rosie

Saturdays

2012-01-14T09:13:00.000-08:00

saturdays are a special day.

usually....

the weather man says snow is coming!

Four Months

2012-01-05T14:29:00.001-08:00

Some stats: Frank Nolan is in the 92 percentile for head, height and weight. The doctor asked if his dad was tall... Nope. So it should be interesting to see if he will slow down or tower over dad. His head caught up with the rest of the body(was in the 75th). Frank is wearing nine to twelve months. I wish it was summer so he could run naked... I am not looking forward to more clothes. Here are a few photos... (Frank and his namesake standing by the two Helens)

What are you doing New Years?

2011-12-30T09:22:00.000-08:00

we are probably going to bed at nine. teeth are popping out all up in here. which means clingy frankie and tired parents. happy new year. its going to be a good one.

Merry Christmas Gma + Gpa

2011-12-24T08:05:00.000-08:00

We made these Christmas videos for Gma + Gpa Boren, who are in China the next 9 months teaching. Merry Christmas!!!

Untitled from rosanne boren on Vimeo.

Christmas Letter 2011

2011-12-21T14:28:00.000-08:00

We decided to be green and just send our photo out and post our letter to our blog. If you did not receive a card I would be happy to send one, I don't have everyone address but I will also post our Christmas photos here.

This year has been one to remember. We are so grateful for everything that has happen this year. We see Gods hands in our lives more then ever. Its fun to look back and see why things happen the way they did.

We have been able to start our family this year. Last Christmas was when we found out we were expecting and on August 27th we had our boy. Named after his Great Grandfather, Frank Nolan was born 7 lbs 14 oz, 21 inches long. He literally came out spinning because he was rotating from posterior to anterior my entire labor which made it long and fun. Stephen is very proud and says he we will be going pro in snowboarding in no time. He has grown unbelievably and at 3 months was 16 pounds, 25 inches long. He is a very sweet boy but loves to move and gets frustrated that he has not developed his running legs yet.

Stephen started his own construction company this year. Millcreek Remodels and Design has been very good to us. It has been fun owning our own business but their is also large amount of responsibility. Stephen focuses on home remodels and restoration but can do it all. He has been so busy and it doesn't look like it is slowing down soon. We know we are blessed because of his beautiful and honest, hard work. Stephen has enjoyed his calling with the Young Men in our ward and even though we are itching to move by the end of the winter, we sure will miss our ward. Stephen loves that winter is here and is ready to snowboard everyday... but is lucky that he is able to go up on Saturdays because he is so busy with work.

Rosie started the year teaching at a English Second Language school in downtown Salt Lake. She loved the kids and also dealt with some kids with hard backgrounds, learning and behavior problems which at times broke her heart. But she enjoyed teaching them PE and helping out in k-4 classroom. By the time she was 7 months pregnant she was glad to be done teaching 30 kids and glad to focus on one kid and a dog (Max the dog, has adjusted great and loves Frankie). Rosie has been super busy being a mom and has loved her new calling in life. Nothing like a sweet baby smile to wake up too. Frankie has been kind and has allowed mom some sleep but she would like some more. Rosie has also been able to go up snowboarding this year already and is excited for some more (thank you babysitters). If only Frank was old enough to come with us.

We are so grateful for this year and we are grateful for your friendship and love. We are grateful for our Savior this Christmas Season and may you feel God's love in your life. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Love, The Borens

Stephen, Rosie, Frank, and Max

Happy 4 Years

2011-12-19T15:18:00.000-08:00

love you.

Wonderland

2011-12-15T10:54:00.000-08:00

Let it snow.

It is time for the smog to pass
Time for some powder to ride
Time for white Christmas
Time for some beauty
Time for some hot chocolate and warm blankets
If its this cold it might as well be beautiful

Let it snow.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T08:55:00.001-08:00

The City and a Blessing

2011-11-14T10:17:00.001-08:00

Last minute I was able to make a quick trip to NYC with Abby and my Mom to see Helen run the NYC marathon. Stephen is so nice to let me go with Frankie. We missed Bonnie who is in Alaska. Did you know Alaska is very far away from SLC, and very very very far from NYC... and the cost of your first born for you to fly is asked.... yeah it is the truth and a big bummer. Frankie did amazing on the plane rides, didn't make a peep, I wasn't too surprised because he usually is fine when I am holding him or nursing him and fixing his problems right away. He was a good boy. It was EXHAUSTING having a baby in the city especially when you are running from place to place trying to get things done and following someone in the NYC marathon. I basically nursed the entire time. I am pretty sure I flashed everyone in NYC especially my family and friends but that's the price I will pay so Frankie is happy and a trip will go smoothly. It actually was nice, no one cared about me nursing in public and everyone was kind to allow me a seat on a sub and help with my stroller. In Salt Lake I don't get that vibe as much... Weird I know. I missed Stephen and realized how much he helps me with Frank. Frank was so tired from the trip and slept the entire first night.... of course mom didn't get the same sleep and he hasn't slept through the night since but that's okay.

Helen did really well in the race and it is amazing to watch the NYC marathon. I wanted to cry the entire time because of the mass amount of people who were running and struggling and then the crowds cheering them on! Runners were blind or in their nineties and I just run 2 miles! It was so amazing and I suggest if you don't feel like running to watch a big city marathon its very inspirational. At night you can see people walking to just finish the race 10 hours later!

RUN RUN RUN

Helen found Frank after the race.

Helen and Abby

Helen and Joe... they are a good looking couple.... and she just ran a marathon.

Stephen blessed Frank Nolan yesterday on the 13th. I am so grateful for Stephen and it was a great blessing. Frank looked cute in his outfit even though his neck was to fat to button his shirt and wear his bow tie mom made.

Four Generations

Love these shoes!

Happy Hallows' Eve

2011-11-02T09:14:00.000-07:00

We had a bear suite already for Frank and we thought it be super cold on Halloween. So we decided to base our costume around it. Well turns out it was very warm and Frank could have been in his birthday suite.

Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Aunt Abby the Indian and Baby Bear Frank

We won most touching costume/trunk at our ward trunk o treat!!!

sugar

2011-10-30T15:30:00.000-07:00

These videos were supposed to be in the post below! I finally got them to load. This is for Jess.

smiles

sounds and smiles

nine

2011-10-30T14:52:00.000-07:00

Nine weeks old... here are some stats and photos

Ht- 24" (90%)

Wt- 13 lbs 10 oz (93%)

Head- 40.5 cm (75%)

With those stats you must know what Frank has been up to. Eating! yum!

He has a very sweet smile, loves to talk look at his hands and blow bubbles. He is growing too fast and he is huge. He is almost grown out of his clothes and wears 3-6 month and even some 6-9 months. He has grown out of his newborn sleeper for his pack and play... I loved that thing and so did he. He does not think the flat pack and play is very comfy and won't sleep in it.... I guess we will have to purchase a king pillow top mattress for him and max, both of them have kicked us out of our bed. On the other hand I am super glad he is eating so much and gaining so much because I want to hold of feeding him food and nurse as long as possible and avoid drying up!! We also have been looking into Diaper free infant training or Elimination Communication. The reviews are really good and it makes sense to me. Anyone do it or know anyone that does it let me know? Many parents have their baby potty trained around a year some around 6 months. I know it sounds silly and unbelievable but why not research it eh??? All of these photos were taken off my iPhone. It has a great camera/video... we hope to get some photos this week with our nice camera.

love this photo... max always looking in the background haha.

Max is always sweet and Frank always has something on his mind.

buds

we bought our season passes to PC this year and we are so excited! so is Frank.

watching some HS football

love this photo... they both have the same expression.

