Carissa & Quintin

Parkers 1st Birthday

2012-01-02T13:47:00.000-08:00

How Parker spent his birthday...

Woke up, watched the garbage truck...
Had breakfast...

Had his first happy meal for lunch...

That's right, Happy Birthday, here's some fried food!

Helped Dad wrap my present! :)

Opened presents...

And played with toys...

Had some cake....(not so sure about it)

But loved the sugar high, so had some more cake, but not Mt. Dew!

It went TOO fast!

2012-01-02T13:31:00.000-08:00

Month 1
Month 2

Month 3

Month 4

Month 5

Month 6

Month 7

Month 8

Month 9

Month 10

Month 11

Month 12

Happy Birthday Parker! 1 Year Old!

MIA for good reason

2011-11-11T20:50:00.001-08:00

I have been MIA for a LONG time. I have been slaving away at crafting some blocks! Luckily, no one was too deprived...mostly Quintin. But I have a site that I am selling them on if anyone is interested. My first go at selling them will be tomorrow at a craft bizaar! I am SUPER excited! Check my site out!
http://blockpartydesign.blogspot.com/

Stinker pants

2011-10-12T15:22:00.000-07:00

I did an impromptu photo shoot of Parker in his Halloween costume for my mom....Here's out it went.....

Halloween is going to be a great time for all! :)

Go Pokes!

2011-09-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

Parker's first football game! He was a champ and we stayed the entire game!

A quick thought from President Thomas S. Monson about 9/11

2011-09-10T19:43:00.001-07:00

Click the links below to read article & watch video

Heavenly Father is with Us in Every Season

Finding Hope

My thoughts for my readers: Remember how fragile life is. Build bonds and super strong relationships with your family. Love with all your might and express that love to those that mean the most to you. "Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey and share our love with friends and family. One day, each of us will run out of tomorrows. Let us not put off what is most important." (President Thomas S. Monson) My heart goes out to those that lost loved ones on this tragic day 10 years ago. I can not imagine what a lot went through. So, take time today and remember those that lost their lives. Take time everyday to remember those near and dear to you! And as always, thank Heavenly Father for the glorious things in your life!

Nothing but the greats!

2011-08-05T19:13:00.001-07:00

This last weekend we traveled to see Quintin's family and grandparents. It was great to see everyone and spend time with his grandparents. These pictures are simply amazing and mean so much to us!

Who's excited about camping?

2011-07-21T14:06:00.000-07:00

PARKER IS!

He was such a trooper. He was cutting 2 teeth the second day there. We spent 4 days away from the chaotic world that we live in. We had some late nights and many early mornings. At night we would sit around the camp fire and watch the bats swarm above our heads and eat the gigantic beetles. We had tons of fun camping and being with family!

If you were one of those beetles flying around camp (that didn't get eaten by a bat), you would have caught us: Making ice cream in a bag...

doing lots of fishing...

taking the raft out a few times...

eating watermelon....

digging a hole, burning a fire in it, and buring a turkey...

*turkey caught on fire, I thought we would be enjoying a "Christmas Vacation" turkey after that (I sang the Christmas Vacation song as they unwrapped the turkey)...*

but it turned out just fine and we enjoyed a good BBQ turkey!

eating Sheena's "addicting" seaweed...some didn't enjoy it as much as others...

drinking lots of pop...

playing lots on a blanket...

hanging out in the big chair....

riding the 4 wheelers...

AND celebrating mom and dad's anniversary....

ALSO, we couldn't leave without getting in some playing time with Heidi because she didn't get to go camping.

Don't Blink

2011-06-24T08:09:00.000-07:00

This was the advice I received the most when I was pregnant. Man, is it ever true. Where has the time gone? My little baby is growing so much. I often find myself in his bedroom at night starring at him wondering how he got so big. I try to take in every minute that I have with him and take tons of pictures everyday so, that I can hopefully remember later in the future, when I go back to look at them, that exact moment.

Ahh what a sweet baby. Here he is in his suit on Easter, just sitting, and trying rice cereal for the first time. He is seriously such a happy baby!

The 5th month came and went. We are super busy this summer visiting family and having fun! He is LOVING food. We have not found a food that he doesn't like yet. He figured out how to roll and is such a rolly polly. He can roll both ways and from front to back and back to front.

LOVE this picture. It's SO cute and yet so sad, he looks so big to me in this picture.

I played dress up with him one day and these are just a few outfits we tried. I got these outfits from my mom, they were my little brother's (who is 22 now) when he was a baby.

Oh yes that says 6 months. At his appt. this week he was 16 lbs. 11 oz. and 27 5/8 in. long. He is a tall, skinny baby. Although his cheekers say otherwise. :) He is a very happy baby and very talkative. He babbles all day. It's so fun and cute to wake up to every morning! His personality is SO funny. He is such a character already. Makes us wonder what he will be like when he gets older.

Enemies? Buddies? My sister and I wonder if these two will be enemies or buddies as they get older. Or will neither care and Parker will play with the boys and Heidi the girls? It will be exciting to see!

Love this kiddo! These pictures explain him to a T. He was making the funniest faces, so I just kept snapping pictures. My favorite one is the first one. Such a cheeser!

As for his wonderful parents....we are busy, busy this summer. Especially this coming month. We are gone every other week camping, camping, and celebrating Grandparents 60th Anniv. They are all generally in the same area and Quintin asked if we could just combine them in one weekend. He wishes! That would be too easy! All are about 6-7 hour drive for us. Lots of driving in one month!

We've had such great weather here lately, so we take advantage of it and have lots of picnics in the parks, walks, and spend lots of time outside. Parker loves going for walks and being in the stroller, he sometimes becomes unusually fussy when we haven't gotten out of the house. So off we go in the stroller!

I have started container gardens on our porch and it is doing AWESOME! I planted cucumbers, sugar snap peas, tomatoes, zucchini, and lettuce. I am gradually learning more and more about planting and gardening.

Even though our lives can be very busy at times, we wouldn't trade it for anything different. It keeps up entertained! We hope everyone is having a great summer!

Splish Splash

2011-05-01T20:51:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday!

Parker's Parents....

2011-04-13T12:52:00.000-07:00

Yes, Parker has parents too. I was reminded the other day that Parker has taken over our blog. But seriously...he's taken over our lives! Everything we do and don't do is surronded around him. But anyways I thought I would give you a a quick update on us!

*Quintin went to Florida for Spring Break for work. He stayed at the Disney Yacht Club. His favorite part of the trip was going to ESPN world and watching a game on the huge televisions.

*Parker and I ventured to my mom's while Quintin was in Florida. We spent a lot of time with family. This was Parker's first trip and he did great! My brother brought my mom to a nearby town and she rode with us the rest of the way. We missed Quintin and won't leave home without him any time soon.

*Quintin is crazy busy with work and school. I have heard a number of times, "I can't wait until this semester is over!" The end is in sight for both the semester and the end of school for Quintin. He will finish school next December-3 more semesters! He said he could finish in 2, but just wants to take it slow and easy. I don't blame him. We get to see him more when he takes it slow and easy.

*I have been working my butt off (literally) to get his baby gut off. My friend told me the other day, "It took you 9 months to put it on, it can take 9 months to get it off." That means I have 5 months to lose double digits of pounds. *sigh* My days consist of cleaning, laundry, playing on the floor with the cutest boy, diapers, feeding, walking. The computer is no longer my pass time. Parker is my world and I love spending every waking minute with him. He is such a funny baby. I LOVE watching as his little personality grows and grows!

*Parker is growing like a weed. He has his 4 month check up next week. I am both looking forward to it and not looking forward to it. I had such a hard time at the last check up witnessing him getting shots. I have never heard my baby cry like that before. I became a 2 month old baby with him, crying in the room...consoling each other. It's the worst! UGH! I am interested to see how much he weighs and has grown. He also gets to start food! I think we could have started him earlier, but being my first child, I thought I should wait and get the go ahead from the dr. He has started rolling over! I look forward to him becoming more and more active!

* I finally feel like I can do things that I haven't been able to do in the last 3 months! Parker and I go for a walk at the Rec Center or outside if it is nice 3 times a week! He loves it and I love that he loves it too. I was a little worried because he's a winter baby and has been cooped up for so long, but nothing to worry about!

*Well, that's our lives in a post! With all that said, you will see and read more of Parker than his good looking parents. We are doing great and loving life! Hope you all are doing great as well!

The best kind of dogs are.....

2011-04-09T16:22:00.000-07:00

STUFFED!

Cutest baby on the blog!

2011-03-30T19:48:00.000-07:00

We can not get enough of this love muffin! He is laughing and cooing so much! We love him SO much and can't imagine our lives without him!

NEVER wake a sleeping baby

2011-03-09T09:55:00.000-08:00

2 months

2011-02-21T16:00:00.000-08:00

Well...I never thought that I would use my blog as a journal, but as I put together my pregnancy scrapbook I find myself looking back at my blog posts and using them. Technology can be a glorious thing.

Parker is now 2 months and is growing like a weed. He had is 2 month check up today and is 11 lbs. 11 oz. 23 1/2 inches long. The doctor was very surprised at how alert and how well he could hold his head up. It's really just 2nd nature to us because he has been like this for a while now. Since he was born, he was able to hold his head up. It's just becoming more controlled now and not so much a bobble head.

He smiles and coos a lot. My favorite times of the day is after he eats, he is SUCH a happy baby! He loves the changing table, but what baby wouldn't? He can roll to his side. At 2 weeks, he did this and I almost cried. I thought he would roll over, but still hasn't. He is a very active baby, but I figured he would be because as soon as I could feel him in my belly there were only a few days that I didn't really feel him.

I thought he was a colicky baby at first, but realized it's just his personality. When he wants something, he wants it now or he's gonna scream until it happens. I joke that he got his tempermant from his dad, but truth be told....he got it from me :(

He gets up once a night to eat, which is amazing! That first month and even a little after, it was rough, I was a walking zombie. Oh, who am I kidding, there are many times now that I am a walking zombie.

That's all for our sweet little baby. As for Quintin and I, Quintin had been sick for 2 weeks straight and is finally feeling better. We are both relieved that he is feeling healthly again. Quintin is trying to balance school, work, family, and his own personal time. I think he's a champ and is doing so well! I am SO blessed to get to stay home with Parker and am loving it! Motherhood is hard at times, but yet SO rewarding! I love his little Parker noises he makes when we lay him down at night and on occasion when I am woken up in the morning with his sweet coos! :) We are very grateful to have Parker in our family and the joy and love he brings! :)

Same size

Cousin Heidi: 5 months Parker: 2 months

Blessing Weekend

2011-02-17T12:02:00.000-08:00

We had A LOT of love and support from family and friends! We are truly grateful and couldn't have asked for a better support system!

