I hope there is some progress... My fortune cookie on Tuesday said " You will meet someone that will benefit you in the next week." So you never know?! Honestly, I am not quite ready for him to be here just yet. I am very uncomfortable and can't do anything, but he can stay in and cook for a little bit longer.

Showers, Fishing, BBQ and Fireworks

2010-07-10T12:32:00.000-07:00

I can't believe June has come and gone and we are half way through July already! I had 4 showers the month of June and got everything that this little man will need or want. We seriously got so spoiled and I can't believe all of the great family and friends we have.

For the fourth weekend, we stayed busy with a parade, which I haven't been to since I have been in them for dance and cheer growing up. We went fishing, where I got FRIED, and we did a lot of bbqing with good friends and family! And of course we saw some great fireworks in Riverton. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the fourth! It's absolutely my favorite.

Brandon and Tami, look how buff she is ;)

Just half of the great stuff we got at the last 3 showers! S.P.O.I.L.E.D

Some of my beautiful friends that made it to the shower, it's so weird I am on the only blonde

First Shower

2010-06-19T20:57:00.000-07:00

Last week my mom and Aunt Kiki came into town from Oregon and Washington for their Aunt and Uncle's 50th wedding anniversary. While they were here, I managed to arrange one of my baby shower's so they were able to attend. My first shower was up in Logan. My besties Lacy, Bobbi and her mom Paula put on the cutest baby shower ever! It was Dr. Seuss themed and everything was adorable. Bobbi took most of the pictures, so when I get some of them I will post them as well. Baby B is already spoiled and there are 3 more showers to go. I was so happy to see so many of my Logan friends that I haven't seen some since high school. LOve you guys! While my Mom and Aunt were here we also managed to get most of the Barker side of the family here and go to CHUCK O RAMA. Haven't ever been before, don't really plan on going back, not my kind of food. It was great to see so much family, especially my momma who I haven't seen in a year. I can't wait for my 3 other showers this upcoming week. I will definitely be posting about those and the nursery that is almost finished. Only about 7 weeks left......

A QUARTER OF A CENTURY:

2010-05-26T07:57:00.000-07:00

Josh's Birthday was yesterday, and he turned 25!! We had a birthday bash on Saturday with him and all his friends, and then Sunday we had a family party to celebrate this handsome man's big day. On his actual birthday 05:25:10, we stayed home, watched American Idol and ate funfetti cake... We are so awesome!

Hey check it out...

2010-05-19T13:17:00.000-07:00

Hey guys!

You should check out our success story blog from my work.

We have been working on updating success stories and other great tips about

exercise, nutrition and wellness.

This site will definitely motivate and inspire

you to make healthy changes to you life.

thecorporatewellnessprogram.blogspot.com

Let me know what you think?

Call me CRaZy

2010-05-18T07:58:00.000-07:00

Last night, Josh and I went to our birthing class. This is the second week we have gone, and I

must say it's quite interesting. There is so much to learn about the whole childbirth thing. There

are definitely things, I wish I hadn't seen, but overall it's a great experience. I am starting to get

really nervous about the delivery portion of this whole baby thing. I didn't realize how intense

things are actually going to be.... Call me crazy, but I think I am actually going to try having this

little man without an EPIDURAL. I have had the desire for a while to try it naturally.

When I tell people this, they are like WHY would you want to do that? I honestly don't have a

great answer. I have wanted to do it natural before I got prego and I am still thinking it sounds

like an alright idea. I am definitely not

opposed to drugs, but I am going to try to go as long as possible without an epidural. If any of

you mama's out there have done a natural childbirth, I would love to hear from you with any

great pain management advice. I am just ready for this little boy to be here. ONLY 12 more

weeks!!

YIPPEE!!

26 weeks...

2010-05-07T12:14:00.000-07:00

I am just getting bigger and bigger... I have only 14 weeks left. I can't believe how fast time is going. I don't feel ready at all. I feel like I need to have everything, now, but I guess I can wait until the showers. If anyone would like an invite, please send me your address. Thanks!

