she's 5. does that make you want to cry, too?

She chose Senor Iguanas for lunch. I know she did it just for the sombrero.

the girl and her daddy

hey, that's me!

and of course, grandma sandy

we had a surprise party that night for her as well.

i must have deleted those photos on accident because i can't find them.

just so you know, the surprise party was tons of fun. she told me it was a way better party than her four year old party. 'til next year.

wanna hire me? DO IT!

So, I've decided to put it out there that I'm going to be doing mini sessions until the end of the year. The definition of "mini" is this:

kids and/or families

30-45 minutes

10-15 images with photo release to make your own prints

50 bucks

What a deal! You can't get that at Sears or Walmart, that's for sure! I'll come to your home, your grandma's house, the pound. Whatever, you name it.

You got questions? Send me an email.

lazydaisyday@yahoo.com

Just to prove I can take a decent photo I'm posting a couple from a wedding I did this last week.

p.s. TELL EVERYONE YOU KNOW!

What are you DOING?

ahhhh. summer.

What in the heck have I been doing? And why haven't I been blogging? Well.....we've....

taken close-ups with virtually no makeup on

made children pose for photos

introduced Jake to one of my favorite places

what?

ate sand

don't worry. it's going in the puddle not on the head.

practiced "the orangutang"

grilled

took a ride

celebrated independence

visited Grandma Wilcox's house and saw some relatives while we were at it

let mom do annoying things

applied rogaine

celebrated birthdays

hot tubbed with cousins

visited with members of the animal kingdom

p.s. more details later...hopefully

Quoth The Greaser "I do love you, I just wish you were nicer."

Can I blog from my phone? I shall call it phlogging.

TKO

Computer has been down and out. Supposedly, good as new no later than Monday of next week. Shall we hold our breath? Lots to post. Stay tuned....

So much

has happened in the last month and a half since I last blogged. For the Cutter man it has been new teeth and crawling. His second bottom tooth just came through today. The first one broke through a couple of weeks ago. He's been officially crawling for three or four days now. He actually learned how to sit up on his own before he figured out the crawling thing. It's great how much happier they become when they can finally do things on their own. He is such a good kid. He loves to be tossed around and turned upside down.

It finally warmed up and we went out in the backyard yesterday to sit and enjoy the sunshine. We learned that Cutter does not like the feel of grass on his feet! We also learned that "The Beast"(cat), as I call her, loves the great outdoors. When the neighbor kids saw her (stole her, in Gracie's mind) there was a little melt down. Never fear, we rescued her. Gracie has decided to call her Edwin. Great name for a female cat! Oh well. To me she will always be "The Beast".

Gracie is almost done with her first year of preschool. Since her birthday is in November I've been told she will just have to wait until the next year to start kindergarten. Not to brag or seem like the typical mom that thinks her kid is the smartest but she is WAY smart and I fear that one more year of preschool is going to hold her back. Okay, honestly, I KNOW one more year will hold her back. We'll see what the fall brings. My plan is to work on the reading and writing this summer. She is really into asking me if I know how much suchandsuch + suchandsuch is. I'm really bad at math so she's already surpassed me on that one!

Gracie just had her first offical hair cut a little over a week ago. We had planned on getting it cut a month ago but when the time came she chickened out. I was way bummed because she had been so excited about it, and for a whole week she asked me every day how many days until she could get her hair cut. Cousin Randi was able to trim it up a little bit without too much trouble. After that she thought it was the coolest thing to get her hair cut. I got mine cut on Friday and she wanted to get hers cut again. So now it is about shoulder length. She loves it and has requested to get her hair cut everyday! Now when we wash her hair or curl it she has to make sure it isn't going to make it longer because she loves it short. My hair is shorter, too, but since I'm the one always holding the camera there is no picture proof of my new 'do. But please feel free to picture it in your head. If you decide to go that route I request that you also picture me to be 5'10" and a couple lbs lighter. Pretty much, just put my head on Mandy Moore's body. I will be satisfied. Maybe you are asking yourself, "why Mandy Moore?" I happen to think she has a good body image. She is healthy and not too skinny. So there.

Speaking of skinny, Jake is working hard. When doesn't he work hard? If you tell him "you can't" he will do everything in his power to show you he can! He never gives up and it is something that can only be admired. You know how in school when it seemed like all the teachers gave you tons of homework at the same time? I'm pretty sure that is how he feels right now. I know he can get it all done. It's just a pain in the butt until then. We are looking forward to a little free time this summer and hopefully a whole lot of fishin'!!