Dreams really do come true! Ours came wrapped in baby blue!

2011-02-02T10:36:00.000-08:00

The gene is dominant

2011-01-05T13:47:00.000-08:00

I have had many family members tell me that Parker takes after my family. My mom has said that he looks like my older brother and Quintin's family has even said that he looks like my younger brother. After Parker was born my dad said that it reminded him of my older brother's birth to a T. So with that said, I had my siblings and my baby pictures and wanted to put them next to Parker's to see who he resembled the most. I don't have any of Quintin's baby pictures yet, but as soon as I do I'll do the same thing!

#1 is my older brother #2 is me
#3 is my sister #4 is my younger brother

Look we ALL have the same nose!

Oh boy, it's time!

2010-12-26T11:25:00.001-08:00

Well...the story you have or haven't been waiting for! There are 2 versions: long and short! Feel free to read one or the other, or if you're really bored BOTH!

Long Version

Contractions hit Saturday night about midnight. They weren't bad, but strong enough that it was hard to sleep through them. They came about 1 every hour for a few hours, then started coming every 12-15 minutes. So...I layed in bed for awhile and timed them, got up and watched a movie, and timed them some more.

About 9am Quintin and I decided to take a LONG walk to see if it would move things along faster. WRONG! It stopped the contractions and only made me SUPER tired. So, I decided to take a nap. We decided to head to church since things weren't moving along. Contractions started once again on the way to church, still 12-15 minutes apart. Justin helped time them during sacrament! :) We went home and sat around hoping things would speed up fast.

At about 5pm I decided to sweep and mop all the floors, hoping this would speed things up. WRONG! They stopped. I was SO mad. So, I sat around the rest of the night. At about 7pm they were back and little stronger than before, but still 12-15 min. apart. My parents stopped by and they left about 10pm. I thought my water had broke so....we packed things up and up to the hospital we went.

My water had not broken (boo). But contractions were 5-6 minutes apart and I was dilated to a 4 and she could feel the water sac. So...she called the dr. He said send them home. The nurse swore we would be back that night. SO...back home we went. We got home about 12:30am. As soon as we got home, the contractions hit harder! I managed them for 4 hrs and told Quintin it's time to go back.

Back at the hospital..checked in...dilated to a 7! WOW! I wasn't going to get an epidural, since I had managed thus far and it wasn't all that bad. But then I was thinking about how big he would be and how small I am, plus how much sleep I didn't get. So, I opted for an epidural. *Side note* Ladies, these things are heaven sent! I asked Santa to put one in every pregnant lady's stocking every year for Christmas!

After the epidural we just waited around. The epidural slowed things down. So..they started me on pitocin to speed things up. At about 2pm on Monday, it was time to push. After pushing for about 2 1/2-3 hours, puking 3 times, and feeling like I couldn't push anymore, the dr. says, "You're just hitting a brick wall here. And there hasn't been much of a change (meaning: he hasn't dropped into the pelvis). We're going to have to do a C-Section." I thought I was going to cry. I didn't want to have a C-Section. I had to calm myself down and remember that we were praying for a healthly baby and there really was no other way for him to come. As soon as the dr. walked out the door, the room flooded with all kinds of nurses, getting me prepped for surgery.

I was prepped for surgery and it began. It is the weirdest feeling. You can feel them tug and pull on everything. After about 10-15 min. (really I don't know how much time) of tugging and pulling, I hear the dr. say, "WOW! Check out his head! No wonder you couldn't push him out!" Everyone told Quintin to look and when he did he said, "WOW! That's a big noggin!"

Our baby was finally here! Quintin and the nurses took him off to the nursery and I stayed with an amazing anesthesiologist while they put me back together. I was SO exhausted, I slept through it. I spent my time in recovery with Parker, Quintin, my mom, and dad! Boy, I was sure glad that it was over with!

Short Version

*Went to hospital because thought water broke, got sent home

*Went back to hospital 4 hours later and admitted ready for things to begin

*Got an epidural! Heaven sent ladies! See side note in long version.

*Things slowed down

*Started Pitocin

*Pushed for 2 1/2-3 hrs.

*No progress

*Had a C-Section

*Baby had a huge noggin

*Our baby was finally here!

Check out those cheeks!

Born: Dec. 20, 2010 at 6:20pm

8lbs. 8 oz. 21 in.

-He had a huge cone head, I was afraid that it was permenant.

My first time giving him a bath at the hospital. He still doesn't like them.
Look how much he has changed since his birthdate.

We were spoiled while in the hospital. We had a Super Star for a nurse! She was with us from the beginning to the end. We are truly grateful for her and the other nurses that took care of ALL of us!

I am grateful for a somewhat smooth sailing labor and delivery. We are truly grateful for a healthly, beautiful baby! We are extremely blessed!

Now we are home and loving every minute with Parker. Stay tuned for the first week home!

Look what Santa brought us!

2010-12-25T09:06:00.000-08:00

We must've been REALLY good this year to get such an amazing present!

Oh, Guess What?

2010-12-24T07:55:00.000-08:00

Parker decided to finally join our family! We are SO in love with him and can't get enough of him. He already makes us laugh so hard. I will try to post pictures and our story a little later today!
P.S. We are all doing well and loving our new little family!

No baby yet

2010-12-14T07:16:00.000-08:00

This really is the truth!

I went to the dr. yesterday and he did some stuff to get the process moving along and if little Parker is ready we should see and feel some progress within 48 hours.
IF NOT, I am being induced Monday night and we'll have our little guy on Tuesday, Dec. 21!!! AHHH, that's one week!

Yesterday afternoon and on, was a whirl wind of emotions. I didn't have Quintin at the dr. visit and so much was happening in the span of 10 minutes, I couldn't process things fast enough. I left the office an emotional wreck. All evening, I just kept thinking about things. I'm sure I looked like a deer caught in headlights all night. I have had time now to process the information and feel better.

My heart is full as I see an end in sight. I am grateful for our Heavenly Father and the blessings that He sends us each day. I am truly grateful that he would entrust me with one of his spirit children! I am also grateful for what has been a mild pregnancy (as far as comfortness goes). We know that our world is changing and we are SUPER excited! Next post will be the greatest, most expensive Christmas present we will ever get! :)

37 weeks or 39 weeks?

2010-12-03T15:05:00.000-08:00

Have I really grown that much in 2 weeks? UGH!
Check out those cheeks...

And his little nose!

Yehehehe! These pictures make me SO excited for his big debut! We went to the dr. yesterday and had a lot of our questions answered!

1. I am now measuring 39 weeks-2 weeks ahead of what I am

2. According to the ultrasound he is 7 lbs. 15 oz.-owza that's a big baby!

3. I could go any day now because my body thinks that I am full term. He could be here as soon as next week! :) :) :) :) :) :)

4. Our dr. said that he would be very surprised if I go to my due date- that would be HUGE baby!

5. He is still a he!

36 Weeks!

2010-11-23T07:34:00.000-08:00

I'm in love with a boy!
Only 4 weeks to go! Quintin thinks he'll come in the next 2-3 weeks. We'll see if Quintin is right or if Parker will prove him wrong.

At my last visit I was measuring a 1 1/2 weeks ahead! So I asked if that meant he could come early and the Dr. said, "Yes (I silently cheer) or he's big" (I silently freak out). So, he wants to do an ultrasound in a week to find out which one it is. We are SUPER excited to get to see our lil' guy. Last time he was just a little skeleton, so hopefully we put some meat on his bones (but not too much)! :) Quintin made the comment about the ultrasound, "That's great and then a week later, we'll see him again...in person!" We are just SO excited for our new adventure to start that we hope he comes a little early but, with that said we pray that he comes when he is fully developed and grown.

I was throwing up a couple of weeks ago as well and felt like I had been transported back to the first trimester, just with a big belly. Seriously! When I was at the Dr. I mentioned it and he put me on a prescription to help! Which it has! I haven't thrown up in a week! Sometimes I still feel crummy in the morning, but it gets better as the day goes on.

I have been a blanket making fool lately. Since being sick, Quintin & I decided I should stop subbing, which is bitter sweet. I love teaching and being with those kids, but am super excited to be moving on to bigger and better! Anyways, about the blankets. I try to fill up my time during the day to help the time pass quicker. I finished Parker's rag quilt and have started making carseat blankets! Super fun and easy!

I have also tried to fill our freezer with freezer meals. I only have a few more to go, but by the end we will have about 2 1/2 weeks worth of meals! Yeah for easy cooking in the future!

Parker has been a great companion and really is a good baby. I hope that he has the same patterns when he is out of the womb. He is SUPER active during the day and then at night when I lay down, he's active for about 30 minutes and then isn't active again until about 6:30-7:00. I still LOVE, LOVE, LOVE feeling him move. It's really neat to watch my belly when he moves. There have been a few times that, I'm guessing is his foot plays with the bottom of my rib cage. He just moves it back and forth, back and forth, which makes me laugh. My favorite is, guessing again, is fingers moving, they are the littliest, tiniest movements. Mmm so cute!

Quintin and I were talking about how grateful we are that the Lord sent Parker when He did. If he would have come back when we first started trying things would be SUPER crazy! We are very anxious for Parker to join our family and as I say everytime....we can't wait to meet our precious baby! Not too long! *tear*

Oh, what to do when you come to visit!

2010-11-14T07:47:00.001-08:00

My sister and her kiddos wanted to come visit before Parker came and the weather got bad. We had LOTS of fun for the few days they were here. I feel as though I am not as fun when pregnant, but we tried to fill our days with fun things to do!

We don't have playdough so, I made homemade playdough for the kids. They got to pick the color they wanted and I think it's better than that stuff you buy. Here's the recipe try it out and see what you think!

Homemade Colored Playdough

1 C. water

1 Tbs. vegetable oil

1/2 C. salt

1 Tbs. cream of tartar

Food coloring

Saucepan

1 C. flour

Directions:

1. Combine water, oil, salt, cream of tartar, and food coloring in saucepan and heat until warm.

2. Remove from heat and add flour.

3. Stir, then knead until smooth. The cream of tartar make this dough last 6 months or longer.

4. Store in airtight container or Ziploc bag.

*This makes quite a bit. I halfed the recipe for each kid and it was plenty.*

It was so stinkin' nice that we made a picnic and went to the park. Uncle Q had to play with the kids because my prego butt couldn't scale that climbing wall and my sister was totting her baby.