:::Easton:::

2010-04-27T19:35:00.000-07:00

We went fishing on Sunday with Brandon and Tammy and their cute boy Easton. He is 7 months old and he is a dollface. He was the happiest baby and was so smiley! I can't wait to have our baby B here. Him and Easton will be best of friends. Fishing was a fun time, other than me falling over in my chair almost in the lake, the rangers kicking us out because of Paisley, Brandon getting a ticket for an expired fishing liscense and for the cold windiness. I love summertime, I just wish it would come and stay for good.

This is the "fish" Brandon caught.

Look at the chunky monkey, he is already 20 pounds!

We like to party.

2010-04-26T18:51:00.000-07:00

One of my best friend's, Brooke, had her bachelorette party 2 weeks ago and was married on April 24th, 2010. It was great to go out and have a fun girls night. Things were definitely different since I am pregnant, but I had a blast. It was pretty hilarious, watching all of the drunks. We had a scavenger hunt, that a few of the girls really got into. One of the tasks of the night was find a sports car and get a picture with it. As you can see we succeeded and found a porshe and even talked the guy into taking the top off. It was a great night.

Brooke got lots of fun stuff, I am sure she enjoyed on her honeymoon.
Only a few of the many wild women I was with...

The wedding ceremony was very quick and beautiful. Brooke looked absolutely amazing. It was definitely an emotional day, due to the happiness, but also the sadness of losing her mom, on my wedding day 08.08.08.

Me, Dayna, Tiff, and Sharie

The beautiful bride, and all the girls

Love you Brookie! <3

Sugar anyone?

2010-04-16T08:29:00.000-07:00

I had a doctor's appointment on Wednesday

and it was probably my least favorite appointment so far. I had to do the glucose test, which involved me drinking this nasty drink below, which is 50 grams

of glucose a.k.a a ton of sugar, to challenge my system and see how well my body reacts.

If my body has trouble it could possibly mean I have gestational diabetes.

After drinking this, I waited an hour and then they took my blood.

I felt like CRAP all day long. I felt like I had a major crash from sugar,

oh wait I did. I was tired, lethargic, and Blah all day long.

You know the song by Ke$ha, blah blah blah, yeah that's how I felt.

To make matters worse, my doc said " yeah, I probably don't want to see you gain anymore weight the rest of the pregnancy." That is some funny sh*t right there.

I have 3 1/2 more months, explain to me how that is going to happen.

I will try my best doctor. Other than that things look great.

The baby is measuring exactly 23 weeks and the heart beat sounded great.

He was moving around like crazy because of the sugar hype he was induced with.

I will hopefully not hear from the doctor on the results, meaning that I passed the glucose test.

Wish me luck!

I can't wait to do this.

2010-04-16T08:23:00.000-07:00

I miss laying on my stomach so bad... I can't wait till I can sleep on my belly again :) (FYI... this is not me ;)

We are blessed...

2010-04-13T19:32:00.000-07:00

WITH GREAT FRIENDS!

I love that we can not see our friends

for a few months and we see each other and everything

is just like we hadn't missed a beat...

I am so grateful we have amazing

friends that we can all get along with.

We were able to go out to dinner

last week with the 5 couples and

celebrate Dayna and Corey's new engagement

as well as Brooke and Thad's upcoming

wedding, which is on the 24th. I just love our

Friends :)

Help Me!!

2010-03-29T07:42:00.001-07:00

Which one do you like better? I am in a dilemma.....

Gas bubbles?

2010-03-27T10:37:00.000-07:00

On Weds. Night March 24th, I was lying on the couch reading a book. Josh was at school so the house was pretty quiet.

All of a sudden, I felt my stomach churn like I had eaten something bad, but I didn't feel sick. Again, I felt the same movement in my lower abdomen, right below where my big belly sticks out... Gas Bubbles? NOPE.

It was little baby B moving around. I called Josh right after and he kept moving and moving. I felt as if he was doing somersaults in my belly. Josh of course was jealous, for the last few weeks he has been putting his head on my belly to see if he could feel the baby move. It's a great feeling to finally feel our baby. It feels so much more real.

