Our Doyle story

2011-04-03T21:47:00.000-07:00

Find me here... http://thisisheather-ly.blogspot.com/ xoxo

2010-12-14T15:28:00.001-08:00

Well. We survived the past couple months. Not sure how we managed, everything that could possibly be thrown at us has been. But here we are in Surprise. Learning how to dance in the rain. Life seems to be looking up finally, and I can feel the happy right around the corner. I have plans for a new blog. New chapter. Until then Merry Christmas and cheers to the new year! xo.

2010-09-14T11:07:00.000-07:00

4 months old.... Loves: binkys, blankies, being swaddled, being held (oops), tv, toys that make noise, his brother paying attention to him, eating (we just tried cereal, and he was such a little piggy) baths, and dad ( Clint walks in the room and he giggles) Dislikes: Carson's "mean" dinosaur noise, not being held, not being feed immediately, gas, lotion, and strangers... ;/ Mom's loves: He has slept all night since three weeks, he is chubby, he is all smiles all the time, he lets me cuddle and hold him all I want. I love how the boys are brothers.. Dalton already watches Carson's every move and likes to hold his big trucks which Carson isn't to fond of... But its fun to see how their bond has already begun.. I couldn't be happier with them.

Loved This

2010-07-04T10:32:00.000-07:00

He's here!

2010-05-22T17:09:00.000-07:00

He's here, he's here, he's here! We are in love!

2010-05-11T06:05:00.000-07:00

He looks so darn cute in this picture..... I can't believe I will have another... what a ride this is going to be! Laundry is done and put away, bags are packed, house is clean.... Baby it's time.

Today

2010-04-26T10:09:00.000-07:00

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:34)

untamed

2010-03-20T18:03:00.000-07:00

"This is only a phase .... just wait till he gets older," I want to believe this to be true but after hours of trying to get Carson to stay in his bed I realized, this is who he is.... a determined, strong willed, impatient, demanding, little stubborn turkey. Clint's dad was here to witness the event. As I came back into the room, Carson in arm defeated once again he told me something I found very empowering and hope to hold on to. He said back in the old days... when Indians would look to trade or buy horses they wouldn't pick the same a cowboy would. They believed and loved the wild spirit a horse had within. They would choose the most untamed, unfettered rowdy horse of the bunch. They thought once a horse was "broken" his spirit was broken as well. Indians believed that animal and man were considered as being the same, neither one above the other. All things were considered different, but equal, from nature’s perspective and to break part of life’s web meant to break the whole. Very different than the cowboy's point of view. He told me that I couldn't be a cowboy (cowgirl) but that I had to be an indian and work with Carson's strong spirit. This made me think... as I crawled into bed and my son put his head onto my pillow to share, holding my hands, & ocasionally brushing my bangs off my cheek... I have to find this indian mentality.....

2

2010-03-08T06:32:00.000-08:00

At two Carson's passions are : Bubbles, go diego go, cars, trucks, trains, animals & long boarding with dad. I still can't believe he is 2! My heart aches a little at how fast it's going... but these milestones are oh so fun! Some of my favorites Jumping, dancing, twisting.. he has found out how to move his body and that's what he does. He cracks us up. He is Clint's shadow wants to do everything he does. When we get ready he pulls all of Dad's things out of the drawer and he gets ready with that stuff while I do my thing. He loves animals... we have to be careful when we see stranger dogs.. No Carson we can't just pick up the neighbors black lab.... He has become more of a snuggle bunny and requests mom to do it with, which I oh so love!! He is such a little helper.... now if you want his help is a different story :) He truly cares about others and doesn't want to see anyone sad... We thought he would love homeward bound but when the cat was in trouble and going down the waterfall he broke down sobbing yelling no kitty, no kitty no! It took forever to console him and show him that silly cat sassy made it. Made me feel awful I put him through that! He keeps me on my toes and there are those days... but boy does he melt my heart!

2010-02-24T20:46:00.000-08:00

Last year I did my motto of the year "Find Joy in the Journey Now." It's still on my side bar and connected to the great talk that inspired me if you want to check it out. This year was a little harder... I wanted something simple yet pro founding for me, for my family. It hit me today as I watched Carson catch a football in his arms and then continue to do it again and again. ( I'm ecstatic to show Grandpa because my dad will tell you Carson is going to bring the Vikings to the super bowl.) As I watched Clint beam from ear to ear and Carson laugh and shake his head at his new accomplishment. Tears filled my eyes (not unusual during this pregnancy) but I was over come with how much life has altered since having him. How much we have all grown and transformed. I know it's terribly sappy... all this from Carson catching a football, but it's true. So my motto this year is Cherish. Cherish the little, the hard, the happy, the stressful, the blissful moments. Sounds simple.. but how easily I forget. As my baby is now turning two and is talking more and more I want to savior him as he is now to be able to remember clearly his little spirit. As well as the little adventures life seems to bring our family.

2010-02-11T11:29:00.000-08:00

Valentines day was always a big deal growing up. My dad made it that way. My mom, sister and I would all wake up to a surprise. Accompanied by a bouquet of red roses on the table and single roses in two vases. As valentines day approaches and there is a swarm of advertisements on the web, TV and mail my mind isn't drawn to Clint but these memories of my dad. My dad and mom are two very different people, that when together compliment each other perfectly. My mother is shy at first but becomes center stage after she has warmed up. While my dad is quiet but very approachable, he prefers to be more behind the scenes. When I was younger I thought nothing really of my parents other than they were my parents. Having children of my own I have come to appreciate the person that they are... I so badly want to implement them in how I do things. I have watched my dad with Carson... he began very awkward. I caught him looking at me to see if he was "doing" it right. Smiling I nodded and allowed my mother to take the reigns. As Carson got older he got more comfortable the two of them sit and watch monster trucks and laugh... I have watched him teach. Sometimes it's with Clint, explaining something with stocks or such. I swear he had a large part in why Carson could put a puzzle together at 1. I pick up now when he is trying to teach me something I wish I had done when I was younger. I watch how he interacts with Lacey and remember vaguely similar conversations growing up. How he play fights with Carson and remember all of those same tickle spots. I have never heard my dad speak ill of any one and if he ever caught my sister or I he would correct us promptly. We are coming to yet another milestone in Carson's life he will be two in March. I'm hoping I can share the same things my parents did for me. I feel very blessed to have them around in case I fall short.

2010-02-03T16:44:00.000-08:00

I refused to have a crush on Clint Doyle when I met him. Don't get me wrong it was incredibly hard with those handsome greenish/ blue eyes that have perfect eyebrows that shape them and his thick brown hair. Ahhh yes, it was hard but I was not going to fall for this studly, dry humored sarcastic guy. Nope he knew all the ladies at work thought he was hot stuff and I was not going to be one of them..... He called me a lot.. I never answered. One time (by accident) it was him on the other end of the phone. He asked me if I wanted to grab some ice cream? I told him I was lactose intolerant... which is true but still I was short with him. He never gave up. He was always around at work and eventually we became great "work friends" Never allowing us to associate out of the office. The more I resisted the more he tried... and finally I gave in. After hanging out with mutual friends he asked me on a date. He looked down and kicked my car tire and confessed he had a thing for me and would really like it if I let him take me out. I smiled. We were going to dinner and a movie. He came to my door like a gentleman. Looking him over I smiled, his pants were rolled up showing the top of his old brown boots and his tucked in forest green shirt. He led me to the car with his hand on my lower back. He hates chilli's but knew I liked it I smiled when we pulled up to the restaurant and he rolled his eyes as he opened my door to let me out. He nervously tried to hold my hand in the theater almost spilling the drink in the middle. I smiled. and moved the middle drink and nestled into him a bit. He stiffened and had a huge grin. He walked me to my door where he faced me holding both of my hands. He told me he would really like to do this again and kissed me on the cheek and gave me a hug, good night Heather. I smiled. Good night Clint. I went inside laid down still smiling and thought crap... I am one of them. Needless to say... months later we were married. I thought about that first date on our anniversary (1/27) and smiled.