We have a HUGE bath tub. So when Hannah comes I tell her to bring her swimsuit so she can swim in my bath tub!

*We also made individual homemade pizza's one night! They were a hit!*

I was uploading pictures and looking at them and came across this one. Quintin was in the other room and I yell, "What is this?" Quintin yells back, "What?" I yell, "There's a picture of some guys crack." He just starts laughing and leaves it at that. Lesson learned: Don't let your hubby get the camera or you might end up with pictures like this. :) He never fails to surprise me or make me laugh!

So, when ya coming for your visit?!?

Halloween

2010-11-13T20:06:00.000-08:00

A little bit late, but still wanted to document our Halloween week. We started off by carving pumpkins with Justin, Sarah, & Avery. Avery & I picked Quintin & I's design....MICKEY MOUSE! Quintin cut the top off and gutted the inside and I carved the pumpkin!

We didn't really do much for Halloween the rest of the week. I tagged along with a friend and her kids trick or treating at the college and a dr. office to get into the festivities a little bit. We had a total of 11 trick or treaters on Halloween, which is the most we have ever had living here! I also made chili on Halloween, a family tradition. Which concluded our very calm and non-spooky Halloween!

31 Weeks

2010-10-25T15:11:00.001-07:00

*Sorry no face shot, my belly isn't the only thing pregnant* ;) 9 more weeks!
We are in the single digits now! Wahoo! The belly is defintely protruding a little more than last month.
My mom, sister, & sister-in-law threw a small baby shower for me last weekend! Parker was defintely spoiled. The food was AMAZING! All my favorites! Unfortunetly, that was a our last trip out of town and are home for quite awhile. I have been doing okay with it so far. I keep myself busy, busy, busy so I don't think about as much.

I have a feeling I'll be watching this video lots in the next 9 weeks! :) Super cute and such a great message!

Highlights for month 7

*Parker is very active each day, which I still love. My favorite is feeling the small/tiny movements of his fingers or toes!

*Quintin gets to feel him more often!

*My belly is finally past my boobs!

*Hearing his heartbeat!

Lowlights for month 7

*Crazy emotional-I cry over the silliest stuff i.e. we were coming home from Gtown and were about 30 minutes from Ltown and I just started crying because I wanted out of the car so bad. It only lasted about 2-3 minutes and then I was done and fine. Another time was a few days ago. We went walking around a park here and when we got half way, I just felt like crying again because I was done walking. Quintin "coached" me through and we made it back to the car tear free! He is a lucky one, if I do say so myself! :)

*More tired and very restless at night.

*Pee more often.

*Lately have been feeling crudy in the mornings.

*Uncomfortable.

All in all, I don't let the lowlights get me down because I know what a precious gift we have been given! We are still super excited for our "lives to change dramatically" (as Quintin says) in 9 weeks! We love our Parker baby and can't wait to meet him!

Beautiful Baby

2010-10-12T07:25:00.001-07:00

We traveled to G-town this last weekend to witness the blessing of the newest addition! Quintin hadn't met her yet and he instantly fell in love with her! It gets us both excited for our Lil' Parker! Just a little side note, I had to steal these pics from my sister's blog because I was horrible with the camera and didn't get any pictures....ALL weekend! Thanks Chels!

Heidi in her blessing dress (my mom was blessed in this dress as well)
Isn't she just SO darn cute?!?

*We have been keeping ourselves busy busy! I have started subbing 3 times a week. Which has its ups and downs. I am even more tired, but love being back in the school district and teaching! On the days I don't substitute, I am doing the house-wife thing (cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc.). Quintin stays busy between school, work, and doing little odds and ends around the house. We will travel to G-town one last time this weekend, then will be in L-ville for a little while!

Nothing better than new babies!!

2010-09-19T17:12:00.000-07:00

Last week I went home to see my sister, meet my new neice, visit my mom and dad, and help my mom with the kiddos! It was a great week! My mom and I took my sister out to lunch the day before she had her baby, last girl lunch for a little bit. We spent lots of time at the hospital loving on the newest addition!

The night before my sister had her baby. I always wanted to be pregnant with my sister, so this picture is EXTRA special to me. :) I'm also glad that I got to share pregnancy with her for 6 months! P.S. look how cute she is!
Introducing the beautiful Heidi! I love new babies and she got me even more excited for Parker!

Just hanging out at the hospital

The kiddos wanted to make Mommy cookies, so we did!

A little peek into last week

2010-09-16T08:24:00.001-07:00

6 months down, 3 more to go!

2010-09-03T15:59:00.001-07:00

I am loving being pregnant for the time being!

Not really sure if my belly is any bigger than last month, but sometimes it sure feels like it is.

Highlights of the past month

*Quintin felt him move for the first time!

*We saw my belly move when he moved. Weird, but cool!

*Love how active he is, I may regret this comment later, but am loving it now! I absolutely love to sit/lie just feeling him move. I wonder what he's doing in there sometimes? Putting on an acrobat show, that's for sure!

*Got all of his nursery furniture AND even set it up!

Lowlights of the past month

*Butt/boobs/thighs/face getting bigger

But totally worth it, for what we get out of the deal! We love our lil' Parker and can't wait to meet him. Yehehehe!

Island Park, ID

2010-09-03T14:34:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we headed to Idaho for a Zabel reunion with Quintin and his brothers and sister. We had SUCH a great time! We spent a week in Island Park and did lots of fun things. The food was great and the company was great as well! We saw moose, went to a Beauty and the Beast play (West Yellowstone), and had to deal with bats in our cabin (my love for my husband and brother-in-laws has grown termendously)! We also met up with old friends in Idaho Falls, which was great to catch up with them! This trip was our last big trip before Quintin started school and before Parker gets here. We savored every minute of it and enjoyed it SO much!

Advice on Parenthood

2010-08-16T08:24:00.000-07:00

I have been asking parents lately for any advice they can offer us. I thought I would compile a list of the responses thus far.

*Stop at one

*It's too late now, you can't go back

*Enjoy and get all the sleep you can get now

*Go on as many dates now

*Don't whine or think about it, just put the baby in the carseat and go

*Also, when they're older, just put them in the carseat and go

*Don't let them sleep in your bed with you

*Live close to Grandma, so you can dump them off and not feel guilty

*Get a routine babysitter

*Love every moment because it goes by fast

*Sports cost a lot

*It costs $250,000 to raise 1 child and that doesn't include college

We know that this will be a HUGE life change and there will be LOTS of adjustments made and we have no idea what it will be like, but we are STILL so excited to start our family and wouldn't have it any other way! We also love and appreciate the advice that is being given, keep it coming!

Move over Martha Stewart!

2010-08-10T18:10:00.000-07:00

I can do it all now...cook, clean, craft, and now sew! My mom and dad got me a sewing machine for graduation and I hadn't been feeling good and didn't have anyone to teach me. So...since I am a whole new person, I decided to get the sewing machine out and have a friend teach me. In the last 24 hours I have made....

Lil' Parker pajama shorts for next summer....
A couple of burp clothes for my sister-in-law....

AND..some cute little pants for my adorable neice Addison! I can't wait to see these on her!

I also have fabric for the rag quilt that I'm making Parker and fabric for more burp clothes and little pants for my sister's baby. I am really enjoying sewing! What can I conquer next?

Our Cute Lil' Parker

2010-08-06T08:48:00.000-07:00

I love the 3D pictures. It shows him all cuddled up to the placenta and looks like he's holding onto the embillical cord. He put on a great show for us. He had one hand up against his face and the other hand would move back and forth from his face. We saw his little mouth sucking. He even kicked the ultrasound wand. I wanted to, that lady had that thing pressed pretty hard into my belly. He was a squirmin' for the whole 45 minutes. It was SO neat to watch. We are incredibly blessed! He is right on track and measuring to his due date: Christmas Eve! Stinker! We hope he decides to come a little early. We are SO happy and love our little guy already!

Best Reactions:
My neice: Got mad, cried, and said, "No stinky boys." Her mom is having a little girl, so I was supposed to have a little girl too. I think she's ok with it now, she seems to be talking to me again! :)
Quintin's co-worker (who is Muslim): *In a very soft tone* "Ohhhhh, Congratulations. To have a boy as the first is such a blessing."

"I see a little outdoor plumbing"

2010-08-01T19:31:00.000-07:00

As the tech would say! We are having a boy! And couldn't be more excited! We both wanted a boy first, so it all worked out. Quintin is SUPER excited and can't wait to play/wrestle with our son. Yeeeeee! We were able to do a little shopping for him yesterday and it got me all the more excited for our little guy! We have decided on the name Parker Jackson and CAN NOT wait to meet him! Check back soon for some SUPER CUTE ultrasound pics and some pretty funny reactions from others.

Boy or Girl?

2010-07-24T09:39:00.000-07:00

The Countdown Begins!

3 more days till we find out. We are hoping that the baby isn't being modest and is spreading his/her legs. The only time we will be okay with it. :) What do you think the baby will be? I had a poll but for some reason it won't let you vote. So just let us know by leaving a comment. Will we have a little Quintin? Or a little Carissa?

Oh, the wonderful things of summer!

2010-07-14T08:30:00.000-07:00

4th of July: Saturday, we went to Denver with my brother and his wife and my mom and dad. We did some shopping and then headed to eat at Rodizios! Delish! After eating we headed over to the Rockies game. After the game they put on an amazing firework show, hands down the best firework show I've ever seen. Sunday, we went over to our friends, the Fowlers, and had dinner and watched the fireworks! The show was much better then years past and we got a GREAT spot and were literally right underneath the fireworks! Needless to say, we had a WONDERFUL weekend with family and friends!

Tyler & Cami

Getting ready for the fireworks at the game!
The game, look at the huge dark cloud! It lingered over the field FOREVER! Luckily, only sprinkly rain.
Ubaldo Jimenez

Softball: Quintin has been playing on a softball team and I finally have felt good enough to go watch him.

Quintin hitting a home run!

Our little fishy: Nothing says you're pregnant like feeling the baby move! I'd been feeling nudges here and there for a couple of days, but wasn't really sure if it was the baby and then oh boy, Sunday in church the baby made a HUGE move. I was overcome with emotion and Quintin looked at me and I told him the baby moved. He asked is that why you're crying? :) Of course! And Yesterday, I was sitting on the couch and he/she was moving like crazy, I didn't want to get up! What a rewarding experience! Makes all the icky pregnancy stuff worth it.