He is definitely quite the little mover. I feel him all the time now. It's quite a different feeling then I expected, BUT I love it!

I am glad everything looks like it is going well and we can't wait to meet our little guy :)

19 weeks... and the verdict is in....

2010-03-20T08:12:00.000-07:00

This is not a great picture... but we are having a handsome little BOY!! It was definitely a shock too me.... I had a feeling the whole time we were having a girl. When the technician said it's definitely a boy Josh screamed out "YES!" He didn't hide any of his emotions thats for sure. I just sat there stunned for a second... It's amazing to know that we have a healthy little baby! I couldn't be happier!! Everything looked really well... As for my due date, they still say I am due around the 10th so somewhere in the first few weeks of August, we should have our little man. I made sure that he was definitely a boy, the tech said "If they don't hand you a little boy in the hospital they have given you the wrong baby." So I guess that definitley confirmed it for me! We had a blast shopping for the little man, we found some really cute plaid shorts, polo onesies and even some little loafer shoes and sandals. He already has 3 pairs of shoes, I think he might have a shoe fetish like his mommy :)

I am getting bigger and bigger as each day goes by. I feeling great, just having occasionally rib and back pain. The 2nd trimester has been great! I have so much more energy, and desire to actually move my body. We are officially half way done?! How did that happen so quickly. Now on to decorating the nursery, well I have to go shopping now ;)!

The dreaded picture

2010-02-20T15:38:00.000-08:00

Because some have asked....Here you go!

15.3 weeks..... eeek

15 Weeks?

2010-02-19T08:33:00.000-08:00

I am already 15 weeks! How does that happen? I remember just like yesterday taking the THREE pregnancy tests in Wal-Mart and freaking out wanting to tell Josh for 8 hours, but couldn't until I was face to face with him. I can't believe how quick this has gone by. I am feeling a lot better energy wise, I actually am starting to exercise again, as for the eating though, still not wanting too much healthy stuff, but I try. We had a doctor's appointment again and the heart beat sounds great in the 140's. We get to find out what we are having on the 18th of March. It will come by in no time. I seriously can't wait. I am convinced it's a girl, because all the clothes I ever look at are girl clothes. Let's just hope we have a happy healthy baby. Maybe one day I will put up some prego pics, but I never remember to take them when Josh is home or I actually look somewhat decent.

Umm... where does the time go?

2010-02-17T09:35:00.000-08:00

I swear time goes by so fast!! I can't believe we are almost into March and well into our way to spring and summer. I can't tell you how Excited I am about that. We had a super bowl party at our house this year. We love to entertain, so anytime there is a good excuse to have a party we take it! It was a great time, with great friends and great food!

Lindsey and I

Brian, Lindsey, Maria and cute baby Bryce he is Brian and Lindsey's 6 week old baby and what a chunk weighing in at 14 pounds... It makes me so excited!

Tyler and Gf Kelsey

Look how cute Paisley is in her jersey... she is such a team player ;)

My Bestie Tar, and Carley

Josh got me flowers middle of January for no reason at all. He is such a great listener. I told him awhile ago, I didn't really like getting roses all the time I would rather have a mixed bouquet. So ever since I told him that a few years ago, he hasn't bought me roses, well I had mentioned roses were pretty, but on occasion and he totally surpised me and remembered. He is the sweetest man ever and I can't believe he is all mine, I am so madly in love :)

I took on a couple new projects to spruce up our house, I started painting the living room/dining area. I have always wanted a red kitchen or wall, little did I know how much work it was going to be. I had a bit of a freak out when I opened up the can of paint and it was FUSCHIA!!! Tara calmed me down and assured me it would look so much better on the walls, I was dying. Seriously, I couldn't even imagine explaining to Josh why we had Pink walls! After FOUR coats of paint as well as a primer, my walls seemed too look like the color I had actually wanted. I loved how they turned out and I think it was the exact look I was going for. Painting is so much work especially all of the taping. I can't wait to paint the babies room!

