Bushel and a Peck

I FINALLY DID IT

2012-01-13T18:04:00.000-08:00

My family is always telling me that I need to write a book... so here it is. It is not yet published, but we are working on that. I had my talented and awesome sister do the illustrations. I have managed to sell a handful of them thus far. So if you are interested, let me know. They cost $10. This is a great little story that we can all apply to our lives. It's my favorite children's book I have ever read... and that's a non-bias oppinion for you too! Thanks Natalie for doing all your hard work to have it done for Christmas. Our families loved it... it was their gift this year. Hopefully This will be the start of my line of children's books. Maybe even lead into writing myself a trilogy that will make millions and be produced into a movie... Blowing Twilight out of the water! But for now... I start small.

Ryan

2012-01-11T12:58:00.000-08:00

I was thinking a lot about my little Ryan today...

She is such a big girl. Before school, she was quite shy with other kids, but she has just grown in leaps and bounds! Two weeks ago was the first sunday we were to put her into primary. She is a sunbeam now... so no more play time, treats, or fun in the nursery. I wondered how she would do. The class is small. There are only 4 sunbeams total. Three of the Four have mothers in the presidency... including Ryan... I'm in there. Any how, I know that the other two kids who have mothers in the presidency were going to struggle wanting to sit with their mom instead of with the class. They were going to find it difficult to let their mom focus on all the kids rather than just them. So naturally I started to wonder how Ryan would do? Would she insist on sitting with me? Would she feel bad when I was working with other kids, or teaching, or conducting? Well, I am happy to say that we did not have that problem. She came and sat down with her class and soaked everything in. she was sitting up strait with her hands folded neatly in her lap the entire time. She even looked at the other kids like they were odd when they tried to come sit with their moms rather than with the class. She tried her hardest to learn the songs and sing. I even got a little teary eyed looking at her! I was so proud!! Last week she even gave the scripture. She spoke into the microphone and tried her best. It was adorable!! I'm just so happy that there were no fits, and no major problems! Only two weeks have gone by though... time will tell if it was just a fluke, or if she is really that good! I think she is really that good though!

Christmas and Anniversary

2011-12-30T16:32:00.000-08:00

As predicted, Santa found us all this year--and no one got any coal. We had a blast. Of course our kids were spoiled by everyone who knows them! We first got up early in the morning and opened all the gifts that Santa left at our house. Then we left to Grammie and Papa's house, Zollingers, and got to open a few gifts there. Next it was off to church. I think it's nice to be able to celebrate Christmas on a Sunday. I loved it. Later we went to see Nana and Papa, the Park family. There we were spoiled even more. Finally, we were off to Nana S's house. That's Jared's Nana. She is the best spoiler of all!! We hade the best meal there and yet again opened some gifts! Oh my goodness, we were so SPOILED!! Thanks for a great Christmas!!

Today is also our 6th anniversary. I can't believe that I am here. It feels like yesterday that I was taking the plunge! Not only do I still love Jared today, but I think I might even love him a little bit more than I did 6 years ago! Even after learning everything there is to possibly know about Jared I still respect and love him so much. Here are a few of my most favorite things... Jared addition.

1. He is honest. I have learned something in watching other marriages, as well as being married, if you don't have trust, there is nothing. I know that Jared is always honest. No matter what, I can trust him. He is almost too honest... that's not a bad thing unless you are trying to rip someone off.

2. He is funnier than crap. Maybe it's just me, but I think his ability to turn any song into one of his own is funny.

3. He is attractive. Although his hair is gone, I like the way he looks. He is fit, and can you just say killer smile!!

4. He is a great father. Some dads get home after work and think it's a pain to have to help around the house, or play with the kids. However, Jared loves it. The kids love to hear him talk like a pirate. He makes great forts. He reads book after book, after book, and never gets tired of it.

5. Jared always makes everyone feel loved and safe. People are drawn to him because of his ability to make you feel like you are important to him... and you are. He may not remember your name right away, but if he sees you and remembers your face, chances are he will say hello to you and rekindle your relationship.

6 He tells me every day that he loves me and that I am beautiful. Even on Fat days!! Did you know that I thought he was WAY WAY out of my league when I met him. HE WAS! However, somehow he thought I was good enough to be with him. He thinks I'm pretty great. Either I am the worlds best minipulator, or maybe he really does think I'm good enough for him.

7. He puts me in my place. I have always said that Jared makes me want to be a better person. I think he might be the one person that I know that never speaks about other people in a negative way. He tries his best to always use good language. When I fall short of these kinds of things, he is always there to put me back in my place in a loving way.

8. Jared can take a joke. I think that we laugh more at our house than any other family. I could be wrong, but we have a lot of fun at our home.

9. Jared is quick to say he is sorry. I don't know why, but I struggle with this one. Sometimes when we fight, I will make an effort to appologize first. However, Jared makes it difficult to be the first to say it. I have been first a hand full of times, but he is the one who usually says "sorry" first.

10. Jared loves the church and the Lord. It took me some time to accept that I would never be Jared's #1. I know that I will always come second to the Lord. I am ashamed to say that it took me some time to be ok with that. However, I know that it's a good thing and I would never have it any other way!!!

Thanksgiving and tender conversations.

2011-12-01T14:15:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was so good this year!! We had thanksgiving with the Zollinger family, and it was the best dinner we have ever had as a family!!! Growing up my mom always made things homemade, but then we got older and busier... and well, the food got quicker and less quality--naturally. So as we have been getting older with our own families, we have been slowly getting back into good homemade food. Well this year we mastered it!! Jared did the worlds most moist turkey and we all were able to fill in the rest of the blanks. Every part of dinner was awesome.

Now I would like to share a conversation that Ryan had with Jared a week or so ago. Jared had her in the car and was talking to her about what to do if someone asked her to do something that she knew was bad.

Jared: Ryan, what would you do if someone told you to do something that you knew was bad? Like one of your friends.

Ryan: I would not do it.

Jared: You're so smart. You know that you really are a smart girl!

Ryan: Yeah, I would say no and they would say, "Ryan, you're so smart." Then I would do a summer-salt!

So Sweet!!

Another side note, Jared is the man! He did the impossible last week!!! He managed to surprise me! He had a long weekend and managed to surprise me with a get-away. I just woke up one morning and he told me that I needed to pack the kids bags for two days. I was so shocked. Ryan didn't even spill the beans! Jared and I ate ourselves STUPID and stayed down town. It was so much fun! Early Anniversary! I just am crazy about my Jared!! Thanks Sweetie!!

Halloween

2011-11-02T12:58:00.000-07:00

This year was so much stinking fun! Ryan finally got into the spirit of Halloween! She understood the concept of Trick-or-Treating! At first when we were deciding what to be for Halloween Ryan told me that she wanted to be a princess with RED hair. As time passed and she got more into it, she kept adding things to it. She wanted to be a queen and wear the queen dress. with red hair and a crown--the crown would also make her a princess. So she would be a red-headed Queen/Princess. However, she also wanted to wear a pumpkin mask with Fairy wings. So then she would be the red-headed, pumpkin, fairy Queen/princess. However, the requirements for the wings were that they must be functional. Meaning, they must allow her to really fly. When I told her that they didn't make those kinds of wings she was disappointed... but only for a second. She then requested that I start looking right away for magic pixie dust that would allow her to fly with her dress up wings. Lucky me, I had to break the news that there was no stores in the state that sold real magic pixie dust! Finally, she also requested that she be able to ride the unicorn while being the red-headed, fairy pumpkin queen/princess. MAN ALIVE!! In the end she settled for a red-headed queen.

McCallum was Frankenstein. EASY!

We had a blast knocking on doors and collecting tons and tons of candy! Here are some of the pictures. I've also added some from when we went to Gardner Village to see all the witches with Nana Lynn. Thanks for the fun pony ride Nana!

Pumpkin Pickin'

2011-10-16T12:11:00.000-07:00

A few days back Jared and I got take the kids and go pick pumpkins with Nana, Lisa, Justin, Boedi, and Paisley. It was so much fun! Ryan knew just what she wanted. She walked right into the first cluster of pumpkins, pointed to one and that was that. Done. Boedi, on the other hand, was so picky. We walked all around the patch and nothing seemed to fit. We just could not get him to decide on a pumpkin! Eventually, he found one that he liked and we were able to go. In the car on our way to dinner he said to Lisa, "Nana, it was impressive that we got to pick pumpkins." I just laughed! He uses such big words all the time! Smarty pants! We had a blast!

Sisters

2011-10-05T12:11:00.000-07:00

I just loved this picture of my sisters and I at my Gran's funeral and thought I should post it. YUP, we are all sisters with the same mother and father. Crazy how different we all are!! From Left to Right: Natalie, Andrea, Stephanie, Me, BreeAnn.

Grannie the Great

2011-10-03T11:21:00.000-07:00

And then there were none... My mom's mom past away this past week. We were really almost relieved to have her go. I only say that because she has been alone for so long, and her health was not too good. I, of course, miss her; but this was for the best. At her funeral I was able to play a flute solo. I think she would have liked it.

Things I'll always remember about Gran...

1. Bushel and a Peck. She sang me that song as a kid. Hence my blog name.
2. If you want to get pregnant, stand on you head. (she didn't understand why I couldn't have kids.)
3. How easy it was to make her dry heave. I always got a kick out of that.
4. She never forgot to tell me how much like her sister Josephine I am.
5. She loved her mission to South Africa
6. One time I dyed my hair dark. She told me she didn't like it at all. I looked like "a Mexican." Later she felt so bad that she apologized about it. She told me that she didn't want to be remembered as the Grannie that said negative things. Then she picked up and put on a boxing glove and punched me in the head. She insisted that I fight her. When I wouldn't hit her back she punched me in the head again! Funniest day EVER!!!
7. She Hate, Hate, HATED cats! They'll give you polio you know!!
8. She loved the color purple.
9. She loved to write. She was a teacher. She also loved to read.
10. She always stayed so happy and positive. Even after fighting breast cancer, having both knees replaced, and losing her memory, she never was negative. She was a real example of how to keep a good outlook on life!

I love you Grannie! I'm so glad you are finally with Grandpa! I look forward to seeing them again... although not too soon.

Gloria (Redford Boudrero) Cook (1924 - 2011)

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Something to do

2011-09-18T16:32:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, Ryan is a major Tangled fan. It's one of her favorite movies of all time. I mean, she makes me sing the magic song when I brush her hair... I don't mind though because it keeps me young. So the other day I got this fun little idea. Why not make her some long hair to look just like Rapunzel. So that's just what I did. It's been a real hit ever sense. She sat and watched the entire movie wearing it. She even wanted to sleep in it, but it's too heavy and wont stay on. Plus she has been tricking everyone we know into thinking that she's the REAL princess Rapunzel and not Ryan. Silly!

First Day of School

2011-09-09T09:21:00.000-07:00

We decided to do preschool this year. It's not the pre-K class, but it's a class for three year old kids to prepare for the Pre-K class when they turn four. Ryan needed something to be her own thing and we decided rather than her learn to dance, sing, or play a sport we would develop her learning in the class room. Any how, Ryan did much better than I anticipated. I thought she might cry and freak out a little when I dropped her off, but there was none of that. Earlier that morning she sounded a little nervous, she just wanted to hear that her school was going to be a lot like her nursery class at church. Later, on our way to school she sounded nervous again. She asked me: "mom, this is going to be like my class (meaning church class) right?" I told her that it was just like it. You get to do singing time, and have a treat, and listen to a lesson, and have a play time. To this she replied: "And color a picture?" After I told her that she would get to do that, she was all on board!