Little bump-4 months

2 more weeks and we find out what our little fishy is! :)

Much needed update....

2010-07-01T13:42:00.000-07:00

Baby update-Went to the doctor and everything is sounding great! I have lost weight, but HELLO I threw up before I went to the doctors, of course I'm losing weight. Dr. K wasn't worried about it because my belly was developing just fine. I'm not throwing up as much as the last couple of months, which is good! There are more good days, then bad. I am now 15 weeks along and hopefully will begin to feel the baby! I can't wait!! The heartbeat was 156 bpm, which has slowed down since last month, but Dr. K assured me that it was normal. Hmmmm....my belly is finally rounding and I'm starting to look prego! Quintin whistled at me last night and it made me feel good AND a guy at the grocery store hit on me. Yeah, I still got it! :) Anyways..more about the babes not me, we find what we are having July 27th! Let the countdown begin! We are super excited and don't prefer a boy over a girl. We will reveal the name we have chosen when we found out what our child is! :) Ooooohhhhh, I can't wait! Lots of people have guessed a girl, which the Zabels are not lacking in and could very likely be....and a few people have guessed a boy, so we'll see!

Graduation: With all the excitement of the baby, I have forgotten to post pictures of graduation. I didn't get a lot, but my mom took LOTS more and I haven't gotten them yet, but maybe soon will! I am grateful for everyone that made the trip to share this special day with me! It was amazing! One of my methods teachers spoke at the ceremony, so it made it even better. I got to walk with my best friend, Janelle, which we have been waiting to do for hmmmmm 3 years. She almost graduated last year and things didn't work out and I told her that's great, now we can walk together! After the ceremony, my mom, mother-in-law, and sister put together an amazing luncheon complete with pulled BBQ sandwiches, ice cream sandwich sundaes, and GREAT company!

New family pictures: Most have seen these pictures, but thought I would post a few for those that haven't. We had a friend take pictures of us for graduation and for updated pictures. We took pictures downtown and on campus. She did an awesome job. It was a VERY windy day and I was afraid that none of the pictures would turn out because my hair was flying everywhere, but nope had quite a few good ones! I just hope she sticks around long enough to take the baby's pictures. She does SUCH a good job. And I now have a favorite wall in our living room!

Wisconsin: We traveled to Wisconsin to visit Justin, Sarah, and Avery the end of May. We had such a great time! They were great hosts. Wisconsin was very green and humid, but beautiful! I didn't get a lot of pictures, my downfall lately. Hard to take pictures when you're having such a good time.

So far this summer: Since I am starting to feel better, any chance I can get, I get out of the house. I have spent time: with my mom and sister, laying on a blanket at the park, and taking lots of bike rides and walks. Quintin is SO excited for a yard and has spent many hours weeding it and mowing it. Summer wouldn't be complete without a little BBQ here and there. Quintin taught me one night how to BBQ, some might be surprised that I have never BBQed, but if you know my dad and brothers you'll understand. Quintin only let me BBQ a couple of nights then he wanted his "duty" back. :) I watched my sister's kids and let's just say it was an interesting couple of days. We had fun swimming, making pizzas, and dancing!

Well, that's everything that's been going on around here. I will try to better at keeping everyone updated and will try to take more pictures. Until next time.....

Playground Song

2010-06-10T17:55:00.000-07:00

Quintin and Carissa sitting by a Christmas tree.....

K-I-S-S-I-N-G......

First comes love...

Then comes marriage....

Then comes a baby in a baby carriage!!!!

We are so excited to start our family! Due date is Christmas Eve. We are looking forward to our wonderful Christmas present! I am 3 months along and wondering when I will get to enjoy pregnancy. I have had morning sickness for the past month. It has slowed down and isn't as frequent so that's always a bonus when my head isn't inside the toilet! But it's really a bitter sweet thing to me, it's not fun, but it lets me know that everything is alright. We had our first check up a few weeks ago and go for our second check up in a couple of weeks. Again, we are so excited and loving the feeling of having a little one on the way!!! :)

Teacher Fair

2010-03-27T20:26:00.000-07:00

Here I am ready to take on the world! I documented above, the thoughts and feelings I was having before I headed off to my first interview that day! *If you can't read them, you can click on the picture and it will go into a new window and enlarge the picture* Quintin and I went to Cheyenne over Spring Break and found this great outfit for interviews! I wanted to stand out and be rememebered and I think I picked the color to do so! The teacher fair was ridiculous to say the least. I compare it to a shopping day on Black Friday. Doors open at 5, everyone rushes (literally runs) to the district they want to interview with, stand in line to sign up for an interview for the next day, and happily walk out when you get a spot to interview! I was lucky to get 2 interviews with Laramie! You are supposed to only sign up with one, but the Lord was watching out for me and I got two! I really felt that interview day went well. I remember everything I had practiced and nailed all the questions they asked! The next step is a call back for a 2nd interview with a particular school. Now, I just play the waiting the game and see what happens. I am so glad that that day is over and done with! I will take a big teacher exam in a few weeks and then graduation! Then I REALLY will be able to take on the world!

Funny side story, I went back to my class to do math groups and get ready for the next day! I stayed in my outfit and oh man, the kids LOVED it! They kept staring at me and telling me how nice I looked. :) The boy that called me sexy, kept tapping my boots and saying, "Ooooo, I like these, I really like these." One girl was also walking over to my mentor teacher and said, "I can't believe Mrs. Zabel wore high heels." Funny, funny kids! I was SO glad that I went back to school, with all the chaos going on in my head, I need a pick me up from my kiddos and I got it. The classroom door was shut and when I walked in I had a sworm of kindergarteners greeting me with hugs, hellos, and where have you beens? :) Graduating is a bitter-sweet because I truly love my class so much and it makes me cry just thinking about leaving them, but I am also ready for the next step in life! :)

The many things I have accomplished over break

2010-03-20T13:02:00.000-07:00

Enjoying more of our guests

2010-03-20T13:00:00.000-07:00

Green, green, green

2010-03-20T12:55:00.000-07:00

Breakfast:I made a green egg sandwich for Q before he shoved off to work while I had green milk in my cheerios!
Lunch: Green salad sandwhiches
Dinner: Green mashed potatoes, green kool-aid, pork loin, cabbage, and water gate salad! Yum! Yum!

Blessing Day

2010-03-20T12:52:00.000-07:00

Superbowl Weekend

2010-03-20T12:51:00.000-07:00

Enjoying our guests

2010-03-20T12:50:00.000-07:00

Happy 26th Birthday Chelsey!

2010-03-20T07:36:00.001-07:00

26 things why I like you & like about you:

1. You moved to Utah to live with me for 2 weeks :)

2. You lived with me for 19 years and would still live with me, I think

3. You are a great mom!

4. Even though you aren't fun when you're pregnant (inside joke), I know that it's only for a short time and fun Chelsey will return.

5. You make Chunky Monkey pancakes for me.

6. You're energetic kids

7. You're always there for me.

8. I love that you come visit at least once a year!

9. Ginger snap cookies

10. Pumpkin Dip

11. Movie nights

12. Silly release DVD nights

13. Your clothes

14. Introducing Italian Sodas at home

15. Our Friendship

16. Calling after 9 and getting in trouble because it's "too late."

17. Mild Temper

18. Calm Spirit

19. You're willingness to make me a purse with your new sewing skills :)

20. Your laugh

21. Your hugs!

22. Your patience

23. When you disicipline your kids and they just laugh at you

24. Your willingness to share your clothes when we were younger

25. Randoming texting

26. Our sister bond

Thanks for being such a great sister! I hope you have a great day and don't throw up your birthday food! :)

Love you lots!

10:00 o'clock ramblings

2010-03-18T20:43:00.001-07:00

*First off, I have decided not to make my blog private at the moment, it really is such a hassle. But I have your e-mails when I decide to actually get down to it.
*My spring break has been busy, busy! I painted the guest bedroom and office. It took me 3 days and I was SO exhausted. But am very happy to be done!
*I have been a crazy crafty person lately. I have made so much in the last week (pictures to come).
*I hate to admit it, but I really hate leaving my husband. I have a fear that something is going to go wrong and he won't be there with me. So I have become quite attached to him. Which he doesn't mind (at times). And mom this isn't why I didn't come home. And it's also hard to leave him because I have become so attached. He has also become my whole life and my love has grown SO much for him, I really didn't think it was possible, but it is!
*My apperciation for my education has grown and grown over the last month. I am so grateful for this time in my life, where am ending my school career.
*I have no idea what I will be doing in the Fall and it makes me nervous. I have had somewhat of my life planned out and it's not going as planned, so I don't know what to do now.
*Martha Stewart annoys me.
*I want to start my own preschool in the near future!
*I love kids. There isn't a day in school that I don't laugh. There was a little boy walking into class and I was holding the door and he turned to me and said, "Mrs. Zabel, you ARRRE sexy!" And I said, "Excuse me!" And he quickly said, "I meant pretty, I meant pretty." See this little boy had an incident a couple days before where he was telling girls on recess they were sexy and kissing them on their shoulder. So I had to have a talk with him and told him it was okay to tell them they are pretty, but it was not okay to tell them they are sexy or kiss them. I laugh about it now! :)
*When I was called to Stake YW Secretary, I was excited. Then I started my calling and was thinking what I am I doing? Then I have an experience where I think my calling is SO great. It's a complete roller coaster, but needless to say my testimony has grown tremendously for the youth and my Savior.
*Quinten L. Cook (Quorom of the Twelve) will be visiting Laramie this weekend for Stake Conference and I am really REALLY excited.
*Laramie is under a winter storm warning and I am really ticked. We've had such a nice week, my friend and I went and walked downtown yesterday, it was SO nice and SO warm!
*I have found excercising is ONLY fun when you have someone to do it with. I workout with a friend 3 days a week and she left this week, so I have not done anything but paint as far as working out goes.
*I am looking forward to my girl scout cookies! If anybody needs to fill their cravings let me know. Let's just say we bought 10 boxes. I don't know what I was thinking when I ordered that many, just wanted to help my sweet cousin out!
*I have lost 10 lbs. and am SO proud of myself until I look back on this week and have done absolutely nothing. Luckily, I haven't gained, just maintained!
*I love white chocolate covered pretzels.
*During grocery shopping this week I bought Quintin, yohoo freezer pops, cotton candy, jerky, BBQ chips, and Mt. Dew. Yeah, he loves me!
*I really got on the computer to find a cute quote to put on a sign and here I am a hour later! :)
*My mind is now cleared, so my job is done! :) Have a great day!
Class of 2010 WOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Going Private

2010-01-28T19:41:00.000-08:00

After long thought and debate...I too have decided to make my blog private. If you would like to be added to the list please leave a comment with your e-mail or e-mail me! I know there are family members that view my blog that do not have google accounts, you can view my blog as a guest every month without having a google account. So, just let me know! You'll have about 5 days to let me know!