Little flower that didn't last long once Gracie saw it had bloomed

Just a smidge of color for this b&w post

Happy 8 month old!

Do you like the vintage feel of this one, too?

The Girl with her new cut and her little man

A day....

Cutter man is sick. He is suffering from a cold that has turned into a cough and sleepless nights. He is still a fairly happy baby, though. He acts happy most of the time, as long as you aren't wiping his nose. That isn't really why I'm here typing. I just wanted to say that he has officially rolled over from back-to-belly. Now that he has passed that threshold he has done it about 5 or 6 times today. He's no onetime wonder! It seems that all of a sudden he has decided he's tired of being sedentary and is trying the whole mobility thing. He actually pushes himself with his feet when he is on his belly. He hasn't figured out how to pull his knees up yet, but when he does I bet he'll crawl soon after. Don't be surprised if I post his crawling debut in two weeks.

I have to tell everyone what Gracie said to me today. She came in the room this morning and asked if Jake would start her cartoons for her. I asked her if I could kiss Daddy first and she said, "Okay, but just one kiss!"
We looked at each other, smiled, and I just gave Jake a little peck. She stood there and watched. After I kissed him she said, "it's okay if you kiss him how you always do."
Don't worry. We aren't making out all of the time. But now you know Jake and I really do like each other!




Just a random pic.

Pay it Forward

A friend of mine has this on her blog and I thought it sounded like so much fun. So this is how it works..... The first 3 people to leave a comment on this will receive a hand made gift from me during this year. When and what will be a surprise. There's a small catch...You knew there would be didn't you? Post this on your blog then come back and leave a comment, telling me you're in. Fun, huh? Remember, only the first 3 comments receive the gift.

6 months later....

The little man is 6 months old.  How did time go so fast?  I am completely gaga over him.  Oh, I love his smile.  What girl doesn't love a man that drools all over her?  We had his 6 month checkup on the 5th.  He weighed in at 14 lbs 3 oz.  Back down into the 5th percentile.  So much for a chubby baby.  He sits up pretty much on his own.  A few tumbles now and then.  He rolls about 3/4 of the way from his back to belly.  No crawling yet.  And he is soooooo handsome.

<--------- Real Life

My little G

If only you could hear some of the stuff she comes up with these days.  Lately, she's been telling me, "at least I didn't lie".  I guess I should be thankful that she believed me when I told her that I always wanted her to tell me the truth and I wouldn't get mad.  She has also recently been heard to say, "I can't wait until I turn 7 so that I can get my ears pierced."  Where in the world did she get 7 from???!!  For her 5th birthday Gracie informed Grandma Sandy that she would be hosting the party at her house.  She requested that everyone hide and when she comes in she will say, "where is everybody?"  and they will jump out and say SURPRISE!  And she says everyone is invited.  You've got 9 months to clear your schedule.  She is my best friend and I love her beyond words.  She also told me last night that I was the skinniest mom ever.  Good girl.

I just love the tousled hair and serious look.  

Some Christmas

Christmas this year was great.  Gracie was pretty pumped about Santa.  I must admit that I was proud when I asked her why we celebrate Christmas and she said, "because it's Jesus' birthday.  Don't you know?"  It's hard to get a four year old to understand the reason for all the holidays, and I have a feeling it's not because I did my job.  I think she is just more intelligent than I am!! 

 So, finally, the day arrives!  We woke up to a bunch of snow.  Santa must have had the ability to see into the future because he brought Gracie a new coat and some snow boots.  Good man.  Some of the stuff she got she wasn't too surprised because she had asked for it.  The things that she hadn't asked for were given this response.."Oh, this is what I REALLY wanted!  How did Santa KNOW??!!"  It was great.   

Just a couple inches

This jewelry set was a big hit.  When told earlier she couldn't get it apparently she had this conversation with herself....."I would have been so beautiful in my princess tiara and necklace.."

Look at that stash!  All for Daddy.

Santa left Christmas necklaces in everyone's stockings.  Be prepared for the family photo next year with them!

Oh yeah.  Gracie got a kitty.  That was the biggest surprise.