When I took her into the preschool she was one of the first kids there. I gave her a hug and then turned to leave. I got a few steps down the hall when she sounded really worried. She wanted another hug and a kiss. So I gave her a hug--she hugged me as if it were her last hug she'd ever get from me. Then I told her that she was not allowed to have TOO much fun. "You listen to me Ryan, you are only allowed to have a little bit of fun. If you have too much fun I'm going to have to get you into big trouble. Understand." She of course smiled at my teasing and told me that she was going to have "This much fun." Then she held her hands as far apart as she could. Ryan let me know that she was going to have the most fun... a lot of fun. I proceeded to tease her that if she did I would have to get her into BIG trouble. The teacher, Mrs. Balls, laughed and assured Ryan that she would only have a little bit of fun, and that was only if she tried really really hard. Then I left. No more trouble after that. What a big girl. She stayed the entire time and had fun. She even got to paint a picture of an apple. She also did a show and tell of her camera and took a picture of the class. Although the picture is mostly just of the teachers face and one kid in the background.

Sweet girl, I'm so proud of you!

By the way, Ryan loved the backpack she got when she went shopping with her Nana! Thanks Lynn!!

Lake Blanch, Florance, and Lillian

2011-09-07T09:21:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day was good for us, we decided to go and do a little hike--McCallum's first. Although Ryan had already scheduled a day of shopping with her Nana, we took Mac up and hiked Lake Blanch. I must say, it was a harder hike than I anticipated. It was such a hard climb the entire way up. It's only about 3 miles to the top, but in that 3 miles you gain 2700 feet elevation. Needless to say, my hips are tights today! Ryan on the other hand spent some time shopping for the perfect backpack. Tomorrow she'll be testing it out for her first day of school!! Stay tuned for a post on that one tomorrow!

Lake Powell and more!

2011-09-03T10:00:00.000-07:00

First I must say that my last post is no longer accurate. During the week Mac has learned himself how to walk! At Lake Powell he was walking all over the place. Not a main source of transportation yet, but getting there quick! That means that he walked at a year--tomorrow is his big FIRST BIRTHDAY!!

We were so luck this year... I mean how many kids can say that they get to go to Lake Powell three times in a year? We had such a good time. This trip it was just my parents and my one sister, Natalie, and her family. It was so fun, we were almost out numbered by kids this trip. Ryan was so big, she Knee Boarded, and caught a ton of lizards with me! I really had thought that she would not really want much to do with the lizards, but I was wrong. She wanted to hold all of them, name them, and let them sit on her hat and rest. I wish I would have got some pictures of her with the Lizard on her hat! I really need a water proof camera!!!

Mac had a blast at the lake too! He was so busy all the time! He finally got comfortable in his jacket--that made boating so much easier! He was intrigued when we would pull someone behind the boat! He liked swimming and would jump off the swim deck behind the boat! This kid is fearless! When it came to being on the house boat, this kid was impossible! We set up coolers so that he could not leave the front room when we needed him to stay put. However, he taught himself how to climb over the coolers fast! He also managed to climb up the ladders! He needed 150% of our attention just to keep him safe! (We would never give any less!)

Jared and I had a good time as well. Jared learned how to surf. Although he couldn't quite do it without a rope yet, he'll get it soon I'm sure! This trip I mostly surfed, but I did get to wake board too. Although I must say, I played it safe. After my brother Jeremy got hurt on his first ski run, I decided to lay off the flips! It was still a lot of fun!

I should also add a few of these pictures. I have been trying to get some good shots of McCallum for his first birthday, but it's been hit and miss. Yesterday I went out again in hopes of getting a quick photo opt with my sister Andrea--she makes the kids smile! However, Mac was tired and it was poorly planned. Here are some of my favorites though.

Turning one

2011-08-23T11:10:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that this little boy will be a year?!! That's right he turns one on September 4th! Due to the fact that we will be away for his birthday, we decided to celebrate a bit early. Plus, if I made his cake at Stephanie and Jared's party it would get eaten by someone other than just me!

It seems like only yesterday that we were even waiting for this little guy to come! I can't believe how fast the time goes! All these months of growing and changing have just flown by. Now at one year old, McCallum is so fun. He's not quite walking by himself yet, but he gets around anything he wants to. He loves to make trouble. In fact, I think it makes him happy to hear me tell him "No." He is constantly getting into the cupboards that are off limits, or the cords that are not to be touched, or the remotes that are not to be played with. He loves to laugh, and is always smiling. Mac also loves the water. I constantly have to keep him out of the bathroom. Either he will try to get into the tub, or I find him splashing around the toilet! I try, but he can open the lid. At times he has even squeezed through the door! He's constantly on the go! I just love this little boy!!

Here are some of the photos from his party including the iguana cake that I made for him! It was a lot more work than I had planned... but it turned out great! I was proud that I did it without help!! Happy birthday my little guy!! We love you!!

28

2011-08-09T09:13:00.000-07:00

I am a little behind on writing my darling Jared a Happy Birthday blog. I think I was waiting to do his party with McCallum, but I better not wait. So Happy 28th old man!

After Jared spent his special day working, I took him to Sportsman's and got him the gift of his dreams... a Leatherman tool. Wow! I really tried to get him to get another knife that he was drooling over, but he was just not committed. Funny boy! He has a wod of cash in his pocket, and he wont buy anything he wants. Silly! After we grabbed a bite and got the kids home and in bed. It was a good day. I hope Jared thought so too!

So lets all raise our glasses and toast to a man who works hard every day, who never quits smiling, and who never lets anything bother him! Cheers! I love you Jared!

Horses and 4 wheelers

2011-07-26T11:12:00.000-07:00

We had a really fun weekend with our good friends Nate and Lyndsie! They put up with us crashing their family trip to the cabin. We really did have a great time! Ryan got to ride horses. She was so excited to see that there was a white horse... Maximus from Tangled. Although his name was Expensive. I thought we were going to have to let Nate and Lynds keep Ryan forever because she had so much fun with them.

Ryan also spent a lot of her time caring for a baby kitten. They were nursing it to good health and she loved that! She took that stinkin' thing everywhere! She fed it with the bottle, gave it naps, and gave it love. They tried to send it home with us, but that was an easy NO! She was so stinkin' cute. I guess she just loves animals!

Thanks Nate and Lyndsie! We had a blast! So much so that Ryan has been singing songs about you all day long. About how much she loves you and the horses!

Lake Powell

2011-07-05T14:43:00.000-07:00

We got to go for a few days down to Lake Powell. It was a short trip, but we sure had fun! I was nervous that Ryan would be a little too afraid of the water, however, she did great! She just took to the water like a fish!! She even fell in love with the tube! She got to ride it several times with her Aunt Abbie, and Uncle Justin! It was a blast! I have to thank Abbie, Kevin, and Justin for letting Ryan go everywhere with you all day everyday!! She loved it, and to be honest... so did I. It was a nice break for me too!

As for McCallum, he did great too! He liked to swim, but it was a little cold for him. He really didn't like having to wear a life jacket on the boat either! It was like a little prison. It restricted his movement too much for him! He is just such a little mover, it was hard to be stuck in a jacket!

Jared ended up jumping off a small ledge into what ended up being three feet of water, and twisting his knee and ankle! To his credit, his dad and him were being very cautious, but had bad judgement. Lesson learned... NEVER, NO MATTER WHAT, JUMP INTO WATER THAT YOU ARE NOT POSITIVE WHAT IS BENEATH!!!! We had his leg checked out, and it is just fine! Lucky! The doctor was shocked there was not a break or fracture!

A Taste of My Own Medicine

2011-06-12T11:45:00.000-07:00

I just have to blog this before I forget! I wish there were camera's rolling so that I could have this memory forever! However, I do not have my own reality show yet, so this post will have to suffice.

Ryan, recently got a new bike. It's a little 16" purple bike with pink training wheels and a little white basket on the front. She has been learning to ride it, but has not gotten the hang of stopping. The night we got the bike, Jared and I were out watching her ride it. She would go around and around the patio. Finally, Jared and I started pestering her about the need to be able to stop. We would tell her to go fast, then when we said "STOP" she would need to push back on her pedals, HARD. Well, this did not come easy. She thought that it was good enough just to coast to a stop. I tried and tried to explain that she needed to learn to break so that she could make it safely down hills. So we kept telling her to show us how to stop. It didn't take long for all of us to get a little frustrated. Ryan coasted to a stop, got off her bike, put her hands on her hips and walked right up to me and said...

"Mommy, you listen to me. I am riding my bike. Now you go in the house right now! ... Turd."

I was shocked. It was almost embarrassing that my little girl put me in my place like that. Jared was trying not to laugh, but doing a terrible job of it. I on the other hand just stood there in shock! Her tone was identical to mine when I get after her. In a way I was proud, because she didn't yell at me, and she didn't use any terrible language... so I guess I do okay when I get upset and have to discipline. On the other hand... she called me a "Turd." Maybe I should stop name calling!

Family Pictures

2011-05-29T21:17:00.000-07:00

So we did some family pictures with the Zollinger side of our family. . . and they turned out super cute. . . but the problem is that I am no longer a blonde. That's right, I'm not blond. My hair was so fried that I decided that it's not worth the pain and agony to keep. I went too blonde, too fast. So now I'm red. The pictures are cute but not accurate. Lucky for me, the Park family will be doing pictures next week. Then I'll have some of me red. Not important... enjoy the pics.

Crawling At 8 Months!

2011-05-05T19:57:00.000-07:00

This week, McCallum has worked hard to master crawling! I first saw him do it a tiny bit on Saturday. Then, Sunday during family home evening, he took off across the floor. Now that the week is nearly over he has really gotten good! It's becoming easier and easier every day! There goes life as I know it!!

Final Sectional WOD

2011-05-02T17:49:00.000-07:00

Sectionals are finally over. The last and final workout went pretty well. Not as good as I would have liked, but good enough. The WOD went like this...

As many reps as possible in 7 mins:

Thrusters at 65 pounds
Chest to bar pull ups

rounds went in threes... 3 Thrusters, 3 pull ups, 6 thrusters, 6 pull ups, 9 thrusters, 9 pull ups...

Chest to bar pull ups are not my specialty, but I did pretty well. I got through 15 Thrusters and 8 pull ups. I would have liked to get all 15, but just couldn't!

All in all, I am pretty pleased with my scores. I ended up placing 152 over all in my region! Not too bad when you think about how many people there were! Over 600 people and I am in the top 150! It has been a blast!! I can't wait to do more compititions!

Easter

2011-04-26T16:09:00.001-07:00

We had such a nice Easter! As you all know, the Easter Bunny makes his rounds to all the good boys and girls. I guess my kids were good because the Easter Bunny came. Ryan knew that it was the real Easter Bunny too because there was jelly beans on the floor by all the baskets. And we all know that the REAL Easter Bunny poops jelly beans!

So Jared and I decided to take the kids to an organized Easter Egg hunt at a park near our house. It lasted all of 20 seconds. Ryan got all of ONE egg. She couldn't get any freaking eggs because the parents were going crazy on the ground hogging all the eggs! What a mess! I wanted to punch a bunch of parents in the face! It was just embarrassing!!

Here are a few pictures of dying Easter Eggs this year! Ryan thought that was pretty fun!

Another Sectional WOD

2011-04-22T11:01:00.000-07:00

So after last weeks WOD I landed in 150th place. Not too bad, even though I don't feel like I did very well on that last WOD. Now I am feeling a little defeated after doing this weeks workout. Here's how it went.

20 mins. AMRAP of:
5 power cleans at 100#
10 Toes to Bar
15 Wall ball with 14# ball and a 9' target

In the end I would have liked to get closer to 10 rounds, but there was just nothing in the tank! I have been sick this week, so that's what I'm blaming it on! I am thinking about doing it over, but I'm not sure that my mind is strong enough to get through it again! It was just too grueling!!

Sectionals Update

2011-04-14T10:40:00.000-07:00

Last week we did another grueling workout! I can't believe these people who put the games together... they are honestly sick in the head. The workout was only 5 minuets long, but killed me! You had 5 minuets to Squat clean and Jerk 110 pounds. As you can guess, 110 pounds is really heavy to Jerk above head!! In the end I Squat Cleaned 110 pounds 13 Times with an additional Squat Clean. This placed me in 147th place in the region! I was lucky! I did my best and didn't land too far from where I wanted to be!