Slow Down

2011-10-11T08:37:00.000-07:00

babies sure grow fast... by the minute he changes.

Now You Really Start Living

2011-10-01T20:28:00.000-07:00

Max has adjusted pretty well. He does get jealous every once in a while when we talk sweetness to Frankie (that used to be only to him). He really does love this little guy and wishes he was bigger so they could play and cuddle.

On our way to the REAL Salt Lake game. They lost... and a angry fan ran on the field and attacked the Ref. (he was a crumby Ref but really?) Frank being super "gangster" in his hoodie.

This is the only family photo we have together.... and probably the only photo mom is in.

Before we left for a yms football game. VERY FUN.

Sweet Story- We were winning and with 30 seconds left the other team marched down the field and scored. I was over walking Frank around because he was ready for bed and was standing next to a little boy who became very upset when our team was down with 30 seconds to go. He started pacing back and forth pulling at his hair and then he began to pray. I almost started to cry by how sweet this was. This kid had to be seven years old (reminded me of Josh). I also said a quick prayer for us to return the ball and win so this little boy could have a answer to his prayer. We scored with a few seconds left. I have never seen such a happy boy... first his jaw dropped in disbelief and he hugged his friend and he rushed the field like he had just won himself.

Frank actually smiles a ton. Mostly when he is about to eat... he loves to eat.... which is why he is about 12 pounds-ish at 5 weeks (that's from our scale we don't have a exact weight)

Along with Real Salt lake, and football games we went to the State Fair. We got a big turkey leg which was delicious. I saw the biggest cow in the world and almost stole a baby calf and pig.

I got a card from my Grandparents with a gift for Frank. They signed the card and wrote now you really start living. And I couldn't say it better. Stephen and I have never been so busy and things are a little more complicated when we want to do something but we have never been so blessed. There was a talk today about having children and not putting it off. The talk summed up everything I have been thinking about from before we even got pregnant. Faith, happiness, calling etc. None of my traveling, snowboarding, etc.... amount to it. It was good one along with a lot other great talks. Anyway, life is good.

Frank and Beans

2011-09-17T14:16:00.000-07:00

Frank and Lorilie

2011-09-11T09:53:00.000-07:00

This will be played at their wedding ;).

"He will come out spinning"

2011-09-06T11:57:00.001-07:00

I am typing this with one hand with Frankie Nolan or "Bean" as Stephen calls him sleeping in the other. (IDK if he will like the nickname bean but I guess we will find out.) He is 10 days old and I should probably document his birth. Since I am not a good journal writer and Stephens journal is clearly written by a man(lack of details) I will write his birth story here before I forget more then I already have. I will not be putting any gross details in it so men you are welcome to read (well to me they aren't gross). Plus instead of telling everyone my story I can send them here!
First off I took my natural childbirth Hypnobabies class trying to educate myself. I hear so many horror stories of birth. The majority of the horror stories I hear are actually of people who used medication. Most women who I spoke to who did natural childbirth had a positive experience (or they are all just crazies :)) But I had a lot of pressure from both sides telling me to do things a certain way. What I wanted from my experience was for it to be positive and beautiful and not at all like the movies portray things but for me how God sees it. Anyway, after you read my birth story you will see it didn't go EXACTLY as planned but I did get everything that I wanted (no c section and a positive experience) SOOO for those who are having a baby in the future make sure you do your education! It doesn't matter if you want to use the meds or not... Do what you feel is right! Don't just do what everyone else does, what your doctor tells you is right or what you are pressured to do....

Anyway.... Frank Nolan----

Stephen always would joke that he would come out spinning on a snowboard. I always thought it was funny but that is exactly how he came out... no joke. And at the time it wasn't to funny. We were praying that the baby would come that weekend of his due date because we really didn't want to be induced at all. And he came just when we wanted. Thursday night Hank and Stacy came to stay with us for a night before they tried to catch a flight back to NYC. That night I had some contraction but i didn't really think anything of them since I got them a lot that week. I went to bed and woke up at 2 am. My contractions were 2 minutes apart like clock work and strong. I waited a hour and listened to Stephen snore as I sat on my ball with Max. I DID NOT want to go to the hospital and get sent home. But since they kept getting worse I woke Stephen up and he got everything ready. I thought my contractions were suppose to start far apart and get to 2 mins apart later on so I wasn't expecting it. I put hypnobabies on to get in focus. At five we went to the hospital. They were still like clock work until they put me on the monitor. They still were coming often just not like clock work like they were before. She checked me and I was at a 1 booooo. She said the contractions were coming close together one after another because the baby was POSTERIOR.... which means he was running into my back causing crazy back labor. I didn't want to be stuck there so we went home. I felt bad because Stephen and Hank were planning on going mountain biking. So I took some pain reliever and slept for 4 hours while Stephen went Mountain biking. Yes I let him... he was amazing during labor and he didn't just leave me alone. Plus I had Stacy if I really needed someone.
When I woke up they were still coming regularly. I got in the tub and tried to stay hydrated which isn't easy when your are throwing up constantly. The water unfortunately did not stay warm so that relaxing tool didn't work out. I tried for about a hour all these exercises that would help switch a posterior baby.... It didn't work. My back pain was getting worse and worse and keeping water down was no good. I was still so calm and excited and didn't freak out. All because of my hypnobabies class. Finally when the pain was really bad I went back into the hospital. Time was pretty much a blur so I think it was around fiveish. They checked me and I was at a six almost seven. I stayed there for a while longer. But the fact that my labor was extremely close together I thought I would have been at the final transition period but sadly no. Since Frankie was posterior he would just run into my back instead of my cervix so really I was lucky to be were I was!! My doctors really were supportive of my going natural but he didn't want me to have a c section so he informed me that the baby would probably take a lot longer to dilate any further and contractions would stay the same. To be able to switch Frankie from posterior I had to be at a 10. I was having bad back pressure waves for a long time and I knew I would be pushing a long time. Not only that but they had to have me on a IV because I was so dehydrated. They put 5 liters in me and still I was very dehydrated and was throwing up my jello and crackers. Both Stephen and the Nurses told me I could do it without a epidural if I wanted. Stephen was super supportive and a great coach! Stephen and I said a prayer and felt right to get the epidural... because I was so dehydrated and didn't want to be pushing for a long time and end up getting a c section because I couldn't keep anything down. I told the doctor that I didn't want a strong one so I could still move. He did a great job I could still feel the contractions just not as strong I could still feel my legs. I was so grateful that he knew what he was doing. My contractions were still strong like crazy. My parents showed up because they were worried I had to get c section (My dad said I was the calmest lady in labor he has ever seen-- Thanks to Hypnobabies) After giving me a pinch (1/10 of what he usually gives patients) of pit I was at a 9 at nine ish o'clock. He still couldn't get in to Frank to switch him and Frank really wasn't descending at all!!!! So at a nine he broke my water, I started pushing to try to get to a 10. After a half an hour of pushing with the doctors help he rotated Frank. He left me with Stephen and the nurse (who was great) and I continued to push. The nurse check me and saw that Frank had switch back to posterior. I told her I felt him switching and I thought he was spinning in there. She thought that was weird and called the doctor in. Frank was back to anterior... Then when the doctor left and she check him he was back to posterior. So he LITERALLY came out spinning..... Stephen is so proud... After the doctor left I pushed for 2 more hours... the doctor came in through out the whole thing and saw that he was still not descending... I could tell he was concerned but him and the nurse were very supportive and helped coach me longer. At two hours I was close enough for the doctor to help me... he was amazed that I was able to push him down enough... He told me all other patients would have had a c section with how far up Frank was. He got another doctor and his forceps and with my pushing we got Frank Nolan out at 12:11 am Saturday. The other doctor had to jump/push down on my stomach while I was pushing while my doctor got Frank out. It must have been crazy for Stephen to watch this.... Looking at baby Frankie for the first time was exactly how I wanted it to feel... It was amazing and I don't want to forget that feeling. I didn't get the natural childbirth that I wanted but I was so grateful for the way everything happen. The doctor said if Frank wasn't posterior he would have come extremely fast because of how I was contracting and because I was natural for so long. So hopefully his siblings get that memo.

