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Slackin'

2010-02-14T20:20:00.000-08:00

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Hello Friends! For the five of you that even read this blog...here are a few new pics of the happenings around our crib. Miss Brighton has FINALLY learned how to crawl on all fours...she used to do this army crawl but has since graduated to her knees and hands instead of pulling herself across the floor. I CHOPPED my hair....it took a few days to fall in love with it, but now that it takes 20 minutes to do versus 45 minutes...and I have always wanted a faux hawk...I indeed love the cut, Thanks Crystal. Brighton turned 1 this month! We had a bash of all bashes...I am embarrassed at the amount of money I spent on this little girls day, but she is worth every penny and more....It was a Rainbow Brite party with lots of treats and pics to come....we had a dear friend who takes AMAZING pics come and capture some precious memories for us. And the top picture? Well that is my little Valentine...she was a BIG hit at church today. I am definitely a proud mama. That little girl is the bomb! Hope everyone's Vday was special. 'Til next post! XOXO

Life...

2010-01-13T20:17:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of Brighton when she was 6 months old...I needed a happy picture with this post, one that the second you look at it, you can't help but smile....because life is hard. I often wonder why I was blessed to be born to my parents, live in a safe place, a free country, blessed with health and strength, BLESSED. Please don't get me wrong...I am not writing to brag....I just feel blessed and sad at the same time thinking of those in Haiti....those sweet mothers and fathers, children...dead in the street. Bodies piling up and people following the flies to find more dead bodies. My heart hurts. Along with the devastation in Haiti and other world disasters, my heart aches for friends and those I don't even know who have lost loved ones, and more particularly babies. I stare at Brighton and can't imagine my life without her. Those that have lost a baby in their pregnancy have a hold on my heart strings. I don't have the words to say other than I'm sorry. If I could take away the hurt and pain that people are feeling around the world I would. I don't know what it is like to lose a child and I pray I will never have to...but for those who have....I love you...and I certainly know God loves you....sooner or later everything will be ok. Peace be with you I pray with all my heart and soul...Don't give up.

Cutest lil' peacock on the block....you know it's true

2010-01-07T17:35:00.001-08:00

Hey Friends....Halloween pics are here....the votes are tallied....I have the cutest peacock on the block. Healther Telford took these darling pictures. I had to capture her first Halloween costume...I can't wait for next year! We went trick or treating too! (yes, I got some looks from some that seemed to convey the message "um, we know the candy is for you...") Any who, this baby girl is the best. Seriously....I know it's true.

Family Pictures

2010-01-07T16:27:00.000-08:00

I know what you are all thinking....how did we get the CUTEST most BEAUTIFUL baby out there? I dunno....we just did. Allegra George took this amazing pictures over the Thanksgiving break and I loved them the second I got a peek. Thanks Allegra....speechless. I am the worst blogger ever...yes, I know, but I don't have time to care. Most if it is business with lives, baby, work, exercise...and yes, some of it is pure laziness. Brighton is now 11 months old....where did the last 11 months even go? It literally seems like a dream since I pushed this incredible blessing out of my....well, any way, time flies....and I hate it. I am busily planning her one year party....Rainbow Brite is the theme...and I can't wait to post those pictures when they come...hopefully it won't take me until next Christmas to get them up. Brighton weighs around 15 lbs....a teeny little fart, but my most favorite fart there is. This new year comes with hope for a better year than last (although having Brighton totally tops any year) Robb is working diligently with his business Buck Hard, and I am busy working at Dr. Swenson's and teaching dance. Life is busy, but it is great. I have loved getting back to the gym....Zumba-ing it up with the best darn teacher out there (Kass...) and falling in love with step all over again, and when I can't get my butt to the gym, I dig deep and find some fondness for the treadmill. Please enjoy these pics...I know I do, I am the proudest mommy and wife out there. XOXO

WAY OVERDUE!

2009-11-05T20:31:00.000-08:00

Yes....the Fourth of July was four months ago...but I am posting the pics of my darling firecracker now. She apparently loves opening her mouth in pictures... but could she be any cuter? Before I had Brighton I blogged about??? I don't really remember...but she is my life now...therefore I blog about her. She is such a little spit fire...and when Robb met me he told me dynamite comes in small packages....watch out world...cuz Brighton is just that....

Bijou Market

2009-11-05T20:27:00.000-08:00

For everyone who is dying for some amazing handmade goodies (not only food) you need to attend the Bijou Market this Saturday. Go to www.bijoumarket or more details. Also there is an awesome giveaway at www.sweetlifeinthevalley.com. I hope I get to see you all there! YOu won't be disappointed...just bring lots o' cash...cuz you will find treasures galore! Luvs!

What has been happening....

2009-10-25T08:54:00.000-07:00

Holy Moly, I can't believe I am posting! It has been 6 weeks and I am finally sitting down to talk about life...and my life mainly consists of Brighton...my love for Brighton....the best baby in the whole universe...Brighton. Life has been crazy...but great! I am back at work two days a week for half of the day and my amazing aunt J.C. watches Brighton. (I was working three half days a week, but had a break down at work because I missed Brighton so I gave away my Thursday afternoons to someone else) oh and my babysitter for Brighton used to be my awesome cousin Allie, but she decided to move back to Washington and we all miss her to pieces! Robb has been working his little heart out on his business Buck Hard (go visit his website www.buckhard.com) and he is having the time of his life! We are grateful for our places of employment (because Buck Hard ain't payin' much of anything right now) but we are excited for what lies ahead of us. Buck Hard is a clothing and apparel company for the cowboy in you...so check it out! It has brought out the cowboy in Robb for sure...he has a pair of hot cowboy boots and has recently had a handle bar mustache...he rocks my world. Now on to Brighton. She is amazing to say the least. Her smile is the best remedy to cheer me up and remind me what is important in life. She is sitting up on her own and does the army crawl. She laughs and sings and talks and has filled our lives with unexplainable and incalculable joy. She is truly the "Bright" in our lives. She will be 9 months on November 5th...and her daddy will be turning 32 on November 5th! My mom celebrated her 60th on Saturday and we threw a great surprise party for her on Friday...it was a hit! We love life...we are grateful for family and friends...and hopefully this post will be followed by another here soon(soon as in sooner than 6 weeks. ) Luvs!

2009-09-12T10:39:00.000-07:00

Old picture....same beautiful girl. She is growing every day, how can I stop time and keep her small just a bit longer. Stop time and study her eyes as they blink and twinkle, watch her discover her feet and so easily place them in her gummy little mouth (her gummy smile is too cute I don't want her to get teeth quite yet!) leave her for 2 seconds on the ground and when I come back she has rolled ten feet away from her original spot. Stop time and listen to her breathe, watch her tiny precious body take in breath and let it out...Life is hard and crazy and doesn't make sense to me most of the time, but when I see my girl I am brought back to a lovely place. She heals my soul, and lightens my burdens just by looking at me. I am her mother and she is my daughter...FOREVER! Thank you God for this most incredible gift. Please let her love me as much as I love her. My heart has grown a gajillion times bigger since having this life inside me and now outside of me. Ahhh...my heart is full at this moment...and now, even for just this moment today I am all right.

Little Buggy girl....

2009-08-16T18:59:00.000-07:00

My darling neighbor Julie took these pictures of us at our complex and I am so grateful! Julie is extremely talented...she makes the most delicious desserts and treats and because she is so nice and I live so close to her...I am a lucky recipient of this goodness. Chocolate covered strawberries were great after the baby. Brighton is now 6 and a half months old and gets more fun by the minute! Just this last week she started sleeping 10 hours, HALLELUJAH! She eats solid foods, has less blowouts and talks up a storm. She always says dadadadada (which Robb says is because she loves her daddy so much...which she does, but he refuses to believe it is because it is easier for her to say) I love this little peanut to pieces! My life will never be the same...it will always be better because of this GORGEOUS little girl.

For Sale

2009-08-10T20:51:00.000-07:00

So, your help would be MUCHO appreciated. Robb and I are selling our Town house and are wanting to move. We are staying in Utah County, but need something that fits our family's needs better. We live in great community and have a great ward. The Town house is located on Canyon Road in Provo across from Canyon Crest Elementary School in a place called Three Fountains. Our Unit is the end unit, 2300 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, updated with the best! Pool and clubhouse, beautiful grounds, and great neighbors. We are asking 205,000. Please let your friends and family know that may be looking for a nice place to live. Thanks!

Be careful what you wish for...

2009-08-10T20:22:00.000-07:00

No pictures with this post...but be glad there isn't. I have been thinking lately, as I change Brighton's diaper that I miss the blow out days...because even though I was doing laundry more frequently and getting my hands in yellow poop every day, it didn't smell like it does now (rice cereal, fruits and veggies)....well...Brighton is crying...I get her out of the car and I smell that sweet smell (some say like buttered popcorn) so I look and it is ALL OVER the car seat. Yes, at least 3 cups worth had escaped her diaper and was sitting there in her lap and car seat. If there were pictures and a video camera with us as we cleaned up there would be some laughing...it was hilarious! Oh Brighton...you are so kind to give me just what I wish for....

My life...

2009-08-10T13:04:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of my bathroom sink....yeah, bottles. Brighton was an okay nurser the first couple days of her existence...and then it went down hill. I was so exhausted that I decided that I was either going to switch to formula or pump...well, my little mommy heart kicked in and wanted the best for my baby girl and I have now been pumping for 6 very long months. I am going to continue to do it as long as I can stand (and I am hoping that it will work out to be a year), but until then, this is what I look at daily. Bottles ready to receive their nectar and picked from the tree and sent to the fridge. I am blessed to have much milk...my freezer is a freakin' dairy. Any how, this is all for the little one...the girl I love the most in this world...Brighton.

Recenty...