Happenings Around the Home!

2010-01-19T19:39:00.001-08:00

I've been trying to fill my time with more than just TV watching and internet surfing...so I have been a vinyl machine lately!

Above our bed
On another wall in our bedroom!

The Laudry Room door

In the Living Room

I might also add......drum roll please.....We payed the car off!!!! So we celebrate by going out to Pizza Shop in town, which was delicious!

And enjoyed Key Lime Pie at home to end the celebration!

I have more pictures and stories to post, but don't have the time at the moment! My sister came for a visit and we had TONS of fun! Student Teaching is going GREAT!

New Years 2010 & The Dream Trailer

2010-01-03T17:10:00.000-08:00

The Dream trailer comes complete with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths (one, in which is a master bath), laundry room (complete with washer and dryer), hot water that doesn't change quickly to cold, much more space, non-clicking heater, warm home, porch, yard, driveway, 5 minutes from an amazing walking/biking path, and did I mention it has a washer and dryer?!

The Dream Kitchen
The Dream Bathtub!

The Dream Bedroom!

We had to say bye to our sweet family that left us the great Dream Trailer! We miss them dearly already! We spent the last nights together playing Wii and eating! We went out one night and gave them our going away gifts. We got A cowboy bibs, which she's sporting in the picture above! And J & S a decorative glass block with the cowboy emblem on it!

We miss you guys like crazy!

New Years was REALLY quiet. I made salad....

Sweet potatoes..... AND....crab legs! It was a really good dinner! We rang in the New Year playing the Wii. I almost didn't make it, but Q kept me going! Nothing too exciting! We had a great year in 2009 and hope that 2010 will be just as great! I start student teaching tomorrow until the end of April! I'm pretty excited to start my last semester, but also have mixed feelings. I have to grow up now and be something other than a student. I will have to get a grown up job. AHHHH!

Christmas 2009

2010-01-03T11:19:00.001-08:00

Christmas was fast and short this year it seemed. It came and gone pretty quickly. We headed to G-town on Wednesday and got stuck in Douglas because of bad roads. It was a pretty uneventful night. We ate a pretty good Mexican Restaurant and then went to the grocery store to get hot chocolate. Quintin then watched a football game and I finished a book. We woke up the next morning and luckily the roads were clear and dry! We had Christmas Eve dinner with my family as well as Christmas Day brunch. All of my family was able to have Christmas together this year! Christmas dinner was pretty low-key and quiet with the Zabels. We had dinner with Quintin's parents, the missionaries, and Quintin's sister and her family. We watched home videos and played games.

Playing a game
Who will do the dishes?

Beautiful Beth and Kate

Tehehehe Playing princesses with the girls :)

Quintin's first attempt to cutting a ham. He did pretty good!

All tuckered out from opening presents

Tyler chilling after all the gifts were opened.

And the handsomest reindeer of all....

Traditional Prime Rib Christmas Eve dinner

The girls enjoying their dinner

The "kid" table

Kaitlyn and Hannah hung out in the bathroom for awhile. When someone went to go check on them Kaitlyn was sitting on the toilet with a magazine. I went to go get a picture and Hannah was sitting on the toilet reading.

Beautiful Sheena

Chels and Keith

My husband drives with one hand on the wheel and one hand on a Big Mac. Talk about nerve racking!

Thanksgiving 2009

2010-01-03T11:01:00.000-08:00

We spent Thanksgiving in Gillette with both families! The great thing about having both families only 2 blocks away is that we get to see both families for the holiday season! We ate dinner with the Zabels and played games afterwards. We went over to the Jacksons to see my Great Aunt Carol before they shoved off. Bonnie just beat Joe...I don't think he knows what to think!

The infamous Joe-hawk!

Chels mashing the potatoes

Aunt Carol, Grandma, and Mom

Me, Keith, and Grandma

We're still alive!

2009-11-20T16:13:00.000-08:00

So, much has been going on with us lately. We have been super busy with school (me and Quintin), work (just Quintin), and our callings. We have bought Justin and Sarah's trailer home and are so sad they are leaving us, but excited to finally have a place to call our home! :) We will move in right after Christmas. Everything is falling into place SO nicely.

I have been student teaching for the past two weeks and had the chance to teach all day yesterday and I took it! I LOVED IT! My class is so great and I feel so lucky to be placed in such a wonderful class with such a great mentor as well. She is amazing!

I am not officially finished with classes for the semester, but the semester is basically over for me. After Thanksgiving, I return to turn in my reflection notebooks and have a pizza party. Quintin has been a busy bee with homework and work. He diligently does his homework every night. After Thanksgiving, he will return to the beginning of his finals.

I had my "BIG" teacher test (praxis). New teachers have to take and pass the test either before they start teaching or within a year of teaching. I decided to take it and get it out of the way. Sadly enough, I have to wait a month to hear how I did. Which I don't understand why it takes so long, it was multiple choice and we had to fill our answers in on a bubble sheet. Quintin jokes that some old lady has to look at each one carefully, that's why it takes SO long. Poor lady.

That's about all that's been going on with us. We are doing great and can't complain. We wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

BFFs

2009-11-05T20:18:00.000-08:00

I was just playing around with a really sweet picture site for a minute. This is the finished product! If you want to try the site click here! Thanks Ang!

Another new found love!

2009-10-13T14:06:00.000-07:00

Coconut M&Ms

This time it was my mother-in-law who told me about these. I thought I'd missed them, but low and behold, I was at Wal-Mart today and found them right at the check out! I love coconut! I love M&Ms! I love coconut M&Ms!

When will this roller coaster stop?

2009-09-17T09:52:00.000-07:00

Do you ever feel like you're on a roller coaster and it just keeps picking up speed? You want it to slow down or else you're going to jump off? Well, I've felt like that since school has started. The roller coaster started out slowly then gradually picked up speed. It's now going as fast as it can go and I am just holding on waiting for the ride to stop. I'm pretty sure Quintin will agree with me. We hardly ever see each other anymore during the week. It's "good night" and "good morning"! Quintin stays plenty busy between work, school, and his calling.

*I recieved a new calling as the Stake Young Women Secretary, which will be pretty time consuming as well. I had my first meeting last night and was TOTALLY lost. I did have the opportunity to go to the activity with the girls. We toured the Ivinson Mansion. Which was AMAZING! It had SO many rooms. I really don't know what I'd do with a house that big and the couple that owned it back in the day, only had one kid. Lots of hiding places for hide and seek, I guess.

*I've also had the opportunity to be in my class a few times. I was there for two days getting to know them and my teacher. They are a great bunch of kids and I look forward to being in the classroom more! I also had the opportunity to experience a school Open House. I got to meet most of my students' parents. I was suprised to know most of them from church or school. I am beginning to feel more and more like a teacher.

*It's football season, wanna know how I know? It's on our TV ALL the time. Well football games means family comes to see us more! :) Ang, Miles, Tristen, and Taryn came last week to the football game vs. Texas. I was so gracious to give my ticket to Miles because I was not going to subject myself to that. Too many people in such a little place. So Miles, Quintin, and Justin went to the game. While the girls went to eat and do some shopping! We went to Wingers and Ang told Tristen she better make friends there so she can get a job as a waitress. Tristen replies, "No way, I'm gonna sell foam fingers." :) So, after eating we went to Brown and Gold, which sells Wyoming Cowboy appearal. Ang and I are looking around and we turn around and find Tristen with foam fingers and a foam helmet! Nice! She's quite the character! It was so great to have them here! Enjoyed the many laughs! Thanks for coming guys!

*Most of my family is coming down this weekend to celebrate my birthday with me! Which I'm a stoked about! :) I can't wait for them to arrive and the craziness to begin! I'll post pictures later of our crazy weekend.

*AND even though our lives are crazy at the moment, we wouldn't change it for anything. This is OUR ride and we just sit down, buckle up, and enjoy the ride! :)

The Teacher in Me

2009-09-08T08:14:00.000-07:00

School has once again started. I have been in my classroom twice already and love, love, love the kids! I saw one of my students yesterday in Wal-Mart and didn't think she would remember me, but she did! She was so excited to see me and was waving her hand as fast as she could. Quintin is taking a tough load and is already stressed out. We try to keep the stress level down by taking LOTS of walks around the neighborhood. :) I came across a couple of things in the last couple of weeks and just wanted to share them! Enjoy!

Click on the titles below to view speech and video!
Kids across America today had the opportunity to listen to President Obama give a speech specifically for them. I am interested to know what their reactions were.
President Obama's Back to School Address

Dalton Sherman, a 5th Grader was a keynote speaker for the Dallas Independent School Districts 2008 Back to School pep rally. He gave this speech in front of 20,000 teachers. I'm nervous to have a kid like this in my own class.
Do you believe in me?

Tying the knot (Long, long, long post, but full of pictures!)

2009-08-22T15:53:00.001-07:00

My little brother got married a little over a week ago in Gillette. It was a beautiful wedding and reception. We are so excited to have Cami in our family! Here are the pictures I captured with my camera...

My mom and dad...my mom didn't like this picture, but I love it! They are such a great couple!
Keith Christopher was born just a few days before the wedding...we were so blessed Jordan and Sheena brought him to the wedding! Everyone wanted to hold him even the little kiddos. This is one of my good friends kids, Shyla enjoying our new bundle of joy!

Mr. Magoo enjoying something good

My beautiful sister

This would be a really great picture if someone's hand wasn't in the way, Joe.

Proud mommy, Sheena

I startled my mom a little

My very handsome husband...this is my favorite shirt and he never wears it..I had the opportunity to pack for him so guess what shirt I packed?!?

The happy couple

The happy couple again...look how happy they are even after all those pictures

Quintin's not too sure about Matt....

Chels & Cami...Tyler's behind Chelsey

The pictures are ALMOST over

My wonderful friend, Maureen...I think this is like the 3rd picture we've ever had taken together in the 5 years we've been friends.

