Snapshots of Our Life

What is Little Miss going to be?

2010-11-11T20:29:00.001-08:00

A "buzzy" office manager?

An actress?

A librarian?

A grocer?

A construction worker?

A vet?

A safari guide?

A scientist?

An artist?

What ever she chooses to be, we know she will be great!

Frozen Fruit Bites (for Christy)

2010-08-05T20:23:00.001-07:00

The Recipe

* 20-24 reduced fat Nilla Wafers
* 1 cup fat free vanilla yogurt
* 1 cup Neufehatel cream cheese, softened (1 block)
* 2 teaspoons lemon juice
* 2 teaspoons honey
* Strawberries, kiwi, or blueberries

1) Put liners in mini cupcake pan and place the wafers in upside down
2) Whisk yogurt, cream cheese, lemon juice, and honey until smooth
3) Place 1 heaping tablespoon on each cookie and top with your favorite fruit
4) Cover with plastic wrap and freeze 1 to 1-1/2 hours
5) Remove 15-25 before serving and ENJOY!!!!

(Beware: They are addicting!!!! Like mini summer cheesecakes that melt in your mouth!)

My Reward (Shoes)

2010-07-29T20:28:00.000-07:00

My Weight Loss/Healthy Living Tips

2010-07-28T07:53:00.000-07:00

1) Keep Track - Start by weighing and measuring yourself. Sometimes measurements have more of a difference than your weight will. (Especially since muscle weighs more than fat.) Also, keep track of your foods, work-outs, and how your feeling. It helps to look back and see how your work-outs have progressed and how you are feeling different (BETTER). For me, I went from walking to running 3 miles and my headaches are fewer!!! It is also nice to look back and see what I have done good and what I can still work on.

2) Start Small - Choose something easy and healthy for you to do each day. Mine was waking up and taking my multi-vitamin each day around the same time. Then I moved to no pop or fast food. Then I moved to working out everyday, besides Sundays, not eating sugar, and eating healthier fresh foods. My work-outs have also progressed.

3) Set a Goal(s) - My first goal (with my mom) was no pop for 30 days. (It takes about 30 days to create a habit so this is why we chose this amount of time.) After the 30 days we went to get our eye brows done! (This goes along with my number 10 tip.) My next goal was to not eat sugar and eat healthier. A longer term goal is to be running 5 miles 3-4 days a week. I am at an easy 3 miles right now. Only 2 more to go! Then to fit in my "skinny" jeans again. A longer term goal is to compete in Triathlons and of course my all time goal is to make this a LIFE STYLE change and not a "diet". I want to always live a healthy life and teach my child(ren) to do the same.

4) Have a Plan - Know in advance (as much as one can) what your days are going to be like and what exercise you will be doing that day and even what foods you will be eating.

5) Do Something - Each day take 5-10 minutes to do something just for your self. It can be anything as long as it makes you happy. . . reading, journal writing, blogging, writing a card, calling a friend, making something, playing a game, ANYTHING!

6) Get Ready - Have your work-out clothes and anything else you may need out and ready the night before. I keep my running shoes downstairs and easy to get to. If you have a hard time getting out of bed place your alarm clock where you have to completely get out of bed to turn it off.

7) Be Accountable - When first working out and even later it helps to have someone to hold you accountable. When I first started working out again I called my neighbor the night before and asked her to go walking with me in the AM. I knew I had to get up because she would be outside waiting for me. After a few times I was able to get up and get going with out meeting her.

8) Be Consistent - (But remember that "off" days are OK) I had been working out almost everyday, except Sundays and even on those days I might go for a family walk. I had also been eating really healthy and then yesterday I felt like a train hit me. I didn't work out (besides a 10min walk with Gem) and all I did was eat and go to bed early! I did manage not to go to Wendy's or Dairy Queen though! I realized today that that is what I needed and today was a new day! I got up (a little late) and said that I was at least going to walk and try running. If I felt a lazy, I was going to push through and if I felt like crying I was going to walk and take the short cut home. Well, I pushed through and feel SOOOOOOOOOOO much better today! (Having a good nights rest makes a huge difference!)

9) Have Reminders - I have inspiring pictures (and words like HEALTHY, FIT, LESS HEADACHES!) in my office, car and above the scale. It helps me remember what I am working towards. I also write work-outs on my calendar so I know what to plan for. Also, setting an actual alarm helps too. It could be used for your work-out, if later in the day or maybe for your 5-10 minute "self improvement" time.