2009-08-01T22:25:00.000-07:00

Hello friends out there...I recently received this email after previously sending an apology email and am not sure how to respond to it...would love your help. Here it is :

"All I am going to say is that I am upset about what you said. You have no right to say that Taylor and I are ungrateful for everything that has been done for us. We tell your Dad everyday how grateful we are while I am working at the family business so that your dad can pay for family fun and toys. Taylor's and my belief on issues that you have a problem with has been learned at the Ranch. Taylor and I are in recovery and we are doing well. but dealing with all of this family drama is making our recovery harder. And because of this, I am stepping back from this family. My recovery and my husband and son come first to me. What I believe and have learned at the Ranch has made it so that I am okay with not associating with your family. If you have a problem with how we believe things,you should bring it up with Chris at the Ranch. She is the one who has taught us about what things we should worry about and what things will just work itself out. I am loving my recovery as is Taylor and we are finally growing together as a family. We both talk to our Bishop and Stake President regurlarly and THEY are the ones who determine if we are worthy, you and your family do not determine if we are worthy of anything. So as of right now I will associate with your Dad and Mom who i love very much and appreciate, but I cannot associate with the rest of the family. Please do not contact me. I am finally over all of this."

Guess sorry isn't good enough....

A little pick me up...

2009-07-27T21:52:00.003-07:00

So this picture is a little old (Brighton is about 4 months in this picture) but she holds her bottle! She totally grabs the end of it. I am still trying to figure out my Iphoto library on my mac, so I am only posting this pic, but I figured that after my last post, I need to apologize and give a little pick me up...and Brighton does just that. I wrote the last post in the heat of the moment...which is not good for me, but I wrote how I felt nonetheless. Well, my little girl is amazing! (no I am not bragging...okay, I am!) She laughs and talks and rolls around and man I love this little buggy girl! More pics to come...more RECENT pics to come....laters!

yes...i absolutely am.

2009-07-25T21:25:00.000-07:00

For the few of you who read this blog....if by the end or middle or beginning of reading this post, you are asking yourselves, "is she really writing about this?" The answer is yes. Damn yes, hell yes and all the other explitives I won't write here but am absolutely feeling. I am angry. I am so mad I could spit fire from my eyeballs. If looks could kill, they would right now... I mean you could actually look at me and you would be dead (not only because I actually look like death, but because I am MAD!) Okay, here it is. A drug is a drug. Pain killers, tobacco, heroine, cocaine, nicotine...They are all addictive. ALL!!!! Would anyone out there rather have someone they love take one over the other? Doesn't taking any of them result in being unworthy to go to the Temple, practice the Priesthood( i.e blessings)? What the HELL is the point of a 20,000 dollar rehab if you are okay with tobacco afterwards? 20,000 dollars that NO ONE has the money for....nevermind the thousands of money that is being paid in your behalf for the dumb ass mistakes YOU made. And He is saving your behind...not the other way around. You are damn lucky he is yours because any other Dad would not. And in my heart of hearts, I blame him to. Someone that I love and respect so much...is a major part of this problem. Really. I mean, I don't get it. I want to punch both of you in the face...

updates

2009-07-13T20:35:00.000-07:00

I know, total slacker with blogging anything worth while these days...sorry. We blessed Brighton on May 3rd. It was amazing, and she was an absolute angel...no crying in the circle. Grandma Krissy bought this blessing dress when I had her in the hospital, the UVRMC gift shop freakin' rocks! Although Brighton is almost 6 months now(what the crap?!?!) her 4 month stats are as follows: 9 lbs, below the 3rd percentile for weight, a touch above the 3 percentile for head circumference, and 25 percentil for height...she is a string bean. I took her swimming one day at my sis in laws place and um, yeah, they don't make swim diapers small enough for this squirt...so if she happened to squirt, it would definitely get in the pool. Notice the fringe on the back of her head....honestly, it is so funny. And the top picture is her 4 month mark. Isn't she the cutest? I love her. We recently started rice cereal, and she is not the most coordinated at eating it, I hope it comes eventually. And when Robb and I weigh her on our scale, she weighs almost 12 lbs. I wish I could lose 12 lbs. But it was all worth it for this little spaz of a girl. I would give anything for this little lady. She is my best bud.

The Jones's

2009-07-06T21:29:00.000-07:00

What is it in my post baby weight filled body that has continued over the years to feel the exhausting need to keep up with the Jones's. You may know them...it is pretty much everyone in Utah...and anyone I know. Now in reading this you may immediately think to yourself "wow, Annie is absolutely, positively the most ungrateful human being on the planet..." and I am sure a plethura of other things are running through your mind. Well, I might very well be ungrateful. But I am not trying to be ungrateful and thus the pit digging begins and I find myself a billion feet down and I might as well be worm food. Whether it be a nicer car, a bigger house, an amazing wardrobe, a darling nursery, a fabulous body(especially the teeny bop moms with a body to die for after several kids) a great homemaker and mother....just about everything I find my jealousy button on overload and I am not quite sure how to stop it and get perspective. I figure if I could just get away from the here I might find solace from the jealousy jabs that constantly poke at my heart and mind that bring me no joy at all, but all that comes is absolute guilt that is as thick as the frosting on the Sprinkles cupcakes I made last night....thick, full of fat, and not good for me...but irresistable. Hmmm, I think I need some serious help. A mental health professional? Unfortunately I am pretty sure that all the mental health professionals in the world could not help me...and thus I lead my life in frustration and helpless-ness at the fact that there will always be the Jones's and there will always be someone better than I. I will never be the best...or wait, forget the best....better, I would settle for better.

The Bijou Market

2009-06-25T21:15:00.000-07:00

Dear Blogging buddies! I am super pumped to go to the Bijou Market! I have never been, but when I went to the Womens Expo at UVU I ran into this super cute booth called MotleyHandmade and fell in love with their head bands. I wanted to know more and she referred me to a fun event this Saturday June 27th called the Bijou Market, which is where a bunch of amazing vendors will be selling their product. Check out this website to get more info....I hope to see you all there! www.bijoumarket.com.

This relationship is disfunctional

2009-06-23T22:03:00.000-07:00

All right....enough is enough. We just can't do this anymore....mainly because my nerves can't take it. But the stares I get, and the screeching in my ears and oh yeah, running into every darn display. I am sorry disabled shopping cart, I will no longer be using you, and I will take you back if I pick you the first time.

Every time I go to the store, whether it be Maceys, Walmart, Costco, Target, Harmons, Days market...whenever I get a shopping cart I pick the one with the squeaky wheel, or broken, wobbly wheel...I HAVE HAD IT! The shopping cart is so sneaky too! It doesn't let me know it is defunct until I am away from the pile of carts, so I am too lazy to go trade it and I also feel bad for the darn cart, thinking that if I put it back I might be confirming to it that it is absolutely annoying and useless...the measure of its creation has come and gone. So I stick with the da** cart the whole time, amongst the annoyed stares and the couple of displays I just about knock over and swear to myself that it will be the last time I commit myself to the unfortunate carts. Well, I'm Done. I need a break, and maybe in a few months my heart my have room to push you around and let you feel those wheels a burnin', but for now...adios amigos!

Time won't stand still...

2009-05-30T21:54:00.000-07:00

No pictures with this post...sorry. I just can't take it anymore. My little baby is growing up! I am sure to all of you she looks like a baby, but she is getting bigger by the day and the last few days I have cried as I look at my sweet little munchkin develop into this amazing little person with her own beautiful personality. I finally understand the love my mother has and must of had for me. Brighton is truly amazing. She starting rolling from her tummy to her tender little back three weeks ago! She has held her head up from the day she was born and she has a strong personality. She is a little firecracker and I can only hope that her physical strength that she portrays will transfer over into her spiritual and emotional strength. She is the love of my life. Sometimes she smiles so big all you see are her pink taffy like gums and her cheeks get all round and I just want to eat 'em! Her hair is growing...and while it is growing steadily everywhere, she still has a big turkey tail at the crown of her head and very little up front...it is awesome! Her little screeches and screams have become louder and really high pitched and she is so silly. She has been sleeping in her own room in her big black crib for two weeks now...and not once has she cried when I put her in there and turn off the lights. She is an angel. My dear sweet angel that I somehow got lucky enough to get and I never want to let her go. So please, dear Brighton don't grow up too fast. Let me hold you a little while longer, let me stare at you for forever and let me love you for eternity my sweet little beauty queen...my princess....my all.

This little girl....

2009-05-28T07:36:00.000-07:00

This little girl...wow, she is SUCH a little girl. SO yes, she has leg warmers....I love them! I have about 15 pairs for her...I am crazy I know, but I put them on and all of a sudden she is putting her leg up into a passe'...YESSSS i have a dancer in the making! She is so much fun, I love being this little girls momma. I worry I can't be the best momma for her...but I do love her more than anyone in this universe does or ever will that is for sure! Oh and yes, she needs her beauty sleep...she was asleep in this picture, this little sleep mask works wonders!

Fashion Sense

2009-05-08T19:20:00.000-07:00

Alright, is there anything wrong with this picture? I love Nikki with all my heart, but sometimes she needs a little help. We went out to dinner with cousins and our spouses and Nikki, Bear and I were talking about looking cute, or commenting on someones cute shoes when Nikki pipes up..."you guys didn't tell me how cute my new shoes are..." and as Bear and I looked down to see these super cute shoes we began to laugh. Bless Nikki's heart she had no idea why. Ankle socks with cute mary jane type flats? I don't think so. Hee hee, we had a good laugh and I still chuckle out loud in my room when I see these pictures. Love you Nikki! Thanks for giving me the late night giggles...hope to have them again soon.

12 weeks!?!?

2009-05-08T18:28:00.000-07:00

This little morsel is 12 weeks old! (Well, the pictures were taken on her 12 week mark, now she is 13 weeks old) Her personality is so cute, she is going to be a little sassy pants when she gets older. She laughs and coos and slobbers and I could not be more in love...seriously, check out that face of hers! This is a dress that I got in China last year at one of the markets. I didn't even know I was pregnant or having a girl, I just knew I really wanted a girl. Thank heaven for little girls....

Lots to talk about....