2010-02-03T09:24:00.000-08:00

Carson, Thank you. You have put up with a lot these past couple months. Your trips to the park have become far and few between. We have spent hours in the dreadful spare room where I put you to work putting tiny diapers for your soon to be brother in one box to another, while I sit in almost tears wondering where to put all the junk... Speaking of tears you are amazing when I become a weeping willow. I swear it wasn't like this when I was pregnant with you. I don't know how Diego can make me that weird happy teary eyed. You look at me with your dad's handsome serious eyes that you inherited and loudly say, "oooooohhhhhh mom." Then you make this fake laugh.. loud and from the belly and do it until I chime in. You know that gets me laughing in minutes. You have been really needy and giving me the best excuse to not mop the floor. I get to justify it with I held you all afternoon. You don't mind that I feed you the same thing everyday. Especially when I was so big at making you different things for our fun lunches together. You are the best little helper and are always right there when I am cleaning something. Actually you follow me every where like a little puppy. I know you're doing something naughty, if your not in the same room with me. (Lotion all over my couch, my black eyeshadow streamed across your face like a disguised GI Joe, a tub of Vaseline massaged in your hair.) You just seem to know when I need to rest and lay with me on the couch or you are coloring and or playing quietly with your hot wheels. The only request is Diego or DJ Lance be on the tube. You're talking so much more and my heart melts when you yell," MOM ove you!" Because I love you so much too. We have 2 and 1/2 months and things are going to be different... but I promise I'll make it fun! Back to the park buddy! Love, Love, Love you! xoxo mom

These Days.

2009-12-18T22:56:00.000-08:00

I am eating again enjoying food. I have to be careful of smells and mornings are still "slow" but boy am I feeling soooo much better! Carson... where do I begin everything is OH NO!( his favorite phrase) He loves all animals (we are on watch with him with the dogs... he likes to pick them up now... not good.) Thomas the train is soooo in at our house CHOO CHOO! He is drinking out of a cup at meal times and does wonderful with it. I always sigh when we hit another big boy phase. He is all about dad and I have to say the jealousy that I had for this is starting to fade. I'll work on recruiting the next one to be a mamma's baby we will see.... Speaking of babies we had our big ultra sound today. Did not find out the sex of the baby. They wrote it down and put it in a manila folder with a cookie monster sticker to seal it. It's sitting on my desk taunting me. I am trying to stay strong but seeing that baby on the screen all kinds of excitement flooded through me! I looked in my rearview mirror on the way home and could just picture to car seats back there! We have been calling Carson big brother and he smiles and says big while nodding his head. Clint has been working 16 hour days sometimes 18... Its awful, the whole family is miserable with out him and I hate how hard he is working. Makes me feel very guilty. He really is something. He works and works and works and comes home tells me to sit down and does the dishes... I know its cliche but I am one lucky gal. This year his Christmas spirit is in over drive. Thanksgiving night I slept soundly not even realizing my husband had left to go black Friday shopping! He has made our spare room into Santa's workshop off limits to all and is giddy over the gifts for the kids. Usually its the opposite! He decided to take off the whole week of Christmas.. We are just ecstatic going to be a great Christmas! Hope you all are enjoying the Holidays! Planning on being a better blogger... pictures and more to come!

2009-11-05T15:47:00.000-08:00

Good health has been something my family has been lacking. Especially from my side. My poor poor husband has had to play both roles. I was diagnosed with a light case of Hyperemesis gravidarum (sever morning sickness) they are going to put me on an IV pack if I can't get hydrated. My husband claimed this was our last baby after he found me passed out on our bathroom floor next to the toilet... classy I know. But I can't say I am far from disagreeing with him. I need to be strong for my family but as the nurse at the urgent care calls me I am a puny pregnant.... I was finally starting to feel on top of my morning sickness. I could keep down crutons and gatoraid was finally starting to stick when Carson came down with a bug. No biggie until my throat started to hurt as well and I realized just what my poor baby bear was suffering through. He has a double ear infection which explains why he refuses to sleep (he is running on 4 hours right now) and strep throat. I too was diagnosed with strep and I can honestly say I would rather not be able to swallow than have ms but I am doing both. The doctor gave us antibiotics and with sad eyes told me they will make me nauseous. I said "awesome." We are just waiting for this storm to past. My goodness it has been a long two months but as one of my favorite quotes goes "The darkest hour is the best time to see the stars" My chin is still up... sorta... ask me next week....ha ha

2009-10-28T09:25:00.000-07:00

Just so you know these lids are plugged and on some not all you have to take scissors and poke through the plastic.... Carson was throwing a fit by the fridge for milk I was super smart and kept trying to give him more of the new ones (the plugged ones) Not my smartest moment... just saying.

After the first baby it gets easier....myth

2009-10-22T16:22:00.000-07:00

Whenever Carson goes into the bathroom he flips up the toilet lid puts his head over the bowl and makes that Blaaaagggghhhhhggg sound..... can you guess how I have been spending my days? Whoever said the second time would be easier (eh hem mom...) was lying. The doctor put me on light bed rest.... my husband put me on heavy ( his orders are to do nothing) I have become useless. I know he is worried... I have had light bleeding we have had so many miscarriages we are just holding our breaths... Babies heart rate is good and I am really sick which everyone tells me is really good... But I am not good at doing nothing. I like projects, errands, friends,playing with Carson, date nights with Clint ect, ect.. So just sitting here holding my breath I'm going crazy... I don't dress Carson during the day any more who cares if he rocks the diaper? I don't get dressed either... as I came up from a long session of heaving I caught my reflection in the mirror and I wanted to cry. I know this is worth it... right? Two maybe three more weeks... and the morning sickness or all day sickness or all night sickness should subside. I really hope so...

Carson's scare 10/7/09

2009-10-09T12:10:00.000-07:00

Carson and I were in our spare room trying to get it cleaned up to make room for baby things. There was a pot of fake flowers in there with a stake that had a humming bird on the end. We have been very proud of him learning all of his animals ! He shows me and starts saying tweet tweet. It was time to head out and get Lace from school I was going to stop by Jamba as a treat for the kids so we were leaving a bit early. I told him come on bud lets go get sis. He got very excited like always and was ready to go. I told him to put the stake back and that's when everything turned sour. He was moving towards the pot and tripped over his own feet and fell. I thought it was just an uh oh because he didn't cry right away. I pulled him up from the floor and as I did the stake came up with him. He grabbed it and pulled it out. Then the screams came. I ran him into the kitchen and was trying to see were he had hit. There was too much blood and it was making him sick. In a panic I started looking for keys as I held a kitchen towel to his mouth. Blood started pouring out and he was getting even sicker. I held him over the kitchen sink and tried to have him rinse it out. Our home phone hasn't been working ( hard to hear the other person on the line) but it was all I had... I called 911 and no one picked up, called again and again no one picked up, called a third time no answer I was furious but was able to leave a message... not a very nice one I might add. As I was picking up Carson to head out 911 called us and told me an officer was around the corner. I flagged her down and the rest is a little foggy. We had about 30 people in our house 3 police officers, 2 ambulances and a fire truck. Carson was very lethargic at this point and had given up trying to cry they put him on a stretcher and started taking him towards the ambulance. I was in I guess a state of shock I kept repeating I had to get Lacey and the officer took my phone and said it was taken care of they had me get into the ambulance with Carson. He was just so still... my son is always moving always on the go I started to cry and the officer grabbed my hand and told me be strong he's watching. We drove like what seemed forever to Banner desert. Clint was there when we got out of the ambulance and my legs started shaking. His eyes gave me no reassurance that everything was going to be okay. We went in the ER where things seemed to move swiftly. He got a cat scan and the Dr came. What had happened is when Carson fell the end of this stick skidded on the hard pallet of the roof of his mouth (closes to your front teeth). It then went through the soft pallet (back by your tonsils) and into his nasal cavity. The concern was did it go through the back wall of his nasal cavity. This is where major arteries and your brain stem is located...... The answer after a long wait and after Clint gave Carson a blessing ... was no. However with this hole in his mouth they couldn't give him anything orally . They were unsure how much it could flood through so they stuck him with an IV. He had problems with the IVs his whole stay and his poor little hand (their fourth attempt) is still so swollen from it backing up/ clotting. Carson slept on and off through the night just wanting reassurance that we were by his side. The next day he slept most the morning and after the doctor got a look his injury had already started to heal. They put him on clear liquids and by the night he was able to have milk which he loved. My mom came and stayed with him the second night so Clint could go to work the next day and I could take on the day shift. We came back early Friday morning to see him in a wagon looking at the bunnies with grandma. We are so blessed that it wasn't any worse. The Ent (ear,nose, and throat) Dr was amazing and put me at ease. He explained for me what to do and gave me his cell phone so I could reach him day or night. His injury looks good and is healing nicely. We have to continue to watch him for neurological issues but we are hopeful that all is going to be well. He is asleep in his own crib now and has a small smile on his face. We are so grateful for the love and support of family and friends. Thank you for the prayers we love you all so much!