My mom delivered her first with forceps..... My grandma delivered my dad who was the second child with forceps... so I guess it was meant to be. Luckily with my pushing and good doctor Frank didn't get to many marks and his head came out normal....
Oh and I strongly suggest Hypnobabies to everyone... Its great natural or not... you do have to practice it to make it work!

Well here are few photos.... if you made it through that story congratulations....... so far this week Frank has welcomed me to motherhood by pooping on, peeing on and projectile spitting up on me ... (Stephen is very helpful and has had many chances for that to happen but Frank seems to avoid doing any of those things on him).

We are taking some photos this weekend and I will add a lot more... Since that's what you all want! Oh and the recovery is going great... I feel great even with all my stitches. (he did come out like a torpedo so some damage was done)

Hello world

2011-08-27T20:31:00.000-07:00

Frank Nolan Boren
Born 12:11 am August 27th
7 lb 14 oz 21 inches
More photos to come

for the people

2011-08-21T11:36:00.000-07:00

I didn't want to go get maternity shots done.... those photos aren't for me. Some are okay... most I think are weird. Here I am in some sweats and one of the few shirts that fit me at the park hanging out with the hub and pup. We were just playing with our camera when the sun was setting. Nothing special but its a updated belly for sure! I am sure next post will be of baby which is what people really care about.

cheese face......

Wedding Cake

2011-07-26T12:41:00.000-07:00

Yummy wedding cake... by Stephen
more photos here

You + Me = ?

2011-07-19T16:12:00.000-07:00

Who is excited?

33 weeks

2011-07-07T09:33:00.000-07:00

- I feel extremely smart when I figure out a baby gear/equipment. --- I still feel clueless about what I should get and have ready for baby

- It is too hot to go outside...

- I feel like the boy is knocking to come out already... esp. when I am walking

- Deactivated my facebook until baby (I have always wanted to do it, but it is the only way I keep in contact with many friends, so I thought the next 7 weeks would be a good trial)

- Stephen is leaving me for a whole week for scout camp... I am already bored out of my mind!--- Any projects I should do to keep me occupied (what baby projects have you enjoyed {blogs})?

- Boy baby names are extremely hard... and everyone has their opinion.... What are your favorite ones?

Summertime in the city

2011-06-29T09:17:00.000-07:00

It feels amazing to sleep in your own bed finally after two weeks of not when you are of normal size. It feels even better when you are ~8 months along. We made a quick trip to NYC to visit the food.... and my sister Helen and our friends the Toones! It was the perfect trip to stop my itching and now I feel ready to "nest" and get ready for this baby. I am so excited for our boy but not to the point where I want him to come 8 weeks early (he comes when he comes). Everyone in the world asks how I am doing and if I am ready to be "done" and the answer is really I am doing GREAT and I am ready for him but not really. I do have bad days/hours but overall this has been great and really it just depends on what I eat and the activities I do. When I don't feel good it really is mostly my fault because of what I ate. The only hard thing is being bored (being excluded from normal fun hobbies that we do). I never liked to be excluded from any fun activity when I wasn't pregnant and now I am just automatically out of the fun equation and it is hard to find something else to do.

I am not sure if it is just my body or my attitude but I think this pregnancy has been easy so far (still have my last two months in the summer). I am so grateful for this pregnancy and I am also grateful that I am living in Utah instead of out East. SHOCKING yes. Being pregnant in the summer with the dry heat out here is completely different than being out East in the humidity. I felt okay and kept up with the boys walking but more like a huge pig hobbling while I kept up. I would take a photo and be amazed about what I would look like.... I couldn't wear shoes. I couldn't help but laugh at my huge pregnant self. To bad we didn't get many good photos. I came back to Utah lost probably 5+ pounds of my bloating pig self and my shoes fit great!

We were able to eat amazing food with amazing people, go to the Apollo for amateur night, go to a Yankees game where they won in the 14th inning I believe (we got 10 dollar tickets which is a steal so we got well worth our money!), went to the temple (I still consider this my temple so I really wanted to do a session) ran in the rain, watched Hank in a bike race, Stephen rode bikes in central park(something my pregnant self missed out on), met up with high school friends, went to long beach, played at a arcade, talked and ate and ate.

fyi (most of our photos are of Lorilie... you'll understand why)

killing zombies!

waiting for some dinner

watching Hank race!

faster HANK!

long beach

baby shower

2011-06-22T12:26:00.000-07:00

I had a great Boren baby shower the first weekend in June. Lots of fun with good company. I have a friends/family one and a ward one coming up in July. If you want to join I would love to see your face. Email me your address! :) parsonsrosie@gmail.com

For Sale!!!

2011-06-02T18:36:00.001-07:00

We are selling our two amazing cameras! We love them and they take the beautiful photos and video that we post on the blog. We are upgrading cameras! If interested check out our postings on KSL!!!

Digital Camera- HERE

Video Camera- HERE

Dresser.Headboard

2011-05-23T15:06:00.000-07:00

Stephen got a free old door... and we found this amazing old dresser/mirror for $120... which we feel is a steal compared to ugly vintage ones for 200+

check out the before here!

We want to refinish them... as we spring clean/redesign for baby. Our house has been crazy but it should be amazing when we are done... The dresser will be mostly baby clothes but it is big enough for us to use too (I think but I really don't know how much baby will have). It will also be a changing table... Stephen will make a removable one. I will post photos!

Spring

2011-05-19T16:29:00.000-07:00

Spring Cleaning, not Spring.
{{Winter Weather Advisory for tonight and tomorrow!!}}

I wish Spring cleaning was more like this... (minus the heels part). Cleaning in heels does not sound like fun...

Instead I feel more like this

But I am extremely excited to put our 700 square foot home into tip top shape and make room for baby without changing much, just getting rid of. It is fun to get creative and maybe I will actually decorate this place instead of waited till we moved. I am spoiled to have this nice place... The pioneers lived in homes this size with 13 other people... 2 people, a infant and a dog... NO BIG DEAL.
One thing I do wish I could add is a garage...
One day I will have a garage to put tools and tools and more tools and other tools in.
That day will come soon...

...

This past weekend I shot a engagement shoot for my friend Bethany...
It was fun and I was happy with how they turned out!
Here are a few I took... and a belly shot or two of me.

For Bonnie

2011-05-01T13:20:00.001-07:00

Max has been very busy lately...

23ish weeks

Boy

2011-04-16T11:49:00.000-07:00

Yes, it is much easier to find cute girl baby clothes..... but boys can be just as cute.

I am excited for this hunk. I don't want to be too excited... I actually want to pretend I am not even pregnant (if that were possible). I feel if I don't think about it... it will go faster.

Robo Baby

2011-04-11T16:06:00.000-07:00

Well the babe was moving so much we are lucky we got any good photos. Everyone is always surprised about how "active" our baby is... but I just laugh because they have no idea.

Nice lips and nose.... looks like a Boren chin.

Robo baby.... Looks like my huge eyes or terminators eye.