2009-04-30T20:34:00.001-07:00

Okay, so Little Miss Brighton Pants has passed a few milestones...she has been smiling, laughing and cooing for quite some time now (at about her 6-7 week mark she began this). She went to her 2 month appt. and had her shots (totally miserable experience....I BALLED the second the nurse left the room). The nurse cringed when she saw her skinny little legs and informed me that it would hurt the baby more because she had no meat on her legs! Here are her stats for her 2 week appt.: 20 1/4 inches for height ( 50-75%), 6 lbs 3.4 oz for weight (3-10%) and 33 1/2 cm for head ( 10%). Here are her stats for her 2 month appt.: 22 inches for height ( 25-50%), 7 lbs 10 oz for weight ( 25%), and 36 cm for head ( 3%). She is just petite! She is a burfer (spits up a lot!) I wonder if she will ever put some weight on, and she has had some MAJOR blow outs. She is a little spit fire and we love her! Three girls at the office had babies with on 6 weeks of each other (so two of us physically had them and one brought home a GORGEOUS little girl named Lula, she totally deserves her because they have been trying to adopt forever). Easter was a blast! Brighton got some yummy candy and cute clothes in her lamb basket...I admit, I helped her eat some of her candy. But doesn't she look so pleased with her loot? And of course, we needed a picture with Aunt Sassy...we love you Lisa! (I didn't mention that when we sold our computer, my hubby wiped it clean and we lost a BUTT load (pardon the language) of pictures....Brighton pictures, pregnancy pictures, Christmas, my baby shower....lost forever in cyber space, I was sick for DAYS about it and I better not talk to much more about it or else I will cry again.

Brightons announcement

2009-04-25T22:03:00.000-07:00

To everyone and anyone who would like.....I have never sent out Christmas cards or anything, but since the birth the my darling little girlie girl, I thought I would this year. Yes, she is almost 3 months old, but I am sending out announcements. Please leave your address and I would LOVE to send you one! Brighton really wants to send them out....she is anxious to meet you all! OH, and I have some posts coming up with lots of good pictures, Easter, my baby shower (yah I was still preggo) and some others) HOpe to hear from a lot of you...cuz I ordered a lot of announcements! XOXO

Idaho

2009-04-16T18:44:00.000-07:00

Idaho is grrrrreat! Okay so it was bloody windy when we went up there a few weeks ago, but it was fun to see family. My brother and his darling family live in Idaho Falls and Robb is from Rexburg, ,so we had all sorts of delightfulness on our quick weekend trip. These pictures are of Robbs cute grandparents, Uncle Lex, his brother Blake...(he's single ladies) and his dad and stepmom Terri. We love all you guys in Idaho...can't wait to see you again! Brighton isn't a very pleasant baby bless her little buttons....so there is a great picture of her lettin' us know she has had it!

Meeting Olivia, and the Bumbo chair!

2009-04-06T13:19:00.000-07:00

okay, so I got these pictures in the wrong order, but Brighton went to the hospital to meet her new friend, baby Olivia! She is gorgeous and has a ton of hair as you can see. Her Mommy is like a sister to me and I am so proud of her! Brighton likes her Bumbo chair for a total of about 10 minutes tops, and after that, I had better get her out of it or she screams bloody murder! But the second picture of her on this post is just the beginning of the end of her time in the chair...it is actually my favorite face ever! She gets the sour, bitter puckered lips face and I just smile every time(even though she is sad). We go to the doctor tomorrow for her 2 month check up and those danged shots! I will probably cry! I love this little squirt! (She is so long now she can't fit into her newborn outfits....she just may get a few more inches than her momma! Yay!)

Anyone?

2009-04-01T13:13:00.000-07:00

Hey, this post is more of a solicitation for all of our dear friends goods and services....does anyone know of a job opportunity out of state or even out of the country? We realize the economy is awful, and this may be a silly question to be asking you, but sometimes some one knows something or has a hook up somewhere, and so for the few of you who do check this blog, let us know if you know anyone that may have a job opportunity out of the state of Utah, preferrably one that doesn't pay too low, or else it obviously would not be worth it....Thanks! It's about time we get out of here and away from it all....New adventure!

Just to clarify

2009-03-31T20:38:00.000-07:00

Clarification to all those who have or do see me as someone that thinks she is better than them or perfect or anything similar to what I just wrote: I DO NOT THINK I AM BETTER THAN ANYBODY. My intentions have always been to try and make a bad situation good or better. I do not claim to know it all, nor do I think I am better than anybody...in fact, if you truly knew me, you would know I actually despise myself....so there you go. Perhaps the only thing I have done right in my life is having this little girl....granted Robb did half of it, but I will take credit for my half of right. So what have learned from this here post? 1. I do not claim to be better than anybody, or more righteous, or perfect or without issues and sin. 2. My daughter is the one thing I have done right. XOXOXO

My P-rents

2009-03-31T15:48:00.000-07:00

My parents are cute aren't they? Just had to share a cute picture of them...my dad was rocking in my chair when my mom went and sat on his lap...as you can imagine, he groaned(jokingly) and I had to snap a picture. Thanks Ma and Pa for all you do! We couldn't make it with out you!

Big flower, little princess

2009-03-25T09:45:00.000-07:00

Hello! Is she not the cutest little thing ever? I love putting headbands and MASSIVE flowers in her hair...she looks the Tootest! She is starting to smile lots now, but every time I whip out the camera she does not perform....isn't that just the way it goes? Oh well, she is still pretty dang beautiful with out the smile...hmmm I wonder what she is thinking in this picture????

Hormones?

2009-03-25T09:41:00.000-07:00

All right, no one told me about this part....I guess it is all the hormones? Who wants to wax this thing?

Mmmmm....

2009-03-25T09:33:00.000-07:00

Okay, so the picture is blurry, but the taste of these delightful little morsels are incredible. I look forward to Easter every year so I can stock up on Mini Cadbury eggs....and as I type I am snacking on the pastel goodness that covers the best chocolate in the world! Any one else a fan of these eggs? I am sure my butt won't be so happy once Easter is over...here come the extra workouts!

My Dad is so wiggidy wack yo!

2009-03-10T14:08:00.000-07:00

My dad is AWESOME! We were at dinner a few weeks ago and I was in the other room with Brighton when I heard some HYSTERICAL laughing...I had to see what everyone was chuckling about and when I walked in, this is what I saw....My dad put my bro-haws hat on and was throwin' gang signs out...(I don't think he realizes that he is just throwin' out the I LOVE YOU sign) Boo yah daddio!

Sweet Treat

2009-03-03T18:52:00.000-08:00

Okay, I LOVE treats....candy, cookies, cakes, pies...you name it, but this is the SWEETEST treat! Mmmmm, she is just so delicious! And so pretty in pink!

Recommendations?

2009-02-20T08:23:00.000-08:00

This is an inquiry for those who have used baby slings/carriers...I am searching for a good sling to haul my little princess around in so I can get a few things done around the house. Does anyone have some suggestions as to a fabulous sling? Please let me know...I feel like a prisoner in my bedroom...Thanks all!

Never thought I'd say this...

2009-02-18T20:27:00.000-08:00

I miss being pregnant! Okay, so I am crazy I know, because I absolutely remember feeling so sick of being pregnant about 4 weeks ago. Sleep was non existent, there was no comfortable position, I got nauseous when I ate, I couldn't walk up stairs without heave hoeing...and the list could go on. But I miss feeling the pokes and punches. I miss rubbing my belly in the shower and looking down to see this massive growth....I miss you feeling you inside me Brighton...but I am so grateful to be looking at her beautiful face. It truly is a miracle having her next to me thinking just two weeks ago she was in my belly. I thought this roller coaster of emotions would slow down, but it seems to just be starting...I want to cry and laugh and die because I love this baby! It is true what they say, you forget all about labor when that baby comes out...I would do it all over again...even the rock hard boobs...(that was worse than the episiotomy) for another one of Gods gifts. Sorry for the sappy post.

Lil' Brighton pants...

2009-02-18T15:40:00.001-08:00

I love this little stinker! She poops constantly, smiles in her sleep and gets the biggest bug eyes ever! I must say, I do get a little freaked out when she lets her eyes roll up and out in her sleep...She is perfect! Brighton Meili Shirley....we finally decided on her middle name. It means beautiful in Chinese and is pronounced may-lee. We wanted her to have a Chinese middle name because she was conceived in China...and adventure we cherish so much...and nine months later a gift we will cherish forever! Enjoy my little pumpkin head!

2nd day on planet Earth...

2009-02-16T15:01:00.000-08:00

Here she is...my little girl! This is one of many that I have, I just need to unload my camera pics so I can share some more...thanks for the picture Jenn! Enjoy this little morsel...more to come.

He has sent me an angel...

2009-02-09T09:48:00.000-08:00

Over the moon is what I am...How do I tell you all about how I feel? I am sure those of you who are mothers understand, and for those who aren't yet...just you wait. It is by far the best feeling in eternity seeing what God has sent to you....I am speechless/

Brighton (still working on the middle name) Shirley came to earth February 5 2009 at 6:51 pm. 6 pounds 1 ounce 19 inches long and GORGEOUS! She is amazing....I will get some pictures up this week of my princess, but thought I would let you all know. Thanks to all the visitors at the hospital...Brighton definitely is loved. Robb loves her to pieces and it is so beautiful seeing him with his daughter. I love her....I am right next to her and I miss her still. Mmmmm, what a gift. Love you all!

January 4th....about 35 weeks preggo...ENJOY!

2009-01-28T21:39:00.000-08:00

Hopefully those of you viewing this blog have a barf bag handy...I'm sorry for the obscene pictures, but these are the only pictures I have taken to document the massive growth of my belly. (You asked for it Jessie...hee hee). I am 35 weeks in this picture, and now I am almost 39 weeks! Where does the time go? Pregnancy is this amazing, weird, beautiful, crazy thing that I just can't put into the right words....I do feel lucky to experience this little soccer player inside of me...I will definitely miss it(even the rib kicks and bladder punches...feisty like her mom)

Funny the things you pick up....