I wanted something that looked peaceful and soft.  This is my fave

Night lights

This was the scene on the way to IF the other night.  There is no camera trickery or post processing games.  It really did look like this.  

Mauri tagged me forever ago

So, the rules were to pick the 4th photo in the 4th folder and explain it.  When Mauri tagged me this definitely wasn't the 4th pic because I just did this in St. George.  It is the 4th pic now and I have no way of knowing which one was truly the 4th one when she tagged me.  Anyway, I took this because I liked the prints in the sand and how they meandered along.  I prefer b&w so I had to post it both ways.

The Mom

I'm a mom.  Well, I'm a lot of things, but that is what defines me the most.  No matter where I go or what I do I will always be a mom.  Yesterday I was tired.  I'm still a mom.  Last week I was in a bad mood.  I'm a mom.  That is what it all comes down to.  I miss sleep.  And then he smiles at me.  I hate worrying all the time.  Then she tells me I'm her best friend.  All these things that make being a mom so hard are the things that, in the end, make it feel so good. 

Almost 4 months

Every now and then I look at her and I realize how big she is getting and it makes my heart a little sad.  

Hello, is that you, Slacker?

Have I waited a full month yet to get you up to date?  Man, I've just been so tired and busy that I haven't wanted to sit and take the time to post.  Well, here I am now.  Halloween was  good times for all!  Gracie loved getting dressed up and showing off for anyone that would look at her.  She even got to dress up for one day of preschool.  If you can't tell....she was a black cat.  She was originally supposed to be a cat princess but the ears with the tiara attached disappeared somewhere.  There were Trunk or Treats, parties at the zoo, and of course the official day of Halloween to keep us busy.  And just a quick 5 days later was her fourth birthday.  Can you get any more spoiled in less than a week?  We had a birthday party at my mom's house with all the family.  Jake's parents and his sister Sue and niece Brynn came to party with us.  Gracie wanted to invite pretty much anyone she has every met.  Luckily, we just had the usual family.  I got after her for jumping on the couch and she ran away crying, saying, "Mommy ruined my special day!"  DIVA.

October 17th, Happy Anniversary!

Last Friday was our 5 yr anniversary!  We went out to a corn maze/pumpkin patch that was so fun!  They had little stations with different activities for the kids.  Gracie got a little flower painted on her cheek and had a story read to her.  They also had some pigs and a horse that the kids got to feed.  The corn maze was fun because it was educational.  When you came to a fork in the maze there was a question posted about agriculture.  If you answered the question wrong the maze would lead you to a dead end.  Gracie loved it!  Jake and I did go out to dinner afterward by ourselves.  I think it was our best anniversary yet!  

Story time

In the maze

Andrew feeding the horse

pickin' out pumpkins

everyone walking off into the sunset!

Family of the Corn....finally, a family photo, and I like it!!

Cutter's Blessing Day

My little man looked so handsome.  He was a good boy all day even with all the noise.  We woke up with a couple of inches of snow on the ground so it was good to see so many people come.  We didn't get any family photos because I guess I'm the only photographer around.  I did a few of him after everyone left and Jake took a couple of me and him just before bed.  I'm glad I got a couple of the kids with my dad.  It was a good day all around!  I'm glad I only have to do it once, though.  

We got a little snow!

We got our first snow of the year and of course Gracie wanted to go out and play in it.  She wanted to have her picture taken with her purse.  How did I end up with such a girl?  We did get more snow than this but it melted before we could get back out there.

She quickly turned against me

Conversations with a Three Yr Old

I'd like to believe I'm a good mom. Every once in a while Gracie reminds me just how far I have to go before I get such a label.

"Mommy, who's the strongest?"

"Out of who?"

"You and Daddy."

"I am!"

WARNING: Inappropriate language for a three yr old coming up....

"Yeah, that's because Daddy's a wiener isn't he?"

Okay, now here I am smiling to myself and yet all the while knowing I need to be a good example for once. So, here is my response..

"Yes he is *wink*, but you don't say that word because it's a big people word."

And Gracie, being the good girl she is says, "Okay!"

If I were worthy enough to hold the title of "Good Mom" maybe Gracie wouldn't know such words. But then other times she lets me know I'm on the right track.

"Mommy, I have a great idea. How about I am the boss of Daddy, and you are the boss of me?!"

Now that little woman knows how things are supposed to work around here!! I can vicariously boss Jake around through her. Of course I told her that was a GREAT idea.