Sheena & Kaitlyn

Proud Daddy-O, my brother Jordan

Uncle Tim & Violet

Joe's story must be pretty good!

Quintin & I

My sweet, adorable neices, Kaitlyn & Hannah

The beautiful bride before the wedding

She sure loves her Aunt Fanny!

Getting Hannah ready for the wedding, she was the flower girl

The girls went and got their nails done a few days before the wedding...Hannah wanted hers done too!

Getting a pedicure with mom!

"Holy moly, pull over!"

2009-08-09T12:53:00.000-07:00

Quintin has been asking me for weeks to go to the Snowy's (mountain range near us). So yesterday I said we could go. I've never been and was really quite impressed! We went to Lake Marie, this is where Quintin thought about proposing to me at. I'm sure glad he didn't, although it was very pretty and peaceful, it would have been freezing! Look at those mountains in July. Imagine what they would look like in April? Eeeeee!

As we were driving up the mountain we saw a bunch of cars pulled over. We drove slowly until we saw what everyone was looking at....2 large moose! I yell, "Holy moly, pull over!" This was only the second time I've seen moose before and it's never been so close (we were only 50 yards from them) or this big! I was so excited, I quickly text my dad to tell him, sadly it didn't get to him because we didn't have service. I can't believe I've waited this long to go to the Snowy's! It was amazing!

Happy 4th of July

2009-07-01T08:41:00.000-07:00

Well this week has been crazy busy! Monday, I went to the pool with a friend and her kiddo. It was awesome except the wind was blowing a little and was making you really cold. But I got an amazing tan and sunburn! Tuesday, I went with a friend to a dr. appt. At the appointment she found out she was having Twins! It was such a great reaction. I have now seen quad, twins, and single ultrusounds, and none of them were my babies! But it is SO cool and fun to see those little babies squirming on the screen! :) Just can't wait for it to be mine someday!

Today, we are heading to Gillette for the 4th of July weekend and spending time with family at the lake, park, house, etc. My dad has come up with some great plans for us! We are so excited to spend a couple of days at the lake, since we haven't been there yet this summer! Look forward to some great 4th of July pictures! We hope everyone has a great and safe 4th of July!

Happy Future Fathers Day!

2009-06-21T20:44:00.000-07:00

First let me clarify, no I am not pregnant! I think we can all fall short of trying to get gifts for some reason, right? I even do it! Well for Quintin's Fathers Day he......

took a SUPER long nap...

Played with his new microsoft zune (microsoft's version of an IPod)...even though he says it's my belated future mothers day gift...we'll see who uses it the most...

played with his zune some more...

tried on his new golf clubs....

learned to put his golf bag on his shoulders...pretty comical...

went to Justin and Sarah's for dinner and popcorn...

watched Justin show off his Fathers Day loot...pretty comical as well

watch how cute Avery is in her bumbo chair....

and try to get Avery to smile...!

Happy Fathers Day!

2009-06-21T15:25:00.000-07:00

"The most important of the Lord's work that you [fathers] will ever do will be the work you do within the walls of your own home." -Harold B. Lee

"Fatherhood is leadership, the most important kind of leadership. It has always been so, it always will be so." -Council of the Twelve

I am so grateful for my dad and all that he does for me! I hope that you have a great day Dad! I love you!

Finally...

2009-04-22T15:06:00.000-07:00

After a long semester of waiting and worrying..my student teaching placement came this morning *and the crowd goes wild*!!!! I am placed in Laramie @ Linford Elementary, in a Kindergarten class. I couldn't be anymore happier about my placement!!! :) :) :) And to make my day even better, my old roommate and dear friend, Janelle Gomez, was also placed @ Linford in the other Kindergarten classroom *and the crowd goes wild again*! I'm so happy that we're at the same place! There was a lot of jumping and little girl screaming!

Speaking of bed head...

2009-04-14T16:08:00.000-07:00

Easter

2009-04-14T15:34:00.000-07:00

So this is a little backwards as always...someday I'll figure it out. So we spent Easter in Casper at my Grandma's and Quintin's Uncle Max's house. We met my parents for a wonderful concert by an Elder that used to serve in Gillette, then had an AWESOME dinner (thanks)! Saturday we dyed eggs and had an Easter dinner with Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Mark, and his girls. Sunday we went to Church to listen to Quintin's cousin's homecoming talk, she did very well and it was such a spiritual day. Afterwards we had another Easter dinner at Max's. Everything was SO delish!

Love the bed head look!
This was a letter that my cousin, Bryleigh wrote to the Easter Bunny! I helped the Easter bunny fill it out!

The Easter baskets the girls got...I also helped the Easter Bunny on this too!

Cutting the Easter/Mark's Birthday cake. Ice cream cake from DQ, doesn't get any better!

Dying eggs

Ending product

Bryleigh hard at work

Brittany hard at work

Grandma and the girls

Quintin got a migraine at Grandma's so he wore his sunglasses every in the house. I thought it was pretty funny! :) But it sure did help.

Quintin's Birthday

2009-04-13T18:39:00.000-07:00

Quintin had a wonderful birthday last week...filled with lots of food, fun, family, and love!

We were so grateful to have Justin, Sarah, and Lil' Avery with us!
Blowing out the candles..He's the big 2-4 now!

Quintin with some of his loot!

Hmmm I wonder what this is...and where he learned this from, any guesses?

Still can't figure out what's in here...really??

I made him breakfast the day before we had eggs 'n toast shaped by mittens, bacon, and juice!

Life after death?

2009-03-29T15:24:00.000-07:00

So I've picked up reading the Twilight series again. I know I should be working on my paper. But I read for a break from research. I have gotten through the first book and started reading the second book. It's so interesting what your thoughts do to you when your reading a simple book as Twilight. Well, anyway in it (if you don't know) Edward believes that after he dies that there is no life for him. When reading this I thought thank goodness for what I know. I am very grateful for the knowledge of knowing about the sweet and wonderful place after we die. I often think of how people who don't have the gospel and the understanding of prayer and the plan of salvation can go through life. I think my life would be 10 times harder than it is and am grateful that I have the the understanding that the Lord hears and answers our prayers and that I have the Comforter as a constant companion. Poor Edward, maybe the missonaries will tract into him and he his eyes will be open. ;)

Big Love

2009-03-23T14:57:00.000-07:00

I was a bit distrubed when my husband came home and told me that they HBO series Big Love would be revealing scared temple ordinances on their next episode. I was shocked, mad, and hurt that someone would do such a thing. Then a couple days after the airing, Bill Paxton was on a morning show talking about it. I tuned in to listen to what he had to say. I was not happy with what he said and became angry and hurt once again. Today I went out to LDS.org and saw that there was a statement from the church on this particular episode that aired on HBO. I thought the need to share it with everyone since I have voiced my opinions to some. Here is the link to the statement:http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/commentary/the-publicity-dilemma

This video accompanies the statement talking about temples and how scared and holy they are: I am having trouble posting it so here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLXYxmaHWQs it's about 3 minutes but well worth it!

Crazy, crazy, and even more crazy

2009-03-23T12:13:00.000-07:00

Well here's what's happened in the last 2 weeks:

-Threw a baby shower for my sister in law, Sarah. Things were unstressful (which was a blessing in itself) and the party was great! A big turn out and lots of stuff for Sarah and Avery!

-Avery was born! She came early and it was great to see her before I headed to G-town. She's quite the cutie! :)

-My camera broke and we had to send it into Canon, thank goodness it's still under warranty.

-I went to Gillette for Spring Break and enjoyed seeing friends and family. Got to have a birthday party for my sister and made her delicious cupcakes! We also did the crazy thing and went to Wal-Mart at midnight for the release of Twilight on DVD. They did a drawing and not only did I win, but my mom and sister did too! I won a cheesy hand bag, Chelsey won the soundtrack, and my mom won the movie! We had ice cream afterwards then went home and crashed!

-Now I'm back in Laramie, 6 more weeks of school left! I am now focusing on writing my 20 page paper so there probably won't be much posting going on until it's finished. Last semester of classes and no more choas! :) YEAH!

Guess who came?

2009-03-06T13:44:00.000-08:00

My sister came and visited last weekend with the kids. I was pretty excited for them to be here. We went to the park, we went shopping at...Wal-mart because that's the only place in town you can shop, we ate lots of food, went to church, and played outside. At church I got a few comments that my sis and I were twins. WHO KNEW? For the record we are not, but my mom has said she always got that when we were little and growing up. But my mom also dressed the same which didn't help matters. But hey it's ok having someone just like you...you can share clothes! :)

And guess who was excited to be here?

Playin outside with "Q"
Playing outside

I think I'll just lay right here for a second

Mr. Magoo and that tongue...what a cutie!

Hannah and her heels, she loved walking in and out of this door with my high heels on

Outside with my heels and the jewelry box

Naked Hayden getting into stuff

Playing with Q

Who needs expensive toys, just get box and put tupper ware in it and let the kids loose.

Swinging at the park

It was pretty funny she would sit there and watch her shadow and laugh

Going down the slide

I'm sure glad it was nice enough to play at the park

Taken a little resty

He loved the entertainment center...opening the doors and shuting them. At one time he slammed his the door on his fingers and was MAAAAD.

Playing with princesses

Who loves oreos and milk?

2009-03-04T20:28:00.001-08:00

Someone eats too many oreos!

My life in a excel spreadsheet

2009-02-22T16:14:00.000-08:00

I decided to get some organization in my life and look at my days mon-fri on a spreadsheet. Well here it is and this does not account for my church calling duties, housewife duties or homework which includes, writing at least two papers a week, readings, and handwriting lessons, Yes, you read that right handwriting lessons. In one of my classes I'll become a certified good handwriter. Sure glad I wasted my tuition on that! :) I can't complain though. It keeps me very busy and exhausted. I will sure be glad when this semesters over. Which makes me look forward SO much more to my trip with my sister!

Valentine's Day

2009-02-22T15:57:00.000-08:00

We had a great Valentine's day this year! My dad took the guys to a Colorado Avalanche hockey game. While my dad and Quintin were away, my mom and I stayed in Laramie and went shopping at....um....Wal-mart, went to dinner, went to the movies, and watched Nights in Rodanthe. My dad and Quintin returned to Laramie and we all went out for a great Valentine's dinner...which took a long time, but it was to be expected. I thought ahead though and got reservations so that it wouldn't take as long! We really enjoyed spending time with my parents! I made a Valentine's dinner for Quintin and I on Sunday night. My first attempt to cook lobster went great! Everything was SO good...I wish we could have Valentine's dinner every night!

