Daxsen Jay

Once again, I'm an aunt. (That's makes 4 nephews for those who are keeping track.)

Daxsen Jay was born this afternoon, which means my sister now has two kids under the age of 2. In fact, they are only about 15 months apart. 

His older brother, Valex, had left just before I got there, so he didn't get to see the shirts I bought for them. I had to get them both in bigger sizes so they will hopefully fit in them at the same time. 

About three weeks ago, I went into a panic because I didn't have anything for when Daxen was born. Well, I had a bag full of shirts for both boys, but I decided it didn't count. Luckily, I was able to hurry and get these blankets and burp rags done. I absolutely LOVE the colors. 

A close up of the awesome colors and patterns.

Daxsen Jay weight 6 lbs 9 oz. and was 18-1/2 inches long. 

Curlformers

I have always dreamed of having curly hair. I envy people who have curly hair (and yes, I realize they envy my hair).

When I was in high school, I would set my alarm for 3 AM. When it went off, I would get up and plug in my hot curlers. I have so much hair, that it required to sets. At 4 AM the alarm would go off again. I would get up and quickly put the now very hot curlers in. Then I'd go back to bed for another hour or two. It was hard to sleep in them, but I figured it out. I know I was insane to do this, but I really wanted to have beautiful curls. But it was all in vain. By lunchtime, my hair would be flatter then flat.

Every few years I get the idea a perm will help, but those always end disastrously. In between those years, I forget that hot curlers don't really work for me and I buy two sets, only to never use them because I can't get the finished result I'm going for.

This spring, the curly hair bug bit me again when I saw an ad for Curlformers. I wanted to order them right that second, but decided to wait and think it through. Of course I ordered them a few months later. I tried them about a month ago and didn't love them. The ads said they were slightly uncomfortable to sleep in, but not bad. I disagree. That first night was horrid. I think I slept a total of 2 hours that night.

Then the next morning I took them out and looked like Curly Sue. The curls were tighter then what I wanted and I didn't like how I looked. In tears, I vowed to never use them again. Fortunately, later that day I realized that the curls do relax. Then I did love them.

Last night I decided to try them again. It takes me about an hour to get them all in, but that is because I have twice as much hair as must people. I think they recommend about 40-50 for a person, but I bought extras just in case. Which was a good thing, because I used all 84 of them.

Half way done. 

All done! I actually had to go back to my bottom layer and rearrange a few to free up a few more curlers to use on my top row. 

The first time I did this, I had one curler left. For those who keep asking if these are long enough for your hair, the curlers stretch out the entire length of the hook. So most likely, yes they are long enough.

The trick is sleeping in them. I have to have a pillow at night. I can't sleep without my head propped up, at least a little bit. But with these in, my pillow just doesn't work for me and comfort. The first time I did this, I got desperate at about 2 AM. It was either take them out, for find some way to sleep. I found Josh's sweat pants on the floor and rolled them in a ball. After that I was able to sleep peacefully for a few hours before the alarm went off. Last night I started with the rolled up sweats and slept pretty good all night. 

This is how they looked this morning. They stay in place very well.

Ignore my very sleepy eyes, I am not a morning person. I took this picture after I pulled out the last curler before doing anything to style my hair.

I decided to keep it simple and just add a ribbon to my hair. Notice how tight the curls still are. I don't love it, but I was counting on the curls to relax like they did last time.

A few hours later at work, I noticed they were perfect. I love that I have finally figured out how to curl my hair.

Misc. Kits

I didn't fall in love with any of the newest kits, but it didn't stop me from ordering anyways. At the first of the year, I didn't think I would like the subway art signs, so I hadn't been ordering them. However, Jessica always did and they turned out so CUTE. So this last order I decided to go back and order the ones I didn't have yet.

Spring Subway Art

Easter Subway Art

Then I also finally got around to finishing some old kits I had, but never put together. Last fall I ordered like 10 different kits, but never finished a few of them. Since its time to put out my fall kits, I decided now would be a great time to get them finished.