Today I did the fourth WOD! Also KILLER!! We had 10 minuets to get through as many rounds as possible of:

60 Burpees (facing the bar and jumping over it each time)
30 Over Head Squats at 90#
10 Muscle ups

I got zero full rounds! I complete the burpees and 23 of the Over Head Squats. But that was the best I could do! 90 #'s is a lot of weight to lock out over head!! We will see where I land. So far I am in 18th place but there are another 500 people who still need to submit their scores!

Forever Family

2011-04-09T12:51:00.000-07:00

We finally were able to take McCallum to the Temple on April 9. It was so foggy out that you couldn't even see the temple till you were standing out in front of it! It was cold and snowy, but it still managed to be a wonderful day!!!

Ryan was so excited to get up and finally get to wear her white dress and white flowers!! McCallum was pretty happy too. I was worried that he wouldn't fit into his little white outfit because we had planned to go through almost an entire month ago. However, due to complications with court, we had to change our date. Regardless, he fit! He was such a little doll face!!

When they brought the kids into the Sealing room, I almost died! The kids looked like little angels in white. For the first time it really hit me that we were really there in the Temple about to seal Mac to us for all Eternity. McCallum was so cute. He was so excited about all the light and sparkle in the room from the chandelier. When we knelt at the alter with him he just looked at Jared the ENTIRE time. His mouth was gaping open and just staring at Jared--no smile, no real expression. I think that he was just wondering what was going on. Everyone was just looking at him and he was loving being there!

McCallum's Special Blanket and Ryan's 3 Year Photo's

2011-04-06T10:40:00.000-07:00

I just have to take a moment and thant McCallum's birth mother for making him these wonderful blankets. She took the time to find all the fabric and make the blanket as well as this little tag-a-long blanket for him. I hope Nithra knows how much that is going to mean to him some day!! There will be days that he misses her and wants her, and he will find comfort in these blankets! She also included the sweetest letter! In the letter she tells him how much he means to her as well as her reasons for deciding to place him in our home. Nithra, if you are reading this, THANK YOU! You have no idea how special that is! THANK YOU! We love you more than you know!!

Also, I have finally gone and tried to get some pictures of Ryan for her 3 year. It was really windy, and I gave up on trying to keep her hair nice! I almost think that it is more like Ryan not to have her hair done nice though. This girl is a free spirit and I love her for it!!

Sectionals: WOD #2

2011-04-04T10:46:00.000-07:00

This past week I did not do as well as I had hoped to have done on my workout. I was hoping to get 9 full rounds, but pooped out right before I got it! Oh well though... I still stayed in a pretty good ranking. I ended up ranked 141 of 541 in my region. That also means that in bigger picture, the USA and Canada, I am ranked 1537 of 6161! Wow!! Any how, I think that they are having a lot of trouble with the website, so it's hard to tell exactly where you will land and how many total competitors will make it through each week. So if my numbers don't make sense from week to week it is the website.

This was the workout.
Complete as many rounds and reps as possible in 15 minuets of:
9 deadlifts (100 pounds)
12 push ups (all the way down and lift your hands at the bottom)
15 box jumps (20")

I got through 8 full rounds plus 9 dead lifts and 12 push ups. I am mad I pooped out and didn't get 9 rounds though!! Oh well!

Do you swear to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth

2011-04-02T08:55:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a really great day. Although it was April fools, it is no joke that we went to court and got parental rights for McCallum! Many people have asked me what it is like to go to court for an adoption... so here's our story...

We had an appointment with Judge Kate Toomey at 9:30 am. So we got up early, got in our Sunday best, and drove to the SLC court house. We were there early in hopes of getting in front of the judge before other cases--adoptions are very short so often times they will take care of them before everything else. When we got to the court room, there was a note on the door stating that our judge was not in. We were reassigned to a new judge, Judge Dever. We had to wait for another hearing to finish before we could enter the court. When we entered, an officer said, "all rise." Just like judge Judy:) Judge Dever took his bench and we were seated. From there our attorney, Mike, began introducing the case as well as us by full legal name. He introduced our case worker and her title. He told the judge the steps that we took to prove that we were fit to be parents. Presented him with the home studies. and explained that everything was done legally by the case worker.

Next they had Jared and I stand and be sworn in. Just like the movies, we raised our right hands and "swore to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help you God." Then we were seated and questioned.

Jared went first... "when were you married?"
"Do you love McCall?"
"Do you plan on remaining married?"
"Do you accept McCallum as your own natural born child?"
"God forbid you should ever be divorced, but if you should ever, do you accept responsibility for McCallum as if he were your natural born child?"

Then they had Jared sign a paper stating these same things. Next, it was my turn...
"Do you love Jared?"
"Do you love McCallum"
"What do you think about this adoption?"
"in case of a divorce do you accept the responsibility of McCallum as if he were your natural child?"
"What is the name you have chosen for the child?"
"Is this the name you wish to have printed on the birth certificate?" Then I signed a paper confirming my testimony as well as a document stating all of the financial costs of the adoption.

Next, the judge said a lot of mumbo-jumbo and signed a paper confirming that he accepted what was presented. He granted us Parental Custody, and congratulated us!! We asked if we could take a picture with him. He was so sweet. You could tell that he is a grandpa!! He said, "I would be offended if you didn't take one." He came down from his bench and took McCallum from Jared without question, wiped the drool from his chin and took a few pictures with us. He was so AWESOME!!

So that's what it is like to be pregnant for me. It starts when we pick up the child at the hospital and ends when a judge names us as parents and has our names put on a birth certificate. We jump through a number of hoops in between. We have to go through extensive background checks, home check, and doctor visits. We submit all of our personal information from finances to height and weight. Then we have to wait a minimum of 6 months before going to court. In the end we pay an insane amount for a paper with a blue stamp on it! Crazy!! It's worth it though! There is no other way that I know! To be honest, I think enduring several hours of intense labor is harder! I'm not sure I would trade even if I could! My hat's off to all of you who do that! That's CRAZY!!

The Snuggly Duckling

2011-03-30T18:03:00.000-07:00

So any of you who have not seen Tangled... Shame on you! There is time to correct this however! It is so stinkin' cute. I have to admit, Ryan has been watching it for months. We got our hands on a less than legal copy and have been getting a head start. We have now repented and purchased a new copy... restitution? Well I just have to say, Ryan can sing and act out this flick so well. She makes me sing the magic hair song when I brush her hair in the morning. And I have convinced her to stop attempting to cut her own hair by telling her that her hair will no longer be magic if she cuts it! It's working so far! She also believes that the reason my hair turned white is because I cut it and the magic left it! How cute is that!! Yeah, I lie to my kids!! So What!! Also, Mac loves it when Ryan and I sing the songs and act out the parts. I just have to say, I am tired of being mother Gothel, I want to be Rapunzel for once! Oh well... I'll live. At least I get to play!

On another note... McCallum is getting more teeth. I think he just might get all of his bottom teeth before he gets any on top. So painful, but so cute when they pop through!!

Also, this Friday morning I am pleased to announce that we have a court date with Judge Kate Toomey. She is a real stickler of a judge, but we are hopeful that she will find us fit to be McCallum's parents. Goodbye guardians... hello Parents! It's so much funner to be a parent than it is a legal guardian! Well, it's much the same really.

Due to the fact that we will be getting parental rights to this wonderful little boy, we have scheduled a Temple Sealing date for April 9th. That's right McCallum, you will be mine forever and through the eternities! HA, there is nothing you can do about it either! I'm just praying that the little white outfit I bought will still fit! We had to wait for all our legal people to be in the country and now I'm not sure that it will fit. I guess it might be a little tight is all! That might actually be more cute!

Ryan is so excited to go through the temple with Mac! I just have to share some of her little stories. We got her a white little dress to wear to the temple. She tried it on right away of course! When she got it on she spun around a few times and said, "mom, I look just like Cinderella!" It was so sweet! Now every time we go to Nana's or Grammies house she insists that we drive past the temple. When we do she always tell me that she wants to go into the temple. I tell her that we will soon. "We just have to wait till Mac can go." Then she will proceed to tell me how she will wear white, and mom will wear white, and daddy will wear white, and Mac too. Then she told me that when she was a baby she wore white and went to the temple. I'm shocked by this a bit because she can't possibly remember... can she? What a doll!

One time she told me "mom, when I get big like you I will get a big white dress."

Me: "Oh yeah? What for?"

Ryan: "So I can get married."

Me: "You think I'm going to let you get married?"

Ryan: "Yeah, in the temple."

She's so cute... but she's wrong! I don't think I will let her get older than 4 years old. I think that's when I'll stop her aging process and keep her my little girl forever! But if that plan fails, I guess I will allow a temple marriage...when she's "old like me." Preferably older!

Real Results

2011-03-27T11:42:00.000-07:00

So, that last picture of me as a blonde was only the beginning. This is the next step in the process. I am going for WHITE! I realize that I am grey, but you can't get to white without going Grey first. It's slowly washing to the color I want. But really, it's the actual hair that is killing me... it's not even hair. It's straw. Oh well, it'll grow back right?!?

Also, my last Crossfit Sectionals post is now no longer accurate. Due to complications with the website, they extended last weeks workout for another week. Now there are more people to compete against. I decided to try the workout one more time to see if I could do any better. I was sick when I did it the first time, so I was hoping to improve my score. So I did. I ended up getting 5 rounds, 30 double unders, and 10 snatches. This actually moved me up quite a bit! Now I am ranked 100 out of 618! Not too shabby! Lets see if I can keep it up for the next 5 weeks! As a reminder, this is the workout...

As many rounds as possible in 10 min:

30 Double Unders

15 Power Snatch at 55#

Blonde and 26!

2011-03-23T10:22:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to me. I am now 26 and yes this is a real picture of me taken yesterday on my birthday. I am no longer a Brunette. I am trying my hand at Blonde. I am still in the process of getting the hair the white blonde I want, but this is me now. Fun!

I have to take a moment and thank Jared for the best birthday ever! Yesterday he had me go and read my e-mail. In my box was a schedule for how my day would go! He took the day off to take me out for a much needed Day-cation! I loved it. We took the kids to my mother-in-law and then spent the day together. We went shopping, had a Kick A$$ lunch at Rodizios, took a nap without kids, watched a movie, and ate a nothin' bunt cake. Wow, how spoiled can I possibly be!! Plus he and the kids got me a candy bar and a jump rope. I really wanted my own and now I have one. Talk about the best day ever! Thanks lover!

Crossfit Sectionals

2011-03-19T13:17:00.000-07:00

So, I decided at the last possible second to go ahead and sign up to do Crossfit Sectionals. This is where all the crossfit athletes get to compete for the title of Fittest in the World. I am in the Southwest Region which includes all athletes from AZ, NM, NV, CO, and UT. So far it looks as if I am competing with nearly 4,000 other women in North America. Having said that... I am rocking it so far! After the first workout today I am ranked 695. And I'm sure that I will get bumped some more by close tomorrow. In my region overall I am 71 out of nearly 400. Here was the workout:

As many reps as possible in 10 mins:

30 Double Unders
15 Power Snatch at 55#

I got through 5 rounds plus 24 Double Unders.

googly eyes

2011-03-13T14:13:00.000-07:00

Here's McCallum wearing the play work gogles! He actually liked them which surprised me.

Also, some less exciting news. One of my best friends and sister, Stephanie will no longer be married to Jared's brother Jordan. That's right, they are getting a divorce. Now all of you who had the chance to read my letter that I later deleted can put two and two together. I am terribly biased about the reasons of this split. However, due to the fact that I will remain a park I cannot share my thoughts on the matter! Sucks, but that's life! I love you Steph!

3 yr and 6 mo Visit

2011-03-10T10:02:00.000-08:00

I took both of the kids to see the doctor this week. I have to admit, I was terribly nervous to take both at one time. However, I was pleasantly surprised! Normally Ryan would freak at the sight of anyone in scrubs. She would cry and be as uncooperative as humanly possible. However, this visit was much better. She was such a big girl. She did everything they asked her to. She even put her own band aid on after they gave her a shot! She did cry a little, but not much! I was so proud!!