Bam.... we all know what that is!

Its a boy!!!

And so far the the baby looks nice and healthy. He is putting a lot of pressure on my sciatic nerve.... if it doesn't go away I might need Physical Therapy.... so we will see!

Wish I Could Whistle

2011-03-23T14:36:00.000-07:00

Good thing Stephen can.... anyone ready for a picnic in the park.... my favorite warm weather activity....

Babe

2011-03-15T15:30:00.000-07:00

So we had our 16 week appointment yesterday. The doctor said really there wasn't much he could do for my migraines and that they should go away... so I will keep my fingers crossed. He said I am measuring big... which I thought my due date was a lot sooner anyway so HEY! this could be good news. If I calculated myself I would be due a month earlier, so we will see. He says this makes even more sense after I told him that the babe has been extremely active (which is unusual for this early). When we heard the heart rate, we also heard another large constant thump.... which was our kids foot constantly kicking. This is not to surprising since me and Stephen are so active but it is scary to think what the kid will do to me when I am eight months along... ouch. April 11 is our ultrasound which we will find out the gender and hopefully a more accurate due date. Make sure you vote in our gender poll (to the right) before next month. Maybe I will post a photo of my growing self next month when its more exciting...

Oh and someone please tell me what I can do with my time now that I can't snowboard with Stephen. Saturdays are a sad day around here.

next generation

2011-03-07T16:13:00.000-08:00

New Cars

2011-03-04T07:03:00.000-08:00

Here is a good watch... my new retirement plan

Watch

The Education Business Model

2011-02-22T07:52:00.000-08:00

A family friend wrote this article and I am always looking at new ways of education.

Its a quick read let me know what you think... it sounds good?

http://www.thestreet.com/story/11007678/1/a-charter-schools-successful-system-innovators.html

of recent

2011-02-11T15:33:00.000-08:00

working and playing.

1. Learning Illustrator.... (Stephen drew this)

2. Snowboarding

(Stephen throwing a double cork)

3.Taking photos and spending time with family

4. Spending lots of time with friends and saying goodbye to some....

Bye Beau have fun in Mexico!!

5. CALLINGSSSSSS

(ym and yws... this is yws of course
basketball has started and our teams are pretty awesome and the kids have fun.
We are also preparing for trek.)

5. Helen got us a wide angle and fish eye for Christmas for our video camera so this is us testing it out before snowboarding.iphone quality so better not to enlarge. (to lazy to wait for the hq to load)

6. My job is monotonous but its a job and the kids are cute some of the time. Also I don't have much responsibility which is great. I am grateful to have it!

floods/slides

2011-01-14T13:14:00.000-08:00

Stephen spent 9 months of his mission here, Teresopolis Brazil.
The streets look completely different then when he lived there.
Flash Floods/ Mud slides hit at three in the morning and have killed at least 540 (they haven't reached the worst part yet so death numbers will increase)
13,500 people seeking shelter and aid

He doesn't have contact with most of his friends and probably won't know if they made it.
Its always nice to know that prayers work across the world.

2011

2010-12-30T07:11:00.000-08:00

2010 was a hard year. The first couple years of our marriage have kind of been up in the air (it was 3 years on the 19th). But at least now I feel like we finally have somewhat of a plan. 3 years isn't too long to figure stuff out, right?

I am pumped for 2011. I am excited for his company and I know he will do amazing things. Remember spread the word about his remodeling!!! He does amazing work.

millcreekremodels.com

We hope you had a Merry Christmas... and enjoy New Years in the freezing cold.

Whelp

2010-12-02T15:36:00.000-08:00

I got a job

I will be working at Guadalupe school in West Salt Lake... close to downtown.

The school is a k-4 one class per grade English Second Language School.

A lot of the kids are special needs and have family problems.

I actually enjoy that part of it even though it can be sad sometimes to see kids not have clothes when they come in. Or when you know they can't understand anything you are saying and they are just asking to go home. I do have a major crush on latin kids to bad I can't take some of them home ;).

It doesn't pay well and the kids are bouncing off the walls (Alieve is a nice companion) but I DO get to work in schools and use my education. I am grateful that I got this job (even though it is not PE only) and that I don't have to work at Walmart or something. It gives me purpose to have a job and I am busier but yet seem to get more done... ? I guess having a job gives me energy.

Jeanne

2010-11-23T14:43:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday!

Thank you for your love and everything you do!

Thanks for keeping Stephen in line and being a amazing mother in law! :)

goodwife

2010-11-17T14:49:00.001-08:00

check out the new baby hat I crochet.... perfect for the holiday....

ClICKHERE

cute

2010-11-17T13:24:00.000-08:00

my uncle posted this on his facebook... made me laugh

The story of Jonah from Corinth Baptist Church on Vimeo.

2010-10-31T08:42:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!!!!

This is one of our favorite holidays!

Thanksgiving Halloween

2010-10-24T14:22:00.001-07:00

Thanksgiving Point Halloween/Carving Max

Check out my friends blog... if you love music/food/style this is the blog.

http://tunesandspoons.blogspot.com/

"ooooo" "ahhhhhh"

2010-10-21T09:09:00.000-07:00

O Happy Day

2010-10-12T20:50:00.000-07:00

Happy Fall Break.... Going to Moab!!!

Millcreek Remodels

2010-10-09T16:16:00.000-07:00

Well for those of you who don't know, Stephen gave his two weeks at work and his last day will be on Tuesday. Now many may ask why he would give his two weeks with out finding another job? Well Stephens company was very dishonest, abusive in many ways and he was over worked and underpaid. Stephen was extremely unhappy, not fulfilled and wasn't even getting the pay check to justify it.

So Stephen's long term goal is to own his own remodeling company. So this week he is getting his contracting license, business license and starting his marketing. I am proud of him for taking control of his life and not having some {jerk} push him around at work. His education and talent shouldn't be overlooked. So it is a scary thing starting out on your own but we feel good about it.

We are both looking for work until this business starts to pick up. We have a couple of good leads already; Stephen does amazing work and is great with people so I think it won't be to long for it to do well.

Check out this website I put together for his business. Tell me what you think. AND if you know anyone that has work for us let us know. :) Oh and it would be great if you could give Millcreek Remodels a good review on Google (if you have worked with Stephen before).

{Hope you are happy with your employment, don't settle for something}

Millcreek Remodels

www.millcreekremodels.com

2010-10-06T09:01:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Stephens Birthday!

I made him Chicken Fried Steak, Red Mashed Potatoes and Mud Pie.

Luckily everything turned out way yummy!

I hope he had a good day!!

Happy Birthday Stephen!

I don't know what I would do with out you!!!

I love you!!!!!!!!!

Random

2010-09-26T13:33:00.000-07:00

So I haven't been AS good at keeping up on the blogging. Here are some more recent photos going back to some I forgot to add...

Abby going to a dance... she is a cute girl... I had fun doing her hair...
These photos happened a while back but I forgot to post on it. We have seen some beautiful things off my parents deck. A lot of storms and the Herriman fire which Michael posted on.... Here is one of the storms we saw.

Hank and Stacy came to visit and spent some time with us! We have missed them o so much. COME BACK
Baby Lorilie is very sweet and she needs to come back too.
I did a photo shoot with Ben and Henry. They need to come back soon and not move to Alaska.... here are a few of my favorites.

We also went to the Discovery Center at Gateway.

Ben had a good time.... he was very serious about the stuff that was going on and put thought into everything.

Happy Birthday

2010-09-09T19:36:00.001-07:00

Its amazing the impact that Max has had on Stephen and I... We sure love him. Happy 4th Birthday Maximus

Dressed to impress at his dinner party....