2009-01-28T21:27:00.000-08:00

Ode to my mother! I took these pictures a couple of weeks ago, after a nice Sunday dinner I had cooked for my parents, Robb and Ram. (I know, you are shocked that I, Annie Shirley can cook, believe me, no one is more shocked than Robb....he has had cold cereal and quesadillas for the first four and 3/4 of our marriage. But dang I make a mean bowl of cold cereal). After the 'rents had left and I was cleaning up a little bit I came face to face with a major conflict! Do I throw away these perfectly good plastic cups and utensils? Years of growing up with my sweet mother and plastic ware has taught me, that no, I do not throw them away. Some of you family members out there may recall many a dinners or gatherings where plastic ware is used and all of a sudden a blood-curdling scream is let out as clean up is going on....oh my goodness, did someone die? No, no, no, mother found some plastic ware carelessly thrown away in the garbage....perfectly good re-usable plastic ware. And so, dear mother of mine, in honor of you, I clean and re-use all plastic ware, and believe me, on the rare occasion that I throw a plastic knife, spoon, or fork away I feel guilty for a portion of the day....I love my mom, and I am so glad I have some how picked up on these corky habits....

Damn the Monopoly Man!

2009-01-24T08:56:00.001-08:00

I don't think I have played Monopoly since I was like 9....and even then I didn't really "play" it. Before everyone was married off in our family and with their in-law's and we lived up on good ol' Comanche Lane, all the boys (uncles, brothers, and dad) would stay up all night playing some serious Monopoly. Well, this year Robb and Dave talked Bear and I into playing with them...to start up the tradition again. The Monopoly I bought on the 24th from Target has a few more dice to the game to mix things up...well mix it up it did! One second your winning with and once you roll the dice with the monopoly man on it...death! This is the reason I am damning him! Needless to say, we all had a blast! We had a case of the late night giggles at one point and I love the late night giggles! (Late night giggles: laughing and you can't stop and you start crying you are laughing so hard, and these last at least 10 minutes) Dave won the game on Christmas Eve...doesn't he look pleased with himself? Thanks for a fun night...we will be having a rematch!

The work Christmas party...too much fun!

2009-01-18T08:04:00.001-08:00

SO this AWESOME and entertaining party happened a month ago, but I did take pictures so I could blog...so sorry it is WAY past posting time. Working at Dr. Swensons is a BLAST...we have the funnest bunch of girls there (I am sure Dr. Swenson may beg to differ...he has 6 girls and his beautiful wife at home, and 12 girls at work) and when we get together, it is a riot! Dr. Swenson lets us crash his house for a few hours, eating delicious food and exchanging white elephant gifts. Dr. Swenson got these elf slippers, Talia got some cute slippers as well(hee hee), Matt got this awesome Christmas tie(Matt is Laceys hubby) and the list goes on. I did however miss Sara and Dennis(I am still upset you weren't there), a couple of years ago, they brought Odouls and pretzels for their gift...I was curious and took a sip and just about lost everything I had just eaten....it was disgusting, I'm pretty sure I won't become a beer drinker. Thanks for the fun night girls! (and hubbies and Dr. S) Can't wait for next year!

The month of December...so much to blog

2009-01-04T13:49:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends and Family!
Okay, so I have not been very diligent in blogging the adventures of the Shirley Family (not that our lives are super exciting) but I do have a few things I would love to blog about accompanied by some pictures, but I am going to be honest...The month of December will be blogged about in January, so bear with me. The little sweetie pie in my tummy has 5 more weeks to cook and then I get to see her! I am excited, scared, sad, overwhelmed, and elated all at once! I just wanted to take the time to let all you know (I wish I could email and visit each of you) that I LOVE YOU! I have so many memories of each of you that put a smile on my face....I have been reflecting on those experiences today and miss all of you! Yes, I mean anyone that visits this blog, all my friends from growing up from grade school to college, and I want to be blessed by your presence once again. I am sure you are all busy...life tends to get that way, but let's get together! You have all blessed and touched my life in so many ways....I would not be who I am today with out the friendships and influences of you all...and I must say thank you to for being patient with me...I am a pill and have made some not so great choices, but I appreciate that you still love me(or at least i hope you all do!) Man, what random blog, just overwhelmed with emotions for all of you. Hope your Christmas and New Year was awesome! Luvs!

Why do I bother?

2008-12-06T21:09:00.001-08:00

I bought this red hoodie for Chloe and was SOOOOO excited to come home and put it on her....she hates it! I am taking it back, but I had to get a picture of my little pup in a christmas hoodie. I guess she feels best in her birthday suit! ( Continue down to more posts, as I have added some new posts about the past month....)

Graham Cracker

2008-12-06T21:04:00.000-08:00

I love this kid! This is my little Graham Cracker...my bro and sis finally got a brown eyed boy. All of their other kids are blond haired and blue eyed. This little fart definitely has a hold my heart! He has sleep overs with Robb and I (and he doesn't get that you SLEEP at sleep overs) but it is great practice. Love you Graham!

Voting and a Birthday boy!

2008-12-06T20:54:00.000-08:00

Yes this all happened about a month ago, but I am still going to blog about it. I voted for the first time in my life...(kinda sad since I have been able to for 8 years) but it was fun and exhilirating and pretty darn cool! My little Blobby had a birthday on November 5th, the big #31! What a cute old man he is right? We went to Old Spaghetti Factory for some dinner (his favorite) and I got a him a pretty funny card with some bright blue running shoes he had been wanting. I am so glad Robb was born, because I don't know what I would do with out him...Love you honey!

Chloe-patra

2008-12-06T20:49:00.001-08:00

Really Chloe? She thinks she can park her behind anywhere! Robb was laying on his stomach on the floor working on his computer and Chloe walked right on to him and plopped down. She didn't move when he came to his hands and knees. She is so funny, we love having Chloe around! (even when she gives us a covered wagon in the middle of the night...pee yew!)

Good ol' Austin...

2008-12-06T20:19:00.000-08:00

My days at work are never dull, especially around 2:00 pm when Austin rolls in to work. Austin likes to sing (really loud) and has even helped me find a name for my baby. I told him I really liked the name Nash for a boy, and when I found out it was a girl, he decided to keep Nash but make it more feminine...hence the new name, Nashita. What a beautiful name, don't you think? I had to blog about Austin in this awesome lab coat...perfect fit for him! Thanks Austin for making the afternoons entertaining and for keeping us on our feet.

Home owner

2008-11-02T20:41:00.001-08:00

No pictures for this post, but I thought it worthy to make note....Robb and I are home owners! (Well, when I say owner, I mean we bought a house and have a home loan) but no more renting for us....just paying a hefty mortgage every month. We bought a town house in Three Fountains on Canyon Road and couldn't have done it with out the constant help and support from my parents...who lucky for us, live here in Three Fountains as well in a Condo! My crazy brother Dave, and insanely funny sister-in-law Bear thought it would be okay to take their family to Idaho Falls! (Yes, they did indeed take my little Graham Cracker away from me). Dave and Bear sold us their town house...so it is kind of bitter sweet. But we have loved it thus far in the 6 weeks we have lived here, and I am still unpacking boxes! There is a lot of crap I have accumulated over the past few years....I hope to not be moving here for a good while.

Fridays with Oakley

2008-11-02T20:30:00.000-08:00

I have the privilege of babysitting for my big bro Muck and his hot wife Nikki on Fridays. Oakley is the youngest and I get her all to myself(well, Robb and I do) until the kids get home from school later in the day. She is diva-licious for sure! We LOVE watching her, and I must say I have been getting a little jealous since Robb has been coming with me because she only wants him! Here are some of our fun times with the little chick-a-dee. Pretzel bites at the Mall, Magelby's Fresh breakfast and lunch at her house...(can you see the water she poured all over sandwich? She still took a bite after it was SOAKED!) Love you little Oakster!

REAL Soccer Game

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

What a fun night! October 9th was REAL Salt Lake's first home game in their new stadium, and Robb's awesome companion from the good 0l' mission field invited us along! Robb has been a connoisseur of soccer since his mission in England. He came home and played for UVSC's team for 2 years and he was like a kid at Christmas when we went to this game. Some guy actually proposed to his girlfriend at the game at half time (ahhh how romantic). We had a great night....Thanks so much John! You are the best!

We're having a.....

2008-09-21T21:35:00.001-07:00

The day I have been waiting for since I became pregnant arrived on Tuesday! I had my ultra-sound and it was really neat. I asked the Doc if my baby was alive, cuz I couldn't see it moving, and just then the arms and hands moved as if to say Hello! For the last year and half I have been buying cute baby clothes. They are ALL girl clothes, because let's face it, girl clothes are SOOOO much cuter to shop for. So I guess I lucked out....

We Are Having A Girl!!!!!!!!

Juvenile Diabetes yard sale and walk....

2008-09-21T21:19:00.000-07:00

The yard sale for Kaden was a success, Robb and I even came away with a dresser, night stand, window pane and the world's first snowboard(Robb was super pumped about the last item). The Diabetes walk is always fun. It is at Scera Park with games, food, and lots of Diabetic kids running around. Uncle Jeffy still has the Kaden's Cowboys shirt from 7 years ago and sports it every walk! We definitely need new shirts....next year Kaden, I promise.

Ahoy Mateys!

2008-09-21T20:31:00.000-07:00

I have not jumped the blogging ship, but was shipwrecked for a couple of months there. To be honest, life was pretty busy, and I had lost the will to blog, but since my last post I have taken lots of pictures thinking I would someday return to the island of blog...and so I am back for good and have much to catch up on.

We took a girls trip to St. George with my mommy, aunt and cute sissies in law and it was sooo fun! (way too short though) I rode down with Nikki earlier than the rest and when the others I arrived I realized I actually have a twin...a darker version of me. (We had to take a picture because Bear and I matched exactly...we got a kick out of it.) We ate the Pizza Factory and I got some CUTE clothes at the outlets, but not for me....for the baby!

