Flock of Baileys

Ren's First Birthday Party!

2011-09-14T06:33:00.000-07:00

This is the cake I made for Ren. I got the idea from Family Fun dot com. (http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/night-owls-cupcakes-984215/) I actually made like 30 of those little owls but their wings broke off over night because I put them in the laundry room under saran wrap and it was too humid. They still tasted yummy though. So they were pretty easy to make the only thing I could not find was chocolate wafers. So I looked online got a recipe and made them. They are an icebox cookie and surprisingly easy to do. (http://smittenkitchen.com/2009/03/homemade-chocolate-wafers-icebox-cupcakes/) The only thing I did differently was right after I took them out of the oven I used a tart tin and cut them into exact circles. I needed everything to be uniform. I also cut them in half and made the eyebrows while still soft and warm. They did harden up pretty quickly. That is why I was so surprised they softened so much over night. That darn humidity!!! Everything else was simple it just took time to put together. We had planned to have family and friends over for her party but Faryn started to cough Sunday morning so we canceled. (good thing we did I took her in Monday and she had strep!)
Ren was totally confused by the candle but really loved when we sang to her. Errson was a great big brother and blew out her candle for her.
She was very careful at first and picked off the owel's beak and then wings and ate them neatly. Then she went nuts and stuffed her face. It was a fun Party with just the six of us :) I can't believe Ren is one. time seems to be going way too fast. I feel so blessed to have the children I have been given. Each brings something unique and special to our family. Ren makes us all smile.

A look back one year ago today

2011-09-07T14:27:00.000-07:00

The day Ren was born I was having contractions that started about 11:30. My other three kids were all induced so I had never had a contraction on my own. I kept myself busy doing laundry and cleaning the house. My contractions were getting more intense and closer together. My friend Andrea called at about 2:30 and asked about how it was all going. She asked how far apart my contractions were and I had no idea! She had me time them and they were like 4 minutes apart. She said you had better call your doctor. (If it weren't for Andrea I most likely would not have made it to the hospital in time and Ryan would have missed it all.) So I called and the nurse had to call me back. She called me back around 3:15. I told her she needed to treat me like a first time mom since all this was new to me. We timed my contractions while on the phone and they were 3 minutes apart. She said I should have my husband come home from work ASAP. I called Ryan to come home and then my friend Christa to get the older two kids from the bus. Christa arrived about 3:55. She was really worried I was going to deliver at my house. The contractions were getting much stronger and I could no longer move or talk during them. The kids got off the bus but Christa would not leave until Ryan arrived. Ryan got home about 4:40. By the time we got all our stuff and got to the hospital it was 5:25. We forgot my wallet with my insurance card so Christa brought it to me. The doctor came and saw me at 5:45 and said I was at a 6. He said this will take awhile. I told the nurses and the doctor already knew that if I could I wanted to go naturally. The doctor came in at 6:10 and broke my water. Shortly after that things started to get crazy. My contractions were really intense and very close together. When I was induced and at this point I would still have 4 to 9 hours left to go so I would opt for the epidural. I wasn't sure I could do it without drugs. At about 6:30 I asked (screamed) to be checked. I knew if I had progressed it would give me hope. They said I was at an 8. The doctor suggested drugs because I was in so much pain but Ryan made it clear I did not want them. Five minutes later I demanded to be checked again. I felt like I was on fire. The nurse said it would not have changed in five minutes but I insisted. I was kneeling on all fours and refused to change positions so she checked me like that and sure enough the baby was crowning. This was the most intense pain I have ever felt. Then everyone was rushing around trying to get ready for baby to come. They said I had to lay on my back now to deliver and I did not want to do that. It hurt so much to get in that position (easier for the doctor but harder for me). When the doctor arrived the pushing started and it was amazing. Without the epidural I could feel exactly how to get my baby out. My pushing was more deliberate. Ren came without any injury to me (this was a first for me). I can't say it was the same for Ryan though...check out his arm below!!!!!

She was 6 pounds 5 oz. She had dark dark hair which was strange for me since my last baby (Errson) had been so blonde when he was born. She was prefect no problems and they let me hold her right away.
I was so grateful that I was able to have Ren naturally. I don't have any strong opinions about how people should have their babies I just wanted to experience something other than being induced. It was wonderful and my recovery was so much faster and I felt so much better. What a blessing it is to be a mother. The love you feel instantly for your child is unlike anything else in this world.

One Year Ago

2011-09-06T06:26:00.000-07:00

This was 3 days before I delivered. I was not due for another 3 weeks at this point. I thought I had tons of time to get things done...like buying a vehicle that would fit our whole family...finishing taking the wall paper off the walls in our vanity...the "swagger wagon" was purchased one year ago today and the wall paper is still only half way off the walls :)
This was a few weeks before delivery. I think it was the first day of school for Hendrix and Faryn. I was feeling good...not itching for baby to come just enjoying being pregnant for the last time and grateful for working AC.

Totally YUM Tropical Smoothie

2011-08-24T06:53:00.001-07:00

Last week I was in target and I saw this coconut milk along with a couple varieties of almond milk. I bought some to try mainly for Ren. She is almost one year and all my kids react to cow's milk (they start to get sick a ton and have ear infections). I used soy for the other three but let's be honest soy makes their poop smell so bad...Anyway I got this and an Almond, both are delicious. As a side note notice the cool cup in the picture below. We got these plastic cups for our wedding December 1998. One of our favorite wedding gifts. We love them they are perfect for fun drinks and they have held up over the years. Brandi Barnard gave them to us!
Totally Yum Tropic Smoothie
1 cup coconut milk
1/3 cup carrot juice
1-2 tablespoon orange juice concentrate
6 pineapple chunks
1 cup frozen mango chunks
3-4 ice cubes
1 tsp. vanilla
Look and see how this milk stacks up to cow's milk...I am a believer. It is so good my other kids were just drinking it straight (Faryn hates milk and never drinks it but she loves this stuff). Oh and by the way I am not advertising for this company I just think it is good and want to share :-)

Back to School Back to Blog

2011-08-23T06:33:00.000-07:00

I know I took a very long break from blogging. Now with Hendrix and Faryn back to school and Ren about to have her first birthday I think I am ready to get back to blogging. So much has happened the past year and a half but I will get to all that bit by bit with "a look back" every so often. Yesterday was the first day of school. Ryan took the day off so he could see the kids off to school and welcome them home in the afternoon. He missed so much of that when he was in the middle east it is nice he can take part now. Hendrix started middle school! It is hard to believe he is that old. He walked to the bus stop and Ryan and I got nervous he would get lost so we drove down the street and spied to make sure he got there okay ;-) He is taking orchestra this year and is playing the cello. I am so glad he is willing to try something new. He had a good day but found opening a locker a little hard. You know I still remember my locker combination from Junior high school... Faryn started 3rd grade. She was so excited the night before her first day she couldn't sleep. She had her clothes set out and ready to go for the past two weeks! This year she has her best friend Emma in her class which is very exciting. Errson also had his first day at "The Bailey School" with mom as his teacher. First Errson helped me make peanut butter no bake cookies (Ryan's favorite). We talked about the days of the week and the weather. I taught Errson how to draw the sun and he practiced several times. Then he did some worksheets helping him with his pre-writing skills. Then we did the alphabet flash cards and to finish up Errson spent some time coloring on his new Crayola crayon wipe board. It was a great school day! Ren has a cold so she slept and cried most of the day...so sad!