Home made dog food... just a chicken blt with chicken broth....

And dessert.... his favorite... watermelon

I think I am in love....

2010-08-29T13:44:00.000-07:00

...with Utah.

I keep telling Stephen over and over how beautiful Utah is. I think I have seen more beautiful views and sites here in Utah than I have in Europe and South America and thats just in the past few weeks! The weather is amazing and the landscape is really breathtaking. And the activities that allow you to see these amazing sites are fun too!

But anyway... yesterday was one of those moments.

It was my first time ever mountain biking and Stephen took me on a 30 mile ride... (yes my bum is reallllly sore) Everyone on the trail thought it was amazing that I was doing this for my first time and that their wives would have killed them if they had brought them.

The ride had some pretty technical parts (parts Stephen and Beau had to walk down and other advanced riders) but I am proud to say that I did not kill myself! The only time I got scrapped up was from just going so slow that I kind of tipped over. ((It was hard looking at the amazing beauty and focus on riding.)) I am glad Stephen and our buddy Beau waited for me as I took my time.

We rode the Wasatch Crest Trail. Which is at 10,000 feet. You can see everything. Behind you is Park City and in front of you Snowbird and Milcreek canyon. I don't think I saw any peaks higher than where I was riding.

It was amazing and I loved it even though my hands and bum are super sore.

I was told that basically any other mountain biking I do will be disappointing because the Wasatch Trail is that beautiful but oh well.

Here are some photos (click on them to see better)...

At the top of the climb.... (oh by the way we did the hardest/steepest part early in the morning in a big thunderstorm going against hale and with lightening at our feet)

The dirt trails through the Aspens were my FAVORITE! I love those trees... and wildflowers everywhere just makes it that much better!
Beau was ahead of me and he would stop every once in a while and hide in the trees and throw stuff at me and jump out.... he thought he was pretty funny...

Sunny with a Chance of Snowboarding

2010-08-19T17:37:00.001-07:00

I spent a long time working on this... and I got to the point of just saying its good enough..... I would have liked to change some things but oh well..... This is film from the past snowboarding season... If you just want to watch Stephen press play and then pause let it load... and goto 3 minutes 28 seconds.... enjoy

Sunny with a Chance of Snowboarding from rosanne boren on Vimeo.

Steven Grimes, Beau Day, Oakley Hill, Stephen Boren and others riding the 2009-2010 season at Park City, Grand Targhee, Grizzlies backcountry in Utah. Enjoy.

Steven Grimes Part at- 43 seconds

Stephen Borens Part at- 3 minutes 28 seconds

Oakley Hills Part at- 6 minutes 23 seconds

Beau Days Part at 11 minutes 15 seconds

EXTRAS- 15 minutes 30 seconds

Film and Edit by Rosie

24th

2010-08-02T09:54:00.001-07:00

The Borens and Fireworks on the 24th

Spending time with Bonnie in Idaho

Sacred Places

2010-07-20T13:44:00.000-07:00

I watched this on BYU TV International, one of the few channels I get with our bunny ears.
Anyone who loves photography, art and travel will appreciate it.
It also makes you appreciate the architecture of our temples.
It is funny that all the sacred places he has been to are a majority of the places on the top of my list to go.
I thought I just put them on the list because they have culture and beauty
but really the most important part of these sites is the sacredness and that really draws me in even more.
I wish I was this guy, he has a pretty neat job. If you have time watch this.

BYUtv - Sacred Places

Jobs

2010-07-11T14:50:00.001-07:00

We have been blessed that Stephen has found a job.... It isn't what he wants to do forever but it will be great experience... He is the Dispatch Manager for Whipple...

I am still trying to find a job.... hopefully with health insurance... if anyone knows of a job out there or knows of a PE teaching position that needs to be filled let me know... I am also looking at the airport.

And no one has looked at our house.... so looks like we will be in a one bedroom for a little bit longer....

America

2010-07-04T13:53:00.001-07:00

We have sure missed being in Sandpoint for the Fourth.... but we have enjoyed it down here for sure.

We were able to take Sigma and Max to the dog park.... Sigma (my parents blind dog) has not had many (normal dog) experiences and we were able to take him swimming for the first time.... well he is a natural. It was fun to get in and swim with him... he swam around me like he was a shark and loved every minute of it. I believe it is so important for humans and animals with disabilities to experience many things. I think they are capable of doing almost anything... and people say they can't and that makes me sad...

We then went up to the mountains and watched the valley for fireworks.... best idea ever... we saw lots of shows and saw the whole valley.... and we avoided the crowds of people.

There are no photos in this post because the last posts have been crazy with photos but enjoy this great quote from President Harold B Lee.... "AMERICA"

"Men may fail in this country, earthquakes may come, seas may
heave beyond their bounds, there may be great drought, disaster, and hardship, but this nation, founded on principles laid down by men whom God raised up, will never fail. This is the cradle of humanity, where life on this earth began in the Garden of Eden. This is the place of the new Jerusalem. This is the place that the Lord said is favored above all other nations in all the world. This is the place where the Savior will come to His temple. This is the favored land in all the world. Yes, I repeat, men may fail, but this nation won’t fail. I have faith in America; you and I must have faith in America, if we understand the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are living in a day when we must pay heed to these challenges.

I plead with you not to preach pessimism. Preach that this is the greatest country in all the world. This is the favored land. This is the land of our forefathers. It is the nation that will stand despite whatever trials or crises it may yet have to pass through."

Happy Birthday America

capital capital

2010-06-29T09:05:00.001-07:00

A few nights ago we went to downtown slc and to the capital building and played around with our camera and with my sister abby and our buddy beau day. We watched the sunset and had lots of fun running around. I love SLC it has to be one of the prettiest cities around.

Here are some of my favorite shots... We are trying to learn how to work our camera with out PhotoShop.... There was a couple there that was taking engagement photos... we thought we could do better... We took a lot of photos... which one is your favorite???

S & S

2010-06-14T07:55:00.000-07:00

The past 2 weeks we have been traveling... We went down to St. George to spend some time with my Grandparents! It was so much fun. I wish I could see them more. We basically drove up to Sandpoint, Idaho on our way back from St. George. One of Stephens high school best buds was getting married. We spent the week up there having fun. On the way back we stopped in Rexburg to visit with our good friends Aria and Walter and to see my sister Bonnie and the babes. A lot of fun.... but we hate car rides... so we are happy to be home... And lets say max is too. We didn't take to many photos of us but were playing with our camera and messing with settings so enjoy these photos of little pieces of our trip with a few of us!

.ST. GEORGE.

We drove around North West Arizona and Zions. We saw Ghost towns, red rock and dirt!

Big Whitey (my grandpa) let stephen drive one of his babies.... his jeep.

These flowers only come out 2 days out of the year... we happen to see it... we are pretty special.

.REXBURG.

Benjamin is getting big.

Henry is a flirt for sure.

Luca checking out some ladies....

Luca showing some skin.... oh ya!

.Sandpoint.

Max is still forgiving us for this past week...

.Wedding. Kyle and Colleen Watson

Kyle watching his bride

Kyle with his brother

Colleen was so excited to get married she went from laughing to crying and was very antsy/nervous... it was very cute.

Max having a good time with the rope swing...

Jumps

showing off his tiger stripes

showing off his tiger moves

playing with the camera

The weather was like this the whole time...

Horse shoes--- The Champion himself.... look at that form....