Ryan's measurements:

Weight: 34.5 lbs (75%)
Height: 37.8" (50%)

McCallum's measurements:

Weight: 17.5 lbs (50%)
Height: 27" (75%)
Head: 17" (25%)

McCallum was such a big boy! He is just growing so much! I have started to put him into 9 month clothes! He thinks that he can crawl! He can, slowly. But it takes a lot of effort to get only a few feet, so he doesn't go far...Yet!

Three

2011-02-25T12:33:00.000-08:00

Wednesday was Ryan's THIRD birthday! I absolutely cannot believe my little girl is THREE! I blinked and now she is no longer my little baby! Now she is my fun little girl! I can't believe that she went from this little beautiful baby to this darling little girl!

Here are the top reasons I love this little pocket turd!

10. Look at this face! I mean, wow! How could you not want to just hug and kiss that all day every day!

9. She is a complete tease! This little girl never tells you anything serious the first time! She is always playing little tricks on me! I love it!!

8. She's loves all the good things in life that I love! Jared tells us that sugar is bad for us, but we know it's good for our happiness and sanity!

7. She is strong-willed. I know that this can be a bad thing, but my little girl is strong. She knows what she wants, and how to go about getting it. She is very good at thinking of creative ways to get anything that is appealing to her!

6. She is so maternal. If you saw her with her toys and her little brother you would just die! She is always so fair. If she plays with one toy one day, she will be sure to play with another the next. She really genuinely cares about them!

5. She is so sensitive to those around her. She can sense when people are struggling and she is always there to love them through it.

4. She sings and dances all day every day! As of late she is singing popcorn popping, and dancing like Rapunzel on the movie Tangled. It's so cute!

3. She genuinely wants to do what is right. She really does have a strong desire to do what is right. When she does something bad, you can tell how embarrassed she is. Normally, she learns from her mistakes and we don't have too many problems with her doing it again.

2. She is so full of personality! I can't say enough about this! You can just see in the pictures alone that she is full to the brim with personality. She just goes, goes, goes all day long and is so happy doing it!

1. She is the most beautiful blessing in our home. We consider both our kids the best things in the world, but she really is my little sunshine! I just love her so much! I wish that the English language had a word that would be capable of summing up my emotions for this little girl, but there just is no such word!

We love you Ryan! Enjoy being THREE because we are never going to let you get any older! I can't bear to see you get bigger, smarter, and more beautiful! Happy Birthday!

New News

2011-02-20T15:44:00.000-08:00

So there is news for everyone... well almost!

For starters, McCallum finally broke his two bottom teeth through two days ago! He has been fairly miserable trying to cut these little teeth. Now the wait is over, and he has two new little white teeth in the bottom of his mouth! Now his is one step closer to being able to eat all the steak that his dad will share with him!

Ryan, is turning Three this week. On the 23rd she will be three! I can't believe she is already there! It seems like yesterday we were just holding her in the hospital! Now she is THREE!! I'll post more pictures of the birthday when it's over. For now this is the cake that I made for a party with my side of the family. You would think that someone is turning 353 years old, however, the two girls turned 3 and my dad turned 53. So that's why we decided to do 353! The cake was inspired by none other than Ryan herself. I thought about doing a princess cake, but then I thought what would be Ryan's favorite thing in the world? . . . Sweets and treats! So that's why I did this cake! We also had little owl cupcakes for the girls to eat separately so that they felt like they had their own little cakes.

As for Jared, he finally got an interview for a real job! That's not to say that we are not grateful for the work that we have had, but it was no career! So to be interviewing this week for something that he actually wants is a big deal. So good luck Jared, I know that they will love you! They would be crazy not to hire him. So if you hear news that we got a job, then we got the job. If nothing, then we are still looking!

Video from Fitness Elevated

2011-02-11T08:06:00.000-08:00

This is a small peak a "FRUN." The first workout I did with 65 pound Thrusters and pull-ups. The rounds went like this... one thruster, 2 pull-ups, 3 thrusters, 4 pull-pus, all the way till the 4 mins ran out. I ended up getting to the 11th round but only doing 10 of the 11 thrusters.

This is a taste of the third workout that we did with the 75 pound atlas stones. I think that I am most proud of my snatches though. It's the hardest lift you will ever do because you have to go ground to over head with a wide grip. It's killer! I know if I were more fresh and had better form I could stick the 105 pound snatch! Dang!

Finally, the Sandbag sprint. This is actually the entire event. It was short but not that sweet. I think that this and the 2 mile run were by far the worst!!

Fitness Elevated Results

2011-02-07T11:07:00.000-08:00

If you didn't know, I participated in my first ever Crossfit event. Fitness Elevated was a local competition to determine who was the fittest man and woman this winter. People came from all over the state, and even some from NV, to get their butts kicked at the event. As for me, I did better than I had hoped. I ended up taking 34 out of 56. So I didn't qualify to do the last workout, but once they announced what it was... lets just say I was glad I didn't make the top twenty. Here were the events

I'm working on getting the videos up soon!

First, was an event called "FRUN." This event was a timed work out. You had 4 mins. to get as many rounds of 65 pound thrusters and pull-ups. The rounds counted up. For Example: One Thruster, 2 pull-ups, 3 thrust, 4 pull... all the way till the 4 min. clock ran out. I ended up getting to the 11th round, but fell short one thruster. I completed 10 pull-ups and 10 out of 11 thrusters! That was better than I had hoped for. I would say that was a little better than average for the women.

Second, we had to complete a 2 mile hill run with obstacles for time. It was actually a little longer than 2 miles, but toward the end we had to hop a 4 foot wall and hurdle 4 track hurdles set at the lowest setting. I didn't know if I was going to make it over the hurdles at the end. My legs were killing me! I managed to get over them all and to the finish line in 17.03. I had hoped to do it in 16 mins or less, but that was just not going to happen with the last freaking hill! I was really glad to just get what I did! I would say that my time was a on the lower end of average for the women, but that's great for me! I hated every second of it!

Third event was really kind of cool. This event was also timed. You had a six min running clock. The first two mins were to get as many atlas stones to your shoulder as possible. Then you had the remanding four mins to get a one rep max snatch. In the end they would add 3 pounds for every stone lifted to your snatch weight. The atlas stones weighed 75 pounds, and are really just a solid ball of cement. I had never lifted an atlas stone before, but it was really awesome. I ended up getting 16 stones. I would say that was on the high end of average. The most anyone got was my friend Sharee and she got 30...what a freak! I would bet that 10 was average. Then I moved to my snatch. I got three attempts. First I nailed a 75 pound snatch with no trouble. Then I attempted a 95 pound snatch. I did get it, but I fell to my knee and had to lunge it up. It still counts as long as you don't rest the bar on any part of your body. Finally I tried to get 105 pounds up. I did get it up, but I rested it on my head so they could not count it. Although they didn't count it, it was freaking awesome! In the end I scored 143 because I got 16 stones worth three pounds each...48 added to my 95 snatch... 143. I would say that this was above average. Most women did not snatch 95 pounds, the heaviest snatch was 115 pounds.

Finally, the last event was a sand bag sprint. I thought that this would be really stupid, but it kicked my trash!! You had to sprint the length of a basketball court as follows: run down and back, pick up a 40 pound sand bag and run down and back, drop the bag, run down and back, pick up the bag and run down and back. Man was I winded. It took me 1.03 to run this, I really struggled to keep my pace. Oddly enough I did better running with the weight than without. I hate to sprint though, so go figure! I don't think that was a bad time, but it was not the fastest. I think most people got it in about a min. So every second over killed me!

In the end I placed 34 out of 56! I was really proud of myself. I didn't make the top 20 so I didn't get to do the final workout, but I think that was a blessing. It was as follows. 30 wall burpees (an up down with a jump and clap at the top only you had to kick your feet up on a wall much like a handstand), 30 push press with a 40 pound sand bag, 30 double unders, 30 calorie row, 30 Russian Kettle bell swings at 1.5 pood or 53 pounds(this just means the arms are parallel instead of above your head), 30 box jumps at 20 inches... walk 5 feet and do 15 more box jumps, 15 kettle swings, 15 calorie row, 15 double unders, 15 push press, and 15 wall burpees! All for time! It was crazy. I hurt just watching!

Ryan's View

2011-02-01T11:08:00.001-08:00

Here are some of the pictures that Ryan has taken with her camera as of late. She is constantly taking pictures of McCallum and her toys. However, we got Bree and Alex to come over a bit ago, and so Ryan wanted to capture that moment too!!

Fitness Elevated

2011-01-21T14:44:00.001-08:00

As many of you know, Jared and I have become quite involved in Crossfit. Last year Jared competed in the regionals as well as sectionals and did quite well. Now it's my turn. I have officially signed up to participate in a local Crossfit competition on the 5th. If any of you have ever thought that it would be nice to see me get the crap kicked out of me be ther on the 5th at Highland High! It'll be all day, and I should end up getting killed in the end! I'm really nervous and yet excited! I've worked hard to get where I'm at and I am hoping that it's enough to finish and still have fun! Stay posted as I will be adding more about how things go!

The kids

2011-01-18T12:25:00.000-08:00

So Here are some more of the pictures that I took for my sweet mother-in-law's birthday. We loaded a digital photo frame full of the kids pictures and gave it to her. She loved it. I don't know who wouldn't love it though... just look at these kids! And the pictures arn't even that great of quality! Ha ha!

4 months

2011-01-14T11:31:00.000-08:00

McCallum is just growing and growing! I can hardly believe he is the same kid we brought home from the hospital! He is just so much bigger and so different than he was when he was so new! Now he is just turning into a little person--you know what I mean! He eats solids, he trys to crawl, he smiles, he laughs, and he just keeps out growing the clothes in his closet!

So here is my favorite shot of Mac at 4 months. I will have more, but they will have to wait because I don't want to spoil part of my mother-in-laws birthday present.

Solids

2011-01-10T11:26:00.000-08:00

We recently went to McCallum's 4 Month doctor's visit. I can hardly believe how big he is now! His head was 16.3 cm which is small, or the 25% for his age. He weighed in at 15.3 pounds! That's a lot heavier than I was anticipating. This weight lands him in the 75% group. However it was his height that blew me away. Remember, Mac's birth mother was only 4' 11" so I was thinking he would be on the smaller end. However he measured in the 90th percentile for height. He is 26"! Big boy!! I think he's so big because he eats like his dad! This little boy puts away 6 oz every three hour with or without rice cereal in it! He is such a big eater! Some times he will even take down a tub of solids before taking down a 4-6 oz bottle! Little piggy!

McCallum is also a member of the Solid eating team! He is enjoying his foods too! He loves sweet potatoes, carrots (as seen here), squash, apples, bananas, peaches... and will enjoy more as time goes on I'm sure!

2011

2011-01-03T12:58:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's already 2011! I honestly let time get away from me! I remember being in middle school and walking home with my friends talking about how the year 2000 was going to be so cool. We were all talking about how the world was going to get all confused and lost because computers were not programed to handle the year 2000! Look at us now... I am almost 26, finished my bachelors, married, finished my husbands bachelors, and have two kids! Where did the time go!

With the new year I am thinking of adding a fun little thing to my blog. You see, Ryan got a little camera for Christmas, and she loves to use it. So I was thinking of posting the pictures that she takes every now and again.

This is the world through Ryan's eyes!

What I Like About You

2010-12-31T11:05:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, December 30, 2010, was Jared and my 5th wedding anniversary! Congratulations to us! So in honor of this event I think it necessary to list some of the reasons why I am still crazy in love with this guy!

10. He is an old man in a younger mans body!

-He chooses to drive significantly slower than suggested by law because we get optimum gas mileage.

-He knows all the lyrics to all the songs that were ever written WAY WAY before our time!