After 2 Coats of paint, it's still streaky... The finished product, well until I do the rest of the walls tan... that's another project for another year haha

Fitness Tests

2010-01-25T10:30:00.000-08:00

At my job, I have been having my clients perform fitness tests to determine their baseline, then in a few months we will test them again. The tests are pretty simple (Or so I thought)

Pushup Test: However many pushups how they can do in one minute

Step Test: Step up and down on an aerobic step that is 10 inches tall, for 3 minutes. After the time is up I will get their heart rate, and see how quickly the heart can recover

Flexibility Test: Good ol' fashion sit and reach test... Sitting on the ground with feet straight out, a ruler is placed at their heels with the 15 inch mark. The client reaches with both hands as far forward as they can and touch the ruler without bending their knees.

They sound so simple right?! I have seen so many people that are so out of shape it amazes me. I have had people not able to finish the step test. It's only 3 minutes?! I feel like not only are our portion sizes too big, but we have so many CONVINENCES that we have become so LAZY!

Please everyone, value your health, because once you become ill, it's a lot harder to become healthy again rather than never have to come back from the illness. Get your bodies moving and become a better person with a higher quality of life.

This just really has made me realize how important our health is and how many don't value it.

Pregnant :/

2010-01-13T11:51:00.000-08:00

Everyday I am asked how am I feeling? Well really being pregnant is WEIRD....
As most of you know, I majored in Exercise Science with a minor in nutrition. Before I was pregnant, I would workout, eat my fruits and vegetables, drink lots of water, get 8 or more hours of sleep, and feel pretty happy with life. Since this little babe decided to join us I have:

-Woke up more in the middle of the night than ever before(mainly to pee)

-Not worked out once, please hope my energy comes back in a few weeks

-Taken more naps in the last 2 months since kindergarten

-Eaten more fried food, corn dogs from article circle, spicy chicken sandwiches from McD's(which
I thought was absolutely disgusting before I became prego) and had less vegetables and fruits
since high school

-Felt so exhausted from walking up the stairs

-Complained more about being "fat"

-Been more blunt and brutally honest which gets me in some trouble with the hub

-Cried more over commericals, news, teen mom, Kendra's welcomes baby and pretty much anything on TV

-Felt like I am not really pregnant, just getting fat

-Sneezed everyday at least 3 times

But, with all of these crazy feelings, I have been so overwelmed with joy that we are bringing a hopefully healthy little human in to this world

Our Favorite Present

2010-01-02T18:05:00.001-08:00

For Christmas this year,

we got this cute crib for a our cute

[baby] that will born on August 2nd, 2010!!!

We can't wait!

It's gonna be a great ride!

Family Pictures

2010-01-02T17:32:00.000-08:00

It was a cold and windy day, but we managed to still get a few great photos.... I think we could have dealt without all the bickering and moaning though about the cold! ENJOY!

Christmas 2009

2010-01-02T17:01:00.001-08:00

Christmas was a fun filled couple of weeks.........

Here is the siblings on the Strickland side of the family......

Randi, Hailey, Jenny and I Christmas morning in our matching pj's, we slept over and had Christmas morning with them......

Paisley helping Josh open all his presents, she has be the center of attention ALWAYS......

My new boots <3...............

One of the christmas decorations I made this year......

The loads of presents santa dropped off for us.... I guess you could say we were "nice".............

The quilt I made for Jenny and Brent, I wanted to keep it for myself..................

Making gingerbread houses....................

Baby Easton's blessing............

Temple Square lights with great friends..........

Ugly sweater party....apparently I didn't get the memo ( or I just couldn't find an ugly sweater ;))....................

Temple square again............