Chorizos

tired pup

BIG marshmallows seem fun but they don't make the best smores.

bye bye bye college

2010-05-09T14:54:00.001-07:00

This is what I have been doing all week..... Second degree burn all over my face from snowboarding! Snowboarding was so much fun though. I just need to remember sunscreen... I wont show you what it looked like with out the oatmeal mask.... its scary...

I graduated on Thursday... still recovering from sunburn... :) here are some photos.

Where have we been...

2010-04-29T12:16:00.000-07:00

So we haven't posted anything in a while... I am sorry. I am going to get back to blogging (both blogs) soon. I am taking a breather from life. I am doing absolutely nothing as long as possible. I really struggle with this... and I feel like a waste. BUT I was told by many to do nothing while you can... I have finished student teaching and school.... We have been Snowboarding A LOT! we have a lot of photos and video... I will try to weed out the best ones and post on them later... I am not posting 300 photos to a blog. Our life is a waiting game. The house is on the market/School is over/work is pretty much over/application status is still unknown for Stephens schools. So we are waiting... and I am less stressed than I use to be. I think now that it is out of my hands, I don't feel stressed. I know that will change so I will enjoy this for a while. I start subbing next week for a week or so... It will be nice to do it for money and see my girls again. The last day of saying goodbye to my students was harder than I thought. I am guessing that means that I liked teaching... I was pretty hot and cold about it during the practicum.

We have been staying at my parents house with my sister while they are on a fun little trip with my grandparents. It has been so fun to hang out with my little sister... and I really enjoy it. Yesterday we went together to get our hairs cut. I came out looking completely different... its a fun change.... I use to do a lot of fun stuff to my hair, clothes and other things. Hopefully I can get back to doing my thannng.

Side note- for those of you that know my hair.... It took 3.5 hours to get it cut... thats what you get for having a lot of hair.... Its funny every time I go to get it cut the whole time they are just amazed at my hair.... the whole time they comment- the hair never ends.... you move some a way and than you find more hair... I love the place I go to and wish I could afford to go more... he cares so much about my hair... and he loves what he does and knows what he is doing. I have yet to find many hair stylist who know how to deal with my hair.

Floors

2010-04-04T14:52:00.000-07:00

Well we put wood floors in.... a lot of work.... a lot...
Stephen did most of the work but you should have seen ME in my skirt using the wood floor nail gun pounding them in. I thought I was pretty awesome.
Turned out pretty nice eh?
Does anyone want to buy our condo or know someone in the market for a condo??

Oh and conference was really really great.
Happy Easter!

Hey Grandpa!

2010-03-29T20:11:00.000-07:00

"Hey Grandpa, I am ready for the summer... for the lake and to be brave"

Sleep

2010-03-26T09:38:00.001-07:00

We switched out a soft king size bed for a queen size while we stage and sell our house.
I saw this video and thought it was cool but also this is how I sleep...
Most nights I move a lot in my sleep. Last night with the queen size I ran into Stephen a number a times. I never thought I moved a lot, because in a king you don't meet most the time. I wish I looked this cool while I rolled around. Enjoy...

Question

2010-03-14T19:20:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone and anyone who read the blog.
I am graduating in May!!
I have been on university health insurance.
So I need to be a big girl and get this family insurance stuff.
What should I get does anyone like their plan?
We obviously need the best plan for the cheapest?
Any one know anything that can help me so I don't get taken advantage from all these insurance people?
Do you like your insurance?
Stephen just needs major medical... but I would like a pretty good coverage plan.

Maybe Lucky Is the Word

2010-03-11T13:30:00.000-08:00

Last week Stephen went off a jump at PC.
Doing his fancy pants stuff.
And crack.
Luckily he didn't crack his head.
He broke his board in two places.
Now he has done this before but this time he was nervous.
Is my warranty up???? ahhh.
Whelp he called the Burton and he had 12 days left....
wow lucky.
He got a new board which is the board he actually wanted!
Its worth about $700....
He is really lucky.

Today Stephen was driving up a Canyon to work on a house up there.
He was on i80 and BAM!!!!
Our Yakima Snowboarding Racks Exploded....
No Joke
KAPOW!
It went flying off, along with a old door and plywood that was on top of it.
I am so glad that no one was behind him.
It could have killed someone!!!!!!
I can't imagine a old door flying at someone going 80 mph.
We bought all of the parts to our Yakima Racks from people on KSL and what not.
Well Stephen went into a store and talked to them and apparently they have life warranty.
So we have new $600+ worth of racks coming our way.
We did not spend much of anything for them.

LUCKY.
Love warranties

Notes

2010-02-26T18:20:00.000-08:00

1. Staging your house can be really sad... Seeing your family and friends in photos and personal items go away in a box it feel less like home. Who knows when we will see them again. But getting a storage room should have been the first thing we did when we moved in.

2. Just finished parent teacher conferences. The only complaint (okay add a s on the end of that) is that one they are way too long.... WAYYY I am not one for 12 hour days, AND the kids parents that I needed to have a visit with didn't come. Surprise... not. The kids that are doing well come for a pat on the back I guess. Lets just say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree....

3. Aria thanks for updating your blog.... do it more.

4. I have six more weeks of teaching... SIX... that's not very long right? I am running out of creative ideas.

New Hat

2010-02-21T09:13:00.000-08:00

Do you like my new hat?

Hi

2010-02-09T15:58:00.001-08:00

I have not posted anything besides photos for a while.
For those of you who want a update.
I don't feel like I have one. But here goes something.
Stephen is still waiting for people to send in the letters of rec.
Its hard to rely on other people when it concerns your future.
I am still doing student teaching and I enjoy it some days.
It all depends on my attitude.
Even though I want to shake some of the girls because of how rude they are.
If I laugh it off my days go a lot smother and I am more pleasant.
Today I broke up a fight between some girls in my class.
I know you are interested in 7th grade drama.
Basically one of the girls tattled on one girls best friend and had them sent to Juvie.
sweet.
Even though I see these things daily I still love most of the girls.
Sometimes I just stair at these girls while they are in a activity and just think how hard they are having it and how they are really good kids that are not in good situations.
The only time I don't have compassion is when I see them bullying sweet nerdy kids.
Today Faten who is from the middle east and doesn't speak.... because she has a hard time with English and because she is cute and shy. came up to me and said "girl not like me".
She than started explaining me how this girl she didn't know was beating on her.
The sweetest frailest kid in the world who doesn't speak is getting picked on.
Lets just say the girl who is picking on her is never going to do it again.
I also have been applying for jobs which is a lot more difficult than I imagined and weird.
Stephen has been amazing through everything.
We only have one car so its nice to have him dropping me off and picking me up so I can tell him about school and ask him for help.
He also helps out at home and does the laundry.
I have never worn socks this much.
And I have not run out of socks because he does laundry.
Thank you :)
We also are starting to get the house ready to put it on the market.
a lot more work than I thought.
So that's our news.
Hopefully we will find out what our future holds in Aprilish.

living in the snow

2010-01-28T17:13:00.000-08:00

Recently...
Aerial Freestyle Jumping

Me doing "bigger" jumps....

Grand Prix Snowboarding at Park City...

Lots and Lots of Snow..... This is my dad stuck in the snow....

Going for a Hike on Stansbury Island in the middle of Salt Lake...

We wanted to get away from the yucky air.... it was really bad in the Beginning of January. Yuck

This is the cleanest/ bluest sky we had seen in ages.

the dogs were tired.

We hope February is as much fun as January!