10) Reward Self - I knew that my first week of NO SUGAR was going to be rough. Especially since it was Bunco that week and there are delicious treats with in arms reach at all times. I had previously found a pair of shoes I wanted to buy and they were going to be on sale later that week. I put a picture of the shoes up with a reminder that said, "no sugar - one week" and then at the end of the week, I went and bought my shoes!!!

Resources for Weight Loss & Healthy Living :: Provided by MyFoodDiary.com

2010-07-22T20:07:00.000-07:00

Resources for Weight Loss & Healthy Living :: Provided by MyFoodDiary.com

This website is my new FAV! It is so easy to use and it keeps me motivated! I have lost a few pounds prior to using this, but I know the weight is going to fly off now! Every day I enter in the food I eat and how I exercised(they even have house hold chores in the list of exercises!) and then at the end of the day it will tell me the things that were good and the things that were not so good. For example today: happy faces for no dessert, no alcohol (easy one), exercise, high fiber intake, and saturated fats only being 5% of total calories. I got sad faces for too few calories (but, I am stuffed!) and exceeding the daily cholesterol limit by 65mg. The first 7 days are free and then only $9.00 per month after. I will definitely keep using it until I reach my goal!!!

4th of July

2010-07-22T19:58:00.001-07:00

Don't you just love that face??
I know it is a little belated, but here are our 4th of July pics. . .

Nikki and Mom doing Gem's hair

Ava looking for candy

Gem found some!!!

Playing after church

So sweet.

Photo Shoot (11 Months!)

2010-07-11T14:18:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, Me, my dad and Monica took Gem for a little photo shoot. Dad was one of my art directors as well as the lighting specialist and Monica was also an art director as well as baby entertainer. I was so glad to have them both there! Gemma did great considering that it was way past nap time! (My plan to have her nap in the car on the way there didn't work for her I guess.) I haven't had a chance to photoshop any of them (besides the b/w) so here they are as is . . . Pretty Dang Cute!!!

Happy Birthday Sister!!!

2010-06-29T20:17:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to you ~ Happy Birthday to you ~ Happy Birthday dear sister . . . Happy Birthday to you!

A ~ Always the best sister
L ~ Loving and Kind
Y ~ Youthful
S ~ Smart and Sophisticated
S ~ Soooo Beautiful!
A ~ A blessing to our family

Gem accepting the cake on your behalf . . .

Making sure it taste good . . .

Ava says Happy Birthday to her Auntie!!!

Gemma says Happy Birthday to her Auntie!!!

My Newest Obsession

2010-06-26T14:40:00.000-07:00

I recently found these shoes (Vera Wang Lavender Label "Gabriella") on Nordstrom.com and instantly fell in love! I had pretty much decided I was going to go into the store and buy them right away (even before I tried them on) until I saw the price . . . . .$425.00!!!!!! Yikes!

Well, I had been dreaming about these shoes for weeks and Nicole and I took the girls to swimming practice by the mall, so I thought I could at least try them on . . .

Sad to say they did not carry them in the store, only on-line. I told Tylor last night that I was thinking about ordering them just so I could try them on, but that I am too afraid that I will keep them and not send them back. Maybe I will find them at the rack in a few months! Just in time for my b-day!

Gemma's Emergency Surgery

2010-05-21T11:27:00.000-07:00

Last night I finally finished my journal entry about this and it was 10 pages! (I normally only write 1/2 - 2 pages at a time.) This is going to be a way shorter version of what happened: Last Thursday night Gemma would wake up about every 5-20 minutes and cry. There was little I could do to calm her down. Around 4:45am she threw up multiple times and seemed to be feeling better. Friday you could tell she still wasn't feeling good, but again, seemed to be doing better. Around 3:00pm she even ate quite a bit and then needed a diaper change. This is when I knew something was wrong. My mom was in the area and quickly came over to drive Gem and I to the emergency room where Tylor met us. They ended up sending us by ambulance to Emanuel.

During the ride I held Gemma's hand and she held her babies. Gemma even had a crush on our driver ;)

The enema for Gemma did not work and she needed to have emergency surgery. She had intusussception. Luckily, she was able to have the most minor of the three surgeries that were explained to us.

I slept in this chair all night with her and Ty slept on a lovely hospital cot with the springs sticking out. The next morning/day she had many visitors. She also had many family members the night before at the hospital to support her during her surgery,

Her aunties came and took her for a hospital walk.