I graduated! Yahoo! It has been LONG road, but I can now say I am a college graduate. I should have my M.D. by now (I have been attending college since I was 18) but I did have a few road blocks that prevented me from going each semester and finishing on time such as Robb's internship in Washington, living in Colorado, and working full time to actually afford school. It was a great day and I was pretty emotional (those baby hormones and I am a big boob any way). I earned my Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science. Thanks to my sweet parents and grandparents and hubby for supporting me and getting me to that point of graduation! (my plans are to work on my nursing degree after the baby next year)

Dave and Bear decided it was okay to leave me and take their cute kids to Idaho Falls! I am sure missing them, but I know they are having a blast up there. Dave started a break off of my Dad's company things are going well. I do miss my baby Graham Cracker....and while they were in I. F. a friend cut Tayson's hair for the Idaho Fair....white trash anyone?

Juvenile Diabetes....I will pay someone some serious money to find a cure! My little nephew Kaden(not so little anymore, he is 11) was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes at the age of four. We did a yard sale this year to raise money and the walk was yesterday. It was a blast being with family and supporting such a valiant cause to raise awareness and money to find a cure. GO JDRF!

So You Think You Can Dance!!!!!!

2008-07-30T20:42:00.000-07:00

Okay, no pictures, but if I could take them from tonight's show I absolutely fruitly would! Holy sheep shiz!(alright, I just heard that from my sis-in-law Bear a booba and had to use it) Who in the worldness to you choose to go home? They are all fantastic. Chelsie is a freakin' babe-a-licious! Could anyone be any cuter? And her talent is phenomenal! Plus, I DIG the fact that she has a NORMAl dancer body...she ain't no stick figure! Um, HI Katee and Joshua!?!? Every time they dance together it truly is magic(one of the judges said that...wipe a tear) And did you see the dance Mark and Courtney did with Sonya Tayeh as the Choreographer? It was the bee's knees! It was so intense and the hits in the music with the hits in the choreography...man, my heart be still. And come on, who of you wouldn't get Sonya's mohawk and style if you could? She is a gorgeous woman....someday ladies and gents, I would love to get that marvelous hawker of hers! I had to blab about tonight, cuz I just luvs dancing! Older I get, harder it is to get out there and DANCE! But boy, I tell you what...I couldn't live with out it. Dance provides freedom for my soul, that i just can't achieve any where else. So for all you beautiful dancers out there (especially all the talented ones that I have been PRIVILEGED to dance with) I am pointing my toes for you as I write! Toodlee Doo!

Go- gong, go-gong

2008-07-21T20:36:00.001-07:00

Today we heard the heart beat! (does anyone remember Dirty Dancing and the heart beat part? that is what my title is from) Wow....are you kidding me? How in the world can I hear my baby's heart beat and when shim is soooo small? The medical world is miraculous....and I must say I actually kind of believe I am preggo now after our appt. The fact that there is LIFE inside of me? There is no going back, and my doubts of being a good mother have been flooding in today. And man, I am naturally a REALLY sensitive person, but I cry at EVERYTHING these days! Well, baby, I will do my best to make you a nice home and we can't wait to know if you shall be a little princess or a strapping young prince! Ta ta for now little peanut!

On the up and up

2008-07-20T16:49:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to me! I must say that this year's birthday was quite enjoyable. I slept in until 11 am and just lounged around. ( I am usually not so lazy, but this darn jelly bean in my stomach is keepin' me plum tuckered, and I hit the point at 8 weeks where all I wanted to do was puke) I was feeling pretty nauseous so I tried to lay low, knowing that we were going to dinner later and I wanted to eat! Robb had gone a fishin' at 5 am and when he returned he got down on one knee and pulled a box from behind his back and asked me to marry him again....with a little sterling silver ring. He was so sweet as he explained that was all he could afford...(we are still on the job search) and I wanted to cry because of his sweetness in even getting me anything! My mom and dad were SOOOOOO nice and took Robb and I out to dinner at Le Olive Garden (oh wow, those darn bread sticks are the best-o) and it was a perfect night. Robb had another little surprise up his sleeve when we got home as he brought me out to the patio to see the other present he got me...or rather put together for me. The old chair in the picture belonged to his great-grandpa and was in a shed with other little treasures for a long time. He brought it home 3 years ago and it sat on our front porch of our apartment for those years before we packed it up for China. It had become quite a bit less sturdy while chillin' in our storage unit and so the creative hubby that he is, he took it to a shop, sawed a hole out of it and put a pot in the middle so I could plant some flowers in it and it could beautify our home some day. He is cute.....I just love him. I got some much loved money from my parents and a delicious green bath robe with a duck on it(I love ducks!) So my birthday was awesome...not because of the stuff I got(though that was much appreciated) but for the time I spent with family. 26 and pregnant! (Sounds pretty good eh?)

The price of being a cowboy

2008-07-20T16:38:00.000-07:00

These here pictures do no justice to the awful bruising my dad experienced over a span of two weeks from an incident in the mountains with one of his beloved horsies. His leg got much worse after a few days as it spread from the top of his thigh, to his foot, and the point of impact was at his knee! My silly dad has still not gone to the Dr. after 3 weeks of being a cripple because he is quite stubborn. So here is the scene, he is galloping up a grand mountain and sees two trees in the distance, he heads for the space in between the trees and as he leads his horse through them (he is still galloping) and BAM! He misjudged the space between the trees and rams his knee directly in to the on of the trees! I swear he is an experienced horseman, but sometimes on his horses he feels a bit too invincible. Needless to say, the bruising has gone, but his knee cap is a bit off from alignment.

From a month ago, but sure love my dad!

2008-07-20T16:22:00.000-07:00

All right, these photos were taken on Father's Day back in June, and because I am such a procrastinator (I tend to be that way with pretty much everything, like the homework assignment I have due tomorrow that I haven't even started on) I haven't gotten these cute pictures up yet. So yes, I do see that my strapping young father has a bow tie on, and it is awesome isn't it? My mom was out of town over Father's Day, and so my dad was extremely excited to wear his bow tie....my mom would not have allowed it! My dad is the best! Seriously, I love this man with all my heart. He loves horses and anything cowboy. It is the best when he is going on a ride and gets all his gear on, from his wranglers(he doesn't wear them tight, although I don't think it would matter because my dad has a flat butt) to his cowboy hat a boots to his neckerchief(spelling?) and most often he is sporting the sweetest mustache! (although his mom is not a big fan of it) He works like no other man I know and he has the most Christ-like qualities of any one I have ever met! Plus, I am his only little girl, and I get cute little nicknames; peanut, pumpkin, princess, Annie-bug (just to name a few). I just had to get this blog done about the most incredible Dad in the world! (I often imagine that he is very similar to what our Father in Heaven is like) Love you Daddio! (OH and I love how he gets super annoyed when I put Chloe in his bed at night, and how the only channel on the t.v. that is on when he gets home from work is the western channel!)

Full of posts....and midnight cravings

2008-07-06T21:20:00.001-07:00

All right, there ain't no pictures with this here post, but I wanted to share a cute story(okay...probably more cute to me than anyone else, but hey, it is my blog...)

So being pregnant and all, I am expecting these interesting cravings. So far- none! Nothing sounds good which is so disappointing, because I LOVE eating! Seriously, I think about what my next meal should be and most often than not, stuff my self into misery because I don't want to waste even one tiny, certainly tasty morsel! Any who, to my story at hand....a week ago,(sunday night) my hubster and I are laying in bed around 11:45pm. I am exhausted because I am pregnant, and I am thinking of the day I have ahead of me the next day... suddenly, breaking through the silence of the night and the exhaustion of my thoughts- Robb sits up in bed and says; "You know what sounds so good right now? Mcdonald's French Fries!" Oh it was just about the cutest thing I have heard! My cute hubby, having a craving! (usually his cravings consist of fruit or a fresh fruit drink) I must admit, it did sound good, but what I was craving was sleep, and so, as I told him it was too late, I watched as his face slipped slowly into disappointment; his body slide down into the bed and the covers pulled to his chin as a sigh escaped his perfect mouth. I have vowed from now on to go with my husband when a craving hits him....because that sad little moment when I declined his excitement was not worth the one hour of uncomfortable sleep I got that night. Late night cravings, here I come!

Me and My Guy

2008-07-06T20:39:00.001-07:00

He means business!
A little nourishment before the casting...
I couldn't resist taking a picture of our surroundings
Heck yah! I am an AVID fisherwoman

Robb-bubba with his fishy

So this little fishing trip took place back in June on a Saturday evening. Robb asked me out on a date and of course I obliged and we went up to my aunt's place in Midway. I was famished, and so we went to The Famous Dairy Keen in Heber and got some grub. I must say it was a great start to the date! We headed to a part of the Provo River that runs behind my aunt and uncle's place and sure had fun. I caught two fish, and Robb caught about 5. There was one point in our fun evening, when Robb carried me across the river on his back and I had the fishing poles, one in each hand....I just wish someone could have taken a picture! I decided that on our way crossing back, that I would walk with Robb....holy ice water! I almost drowned in three feet deep water! I had to give Robb a pat on the back for carrying me on his back in that ice bath. The night was a success, as it ended with a kiss....and a sleep over!(hee hee)

Strawberry Days.....and cream

2008-07-06T20:09:00.001-07:00

(pictures from top to bottom: My cute cowboy dad, THE strawberries and cream you HAVE to get when you go, my oldest nephew Kaden and the gorgeous Rodeo Queen, some rough-ridin' cowboy on his buckin' horse, and last but not least, Ram(the most sweetest, kindest guy with the best attitude you will ever meet! He is family to us for sure, you have to meet this dude!)