Bootie

2010-01-26T17:00:00.000-08:00

Max loves the snow.... but has very sensitive skin.... wait he is really sensitive in all ways... anyway we think its silly when people buy their dogs all these clothes and shoes.... things you know the dog hates..... well we wanted him to enjoy the snow with out getting scrapped up (it looks like his paws are bleeding) so we tried out the booties at petco. As you can see from the footage he loves them..... uhhhh and we returned them.... he walks in the them like forest gump (swing the legs out)

Yoga X

2010-01-13T14:39:00.000-08:00

We are being X treme....

My sister Bonnie gave us p90x as a gift for Christmas.
Not because she thought I was fat but because I asked for it.
It is a great program and works us out good... I suggest it for those wanting to lose weight a different way and at home.
Bonnie lost like 40 pound quickly... she is back to her high school size after having two babies. That is pretty awesome.

Here is how exercising looks in our house.

(that is not my but wrinkles.... its just my pants ;) if it was my butt than I would really need to work out)

Break

2010-01-05T15:05:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone had a great break. It sure went fast.

Things we did...

Take Family photos.....

stephen is the blurb!!! he ran over rocks to get to the photo and fell in freezing water!

went sledding

SNOWBOARDING!

Max got tangled in barbed wire and got scraped up pretty good on Christmas.... but he is back and running

and hung out with these guys and family

on new years eve Stephen made my family home made Chinese food..... sooo goodddd!!!!!!

i started student teaching! i didn't realize i was in such a low income area.... but it will be a good experience. i love the diversity even though the stories i hear about the kids are little scary

two years

2009-12-20T12:33:00.000-08:00

Two years!
Happy Anniversary Stephen.
I love you.
I wrote about our day here.

Here is some of the very delicious food he made me.... I thought it was pretty so I took photos.

oh and we made fudge for the first time the other day! SO GOOD! I was proud of us.
and we made eggs benedict- not as good.... if you have any good suggestion if you have made it let us know... we just thought it looked really good.

Pencils down

2009-12-18T08:39:00.001-08:00

I am done with school??
Just have my student teaching left....
I start January 4th!
any advice?
.strange.
I FEEL LIKE I SHOULD BE DOING SCHOOL
BUT I SIT HERE ON THE COUCH AND I AM NOT!

Here is Max with wrapping paper.
Please ignore the mess it was when we were fixing up our bookshelf
if you haven't seen it check it out on the good wife

for now we are up to park city to celebrate!

I'll take this one.....

2009-12-13T15:42:00.000-08:00

How 2

2009-12-08T11:49:00.000-08:00

I was made aware that some people don't know how to post the good wife life link.

Copy the Photo on the side of my blog or the one in this post to your desktop
Click on Customize on the top left hand corner
Make sure its on Layout
Click on the side link bar to add gadget
click add picture
Load photo from your desktop
And type in http://thegoodwifelife.blogspot.com in the link box
Click save in the box and than save on your layout page

There you go!
Thanks for adding me!
I am adding our Christmas Calendar right now so go look at it! Stephen did an AMAZING!!! job.

AUCTION...

2009-12-07T15:05:00.000-08:00

John and Emily Jones. John (a medical student at the University of Virginia) was exploring The Nutty Putty caves near Spanish Fork, UT during his Thanksgiving vacation when he got stuck in a 10"x14" space. Rescuers worked for 28 hours to remove him but could not and he passed away. He left behind his wife, Emily, their 14-month-old daughter and a baby on the way (due in June).

A Daily Scoop Blog is holding a auction to help the young widow.

I am auctioning my Mobile from nevehats.

Click here to bid on my Mobile
or Click here to see other things that you can bid on.

also check out my wreaths I made..... here

the.good.wife.life.

2009-12-04T08:07:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting for over a year to start a blog. I would like to post all the crafty things me and Stephen do and so on and separate it from my family photos and updates. So now that I really see the light at the end of the tunnel for school I started one so I can have more time on it when I graduate. Plus its fun! Check it out and post it on your blog post or side bars! That would be great.
Oh and the blog includes everything but I really like the fashion deals and interior design crafts.

thegoodwifelife.blogspot.com

Oh and please let me know what you think. I am not a pro at this blog stuff.
And I just finished up my wreaths! and I love them so cute and easy and fun.... so check back later today I will post them : )

Happy Wedding Day

2009-11-30T12:22:00.000-08:00

Congrats Matt and Dianna Funk

Bridal Shower

2009-11-30T12:00:00.001-08:00

Dianna's Shower was a lot of fun! Here are some photos of some pretty ladies!

If you want to see how I made the flower pom pom go to here and click on the link.

{Family}

2009-11-08T18:12:00.000-08:00

So here are a lot of photos but we bought a nice camera so we use it! enjoy
On the way to the park

Batdog

Our dog is really talented....... no really!!!!
love him... he can balance a lot on his nose/head for a while

to bad max messed this up cause it be a good one.....

leaves

My boys

Buns of steel

Having fun with the leaves

Friday night we were able to go to Mels Play it was amazing!! She put on Midsummers Night Dream at Lehi Junior High.... better than any high school play and junior high play we've seen. Nice job Mel!! Here are photos of the family after the play.

Clara

Jessica
Katie
Being silly
David on Mels cool trees that Stephen helped build
Aunt Mels amazing stage behind me
Sage is very sweet.

Boo!

2009-11-01T12:13:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween!
After lots of planning and thinking of what to be we just kind of went with what we found in my parents basement.... it was fun and our good ideas will just have to wait (things are a lot easier when you can dress up kids to be things with you)

Batdog.... Max played the part....doesn't he look deeply troubled in this photo.... just like Batman.... oh how he loves Rachel ....squirrels and cheese

I got to wear my moms old nursing outfit.... she must of looked pretty hott going to work in that hat!
I have always wanted to dye my hair blond just to see what it looks like.... what do you think?
The Disco Mexican
Rocking out....

It was a long but fun day........

{Perfect}

2009-10-23T07:34:00.000-07:00

I have very strange dreams all the time Stephen can tell you. Last night it was just my mom and me and my sisters driving down a road of this.
{No music or talking just the sound of the car. Not strange last night just perfect.}Fall I think is my favorite season. There are climates that have weather year around that is like winter, summer and even spring. No where can I find fall year around. Fall (and the Holidays in the city) are the times that I miss the East the most. I miss My Cider Mill, cider and doughnuts and my Dunkin Donuts. This is also the season where I would be playing my sports in great weather and having fun with my friends on halloween. I am in need of a fall/holiday east coast visit.... I really want to drive up the North East in the fall..... and stay at little no body places...Maybe next year?....

: This was a must needed dream after a hard day with High School Students yesterday sigh:

Our friend Brasil

2009-10-17T15:36:00.000-07:00

We got back from Brasil yesterday. This is our first "vacation" together alone out of the country. I say "vacation" because it wasn't like relaxing all the time. I was very excited to see beautiful Brasil when I got there but it rained and was cloudy the first 4 days. And when I say rain I don't mean the normal South American mist rain we were drenched. Rio de Janeiro has also got much more expensive since Stephen has been there so our hostel we stayed in wasn't top notch and unless you love to drink all day everyday, smell/see nasty things than I don't think you could say it was pleasant stay. So our first half of Rio was sort of a bummer but we did have fun and went to a soccer game and toured around the city spending all our money on food. The day before we headed out of Rio I finally saw a sneak peak of the sun, the Christ statue, and Sugar Loaf. We than headed to a island off the coast of Rio called Ilha Grande. This was a high light of our trip. We never had clear clear skies but here it was wonderful weather. The island is a beautiful jungle and looks like Jurassic park. Most of the island is untouched. The main town was without cars, you walk, ride bikes, or take the boat out. This is what the whole world should be like its awesome. The road was cobblestone and the town centers around a cute white church. The hostel we stayed at here was much cheaper and much nicer. Instead of staying in dorms we got our nice private room with private bathroom and balcony with hammock. Very fun we wish we stayed there longer (but since the rain we had to take the only clear day left and go back to Rio to finish things up) On the island we saw monkeys fun birds, swam and snorkeled with turtles and fun fish. We headed back to Rio and saw the Christ statue we got lucky and it was a clear morning as soon as we left the statue the clouds came rolling in. We went to the beach during a stand storm and it was not the best no one likes sand pelting you. As we sat there we thought of the weekend ahead and what would we do because it was suppose to rain all weekend long. We left the sand storm called the airline and switched our flights. We left that night. It was quit a adventure. The only thing I am sad we didn't do is buy stuff. It rained most nights so the stands weren't out. So we didn't bring home any gifts for anyone or gifts for us. Max was pretty bummed. This trip was not at all what we had planned but it was lots of fun! We were excited to get back to our bed, max, toilets, and cold cereal. Its a good thing we came back because we both got a little sick (stephen more so) I can't imagine what it would be like if we were down there in the hostels in the rain! This trip could have not been done without the Jessica and Brian who let Max into their home Thank you soooo much.

We took tons of photos here are our favorite ones. I really dislike doing slide shows but there are a lot of photos and for most of you this is the only way to see them. The photos are great and much better blown up! Roll over photos to read captions.
Click on the slide show and it can go bigger...

Trolley

Futbol games.... the energy was amazing!!!

GOall

Boys vs Girls

2009-10-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

Girls

Boys
Hold our calls please. We are going to Brazil on Wednesday. So when you think of us, think of the your favorite beach song and a coconut drink while we high five each other in the sand.

God Exist

2009-09-25T08:05:00.000-07:00

Hey so this is most likely untrue who said it. But I liked the over all point that God exist.

The Wonder Dog

2009-09-21T16:52:00.001-07:00

Here is what Max is up to these days.....

Turning 3 years old
Eating fruit
Trying new fashion...

Doing magic tricks and being very noble and handsome while doing it

Whats great is that he sits with his eyes crossed looking at the ball for nearly a minute (I didn't tape that long).

playing peek a boo (forward ahead to see at about 40 sec. and i'm hiding behind a t.v.)

and....

and Swimming lessons

and news from us - I am in the new YW presidency (advice will be nice) and I'm so excited!! I am teaching at Brighton High School this semester. Stephen is looking for job still but is passing the time by helping the Higginbothams with a project. (Brazil in 2 weeks!!!)

Brain Gains | Special Feature: Brain Gains | CBC News: The National

2009-09-14T12:54:00.001-07:00

Brain Gains | Special Feature: Brain Gains | CBC News: The National

Shared via AddThis

Here is a great video.... Have behavior problems.... maybe you should try this!!
Physical activity is so important for every child and helps them on every aspect of life.

Fall is here

2009-09-08T15:31:00.000-07:00

School has started! YES! I love school. I really do if only it had less busy work I would go to school and learn the rest of my life. Stephen is looking for work in construction management (it seems like a impossible task even with a degree). While he is looking for work he is studying for the GMAT (if you have any tips let us know)! He started today and is doing well. Its nice to have him home all the time even though I think its better he has a job its nice to have him around.
Since school has started this means Football has started..... this is a fun part of the year that we look forward too! This past weekend we were able to go to the USA VS El Salvador World Cup Qualifier. The US won 2-1 it was so much fun. Anyone who says soccer is boring has never been to a real game. I think there was just as many people in Royal blue for El Salvador as there were USA fans. They sure love their soccer and I love it too. During the game we were luckily surrounded by BYU fans with a updater and we had good friends texting us the updates of the BYU game. Stephen was pretty giddy that night and was talking to strangers every chance he got about the game. I would consider myself a Utes fans but I enjoy when BYU does well.... This BYU vs UTAH game should be interesting (even though Utah lost most of their people it is always interesting).
Labor Day we were able to spend time with Stephens Family. Even though most of them live so close we don't feel we see them enough. We had a fun BBQ that Mel made and than went to the Alpine Natural Water slide. It was a party and it was nice to be in the water, Max sure had fun and is still recovering. Here are some photos from the latest and greatest events.

Playing with Aunt Rosies Jewelry always a fav

USA game {i love this stadium}

The great and mighty slide

David and Clara

Jessica and Nathan after a bloody nose on the slide

Mel have a blast

Jessica and Katie

David with his nice patched up chin

Clara and David after they went on the slide

David and Aunt Mel (David went out down the slide many times)

David

Katie enjoying herself

Sage

Max chillin'

2009-08-25T14:10:00.000-07:00

Brazil- October 2009 ..... We purchased our tickets today for a 10 day trip
This should help me get through this intense last semester [of classes]!
We are thrilled... if you have been and have a secret about Brazil or what we should see than let us know. Stephen did serve his mission there so he knows how to get around but not necessarily touristy hot stops or secrets.

Oh and comment on our kitchen {post below} we worked hard let us know what you think!

This cracks me up....

2009-08-21T20:25:00.000-07:00

Benjamin on a horse at the reunion.... here

Work Work Work

2009-08-21T17:03:00.000-07:00

We have been working a very long time on this kitchen.... by we i mean mostly Stephen.... I help when I don't get in the way. So here it is... we put in granite, and the white back splash.... Stephen personally made the knew cabinet doors and siding and we stained them and painted! woo glad this is done. Check it out

This is the before kitchen.... I didn't think it was terrible (no i didn't love it) but Stephen thought it was pretty ugly.... really ugly.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
And this is After..... Click on photos to make larger

Joy

2009-08-19T16:43:00.000-07:00

August has been full of family reunions and gatherings. This is how we feel about this past month.

[Henry/Hank]

oh and our kitchen is almost done lots of work!!!!..... expect photos this week.

Cool Friends and Good Food

2009-07-27T19:53:00.000-07:00

Well we just got back from southern california. It was five days of non stop fun! We went to six flags the first day and threw off our equilibrium to start off the trip! We ate a ton of In an Out! It was delicious! We hit up a private beach near Laguna Beach which was absolutely awesome! The next day we went down town and saw the sites and then it was off to Santa Monica beach! It was a lot of waves and tons of fun. The next day was Hunnington Beach which included the US Open of Surfing and the Nike 6.0 Skate and BMX comp! It was so sick!!! It was an awesome trip and so much fun!!!!

Farm Photos

2009-07-15T10:32:00.001-07:00

Here are some photos that Stacy took of us while we are up in Sandpoint. Stephen and Hank .... and Max were good sports while me and Stacy made them go through taking some family photos. We haven't had any photos taken of us since our wedding and I have a hope of sending out Christmas cards this year which probably won't happen. I am hoping that I can develop some of these photos so I can have photos hanging in my house that are nice besides my wedding photos. Some of the photos are cut off but I don't know why but which ones are your favorite??

4th

2009-07-07T10:23:00.000-07:00

We were able to go up to Sandpoint Idaho for the 4th of July. It was so much fun and we miss it so much. We stopped by Rexburg on the way up and saw family and friends. Then we took the long trip up. We experienced ruptured eardrum, many many many bug bites, lose of a toenail, sunburns, etc but still had a blast. Our friends Hank and Stacy took most of the photos of us and we took most of the photos of the kids on the 4th so the slide show include alot of the grandkids they are cuter anyway. We also went rock climbing the weekend before (it was my first time ever doing any kind of climbing) It was the hardest thing I have ever done but i made it to the top.... even tho it took forever. Hopefully we will go again soon.