9. He keeps me motivated to work out!

-When one is married to a perfect body, you try your hardest to do the same for them!

8. He can come up with song parities to any song that comes on the radio right off the top of his head.

-Normally these are inappropriate, but they make me laugh so stinking hard!!

7. Only this man can wear just his white t-shirt, basketball shorts, tall wool socks, and a pair of running shoes and still look sexy!

-OK, Sexy might not be the right word for this look, but in a really twisted way I am strangely attracted to the 80 year old man look that he sports!

6. His smile was one of the first things that drew me to him, and it is still the most heart melting part about him.

5. He is a wonderful father!

4. Even when I am a "Bear" (for lack of a better word) he still loves me.

-When things get really tough, he is always level headed and patient with me. That way when I come down from my emotional high, we can make up and move on with life. This has really only happened once... OK.... maybe twice:)

3. He makes me laugh!

-I always wanted to laugh through life! Jared has always been able to do that for me! I really think that will never change either.

2. He takes our religious beliefs seriously.

-He is the kind of person that I want to be! When you meet him you know what he stands for and exactly what he believes in. What you see is what you get!

1. The very first time I met Jared I told my dad... "Jared is the kind of guy that you want to date because he is the kind of guy you want to marry. But you know you will never get to date him because he is too good for you."

-This sounds sad, but it's true. I manipulated him to the best of my ability to believe that I was good enough for him! It worked too! He makes me want to be a better wife, mother, and person in general. Everything about Jared makes me so grateful that I was blessed enough to have him in my life.

-When I knelt across the alter and married him for time and all eternity, that is exactly what I meant! We said "yes" and I have never looked back and regretted it! I hope he can say the same! (I think he can though, I have tricked him into thinking I'm pretty cool too!)

As a side note, Christmas was so fun! Ryan got everything she asked for and more! All she ever said she wanted was: a Snowman, a pumpkin, and a dollhouse! Well, Santa came and left not only that but much more!

Not only was Ryan a good girl this year, but so was McCallum! He didn't need much, but Santa sure did go out of his way to get him everything a 3 month old could every wish for!!

Jared and I were also spoiled as usual! The best gift this year by far was a Jar that Jared made for me. It's just a glass Jar that says "Ring" on it! In the Jar was $5.20. This jar is going to be a saving tool to get my wedding ring repaired. Don't ask me how I did it, but I managed to breat the crap out of my setting. Lucky for me I didn't lose the diamond. Until then Jared has replaced my wedding ring with the wonderful second ring! But I still can't wait to get my diamond back!

Holiday's are here!

2010-12-05T15:22:00.000-08:00

So if you didn't know this already... the holidays are here again! I took the liberty of getting together a family photo shoot. I also took Bree and Alex's family picture. This way I can put together a Christmas card. I do however need to gather some information! I need addresses so send them to me at mccall_park@hotmail.com and make my life a little easier will ya!!

Enjoy looking at the cutest kids I have ever had the opportunity to raise!! (also Bree and Alex and their Killer dog M.J.)

Julie Young

2010-12-01T12:18:00.000-08:00

So I just need to publicly thank my mom's friend Julie Young for the wonderful gifts she gave my kids! I don't know much about Julie, but I know that she probably reads my blog more than any other person in the world. She is probably the only reason that my own mother ever knows that there is a new post--which is not to say that my mom doesn't check the blog, but that Julie does more.

Thanks for the adorable blanket for McCallum. Ryan loves the sticker/coloring book! I am finding princess stickers all over the place! She is in Heaven!!

You're the best Julie!

Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T10:39:00.000-08:00

Well today is a good day to do two things... pig out, and give thanks. I plan on doing both. This year however, I can feel good about the pigging out part! I did the hardest workout this morning. I will take a moment to brag about it.

Complete in order for time:
300 Double Unders
200 Push ups (only did half on my toes)
200 sit ups
200 body squats
300 Double Unders

Time: 55:19 And thought I was going to die! Seriously, anyone who wants to get into shape needs to come to crossfit. It's a darker side of fitness, but it's also good. A horrible side of Good!

As for giving thanks, I have so much to be grateful for. For starters, I have a wonderful husband. I never have regretted my decision to rope him into marriage! I love him more than when I dated him, more than when we were married. And if you can believe it, I love him more now that we have two kids and less time for each other! I am grateful that he is willing to work hard to provide for our needs!! We went without work for several months after finishing school, and we are just so blessed to be where we are now... working!

I can't forget my kids. I am so lucky to have them. Not only were we blessed with children when we can't have any ourselves; but we were blessed with the two best kids in the world! Ryan is such a sweet little helper! She is so much fun. Although she can be a little difficult when you try to get her to eat anything that is not filled with sugar. Other than that she is mostly perfect. She sleeps well, she plays nice with her brother, she is ultra caring, and she has the ability to brighten any day! I just love this little girl too much for words! Did I mention she happens to be mega beautiful too. That's just the icing on the cake though. Look out boys, this one is going to be breaking hearts. Not to mention her dad will not let her go anywhere without a fight!

McCallum... where do I even begin with this little boy! He is the most chill and happy little baby! He is not even three months old yet and I can tell he is just going to exceed all of my hopes and dreams! He is sleeping through the night, eating like his dad, and smiling every time you even make eye contact. The giggling is just starting as well! He is so sweet! I swear this kid is going to be the end of me! He is going to be so cute that the girls will line up to watch him bat his eyes! I'm going to have to kill anyone who tries to date this boy some day far far far from now!!

I guess what I am trying to say is that I feel like the richest person in the world. If you saw my bank account you would just laugh at me for saying that. However, I have everything that I could possibly want. We have our health, happiness, and two little ones that keep us on our toes! So much to be thankful for!

2 months

2010-11-11T12:44:00.000-08:00

McCallum turned two months on the 4th. He is so much fun! This little boy is a pretty easy baby. He smiles a lot, he eats well, and he seems to be pretty regular--if you know what I mean! He is such a chill boy, he never fusses unless something is wrong. Mac loves his sister, Ryan. He always watches her and smiles at her. (Good thing she likes him just as much.) Also, McCallum is rolling over. He first rolled over at five weeks old. I thought it was just a fluke, but he continues to do it from time to time. He's so strong!

At his two month appointment Mac was 11.7 lbs. That's enough to land him in the 50%. He was also 22.7" long (50%) and his head was 15.4 cm (25%)

So I am thinking that I am going to take the kids in to have some pictures done up. I am not that happy with my efforts. I'll keep trying to get better but till then I might have to dish out the dough to get some photos

Halloween Horrors

2010-11-06T16:05:00.000-07:00

Halloween sure was fun this year. Although, Ryan didn't seem to understand the greed behind Trick-or-Treating. We went to one house and she was thrilled with the amount of candy she received and didn't understand why we wanted to go to any other houses. However, I must say that we made a killing. The trick is to just go to the houses that are excited to see your kids. That was you only have to go to those houses in order to fill your bag!!

The pictures are not the best to see our costumes, but I forgot my camera. I guess I got distracted by grandma's funeral that we had that day. As you can see, Ryan is a Dragon. I am the devil--the devil is a beautiful woman in a red dress. Yes I did have a pitch fork and tail, just not in any pictures; and Riley lost my horns. McCallum was an owl although his hat is off in the picture. Jared, well, he had to us a last second costume and went as a duck hunter... BORING!! All in all, it was a blast this year!

Dax, Riley, and Logann were up too. Dax was a Dragon--Nat actually made the costume! Riley was a princess... of course. And Logan was a skeleton.

Loving Memory

2010-11-01T21:51:00.000-07:00

Mary McKnight Zollinger, 89, past away October 25, 2010.

What can I say about this wonderful woman... Words are just not enough to express my gratitude and love for my Grandma! I have so many wonderful memories! She always was excited to hear from me! She constantly pushed me to excel in my music. When she would ask me if I were practicing my flute she was always pushing me to do better! She had a real gift for making all sorts of thing with a needle and yarn. I have one of the most beautiful quilts, baby booties, and a number of hats that I wore throughout my childhood! (most include a huge tassel)

I have to say that, of all my grand parents, I was closest to her. I was privileged to play a flute solo with my sister Natalie at the piano for her funeral. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done, but I was so blessed to be able to give that back to my grandma who pushed me to excel.

We were so lucky to be able to get McCallum up there to visit Grandma before she died. He was the last Great Grand baby born before she passed. Althogh, there is another coming in the next few weeks. Grandma didn't want me to take him home with me. She enjoyed holding him so much--like the picture above shows!

I love you grandma!

Heaven Sent

2010-10-28T21:51:00.001-07:00

Days like these I remember why I am the luckiest person in the world!

Witch Hunts and Pony Rides

2010-10-22T10:53:00.000-07:00

Nana took Ryan, McCallum, and I to Gardner Village the other day. We had so much fun! Ryan was so excited that Nana was going to help her ride a pony. She enjoyed looking at all the scary witches, but she just couldn't wait to get on a pony. Once we rode the pony, we thought she might as well enjoy the petting zoo as well. I had thought that she might be a little timid, but I was wrong. Ryan just walked right in and started petting every animal in sight! She loved it so much! I even got her to climb up on a shelf and sit right next to a goat! I was so impressed! We had a blast! Nana sure knows how to spoil us all! Thanks Lynn!

This little guy was one of the first of many animals that Ryan became friends with! She was so excited about being this close to the animals!!

I think that this little sheep had to be Ryan's favorite. It was the softest, sweetest thing in there! The poor lamb got so much attention from all the kids that we later saw it hiding under one of the bunny cages just trying to get away from all the kids.

This is when I got Ry to climb up under the bunny cages and sit next to the goat. You can't see in this picture, but there is another goat on her other side too. She didn't even hesitate climbing between them in the tight spot!

Ryan is such a little ham! She poses for all the pictures with her "Cute pretty face." She is so much fun! I hope she never changes!!

Ryan loved this little pony! Her name is Daisy. Ryan would have rode all day long if they would have let her!! Although, she would have liked to try all the pony's out, not just Daisy!

"Say Cheese"

2010-10-19T17:54:00.000-07:00

McCallum is now six weeks, and just changing more and more every day! It's really fun now because when you smile at him, he will return the gesture. He has the sweetest little grin! I think that he is a really happy little boy for the most part, so I am looking forward to seeing a lot of these little grins!! We like to laugh a lot at our house, so he better get used to the smile!!

We also went out to see if we could capture a simple family photo. Needless to say, it was not a good time to do it! We had planned on going out to the salt flats, but that didn't happen! Then as soon as we got to this site Ryan had to use the bathroom. So Jared helped her do that, but then she needed to go again, and again, and finally she needed to go #2. Well, you can't do that outside so we had to go. We were only there for about 10 minuets it seemed. Regardless, we were able to get at least three or four decent pictures with the tripod!!

Play dates and Funny momenets!

2010-10-09T11:35:00.001-07:00

Before I document a really funny experience, I would like to announce that I am looking for play dates. I am back in the area and trying to find a few new friends to play with us! We promise to be nice! If you are interested in getting together with your kids, or just with me... please e-mail me at mccall_park@hotmail.com

Now that I got that over with... you have got to hear what Ryan said to me the other day regarding Mac's different looking bum!

So I am changing Mac's diaper, and I know that Ryan has noticed that it is not quite what she has always known, but she hadn't said anything about it so I didn't either. As I go to clean off his little bum Ryan steps in and says:

"Mom, don't wipe 'that!'"

Me: "Why? I need to get McCallum's bum clean so he wont cry any more."

Ryan: "Cuz it's yucky!"

Me: "What's yucky?"

Ryan: "That!"

Me: "Well Ryan, that's just the way little boys are. Boys have different bums than little girls."

Ryan: "Well, My not have one like this. My the girl. Mommy the girl too."

Me: "Yep."

Ryan: "Just Mac?"

Me: "All boys look like this."

Ryan: "Daddy?"

Me: "Yep"

Ryan: "Papa?"

Me: "Yep."

Ryan: "Gross."