So it has been tradition for a while now to head over to Pleasant Grove and go to the Strawberry Days Rodeo...it not only was my first date with Robb, but a yearly thing with my family and I usually love it! It has only been the last two years that I have started to question the treatment of animals at rodeos...I mean seriously, have you seen the calf roping and steer wrestling? The poor babies necks are getting yanked and twisted and I just can hardly stand watching it! I may have to join PETA(I can see myself now, picket signs and protesting as my family passes me at Strawberry Days next year). Besides the neck twisting, I have a great time with my family, and took some sweet pictures, so here you go!

Hell has frozen over

2008-06-28T21:40:00.000-07:00

Yes, what you see is true....Anne Kimball Pinegar Shirley is actually pregnant. I had been avoiding motherhood as long as possible, and was actually concerned that I wasn't "aching" to have children, as that seems to be the woman's primary purpose in life. But Robb has been wanting a kid for some time now and we practiced our hardest in China! So yes, we can say our baby was actually "Made in China"! I am 8 weeks pregnant and I couldn't be happier! I was baby hungry in China(which is a miracle, because I usually would get sick to my stomach thinking of me being pregnant) and now I am just sick to my stomach because I am pregnant...all those darn hormones swirling about! There are four tests in the picture because I just couldn't believe it was true! It happened so quick for us, but the Dr. told me there was a false negative, but no such thing as a false positive...so my eggo is definitely preggo. I kept it a secret from all but my mom and my sis-in-law for a week and 2 days! It was so hard not to tell Robb....I just told him Aunt Flo was in town and acted my heart out! I totally deserve an Oscar! I announced the pregnancy by having a Chinese dinner with all the adults in my family. I brought back some super cute rice bowls and chopsticks from China that I was dying to use and my Mom and I bought fortune cookies, broke them open, and replaced the fortunes in them with others that had to do with babies. We were totally sneaky! After we ate the yummy Chinese dinner, we opened the fortune cookies and each read our fortune aloud, oldest to youngest. After they were all ready, my brother asked where in the HE-- we got the fortune cookies, because the fortunes totally sucked! No one understood what message I was trying to convey! I finally yelled out "I'm Pregnant!" I had to say it twice before people actually understood what I was saying...(I have joked in times past that I was pregnant, just to get a rise out of people, and so I am sure they didn't believe me this time....I am like the boy who cried wolf I guess.) Robb's face was classic! I wish I would have snapped a picture...he was speechless! I was worried that he wasn't excited, but he just sat there stunned. He said he was most surprised that I kept a secret for so long! Any who, I am due on February 8th and we get to hear the heart beat on July 21st! (My mom is so proud that I am so obedient...she told me I had to come home from China with a baby in my tummy.) Some of you may be having a heart attack from shock right now....but it has been a great four and half years with Robb and we are pleased to welcome a new partner in crime!

'Bout time...and Happy Graduation!

2008-06-28T21:02:00.000-07:00

My cute Grandparents! (We missed you Grandparents Geertsen!)
Bear with a yummy hamburger and my special frog-eye salad...Mmmmm!
This is my cousin's little boy Brady. He is such a stud!
Kessley, in Holland's lady bug costume showing us her donut.
Robb and his proud little wifey and graduation dog

Hello World! I have felt so absent from the world of blogging since being home. I don't have as much time to do what I like, because I have been back at work and school and trying to adjust to life in America. I so miss China, and would move there in a heart beat. For all those wanting to travel, please consider China. It has so many wonderful things to see! Any way, back on track, Robb graduated on May 30th with his MBA! I am so proud of him and all of his hard work. We had a graduation party for him up at my brother's house and so I am going to share some of the pictures we took. I have tons to blog about, so check back over the next few days.....

Doesn't feel like home....

2008-05-28T10:53:00.000-07:00

We are back in Utah! After 3 of the most amazing months Robb and I have ever had we are back in Provo, but we don't really feel like we are home....We miss China! We highly recommend that any and all of you out there go to China. Save up now and go for at least three weeks. The people in China are amazing and the life there is simple. The flight was LONG and Robb and I got the no sleep sillies and giggles along the way. We totally lucked out with our luggage too! We bought two GINORMOUS suitcases to haul back our treasures and they weighed more than 70 pounds each. So we had four massive cases filled past capacity and it should have cost us 50 dollars per bag because we were over, but some how we didn't have to pay a dime! We were VERY grateful to say the least. On our flight from Vancouver to San Fransisco, there were these older individuals from some foreign country were sitting behind Robb and I. We are DEAD tired and Robb reclined his chair back, and a hand reached forward, tapped him on the shoulder and asked him to sit up. Robb is blown away by her request, but sits up straight as he tries to find a way to sleep. After an hour into the flight, Robb tries to move back 1 inch to find some sort of comfort and the gentleman behind him made a hand gesture for him to sit up. We paid for those seats! There is a reason they recline! AHHHHHHHH! I felt so bad for Robb....we did end up laughing really hard as we came up with different scenarios and what we would have liked to say to these people....
What a great three months. Robb and I grew closer to one another and we loved seeing the world beyond Utah....We can't wait to get back to China in November! Pictures coming soon....

That darn Stench Phantom

2008-05-18T07:42:00.000-07:00

So I hope this works....

Often here in China as Robb and I are out and about we get punched in the face with this most pungent smell...we look every where to see where it came from, and we see nothing. And so we have concluded that there is a Phantom here in China...it is The Stench Phantom and he loves to follow us! He even followed us to Beijing!(I don't know how he found us!) There is a certain spot at the dorms, that as we make our way off campus, and we round this particular corner, we both know to hold our breath because The Stench Phantom is lurking there waiting to pop us with another puff of pure death! P.S. Please don't tell him we are leaving...we fear for our noses

Blocked again....

2008-05-18T07:28:00.000-07:00

Hey Friends! I have been slacking on the blog front recently and most of that is due to my bloggers block, but I was going to post a few things today with some delightful pictures, but once again, the Chinese Government has blocked blogs....and so I am using an anonymous proxy server to write this post. We leave this amazing country on May 26th...and we are filled with a trail mix of emotions....(wiping a tear as I smile)

When we are back in the good Ol' U S of A I will share our photos of the Great Wall and our adventures in Beijing and so much more. Thanks for checking our blog...it brings us joy to share our life with good friends and family. I have also enjoyed checking on all of your blogs frequently as I LOVE seeing what you are all up to. Don't let me forget to blog about the Stench Phantom....

Safe and Sound....

2008-05-12T21:54:00.000-07:00

just a little post to let everyone know we are safe and sound. Thank you for all the concern for Robb and I. We actually had no idea about the earthquake until one of our friends here asked if we had felt it....we were taking a nap when it happened. Our really good friends who live a block from our dorm experienced it and it was quite traumatic for them...they live on the 18th floor of their building and her husband works on the 42 floor of his office building and Char saw the light in her house swinging and felt super dizzy and as she made a mad dash for the stairs and went outside, all the buildings around her were being evacuated and it was chaos! She was calling her husband as she watched his office building sway back and forth. It was a scary time for the world outside our dorm, as Robb and I caught some extra zzzzz's and were oblivious to the earthquake. We are happy, and look forward to being home in just two weeks! Please pray for those who were hit hardest by the earthquake....there are 10,000 dead, and more trapped. We are certainly blessed and lucky. Thanks again for the concern....our love to you

He's here!

2008-05-01T00:16:00.000-07:00

After three long weeks in the hospital(for Bear) he came! I stole this picture from my sister-in-law's blog and I am in heaven! He was born April 30th a little after 7am. He is 5lbs 12oz and 18 in long. He wasn't breathing on his own for a while, but he is doing super now! I wish I was home to hold my new nephew! His name is Graham Gillette Pinegar. We give our nephews nick names, and his 2 1/2 year old brother is Taytor Tot, and now he will be Graham Cracker! Ahhhh....look at this perfect child. Congratulations Davey, Carson, Kessley, Tayson and Bear! XOXOXOX

Braces are the best!

2008-04-29T02:10:00.001-07:00

So here I am, a little bit over a year ago with braces....yes, I totally look like a 15 year old. I work at an Orthodontist office(I still will have my job when I get back from China...you are the best Dr. Swenson!) and it took 2 years for me to finally give in and get them. I was in for a big shock! I finally understood what our patients were going through! Braces feel so weird. When you work at an Ortho office you realize the imperfections in your own teeth, and so I gave in to this torture. You can all laugh, I remember when my brother first saw me he said "hey tin grin, how are ya?" I am sure Robb felt a little awkward kissing me, and eating was a chore, because I always took so much time cleaning out the food in my braces(I wish some of our patients would be so kind to do so before I untie them). Any who, I thought I would share this awesome picture with you...It may bring thoughts of middle school and high school to your mind, accompanied with memories of your own braces fiascos

My Blobby

2008-04-29T01:28:00.000-07:00

What would I do with out this dimpled grin?

So here is to the love of my life...Robb also called Blobby(his brother Ryan called him that when they were little, plus Robb has the cutest baby picture ever with his legs sticking out of his crib with about 20 rolls up his legs). Love is patient, love is kind and that is Robb to a tea. Old boyfriends out there would agree I am not the easiest girl to deal with, but somehow Robb knows just what to do...that is just one reason I am sure we found each other. Robb LOVES to play soccer, and comes home with battle wounds...I am always greatly concerned. Robb loves juice...grapefruit, grape, apple, coconut, orange and all the flavors in between. He loves healthy food, but not because it is healthy, but it tastes better to him!(man I wish some of those taste buds could transfer to me, since I love everything unhealthy!) Robb loves Church...he has dragged me there on more than one occasion, and he has an amazing testimony. Robb loves singing out loud and has changed the lyrics to a number of famous songs(it always makes me giggle). I could go on forever about my guy, and I am sure you will come across another post about the greatness that is Robb, so to spare the sticky sweetness that are my thoughts on Robb I will lastly say that Robb loves me for me. He always thinks I am pretty and seems to be blind to the flaws that cover my body(a few too many dimples, and not when I smile...) I love you Robb-buh buh!