Bring it.

2009-10-06T14:13:00.000-07:00

I am jumping! The doctor told me this was the week I was clear. I have been taken off the progesterone and these past couple weeks I have felt awful. Who in there right mind would be happy hugging the toilet?? If it means that my body is doing what it needs to do and I don't have to add another lossed baby to my list bring it! I love being pregnant! When Carson was 3 months I remember beaming at Clint batting my lashes asking for another. He laughed and told me as many as I like. I love the belly, the food, the comfy attire. Most of all that moment in the hospital when you meet this person you have helped make for 9 months. And I know that in about 2 more weeks maybe more.. My house will be clean again and I will be blogging about not being able to resist the french fries and ding dongs! Fingers crossed here's to those days!

What a picture couldn't capture....

2009-10-02T08:29:00.000-07:00

Clint has a new position and has been working really late. Carson always seems to wake up for him. (He hears dad get home and wants nothing else) We thought that if we let him cry it out a bit he would fall back asleep, but then we heard knocking on his door.... (this is his new thing) we caved. Clint opened it and there was Carson smiling arms up waiting for his dad. We chatted a bit then headed for bed Carson glued to Clint's side. I crawled into bed and Clint laid the boy down next to me. (I go by the book, babes in their own bed) I looked at Clint with a raised eyebrow and he smiled that smile and tells me I really miss him too. The lights are off and Clint finds my hand to hold in the dark. I'm then surprised by another little hand that wants mine but settles for on top of both of ours instead. I fall asleep happy with both of my boys. Through out the night Carson would wake up a little distorted I guess... he would realize where he was, and proceed to give Clint and I both kisses through out the night before he fell back asleep. It was one of those moments that I wish I could bottle up forever.

2009-08-10T23:47:00.000-07:00

Today was a hard day. I lost my memah. This woman spoiled me rotten and when my son was born she added him to her list. She was at every birthday,any family event and every holiday. I took her for granted, pushing the thought of her ever not being there out of my mind. She had been in the hospital and doctors said it didn't look good. I was still so surprised of how fast she left us. Man oh man am I going to miss her. I was looking through pictures with my sister and we could only find 2 from when we were young! My heart just aches that I don't have more. I am making a self promise to capture the "soul connections" of relationships threw a camera. To look back and smile on those happy times. To have a picture to go along with those memories to me is so vital for some reason... When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight. Kahlil Gibran. In peace may you rest Memah.♥

" I ask not for a lighter load but for broader shoulders" ~ Jewish Proverb

2009-07-31T00:03:00.001-07:00

This song has been our theme song lately. I know everyone is being affected by the economy in a big way or a tiny way. It sure isn't easy. But I have to say I am still feeling so very blessed. Clint hasn't had an off duty job for awhile now, that's a big chunk of our income gone. We have really learned how to pinch a penny and how to make it stretch. I will never be able to express my gratitude for my husband and the many sacrifices he makes for are family (I know he carries so much stress on his shoulders so I don't have to) And the helping hand reaching down from heaven hasn't gone unnoticed. Clint and I were driving and heard this song and just started laughing man o man I really love this guy and we'll get back on track soon. we're hoping :) People smile and tell me I'm the lucky one, and we've just begun, Think I'm gonna have a son. He will be like she and me, as free as a dove, conceived in love, Sun is gonna shine above. Chorus: And even though we ain't got money, I'm so in love with ya honey, And everything will bring a chain of love. And in the morning when I rise, you bring a tear of joy to my eyes, And tell me everything is gonna be alright.

The Sunflower ~ Laura Ingalls Wilder

2009-06-08T18:04:00.000-07:00

Out in the meadow, I picked a wild sunflower and as I looked into its golden heart such a wave of homesickness came over me that I almost wept. I wanted mother, her gentle voice and quiet firmness; I longed to hear father's jolly songs and to see his twinkling blue eyes; I was lonesome for the sister with whom I used to play in the meadow picking daises and wildflowers. Across the years, the old home and its love called to me and memories of sweet words of counsel came flooding back. I realized that all my life the teachings of those early days have influenced me and the example set by my father and mother has been something I tried to follow, with failures here and there, with rebellion at times, but always coming back to it as the compass needle to the star. So much depends upon the homemakers. I sometimes wonder if they are so busy now, with other things, that they are forgetting the importance of their special work. Because of their importance, we must not neglect our homes in the rapid changes of the present day. For when tests of character come in later years, strength to the good will not come from modern improvements or amusements few may have enjoyed, but from the quiet moment and the "still small voices" of the old home. Nothing ever can take the place of this early home influence and, as it does not depend upon externals, it may be the possession of the poor as well as the rich, a heritage from all fathers and mothers to their children. The real things in life that are the common possessions of us all are the greatest value; worth far more than motorcars or radio or outfits; more than lands or money; and our whole store of these wonderful riches may be revealed to us by such a common, beautiful thing as wild sunflower.

Cold Turkey

2009-05-23T23:02:00.000-07:00

Carson was 4 months old when he slept through the night, and could hold his bottle on his own. I was so proud of this new skill and I credited his long night sleeps to that bed bottle. When he would wake, I could hear him whimper and as I made my way to his room, in a zombie state he would stop and I would hear the suckling of that bottle. It was his soothie, and mine. But my baby is no longer a baby. He has transitioned into a spunky, wild, rambunctious toddler. It was time to move on from the bottles and onto the sippy cups. After a couple days with the sippy I decided it was time to face the bed bottle. I did our regular bed time routine and instead of handing him a bottle I handed him his sippy. He began to drink from it and realized that this was not his norm of the night. He threw it out of the crib while yelling at me. I persisted and persisted and had no luck. I caved and made the walk of shame to the kitchen to make him his bottle. He smiled a giant smile(the one that melts my heart) as I gave it to him and I left his room defeated. This minor experience had me feeling low. I know its not THAT big of a deal but it hit me that I created this. As a parent I just want to make him happy and love him and just have him in good spirits.. always. However as I was picking up toys I was having dark images of that mom who hands her 5 year old a bottle to hit the hay. I'm a little determined when it comes to getting what I want so my scheming plan began. My stubborn Turkey was going to go cold turkey. There would be no bottle. He would learn to love that sippy. And the ultimate challenge would be getting him down without anything but a kiss goodnight. What a rough couple nights we had. But tonight was a GLORIOUS night indeed. We went right into bed and asleep. I'm still an ear to ear smile about this. I am so proud of my little turkey! He really has done so good. And even though I have made the makers of Nubby sippy cups incredibly rich we have found the sippy of choice. And he seems to be transitioning well. I am just full of love for him and although it is bittersweet to see those bottles packed away I am over joyed by his progression.

Yard Work

2009-05-18T21:14:00.001-07:00

I adore this.

2009-05-17T20:30:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting on my couch listening to Clint and Lace study. Clint is humming the tune of Star Wars so that she will remember the answer Empire. He really has no idea how much I love him...