NoVemBeR

2009-11-29T17:37:00.000-08:00

Well, another month has come and gone and so many things have happened. FIRST, I got my wisdom teeth removed on the 7th of November. I participated in a medication study to see how well a drug worked. I had a 10% chance of receiving a placebo(Sugar pill) for an hour after the anesthia wore off, but luckily that didnt' happen. I had to stay over night and the nurses came and checked on me every hour or so and asked what my pain level was at. All in all it was worth $300 bucks, plus getting my wisdom teeth out for free. Let's just say I wasn't that attractive looking for about a week... According to Josh, I looked like a chubby bunny. On the 18th of November our little sister Hailey turned 17. Jenny made a fabulous dinner and really yummy cake. She is such a great entertainer. For Thanksgiving this year, I decided to participate in a 5k. I figured it wouldn't be too hard since I normally run 3+ miles, what I didn't really factor in was the 32 degree weather. I had a goal to run it in 28 minutes, but managed to finish in 29:30. A little, bit shy of my goal, but hey there is always next year. After the really cold race, I got in the warm car and had a sneeze attack. I sneezed LITERALLY 100 times continously and then throughout the day I couldn't stop sneezing. Very STRANGE! After the race, we went home and relaxed and made our way to Josh's Moms for Thanksgiving dinner. My grandpa came down and celebrated with us and let me tell you how grateful I was he could make it. This was his first Thanksgiving without my grandma and his first homemade Thanksgiving in probably 5 years. For the past few years, my grandma would be too ill to travel so they would get take out. I think he throughly enjoyed it. Then, Friday, Jenny and I decided to embrace the crowds and go shopping. Although, we didn't start until 9 a.m. It was a great time and Josh is one spoiled boy this year. I just want to say how thankful I am for a wonderful husband, family, friends, paisley, a warm home, my great health, my 2 jobs, our cars, and many other things. This time of year, really makes me realize how great my life is! I wouldn't change a thing!!

The "Chubby Bunny" 3rd day after wisdom teeth were taken out.

My favorite holiday of the year <3

2009-11-04T11:09:00.000-08:00

This time of year is always fun. I love the seasons changing, the leaves turning many shades of red, gold and brown. This year I was able to go to Thriller with Tiffany. One of my clients was sponsoring the show and gave me free tickets. The seats were amazing {2nd} row! I have danced for over 15 years, but for the last few years it's been definititley on the back burner. This show was incredibily and definitely made me want to dance again. If you haven't seen it I would highly recommended it next year!

This Halloween was our first year at our house. We had [tonz] of trick-or-treaters. It was fun handing out candy for the first little bit, but it got kinda old after awhile. We had a party this year and had an awesome turn out!

Roman emperess {Tiff} Cowgirl {Carley} Wilma {Me} Jasmine{Dayna} Train conductor {Sharie}

Donald Trump {Will} Caesar {Parker} My sexy hub FREd {josh} a dirty mexican {joe} Hercules {Brian} 50 cent {Ashton} and the best a menstrual cycle {Brandon}

Oh how I LOVE LOVE LOVE him.... it's he adorable!

Eskimo {Maria} Hercules wife haha {Lindsey} Nemo {Meredith} and another eskimo {Tara}

Paisley was a horse/cowboy she freakin hated the hat, but didn't mind the saddle and cowboy too much.

The wig only lasted...umm 2 minutes.

Look how buff he is :)

Catch up...

2009-10-18T18:15:00.000-07:00

What we have been doing......

Parker and Tiff got engaged 09.09.09..... Summer 2010 is going to be full of fun weddings

Talya had her 4th birthday 09.14

Angie turned 22 10.4.09

Tara had a rockin party.... hotel, tiara, sash, black dresses, and beautiful girls included 09.22.09

Brooke is now officially 21 09.25.09

Baby Easton Michael Peterson was born... 09.16.09 to our good friends Tammy and Brandon. He is an absolute doll. COngrats to them!

making fun crafts and decorating for my favorite holiday.... HALLOWEEN!

and we got this fun new ride!

Summertime :)

2009-09-02T17:17:00.001-07:00

Summer has yet again come and gone. I am not looking forward to winter, although I do love fall. I can't wait for Halloween it's my favorite!! Here are some summer happenings.... Family BBQ's... <3> Just a bit tired Brent?