Hong Kong

2008-04-29T00:59:00.001-07:00

Long time no post....there has been a lot going on. Robb and I went to GuanZhou and ZhongShan for a business meeting Robb had, and then took the ferry to Hong Kong. It was an absolute blast! We stayed in the Patron housing near the temple(We are poor students, and it was 28 u.s. dollars per night for both of us) and it was quite the experience. You can see the bunk beds in on the pictures above. There are two sets to a room, and Robb and I shared the bottom one in this picture....we are used to sleeping on small beds, I just got to cuddle with my hubby a little more than usual! We attended four sessions and each did Initiatory's and I have to say it was the most amazing temple experience of my life(next to marrying most amazing guy in the world). We got a picture with the Temple President...President Goo. The Hong Kong Temple reminds me the Manhattan New York Temple. Church is held on the second floor, and the Temple is on a busy street in between apartment buildings and such. We met some saints for Thailand who were going through for the first time ever....some of them were grandma's, and I was amazed by their commitment and faith. Vio(pictured with Robb) is 29 and from Thailand, going through the Temple for the first time. He is the only member in his family, and is an incredible individual. It is pretty cute when he talks because he says "Lobb" instead of Robb. The last picture of us is coming back on the subway, after finding out the we couldn't go to Ocean Park. We were so excited to go to this Amusement Park/small zoo, but when we got to the bus station, no more buses were going to Ocean Park because it would close in 2 hours. We were pretty bummed, and so we documented our disappointment. Hong Kong is amazing. It was super humid, and hence, Robb and I got some serious back sweat(especially when we wore the back pack). People get fined for spitting and smoking in most places, and so it was a most refreshing change from Mainland China. OH, and they serve sausage, egg, and cheese mcmuffin all day long at the McDonalds in Hong Kong...mmmmmmm.

Five Chinese Men....

2008-04-20T06:27:00.000-07:00

Sorry it has been so long since my last post, Robb and I have been traveling to other parts of China having some unforgettable experiences! Update on Bear: She is fine, has placenta previa and is in the hospital for the next month...(She is going nuts as she has three sweet kids at home that she can't love on, so please keep her in your prayers still...Thank you so much friends)

Allrighty-Roo! On April 13th Robb and I took a 17 hour train ride to GuanZhou for a business meeting that Robb had in Zhonshan. We took a sleeper train and were unable to get soft sleepers(four beds to a room) and thus were left to fend for ourselves with the hard sleepers(six beds to a room). I knew I would be okay as long as I had Robb in the bunk next to me....we boarded the plane and come to find out our beds were in two different rooms! AHHHHHH! My bed was the top bunk of five other bunks in the room filled with Chinese business men. Panic button! Robb had some Chinese people in his room that spoke English and he had the bottom bunk, so I hung out at the "cool table". I tried not to drink too much water as to avoid any bathroom experience I may encounter, but come one....I am a girl and my bladder is TINY! Plus I am not sure I know anyone who can hold it for 17 hours...and if you can or you know someone who can, I want to know them! I venture down the train to find the bathroom and hesitantly open the door to the germ-filled unknown and I saw a toilet in the floor, a bar in front of it half way down the wall and what seemed to be water and dirt wetting the floor I now stood on(okay...I am sure it wasn't water, but I had to use the power of thought) There was no way I could hold it, as much as I wanted to after seeing what lie before me and so it began. The first and only time I had squatted in my life was on a camping trip with my bro and sis-in-law and the woods were much cleaner than this room I was trapped in! I pulled down my pants(sorry if this seems graphic) and was grateful for that bar that was in front of me as I held on for dear life and leaned back to make certain I stayed dry. As I held on with my left hand, I finagled some toilet paper with my right hand with a prayer in my heart that my feet would not slip out from under me and I fall in....This story ends well, as I survived, but was extremely traumatized and had one more horrible experience with a Chinese potty where I actually cried....but I am alive! (Although I am certain I am coming down with some disease as I write, because of the germs in those toilets that could only be truly known with a microscope) Robb the wonderful husband that he is, offered to sleep in the room with the five Chinese Men, and I got the bottom bunk with our new found friends...he is a sweet heart! I am posting some pictures of our trip to this great city in China and our new friends we made along the way. Pigeon heads, shrimp with their eyeballs, fresh water market and much more proved to be a time I will never forget!

Bear-a-Booba

2008-04-11T07:32:00.001-07:00

This post is for my beautiful, incredible, amazing sister-in-law. Her name is really Cherilyn, but we all call her Bear....and A Booba is something my awesome brother Dave(her hubby) puts on the end of every name...it is a term of endearment. Bear is due on May 25th with her fourth child, and third boy. I received an email from my sweet Mom at 12:30am Mountain time and I was surprised at how late it was. Bear came home from a night of playing with my other brother's kids when she started to hemorrhage profusely and was taken to the hospital in an ambulance. She has a condition known as Placenta Previa, and will most likely deliver the baby within 2 weeks if not sooner. I am no baby expert, but I have been researching it on the computer and the lungs are not developed completely in the baby. What can I do here in China for my sweet sis-in-law?!?! Anyone that knows Bear loves her...and for those of you who are seeing her picture for the first time will agree she radiates! She is amazing and I love her to pieces. Please pray for Bear and her family in this difficult and scary time. If there ever was a woman, who IS the definition of love, patience, humility, and faith, it is Cherilyn Gillett Pinegar. I love you Bear! (I love you Dave, Carson, Kessley, Tayson, and baby boy)

Monkey Business

2008-04-08T05:37:00.000-07:00

Do I look a little scared here? These pictures were taken our second week here in China. We had just gone out to eat at a Thai restaurant with some people from our Branch and we were walking home for the night after a delicious cup of Cold Stone ice cream when we passed this guy and his monkey. There are a lot of people here that beg, and this guy had a bowl out by him and a rope around his monkey. I was so shocked that I was staring at a live monkey, so I went to get my picture taken with him and it was crazy! Thank goodness I had a hoodie on because the monkey kept biting my arm, and would look at me and cock his head back and open his mouth like he was going to attack my face! It was quite the experience....and I came home and washed every article of clothing I had on. I only wish I had taken a picture of the guy with his monkey because I think you could have seen it better. Maybe we will run into these two again, and I will take more pictures. I want a pet monkey!

For Chloe

2008-04-05T02:28:00.000-07:00

This post is for Chloe...she is the sweetest dog on the planet, no contest. She was given to me on Mother's day 3 years ago by Robb and his mother. My mother-in-law Sandra had Chloe first for about 3 years. I am grateful everyday for this sweet little dog. She is the runt of her litter, and her left leg dislocates when she walks on it so as you can see in this picture, she holds it up. When we take her to the park and she runs about, she uses it. You look at her and she is so small, but you would be shocked to know that she is quite the bed hog! Sometimes I think she feels she is married to Robb because she is always sleeping between Robb and I and most often than not in Robb's arms. She loves her dad! She will snuggle under the covers and when she gets too hot, she comes out and literally plops her head down on Robb's pillow. I miss her so much! My sweet mother-in-law is watching her while we are here in China and she has been so patient while Chloe gets used to her new surroundings(there have been more than a couple of accidents...) Thanks Sandra! Chloe has also never barked before...She doesn't know how, but she does know how to whine and it melts my little heart. Chloe thinks she is the toughest dog on the block, especially with her little stuffed toys that she shakes in her mouth and throws off the bed. It is amazing how much pets become part of the family. She seriously has the sweetest little spirit and she loves us unconditionally. We love you Chloe and can't wait to take you to the park in May! XOXOXO

Yu Yuan Gardens

2008-04-03T03:59:00.000-07:00

Hey all! These are a few pictures from our outing last Friday with two of Robb's class mates. CC has the longer hair and Kokia is wearing the hat in one of the pictures. Kokia took us to Yu Yuan Gardens which is a huge street market where you can buy pretty much anything. It gets to be quite the maze as you get towards the center of it all. On our way to the gardens, we took a bus and on the way there was a woman who must have gotten bus sick, because she whipped out this small plastic bag and started dry heaving....and I swear it sounded like she was throwing up hair balls. It was so hard to hear that I had to cover my mouth once, or else I may have grabbed that darn bag from her. Kokia saw me getting kind of sick, so she moved us toward the front where we stood and waited to get off. I felt sorta bad for the lady, because it is not fun being sick, and the person sitting next to her got up and moved to a different seat. I hope she feels better! We bought Robb a helmet for him to wear while he rides his scooter when we get home, and I took a picture of him with one on(the one we bought is black with a red start). The had some other colors, but black is totally stealth. The lady told us she could go no lower than 300 RMB which is about 42 dollars. We haggled her down to 150RMB, and she told Kokia and CC that they should be helping them and not us because we are foreigners! We ate at this little restaurant within the main part of the gardens and I was nervous. I do not do well with different food, I have a pretty sensitive gag reflex, and when we walked in Kokia said she would pick some stuff out for us. She showed me a bowl of steamed snails with their shells and asked me in all seriousness if I would like them...I had to tell her no, I don't eat snails. We ended up finding some stuff to eat and it was all stuff I hadn't eaten before. We got these dumpling type things that had cooked snail meat inside of them. Robb loved them, and kept trying to get me to try one....I eventually bucked up and tried one, so I wouldn't be such a woose, and it was good! I ate snail! We went to another shop to buy some Chinese art and we were haggling and had to walk out because they wouldn't give us the price we wanted, and the lady said in Chinglish that we were clever...one guy in the shop gave us the price we wanted and she crustied us all the way down the street! I was laughing so hard! Things here are amazing. I seriously wish I could bring all of you here and we could discover things together! My words and pictures do not come close to describing the things I see and experience here. Thanks for taking the time to visit our blog. It brings me happiness posting these things and sharing some of our life with others. Until next post....