Murder at Marti Gras Dinner Party

Last weekend Randi hosted a Murder Mystery Party at her home. It was a delightful evening with great food and even better company.

I had spent the last 2 months trying to find the perfect dress. A few weeks ago, I was at the mall with Barbara and Melanie. When we walked past Mr. Mac (the missionary suit store), I saw a stand of dresses out front. I grabbed a couple to try on and found a dressing room. Neither dress fit quite right, but someone else had left their dresses in there. I tried on the black one and LOVED it.

It was a little more then I wanted to spend so I put the dresses back and left to find the others. Five minutes later I decided I HAD to have that dress so Tyler and I went back to Mr. Mac and bought it. Then later that day I was able to find a pair of red wedges to go with it.

I decided it would be fun to make my own mask. It turned out cute, but didn't fit me quite right. When I put it on, I couldn't see straight and would end up getting cross eyed. So about 30 minutes before the party I found a stick and glued it to that.

I loved every one's costumes. And each person did a great job of playing their part.


At the end of the night I had NO idea who the killer was, even though I was sitting right next to him.

30. Describe Your Dream Home

I've never really looked at pictures of my dream home. But I do have several ideas of my dream home.

I want a large kitchen. LARGE. I'm so sick in living in homes that have teeny tiny kitchens with no work space and no storage. We have lived in homes with kitchens that were small, you couldn't even fit a table in there. Someday I am going to have a kitchen that has lots of counter space and lots of cupboards. Like an entire wall of cupboards just for food storage. Then another wall of cupboards just for pots, pans, dishes, etc. storage.

A separate laundry room, which I plan to decorate with a laundry room type theme. I found a vinyl saying that I almost bought, "Laundry today....or naked tomorrow." I LOVED it! But I didn't get it because I don't have a laundry room, just a washer and dryer that take up too much space in my already small kitchen.

My bedroom will also be quite spacious. I want my own walk in closet. I want our master bathroom to have a HUGE jetted tub. Also, a separate shower that has shower heads on both sides. I hate how one side gets cold while the water runs on the other side. Just outside our bedroom (which will be on the 2nd floor), I want a deck with a jacuzzi.

I would like an exercise room so my exercise bike (and the treadmill I wish I had the room for now) can be in a room on their own, instead of crammed into my living room.

I think it would be fun to have a room just for the cats with lots of tunnels and cats trees.

My last part of my dream home is a library/craft room. I picture two walls lined with books from floor to ceiling. The other two walls would be for all of my crafting supplies.

I want it to be in the country with a big yard. I want a pond with a few swans. I also want horses, goats and chickens.

The rest of the house can be small because if I had my dream house, I would spend all of my time in my kitchen and my craft room.

29. Goals

Right now I'm working to paying off some debts. Nothing too big, but I hate debt! We bought my anniversary ring on credit, and then went to work to pay it off. I paid it off a few months ago, and it felt so good. Now to work on some medical bills.

I have some improvements I want to make to my house, but other things keep getting in the way. It might not happen now this year, but hopefully next year I can get a new entertainment center and finish getting new blinds for the rest of the windows.

Learn how to saddle Sugar without Josh's help. That's saying a lot, it takes all I have to lift the heavy saddle onto her tall back. But we've only been riding a few times and I think I'm catching on fast.

My big goal right now is saving for our cruise next year. It won't be hard, I'm just trying to get those debts out of the way first.

Get at least 6 months ahead on our bills. Last winter we were ahead on everything and it was so wonderful. Christmas, birthdays and our anniversary came and we were able to live it up because we didn't have to worry about having money for bills and for celebrating.

Get my Christmas shopping/craft making done. This one is a little overwhelming, I still have no idea what I want to make for presents this year. I need to figure it out so I can get started.

Get caught up on my scrapbooking. You would think since I don't have kids, I don't have a lot to scrapbook, but I do. I've been working on it some weekends, but there just isn't enough time to have fun and then create the pages to display the fun we've had.