Pregnancy Health

2010-03-08T06:59:00.000-08:00

For anyone who is interested I am going to start using my Health blog (link is on the right) to track my pregnancy health :)

Blogging Blurp

2010-03-07T17:56:00.000-08:00

I know I have taken forever to post. I have found that in my life if I don't feel well I don't blog :) I guess Technology makes me tired sometimes. I am pregnant with our 4th baby and starting my second trimester so I am feeling a little better now. So since I am feeling better I will finish posting all of our Christmas vacation pics. On Christmas Eve morning our kids opened their gifts. They got Tickets to Disney World from Santa and we gave them cash to spend in the park. We left NC as soon as the kids opened these gifts and headed to Florida.

The Bailey Vacation Day Five - Tour of Nathan's Aircraft

2010-01-26T08:25:00.000-08:00

This day we were able to go on base and tour inside the huge aircraft Nathan flies. It is a cargo airplane and it really is massive. You can see from the pictures just how big it is. The last two pictures are taken where the wheels and landing gear are...crazy we can all stand underneath it. Nathan is a pilot and showed us the cock pit and also where you sleep when you aren't flying. Nathan recently took supplies to Haiti in this airplane...very cool. I felt very proud seeing Nathan in his flight suit and with the aircraft he flies. This is an experience our kids will not ever forget.

The Bailey Vacation Day Four - Dinner out in Charleston

2010-01-21T09:35:00.000-08:00

This night we got a babysitter and went out on the town. Charleston has a fabulous downtown. We ate dinner at a place called Cypress. I had the Crisp Wasabi Tuna and it was divine...so good that I asked the chef Craig Deihl if he would be willing to give up some of his recipes...lucky for me he has a cookbook I purchased there and had him sign it for me. After dinner we walked around and got dessert at a local favorite cake and pie shop. I got the Cherry chocolate chip pie...yum!

It was good to get some grown-up time with the "other" Bailey's :)

The Bailey Vacation Day Four - Summerville SC - The Climbing Wall

2010-01-12T06:30:00.001-08:00

This day we headed out to a recreation shop on Base and took the kids climbing. Errson and Rowen were too small so they "played pool" while the older kids climbed. Hendrix and Faryn both loved it. They had a ton of fun climbing but even more fun getting down. Candice and I also took at turn. Our arms were really sore after a few climbs. The kids liked this so much they asked to do it the next day too but we had other plans on Base.

The Bailey Vacation Day Three - Summerville SC

2010-01-06T13:39:00.000-08:00

We arrived in Summerville from Atlanta just before dinner. "The Bailey's" were fabulous hosts! We had a delicious dinner and then we went out back and roasted marshmallows. Hendrix, Faryn and Errson haven't spent a ton of time with their cousins Rhett and Rowen but they hit it off right away. Errson wasn't very interested in the fire so he played T-ball with Rowen and Rhett let Faryn try out his Darth Vador mask. We had a fun night just hanging out with Candace and Nathan :)

The Bailey Vacation Day Two - USS Alabama

2010-01-05T11:37:00.000-08:00

This day we went and did a self guided tour of the USS Alabama a World War II battle ship. It was totally cool. You could go on every level of the ship and see where the men ate, slept, saw a doctor or a dentist and also all the control rooms. They also had a memorial for the Korean War and an Air Force Museum. This was time well spent and everyone had a great time. Afterward we went to Felix's for lunch a local seafood restaurant rated the best in Mobile! I do love good southern food!

The Bailey Vacation Day One - Mobile Alabama

2010-01-04T20:37:00.000-08:00

We had some time to kill before we could check in to our hotel in Mobile so we took a walk around town. I loved the old architecture. Mobile was a beautiful clean city with tons of character. They had a parade that afternoon in a park at the center of the downtown area. It was a fun parade due to the fact that it was over in about 10 minutes and I don't love parades :)

My Half Marathon

2009-12-07T13:28:00.000-08:00

On Saturday I ran a Half Marathon in Memphis for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. I met up with my sister Brita and my friend Julie who were both running the full Marathon. They bought me the shirt I am wearing for the race the day before...it says, "1/2 Marathon Mom". We hung out in the bathroom before the race trying to stay warm for as long as possible :)

I ran the race in 2:35:14. This was about what I expected for my first time. It was really a neat experience to see all the people cheering you on with signs for the kids they know who have received treatment at St. Judes. It was hard to hold back the tears...

When you cross the finish line they give you your medal and then put the foil blanket on you to help keep you toasty. After the race they also have lots of carbs for us to eat and they had hot chocolate to keep us warm.

It was a great day and a beautiful run through the city. Memphis has some really cool old buildings and lots of character. I was also amazed by all the other runners...it is true anyone can run a Marathon. I saw a man with a shirt that said, "This is my 100th Marathon - I was born in 1933!" Wow! I hope I will still be running when I am 76. Next year I am going to try the full Marathon...I have a year to get ready :)

After a long hot shower we went to dinner at Houstons. It is nice to be able to eat whatever you want after a race knowing you earned it! The best part of dinner was of course the dessert...a Key Lime pie with fresh whip cream! Yum!

Happy Running Everyone!

Hendrix got a hair cut!

2009-11-17T18:21:00.000-08:00

I finally broke down and let Hendrix get his hair cut...by me because I don't trust anyone else. A lady in a store told him his hair was beautiful and that was it...no 9 year old boy wants to be told his hair is beautiful! He didn't like it so long in the back and I don't like it short on top so we compromised. I think he looks cute but more importantly he thinks he looks cool!

Garage Sale Jackpot!

2009-11-16T13:45:00.000-08:00

On Saturday I hit a big subdivision garage sale with some friends from my ward. The spoils were pretty good although not as good as last year. I guess with the economy the way it is people are keeping their old stuff instead of selling it for pennies and buying new stuff for the big bucks! I prefer to spend pennies. I got this Little Tike's Car toddler bed for Errson. I paid $45 for it and it came with a really nice Sealy Mattress. Nicer than anything we have ever had. In his crib right now we have a Wal-mart mattress I bought for $20 the cheapest one you can find. Anyway I really just got this bed because Errson LOVES cars and what 2 year old wouldn't want to sleep in one! I am keeping the crib in there for now until he tries to get out of it.