Lunch at Hong's

2008-03-30T02:17:00.000-07:00

Robb and I went to one of his classmate's house this last week for lunch. Hong is married and just had a baby girl. She is so cute, and it just confirmed my desires to adopt even more. Hong and his wife are only children, so they can have one more child. (They both hope it is a boy) We took a taxi to his place and Hong met us at his gate. Hong also has a beautiful Yellow Lab. Her name is Go Goa and their daughter's name is Do Doa. (Do Doa's English name is Juli) We visited while Hong's sweet wife made us lunch. When it was ready we all sat down and I previewed the table. I was grateful that there was rice. I can eat rice and feel good about it. There was a bowl to me left and as I glanced at a few times while eating, I noticed something...a chicken foot with one finger nail still attached. As I searched for more treasures I found a beak in there! Any one hungry? There were other dishes that were good, but I was still careful. Here in China, I guess it isn't impolite to burp or slurp at lunch, and so we had quite the show from Hong. He talked to us with his mouth full, spewing rice all over and as he ate his chicken he slurped the meat off and spit the bones out on the table. There were moments of almost silence(when we weren't talking and all that could be heard was chewing and chomping)not from Robb and I, but I had to try and not look at Robb or else I would laugh. Towards the end of the meal, Hong let out the loudest burp...I held my breath and felt some awkwardness between Robb and I. I felt a little more at home(since my brothers and sister in law burp up a storm). Robb and I asked Hong if he could ever live in America and he said he couldn't because of the food. He doesn't like the food, and as he said that I kept thinking to myself, are you kidding me? I am sitting here two inches from chicken claws, beaks and innards and would KILL for some good ol' American food. It was quite entertaining. Robb later asked me at our dorm why I didn't try the chicken dish? (He had seen what I had seen floating around in the bowl.) It was so much fun and Hong and his wife are so nice. We can't wait to go visit them again. The people here are beautiful....not just on the outside, but most definitely on the inside. We met Hong on Sunday and he invited us just a few days later to eat at his house. Wow.

Slide show!!!

2008-03-27T01:19:00.001-07:00

AAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!(Part 2)

2008-03-26T04:17:00.000-07:00

I am frustrated! Therefore I am using red for my text color. I have been working for an hour now to post our Karaoke video, but because of all the darned Government blocks here in China, I cannot open up blogger for a video post. Kika, your email totally helped, but it is a dead end here in China...so I am ticked cuz I may have to wait until I get home....Sorry! I will keep working at it though.

On Easter Sunday, Robb had his first class....9am-9pm with some 10 minute breaks and one hour break for lunch. There are 7 people in his class(including him), 5 girls and 2 boys. They invited him to lunch and he came and got me from the dorm room. We ate at an interesting shop on the side of the walkway off of Donghua campus. As we walked in the door, we looked to our left and there were dead(fully cooked) chickens hanging in the window. And then there were bowls with chicken heads, chicken feet, duck heads.....(okay I am grossing myself out). We ate at a table that has a lazy susan type of holder in the middle of the table and the food is placed on that and when you want something, you just spin it. You don't really scoop food onto a plate, but pick at the plates that everyone is eating off of. I didn't eat too much because I was a bit grossed out. I did eat the rice! Robb is much more brave...and he is way better at chopsticks than I am. They all laughed at us! One funny thing...Robb told his classmates at lunch that I danced, and one of the girls(Helen) told me that if we moved here there are lots of gentlemen clubs here to dance at and get paid...(what?!?!) Um, it turns out she meant like sports clubs like a gym that I could teach classes at. It gave us all a good laugh. I am going to figure this picture posting thing out and put some pictures of his classmates on here! Tzi Jen for now!

Easter Weekend

2008-03-22T23:32:00.000-07:00

What a fun Easter! Friday night Robb and I went to dinner with three other couples from our Branch and we ate at a place called Tex Mex. It has western style food. I got sandwich and Robb got the Fajitas and it was delicious! We then ventured to meet up with a single guy from our Branch and did some Karaoke! Oh my heck, it was so much fun, and the guy's name is Benji and he is really big over here and especially in Taiwan. He is American and went to BYU and was on Young Ambassadors. He served his mission in Australia but it was Chinese speaking. He loves China and Chinese! He has moved here to pursue becoming a pop star and has been in some contests and is signing with someone in Taiwan. Any way, Karaoke is huge here and it isn't a bar, but there are private rooms for your own group of people. There is wrap around seating and a table and they brought us a big plate of fruit and this delicious kiwi drink. I was super shy at first, but I picked some songs and let loose! We recorded some it, so once we figure out how to add video to our blog we will share the fun night with all of you! Benji brought a friend who is an amazing singer as well. Her name is Yen and she dances here with the Shanghai Ballet. We stayed for about 2 hours and around 11:30pm we were going to go to an American Hip Hop club to dance...but Robb and Cameron were not up for it. So, we told Benji that another not he can take Char, Yen and I out to dance! That would be sooooo fun! Any who, I had to share my fun night in Shanghai with you! Video and pictures to come....but anyone have advice or instructions on how to post video and slide shows of pictures? (I am new to this...totally clueless) Help!

AHHHHHH!

2008-03-21T19:00:00.000-07:00

Long time, no post....I must apologize about no posts or pictures, but it is not because I am a slacker. The government over here blocks EVERYTHING! We can't access Wikipedia, or blog spots. I guess it is because the Government doesn't want any information just being shared, for fear that their evil doings will be brought to light.
I have a lot to post, so this one may be a little long. We found out how to use our blog by using an anonymous proxy. So let's hope this works for 3 months.

Our first week here was culture shock for sure! I was warned that I would be stared at, but I didn't know I would be getting crusty glares and daggers my way. Old grandmas would literally stop in their tracks and turn around as I walked past. I always gave the biggest cheeser, but the return response made me want to flee the country. The other thing that made me want to flee the country is that fact that EVERYONE spits! I am talking about literally summoning this dark, dirty, hairy beast from the bowels of hell and then unleash it onto the sidewalk...where ever they want! It is disgusting. It is a million times worse than a loogie. It is funny cuz Robb and I will see a cute little grandma or grandpa and then they summon the beast and release it and they are no longer cute. People pick their nose with their pinky fingers here. (so sorry for posting such disgusting stories, but my sister in law thought others would enjoy them). I am not sure if they eat them like some people I've seen in the states, but one guy I saw was sitting at the subway and people were all around and he was digging for some serious gold. I mean, he must of hit his brain in the process and this went on for a good 5 minutes, and maybe longer because our subway left the station. Makes you hungry doesn't it? I have now seen about 4 kids pooping and 1 guy peeing. Sometimes the kids here have a slit in their pants and when it is time, their mom picks 'em up and squats them right on the side of the street! They do have dogs here, but I am pretty sure that when we are walking down the street or sidewalk, it isn't doggy poop we nearly step in. The guy that we saw peeing was on a bike, and we were on a daily adventure walking around Shanghai, and we see this guy standing really close to this wall...and it is broad daylight, cars are passing along with other motorists and as we get closer we realize he is peeing...as we approached him he quickly zipped up and hopped on his bike and as he passed us he yelled at us in Chinese...I just stared straight ahead wondering what he could possibly be saying. You also have to be careful here with breathing. if you don't breathe through your noise at all times, you are almost guaranteed to get some nasty smell/taste in your mouth. Robb and I walk along and at times hold our breath at the spots we have memorized are unpleasant to the nose. It is funny because I almost pass out...I don't know if it is from me holding my breath or from the stench.
Robb and I made our dorm more homey. We went to IKEA (what a blessing) and bought some rugs, bedding, towels, and a cute plant to do the job. I will post pictures with this so you can get a taste of what it is like. I have more stories to come...but I will wrap this post up and fill you in some more tomorrow. We love it here!

Shanghai

2008-02-29T05:06:00.000-08:00

Nee-how!
Okay, for now this will be short, I just wanted to say we have arrived! We have some funny stories to tell, and I will post the pictures with the stories. It is 9:07pm right now in Shanghai and we are in dorms at the University. We got a private bathroom, and I am happy to anounce that it is not a hole in the ground...it flushes and everything! But there is no toilet paper....Thank goodness I brought kleenexes! Also, there are two separate beds...and they are small. Robb and I will be getting cozy tonight! Lots of love! Annie and Robb

Little Scottie Farmer

2008-02-26T21:12:00.000-08:00

I just left the home of a dear family that is extremely close to my heart. I had to take a moment and talk about my special friend. I lived in Orem until I was five years old, and during that time I was blessed to meet someone who has influenced my life and has stayed close in my heart to this very day. His name is Scott Sterling Farmer. It may seem unbelievable to imagine 2 year olds developing such a close relationship, but Scottie and I's relationship began long before this lifetime. Those of you who know me will I agree that at times I am more than difficult, stubborn, whiny and I do throw my fits....but even at the age of 4, Scottie waited patiently for me to calm down. He is amazing and I am sad to say his life was cut short at the tender age of five. He was hit by a car while helping another neighbor boy across the street. His memory lives on and he is someone I will never forget. Hopefully when we get to heaven all of you will have the opportunity to meet this sweet soul. He has blue eyes and blonde hair. What a hansome man he must be now! Thanks for listening to my heart speak tonight. Love to all

I wanna dance!

2008-02-20T21:00:00.000-08:00

Well, friends...I love to dance! My mom says that since I was young I would walk around on my tippy toes and twirl around all over the house. I have grown up dancing and have had the great opportunity to learn different types of dance...I love the way it makes me feel! It is my release from whatever may be thwarting my efforts for happiness in this life. There is an extremely entertaining class at the 8th North Golds Gym taught by a guy that does better booty rolls then any girl in the class...it is a good work out too! Any who, writing more for myself than for you all out there...but i know there are some that will agree that dance is beautiful!

My first time blogging!

2008-02-18T22:06:00.000-08:00

Well, I have finally gotten on here to add a post! Nothing exciting, except to me, because this is one post of many to come(uh oh!) Robb and I are living in my parents place until we leave for China. I just bought a GINORMOUS box of Saltines to pack in my bag just in case. I know they can sustain me in China, until I find food I can eat and if not, I will get a bottled water to help the new found cuisine slide down my gullet more easily,(anyone an OFFICE fan?) Well, I must get to bed to get my beauty sleep! Adios!

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