Loose more weight. I've already done awesome by loosing just over 40 pounds, but I still want to loose some more.

Long term goal: live outside of Utah someday. I think Josh has 2-3 years of school left (at the rate he is slowly going now). After that is when we will get serious and start looking at jobs out of state. It even helps that the company he works for is based out of Colorado.

28. What you believe

I believe self mediation is good for the soul.

So is chocolate.

So is cuddling with a cat purring in your lap.

I believe that a good book is a great escape.

I believe the words "I'm sorry" can go a long ways in healing hurt hearts.

I believe good friends are invaluable.

And that spending lots of time with them is invaluable also.

I believe exercise is good for the heart and the soul.

I believe families are forever.


I believe in love.


I believe that love takes work. Lots and lots of work.

27. Favorite TV shows

Desperate Housewives - I found this show this spring when I started riding my exercise bike. There were many mornings I got up at 4:00 AM to exercise and the only reason I would do it was so I could watch this show. It only took me a few months to catch up on the many years of seasons they have done the show. I especially love Gabby. And yet, I'm glad I don't live in the suburbs.

Everybody Loves Raymond - I think I love this show because it reminds me in many ways of Josh's family. (Grandpa Mike is like Frank is SOOO many ways.) This is one of the few shows we have bought the DVD's so we can watch them whenever we want, which we do a lot in the winter when its too cold to be outside.

Hope & Faith - Several years ago Josh and I found Season 1 on DVD. I wish they would put the rest out on DVD.

In-Laws - It only made it one year, and I don't understand why. It was so funny!

Better Off Ted - The quirky scientist, Veronica, the Viridian commercials. Enough said.

America's Got Talent - Pretty much the only reality show I watch. I usually miss it each week, but then I spend the weekend on hulu.com catching up.

26. Something you’re afraid of

I'm deathly afraid of losing Josh. I can easily work myself into a panic attack just thinking about it. You've heard the Winnie the Pooh saying, "If you live to be 100, I hope I live to be 100 minus 1 day, so I never have to live without you." I take that to fully and completely to heart.

I'm always telling Josh that if he dies, I'm going to tell them to dig two holes, because I'm going to be buried with him. I really don't think I could live without him, and honestly, I don't want to even try.

He just laughs when I get like this, he doesn't seem to take me seriously. But I am dead serious, and I do mean that literally.

Tyler's 2nd Birthday

On Sunday, we went to Barb & Matt's to celebrate Tyler's 2nd Birthday.

I love how much Tyler seems to love his uncle Josh. He had Josh hold him while he blew out his candles and then later again when he opened the presents from us.

We also bought one present for Preston so he wouldn't feel left out.

For his present, we bought him a selection of shirts. Right now, Tyler's favorite book is a tractor magazine that Matt got in the mail. He LOVES tractors and big trucks. I was so excited when I was able to find some shirts with big trucks and tractors at Kohls.com

The John Deere shirt ended up being the favorite. I knew it would though, it fits his personality perfectly. He and Preston immediately wanted to change into their new shirts.

Preston's shirt.

Melanie texted me the next morning to tell me he loved his tractor shirt and refused to take it off.

Happy Birthday Tyler!

A Wild Ride

On Sunday, some of Josh's extended family came up to BBQ and celebrate Tyler's birthday. Shortly after eating, Jeff's girls started asking if we could catch the horses and give them a ride. We learned that after we bought Sugar, their family had call to inquire about her. I almost feel bad they don't have a horse yet, but I LOVE my horse.

  

Some of the eager riders waiting by the truck.

Doesn't she look so pretty? And calm??

Jazzy has been having foot problems, so Josh put the goop on her hoofs and then turned her out in the corral. Then he saddled Sugar so we could let the kids ride. He went to get on her first to ride her for a minute, but I protested. She is MY horse, I should be the one to ride her.