Laying in her crib - she probably spent a total of 5 minutes in here.

Leaving the hospital! Yay!!!!

Gemma came home to all kinds of presents and gifts.

She is doing great now and recovering quickly. Other than the occasional fussiness she is back to her happy self and crawling everywhere. On Wednesday we had her normal 9 month appointment and she is doing great! 75th percentile for height and 50th for weight and head size. We have one more check-up for her surgery in two weeks and then we should be all done! We are so proud of Gemma. She is so strong and is such a trooper!

Mommy Theme Song

2010-05-06T13:12:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day

Not in 8 Months!

2010-04-19T17:59:00.001-07:00

It has been over 8 months since I have had cereal or milk. I don't know why - I ate it almost everyday when I was pregnant and I never had a bad experience. I have never been a milk drinker so if I wasn't having cereal I wasn't having milk. Today I broke that streak with some good ol rice krispies! It wasn't too bad!

Funny Little Story

2010-04-12T13:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we were sitting in the office (me at the computer and Tylor on the floor with Gemma) when I heard Tylor say "your chap-stick smells good". I then had a quiet little laugh to myself since my chap-stick has glitter in it and Tylor had already put it on. Right when I was about to say something Tylor turned the chap-stick just the right way to see "True Shimmer; something he hadn't noticed before he put it on. I could hardly even see the sparkles, but he wiped it off right away anyways. I guess that will teach him to use my things with out asking first ;)

The Zoo

2010-04-11T17:00:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday Nicole and I went to the zoo with her friend and all our babies! We all had a good time. It was so nice to be outside and enjoy the sunshine, which was in poor little Gemma's face . . .

So excited to see the animals! (She actually likes people watching more than the animals.)

Ava and Mommy (Nicole)

The girls riding a baby elephant just for their Auntie Alyssa.

Gem's best animal impression.

Ava just wore a mask, but didn't really like it!

The girls - all cute in their strollers.

My Pregnancy & New Baby Must Haves

2010-04-09T21:31:00.000-07:00

This was a great way to pass the time. It was fun to read how Gemma was growing and developing each month. I might even read it with the next baby(s).

Exercise - I didn't always feel like it, but it did make me feel better and my delivery was easier because of it. Gemma was used to me "working out" and so her heart rate did not drop at all during labor and delivery! (I pretty much stuck to the treadmill, elliptical, and yoga.)

PEDICURES! (There is the best place in Tualatin! Need to go back soon!)

Water bottles - I have never drank so much water in my life!

Moisturizing Cream - I used this along with the oil towards the end of my pregnancy. I would put it on after a shower just where my skin seemed tight. I only have one little stretch mark right by my belly button! (and I got it the last couple days I was prego - too bad
I went over my due date . . .)

The Bobby Prego Pillow - I didn't use it for my head to sleep on like in the picture, but really helped take the pressure off my hips.

This little light was great for those late night feedings. Just bright enough for me to see and not bright enough to wake up the hubby.

This feeding pillow is called 'Mybrestfriend'. I love how it stayed put unlike the boppy. It has nice back support and a little pocket for a pacifier or burp rag . . .

I loved this bathtub! Little babies are so slippery! It is a comfy mesh material. I would put it in the big bath tub and fill it up just so that Gemma had a little water coming through the mesh to keep her warm. Then we put a blanket over it and used for a little seat for months!

Perfect for babies face. Gemma had some redness for a little while and my mom picked me up some of this from Nordstrom and Gemma hasn't been red since!

PJ's with no feet/zippers/buttons. These were so nice for the late night diaper changes!

The Woombie! Baby stays asleep and feels all secure just like their still in the womb!

Tylor rocks Gemma every night and when we first came home from the hospital I was in this chair all the time!

Gemma's Name

2010-03-28T19:34:00.000-07:00

Recently I have been wondering about the way Tylor and I spelled Gemma's name since a few people have mispronounced it lately. They say the 'g' like you do in the word gum instead of with a 'j' sound. I was talking to Ty and he listed several words that begin with the letter g, but have the j sound. (I was worried about Gemma always having to correct people and then being annoyed by it.) After I talked to Tylor I felt better and then . . .

My mom saw a blue BMW with the license plate: "GEMMA"
(Gemma's first car?!?!)