Quintin and I
T-bone, mashed potatoes, and lobster tail....deeeeliiicious!
No bake cheesecake, double delicious

My wonderful friend, Alonna made these for us. They were delish too!

Quintin enjoying his steak and lobster.

My dad opening his card

Quintin trying to be like my dad, doesn't work for him as well! :)

Cowboys Game

2009-02-22T15:50:00.000-08:00

Quintin's parents came up at the beginning of the month and we went to a game with them and Justin and Sarah. It was great to see them. Now if we could only get others to come up as well!

At half time they did a cute baby crawl game. There were 3 babies and each had a number on their back. If you had the number on the babies back that crossed half court first you won a bag of popcorn. It was pretty stinkin' cute and entertaining. Much more entertaining then the dance team!
Tucker sleeping, I thought games were for watching???

Morgan snoozing

And Sarah too!

Ear Candles

2009-02-22T15:43:00.001-08:00

Justin, Sarah, and I one weekend decided we try ear candles. It supposedly would suck the ear wax out of your ear. I could see the results but not really sure if it helped my ears any better. I was skeptical at first because I didn't want to damage my ears and waste all that money that my parents spent on them to make me hear better. Don't worry mom you're money wasn't wasted...at least not through this! :)

Sarah was the official cutter.
Until it was her turn

Silly Sarah, that's not how you do it! :)

Me...it was relaxing or I was just tired

Justin loved it!

Super Bowl Partay

2009-02-22T15:25:00.001-08:00

I know it's been almost a month since I have posted anything and that's it been almost month since the Superbowl. But my dear sweet cousin, Tristen told me that I need to put new stuff on here. So here you go Tris! There will be lots of posts to get everyone caught up! Superbowl party was at my friend Alonna's house. We wanted to do a party and invite lots of people but knew they wouldn't all fit in our apartment so we deicded to do it at her house. My first attempt to make hot n' spicy wings was a great success! There was tons of food and it was tons of fun.

Alonna
Me and Brinley! She loves the camera and she sure is a cutie

Wendy and Moddy (not sure how to spell her name) We sure are going to miss these guys.

SO into the game

Hilary and me! We're gonna miss these guys too!

The girls were in the kitchen talking most of the time

The boys in the living room watching the game!

Bug & Love

2009-02-04T07:37:00.000-08:00

The rules are... post 10 things that bug you....invite 10 people to do the same.

I haven't seen this one yet besides on Lindsey's so she's the only one off the hook!

People tagged: Chelsey, Patty, Stephanie Hyer, Stephanie Skinner, Sarah Zabel, Sarah Howe, Odessa Skinner, Annie Davies, Lindsey Wilhelm, and Hilary Christensen! I'm interested to see what bugs you guys!

1.When I do something totally out of my way and it goes unapperciated. A simply thank you is just fine.

2.That grocery shopping took 3 1/2 hours the other night. AGH! Disgusts me.

3.That it feels like finals week and it's only the 4th week.

4. When Laramie doesn't plow their roads.

5. When my car gets stuck 3 times in about 2 hours

6. Hair in the sink. Bugs me and grosses me out.

7. My confusing teacher, sorry, but I've never had a teach bug me so much. He tells us one thing and then changes or adds something the next time we meet. Half of the time people don't know what's going on and he gets SO mad when he has to explain things.

8. Waking up earlier than 8 o'clock.

9. Touching my feet. Can't stand it unless I ask for a foot rub. But if someone touches my feet especially with their feet, I freak! Pretty sure I get this from my dad! My sister knows what I'm talking about! :)

10. Cold showers or showers that run out of hot water quickly.

Since it's the month of love. I decided to throw in the 10 things I love and so people don't have to dwell on the things that bug me. I'm sure I have left some out but it's basically everything I love the most in a nutshell.

1. Heavenly Father and Jesus! I love that I have them in my life. Think of how much more choatic my life would be without them.

2. My husband. He's the best thing that's happened to me. I fall in love with him all over again quite a bit!

3. My families! I'm so lucky to have two (my family and my in-laws!).

4. Crawling into bed at night. It's the best place on earth.

5. The feeling of accomplishing something really hard.

6. Friends. They're my second family!
7. Teaching. It's the greatest feeling knowing that you taught a child something new.

8. Clothes, shoes, bags. I came home from Fort Collins the other day and Quintin had seen I bought 2 new bags and said "What more bags?" :)

9. Food. I really enjoy food. I love making it, watch it being made, and of course EATING it!

10. To know that I'm loved and cared about! That someone out there is really thinking about me! :) The other day it was my dad, who could it be today? :)

New Callings

2009-01-18T22:13:00.000-08:00

Well Quintin and I both got new callings. We were both pretty shocked by them. Quintin is now the Assistant Ward Clerk and I am the Ward YW Camp Director. We are both excited and ready for a new change.

I was extended the call over a week ago and wanted some time to think about it and figure out what this summer would look like for me. I have to do an internship and Laramie was already full so...it was either commute to Cheyenne or live with my parents in Gillette and do it there. After much research and questions, I don't necessarily have to have the internship done this summer, although it would be nice to get it out of the way. I decided to do the internship in the fall or next summer since it's not tied to me graduating! So I accepted the calling of YW camp director. I am really excited for my calling because I remember the days of Girl's Camp, it rocked! The girls have a new site that they will go to this year. It'll be nice to not be the only new one to the area!

We were standing in primary last Sunday waiting for the choas to cool down, when the Bishop came in and told us the Stake President needed to talk to us. While we sat and waited for the Stake President, Quintin was telling me I'd be called to some stake presidency and so on. I knew deep down the calling was for him. Sure enough, it was! Quintin hasn't voiced any of his feelings about his new calling yet. But I know he's excited for the change. He'll do great in his calling and will gain lots of experiences!

I get to stay in Primary as long as it doesn't get to complicated or hectic for me. I'm really excited that I get to stay. I just got a new class and they are so much fun and have such active minds. It's such a great experience to be able to teach!

What I did over Christmas break....

2009-01-16T13:51:00.000-08:00

I became quite the little crafty lady during Christmas break and became the decoupage queen or decoupage crazy! Here are pictures of what I did in my free time.

The coat hanger. My favorite! I wanted to hang this by the door but it's too long. So it'll just be a nice decoration until we get into a house in 10 years.
Close up

Another close up

Dumb Wal-Mart didn't have an "E" at the time and still doesn't so until they get one this decoration will just say Lov :)

This was the first decoupage I did. Each letter represents a holiday: new years, 4th of July, Valentine's day, St. Patty's day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. I wanted to put Easter but the bunnies were funny looking and I didn't have any other paper.

I made this for my sister. Here's the end product Chels.

This was a Christmas gift for my friend, Alonna. She has two girls that she can put their pictures in. Underneath each photo is says adorable, priceless, and...I don't remeber the other one.

Picture frame

Star picture frame

Another picture frame

Crafts, oreos, popcorn, and painting

2009-01-08T21:01:00.001-08:00

While we were in Rapid City, we stopped at Hobby Lobby and picked up some crafty things to do on the weekend. I had taught myself to decoupage wood with the help of the internet. My mom and sister wanted to learn, so I taught to my best knowledge.

I did the believe one and my sister did the welcome one. I have done more to the believe one, which I will post later.
Mom deciding what to do next. It's hard.

There are only picture of my mom doing it because Chels and I were so fast...no my mom was doing something for R.S.

Cutting away

Eating popcorn

More please

Mmmmm this is too good

Who wants an oreo?

You're mouth could end up looking like this

And your hands like this

But look how cute he is, even when he's messy

This Hannah, she's painting

She just liked to use a paper towel and put it around the brush, then dip it in the waterpaints

It was quite fun and interesting to watch her

Road Trip

2009-01-08T20:47:00.000-08:00

My mom, sister, and I went to Rapid City, SD to do some shopping. I only took pictures on the way there.

Hannah is really into the movie

We watched Sleeping Beauty. And on the way home we watched Barbie three times. If I never saw that movie again, I wouldn't be sad.

Hayden crashed 5 min. out of town

Hannah watched movies there and back.

I found some sweet christmas dishes for a great price. This is not a picture I took, but these are the plates. I found this picture of the internet. So don't ask what those things are on the plate because I don't know. :)

New Year's Par-tay!

2009-01-08T20:31:00.000-08:00

Quintin surprised me on New Year's Eve. I didn't think he would get there until like 11:30, but he showed up at like 7pm. I was so surprised! We rang in the New Year with my sister, her husband, Matt, Maureen, mom and dad. We had a great dinner and then just basically sat around and talked with eachother. I didn't start taking pictures until after the New Year. DUH!

Matt
Maureen showing off her mad talents.

Chels, Maureen, and Me

Chels and Me

Me and Quint. Horrible picture, but this is like 1 of 100.

Check out the classy cup Quintin drank his bubbly out of! :)

Look who's had to much partying

These boots are made for walking and that's just what they'll do....one of these days these boots are gonna walk all over you

Mr. Magoo showin off Papa's bling

All bundle up and no where to go

After Christmas with Holdens and Hendershots

2009-01-08T17:37:00.000-08:00

My sister and Quintin's sister were out of town for Christmas. We still got to see them open some Christmas presents.

Hendershots

Bryan putting his train together
Hannah playing on her new kitchen. She was SO excited for this. She could hardly open any other presents. She just wanted to play with her kitchen.

Oh now that's a sweet little Christmas present, who wouldn't want this cute lil' thing?

Quintin and his lil' buddy Hayden

Oh we did get her to open some presents, they were the play food and pots and pans to her kitchen.

Hayden got a train

Such a happy boy

More presents

Playing with her kitchen

Holdens

What'd ya get?

Breakin in the new book

A new tinkerbell sweatshirt!

Holden family

Torie loved to open presents. She's becoming a pro!

Hmmmm, I don't know what to think about this

WOW! Princess socks!What could this big thing be?

A sock monkey!

Christmas with the Jacksons

2009-01-08T17:14:00.000-08:00

After the Zabels we went over to my parents house and opened presents with them. Busy morning all before 10 o'clock. It's tradition at our house we have a huge Christmas brunch. My mom makes a breakfast casserole and dad makes pancakes. It was SO delicious.