I'm two months old

Time has flown.  Has it really been two months already?  Sometimes I think back about my pregnancy and its hard for me to realize that it really took 9 months.  And now here we are two whole months later.  I took Cutter to the doctor for his two month check up on the 3rd.  He weighed 10lbs 2oz and had grown to 22 1/2 inches.  That puts him in the (I think) 25th percentile for weight and 15th for height.  Gracie was never above the 10th percentile for weight so you can imagine how fun it is for me to have a "chubby" baby.  He has a little rash on his face that the doctor said would clear up on its own, and that is why I changed the pics to black and white.  It doesn't look as bad.  Plus, I love pretty much anything in b&w.  I know I'm biased but I just think he is so dang cute!

This isn't sharp but he looks so cute I had to post it

Three is my number, Cinderelli...

Gracie knows I'm a sucker.  When she wants something she knows she shouldn't have much of she always starts with, "can I have just one?".  Of course I say yes.  Then comes the negotiating.  "Can I have two?"  Well, two seems fine to me.  Then it is "can I have three?".  Finally I say "yes, and don't ask for more because that is plenty!"  The other day we started this process with a treat she wanted.  She said, "mommy, can I have just one?"  We all know my answer.  Then she said, "can I have just five?"  I was so thrown that I "lowballed" her offer with....yep, three.  I just got played by my three year old.  She just cut out 5 minutes of negotiating time and still got what she wanted.  I hate to see what happens when she is 16 and tells me she's going to come home at dawn and I come back with, "no, you won't!  Be home at 3!"  So, the point of all this.....While getting ready the other day she came in the bathroom and asked me if she could clean the floor in her room.  I had some clorox wipes on the counter from when I cleaned the bathroom and she wanted to use them.  Knowing she would have used the whole container I gave her three to work with.  

Cherry Springs

Sorry, Kristina, if you wanted to post some of these pics and I beat you to it, but, you snooze, you lose!  Isn't Andrew just the cutest little stink you ever did see?  And trust me, he is a stink, and he LOVES it!  Can't wait for his little brother to get here!!!!  He was so fun to chase around.  The fall colors were awesome, too.  These pictures of him and Gracie were actually taken on different days but she wasn't being very cooperative the first day (and she didn't do too well on the second day, either!).  Oh well.  Kids are kids.  

Sooooo handsome!

Kickin' the leaves....

I love the background

She actually wasn't posing for this.  This is tree climbing contemplation!

My favorite shot of Gracie.

My own little slave child

I'm a slave driver!  What?  You are only 3?  I don't care!  Get to work!!!  Ok, so really, she asked if she could feed him.  I promise!  I didn't force her one bit.  

Would it be evil to get her up for the 4 o'clock feedings?

Saturday drive

This last weekend was the Parade of Homes in Idaho Falls.  They had included a few homes from Swan Valley and Driggs so Jake and I decided to take a drive up there and check them out.  We stopped in Swan Valley to look at one of the houses and it was raining pretty hard so I decided to stay in the car with Cutter.  After Jake and Gracie got back we decided to pull off on a dirt road so I could feed Cutter.  The clouds parted and the sun started shining and this little rainbow popped out.  I got out of the car to take some pictures of Gracie with the rainbow(she has been coloring everything "rainbow" these days) and it was even better behind us.  She was being silly and wouldn't really look at the camera so these are the best ones I could get of her.  Jake busted Cutter out of his carseat and we did a really quick family photo.  The little man wasn't really dressed for the weather so we had to be quick.  Isn't he cute?  Aren't they all cute?  Good thing I'm never in any "family photos".  

 

my little man and his big sister

Gracie takes her job as a big sister very seriously.  She lets me know if he even looks like he might cry!  She loves to look at him and talk to him.  Last night I saw them looking at each other and she was only a couple of inches away from his face.  They just stared at each other for a bit.  He was very alert and it seemed like he already knew her.  I'm sure they have met before. 

 

The Girl and her boy.

He got mom's double chin

..but dad's cute bum.

And a little old man head!

My BIG girl!

Today was Gracie's first day of Preschool. We missed it on Monday because we hadn't been able to find a spot for her. All of a sudden, the clouds parted, the sun shine came through, and a spot opened up for her in this really cute preschool. She loved it! She really loves the fact she gets to have a backpack, too!

This is just before we took her to school

In the wilds...