On Saturday after I got it all set up he layed down on his new bed and took a nap. Two and a half hours later he got up...opened his door and said "I done now mommy".

I also got this cool Radio Flyer trike. I paid $10 for it and it has been a real hit with all three kids. They have been taking each other for rides all over the house with one kid sitting on the back and the other peddling. It was intended for Errson but Faryn and Hendrix are using it more than he is. Errson is still trying to get the peddling motion down.

I actually got this radio flyer horse a few weeks ago for $3...so fun!

I got this little Tike's slide for $3!!!What a steal I know. it is a little bleached out from the sun but the kids don't care. This has been the best $3 I have ever spent. All three kids have been playing on it a ton!

Anyone who knows me well knows I love "vintage" stuff. Well I found this 1960s table and I got it for $12. It is the perfect game table!!!! Settler's Anyone?

I also got this cool retro lamp for $8! I just think it is so funky and who wouldn't love a green lamp?

The game room had to be rearranged due to the additional items purchased but I love how it turned out...a real fun place for kids to play and read!

I got a few more things but those items are for another post another day :)

Happy halloween...Rock On!

2009-11-10T18:58:00.001-08:00

Scared yet?

Ryan and the kids shortly after the shock of seeing their dad...well like this!

Kiersta, Faryn and Errson. Faryn said mom you look like "Lola" from Hannah Montana...not what I was really going for but okay.

Hendrix was a gangster complete with a tear drop tattoo under his eye.

Errson was a "lost boy"..."pirate baby"...or whatever. This was his costume from 2 years ago when he was 5 months old. i am a believer in recycling costumes.

Hannah Montana of course complete with attitude :)she bought the costume with her own money in the summer.

All the kids before the real fun began! The Kimballs had us all over to their place for Pizza before we went trick-or-treating. It was way fun to go out with this many people...and a little crazy trying to keep tack of kids :)

Faryn and Ashyn

Hendrix and Mason

You know we are perfect for each other right?!

Monica and a large duck in glasses...that better be Todd in there!

Jeremiah and Christa...she has been reading those vampire books...it's Jeremiah not Edward remember...

Kim and Tim...I didn't think boy scouts were supposed to give people black eyes.

All you friends from BYU might remember the costume Kailee is wearing...the 80s ROCK!

Happy Halloween...FHE!

2009-11-09T19:32:00.000-08:00

The Thursday before Halloween our friends the Kimballs invited us for their pre-Halloween FHE. We dipped apples in caramel, chocolate and then rolled them in nuts and candy. We carved pumpkins and ate yummy soup in bread bowls. The kids had a blast and Ryan and I had so much fun we think we are going to adopt this fun tradition.

Errson and Carly are the same age...we all thought it was so cute when they would hug and kiss each other...

Field Day!

2009-11-05T10:36:00.001-08:00

Thanks to bad weather Hendrix field day was postponed for a day when Ryan was home. Ryan usually misses all these things that happen at school so it was so fun for him to get to see Hendrix race. Hendrix won one first and two second place ribbons :)

The Stake Dance

2009-11-03T12:23:00.000-08:00

The second night Ryan ws home there was a Stake Dance for adults. I didn't know they had such a thing and now I know why :) This is us before we left. Errson would not let us take a picture without him.

I bought this dress in the summer when I was in Seattle. It was nice to have some place to wear it to.

Do we have the only kids who scream when they see their parents kissing?

Me and Ry about to go on our big date!

This is what happens when you don't decide ahead of time what you will do when faced with "wedding ring" decorations...

There wasn't much good dance music so can you blame me?

Me and Christa :)

We went for sushi before the dance with our good friends Christa and Jeremiah.

Good times!

We are perfect for each other don't you think?

Main Event

2009-10-26T11:33:00.000-07:00

After we picked Ryan up from the airport we went straight to "Main Event" for our friends Colton and Will's joint birthday Party. We bowled, played lazer tag, ate pizza, and played video games! Hendrix loved the lazer tag and his team won! Faryn was totally in to a boat racing video game...obsessed is a better word. Errson couldn't get enough of the golf game! We had tons of fun with all our friends. This was the perfect start to Ryan's trip home.

Errson didn't want his brother to get anywhere near his game of golf but he stopped saying "no" long enough to pose for a picture.

Faryn wanted to play too but Errson held his ground...

Ry and I just had fun being together..after so many months it was like a "first date" :)

Me and the girls...goofing off!

Me, Christa and Jen!

Hendrix had so much fun he didn't want to ever leave.

Ebony and Ivory...can you believe they are related?

Me and Kailee our beloved babysitter and friend!

Faryn and Emma...so girlie shootin' em up!

Hendrix was so focused he couldn't hear me when I was trying to get him to look for a picture...

Faryn and the Birthday boy Colton...they are in the same class at school for the second year and such good friends.

Errson and his pale Zach...the only kid he would share the golf game with!

He's home!

2009-10-24T22:12:00.001-07:00

It has been 14 weeks but now Ryan is home :) We've got 10 days...

Garage Sale Redone!

2009-10-22T11:29:00.000-07:00

The Garage sale chair...I got all four chairs for $55! Out with the old...

They are from Mexico and there is some really neat detailing. I fell in love with the flower under each chair.

I primed them with a paint that will help with the rusting and then I did the top coat in a glossy white.

I matched the fabric to some craft paint and did these flowers...this was my forite part.

The seats were really nasty. They were a dirty mustard color.

I just used a staple gun I borrowed from my friend Kim...it was easier than I thought and I think they turned out great for my first time!

The chair cover before I put the clear plastic on...this would have been nice but with kids I think I will be glad I did the plastic.

Almost done all I have to do now is screw in the seats to the metal...

I bought this runner from Target and I didn't love the main fabric so I used some left over fabric from the chairs and sewed it directly on the runner.

I love how my runner turned out :)

The flowers are a subtle touch of color...I think they are really unique and cool.

My inspiration for my kitchen really came from some old vintage tins I have and some new vintage style aprons. I love the mix of vintage and modern...

...in with the new. My garage sale chairs redone!

Garage Sale Jackpot!

2009-10-14T18:55:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I went to some garage sales with my sister-in-law Laura. We went to a ton of places and got lots of great deals. My favorite thing I got was these two old vintage chairs from an Estate Sale. They have funky retro upholstery coupled with a traditional style. I love them! They are in perfect condition...like it looks like no one ever sat in them. The best part is that there were two of them and they were only $40 each.

Brothers

2009-09-27T19:10:00.000-07:00

Errson and Hendrix couldn't look more different. However, their personalities mesh together perfectly. To have a brother is a great thing. Who says your kids have to be close together in age to be friends? These two are close because they are brothers and that is a love that doesn't care how many years are between them.

Everyone is moving to Texas!