Utah

2009-05-02T23:35:00.001-07:00

After 2 days in the hospital and 3 blessings for my son Clint actually talked me into going to women's conference. I had planned it earlier last month and canceled when Carson was doing so poor. He was on the up swing or so everyone kept telling me Ü Very Very hard but I figured it could only benefit me at this point. Poor Christine with my on again off again phone calls. But we made it in Utah, the day was brisk and sweater worthy which I love! Trees where blooming with gorgeous flowers and boy are those some beautiful mountains Utah has! I couldn't get over them! We did classes, some shopping, sleeping and some more shopping... ah yes it was awesome. My two highlights, one from each day were... 1st day: Humanitarian work. It is amazing you have hundreds of women standing in line, others busy at work putting together items that go to the needy across the world. Christine and I put together school bags for kids who would probably never have one with out the LDS Church lending a helping hand. I wish I had take a pictures of all the women serving. It was astounding! Day2: Elder Perry of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles. spoke to all the women: Christine and I got crummy seats at first... I didn't even care I was so eager to hear him talk. There were floor seats open that Christine said we should try and get. I asked a lady and Bam! just like that we get the floor! 30 feet away! Superb! He is such a remarkable man. His talk was so insightful and what I was looking for the whole conference! Christine is hilarious and had me cracking up most the trip I love how she says out loud exactly what I am thinking but to afraid to say! She is an example to me and the spirit she brings into our friendship is really pro founding. I can't thank her enough for taking me there and showing me the ropes. Love her. When although it was a fabulous trip it seemed long. I missed my cheeky kid and just wanted to give him some lovin. His smile melts my heart, especially when its because I put it there!

Holding our breath

2009-04-24T13:38:00.000-07:00

This is what we have been up to in the Doyle home. Sitting in the steamy bathroom - check (luckily its not humid here in az, my hair was hysterical in there!) Prop up the crib - check Turn on humidifier - check Tylenol, Motrin, Tylenol, Motrin- check After all the checks and he still couldn't catch his breath we hit urgent care. I kept thinking this is just the croup a lot of kids I know have it right now.... There were all these nurses and talk about an ambulance,it just went foggy from there to be honest. Carson's stomach was a huge balloon and his chest had slowly caved in. They did two breathing treatments and finally got the oxygen levels back up. I just can't get over it, how can this little common bug be so scary? My poor guy. We were sent home with the breathing machine and thank goodness! It helps so much during one of his episodes. He hated it at first, but I finally got him to wear it and kind of like it!(so much better than having to pin him down) Clint has been amazing! On zero sleep and work right around the corner he has been right by our side. He has no idea how calming he is to me. Keeps me focused and sane when things like this happen. It could be way worse and I am so very grateful for the good health we do have.

Summer is coming...

2009-04-20T15:37:00.000-07:00

Summer is coming. I love spring but these hot days right before its unbearable are in my favorite as well. I have planted gardenia bushes all around my house. This time of year is when they really bloom. Every time I take a step outside I am overwhelmed by the beauty of them. I laughed hard today as I realized "Hagatha" the old lady in me was coming out as I scolded my son for picking my gorgeous blooms. I have to remember that he likes the way they smell as much as I do and just wants to indulge in their sweet aroma. It's just that he hasn't quite gotten the concept of just picking them and giving them to his mother. Instead he spits them into my hand after failed attempts to eat them and realizing once again he isn't fond of the taste. Pity really.

Easter Weekend

2009-04-15T22:32:00.000-07:00

I braved the Mountain this past weekend. Clint's mom was having an Easter gathering on Saturday for the kids and I thought it would be good for Carson and I to visit. Clint had to work (surprise surprise.) We left Thursday afternoon, and man it was a nice ride. Carson crashed and I got to listen to some of my best burned mixes from the high school days. Friday morning we fed the cows with Grandpa John and Aunt Mattie. Carson loved this part. They had about 10 calf's and he wanted to hug and squeeze every single one. As for the cows they wanted nothing to do with him and ran for the hills every time he took a step forward. Saturday was the Easter gathering and egg hunting. Carson did not flourish in this department as I thought he might have. When he did decide to pause from running in a circle to pick an egg up, he threw it like it were a baseball. Maybe next year we'll have a full basket... Our ride home was rough. I don't usually drive, any road trip I have ever been on is me in the passenger seat. So when snow was falling, wind was blowing and fog was covering my clear view I was almost panicking. We inched our way across the rim and safely made it out. It poured the rest of the way home. Needless to say not as nice as the ride up.... Sunday was my moms house for Easter dinner. Carson was the man of the hour. Its just a little saddening to see how much he's grown since last year. He was only a month old... This year he was running inside Grandma's house throwing his bunny ears off onto the floor.... He's not a gullible he's a gullicalf The only egg he hunted. Singing the frog song He loved it! NoW &then.

Namaste

2009-04-03T12:43:00.000-07:00

I have had to put the gym on hold lately. I love going to the gym! I get out of the house and just have a little me time. However Carson has officially decided he hates it. The ladies there are pretty awesome and allow me to get a 30 minute work out while he screams before they come and get me. I have tried to have him (and me) just tough it out but I end up walking out stressed and a little embarrassed. I would go when Clint is home but with him working 70 hour weeks (ridiculous!) it hasn't been in the cards for me. Sooo I have been doing alot of my stuff at home (if you see an out of breath Brunette running with a stroller in your neighborhood feel free to honk or holler. It makes me focus on my form lol)Any who I have been doing yoga before our little ventures on the block and Carson has started joining in.

FHE

2009-03-16T23:13:00.000-07:00

Last week was a little busy but I wanted to post about our little family home evening. It was the first that we had with Lace on an actual Monday night. Now usually I just make dinner and Clint will read me a talk or the scriptures. But I wanted to spice it up a bit for Lace. We talked about Captain Moroni and how he took every precaution in building the safety for his people. We talked about how it is important to always be doing the same thing with our faith. Ensuring that it is steadfast and immovable. We may be tested, hardship no doubt will fall upon us and we may have to rebuild what we have worked so hard to form. But it is important to maintain our foundation. We played the flour game to prove this. I did this when I was in brownies as a young gal and loved it then too. That penny did not want to fall. It showed how there had to be alot of cuts to make it crumble. The game also showed there is always a chance to get that penny messy it may be but its never lost unless you give up. Clint, Lace and Carson got flour faced I had mad skills and didn't have to go hunting for it lol. A great night.

Abundantly Blessed

2009-03-12T23:43:00.000-07:00

Warmth,happiness,excitement,anxious,confirmation,love, appreciation,grateful,humble,joy,peace. These were just a few of the feelings I felt in the temple yesterday. Heavenly Father has blessed me with so many wonderful shepherds to guide me onto this path. One of those amazing people is Christy Jarvis. She helped lead me through this temple experience. She will always be my eternal sister and friend. I was also able to be sealed to Clint and my Carson. Oh the love that was in that sealing room. We are so blessed. I am so grateful for the things I have learned and the eternal perspective I have gained. What is truly remarkable, is it has all just begun. Starting here with my forever family.

Carson is ONE!

2009-03-09T22:37:00.001-07:00

Carson turned one on Saturday! It feels like just yesterday I was going in to be induced. He is one stubborn turkey! But oh man, with a grin that melts my heart! I love him so Happy One Year Carson!

2009-03-09T22:33:00.001-07:00

2009-03-04T19:24:00.000-08:00

Patience. Oh how I have a love hate relationship with this virtue. I would love to say that patience comes easy to me, but how far from the truth that would be. The Prophet Joseph Smith learned that patience has a refining role in preparing us for “a more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (D&C 63:66). I feel myself going completely against my new years resolution of Finding Joy in the Journey Now. I am putting this here as a little note to self. BE PATIENT. P.S. (for my mother's sake), Nothing crazy or out of the ordinary is happening just life and lack of sleep. Ü

2009-02-21T10:32:00.000-08:00

before Watch that ear! Needless to say Aunt Ash had to move fast! after So I stalled and stalled and stalled on getting Carson's hair cut. He was beyond a cute little surfer shag. He looked like a little ragga muffin in anything I put on him. So with a sad heart I had my stylist (aunt Ash) make a house call. If I do say so myself he looks like one handsome little man. Thanks Aunt Ash, you're the best!

Welcoming John Robert

2009-02-15T21:56:00.000-08:00

We welcomed John Robert Doyle this past week on February 6th. He is Beautiful! I adore him! Mom and Dad did good! I have to give a big thanks to Jake and Jess for letting me be part of their special day! Our family is so excited to grow with you and your new little man! Love you!