Our Sunday drive up in the mountains brought us upon this big bull moose rooting around in the trees. He was really working to get that itchy velvet off. The bottom pic is a little blurry but you can see that he broke that little tree in half. It looks little compared to him but compared to us it's probably a couple of inches around.

Family day Sept. 7th

After my parents got back from a week long vacation we got the family together for a little picnic at the park and had some fun! I forgot to add this picture in the slideshow of Jake being pulled over. It's funny because we had just been talking about how Jake never speeds....
Supposedly, he wasn't speeding but had a crack in his windshield. He got a ticket for not wearing his seatbelt! haha.

Gracie day

We had a "Gracie Day" and did a photo shoot

flower girl

"Come on, Mom"

She loved this fence

G & C

Cutter is 12 days old now.  He looks really yellow in these pictures because he had jaundice pretty bad.  Gracie is so good with him.  She loves to help me with anything I need.  She is always saying, "ahh, he's so cute."  I think she's proud to be a big sister.  We are all loving it.  

The sleeping babe

Gracie loves her little brother

Cutter Andrew Schley

The little man is finally here! I felt like it was never going to happen. My last post I mentioned that I was going to be induced on the 7th but after going to my doctor appointment that next week she decided to induce me a little earlier on the 2nd. My doctor thought I might have IUGR which stands for Intrauterine Growth Restriction. Basically, she thought that he wasn't growing right in my tummy so it would be better for him to come out and start growing on the outside. I went in at 8:00 a.m. on the 2nd and started the whole process. It was a long day! My doctor seemed to think it wouldn't take too long to get him here so we planned on having him by 5 or 6. Yeah right!! I told everyone that I really don't like even numbered days and I was having a hard time getting used to the fact that he would have an even numbered bday. When midnight of the 3rd rolled around everyone told me I'd held out long enough and it was time to have him. The doctor didn't quite make it on time to actually deliver him. The resident doctor had to deliver him because his heart rate dropped really low and he had to come right then. He was doing pretty good for awhile but they ended up taking him to the NICU because they thought he might have some fluid in his lungs. He ended up being just fine. So, mom was fine, baby was fine, and we got to go home!! Here are the stats: Cutter Andrew Schley, born August 3rd, 2008 at 2:39 a.m., weighed 6lbs. 12oz., and was 20in.

Daddy and the little man

Gracie and her little brother "Cutter fish" as she likes to call him


The Family

Oh boy...baby, that is.

I have some pictures that I could post but I just don't have the desire to mess with the whole process right now. So, instead I will just let you know what is going on with us.

Baby boy Schley is still cooking. He has already dropped and is antsy to get out. I went to the doctor yesterday and I'm dilated to a big fat 1. But she said his head is really low so I'll be feeling a lot of pressure down yonder....no kidding. I've been feeling that for a while now. My doc. is also having me get an ultrasound to check his growth because I'm just not measuring correctly. Apparently, I'm a little too small for her liking. The crazy thing is I'm way bigger than I was with Gracie. I'm just growing width wise, I think. Anywho, we set a date for me to be induced. August 7th. Its about a week before my due date but I got the feeling she didn't think I would even make it that long. She never came right out and said it but I got the vibe. As long as he's healthy I don't care when he comes! I'm ready whenever he is. :) Actually, I'm not ready at all. We have nothing for him. Not even a name. Now that I know for sure when he's going to come I feel a bit of pressure to get things done. Time to get to work.

Little Greaser is just doing her usual thing. She plays all day. She spends as much time with her grandparents that she can talk us into. Grandparents are way more fun than mom and dad. She got a new ballerina outfit (she calls it an outsuit). She prefers that she be called "Princess Gracie". She seems to be excited for her baby brother and tells me all the time how much she likes my big belly. The other day she also told me my bum was big so apparently its not just my belly getting bigger. ;) She calls it like she sees it!

I'm almost done with work, so yay for me. I can't wait. I hate having to sit all night long in a chair. I usually have heartburn really bad by morning. Tums isn't cutting it anymore. Jake is good to me and will usually rub my back when I ask him to. He ought to since it was his idea to get me in this mess in the first place!!

Well, that's good enough for now. I'll post some pics later.

Finally!

Ok, so we are still here.  I know it has been awhile.  I hope this will satisfy some of you for a week or two.  I really haven't pulled out the camera much and I hope to do a little better (if for the only reason is that no one will have to hound me for more photos!!!).