2009-09-22T19:52:00.000-07:00

We are so happy the Galaso Family moved to Bryan Texas just over an hour away! I drove up one morning after the kids got on the bus. Errson and I played all day with Sara and the girls. We hung out and then went to the splash pad for lunch. We also got yummy shakes at a local fav spot called "shakes"! Errson loves the girls and he isn't afraid to show his sensitive side :) We had tons of fun and made it home by the time the big kids got off the bus.

Scout Then and Now

2009-09-20T21:04:00.000-07:00

This was taken the day we got our dog scout. He was about 8 weeks old.

This is scout now just another 8 weeks older at 4 months...can you imagine what he is going to look like at 6 months!

Funny Girl

2009-09-17T07:12:00.001-07:00

I am trying a new parenting method and when I put my kids to bed at night they are allowed to have on their lamps and do whatever they want in their rooms as long as they don't come out and as long as they get up in the morning without complaint. Faryn is always "organizing" in her room. I will go in after she is asleep to turn the lamp off and I will find treasures in piles on her floor or her underwear organized by color. This night I went in and she was still up...playing cards on the back of a full length mirror with a ski mask on! It was so funny but I had to hold back the laughter to preserve her dignity :) I asked her "why the hat?" and she told me because her face was cold. She also covered up her Barbie house with her curtain so "they could sleep". She is such a cool girl. I love going to her room each night to see what she has created.

The other thing Faryn has been doing lately is picking out her own clothes...with Hannah Montana as her inspiration she comes up with some pretty cool combinations. She is really in to boots lately too...I am trying to give her independence and let her make her own decisions when and where she can. I think Stacy and Clinton would agree she's got the style touch!

Oh Those Summer Days...

2009-09-10T19:29:00.000-07:00

With Labor Day behind us summer is really over. It makes me so sad. I love everything about summer. It is by far my favorite season. I love the heat, the lazy days at the pool, playing in the back yard, simple dinners, the smell of grass just after it has been mowed, adventures with friends, BBQ anything, late nights watching movies and eating nachos, fireworks, playing with friends all day, hardly any laundry due to the fact we only wear swim suits most days, home made ice cream, vacations, simple summer dinners, adult swim diving board shows, the house stays so clean because we are gone so much, it's still light at 9pm, no set schedule the only thing on our list is to do something fun everyday and sun kissed smiles. Good bye summer.

Errson discovered chili cheese Fritos this summer...it is hard for him to reach his mouth with those water wings on so he has to work for each chip.

Hendrix and Zach playing at your friend's pool.

Hendrix showing off his moves on the water slide at yet another friend's pool.

Faryn and her best friend Emma playing dress-up. They can do this for hours!

The 4th at the Harbours. We ignored child labor laws and had the kids do all the work making ice cream.

Hendrix and Daniel wrestling on the pool...it made the life guards a little nervous sometimes.

Faryn trying to show the dog who's the boss...not really the vision of a "pack leader".

All my babes about to go down the water slide together!

faryn's everyday look...a swimsuit and greenish hair :)

I spent my summer days with my two good friends Jen and Christa. Our kids had a blast together and I had fun hanging with them and watching them swim as they trained for a triathlon... Labor Day in Austin. Notice I am the only one without the cool red shirt :)

Cousins...no explanation necessary!

2009-09-07T21:08:00.001-07:00

However, I think my kid might need therapy when he becomes a dog...I mean a man!

Summer Pics - Our Friends The Williams

2009-09-06T20:31:00.001-07:00

Through facebook Ryan started chatting with a high school friend of his who was in his stake in Louisiana. He found out Jaime lives in The Woodlands which is about 40 minutes from us. When Ryan was home in the summer we went to see her and her cute family and we hit it off right away. We spent a bunch of time at their place and our kids became instant friends. The boys...big and little... had a good time playing video games while Jamie and I talked about decorating, food and anything and everything. Sad no pick of Jamie and I because the moms are always the ones taking the pictures :)

Errson is pretty good with the ladies as you can see here!

Faryn and Reese are the same age and had a blast together!

Hendrix and Gordon sat by each other playing their video games...I don't understand boys!

Mommy and the "little man"

2009-09-02T21:11:00.000-07:00

With Hendrix and Faryn at school Errson and I get lots of "mom and me time". We have fun days and I feel so grateful I get this time to be with him. He is a funny little guy with a big personality to go with his big hair :)There is no place I would rather be!

We enjoy quiet lunches together. Errson has decided that relish is not a condiment but a main dish. He ate a third of the jar with his one bite of hot dog!

We do lots of coloring...well Errson does lots of coloring and I do lots of laundry and baths for little boy who color all over their bodies.

I get my exercise at the gym and he gets his going all over the house on his beloved scooter!

Our dog Scout

2009-09-01T12:59:00.000-07:00

Scout is a boxer which means he requires a lot of exercise. When we get home from a good walk he tries to lay in his water bowl...lapping up the cool refreshing H20. Then he lays down on the cool tile and has a little nap. He is so sweet when he has enough exercise ;)

Clean floors are a thing of the past...Scout either plays in his water after a walk or he digs a nice big hole in the back yard...rolls in the mud and then comes inside :)

Like Father Like Son

2009-08-29T17:56:00.000-07:00

Ryan is currently growing a rat on his face so when I was chatting with him on the web cam I asked Errson if he wanted to look like daddy...like a nasty terrorist. Errson was coloring so I reached over grabbed a marker and gave him a beard and mustache...then since mommy did it Errson thought it was a good idea and added a few more colors. Now I have created a monster and Errson thinks it is okay to color all over his body...You would think I would know better :)

On the First Day of School...

2009-08-25T19:41:00.000-07:00

We left our silly brother Errson at home...can you blame us?

On the First Day of School my outfit looked like this...

2009-08-25T19:25:00.000-07:00

Faryn wanted her half up half down and she is in to chokers right now so we made one with a piece of ribbon. Her shirt is from Target (last year's school clothes) and the shorts are from costco! She bought her Hannah Montana backpack and lunch kit with her own money this summer :) She looks so grown up to me.

Hendrix is all about the accessories...he is wearing a cool necklace he got from The Buckle, a camouflage wrist band and a skull ring (from Ryan's Halloween costume two years ago). He didn't wear new clothes...these are from a shopping trip we did in February 2009, Hendrix informed me then that he would like to pick out his own clothes. He has good taste so I don't mind. He is still using his bag from first grade. I told him he has to keep it FOREVER...

On the First Day of School my Mommy gave to me...

2009-08-25T19:12:00.000-07:00

one scrambled egg...two heart shaped toasts and three minutes too long cooking my bacon!

Errson was more into his sippy cup than the yummy breakfast.

Faryn loved this meal and was even more excited that her ham sandwich was also in the shape of a heart! No crust!