3 cutest girls ever.... Alli, Alex, and Ami.... They are absolutely obsessed with Paisley

View of Utah Lake from our four wheeler ride, we definitely took some steep hills getting there. It was a bit scary for Josh and I.

Josh, me, Dayna, and Corey

Corey is there something you needed to tell us? He he Josh, Corey,Parker, and ThaddeusBreak it down now.... robot style

Sexy girls, Dayna, Tiff, me and Brookie

Look how awesome our dog is... right on cue "high five"

Her new summer outfit.... wow she spoiled, she has over 10 outfits

Pretty sweet faces, do you see why i married him?

Josh has been busy this past month, with bow hunting. He still hasn't shot anything, but soon! He also shaved his hand the day after our anniversary. I love it long, but he just insists so I always set events he has to grow it out for. He doesn't wait one extra day :) silly boy. He also started his second year of school for his apprenticeship for his electrical license. It's crazy to be done and not be back in school this fall. I feel a bit lost?

08.08.08.-08.08.09

2009-08-10T20:54:00.000-07:00

ANNIVERSARY NIGHT::::: Takeout, eating old cake, going to a 50th birthday party,listenting to a live band, and well ;) the rest is history....

My lover

This live band was awesome!

Cute Carrie's 50th Birthday party... OVer the Hill One YEar old cake... It actually wasn't too bad.... German Chocolate

Texas Roadhouse Take out... My fav :)

On Saturday, we had our 1 year wedding anniversary!! I can't believe it has been one year already. I can remember everything like it was just yesterday. It was the most wonderful day that turned out better than I could have imagined or planned. Over this past year we have really grown and our love has become stronger. In this past year we have lived in 3 different places, bought a house, bought a new truck and four wheeler, went to Hawaii, camping endless times, fishing a few times, and had many many memories around the fire and bbq's with our friends. Our love really has multiplied so much and it continues to grow everyday. Sug, I lOVE YOu! Here is to many years and fun times down the road!

GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN

2009-08-03T19:32:00.001-07:00

We had a girls night, which was so fun! We started out the day with shopping at Gateway, we went to the Proposal Matinee which was so freaking cute and then we went and ate a PF Changs. After dinner, the real party started. We went to the new club Sandbar and danced our little booties off. It was so fun hanging out with my high school friends Tara, Jade and Lacy. I love them so much and even though we have seperate lives we can always reunite and start right where we left off. Also, my good friend Angie and her girls came out with us too. It was such a great night. Thanks for a fabulous night ladies!! Here's to the next!

"Hey Ladies"

My Bestie Forever and Always

Ashley and Angie being crazy girls!!

The whole group at PF's

Shopping, it's what a girl does best ; P

Wicked, Kenny, and the 24th

2009-08-03T18:42:00.000-07:00

The first of July, I had the fun opportunity to take a road trip with the my mother in law and my two sister in laws. We drove down to Phoenix in the 115 degree heat with the car almost over heating. We had to have the heater on full blast in the middle of this heat. It was quite an experience and I don't know how the Arizona people live in that heat. My older sister in law, Randi lives down there and loves it. We went down especially for the musical Wicked. I had no idea what it was about, but my mother in law and my younger sister in law Hailey were ecstatic! The play was absolutely amazing, the props, the music and the dancing! Can you say wow! It made me realize how much I miss dancing. On the drive down we got to see the Hoover Dam and the renovation and new bridge they are building. It's quite a scene. I had a great trip with just the girls.

We went to the Kenny Chesney concert on the 23rd of July. We had a great time and Kenny always puts on a great show.

Look at the cute bum he he

"NO SHIRT, NO SHOES, NO PROBLEM" Josh, Parker and Mitch felt the need to play along with the song

The group.... Thanks Mitch for helping us sneak onto the floor seats!! It was awesome.

On the 24th we headed up to Park City to our uncle Tom's Cabin. It was so nice and peaceful to get away and go on a couple four wheeler rides. Josh was the hit of the party with all the little kids. They were always begging him for a ride. He is so amazing with children, I can't wait to see him with our future little ones.