We are all doing just dandy.  Gracie is excited for her baby brother to come.....oh, do some of you not know?  Sorry.  Only about a month and a half left.  August 15th or so.  Jake is a spaz and is all over the place.  He always has something to do.  We've gone fishing a few times down below the American Falls dam.  We bought Gracie a pink fishing pole that she loves.  She can cast it pretty good for a 3 yr. old.  We love to catch the little bass that hang out close to the bank.  I'm just working this last little bit until August rolls around.  I don't know what will happen after my maternity leave is done...to work or not to work?  Hmmm, seems like a no brainer.  Well, that's all you get for now.  And in case some of you are wondering....we don't have a name so feel free to post your opinions. 

Grandma Sandy's Bday

Happy Birthday Grandma Sandy.  The 23rd was my mom's bday so we had a little get together.  The family went out to lunch and then we had a mini pool party.  Gracie and Andrew splashed around for awhile and the rest of us just relaxed.  Mom's looking pretty hot even though she's a year older!  

Model practice

This is her new pose.

Splish Splash

Gracie playing in the pool and a wrestling match with Mr. Turtle.

Mr. Turtle won.

Playtime

Andrew having some fun. 

What fun looks like from the front.

Why do we call her Grease Pit?

Just look at that face.

Almost warm out there!

It was almost warm outside this day, but that darn wind just won't go away.  She battled through the cold and had fun any way.  Maybe someday it'll get warm and stay that way.....Here's hoping.

Stylin'

We did a mini photo shoot in the backyard the other day because Gracie looked super cool.  She actually did what I asked her to do.  Of course she still has to be silly sometimes.  A supermodel on the rise!

Some fun in the sun

I was so excited to go down to St. George again. The cold weather is starting to get old! I knew it was getting nice and warm down there and I was excited to wear some shorts. We only had one rainy day on Sunday, but other than that, it was all I hoped for! I didn't even mind the rain because the rain on the desert is my all time favorite smell. It was a great trip and I can't wait to go down again. I love it!!




I love these girls! Gracie loves playing with Kass and Mikelle. They treat her so good. Doug and Sheri had some new baby chicks to play with when we went over. After Gracie saw the baby chicks I asked her what she thought and she said, "I sure wish I could have a kitty." Not quite the answer I was expecting. This is the only good picture I got. Cute Mikelle!



Gracie and I got up early Monday morning to head home. It had snowed on Pine Valley the night before and the contrast of the white mountain and the red rock was too cool. I had to stop. I heard Gracie say from the back seat, "smile pretty for Mommy's camera!" Little did I know this wouldn't be the only snow I saw on the way home. Some of the mountain passes were pretty bad. We made it safe and sound any way.


We love the St. George temple! Gracie and I drive around the temple a few times every time we go down. She loves it. She always asks why there isn't a Moroni on top. I hate the fence in the picture but it was raining and neither Gracie or I wanted to get out of the car.

The Easter Bunny came!

Gracie was pretty excited to have the Easter Bunny come. She loved the green bunny and now it goes everywhere with us. She was nice enough to give me the sheep! I explained to her the reason we celebrate Easter, but the night before one of her grandmas told her the Easter Bunny was coming and that was all she could think about. Oh well. She's only 3 after all.

A few words on life

Well, things are going pretty good these days. Jake has been working really hard trying to get his company into a good position and its starting to look like all his hard work is going to pay off. Things are really looking good. He deserves a vacation now, but he probably won't take one. I basically get to stay home with Gracie and play. I do have a job but I just work part time so I don't have to put out much effort. Although my job is pretty easy I can't say that I absolutely love it. Working nights is hard and I miss being around people I can socialize with. Oh well.

I'm really excited for spring, and I can't wait to bring out the shorts! I am so sick of wearing pants. Who's with me? This summer is going to be life changing.....I'll tell you why later. I think I'm going to step the photography up a notch this summer. I should be doing it now but I just can't bring myself to go out in the cold. I would like to practice taking bridals and engagements so if anyone wants to be a guinea pig let me know.

I just love my family and I have been given way more than I deserve. I hope everyone who reads this is as happy in their life as I am in mine.

Hairy mustache and more

It was eerily quiet the other day and I found out this was why.