And that was the end. She just walked away feeling a little sad that she had to hear that both her papa and her dad had yucky bums like McCallum! I thought I was going to die laughing! I have got to grow up fast!! I just hope she always stays so sweet and innocent!!

One Month

2010-10-04T13:44:00.001-07:00

Can you believe that a month has already gone? It feels like yesterday were were anticipating McCallum's arrival! Time really does fly!

McCallum is doing so well. He is still eating really well, and sleeping too. Although he is not sleeping through the night he is giving us about 4 hours between feedings! Hopefully he will be on his way to pulling all nighters!!

Even though McCallum is still a baby, he is really changing a lot! He is putting on a lot of weight and getting longer and longer. He is on the verge of out growing his Newborn clothes! As for diapers, he is no longer looking so tiny in a size 1-2--they fit perfect!!

Ryan is doing awesome too! She is loving being Mac's big sister! When he cries she is the first to respond! She loves to provide a binki or a bottle! Although her attention span is short, she loves to feed and hold him! She's such a big girl!! She even tells me that all the time!!

Little ones grow like weeds

2010-09-22T16:41:00.001-07:00

So McCallum is growing so stinking fast. His little face is jut filling out so well! I guess that's because he eats like a champ and sleeps the same! He's not even 3 weeks old and he downs 4 oz at a time.

As for Ryan, she is such a great big sister! She has really helped out a lot around the house. She loves to get the binki, bottles, and diapers to help. Every time we do pictures she wants her turn to look cute! She's really good at that!!

Announcement

2010-09-11T20:41:00.000-07:00

As a side note... I know that many of you thing that you would pronounce McCallum just like McCall; however, it is not that way. It is actually Ma-Cal-um. It's a Scottish family name.

So I couldn't send an announcement out to everyone so I thought I would post the one I sent for all y'all that didn't get one! Don't worry, most all of y'all didn't get one! Just family mostly! Enjoy this little bundle!!

In a Nutshell

2010-09-06T10:04:00.000-07:00

So I know that many of you didn't even know that we have been anticipating McCallum... so this is the story in a nutshell.

About two months ago Jared's mom and dad sat us down and told us that there was a birth mother looking to place a baby and that she had already decided that she really liked us as the adoptive family. Due to the fact that we were not working with any agency at the time, we were a little perplexed. Then they went on to tell us that the Eileen Morris, a close family friend, had mentioned that her niece was looking for a family and wanted to look into the agency that Lynn (Jared's mom) works with. Being a wonderful mother, Lynn suggested that Eileen show Her Niece, Nithra, our family and see what she thought about a private adoption. So that is just what happened. Without Jared or my knowledge they got onto our blog and cut a number of pictures and words that I had written. I guess Nithra felt really good about us, because we got to meet her the next day after hearing about her. We met with Nithra and her mother and talked for about two hours and then just waited to hear if they liked us. I assume that they did because she picked us to be the family that would raise her little guy! A few weeks later we had dinner with her again so that we could meet her dad as well. (Let me just say, this family is so neat! We just fell in love with them from the get go!!)

Time passed and we finally got around to having the baby born... It went by so fast! The family invited us up to hold McCallum the night he was born. He was just the most perfect little baby boy we have ever seen! We got to spend time with Nithra and her parents as well as meet one of her little brothers. I can't even tell you how comforting it was to meet these people and just love them instantly. They were fantastic to us! I can't imagine it was easy for them to share their time with us, but I am grateful that they did!

The next day we came to the hospital to take McCallum home. It's so hard to put into words the confusing emotions that go on! We were so excited to bring him home, but so heart broken to see this wonderful family hurt so much. We came with Ryan and our attorney Mike and spent some time filling out paperwork and enjoying each others company. Ryan took to Scott and Lu so quick. She was dancing and singing for them. She even felt comfortable enough to go on walks with them and try to scare them by growling at them! (That's the real test. If Ryan will scare you, you know she likes you!)

Finally, after waiting for an eternity for us to be discharged, we all walked out to our cars together. We exchanged hugs and some words and drove away! I wish that words were able to describe the emotion and love, but they just can't! I hope Nithra and her entire family knows how much we love them! They are all a part of our family now! We are so grateful to them for providing us a way to grow and expand our family in a way that we couldn't do on our own.

McCallum William Park

2010-09-05T16:30:00.000-07:00

So just as I had decided that I was ok with waiting for this little guy to come on the 11th I get a call that Nithra was admitted into the hospital! She went in around 5ish on September 3rd and ended up delivering this little one at 5:13am on September 4th! He is such a good little baby! He is so chill, and is just such a good sleeper, eater, and looker!! He is perfect!!

6 Pounds 5 Ounces and 19.5 inches

So, we just got this little doll home today; and, as you can imagine things are crazy here at the house. So I will get some pictures and a our story up later. Stay posted!!

Still nothin'

2010-09-01T17:22:00.000-07:00

So... it's been a while now...and there is still nothing happening as far as the labor process g0es. I am sure that Nithra is tired of being pregnant, and it's killing me to wait!! The doctors stripped her membranes on Tuesday and there has been no signs of labor. I guess we will just have to wait more and see. If she does not go into labor by this next Tuesday, Sept 7, they will strip them one more time. If she still does not go into labor after that, they have set an induction for September 11! What a day to be born huh!! The attack on the United States, as well as the day that Jared went into the MTC! I wish it would be the 10th or even the 12th, but I don't get to decide these things! Oh man... I really need to work on being PATIENT!!

Also, now that we have had time to think more about names, we are liking McCallum William. But be honest. Is that too much? They both end in um. It's Jared's middle name, but I am not really a fan of naming my children based on tradition. I think McCallum Clyde sounds pretty cool. How many Clyde's do you know that get beat up at school? Naming boys is so hard!!!

NEWS-- and NAMES

2010-08-28T08:51:00.000-07:00

So I am sitting at home just going stir crazy. Jared is at the gym and Ryan is watching a movie while eating her breakfast. However, my mind is spinning. I normally would not announce anything until it was a for sure thing, but I am thinking it might calm my nerves a little if I write about it.

So what's the news... We are waiting for a baby boy to be born! He should come any day now... but he is taking his sweet time! I know that our birth mom probably could use a break from being pregnant! And I know I could use a break from anxiously awaiting him so... just come already!

So while we wait why not let the public weigh in on our name selection. Keep in mind that the middle name we leave open to the birth mother unless she doesn't have any names. however we are going back and forth between...

Ryder McCallum AND Fisher William

I think that I would also go for McCallum Hinkley. And we have thought about Hinkley McCallum as well.

Leave some other names for me to chew on the next few days while I wait as patiently as I can. At least weigh in on you thought about the names too!

"We are excited for you to come to our home little boy! Just come healthy and happy! LOVE YA!"

The Great state of WY

2010-08-22T11:48:00.001-07:00

So my little sister and Jared's little brother, Steph and Jordan, have officially left us for pharmacy school in WY. I know this sounds horrible, but I really am glad to see them go. First because this will be a great experience for them. Second, one day Steph will be able to get me my drugs at cost--provided she passes and becomes a pharmacist. Finally, now that they are gone we have been able to move into the basement apartment that they once occupied. Good riddance! Just kidding, Steph is my chum and best friend and I will miss her. Jordan is going to be missed as well. Those to are going to do great out there though! Good luck with everything you guys!!

Here is a picture of Steph and Jordan right after her white coat ceremony. What a good looking coat! It makes her look so smart and so able to distribute drugs!

2.5 and Cute as a bug

2010-08-17T17:52:00.000-07:00

So I took my little sister Andrea out for new year pictures and decided to try and get some of Ryan while out. You know, kill two birds with one stone. This little girl is so cute and fun the camera can't even capture it!! Here is a taste of what I get every day all day.

This we coined "lady look"

Birthday and Crazy Race!

2010-08-09T15:41:00.000-07:00

So Jared had his 27th birthday... what an old FART! We had a good day though. You always know it's a good day when you see Jared give in and eat two helpings of birthday cake!!

Also, Jared decided to do a huge race on the spur of the moment. A week before the Jupiter Peak Steeple Chase in Park City, Jared decided to give it a try. This is no run in the park. It is a freakin' 16 mile mountain climb. 8 miles to the peak and 8 miles back. However, he did really well. He finished in 3 hours and 9 min. Nice job for no training and never running in any sort of race before!

10 Days of FUN and SUN

2010-07-26T09:17:00.000-07:00

We just got back from a long and fun trip to Lake Powell. We all had so much fun with the Park family as well as the Zollinger family! We were really lucky to be able to do both trips--because the weeks over lapped this year.

I didn't think Ryan would do as well as she did in the water. When we swim and tub at home Ryan is very hesitant to do much and she HATES, and I mean HATES, getting water on her face and head. However, she did so well! In fact, I am going to have to take her to the doctor so that they can remove the gills that she grew while there! We totaled the amount of time she had in the water one day and we figured that she was swimming for about SIX hours that day. My guess is that six hours in the water was average for this little fish!!! After that amount of time in the water your feet look like this...

This little girl did so well! She rode the tube forever with her Papa, Grammie, and cousins Dax and Riley. She also rode the molecule with her Dad, and Beau, and cousin Bode! Aside from swimming all day everyday, she also let me take her down the slide. Of course we couldn't land in the water because if she gets water on her face we have to pay for counseling for the rest of her life! ...So we decided to go down the slide and land on the molecule. It was fun but once was enough for her!

While at the lake I also confirmed my suspicion that I married a GHETTO fisherman! Here is Jared in the worst fishing attire ever! He loves to fish, but I guess the fish only bite if you don't look ridiculous! I love this man!!

He even insisted on bringing his float tube and fins! I think sometimes that this guy is the most crazy and polar opposite of myself... I guess that's why we work so well!

Bike Riding

2010-07-10T21:25:00.000-07:00

Today Jared went out with Ryan and taught her to peddle her own bike. She picked it up so uber fast it almost makes me sad. At first she could only just peddle. But after a little while she was able to stear herself around too. I can't believe how fast she is growing up! Please someone tell me how to stop her from growing up!!

Also, we are watching my sister's "killer" dog... King. We call him Kingdom for short. He and Ryan are pals now. Although she gets scared when he barks and when he plays a little rough. It makes me want to get her a dog, but I would rather have another kid than a dog any day of the week!

July 4th

2010-07-08T12:50:00.000-07:00

So we all got together as a family and had a blast over the long weekend. All the kids loved playing in the pool! Natalie's kids are little sun sponges though. It's like they just sit in the sun for a few seconds and you can just watch them change color! I wish I were that way. Ryan on the other hand is so fair! We keep her covored in the 50 sun block just to keep her from turning into a lobster!

Ryan and Dax were the only ones who never took a break from the water! They were both little fishes! Although Ryan is really quite timid in the water, and hates getting her face wet, she loved swimming with her grammie, papa, Aunts, uncles, and all the cousins!

Ryan and Riley also really enjoyed boxing each other as well as anyone who would let them punch on them! I had a blast just watching the girls giggle as they punched each other in the face!!

shishin'

2010-06-10T11:39:00.000-07:00

Jared is now done working mornings at the crossfit gym, so we have a lot of time together during the week. This week we opted to go up to Panguitch and camp and fish. Jared surprised me and Ryan with new fishing poles. So we put them to good use. We reeled in more than our fair share of fishy's! We even kept our limit! It was a blast.

Ryan had a little miss-hap though. I went to the back of the truck to get her a drink and she tried to follow me. It's a little too high of a drop for her though. She ended up falling out and scraping up her face. I feel like such a jerk every time she looks at me!!

Before

After

Summer FUN

2010-06-06T19:02:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day we took the kids up on a hike. It took us two hours to hike about two miles with the girls getting out and walking a good portion of it! It was a joke, but it was really fun. Next time maybe we can make it to the end with the kids! I love living outside Zions!

Also, we have been spending some time in my sister, Natalie's, back yard. They got a sprinkler to water the yard with and we run through it from time to time. Although the girls do not like to actually get wet at all! They will run under the water as long as they can make it without any
water getting on them.