A Change of Pace

2009-02-05T14:22:00.000-08:00

Something happened to me a week ago now and I haven't been able to shake it. Guess that means its worthy of a post... I took Carson for a walk and needed to pick up a few things from the store before we headed home. It had been a long walk and my mind was a whirl of thoughts. It has been a pretty rocky couple of months for me. A lot of "Woe Is Me" was going on during that walk and I found my self praying through a lot of it. You know from the outside of the gospel it almost looks magical, has this fix all perk to being apart of it. And its just not true. Life is life, and the gospel is a wonderful tool to help you cope,learn, heal, grow and march through it. A talk I had with Natalie a long while back came to mind.(She has been one of my great teachers:)) She said she prayed for her own personal revelation. That is what I wanted, and that is what I prayed for. Just for my own little revelation. No more than 3 seconds later as we were strolling into Wal-Mart a very old man touched my shoulder. His hands were shaky and he was still trying to move his body to face me fully. Old man: Aren't they the ultimate blessing? As he looked down at Carson. Old man:One of life's greatest joys is right there in your stroller, his shaky hand pointing. Old man: My granddaughter had a lot of problems having babies, so many miscarriages.So many. She went to a doctor and he helped them have twins 3 months later she got pregnant on her own, he gave a big smile and small pause, with twins. Old man:Don't worry it will come..... My mouth just dropped and I blinked at him. Old man Pointing to Carson again: He is here to help you, trust him, he will do great things. My eyes filled with tears and I whispered thank you. Old man squeezed my shoulder hard: You're going to be okay... God is blessing you, if you look. He slowly walked outside. I didn't move. I couldn't. My head was clear. All the negative thoughts that I had thought of I couldn't remember. I found such a peace with what he said. I felt the spirit so strongly. Thank you kind sir, you helped guide me on a brighter path.

It all began with a starfish ...

2009-01-26T23:55:00.000-08:00

The starfish in our home has a great significance. It represents when Clint and I moved from a friendship into a partnership, when Lace first heard of her "dad's friend" and when I realized that I was falling for this guy.... hard! Clint was going to California. I remember him hanging around(as usual)by my desk and having to shoo him away. I told him I was going to miss him and to bring me back a starfish. He smiled and off he went. I really figured he'd forget. But from what I hear, they had to ride bikes up and down the San Diego coast to find the perfect starfish for "dad's friend." He came back, and from then on it was never the same. Next thing I know I'm married & a mom. I couldn't be happier. I am so in love with this guy! How grateful I am to have him by my side. This really is the life! Here's to DOS Clint Doyle!

This past week

2009-01-25T22:21:00.000-08:00

Not into it at all... Had to ask him where my happy boy was? There he is! Clint and I took a day trip (which turned into an over night stay) up North on Tuesday. We had a good time. The next morning I woke up and got to play with the horses. I loved it! Clint's step mom is going to teach me how to barrel race.(thought of you Natalie!)Carson preferred to ride Grandpa John the whole time ha ha. And then we had to make a Doyle stop at the rim its my favorite part of the ride. Such a great spot! Pictures were a must! Came down with strep throat some how...BOO! Sore throats are the worst! I'm on a mission to get healthy! And I can't decide on a stinkin background for my blog so enjoy a different one every time you come on!

2009-01-23T22:14:00.000-08:00

Clint is going back to school. The other day he was talking about how he wished he had finished college. How it really bothered him he didn't follow through. He just got comfortable with the sheriffs office and stuck to it. (He could retire in 5 years if he wanted, wow!)I gave him a flirty smile and said dare you to do it old man! Next thing I know he's on the phone setting it all up. His fingers are crossed he can start in February(3 free books). He has been really up beat and I love how excited he is about it. He doesn't know if it will take him down another career path or just help him with the profession he's in now. But just learning is what's important!I am so proud of him! Yea Clint!

I Don't Usually Throw out My Political Stance....

2009-01-21T21:16:00.000-08:00

I can't lie as I was watching the ObamaStock the other day,my heart filled with a little bitterness. I know that this was an historical event, history in the making, a first time thing! I am grateful to be apart of that. But, I watched people not just cheer for our new president nor just congratulate him, but bow down to him. People were comparing him to Martin Luther King. My stance, and no insults intended... How can we compare him to anyone? He has not done anything yet... Correction, Obama has made many, many, many, many, many promises. And he has spent an immense amount of money to get down and party...with the Jonas brothers mind you. I respect him as my President, as the leader of my country. I do, I really do. I just have to say that history would have been made had another president been selected also. Everyday is history every moment whether personal or nationally is/ can be a monumental moment. Oh well... I guess I'll go check my mail for that promised check that Obama said he would send us middle class citizens...

A Thank You To All of My Shepherds

2009-01-05T09:26:00.000-08:00

In the midst of Christmas, family, new years and life's little struggles I failed to blog about my anniversary. It has been a year since I have become a member of the LDS church. I wasn't living a life far from the gospel a skip of a beat here and there but for the most part the gospel "lifestyle" was easy for me to transition into. I came into this as a shy awkward sheep. How wonderful the Shepherd's I have had around me always willing to love, serve, teach and guide me. I will be eternally grateful for the examples you have been. You have helped shaped me into the Shepherd I so desired being when I came into this. The women and their families in my ward amaze me on a regular basis and have taught me to set the standard high. My husband who has held my hand through all of this with his patience,love and sweet spirit. I'm not sure he recognizes the eminence of what he has done for me, for us for our families, I pray everyday for ways to show him. I was promised to see the many blessings,and to feel the spirit in my heart...... and I do. D&C: 8;2: Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart. P.S. Mom, Dad and Sister you're next!

2009-01-02T20:58:00.000-08:00

Clint and I have been Lazy Sloths these past couple days. (With all my medical stuff he took some time off.) Even Carson has just been lallygagging with us. Clint has loved it... he actually gets to be home! Usually I have places to go people to see move! move! move! But we have cozied up together in our room with the new PS3, bad for you snacks and some good movies. I have really loved having him home. P.S. Carson stood up today with no help or attempts to brace himself at all. We also moved him to the big boy car seat where he is much happier. He really is growing so fast! Where is my pause button?!

2008-12-28T15:23:00.000-08:00

Santa Baby We had a very merry Christmas. I am so thankful for family and friends and the strong spirit that filled my heart this year. I love this season and am sad to see it go. My parents came over for breakfast and to open gifts Christmas morning. I felt like I was ten again with my mother repeating "One at a time now! One at a time." She never lets any one be Santa but her! Too funny. It has been a very emotional week for me. I was going to surprise Clint on Christmas day that we were going to have baby number two. This was so hard to hold out this long! I'm horrible at keeping secrets especially with Clint. He kept asking me what was up and I couldn't help but smile. He thought it was about some gift I put under the tree. Well Christmas morning came and I had a lot of sharp pains and wound up bleeding. I carried on the day as normal as possible. I was the only one who knew and didn't want to bring the day down with gloom. By Friday evening it was pretty bad and by Saturday evening I was bed ridden. Today Clint ordered me to go to the ER I was dreading doing this a four to five hour wait was not on my to do list. But I listened and glad I did, lost a lot of blood. I am very happy in spite of everything. Sad of course, but better than the first time this happened to me. The Lord works in ways that I hope to find out someday.

2008-12-15T13:38:00.000-08:00

We had a very, very, very, very busy weekend and a lot of family! Shout out to all that came and visited us on Sunday! We love you! These weekends are great and I adore them! The only down fall is Carson gets a little off schedule. Above has been our scenario the past couple nights. My husband who acts like this strict, tough, do as I say now kind of guy is in actuality a big sucker!

Shout out to Kathy!

2008-12-10T20:16:00.000-08:00

It was so nice to see a familiar face in photography class today! I hope if you fancied it as much as I did we can take the next one together too!

2008-12-09T08:39:00.000-08:00

Carson has been so fun these days. We have been spending a lot of time outside which I love! I put a blanket down but he is always on a mission to explore! Hes looking at an airplane. I love him so.

Feel the burn

2008-12-08T08:08:00.000-08:00

Back to the gym we took a little hiatus but we're back on track. I hate how the gym smells ....