I guess I need to do the husband tag

What is your husbands name? Jake Andrew Schley
How long have you been together? Married since Oct. 2003
How long did you date? a year and a half
How old is he? 28
Who eats more? Gracie...haha. He does
Who said I love you first? Me....he would say, "can I say I think I love you?"
Who is smarter? Together we make one complete brain so I guess its tied
Who is taller? Jake
Who can sing better? Jake
Who does the housework? Jake does a lot of the little clean ups but the deep clean comes from me.
Who sleeps on the right? Jake
Who pays the bills? We both do
Who cooks dinner? We both do
Who mows the lawn? Mostly Jake but I do sometimes if I have to
Who drives when you are together? Jake does most of the time
Who is more stubborn? We both can be pretty stubborn but I think I win.
Who kissed who first? He says it was me but I say it was him
Who asked out who first? Once I decided I wanted him to ask me out I went over to his house every day until he did.
Who proposed? Jake
Who has more friends? He sees his friends more than I see mine so he wins
Who is more sensitive? Me
Who has more siblings? I have a lot of step and half siblings but he has 6 bros and sis.
Who wears the pants? We both do but sometimes it's awkward to have to change in public!

My little ballerina

The other day I was jammin' out to some music on the computer when I hear Gracie say, "Mommy, look at me." I looked up and there she was dancing in her little ballerina skirt and panties. There is a leotard that goes with it, but she just won't wear it!

P.S. For those of you who might be sensitive to naked little girls, Gracie says it's okay, "I just have little boobies."

Kids being kids

• Gracie giving you a "cheese"
• Tanner loves Gracie's makeup
• Marcus after enjoying his birthday cupcake

Andrew, Leonard and Tara's bday party

<---Andrew got to share his birthday cake with Grandpa Leonard and Tara. I'm pretty sure he's thinking, "what do I do now?!"

Leonard's bday present from me and Jake. I think wine in a box is funny, so sue me.

Trip to St George

Our little fam went down to St George to visit and go to the Parade of Homes. It was pretty awesome. Gracie loves going and playing with all of her grandparents that live down there AND all of her cousins! She got to go swimming with Ava one day while Jake and I looked at houses. (Josie is a life saver!) She had a ton of fun but she promptly tattled on Ava for every little thing as soon as she got in the car. She also got to play with Dacia's girls one day. She told me she liked playing with "big girls" better than the little ones. Kass and Mikelle are so good with Gracie. She just loves them.
The homes in the parade were just insane. Some of them were just mind blowing. Do people really live in stuff like that? I posted just a few of the pics I took at some of the houses. Jake and I are just going to incorporate the things we like into one jumbo house when we decide to build our own. Everyone is invited to swim in our pool!
I didn't really take a lot of pictures that weren't of houses so I leave you with a pic of Gracie and her scrambled eggs.

The Parade of Homes

So, it's been a while

i've really slacked off lately by not keeping up on the page. i just haven't busted out the camera lately. i missed christmas completely but, you know what, i'm not going to back track. life moves too fast so you get what you get. here it goes.....

February Bday Party!

Funny Story!

Gracie and I were playing around on the bed one day and I heard a little toot come out so I said "Gracie, did you toot?" She said "Um, no, it was probably just my breath."

It was pretty hard for me to keep a straight face.
P.S. This is Gracie's self applied makeup. She has a future, don't you think?

trip to st george

gracie and i went down to st george last week. she had a blast playing with her cousin ava and all her grandparents. i had fun too but i got a little lonely without jake. gracie sure loves all her grandparents. no matter how much time we have to play it still doesn't feel like enough. st george is still like home to me.

wigin' out!

playing with ava

gracie and grandpa chris

gracie loves her daddy

Oh Boy!

The Big 3!!!!

november 5th is gracie's bday. she turned 3 years old! i have a three year old. wow, it went so fast. she had a good day playing with her great-grandparents and her cousins. i think her favorite part was everyone singing happy birthday to her.

gracie bye bye

i downloaded a new browser and was able to post this video. jake made this video of her about a year ago and put it to music. it makes me laugh every time i watch it.

Funniest thing ever!

Boo

Halloween was so fun. Gracie was a good little fairy girl. We only went to a few houses but for some reason people kept giving her two or three treats at a time. She got a pretty good stash. Her birthday is coming up on the 5th so she gets to be spoiled again soon.

My little fairy girl!