Kaitlyn helping "Gamma" open presents. What did she get? Velvetta cheese is what it looks like. SWEET!
My grandpa helping Kaitlyn with her new coat

Tyler and Cami

Me and my grandpa

Quintin and I got Kaitlyn Elefun. We couldn't wait to play it! Butterflies fly out of the elephants trunk and you catch them in a butterfly catcher.

More Elefun

Sheena and I actually were more into it. I beat her everytime! :)

Grandpa's here! Where's Grandma? My poor grandma didn't make it up because she was sick. Sick on Christmas, no that's just torture.

This is common of my dad. He puts the present to his head and guesses what is. He's done this ever since I can remember. He's pretty dang good at this game too. Only a few times has he been wrong.

Quintin got Avalanche tickets. I think my dad is making it an annual thing. He bought tickets for his sons and son-in-laws. Last year they went to a Denver Nuggests game, this year HOCKEY! Oh yeah did I mention it's the night before Valentine's Day? Imagine the gift I'll get since he'll be gone?

Kaitlyn and Sheena

The missionaries are living with my parents for awhile. They got my parents pop and Bling Bling. Here my dad is showing his Bling off with his new leather jacket. They lived with Quintin's parents before mine. They also got them the same gift. If you were previously wondering what was around Bob's neck.

Christmas with Zabels

2009-01-08T15:07:00.000-08:00

Man! I put these pictures in the wrong order. Oh well! We woke up early and went over to Joe and Heather's to watch Jackson and Sari open presents then came back to Quintin's parents house and opened more presents.

The happy couples of Christmas...me, quint, justin, sarah, jamie, and jamon
Jamie got a picture frame!

Bob got a sign that he loves!

Justin got a basketball

Sarah and her loot of gifts

Jamie and her loot

Sweet a cupcake maker, which I heard are not the greatest

Yeah and a train

Ah, sweet Jamie waiting to go to Joe and Heather's

More pictures/stories to come....

Christmas Eve

2009-01-08T14:46:00.001-08:00

Quintin and I are so lucky to have both of our families in Gillette, just a few blocks from eachother. So we can spend the holidays with both families! We stayed with the Zabels this year and had tons of fun with them! We did Christmas Eve dinner with my family. Before heading over to my parents, I played hide and seek with Jackson and Sari. They would always hide together so it was pretty easy to find them!

Kaitlyn loves her papa!

Kaitlyn played dress up

Jordan and Sheena enjoying a relaxing moment

Elder Wright (an amazing piano player) played a few Christmas peices for us

Kaitlyn-"Happy Birtday"

Me- "What?"

As I looked around the room I noticed what she was talking about. My mom had put some floating candles in a dish on the table. I pulled the bowl over so Kaitlyn could blow them out. I would re-light them and she would blow them out.

Sheena-"I smell burning hair"

Me-"Yeah I do to, but I don't know. It's not my hair or Kaitlyn's? Who knows?"

Just as I was finishing saying this Kaitlyn turns around and looks at me.

Me-"Oh my goodness, her eyebrow is sinched"

Everyone-Laughing

And then the blowing of candles was done

Sitting around visitng after dinner
So tired from playing with toys and fire

Ready for Santa to come

No homework, what to do?

2008-12-20T20:32:00.001-08:00

Well finals are done! AND there's no more school work for a few weeks. AND the elementary schools are out for break too, so I'm not subbing...what to do...what to do...what should I do with my time??? Here's some things I have plan to do when I'm not in Gillette...

Make banana bread! (or bake lots of goodies)
Read the twilight series

Scrapbook

Merry Christmas to us

2008-12-20T20:22:00.001-08:00

We had an early Christmas where we just opened the gifts we got one another. This was a mutual decision. I wanted to do it because I didn't want to haul Quintin's present there and back...and I think Quintin wanted to do it because he was just so anxious...oh who'm I kidding...we both are "like little kids and can't wait", as my dad said! I decided to do it this morning because everyother day Quintin is working and we would basically open the gifts and off to work! Here are some pictures from this morning!

I made Quintin's favorite biscuits n' gravy and eggs! Yummy! Quintin's been so blessed to have it twice this week! Thanks Jason!
Cute lil' Christmas pic!
Opening the big red bag! What's inside? I don't know!

A surrond sound!!!

He sure did love his gift!

Quintin didn't get any pictures of me opening presents because he was too busy! But Quintin got me two other twilight series books, friends (which now completes my set), a vest, and a shirt to go with the vest!

Christmas around the Zabel house

2008-12-16T07:54:00.000-08:00

Temple trip, spying, and spreading Christmas cheer...

2008-12-16T06:58:00.000-08:00

Well it's that time of year where you make lots of goodies and feel your pants get tighter! I decided to share some of the goodies so my pants wouldn't feel as tight! :) I made peppermint hot chocolate, which is simply delicious! We delievered them last week, before everyone left to go home. It was a really cold night and Quintin didn't feel good, so you could imagine how much fun it was for him! Here are some pictures of the "cheer" we delievered!

Peppermint hot chocoloate and suckers for the kids
Santa's little helper

Santa's helper and her cheerful hubby

So long story short, Quintin witnessed a hit and run and called it in and after the cop came and talked to him, he came inside and was spying out the window just like this and then sitting in front of the deck doors. Silly guy!

We had the opportuninty to go to Denver this last weekend. We drove up with Justin and Sarah on Friday night and stayed in a hotel. The next morning we got up and went to the temple. We did a little shopping on the way home too. Quintin bought me some sweet sunglasses and Sarah and Justin were VERY successful in finding lots of baby stuff!

Justin getting ready

The nativity scene at the temple.

I love this pic of Quintin and I, Sarah did a good job!

This is the first picture we have of the 4 of us. We spend so much time together I thought we ought to get a picture of all of us.

I love this picture of Quintin minus the towel in his hand. He's so darn handsome.

Busy, busy, busy

2008-12-08T20:44:00.000-08:00

~Lots happened over the weekend. First, I turned in my student teaching application. I was worried that I wasn't going to get it turned in on time because I hadn't received my transcripts from UVU, but gratefully they came Friday afternoon and I busted my bootie to the college of ed and turned it in on time, given I still had 3 1/2 hours till the deadline. But still was feeling rushed and ran to the building. Now, we play the waiting game. I don't find out until May where I am placed. We are hoping and praying for Laramie.

~Sarah graduated! Again, we are very excited for her!

~Tyler (lil' bro) got engaged. We too are excited for him and the soon-to-be new addition to our family!

~We went sledding with Justin, Sarah, and Sarah's family. It was great time. Quintin bought me a sled because I don't like the tubes. I didn't even use it on Saturday.

~Went to a Christmas Parade.

~Had delicious dinner at Justin and Sarah's

~Watched the devotional and over to Justin and Sarah's for drinks and snacks

Below are many posts with pictures with stories more in depth.

Traditions, hot chocolate, and popcorn

2008-12-08T20:32:00.000-08:00

I decided to start a new tradition, watch Christmas Devotional, afterwards have hot chocolate and popcorn. We watched the devotional then went over to Justin and Sarah's and had delicious hot chocolate and popcorn! Traditions sure are great!

Christmas Parade

2008-12-08T20:17:00.000-08:00

We went to a Christmas Parade in Laramie on Saturday night after sledding. I was begging Quintin to take me and then I forgot, but quickly remembered when I was talking to my mom. We rushed downtown just in time for it. It was a pretty good parade, 30 min. My kind of parade. I wanted to go to get inton the Christmas spirit. It was great! Here are some pictures from the parade.

There's was a little baby in a sled on wheels being pulled by weener dogs, it was pretty funny and cute.
He was SO happy to be there (if you can't tell!)

Only in Wyoming.

Cute little kids in present costumes.

This was pretty funny Santa was being pulled by a Shetlon (sp?) pony.

I wanted a really good picture of us, this isn't it.

This isn't a good one either. I really am not good at this.

Congratulations!

2008-12-08T20:02:00.000-08:00

My little brother got engaged on Saturday! They stopped by our apartment afterwards to show us the "rock"! He did a good job. Congratulations you guys! Cami I'm so excited to have you in our family.

Quintin felt the need to jump into this picture. He told Tyler to make sure this is one of his engagement photos that goes on the announcement!
Showing the "rock" off

Snow Day

2008-12-08T19:54:00.000-08:00

On Saturday afternoon we went sledding! It was a great time. Sarah and Justin had an air mattress that was on the fritz so they thought it would be a great idea to bring it sledding! And boy was it! I rode down on it twice and the first time was pretty smooth, the second time Sarah's nephew jumped on us and it picked up some speed and was pretty exciting! We were all cold and exhausted by the end. We came home and had hot chocolate, what a great way to end sledding!

Sarah's Graduation

2008-12-08T11:59:00.001-08:00

Sarah graduated on Friday night. The cermony was pretty boring, listening to the speakers and what not...seriously debating if I'm even going to walk..but we are very happy and excited for her. Good Job Sarah!

For Odessa:

2008-12-06T09:35:00.001-08:00

I was reading your bad day post and it reminded me of this funny and embarassing moment at the time! It was the summer after we graduated. Quintin and I went to the movies. I believe this was our "first date." I drove, payed, you know the whole works. :) We were pulling out of Foot Hills theater at night and I see the cops lights pulling me over so I pulled into the Kwik Shop. Ummm I was clueless why he was doing this, I wasn't speeding at all....I didn't turn my lights on. Genius! And to think Quintin still married me 3 years later! Sucker! :)

Finally, Thanksgiving Day Pics

2008-12-03T17:53:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving was spent in Casper at my grandparents. My mom, dad, sister, her husband (Bryan), and their kids came up. We had my mom's uncle, aunt and cousin also join us for dinner. We had a fun time being there. It was SO quick. We actually commented to each other it didn't really feel like Thanksgiving at all. Just a huge dinner and lots of shopping. :)

My Grandpa with my nephew, Hayden. It's simply priceless when you can get a picture of my grandpa without him giving you the finger! :) He doesn't like his picture taken at all. So this picture is worth millions!
Hayden, he's getting so big.

Hannah wearing my shoes and her pink dress. Bryan told me she woke up that morning and ran into their room saying, pink dress pink dress.

She loved to lick the beaters, it was her favorite!

He's the happiest kid I know. Even when he's mad, he stops to smile then goes back to fussing.

Sis working on the veggie tray. She recruited me to help. I just ended up eating it before it could even get to the tray.

Mom peeling potatoes

The boys watched TV and the kids while the girls were in the kitchen making dinner.

He's gonna be such a good dad!