And then Tylor brought home a magazine with these twins on the cover. Eliana & Gemma are big iPhone fans. "They love to explore the latest games, flip through photos, and watch YouTube videos while waiting at a restaurant, having their hair done, or between ballet and French lessons. But the Manhattan twins don't yet have their own phones, which is good, since they probably wouldn't be able to manage the monthly data plan: In November; they turned 3." (Fast Company Magazine)

No, Gemma does not have her own iPhone and she will not be getting one any time soon. As for the ballet and French lessons . . . I'm not sure about those either ;)

Needless to say I have always loved Gem's name and I am 100% happy about the way we spelled it. As time goes by I am sure that her name will be mispronounced much less often (especially with her name popping up all over).

Spring Break

2010-03-27T13:52:00.001-07:00

Gemma, Me, Mom, and Jess left on Sunday for a girls only Spring Break!

Jess and Gem in a little Dutch town.

With the Indian from Seinfeld. (Not really, but it kinda looks like it!)

Grandma and Gemma - So cute!

Bellingham, WA

Bellingham 2

Me with Charles Larrabee. Ancestor???
There was a Larrabee State Park, but we didn't get to it.

We found 2 of these old phone booths in the town!

A really fun shop in Seattle, about 2 hours south of where we stayed.

My cute little Easter Bunny.

Another fun store in Bellingham

All tired out from vacationing, driving, walking, and eating! Now it's time to rest from our Vacation!

Can you find the Baby?

2010-03-27T13:50:00.000-07:00

I love to go in Gemma's room in the morning and see her pretty little eyes looking through her crib ;) So cute!

I wanna go fast . . .

2010-03-14T12:12:00.001-07:00

The other day I was talking to Tylor and I told him that I was thinking about getting a motorcycle - I just want to go fast I said. Tylor then told me that I sounded like Ricky Bobby.

First I decided that I wanted this.

But, I thought it would be smarter to start with this.

Then I decided that it would be safer (and more "motherly") of me to wait until my 30th birthday and just drive fast in this car! With out the children of course.

Weekend at the Beach

2010-03-09T21:04:00.000-08:00

On Saturday morning we headed off for Ocean Park (about 10min from Long Beach) for some family fun. We started our day off with lunch at Camp 18. It was delicious!

This is Gem's shocked face - she can't believe that Daddy has the weekend off and he is coming with us!

Gemma is like her Daddy and likes to help fight fires.

But I guess she doesn't like this "logger".

We had to stop right after the Astoria bridge to change a HORRIBLE diaper! Gemma really needed a bath then, but about 20 baby wipes would have to do. It was a little windy for Gemma ;)

The girls in our sunglasses

Little miss Ava driving. Somebody should make her walk the line. . .

At least she is watching for other beach traffic :)

Gemma and Daddy

And a bedroom straight out of horror film! This was the last picture I was able to take before my camera died. My aunt and uncle stayed in this room with the creepy chandelier. I just had to get a picture!

Hair Vote!

2010-02-28T13:54:00.000-08:00

I REALLY need everyone's input ~ Time for a hair vote! I don't know what I want to do with my hair. I really don't like it now - it needs some major help. I am open for anything that is not too much up-keep. Gemma hates the hair dryer so naturally my hair is the last thing on my list. PLEASE let me know how you think I should get it cut and also what you think about coloring!

My hair now - naturally curly (air dry with some anti-frizz)

My hair now - blow dried and straightened

Short and with some color

Long and Natural

Medium and Natural with Bangs

Short with carmel colors

Short with more blonde

Same time as above (just a side view)

Growing it out (still some left over coloring)

Again - same time just a side view

I think this is a little too poofy on the sides

Short with more Auburn tints

Same time

Growing out - All Natural

I think this cute, but I don't really like the length

And I hate this hair cut!

I love all of V.B's hair cuts, but her hair is thin/straight. I have thick curly hair so her same hair cuts would not work the same on me.

I kinda like this . . .

and this, except for the blonde. I want to stay around my natural tones.

I hate this!

And really hate this, except for Halloween or a fashion show! ;)

PLEASE TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK!!!

Gemma is 6-1/2 Months!

2010-02-28T13:43:00.000-08:00

Gemma is still such a happy baby! (Even with her cute little teeth coming in.)

She loves to talk and everyone always says how cute her voice is.

She has her serious moments . . .

And thoughtful moments. She is always observant to what is going on around her.

Her hands always go to her face when she is trying to relax. Even when she is eating she has a hand on her face.

She loves to play "Where's Gemma?"

And play in her room

With all her fun toys

My favorite is when she scrunches her nose! SOOOO Cute!