Seattle

2010-06-04T18:45:00.000-07:00

So I have neglected to keep updated in good time... here is what we did last month!

2010 NORTHWESTERN REGIONAL CROSSFIT GAMES QUALIFIER!

it was a blast to watch Jared kill himself! Like sectionals he had two days of hellish workouts (WODS) to see just how fit he really is. This included the top 20 men and women in UT, NV, OR, WA, AK, and ID.

WOD #1

Three rounds for time:
10 Overhead squats with 135 pounds
50 Double under

Time: 7:21

WOD #2

90 second Axel Dead Lift. As many Reps as possible.

The men could choose their weights (263, 303, 353)
Jared did 24 with 263 pounds for a total score of 6,312 pounds moved in 90 seconds!

WOD #3

5 mile hill run for time
Jared finished in37:37. That came out to be 32nd place out of 75 men!

WOD #4

30 Calorie Row
30 thrusters with 95 pounds
3 20' rope climb
30 Kettle bell swings 53 pound kettle

20 Calorie row
20 thrusters with 115 pounds
2 20' rope climbs
20 Kettle bell swings 53 pound kettle

10 Calorie row
10 thrusters with 135 pounds
1 20' rope climb
10 kettle bell swings 53 pound kettle

ALL FOR TIME!
Jared finished in a staggering 21:10! Ended up taking 31st place in this WOD overall

In the end Jared earned the title of 41st fittest man in the NW United States!!

I wish everyone could see how killer this last WOD was for everyone! People were dropping off the ropes like crazy and almost dropping Kettles on their head! Jared did amazing!!

Crossfit

2010-05-10T11:27:00.000-07:00

So Jared will be competing up in WA this weekend for a chance to go to the Crossfit games! We are going up with a bunch of people to support him and Robin! A bunch of members of the gym got together to support us and help pay for this adventure. Jared and Robin did as many burpees in one minuet as possible and people pledged a dollar amount per burpee. In the end Jared did 30 and Robin did 25. Let's just say that people were way too generous and we made a crap load of money in just one minuet!! THANKS EVERYONE!!

Graduation

2010-05-07T12:11:00.000-07:00

Jared did it! He completed his Bachelor's degree in Business Marketing! I can't even begin to say how proud I am of him! He was able to keep full time hours with both school and work and still manage to do very well in his classes! There are a few key individuals that we have to give credit for this degree as well. First, Nana. Nana, you were a huge part of this! Thank you so much for all your care, concern, and help! Not to mention giving Jared a reason to actually walk!! Next, Lynn and Kirby. Thank you so much for being the kind of parents, to both of us, that we can call for some sound advice! You guys are the best! Also, my parents, Mark and Sally. I know that there were a few times when my parents gave some really great word of encouragement and advice that were so key to our success! Finally...me! Getting Jared's degree was harder for me than when I got my own degree! Because of this I would like to accept this degree as my honorary second Bachelors degree!

Jared I'm so PROUD of you!
Even though I am not supposed to be proud... I have to be!!

Nana, Jared and Me. Jared's Leigh is Beef Jerky!

Jared with Ryan

All of the park family

25 and Feeling it!

2010-03-26T10:47:00.000-07:00

So this Monday, the 22nd, was my birthday, and I turned 25! If you think that is a lot... my sister's birthday is today and she is 27! That's old!! For my birthday I got the BEST gift ever! My sister had her baby on my birthday so now I share my birthday with the cutest little toad named Logann Z. Andrews. she is such a doll! I am so excited that she came on my special day!!

So if you have not tried the bundt cakes at Nothin' Bundt Cakes... then you need to! This was red velvet, but my favorite has to be the White chocolate Raspberry!!

Ryan's TWO year pictures

2010-03-14T18:32:00.000-07:00

So I finally got around to taking some pictures of Ryan at Two years old. I am planning on doing more down in St. George, but for now these are so cute! I really wanted everyone to see how stinking cute this girl is in her cowgirl boots! She is such a little doll! Oh and I have to give my little sister Andrea props for giving my the location as well as making Ryan laugh the entire photo shoot!

Eat your heart out!

18th fittest man in UT and NV

2010-03-05T18:34:00.000-08:00

Jared just got back from a weekend of hell--also known as Crossfit Sectionals! This is a competition that asses all aspects of fitness. Jared was required to do 4 different workouts in two days. The top 20 would be sent to regionals up in Washington.

First workout:

Clean and Jerk as much weight as possible. Then you have 3 attempts to do as many muscle ups on the rings as possible without letting go or putting your feet down. Every muscle up would add 7 pounds to the clean and jerk weight.

Jared ended up cleaning and jerking 225 and doing 10 muscle ups. A total score of 295.

The second workout... the competitors were to do 5 dead lifts with 263 pounds. Then push a weighted prowler sled with 90 pounds on it (totaled 120-150 pounds about) across the width of a basketball court--on turf. Then Over-head squat 115 pounds 5 times. Then push the sled back and repeat in reps of 4, 3, 2, 1. It was fast and killer.

The third workout was called the Up and Down Puke Fest. That should say enough. First they had to do reps of 15, 12, 9, 12, 15 of thrusters (squat and press) 95 pounds. then do pull-ups and then run 200 meters. All while wearing a 20 pound vest! It was INSANE! Jared killed this workout and landed himself in 25th place out of 80.

The next day we showed up for the fourth and final workout. It consisted of 4 rounds of 750 meter row, 30 double unders (jump rope), 15 burpees (up-downs with a jump and an over head clap). Jared did so well! It about killed him, but he actually came in 10th place for this workout out of all 80 men competing!! In the end he placed 18th! And qualified to go to REGIONALS this May!!

Oh and here are the two other women that competed with Jared. Robin in the hat is Jared's training buddy, she placed in 4th or 5th over all. And Colleen, she has been training with Robin for about three years. Good job guys!

Turning Two!

2010-02-17T16:54:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that Ryan is going to be Two! The 23rd will be the official day, but we already had a little birthday party for her and Riley--Our cousin. Natalie made these really fun butterfly cakes. It was a lot of fun! Then when we ate the cake it was a riot to watch the girls and Dax go to town!

The girls were also lucky enough to have mothers who can read each others minds. I ended up buying Riley a little toy stroller for her birthday. I told Natalie, that she had better have got the same thing for Ryan or there was going to be some trouble. Well... as we opened the gifts Natalie had read my mind and bought Ryan the exact same thing! Lucky... or Fate? It was a really fun night!!

Ryan's cake

Riley's cake

Updates

2010-01-25T16:35:00.000-08:00

Time has just been flying by so fast, I can hardly keep up with the blog... well at least that is my story!! As of late, Ryan has been trying to figure out how to escape the house. She will push her chair over to the door, climb up, and attempt to unlock the dead bolt. She has not succeeded, but now I can't turn my back without worrying that she will be gone!

Jared is also in his last semester of school! Go Jared! I am so proud of him! It has been a long road, but he has done so well!!! I can't wait to be done and in a job that will allow us to make a positive income!! Although I have enjoyed being poor college students!

As for me, I am good. Life is good, and I am just enjoying being the bad guy in our house... mom! I have also started crossfit! I don't mean to brag, but I am doing freaking awesome!!

4 Years and a new year too

2009-12-29T13:27:00.000-08:00

Can you believe its the end of the year already? Wow time really flies! I am also excited to celebrate our fourth year as a boring married couple! hip hip horray! So much has happened in the short time that we have been together... I finished school, ran a marathon and a triathalon, Jared will finish school this may, and has become a crossfit trainer... and of course, our greatest blessing has to be this little girl! We love our little Ryan!

Happy New Year!

Bree and Alex

2009-12-08T14:17:00.000-08:00

Back in October my little sister got hitched to a great guy named Alex. We were so excited to be a part of the wedding. It was really fun to do the cake with my sister Natalie as well as the signing book that went with the photo booth! It was really a beautiful day!!

Bree wanted cupcakes...so that is what we made her. Natalie and I had a ton of fun making this for her! And they tasted good too!

Tis the Season!

2009-11-27T21:38:00.000-08:00

I am fairly sure that I am not the only one who feels like this holiday season has crept up on them! I can't believe that Thanksgiving has come and gone already! We were so lucky to be able to go home and visit our families and have a wonderful Thanksgiving! We also went out and tested my new camera. Look out photographers I am going to be great one day... when I learn how to use it!!

Halloween

2009-11-11T16:57:00.000-08:00

Papa, Grammie, Riley, Ryan, Dax

Halloween was so stinkin' fun! Ryan was a Bee... although I could not find anything black and yellow! She was an Orange and Black bee. The tutu was from my little sisters wedding. (I will update some photos from the wedding when we get some pictures.)

As we went door to door to get candy, Ryan would say "Here you go" and hold out her bag. As they then gave her some candy she would say "Bye bye" and turn to go to the next door. You should have seen her tromping around from door to door with her two cousins Dax and Riley as well as Eddie, Papa, Grammie, Grammie Teresa, Steph, Andrea, and me. It was a blast!! I am so excited for next year!!

Ryan, Dax the Builder, Riley the Witch

Dax

Eddie from Where the Wild Things Are

Riley

Triathlon

2009-10-15T12:41:00.000-07:00

I finally completed my first Triathlon! Well... sort of. It was really more like a Biathlon because they had to cancel the swim due to round worm! YUCK! So we started with a nasty little 75 meter swim in a pool...so many of us peed in the pool that it was as salty as the ocean! SICK! Then we transitioned to run a mile to our bikes. From there we transitioned to do the 12.4 mile bike. Once done we transitioned again to run a 5K. All in all it was a blast! I can't wait to do another one! My dad, Brother--Jeremy, sister--Natalie, and I all loved it and did great! However, my dad and I both placed third in our age! It was so fun!!

MUD Run

2009-10-15T12:16:00.000-07:00

Before the Mud Run!

Jared has been busy with his personal training at the Cross Fit Gym. A bunch of the people that he works with all got together and did a mud run. What is a mud run you ask? Well, it is a three mile race that has a number of obstacles. They had to run through tires, jump over walls, crawl through tunnels, and run the entire race in the mud. It was fun to watch. I would have done it too, but I had to stay with Ryan. It was fun to watch!!

Jared running in the mud

The Wall!

Climb through the tunnel

After the Race!

Ryan played in the dirt the entire time. I guess she figures if dad gets to get dirty, then she should too!

18 Months

2009-08-20T15:55:00.000-07:00

Ryan had her 18 month photos today. She was not very good for the sitting, but we ended up catching some really good ones anyway. She is such a beautiful little girl! I can't help but smile every time I see her! Here are some of the shots we got.

Camping

2009-08-11T15:19:00.000-07:00

We had a fun little get-away last week. We went up to the Oak Meadow Camp ground... well it was actually just up Leeds canyon. We had a really good time. At one point in the night Ryan was sitting on a camp chair and it collapsed on her and she fell face first on the dirt with her mouth wide open. She was screaming so much. After I grabbed the camera we started to check to see that she was really okay. We could tell that she was! As I started to wipe her face she screamed more and more. Finally I asked her, "Do you want some chocolate?" INSTANTLY she nodded her head yes and went SILENT. That was the end of all the tears! That's MY girl!! Chocolate can fix ANYTHING!

Summer Games

2009-07-30T16:46:00.000-07:00

I failed to mention that I played in the summer games. We always try to play a little volleyball with all of the sisters. This year I was able to play again now that we were not doing summer sales. This is a picture of our team with our GOLD medals! There were so many great teams. Much better competition than the first year I played. We are number 1--but more like #7 because we were #1 in the silver bracket. But you would never know it unless I told you. It was a blast.

(From left to right and back to front) BreeAnn, Me, Lindsay, Natalie, Stephanie, and Buffy.

Returned from trip #2

2009-07-27T16:46:00.000-07:00

On the ride to Powell the second time around. We left at 4:30 am and she was awake for almost the entire ride! I thought she would sleep for sure... I was wrong.