Hendrix is just glad no one he knows could see his toast...until now that is :)

Summer Fun in San Antonio

2009-08-23T19:32:00.000-07:00

Ryan was home for two weeks this summer and we took another trip to San Antonio. We did Sea World, the River Walk and just hung out at our hotel. It was a fun relaxing trip. We ran into our friends Justin and Melissa one night on the river walk...they were in San Antonio because Justin was a speaker at EFY. It was so fun to see them! We also got to spend a night with our friends Debbie and James who live in San Antonio. They have a fabulous house and so many fun things for the kids to play with. We were glad we got to spend a little time with them. Here are a few pics of our little vacation...

Our Trip to Washington: Part Four

2009-08-05T20:12:00.001-07:00

The best part of our trip was that we got to see our family. Here are a few pics...

Our Trip to Washington: Part Three

2009-07-29T20:52:00.001-07:00

So here are a few pics from the reception. I didn't get any shots of the wedding party but the photographer Janelle did. We did a dessert buffet with almost 20 different desserts. We had some unique things like chocolate dipped black licorice and English Shortbread with candied violets...My mom and I did the cake ourselves. It was a labor of love for sure but in the end it turned out really great I think. This was my first wedding cake but I spent several months watching Ace of Cakes and Food Network Challenge so I thought "how hard could it be?" Well It is harder than it looks. My mom did all our wedding cakes so she was the technical brains behind it and I was the creative "let's just try it and see what happens" person. The brides Bouquet was my favorite thing about the whole wedding. I love it :)I hope she liked it too...

Our Trip to Washington: Part Two

2009-07-27T19:25:00.001-07:00

The main purpose of our trip to Washington was to help prepare for my niece Carlene's wedding June 27th. I served as the "wedding planner", the "florist", the "caterer", and the "stylist", as well as my regular roles of sister, daughter, mother, aunt...It was a lot of work but I think it turned out wonderfully. This is the wedding day at the Temple. Brent and Carlene are so cute! We all think Brent is a great guy and he has very good taste in women :) In my next post I will show pics of the reception...

Our Trip to Washington: Part One

2009-07-25T06:33:00.000-07:00

The kids and I took a vacation to Washington from June 3r to July 3rd. I will post pics from this trip in parts.
We were so happy we got to see our friends The Rasbands. We got to meet little Graham for the first time and he is so darling. They live in a beautiful area of Washington...anyone would be envious of the scenery. It was so fun to hang out with them again...just like old times. It was like we saw them yesterday :) The kids had a blast and wished they could go to their house everyday:) We miss them!

Our New Puppy SCOUT

2009-07-22T20:05:00.000-07:00

This is Scout. He is a boxer and was born on May 6, 2009. We adopted him from a breeder the day Ryan flew home from the UAE. He is not Roxy and will never replace her but he has made his own place in our family and in our hearts. A soon as I held him I knew he was our dog. He is very fun and likes to play and run but he is also pretty mellow. He never barks...We are learning tons about how to train him..."The Dog whisperer" and "It's me or the dog" are our favorite shows these days. Scout is potty training well. He had only one accident today:)He has a little cold right now so we are getting a crash course in how to give a puppy medication. Ryan flew back to the UAE tonight...I am grateful we have Scout to protect us...not really he's still so little.

In loving Memory of Our Dog ROXY

2009-07-20T16:44:00.000-07:00

Roxy came to live with us when she was only 11 days old. Her mother could no longer nurse her so we fed her with a bottle...like a baby. She flew on a plane to Canada with my mom and then traveled by car to Seattle with my parents to meet us at my sister's house where we were vacationing for the month of June. Roxy was a great dog. She was fun and playful but also very cuddly. We all loved her very much. My parents took care of her in their trailer while we were in Washington and she loved them a lot. The kids loved her too. On June 28th Roxy was stepped on and we took her to an emergency vet. There they told us she had punctured her lungs and her spine was damaged. They said ther was no way to save her. Hendrix and Faryn came to say goodbye. Hendrix fainted when I told him she was not going to make it...we all cried...Roxy is missed but we are grateful for the time we had with her. She taught me that I could love an animal and that all creatures have a purpose in their life here.

Cub Car

2009-07-20T07:49:00.000-07:00

This was Hendrix first year as a cub scout. He made this car with Ryan's leatherman and some sand paper. His car did great in the race and he won the award for the car that was most likely made by the kid himself (as in not made by dad or mom). He was pretty proud of himself and resolved to make next years car even better.

We're back!

2009-07-11T06:32:00.001-07:00

So it has been several months since we posted anything...life has been busy but we've got lots of catching up to do and now with a new computer I will be able to do it easily. We are all doing great. Ryan is home for 2 weeks! :) I will try to catch you all up on what we've been up to a little at a time...I know I usually do a marathon post after I have neglected blogging. This picture is of Millie, Ally and Chris Robert's adorable little girl. They came to see us after Ryan left in the spring. Isn't her hair the best! We loved seeing all of them and we wish they could move a little closer...like next door would be nice :)

From The Mouth of Bailey Babes...

2009-04-03T19:03:00.000-07:00

Faryn was telling me about some "bad words" a kid at school was saying..."Mom! she was saying the "G" word and she doesn't even know the gospel and she said the "F" word and EVEN THE "E" WORD!" I asked her what the "E" word was because apparently it is worse than the "F" word. She said, "Mom, you know IDIOT!"...I tried to keep a straight face and told her that it is the "I" word because Idiot starts with "I".

In the car today Hendrix was reminiscing our recent trip to RICE to hear Ben Kweller play...he got to meet him and he signed a shirt for him and a CD for Faryn...Hendrix said, "Mom you know what the best part about meeting a real Musician is..." I said "what?" he said, "the best part is that they are so rich and famous and you are SO LUCKY to talk to them!" (too much disney channel :) and I bet Ben wishes he was as rich and famous as Hendrix seems to think he is...)

Errson is learning to talk and last week he said, "OH, CRAP!" the kids and I decided we should be better examples :)

Ryan's Trip Home!

2009-03-30T20:47:00.000-07:00

Ryan was home for two fabulous weeks. We had so much fun despite a couple of trips to the urgent care (both for Ryan). We spent spring break in San Antonio and went to Sea World. It was so cool. We had a blast!

2009-03-30T20:43:00.000-07:00

This is the day Ryan left to go back to the UEA. We went into the airport and stayed with him as long as we could...it is hard to say good-bye.

Sea World had lost of good food that is so bad for you...but when your a kid who's counting calories right!

I am not sure why this picture won't go straight btu it's so cute so tilt your head and enjoy...

2009-03-30T20:38:00.000-07:00

Faryn still so happy after a long day at Sea World.

Faryn thought this was so fun...sitting on a pole...

These fish were trying to eat the kids fingers through the class...can you guess what kind of fish they are?

2009-03-30T20:31:00.000-07:00

Errson even managed to get his nap in while we played.