I am finally feeling more comfortable on a horse. I jumped on and started down the field, with a caution to watch out for the hand lines. As I rode away I thought "Wow, I feel so good up here. I'm so glad I have this figured out and I'm not scared anymore."

We started up the field where she was kind of a pain, until she got even with the other horses that were in the corral. Then she stopped. I got after her and finally got her to go again. We went up the field a little more and then turned around to head back.

Then I'm not sure what happened. Next thing I knew we were RACING down the field. I'm comfortable at a slow walk. At a run, I broke into a panic. I tried to pull back on the reins, but she just kept going. So instead I clung to the saddle horn for dear life.

About then, the adults (who had been looking at the other horses) noticed something was wrong. That was just as Sugar turned and ran behind some trees. She probably hadn't been running for 2 full minutes, but I had had enough. I was suddenly worried we would run into a fence or a sprinkler line, so I ducked down and rolled off the side of her. Half way down, I realized, I should've kept holding on, but it was too late.

I was still behind the tree line, so no one actually saw me fall off. In a way, I'm grateful. I'm glad the young kids didn't see it, I'd hate for them to be scared of horses now.

I landed on my back and wanted to scream out in pain, but I was out of breathe. In my confused state, I was worried Josh would get after me. So before I could even see anyone, I started saying "I'm okay," but it just sounded like a mumbled. I rolled over to my knees and tried to get up, but didn't have the energy yet, so I feel back down on my back and just tried to find my breathe.

When Josh got to me I mumbled, "I'm okay. Find my sunglasses." Their prescription glasses and I didn't want someone stepping on them. I laid for another minute and then was able to get up.

After everyone knew I was ok, Josh hopped on Sugar and took her around for a minute, but we finally decided to get Jazzy back out. After that, Sugar was an almost perfect horse. Josh and I rode the horses down the lane halfway and back. Then we took turns giving all the kids rides. With six kids, I don't know why we didn't start with both horses.

The rides ended with Josh giving Tyler a ride. All the other kids rode by themselves, but Josh hopped on Jazzy and let Tyler ride with him. Tyler LOVES riding and did NOT want to get off, not even to go eat his cake.

Matt asked me if I was going to blog about this, and I told him I didn't have to since the camera got lost in the rush and there were no pictures to prove anything. But Josh keeps telling me I'm a real cowgirl now.

That was definitely a wild rid I never want to go on again.

Tyler's Birthday Cake

I was so excited with Melanie asked me to make a birthday cake for Tyler. I searched all over the Internet for ideas, and then combined three of my favorites to come up with my cake.

Melanie and I decided it would be fun to make the inside of the cake camo. So I started with a white cake mix and divided it into 4 bowls. I then colored each bowl a different color: tan, brown, green and black.

I coated my pan with Wilton cake release (BEST stuff EVER!) and dropped the colors in, one at a time, rotating around to create a messy camo pattern. When the entire bottom of the pan was covered, I still had quite a bit of batter left. So I went over each color and built it up with the same color.

This is what my pan looked like before I put it in the oven.

I almost couldn't decorate it, it looked so cool!

We decided to do an outdoor scene. I thought it would look cool if I built a hill. So I cooked one regular sized cake and then 2 square cakes. I used the square cakes to get my hill.

I tried to keep it simple. A pond in one corner and then a river over part of it. After I had finished those, I was worried I didn't have room to write "Happy Birthday Tyler," but I was able to get it in.

I loved how the river flowed off the side of the cake. It also started to flow off the board, so I had to divert it. The pond also spilled down the side of the cake a little. Josh said you could tell we had a great water year when even cake ponds are overflowing. :p

Melanie found a moose toy. We didn't put him until right when we lit the candles. I didn't want him falling over and destroying my hard work. I also had to refill the pond in a few spots because a little boy found his cake early and decided to help himself. After all, it was his birthday. He should be able to have his cake and eat it too.

The inside didn't look quite how I pictured it, but it was still pretty cool.