2008-12-05T13:26:00.000-08:00

So you've heard the song grandma got ran over by a reindeer? Well Heather got beat up by her Christmas tree. I was on my own with decorations this year. Clint told me to wait until the weekend. But I insisted the decorations needed to be done! It began with the simple task of tying my skirt around the bottom of the tree. I couldn't get it just right and wound up having to crawl underneath while the tree snagged chunks of my hair. Irritated I pulled my hair off the ends of the branches and started putting up the real ornaments. Every branch I touched poked or cut me and drew blood. The worst came when Carson tried to shake hands or hand branches with the tree. I saw the whole thing beginning to tip! I jumped in front of Carson and let the tree smack me on the back. BOO! I opted to just finish the inside of the house and let Clint take care of the outside.

2008-12-04T10:19:00.000-08:00

Wow where do I begin this past week and a half has been crazy busy. With getting ready for up north, thanksgiving, the flu and my moms surgery my head is still spinning. But I am gradually coming back down to earth hallelujah! We'll start backwards.... My mom went in for surgery yesterday and came out with flying colors! Literally blue, black and purple. She looked pretty beat up but is doing wonderful. A surgery that usually takes ours went very smoothly and she was home in time for lunch. Clint and I really stressed the importance of a priesthood blessing to her before her surgery. She wasn't to sure about it but with a lot of faith and trust she got one! I was so excited! I can't tell you how amazed I am by the power of the priesthood. It gets me every time. Ü We are so grateful for our Father in Heaven to always be blessing us. On thanksgiving we had a great time up north. We cut down our Christmas tree straight from the woods! Which I loved but really had to push out the movie fern gully from my mind. ha ha. I saw snow for the first time!I love love love it! I had to point out to Clint and Lace that the snow flakes really are perfect like on TV! It was an awesome day and I can't wait to go back up and do it again! I wasn't feeling to hot but thought I was just tired from running around and Carson was teething really bad and up most the nights we were there. So I just figured that's all it was. Until I got really ill. It was pretty bad and I was trying to play it off but I just wanted to be home in my bed. So we headed down early. We'll have to have a day trip to make up for lost time. It was in spite of not feeling good a great little get away and I am officially a snow lover!

I did it! Homemade powdered eggs!

2008-11-24T20:02:00.000-08:00

Let me tell you I was on edge today. I always start with a silent prayer before starting one of my home storage projects. Usually I feel great and confident but today I found myself praying all day. I was so afraid that... A. my house would set on fire with this dehydrator I truly was uncomfortable using. B. My house would smell horrendous.EWA C. It would fail and I would have wasted 3 dozen eggs. Thank Heavenly Father and only him that this actually worked. Clint comes home as I am grinding the eggs I dehydrated that day for 10 hours shaking his head. I had moved them into the garage to dehydrate, obsessing over the smell. So he knew something was going on when he opened the garage door and inhaled a big whiff of yummy cooked all day eggs. But my house on the other hand was safe and I am pleased and proud to put it as Dora the explorer would.... I DID IT! I DID IT!

Clint's B-day! Hip Hip Hooray!

2008-11-17T19:29:00.000-08:00

Clint's b-day was on Friday. He actually had the day off and did what he has been wanting to do for sooo long.... RELAX! My parents and us surprised him with a new grill. He had been using the little tiny mini charcoal grill for the longest time. He deserved an upgrade. Hope you had a happy b-day bear! SURPRISE! I think Carson enjoyed it as much as the b-day boy! Clint looking at the goods. He was asking me if I was taking a picture......yep ;) I love these guys! The bunch. Can you tell by my paleness that I am getting ready for twilight haha! He is loving it!

Good Times!

2008-11-17T18:56:00.000-08:00

SO... we did a little early celebrating last Monday for Clint's birthday. The past couple b-days I have taken him to the Compass Room. I'm planning on making it our tradition. It is amazing! The view, the weird but yummy food, the ritzy demeanor of the place. I love it! I suggest all to try it at least once! Our babysitter for our fun night out was grandma. We put a tattoo of a skull and a snake on Carson's bum. Just as a suprise for g-ma. Ha Ha we got a little yelp when she went to change his diaper then a good laugh.

2008-11-06T21:22:00.000-08:00

I have been working in my garage for the past month. Trying to clean out the old and make room for the new. There are items all on the left side of my garage floor and my Santa Fe takes up the right side at the moment. I have been doing great with Laundry throwing a load in every morning.I wanted to keep up with this new routine and thought it would be good to get a load done while I worked in the garage today. Carson sat in his little chair with toys and I opened the garage to enjoy the awesome weather. My back was turned to my driveway and I busily began to loaded the washer. Carson started giggling I looked at him to find he was looking at someone else. There was a man standing at the opening of my garage. I stiffened and asked him, "May I help you?" with no answer he stepped inside my garage. "NO, No No Out!" I replied and pointed. It was all I could muster. Clenching my bottle of purex mountain breeze liquid laundry detergent I stepped in front of my son. He started speaking in Spanish and moved forward again. What do I do my mind raced with worst case scenarios, I wanted to run but there was no time for me to grab Carson and book it inside. I panicked and started yelling, "BACK! NO! HELP!" While tossing laundry soap at him. I yelled and soap flew every where. His hands went up like I had a gun and he backed out of the garage he started to bend down. I thought he was going to lay down on the ground. Instead he put a card down on the ground and walked out of my drive at a rapid speed. I dropped the bottle and almost became ill. Blue soap was every where! On the side of my car, over the boxes of storage and on all of our winter clothes(so much for not having a mountain of laundry. Now I know I should have just gone inside and called the police. My husband was/is disappointed that I didn't. But instead I went to see what the card was. And dun dun dun.... If any of you would like your yard to be cleaned up, I know a very creepy man who would be happy to do it......ha ha dumb but still so scary!

Doyle Look-alike Meter

2008-11-03T19:59:00.001-08:00

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celebrity - Collage - Morph All I hear is how much my Carson looks like Clint hmmm.......

I Was Tagged....You're it!

2008-11-02T14:48:00.000-08:00

4 Random things I love about Clint Doyle: 1. I love how dedicated he is with his children and this family. (Even when it means missing that really awesome game.) 2. I love that he always surprises me with the little things.(flowers by the bed when I wake up) 3. I love that he's cool with cheese crisps for dinner. 4. I love his ability to make me laugh.(I wouldn't trade our inside jokes for anything!Toite as a Tiger!) P.S There is way more than just four! 4 Jobs I've had: 1. Bailiff at the Maricopa superior courts (Hello Deputy Doyle!) 2. Teacher at La petite Academy 3. reception girl at the gym (do you need a towel Ü) 4. bagger at the grocery store (I hate shopping carts!) 4 Movies I have seen more than once: 1. Mean Girls 2. Family Stone 3. The Emperors New Groove 4. Fever Pitch - Clint will watch this with me as many times as I like its got the red sox in it! 4 Tv Shows I watch: 1. Clean House- it inspires me 2. VH1's Best week ever 3. The Office - never without a laugh 4. the dumb shows on MTV 4 Places I've Been: 1. San Diego - lost track of how many times I've gone but love it! 2. Washington D.C. - for school 3. Ohio - all my childhood summers with G-ma on Lake Erie 4. St Lucia - Honeymoon best experience ever! 4 places I've lived: 1. Chandler 2. Mesa That's it! 4 Favorite Foods: 1. Clint's Omelets! YUM!!!!!! 2. Donavon's steak house 3. Erin Deller's burrito/chimmis 4. croutons (I graze all day on these!) 4 Places I'd Like to Visit: 1. New York (at Christmas to see the tree) 2. Alaska 3. Europe (I want to back pack through all of it!) 4. Australia(I want to scuba there and snorkel the great barrier reef) 4 People I tag: 1. Kathy P 2. Erin D 3. Natalie N 4. Lindsay M

An Early Happy Halloween!

2008-10-30T20:54:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Halloween on Wednesday along with the Ward's Halloween Party.Clint has to work on the actual day and was bummed he was going to miss out on all the fun. So wall- la we just did it early. Carson was so cute! He cuddled with me the whole night I don't know why but I loved it! Lace was kind of in between costumes we threw hers together an hour before we went.She rocked the contest! My parents came for a bit. All and all it was a really good time!