Daddy Daughter Time!

The kids were crazy for cotton candy...Ryan and I snitched a bit too :)

Beautiful Boy!

2009-03-30T20:26:00.000-07:00

This was on the way back to the hotel from Sea World. Faryn bought herself a journal and a pen so she could draw in the car.

Hendrix bought himself a huge whale and Errson used it as a pillow.

This was a behind the scenes tour we did. We got up close with whales and dolphins. We even got a kiss from a whale. It was so cool!

2009-03-30T20:18:00.000-07:00

Ersson was so good...as long as he had cheetos near by he was a happy camper.

Ryan took the boys on the log ride.

2009-03-30T20:13:00.000-07:00

Faryn and I did the log ride together.

Hendrix and Faryn both got these wooden necklaces.

Waiting in yet another line...

2009-03-30T20:08:00.000-07:00

The sea Lion show was one of the best. We got there early to get good seats. It was a little chilly in the morning but it got hot before lunch.

A good family pic!

We ate a IHOP every morning...it has become our family tradition.

2009-03-30T20:04:00.000-07:00

Errson provided the breakfast entertainment!

We had a fabulous hotel room. We watched movies and orderd pizza!

Faryn bought herself a "Sea World Animal Trainer" barbie. She is doing some pretty neat tricks!

2009-03-30T19:59:00.000-07:00

Our hotel had a pool on the roof. the kids had a blast swimming with dad.

Errson is a little fish...

errson had the best seat in the house for this show!

2009-03-30T19:53:00.000-07:00

faryn getting ready to ride a roller coaster for the first time! She loved it!

This day we had lunch with the killer whales...

2009-03-30T19:47:00.000-07:00

This was a really cool thing...you could feed and pet the dolphins.

We went back to this area a few times.

Hendrix and Faryn in the "Bush" stables.

From The Mouth of Bailey Babes...

2009-03-13T07:31:00.000-07:00

Faryn got a birthday invitation in the mail this morning and while pointing to the stamp she said, "Hey mom, Blakes mom has the same stickers as you!"

We were reading in the Book of Mormon this morning and we read the part about the people in the great spacious building pointing their fingers in scorn at those eating the fruit...
Hendrix said, "Why were they giving them 'the finger'?"
Faryn said, "Why would it be bad to point with your middle finger, if it was bad God wouldn't have even created that finger."

The Bechtel Soccer Team

2009-03-10T07:05:00.001-07:00

Ryan has had a great time being the "keeper" for the Bechtel soccer team on his site in the UAE. For anyone who knows Ryan you know soccer is his passion! Go Liverpool!

From The Mouth of Bailey Babes...

2009-03-01T12:47:00.000-08:00

So lately I have been thinking my kids say some really funny stuff. I think I will remember what they say but I don't...I am not a good journal writer so I have decided to document the things they say here on our blog.

Hendrix while eating pizza, "Mom, is pepperoni a fruit?"

Faryn after Hendrix blows his nose in the car, "What's the point of buggers anyway, like why were they invented when people are just going to pick them!"

Mommy's Little Helper

2009-02-27T19:39:00.000-08:00

Errson has become very helpful lately. He always wants to be right where I am cooking or cleaning. He loves the Kitchen Aid...whenever he hears it running he comes and begs to get up so he can hold onto it. He loves to pour and stir things too. He is turning into a helpful little chef!

OUCH!!!

2009-01-28T10:55:00.000-08:00

Hendrix had a run in with a wall a couple of weeks ago at school. A friend in his class pushed on his neck while they were standing in line for lunch and Hendrix neck contracted...his head flew back and hit a concrete piller behind him. This picture was taken the day it happened...it eventually turned purple and then green. It is still green and a bit swollen. Boys will be boys!

Faryn's Sixth Birthday!

2009-01-28T09:53:00.000-08:00

Faryn had a fabulous Birthday. She started out the day with a special breakfast...then she had her first gymnastics class...and later a Family party!

This is Faryn's cake I made. I have always wanted one of these cakes and I figured she will eventually get too old for this kind of cake so I convinced her it would be cool. I had my doubts though when the cake broke in half and after my fingers were so sore from frosting the darn thing. In the end I think it turned out great and Faryn loved it!

Errson's First Encounter with The Cheesecake Factory

2009-01-02T22:42:00.000-08:00

On our trip to see Ryan's family in Dallas we went to the cheesecake factory. Errson got really "in to" his dessert...

More Christmas Fun!

2008-12-31T15:18:00.000-08:00

Gift's from the Middle East

2008-12-31T15:08:00.000-08:00

Ryan brought home gifts for the kids from the UAE. Faryn got an "Aladin Lamp" and Hendrix got an Arabian Knife. So cool!

Christmas at the Bailey's

2008-12-31T14:55:00.000-08:00

Tis The Season

2008-12-31T14:44:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve we acted out the nativity. Errson and Hendrix were wisemen...I was a shephard...Ryan and Faryn were angles!

...and counting

2008-12-17T07:06:00.000-08:00

So Ryan is coming home for the Holidays in...150 hours...not like I'm counting or anything :)

What do you think?

2008-12-11T14:27:00.001-08:00

So yesterday I got a new look. It has been way too long since I had anything done to my hair aside from a bad cut a couple of months ago. I was ready for an actual hairstyle. Lets be honest I'm 34 not 14. When my hair is too long it just ends up in a pony tail 90% of the time. Excuse my serious look it is hard to make yourself laugh when your using the self timer on the camera :) So be honest and tell me what you think of my new look...

Sewing Lesson #1

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

My mom taught me to sew when I was in Kindergarten in 1979. I became interested in sewing because I would watch her sew me and my brothers and sisters clothes. My older sister Tammy would also make her own clothes which I thought were "so cool". She also sewed me a few treasured items. My mom had me practise on scraps of fabric until I got the hang of it. My first project was a skirt I made for my mom. It was dark green with a drawstring waist and a pocket from some fabric she had used for a dress for me. I loved to use the zig zag stich so I used that for the hem of her skirt. I was so proud of myself! I gave it to my mom and she tried it on right away for me. It was really small...a mini for sure and skin tight. I wasn't very good at judging size yet. However, my mom made me feel so good about my efforts. This began a love of sewing...I didn't like to follow a pattern though and I would cut up perfectly good clothing and sew different parts together to make new stuff. How fun! So I decided a couple of weeks ago to give Faryn her first sewing lesson in the tradition my mom started. She decided she wanted to make a Christmas Tree skirt for her little tree in her room. We gathered our fabric and in the tradtion of cutting up perfectly good things...we cut the edge off some pottery barn teen curtains for the trim. Then we began...First we planned...then we cut...then we sewed. She was so patient. She had so much control with the presser foot I was amazed. I helped with the pinning and a little of the sewing. We think it turned out great! Sewing is a lost art and I am so grateful my mother taught me so I could then teach my own daughter.