Look how cute this chipmunk was..... Paisley tried to chase it.

Look how adorable he is <3 <3 <3

Out with old in with the new??

2009-08-03T18:25:00.000-07:00

The first day of July we had traded Josh's Ranger in and got a little bit of an upgrade. Josh is in absolute heaven. It wasn't suppose to work this way, I was suppose to get a new car first, hmmm...... Well, the day after we bought this new truck, there was a flash flood in Eagle Mountain. I was running into Wal-Mart in about 3 inches of water. When I came out, the water had doubled. I had very limited visibility and drove through about 8 inches of water... you wondering what the big deal is? Well, in my car the fuel injection intake goes to the ground almost and connects to the engine. Hitting that so called puddle of water seized my motor instantly. I thought I was living a nightmare. I was thinking there was no way possible that that could actually happen. After 2 days of letting my car dry out still nothing happened. One new car and one ruined car. The insurance company luckily replaced my motor and we just had to pay the deductible, but how insane is that. I guess I learned one valuable lesson, DON'T DRIVE IN THE RAIN?!?! For the fourth, we had people over like usual. We love to have everyone over and make breakfast in the morning. We do this at least once a month. We have 3 extra beds, so it's just one big sleepover!! Happy Birthday America! We lit illegal fireworks and entertained all of the little kids on the street.

Camping, a birthday, a hula skirt and fast cars

2009-08-03T18:02:00.000-07:00

We went camping over Memorial Day ( I know it's definitley a bit late) up to Duchsense. It rained the entire time, but still tried to make the most out of it. I was freezing and wet by the time we went home. This was also over Josh's 24th Birthday. We went to Cabelas to load up on fishing stuff and had dinner with his parents. We also went to the Rocky Mountian Raceway to watch the Figure 8 trains. It is so awesome. There are 3 old cars chained together and they go in a figure 8 and there are some very close moments where they almost hit, and many actually do hit. More than anything though, it's great to people watch. There are some definite white trashers walking around. It's great! Our friends Jay and Christy

Someone got hurt pretty badily here, poor guy : (

Paisley was learning how to hula dance!

Happy Birthday Honey!

He was so excited to get all kinds of fishin' stuff from Cabelas.... such a boy!

Look at that fat belly ha ha

Paisley thought she would be sneaky and get some bacon that fell under the grill, like we wouldn't notice

Josh decided he could drag a whole tree with his four wheeler

Pretty ugly camping picture

Where to begin.....

2009-08-03T17:50:00.000-07:00

This blogging thing has been difficult for me to keep updated..... We have been having a fabulous summer so far. We went fishing back in May to Strawberry resorvior. Josh had a great time with his good friend Brandon Peterson. His girlfriend Tammy and I just sat on the beach being entertained with them not catching anything, but this one fish!! It was definitely a keeper. Josh loves to fish so much, he is just adorable!

Don't you just love his waders he he

Sweet little Paisley Bear

After 4 long years....

2009-05-08T11:50:00.001-07:00

After 4 long years of attending the University of Utah, I graduated with my degree in Exercise and Sports Science with a minor in nutrition. It has been a hard, long, and fulfilling experience. I am so happy I am finished. I will never have another exam or paper to write, well until I decide it's time to get my butt back in gear and get my masters. I can't believe I have made it and I love all those that have been with me down this long journey. I have had so much support and praise for all of the accomplishments I have made and I couldn't have done it with it all of you. So THANK YOU!!!! I love you all! After the ceremony, which was actually not too long, all 16 of us headed to T.G.I Fridays for some yummy food. It was great to catch up and talk with everyone.

All of my amazing friends and siblings

My grandpa has been such a great supporter. I presented him with the stole of gratitude, which just is something to show my appreciation.

Here is the whole support group. I didn't realize how much support I had. It is an amazing feeling and I am so grateful for everyone that came!

My hubby has been such an amazing supporter

Afton and I (She was in the athletic training program with me)