Gemma and Daddy. On a walk right now so mommy can blog ;)

For Brenda & Kajsa :)

2010-02-22T12:33:00.001-08:00

Gemma the Actress

2010-02-19T14:54:00.000-08:00

Here is Gemma showing us her very first acting skills. She can even create real tears now and be laughing just a second later. Her favorite time to act is either when I put her down or someone else is holding her. As soon as I pick her back up or take her back a little smile will appear on her face and sometimes she even lets out a little laugh. She is a girl who knows how to get what she wants!

Our Love Story - The Short Version

2010-02-13T18:23:00.000-08:00

There once was a girl who thought she would never meet a cute "mormon" boy. She had just started a new job in August of 2003 when she saw a boy out her desk window.

Now this guy was HOT, but probably a jerk, she thought to herself. Besides, she had a boyfriend and this new boy was a blonde firefighting hunter - completely opposite of what she imagined her husband to be like. They could still be friends . . .

Tylor had soon spent his entire accident settlement (he was hit by a car) on feeding Rachel. He had won her heart over with food and ice cream!

They soon went to church together - that is after Rachel had found out that Tylor was also LDS - a whole other story.

Then they had their first Valentines together . . .

And celebrated other holidays such as Thanksgiving.

They spent more and more time with each other until . . .

They got engaged in December of 2004!

And were happily married for time and eternity in September of 2005~

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!!

Murder High ~ Class of '85!

2010-02-07T18:11:00.000-08:00

Class of '85

We had a murder mystery party for Tylor's birthday and it was so much fun! (We all wish you were here Alyssa!) Everyone's costume was great and everyone was really getting into character! Enjoy the pics!

Old classmates trying to gather information about each other

Tylor as Steve Spielson - A.V. squad geek turned Hollywood movie director. (The VICTIM!)
Me as Molly Ringworm - The drama queen who used her Emmy to kill Steve!

Chad as Joe Nebraska - The Jock (Willing to do anything to become a legend)
Nicole as Natalie Nebraska - The Cheerleader (Faked her pregnancy to get Joe to marry her)

Moe as Cindy Crawfish - The Class Flirt (The girlfriend of Steve Speilson)
Keith as Judd Jenson - The Class Stud (Best friends with Joe and most popular with the girls)
Keith won "Dressed to Kill" - the fro is fake . . .

Mom as Bobbie Bright - The Valedictorian (Who faked her Harvard law degree)
Dad as Terry Johnson - Hall Pass Monitor (Now traffic cop - he led the murder investigation)
Don't mind the babies . . .

Brandon as Byron P. Keaton - The Math Team Captain (High rolling accountant who works for Steve) Brandon won "Best Performance"

Mom as Pamela Abdul - The Pompom Captain (At the reunion to spice things up, especially with her old rivals)
Dad as Nick Nixon - The Class President (Now a presidential candidate with too many skeletons in the closet)

Bret as Randy Reporter - Newspaper Editor (At the reunion for his big story)

Cody as B.A. Barricade - The Punk (Now private security for Nick Nixon)
Cody won "Mr. $ Bags" - He had swindled the most money out of everyone.

And Gemma as her cute little self

Candy Addict

2010-02-04T11:41:00.000-08:00

Did you know that there is a "Candy Addict" website and blog??? I should probably join. I wonder if they have a 12 step recovery process. . . I only made it 18 days with out sugar and ever since then I have been on a candy binge. During this process I happened to come across the most delicious candy ~ Coconut M&M's. The problem is that they are limited edition and the only place I can find them is at Rite Aid and we have already bought them out. I even checked the M&M website. Oh well, it is probably for the better. According to Seinfeld I am on the wagon (or is it off the wagon) again on Monday! (I have to eat dessert at Ty's party this Saturday.) Wish me luck!

If I kept . . .

2010-02-03T09:45:00.000-08:00

If I kept every drawing a little kid gave me I could open a museum! It will be fun when Gemma starts drawing pictures!

For Alyssa

2010-01-29T13:15:00.000-08:00

For Alyssa, my sister, the college graduate ;)

How to Post a Comment:

1) Click on Comments at the bottom of the post
2) Type your comment in the box
3) Comment as: Select Profile . . . [Name/URL]
4) Enter your name and hit Post Comment
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6)Hit Post Comment

And that is it!!!! I LOVE YOU SIS!

"It's a Ten!"