The Finished Product

2008-12-08T18:16:00.001-08:00

Faryn did such a great job on her tree skirt!

This and That

2008-12-03T11:11:00.000-08:00

When the little guy started eating solid food I had an internal battle with myself over how much I should let him do himself. Anyone who knows me knows I don't like things dirty. So I feed the kid as long as he'll let me and then hope he can use a spoon by kindergarten. Errson is so independant. He actually won't let me feed him very often anymore. You know what that means...huge messes! Every meal brings with it laundry... a bath... total table and chair wipe down... and of course then there is the floor! I guess this is life with a toddler. I want thim to love and appreciate food as much as I do so I have to give up some of my control so he can experiance food himself. Here he is drowning himself in homemade whip cream (one of my personal favorites). As a kid in a family of 9 I always felt like there was never enough whip cream...a dolop is all we got. So now I go a little whip cream crazy and make it in large batches...enough for a 25 pound kid to swim in! Fun Stuff! I am so glad I am a mom times like this make me laugh and appreciate the little memories I am creating with my kids.

Sunday...wet, dirty & cranky!

2008-11-28T09:24:00.000-08:00

Ryan has been gone for about six weeks and he won't be home for another 3 weeks so we are trying to keep as busy as possible. We miss him a ton but the time seems to go by faster when we've got lots to do. During the week we are in a good groove... no complaints! Sundays however seem to be the day it all breaks down for us...three hours of church...I always have to leave sacrament with Errson so Hendrix and Faryn are left to fend or themselves. Last week there was a fist fight :) Their primary teachers have only good things to say so I know they are capable of being reverent...they're just not doing it the first hour. I decided last week that we are not going to bring snacks anymore. They can go 3 hours without food and I feed them lunch right before we leave. I'd love some ideas from anyone who has any...The other hard thing about Sunday is all that time after church. I want to balance keeping the sabbath and having a fun day. I want my kids to enjoy Sunday...not get bored and cranky! I'd love some ideas about this too. Last Sunday we went to a park for a picnic. We had fun but came home wet (faryn played in a fountain) ...dirty (Hendrix tried to capture tadpoles)...and Errson was totally cranky because he was trapped in his stroller the whole time because of the lake...Not the greatest Sunday activity so what should we do?
Frazzled Sunday Mom :)

Parade of Homes... Garage Sale Style

2008-11-24T09:58:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago I went to this massive garage sale in a huge subdivision with my sister-in-law Laura. It was a garage sale meca! I got some really sweet deals!
For the dining room I got the two red leather straight back chairs for $10 each. I also got the red pottery barn shelf in the corner for $30!!!!!! I know the card tables are ghetto but just imagine it with a beautiful dark black/brown wood diningroom table...I love this room because of the Chinese influence...this room is where I put everything that reminds me of my good friend Lori and her family who are living in China right now. I even put my bamboo steamer in the red shelf...I love those steamed buns with the sweet dipping sauce...Yum!
In the front living room I got the tan lounge sofa for $20 and I got the two burnt orage chairs for $4 each. They are from West Elm...they are $100 chairs!!!! I also got the pottery barn picture frames for $10! At a Linens and Things that is going out of business I got the burnt orange pillow that matches the chairs perfectly. Years ago I got the cool 60s lamp at a second hand store and painted it silver. This truely is my complete garage sale room. (plus a few Ikea items) So Fun!!! I do love a good deal :)

I did get a couple of other items but paint is needed...when I finish I'll post pics of those too.

Our New Home!

2008-11-14T13:38:00.000-08:00

At the request of family and friends I am going to give you all the grand tour of our new place. We love it! We still feel like we are living in a dream. We've needed more space for a while (that is an understatment :0) but we did not imagine we would be blessed with this much space. We really had only one way to go and that was up. Our last place was so great but really small (under 600 sqare feet)! Our new place is 5 times that size...I feel like I'm playing house still :) Anyone who wants to come see it in person is more than welcome we'd love to have you!

Living Room/Dining Room

2008-11-14T13:21:00.001-08:00

So when you walk in our front door we have this long room... We used our Ikea shelf to separate the two rooms. In the future we'd love a big table for entertaining (right now it is BYOT&C at our house...bring your own table & chairs). We've got all our books on the self so someday we'd like a sofa and chairs for this reading area. There is also a half bath down the main hallway and the door to the garage is in the entrance (weird I know:))

The Kitchen

2008-11-14T13:09:00.000-08:00

Most of you know I love to cook so this kitchen is perfect for me. There is tons of counter space! I love the Island too I do lots of my prep there. There is tons of natural light which I love. And the best thing of all is I HAVE A DISHWASHER!!!!! We had a dishwasher in our first appartment (4 months there) and when Faryn was first born (4 months there too). So for about 9 years we have washed every dish by hand...I really didn't mind it, I sort of like doing dishes :) however now that I have a dishwasher I realize how much time I used to spend doing dishes. Now I can do more fun things...like blog :)

Family Room and Office Area

2008-11-14T12:53:00.001-08:00

So this is the family room and office area. We got the desk at Ikea after we moved in... it is the only thing we have purchased for our home. I like the fireplace but Ryan could do without it. He thinks a fireplace is useless. It is really when you live in such a mild climate but I am looking forward to hanging stockings on it this christmas and my Dad's pottery looks fab on it too.

The "Playroom"

2008-11-14T12:32:00.001-08:00

This is the best part of our house. This room is right at the top of the stairs in the center of the house. Our bedroom is to the left and the kids rooms are off to the right. This is where the kids play...we've got a little kitchen, table, a small tent, an art area and a reading nook. We have a large map of the world on the wall so the kids can see where Ryan is. We spend alot of time up here. There is room enough to kick a ball around or have a family dance!

Our Room

2008-11-14T12:09:00.000-08:00

So this is our room. We are so happy to be able to walk around our bed without having to walk sideways... The room is so big! Right now I have a card table set up be the front windows with my sewing machine and craft materials handy. I am making a felt christmas calendar with Laura and Tara. It is so nice to have my stuff out and not have to put it away every night. We love our bathroom. The tub is so fabulous. Our closet is through the bathroom. It is about as big as our old kitchen. We feel like we're staying in some nice hotel! So this is what it feels like to be a grown up :)

Rubber Duckie Bathroom

2008-11-14T11:56:00.000-08:00

My friend Stacy who lives in Austin gave me all this cute Rubber Duckie stuff from Pier One kids. I think it is so fun! This is the kids bathroom. Did I mention how much they love having more than one bathroom. We have three so if everyone needs to "go" at the same time there is no panicing...