A Very Hard Day

2008-10-28T22:04:00.001-07:00

Fear and faith cannot coexist in our hearts at the same time. In our days of difficulty, we choose the road of faith. Jesus said, “Be not afraid, only believe.” Elder Neil L. Andersen Of the Presidency of the Seventy My mother was diagnosed today with Basil cell Carcinoma. In other words Cancer. She will have to undergo surgery than radiation.... I am short of breath and my head feels cloudy. I am trying to remain strong for her. I know she wouldn't like me to say anything more..... but my prayers are with you and I love you so mom.

A Growing Testimony

2008-10-19T20:22:00.000-07:00

Carson was a handful today in church. Clint and I were up and down before the sacrament was even passed out. After the 1st talk was given I went to relieve my husband who was sitting in the hallway. I took my son to the mother's room and set the rocking chair up so it wouldn't hit the wall. I was stumbling,Carson was crying. I was so frustrated! I was thinking, what is the point of me even being here right now? Carson is miserable, I can't concentrate on whats being said. I just knelt down with a now very very VERY angry son and prayed. I prayed for the Lord to bless me with strength to get through not just sacrament but the next two hours. That I could gain something out of this church day. That things could just be still. I sat back up in the rocking chair and began to rock my screaming son. It became very quiet. I looked down to his sleeping eyes with residue of tears still on his cheeks. I wiped them away and kissed his nose. Afraid to move I stayed there and listened to the music being sung. Sister Penrod came on over the speaker next. She told about her amazing convert mother. Who had done so much work for her ancestors. She spoke of the image that she had at her mother's funeral. Of her mother tilting her head back and laughing embracing all the people she had searched and done so much work for. I became overwhelmed and emotional. I listened, cried and kept rocking. She ended her talk with her GROWING testimony. This stuck out to me so. That was my answer to my prayer along with Carson's screams at an end Ü I have never heard it put that way. "I have a growing testimony..." I love it. I loved her talk the spirit I felt in that quiet mother's lounge will be remembered for a long time to come. P.S. Carson was a doll the rest of church!

A fun windy weekend!

2008-10-14T14:50:00.000-07:00

We had a blast up north! It was sooooo windy! Carson loved it! We bopped around the mountain to make sure we got our visits in. I love getting to see Clint's family. They are such a great bunch! Thanksgiving seems to far away before we see them again! Cousins, missing quite a few! Clint giving out the Carson handling instructions. And down they go! Hailey gets to do it too! G-ma Fay, Carson and Colton. Colton kept asking if he could keep Carson. Such a sweet little guy! Some of the family. I actually really love this picture! This is what family is all about! Cheesy but true!

2008-10-09T00:01:00.000-07:00

I have been without a car for the past week. Its amazing how I took having one for granted. We have been doing a lot of trips to the park. Helps me not to go stir crazy! But the plus is instead of errands Carson gets to play. He sure does love that swing. Shame on me for not doing this more....

2008-10-08T23:32:00.000-07:00

I was walking by Carson's room today. He was suppose to be napping. I love how he makes me go from grumbling about laundry one minute to laughing the next.

2008-10-07T22:20:00.000-07:00

Come, ye children of the Lord, Let us sing with one accord, Let us raise a joyful strain To our Lord, Who soon will reign On this earth, when it shall be Cleansed from all iniquity; When all men from sin will cease, And will live in love and peace. O, how joyful it will be When our Savior we shall see! When in splendor He’ll descend, Then all wickedness shall end. O what songs we then will sing To our Savior, Lord and King! O what love will then bear sway, When our fears shall flee away! All arrayed in spotless white, We will dwell ’mid truth and light. We will sing the songs of praise; We will shout in joyous lays. Earth shall then be cleansed from sin. Every living thing therein Shall in love and beauty dwell; Then with joy each heart will swell. I got so much out of watching general confrence. More than I could put into words at this time. This song came on after one of my new favorite talks.

2008-09-29T08:07:00.000-07:00

“Our lives are the only meaningful expression of what we believe and in Whom we believe. And the only real wealth, for any of us, lies in our faith.” Gordon B. Hinckley I miss him....

EWA!

2008-09-27T21:02:00.000-07:00

A week ago Carson was on the floor playing and I was working on my newest project. Anyways the phone rang and I went into the kitchen to talk. When I came back Carson was playing with a different toy. I have bad eyes so I couldn't really see what toy it was, and I shrugged it off. That was until it started squeaking. I didn't remember him having a toy like this, so I went to see what it was. I was horrified to find out that it was my dog's chew toy. Now I try to be a good pet parent and when my little dog was teething I bought her a special chew toy. This became the love of her life. Carson is teething as well now and must have found the same soothing effect. When I took it away from him he began to scream and he continued to scream for a good 20 minutes. I had to take him outside for a breather and to calm down. When he was done we went back in. I gave him his BABY toys and started working again. I heard another squeak. When I looked over my dog was trying to get her toy out of the grasp of Carson's hands. I took it away once more and the screaming began once more. This has been my battle for the past week. I told my mother this and she was disgusted and bought him four new baby toys. But, he wants the dog's chew toy. I finally took it away from my dog and my son and I put it up so no one could have it. My dog went crazy and would not stop whimpering for this dumb toy. What is the deal with this thing!? So I caved.............. Your thinking I let Carson just chew on this dog toy right?.... No! I went to pets mart tried to fine a similar version and it has become Carson's new teether. I know... its weird.... but at least he is happy. *Carson cut his first tooth on Friday 9/26/08*

2008-09-16T20:04:00.000-07:00

Okay so I have to share how sorry I am to my new visiting teacher! You called at around 8pm and my caller id showed no number only Nevada. So I automatically assumed it was a telemarketer. We have been receiving them like crazy! Any who I decided to give this "telemarketer" a hard time. I answered in the deepest manliest voice I could conjure up. Went something like this..... ME- Deep manly voice- Hello VT- Is Heather available Me - Deep manly voice- This is she how may I help you. VT- pause um well... She started talking and I wasn't listening to anything until I got grounded back to earth when I heard Erin Deller's name in the mix. Me- Back to my regular voice- what? whats your name? visiting teaching oh yes of course! Needless to say my husband was rolling on the floor laughing. My heart was somewhere in my toes and my new VT seemed very confused. I am sure she hung up thinking I was some type of nut. I am so sorry! I will think twice before I go after another telemarketer or sweet Visiting teacher with my man voice.

2008-09-11T10:37:00.000-07:00

It pains me to remember the events that took place 7 years ago on this day. The families that are forever suffering because of it. Lately I have been doing much study collecting my favorite talks. Today I woke up and was reading one from President James E Faust. These words stuck out to me. Here, then, is a great truth. In the pain, the agony, and the heroic endeavors of life, we pass through a refiner’s fire, and the insignificant and the unimportant in our lives can melt away like dross and make our faith bright, intact, and strong. In this way the divine image can be mirrored from the soul. It is part of the purging toll exacted of some to become acquainted with God. In the agonies of life, we seem to listen better to the faint, godly whisperings of the Divine Shepherd. In memory of them....

2008-09-03T15:22:00.000-07:00

My mom and dad are pretty awesome. I am sure I have a biased opinion but these folks of mine are unbelievable. Every Monday I have been going to the parental's. Clint meets me over there after he gets off work. And we have been doing family home evening over there. This is so exciting to me! I get to share the joy the gospel gives to me with the people I love most. My parents are extremely open and have shown me nothing but great support. I am so very blessed for Carson to be diverse and see life from different angels. I thought that the change of me becoming a mother wouldn't be so different from life as it was then. I can't express how profound the change has been though. I see my husband, my parents, my sister and all my extended family in such a different light now. I never knew what unconditional love was until I met Carson. He has opened so many doors. I know that our Father in Heaven has a mission for him and it doesn't start when he turns 19. Its from the day he was placed in my arms. One of my favorite memories is waking up in the hospital to my mom rocking Carson. He was humming and she was whispering to him anything he wanted she would give. The seeds are being planted and I love watering them and watching them grow.