2010-01-27T19:22:00.000-08:00

I just saw this hilarious you tube video on Rebecca's blog and it completely reminded me of when I ended up in the emergency room/hospital for a couple days with the worst headache of my life. Anyways, years later my sisters still tease me about yelling, "It's a TEN!!!!". You will get it when you watch the video. (It's at about min 3:20 if you don't want to watch the whole thing.
PS - It really was a ten.

Sweet Potatoes

2010-01-24T20:52:00.001-08:00

Gemma has been having her first little tastes of baby food and she loves it! Sweet Potatoes are one of her favorites. (I would have to say that they taste better than they smell.)

Taking the whole bowl from mommy

This is totally an "Ava Pose"

Close Up

M.A.C.

2010-01-23T15:32:00.000-08:00

These are all my single M.A.C. eye-shadows. I love to play around with different colors! The funny thing is that I really don't wear much make-up > the last time I bought foundation or powder was almost 5 years ago for my wedding! But, when I have a chance it is fun trying new things. I have watched a few tutorials and tried to copy things out of magazines and pictures I have found on-line. Sometimes it works and other times it doesn't turn out as well as I would like. I am going to try something crazy for Ty's birthday party so watch for the pics!

I thought this was a cool pic that Ty took of me doing my make-up.

Halloween '08 (I was a hippie)

Alyssa's 20th Birthday. We were just about to leave to go 80's dancing. I did mine and Sarah's make-up, but I can't remember if I did Alyssa's or not.

Just being bored on Fourth of July ~ Of course before I had a baby ;)

Sisters

2010-01-22T09:24:00.001-08:00

Then

Now
[Well . . . 2007 - we need to take a new "sisters" pic.]

I love my sisters. Growing up in a house full of girls was crazy, but fun. We have had our times of hair pulling, screaming, teasing and evil plotting, but we have always loved each other and watched out for one another.

Just a few things I love about my sisters . . .

Monica ~ She has the biggest-sweetest heart. She is very forgiving and good at showing love towards people that others might have a hard time loving. She see's the good in everyone. Monica also has the prettiest hair. She is going to beauty school right now and doing a great job. She will be a pro in no time.

Nicole ~ She has always been the "strong" one in all aspects of life and she isn't afraid to tell you what she is thinking. She is always helping others while still being a wonderful mommy, wife, sister, daughter, friend, student and employee. I am thankful for all the help she gives me and that she lives close by. I am so excited for our girls to grow up together.

Alyssa ~ She is so dedicated in all that she does. I am amazed to see how much effort she puts into all aspects of her life. She is constantly reading, writing, running, studying, working . . . I don't know how she does it all. She is going to be the first one in our family to graduate college! We are all so proud of her and know that she will make the best history teacher ever!

I Love the Temple

2010-01-19T07:14:00.001-08:00

When I was prego (and laid off) I volunteered at the Temple in the office mostly answering the phones and filing. I loved to be in that peaceful setting with all the wonderful people there. I had told the ladies I worked with that I would come show Gemma to them after I had her. Well, I finally made it! Gemma was so cute ~ she didn't make a peep and kept smiling while looking at the pretty chandeliers and the plants in the atrium. I am thankful to have a Temple close by and that I was married to my sweetheart there.

I found some fun facts about the Temple:

* Exterior Finish: Marble walls and slate roof

* Site: 7.3 acres

* Total floor area: 79,220 square feet

* Public open house: 15 June - July 1989 (The only thing I remember about going to this is that either one or both of the twins were freaking out because they didn't want to put the "booties" over their shoes to help keep the carpets clean. I can't remember if they ending up wearing them or not.)

* Dedication: 19-21 August 1989 Gordon B. Hinckley

* The Portland Oregon Temple was the first temple built in Oregon.

* The Portland Oregon Temple sits on land originally purchased in the 1960s for a Church junior college. Later when that decision was reversed, 7.3 acres were retained for the temple.

* The two-story Celestial Room of the Portland Oregon Temple features three chandeliers, long wall tapestries, and a grand staircase.

* On the top floor of the Portland Oregon Temple are a collection of sealing rooms with white marble altars and a large assembly hall.

* The floor plan created for the Portland Oregon Temple was adapted and used for the Las Vegas Nevada Temple.

* On May 11, 1988, the gold-leafed statue of the angel Moroni was set into place atop the 170-foot eastern spire to an audience of television cameras, newspaper photographers, and beaming Church members.

* A whopping 314,232 visitors toured the Portland Oregon Temple during its public open house. At the time, it was the fifth highest number of temple open house visitors in Church history.