Ryan wanted to be the flag girl every time we went out on the boat! She loves boating! She loves to watch the skier or boarder get out of the water. When the skier falls she looks at you and asks where did they go? (Where go)

Tubing with Daddy on our first trip. Two weeks later she got on the tube with Natalie, Riley, Dax and Papa. Riley was hilarious, she has a pack of gummies in her hand and was not going to let them go even to tube!

We went to the arch on both trips. Here is a picture of all the parks. I will post one of the Zollingers when I get it. Left to right (Jordan, Steph, Papa Kirby, Nana Lynn, Abbie, Justin, Chase, Jon, Stephen, Lisa, Russ, Mace, Me, Jared, and Ryan.)

We have had a wonderful month. We just got back from our second trip to Lake Powell. We had so much fun with both families. Ryan loved the water and eventually was begging to get in and swim. She loved sitting on the swim deck and kicking her legs. She even let us dunk her all the way under without any tears! Russ taught me how to Sky Ski and Jared was killer on the slalom! I also attempted a few front flips on the wake board--still have never landed one. Close but no luck. It was a great way to spend some time out of Cedar with the families!

Lake Powell

2009-06-25T18:38:00.000-07:00

Jared just read me a fact off the computer... the water temp at lake Powell is between 70-74! And that is exactly where I will be tomorrow!! Suckers!! I am going to Powell! I will be sure to post my pictures after I return from a well needed and might I add deserved (gag) vacation! And if Gentri Balwin is able to read this message you failed to invite me to your blog. it's mccall_park@hotmail.com and I hope all is well for you and your family! and for everyone else reading this...

Nana, we love you.
David, we are still conditioning Ryan to love you most.
To all others... We will update again very soon!

Oh yeah, and both my sister BreeAnn and Jared's sister Abbie got engaged last night! CONGRATS to both couples! We are so excited!

In Loving Memory

2009-06-01T18:37:00.001-07:00

CHESTER LAWRENCE ZOLLINGER

This week has been hard with the passing of my grandpa! He will be missed, but at the same time we have a lot of peace too! He was a good grandpa and he taught me a lot! He didn't leave us much, but he did leave me his testimony!

I love you grandpa!

TRIALS

2009-05-11T15:52:00.000-07:00

Sorry my phone takes bad pictures if you move at all. And Ryan always moves!

Jared and I decided to make a sacrifice and split up for the next month. Jared will be working in Denver and I will be here at home, with Ryan, holding down the fort--it wasn't worth giving up my job. Before he left we all got sick. Ryan threw up one night and I expressed my fear of it happening again while Jared was gone. Jared assured me that it wouldn't happen and things would be fine. Well... He couldn't have been more WRONG!!! Not only have I been sick with a head cold and a stomach bug, but Ryan has too! In addition to Ryan's sickness, she is also getting new teeth in! Needless to say, I have cleaned up more throw up than I ever thought possible in a lifetime! (That's me being dramatic of course but it is a lot!) I have found that Ryan gets car sick, and that some poop smells and looks identical to throw up...at least it stays contained...IF YOU ARE LUCKY!! I think that I needed to be tried so that I could come out on top and know that I am not a bad mom, but rather a GREAT mom! I never thought I would be glad that I had to go through so much puke, poop, boogers, and sleepless nights just to feel confident in myself as a mother! GO ME!

PS. Jared I know you worry but we REALLY are doing just fine! I love you, miss you, and hope you know that when you come back you will have to take care of all diapers and ALL barf for a month. WE LOVE YOU

Starting to Look

2009-04-28T15:17:00.000-07:00

So it has been a little too long sense my last post. I decided to post some good news. We are starting to put our feelers out again for ADOPTION. We are not quite to the point of starting with an agency just yet, but we will be shortly. We are well aware that you can adopt without an agency so we are going to put feelers out first and see if we can find another baby without any agency. So if you know anyone who may look to place a baby keep us in mind--give out our number. If you are having a baby maybe you can ask your doctor if he knows of any mothers looking to place--that's how we got Ryan. We don't doubt that another child will come in good time, but it would be awesome if we could do it just like we did with Ryan. Ryan needs a sibling sometime...she is starting to be too comfortable as an ONLY CHILD--if you know what I mean:)

Hunting... almost like Dad

2009-04-09T10:10:00.000-07:00

This morning I was getting ready for work and a song came on the radio that made me stop and think. It's called "Things wont always be this way" Its a country song--I hope you know what I am talking about. Anyway... It's about a little girl who grows up and the parents are struggling through different phases of raising a child. They get through it by reminding themselves that things wont always be this way. It made me almost sad... and yet hopeful too! I know some times its hard with Ryan, but I wish I could keep her small forever! The day will come when I will wish she were small again! I just hope it's not too soon! I just wish I could keep it this way forever!

Ryan's first Easter Egg hunt!

Ryan was so cute! She would pick up an egg in each hand and then notice Riley with an egg...at that point Ryan would throw both eggs and swipe the one egg that Riley had! Not long after the kids got real smart! Dax was getting all the eggs in his basket, Riley was slowly taking from Dax's basket, and Ryan was taking everything from Riley. In the end I would say that Ryan was the smartest because no one was taking from her except maybe me--hey I like candy too! It was so fun!

THE TOP 10 WORST

2009-03-27T12:33:00.000-07:00

When you are one life is so hard! I have found that there are things that make life so rough at this age! Maybe that is why most of us can't remember this age!

10. Teething! Ouch! Tiny razor blades cutting your mouth up never was FUN!

9. Being told "NO." Who loves being told that they can't put their tooth brush in the TOILET!

8. Falling down constantly. At least at this age you are low to the ground! Bumps and bruises are not uncommon!

7. Not being able to run around during church!

6. Can't run in the ROAD! Why is it that the parking lot seems to be the most awesome place to play! I can't believe they say NO to that!

5. Having to sit down when you are eating! How mean is that! I mean why can't you just let me fall out of my chair and break my neck? It would sure beat having to sit down while I eat!!

4. Taking naps! Shouldn't a one year old be able to just run around and play? Even when they are at the brink of tears due to tiredness!

3. Showers! Why should mom be allowed to take a shower! It is cruel to step behind a curtain to cleanse your body... not to mention selfish!

2. Not allowing me to put my hands in the poop when you change my diaper! It's my poop...I should be able to do with it what I will! Right?

1. Whipping my nose! I would sooner die than have the snot cleaned off my face! There is nothing more cruel than this!!

The Big 24!

2009-03-23T12:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my birthday! I am now the big 24! It's crazy to think that I am already 24! I remember being a kid and thinking that 20 was old! Now I am past 20 and know that 20 is young and so is 24! To celebrate, Jared took me out for dinner and shopping in St. George! We had fun! Then on my birthday he got me the movie Twilight and some potted tulips to watch grow! I was thrilled! There isn't much to ask for when you already have everything that you need!

PS... Happy Birthday Amanda who shares my exact same birthday--down to the year and everything!

One Year Photo

2009-03-20T12:34:00.000-07:00

Ryan went with her cousin Riley to get their One year pictures taken. Riley went first and was so good. She was smiling so big--they even got her to get into a little box and smiled! Then it was Ryan's turn. In the past Ryan has been a peach, however, now she is too big to be good for the camera! She started to cry almost as soon as I set her down! It was terrible until the photographer gave her a kiss...a CHOCOLATE Kiss! She was good after that--still sad,but good. She is actually holding the kiss in this picture, you just can't see it! PERFECT!

Bumps and Bruises

2009-03-16T13:48:00.000-07:00

So Ryan thinks she can just run around and never get hurt. I tried to tell her that she needs me so that she wont get hurt, but she is not a very good listener. We were on our way to the mail box and she decided that she did not need to hold my had any more--just as we walked down a slight slope. Well... I hate to say "I told you so" to a toddler, but "I TOLD YOU SO!" She fell right on her face and she got scraped up! I felt so horrible! Why didn't I just make her hold my hand! This could have been avoided! I also remembered that this might be the first fall but it wont be the last! I just felt terrible! I was going to post a picture of her face, but then I made a trip to Wal-mart and after every single woman in the store questioned me about the bruise and cuts I think I might be tagged for child abuse. I didn't do it though! It was the stinkin' sidewalk that beat her I swear!!

A new way to face

2009-03-02T14:16:00.000-08:00

As you all know, you only have to be one year old and weigh 20 lbs. in order to be front facing in the car. Well, Ryan is a year old and weighs more than 20 lbs--I wont give you her weight because you NEVER tell a woman's weight. So we put her in her new front facing seat and took her out... she loved it! She was all giggles the entire trip! Here is a little video that I took to try to capture the excitement!

We also got a killer deal on some new dressers and a bed for Ryan when she is older. Over the weekend I took some time to turn her room into more of an actual room. I never really had the space to make it nice before, but now I am really happy how it turned out. Here are some pictures of her new room.

Young Frankenstein

2009-02-26T15:32:00.000-08:00

Now that Ryan is walking as her main source of transportation, it is a lot easier to get video to show! I think she looks like a little Frankenstein the way she puts her hands out and has such a wide stance. A lot of the time she even growls when she walks too! It's so funny!

This is just a funny picture to show how lady-like Ryan is. She is actually wearing a skirt here, but she prefers to have the skirt up out of the way... good thing there are shorts built in under! I hope I can teach her to be more of a lady by the time they don't make skirts with the shorts in them!!

Birthday Parties

2009-02-24T14:08:00.001-08:00

When we went north to celebrate Ryan's birthday we went to also celebrate my dad's and niece Riley's birthdays as well. It was really fun to spend the time on the cakes and make it special for the girls--who both turned one! All the cakes were chocolate with regular colored frosting. The fins were made with Airheads. We wanted to do a fish theme, and I think they turned out great!

Ryan's little fish cake I made.

Riley Bug's fish done my her mom Natalie--she is the artistic one in the family who came up with the idea.

My dad's birthday cake that Natalie and I both contributed to. Most of the frosting was Nat's work--making those stupid stars is way harder than it looks!

We also had two really great parties. Both sides of our family spoiled her too much. Ryan is really lucky to have so many family members who love her so much. I just really felt bad for Uncle David on Jared's side of the family. All kids adore Dave... but Ryan has yet to realize that he is wonderful! He and Brian spoiled her to the max and Ryan cried every time they even looked at her. Don't worry David one day she will realize how awesome you really are and you will be the favorite!

Uncle David and Brian with their gift that was meant to win over Ryan... It still didn't quite do the trick; but now, that they are not around to see, she loves all the toys that were in the box!

Jared's mom also had a cute little princess birthday hat that would have been so fun if only she didn't hate it so much!

Justin and Abbie giving Ryan her cake. She was more appreciative than she looks I am promis... lol!

Blowing out candles at my house.

Destroying the fish I spent hours creating! I loved every second!

Happy Birthday Ryan!

2009-02-23T15:39:00.000-08:00

Today Ryan is ONE! I can't believe my littl girl is a year old already! She is such a blessing in our family! Here are 10 things I love about Ryan...

1. She is my little buddy! There is no one she loves to be with more than mom!
2. She is always so happy! She can make you laugh till you cry.
3. Her smile is so cute. I love when she crinkles her little nose.
4. She loves her chocolate and other sweets just like her mother.
5. She looks like a zombie when she walks.
6. She has no fear. This is good and bad I realize, but she is so fun to play with
because you don't have to be as soft with her.
7. She is a cuddle bug. She loves to give hugs and loves--especially when she
first wakes up.
8. She gives me kisses. Not everyone gets kisses. She only kisses mom and
sometimes dad if he is lucky.
9. She is a tease. She loves when I chase her and pop out of hiding places to
scare her.
10. she is the most beautiful and most precious gift that we could ever have dreamed
of. She is everything that we hoped for and more. We can't even begin to
explain what a blessing she is in our home! Without her we would be nothing!

In the near future I will post her cute birthday pictures... so stay posted.