2008-08-27T13:51:00.000-07:00

I always write about the good part of my day. Today I'm having trouble finding it. Not feeling good. I feel like I am rewinding back to 3 years ago. Health is something I truly try not to take for granted. The doctors are having me do more tests.... they make me hurt and tired. I will say that I am very hopeful and determined. The doctors last time told me no babies. I smiled politley and had Carson. I plan to do the same with this diagnosis. Smile politley and prove them wrong. We'll see.

2008-08-20T21:12:00.000-07:00

before after So this week we tried the first step to big boy food. He was hilarious he wanted nothing to do with it! I fed him peaches one day bananas another. Through out the entire meal he made this disgusted face and shook his head when he had to swallow. I hope this is normal.... or maybe I shouldn't push?? Any how he made me laugh.

peek a boo

2008-08-14T11:39:00.000-07:00

So I propped Carson on the couch and went to the kitchen to make him a bottle. I had some dirty ones in the sink and wanted to clean them real quick before I fed him. I heard him giggling and smiled to myself. I figured it was the dogs or he was humoring himself with his favorite horse. His laugh got louder whatever was going on he thought was really funny. I looked over at him and didn't see him or anything else that would cause so many giggles and continued to wash the bottles. Again snickers came from the couch so I stopped what I was doing and waited. Carson was leaning forward and the pushing himself back up. When he would get to a place where he could see me he would crack up laughing. It was awesome to see how strong he was and how funny he thought he was being. The camera was luckily right there so I snapped a shot of my cutie. I am so blessed that I get these moments. I need to remember to not worry about dirty bottles in the sink but to pay attention to my giggly peek a boo baby.

Clint wins.....

2008-07-31T10:50:00.000-07:00

So we are sitting at the John Mayer concert waiting for him to come on stage. I must have been staring at Clint's head b/c he was like "you really don't like it...?"He was telling me how he is really cool and he starts trends. For those of you who don't know Clint buzzed his head 3 weeks ago. Can't say its my favorite style. I love his hair long. Too long I guess lol. Anyways I was explaining how I thought it looked better the other way blah blah blah. The lights go down and John Mayer (who I have crushed since 9th grade) walks out onto the stage. I start hoot hooting for him and Clint grabs my arm and asks did he get a hair cut? I froze in shock John Mayer buzzed his head..... Clint wins he can buzz it if he must. ha ha I did make sure to tell him that they both look better with longer hair. what a coincidence eh! Ps the concert was awesome!

Feva

2008-07-26T10:19:00.000-07:00

It was a long night last night.... Carson had a fever of 103 we got it down to 102 and were going to wait to see if it went back up before we went to the hospital. Boo to the shots he has to take. He is my tough cookie we went through a lot when we were pregnant and he made it when all odds said he wouldn't. He didn't even let me know he wasn't feeling good. His eyes were red and my poor baby bear was so hot. Clint was amazing I was stressing out and just sick over my little one being sick. He always does this to me. Says what I need to hear, listens to my anxiety strung jibber jabber. All while giving me a squeeze and with his honest eyes telling me everything will be okay. I love him so. I know our Father in Heaven is looking down on us. I have to remember to take a step back and look at all that is good when I get my worry woes like that. Carson is doing better this morning sleeping a lot and not very hungry though. The nurse said as long as the fever doesn't go back up we should be okay.... fingers are crossed.

YM Camp 2008

2008-07-25T13:32:00.000-07:00

My mom and dad went on their first get away just the two of them when I was 19. She said until then she would have just worried and wouldn't have been able to really enjoy it. My dad said he just couldn't get my mom to go lol. I never understood that. Until I was called to go to camp and leave my little one at home. I was so worried before we left cleaning and making a list so Clint would know exactly what we did during the day. Leaving that morning was SO hard. However when I got there there was a sense of peace that came over me. I was able to really enjoy my time. Missing him was there but that anxiety had left me. I had such a great time. The girls in our ward are amazing and being able to get to know them better I feel truly blessed.The leaders were unbelievably fabulous and did so much for everyone. I was so impressed with how it all turned out. I was able to bear my testimony for the first time something that I felt I wouldn't be brave enough to do. The spirit sat so strongly with me and has enlightened me in so many ways. These ladies and the spirit at camp really made my first year there one to remember.

my little merman

2008-06-25T12:57:00.000-07:00

Good Morning

2008-06-25T07:33:00.000-07:00

This morning the sun woke me up. I felt so rested had to think of where I was and re track the night to see if I had just slept through my son's cries or if he had just slept the whole night. There was no bottle by the bed which meant I hadn't gotten up. This is a very bitter sweet feeling for me like YES I slept through the night! Boo is he okay? I got up and went to check on him he was laying very quietly in some deep thought. He looked up and smiled really big up at me. My day was made right then. Its 7:30am there is opportunity to have everything go wrong and none of it will surpass my awesome moment I had with Carson. I love that.... A little catch up on the past week...... Lacey turned 12 hip hip! Carson swam in the pool and loved it! Clint took me to Donovan's SO GOOD! I started being a hard core coupon cutter! meow! And I plan on sewing A LOT! lol

Father's Day Weekend

2008-06-18T08:11:00.004-07:00

Our weekend was really good. We took my dad to dinner on Saturday to the seafood market...yum! Clint had his day on Sunday, the Red Soxs were on, Lace and I made salsa for him and he opened his presents. We spent the rest of the afternoon reading scriptures and hanging out together. Sweet and simple.

some of my favorites

2008-06-18T08:11:00.000-07:00

2008-06-17T07:59:00.001-07:00

Sunflowers

2008-06-12T11:00:00.001-07:00

My sunflowers are coming in! We feed the birds out side I know, I know crazy bird lady.... but you should see the different kinds that come in. I have roadrunners and quail and woodpeckers ect, ect. I even make a special recipe for my humming birds! Anyways a couple months back I told Clint that I really wanted sunflowers in the back. He said he wasn't that into them, thought they kinda looked like weeds... I said, boo but that was fine. We chose a bunch of other flowers and planted them around the house. The birds have been coming and going and we are constantly filling up our feeders. I started noticing a plant growing at the bottom of the feeder. We were both like no idea what that is. So we let it grow and grow and grow and looks like I got my wish! The messy birds that would drop the seeds on the floor were actually unknowingly helping us plant.... sunflowers! I smile really big at Clint when ever I catch him looking at them. I think its way exciting. I possibly need more of a life but gardening is one of my things so... to anyone else who shares my green thumb I'm sure they can relate. Ü Its funny because when I first moved in with Clint you could say the back yard wasn't really up to par. But now its looking awesome. I thought when we made it one of our projects it was something that he felt he had to do. But come to find out that's exactly the opposite. With his green green grass (except where the slip n slide was...oops) and his tomato and pepper garden he's totally into it. Even Lacey is wanting her own section of the back yard. I guess they just needed a little help letting that green thumb show.

2008-06-06T22:52:00.004-07:00

Blogging

2008-06-06T16:00:00.000-07:00

My friends have been begging me to get one of these things for I don't know how long . I have declined, declined, declined but once I found out that Christine Green had one of these I was in.... ;) ha ha. Lets see... I seriously cannot believe that it is JUNE!!!! I'm losing time I have been thinking its been march for the past three months! Carson is hitting 4 months and Lacey is going to be 12! Carson is so big! I love it, chubby and happy are always fun! He is all smiles now. I will admit it he has me wrapped around his little finger. I'm trying to savor him like this. I don't want to wake up and see him going on his mission and feel like I wasn't paying attention. Lacey has grown up so much in the year and half that I have known her. Doesn't seem like only a year and half though. I feel so blessed with this life that Heavenly Father has given me. I couldn't ask for more. I have a handsomely charming husband who grants my every wish. A son who I wake up for (literally Ü) and a step daughter who has been nothing but a sweetheart to me. This life is good. Carson found his thumb and big toe today he cracks me up. He wants both in his mouth. Its crazy how I was told I would never have him. I'm grateful my cancer is gone. It wouldn't be this way with out the Gospel in my life. The blessings that I have received have all helped me in more ways than one.