* President Ezra Taft Benson presided and offered remarks at the first three dedicatory sessions of the Portland Oregon Temple, though he extended the responsibility of offering the dedicatory prayer to his first counselor, Gordon B. Hinckley.

* In 1994, the Portland Oregon Temple was awarded first place by the Royal Rosarians of Portland, Oregon, in the category of commercial rose plantings. Portland is known as the "City of Roses."

No more Headaches!

2010-01-18T14:58:00.001-08:00

Time for the headache diet again . . .
Headache (low tyramine) Diet Page 1

Headache Diet Page 2

I have been having a lot of headaches again! I have always continued my headache diet, but I haven't been as careful for awhile now. So I am back on and as strict as ever! Which pretty much means . . .

Lot's of good exercise. (This is from the half marathon that Alyssa, Sarah, Kate and I ran. I am planning on running it again this fourth of July. Last time I got a nice tan in the 2-1/2 hours and 70 degree weather! )

NO junk food and lots of fresh foods. I will also be taking my vitamins on a daily basis. I will let you all know how it goes. Today is day 50 with out pop (and caffeine), day 7 away from the "sugary" foods and only day 1 of exercise.

Crushes on Tylor

2010-01-17T15:03:00.000-08:00

I think it is a little obvious that I have a "crush" on Tylor. What is not so obvious is all the other girls who do too. There are the girls at his work, the girls who think he is the actor Cam Gigandet, and other random girls too. But, the funniest and cutest of them all are the little girls at church. Ever since I have known Tylor there has always been some little girl who thinks he is the greatest. Most recently there have been two little blonde girls who follow him around. Today one of them gave us each a sticker (at least she is nice to me too) and later she ran up to me and frantically asked "Where is Tylor????" Today the same little girl told Tylor that she thinks his baby is really great and a few Sunday's ago she told him that she "really likes his hair". These girls are so cute ~ I guess have some competition.

Gemma is 5 Months!

2010-01-14T08:09:00.000-08:00

Playing with Daddy when she is supposed to be getting on her PJ's for bed.

Gemma loves to play with (and eat) her feet.

She is a little thinker - always observing what is going on, where she is at, and who is around.

I guess she is confused . . .

Gemma loves to play. Her favorites "toys" are her books, Dalmatian dog from daddy, light up star stacker, and her cell phone from Gigi.

She is always smiling and so happy (that is unless she is tired or hungry). Gemma still loves being held and holding hands. So cute! For the past 2 months she has gone to sleep every night like a big girl (being put in her own bed awake) and sleeps through out the night! She is rolling over and leaning to try and get at things. Working with her in my lap is a little crazy - she grabs everything in reach and of course it goes straight to her mouth! Gemma is such a joy in our lives and we can't imagine it with out her!

I Love Oregon

2010-01-05T18:55:00.000-08:00

Growing up I couldn't wait to get out of Oregon and move somewhere "warm". I didn't have a particular place in mind, but I knew I would leave as soon as possible. (My parents thought I was going to move far away and they wouldn't hear from me for awhile.)

Well, in the past 6-8 years or so I have changed my mind. I love Oregon and I don't want to leave. First and foremost I want to be close to mine and Tylor's families. I love the seasons and all the different places to go: beach, mountains, desert, ect. There is always something beautiful to look at and so many different things to do. As I walked outside today after it had rained there was such a wonderful and fresh smell!

Of course I am planning a few trips out of Oregon to warm beaches ;) but, I will always be happy to live in Oregon. It's just "home" to me.

Our Little Ballerina

2010-01-04T19:04:00.001-08:00

Gemma is our little Ballerina. Tylor's aunt and uncle gave her the little skirt and it is so cute! Tylor and I will have to send her to Mikael for special ballet training. She will be a professional by no time ;)

Christmas

2010-01-03T14:17:00.000-08:00

Gemma ready to start Christmas morning

Opening presents with Daddy

Laughing with Auntie Moe

Ava and Aunie Alyssa

Gigi and Gemma (in her outfit from Alyssa)

Our little family

Nikki and Dad

Baby Face Off

My best impression of Ava

Asleep on Uncle Brandon

Little Mary

Loving her book from Grandma and Grandpa

With Auntie Jessica and the sweet "G" Jess made her

~

Christmas was so much fun! Gemma did have a little too many presents ~ Tylor and I got tired of unwrapping them. Compliments of us and our other family members she has a whole new wardrobe, new toys, and lots of new books. Gemma loves to "read" (I guess she got that from me and I can only hope that she stays that way.) It is so cute to watch her look and grab at the books. We opened presents first thing in the morning at our house then went to my moms for breakfast with my parents, sisters, brother and brother in-laws, and of course my cute little niece. In the afternoon we headed to Tylor's parents house and had dinner with his family. It was a great day!