Kids Rooms

2008-11-14T11:07:00.000-08:00

After having 3 kids in one bedroom we are enjoying the additional space in our new place. We let hendrix choose which room he wanted first (bennefits of being the oldest). His room is the largest and has a walk-in closet. The kids all have a pottery barn "beach" theme in their rooms...a result of being all together before. They love having their own space. There is less fighting for sure. However I don't think they will ever forget the time they had together in the same room...it builds character to do without and to share.

So that is our new place! We love it and are grateful everyday for all the blessings we have been given. Thanks everyone for being our "cheering section" in life. We love you all!

Monte Cristo Night

2008-11-13T17:35:00.000-08:00

Several years ago my good friend Wendy taught me to make these fabulous sandwiches. My kids LOVE them. I modify the recipe a bit...Basically you layer cheddar cheese then ham then more cheddar on thick white bread. Then you dip them in an egg and nutmeg mixture (like french toast) and grill in a pan or on a griddle in lots of real butter...do it slowly so the cheese gets totally melted. Then you serve with maple syrup (dip it). You can also put mustard on them (I like to use dijon). The origional recipe uses swiss as well as cheddar and it also has turkey but we like the more basic version. This is good for a quick dinner everyone will like! :)

Dancing Through The Decades

2008-11-13T08:08:00.000-08:00

Last week our kids had "Dancing Through The Decades" at school. For about a month they have been learning different dances from the 50s to the 80s in gym class. They had a show for the parents last Thursday and Friday. Hendrix wore the same costume both days and Faryn was 80s Thursday and 50s Friday. I got her costumes from a garage sale for $.50 and I just modified them to make them fit. (they were for a 12 year old :)) It was so cool! My kids really know how to get their gorrve on!

Haloween!

2008-11-12T19:51:00.001-08:00

Halloween in Houston was fabulous! It was warm and balmy outside...a far cry from the usual snow on the ground and winter coats under costumes. Did I mention we LOVE Houston?

So 13 Oct it is!

2008-10-09T11:51:00.000-07:00

I just got my flight booked for Monday, 13 Oct, out of Houston through Amsterdam to Abu Dhabi City! Needless to say that it is going to be a long flight...and 9 hours ahead.

New Link

2008-09-26T06:52:00.000-07:00

As many of you know I will be going to UAE in the middle of October. My official position with Bechtel here in Houston is in the Human Resources Operations Division and in the UAE I will have the responsibilities of about 10 different people! The assignment is literally on a construction site in the middle of the middle eastern desert. I have attached a link to a google map that shows where I will be working, living, and meeting for church on Fridays (Muslim day of rest). The project is set to be completed next summer so I'm on the back-end of the process. I will be on a 12 wk on/2 wk off cycle but have already gotten approval to be back for Christmas! When the project is complete it looks like I will be going back to Houston on a permanent basis but that will be solidified about 3 months before the project is done. Kiersta and I are very excited about the opportunity and the exposure it will give me to the various functions within the company. Hendrix and Faryn enjoyed an extended holiday due to the hurricane but are back in school and loving it! We are completely moved in to our new place except for the desk stuff as we need to get a new desk. Email to my (Ryan) gmail account if you want our new address as you know Kiersta never checks hers and I don't want to post it here. We will be keeping our same cell phone number and are deciding whether we want to just open a land line or just get Kiersta a cell phone (I'm sure most of you are banking on Kiersta finally getting a cell).

Ike Update

2008-09-14T09:35:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

We wanted to give you a quick update that we made it through Ike okay. 115 mph winds are nuts! Tara's house for the most part was okay. The fence was blown down, some shingles were knocked off and there was a little exposure through the ceiling. But everyone is safe and we are looking forward to moving in to our new place on Saturday (granted we can get a u-haul with all the craziness)!

New Job & Ike!

2008-09-11T08:27:00.000-07:00

Hey Friends and Family we have good news and bad news. Ryan got a job with Bechtel and will start this next week. We will post details later when we are not getting ready for Ike. We are not evacuating at this point... We will post details as we can. Thank you all for all your friendship and support we feel blessed to have such great friends and family.

Kiersta should be Islamic say what?!

2008-08-26T20:54:00.000-07:00

You Should Follow Islam

You believe that there is one true God and that it's your duty to submit to his will.

Life may be trying, unfair, or painful here on earth. But you're waiting for the Paradise in the afterlife.

Religion is the most important thing in your life, and you are fully devoted to God.

You are willing to fast, pray often, and follow all of God's rules to make sure you have a place in heaven.

What Religion Should You Be?

Interesting...I thought this was pretty interesting... what religion should you be?

Ryan's feeling a little "GREEN" too...

2008-08-21T20:33:00.000-07:00

You Are Apple Green

You are almost super-humanly upbeat. You have a very positive energy that surrounds you.

And while you are happy go lucky, you're also charmingly assertive.

You get what you want, even if you have to persuade those against you to see things your way.

Reflective and thoughtful, you know yourself well - and you know that you want out of life.

What Color Green Are You?

When Ryan got home tonight I had him take this little quiz...I think apple green and teal look really fabulous together... don't you?

I'm feeling a little GREEN!

2008-08-21T18:57:00.000-07:00

You Are Teal Green

You are a one of a kind, original person. There's no one even close to being like you.

Expressive and creative, you have a knack for making the impossible possible.

While you are a bit offbeat, you don't scare people away with your quirks.

Your warm personality nicely counteracts and strange habits you may have.

What Color Green Are You?

I thought this was sort of fun... click on the link above and let's see what color green you are!

Kiersta's new blog

2008-08-20T20:07:00.000-07:00

I am such a copy-cat! Lori and Sara have started new blogs devoted to health and wellness so I just had to do it too. I hope you'll take a peek! I will get down to the nitty-gritty of my new blog in the next few days...
kiersta-fabulousfoodfunfitness.blogspot.com

The newest favorite show for Hendrix and Faryn!

2008-08-19T09:45:00.000-07:00

So I have to say that this is the funniest thing I've ever seen. Kiersta's brother doesn't have TV so we have been resigned to watching movies and episodes of seasons that we own (the office and everybody love raymond). Now as you know The Office isn't very kid friendly so one night we watched an episode of raymond and now the kids ask every day to watch it. German and Sara will be very proud!

We're Here!

2008-08-07T20:55:00.000-07:00

After almost 30 hours of driving we arrived in Houston... we are so tired so I'll blog the trip later!

We're Moving To Houston!

2008-07-31T20:25:00.001-07:00

Okay, we originally thought we would wait to post this because we know we are going to get bombarded with phone calls but here it is. We're moving to Houston! We're leaving on our adventure Monday (yeah, like in 4 days) so things are going to be really crazy around here trying to get things ready.

Oh Yeah Blogging in REAL TIME!!!!!!!

2008-07-18T23:01:00.000-07:00

OH YEAH, OH YEAH! So who's the blogging babe in action now? I WAS THE FIRST TO POST! Please stand by... this may never happen again... blogging history has just been made!