My New Shoes

2009-12-28T17:37:00.000-08:00

All those that know me well; know that I am obsessed with shoes. Tylor bought me 3 new pairs for Christmas and today I used a gift certificate to buy one more. I saw these (Stuart Weitzman) shoes almost a year ago at Nordstrom, but I was not about to pay full price for them ~ $299.00!!! I thought to myself maybe I will find them at the Rack. Well, a few months ago I did find them at the Rack, but they were still $178.90. I wasn't going to pay that either. Today Gemma and I went to the Rack again and I bought them for $32.97! What a great deal!!!! Now all I need is a pedicure!

Look for a Christmas post soon ~ I just need to load the pictures on the computer!

Tired of Laundry

2009-12-22T19:14:00.000-08:00

I am so tired of laundry (and tired in general). As Gemma so sweetly sleeps on our bed (with out sheets right now) I am working on my SEVENTH and LAST load of laundry! I don't remember the last time I washed clothes and Tylor even takes his work clothes to the laundry mat. It's pretty sad I feel this way- my sister even came over today and cleaned our house. (Let me know if you need a house cleaner - she does a great job!) I guess I am not used the normal "mom duties" yet and I have been living the plush life for too long. Maybe I can pay my sister to do the laundry too ;)

Cousins

2009-12-20T20:40:00.001-08:00

Matching Dresses on Thanksgiving

Talking about how not Flattering the dresses are on them

Their first trip to the beach together

Holding Hands

Ava showing Gemma how to Party

Sharing their first (and last for awhile) piece of licorice

At Great Grandpa's Parkinson Walk with their cute Daddies!

Gemma and Ava ~ The cutest cousins ever!
Ava is just 3 months and 10 days older than Gemma. They have a lot of fun together mostly stealing each others toys and trying to eat one another. I am so excited for them to grow up together. I know they will be having sleep overs soon and making their daddies watch barbie movies with them ;)

Date Night

2009-12-18T07:38:00.000-08:00

Tylor and I try to go on regular dates. It is a little hard since the little miss will not take a bottle - our dates can not be too long or who ever is watching her has do deal with a grumpy Gemma. (She pretty much cussed the bottle out last time we all tried to give her one-I had gone to the dentist and could not feed her for awhile. Needless to say she was hungry until I was able to feed her.)

Anyways, one of Tylor's friends gave us free tickets to Game 7 ~ Portland vs. Minnesota. We had pretty good seats - right behind the Blazer family section. We had a lot fun on our date night and the Blazers won 116-93!

Preparing for Christmas

2009-12-15T17:38:00.000-08:00

On the 5th of this month Tylor actually had the day off and we made the most of it! Breakfast with Mom, Christmas tree farm, lights on the house and then to our church Christmas party. Tylor only got the lights put up on one outside tree that day. The next morning he got up and borrowed our neighbors ladder and harness. It was so windy that the ladder blew off our roof and into a near by tree. I was still in bed and Tylor was stuck on the roof (I asked him why he didn't pound on the roof and he said, "I did!". I thought he was just walking around.) One of our neighbors saw him out their bedroom window and came to his rescue! And to top it off our nice next door neighbors ended up putting our lights up for us. What a deal!

Thanksgiving

2009-12-13T18:50:00.000-08:00

Tylor, Gemma and I

Mom, Dad and Mom helping in the kitchen

Dad w/ Ava

Tylor and Brandon

Mom and Jess w/ the girls

Nicole and Chad

Monica and Keith w/Gemma

This was Gemma's first Thanksgiving and mine and Tylor's first Thanksgiving at our own house.
I cooked the turkey (upside down I might add) and made some "gourmet" stuffing. I found the recipes in a Martha Stuart magazine and everything turned out great! All the "moms" cooked everything else and we enjoyed a nice meal together.

Under Construction

2009-12-13T18:41:00.001-08:00

Please bare with me while this blog is "under construction". I need to NOT have an excuse NOT to blog (ie-My blog doesn't have a pretty picture, title banner,and all the fun little stuff down the sides like everyone else.) It will be a work in progess, but I hope you all enjoy my posts in the mean time...