Our Family

Bailee's Laugh

2009-12-22T22:38:00.002-07:00

dance

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OH what a day!!

2009-12-19T19:54:00.003-07:00

Two Christmas parties down and one to go!!

Thank you everyone that helped me out this week it really was crazy. I had the ward Christmas party today at 8:30 what a production. Then at 12:00 we had our family party. Aleena did her first dance performance. First ever that is she has never even taken dance class. She was so excited and kept saying to me, "Mom Call lex she needs to watch me" We went to Lex's dance yesturday. It was a really fun day but I am so tired. I just wanted to post some pictures or I might never get around to it.

2009-12-09T00:06:00.002-07:00

I'm so Excited

2009-12-08T23:58:00.002-07:00

HI

2009-12-08T23:42:00.002-07:00

HI AGAIN,

Where does the time go? It is almost midnight and I just got Bailee down. I am still in my pajamas from this morning. The house didn't clean itself but I wish that it would. I got a few projects done but still a lot to do before Christmas. I am trying to fit all of the holiday traditions in but its not easy. Yesturday we went to see the lights at Willard Bay it was a lot of fun. Aleena sat on Nate's lap and helped him drive the car. She has so much fun. Santa even made a visit. Aleena said, "Mom that is a different Santa." I said "What do you mean" Aleena, "Santa is at the mall" Nate said, "He flies very fast and tonight he is here" Aleena said, "No, this Santa has a curly beard, He is not the same one!!" She is way to smart for a three year old. We are having so much fun having a baby in our house. It hasn't slowed us down a bit. We are still going, going, going. It does help that Bailee is a good little girl. Always smiling and now starting to laugh too. Merry Christmas!

Halloween week!

2009-11-02T10:28:00.004-07:00

It has been a busy week Halloween parties every day. We had a preschool party, a kids friends party, a adult friends party, a party at Heathers house and then Halloween. So every day of the week of Halloween Aleena dressed up. It was really fun, but I do feel like I need to take a nap after the go go go. Trick-or-treating was so much fun. Aleena loved it. She didn't stop singing the whole time. She loved riding on here broom. Bailee was also so good. I just took her in the baby carrier she loved just looking around.

Also this week we had a busy day with Blessing Bailee. Nate did an awesome job and Bailee was just in ahh by what was said. She just looked up at her daddy the whole time. I think that she really knew what was going on, on the other side. Bailee is truly a miracle in our lives. We are so blessed to have her. Thank you all for coming to support us. We love you.

2009-10-26T10:07:00.000-07:00

Halloween Photo's!!

2009-10-15T21:48:00.007-07:00

Happy Halloween to all!
We have been very busy but having fun. I love the fall there is so much to do. Aleena turned 3 on October 4th. We had her birthday party at Lagoon with 12 of her friends and the whole Gundersen side of the family. It was tons of fun. We did find out that Uncle T (Nate's brother) Screams like a girl and is more scared on rides than Aleena would be. Aleena favorite rides are the two haunted houses, she is kind of a odd child. Fright mares was is going on and now they have real haunted houses, the ones for big kids and adults and stuff. Aleena said she wanted to go. I tried to talk her out of it. The line was 40 minutes long and I didn't want her to have nightmares. But she won! I kept saying his is really scary are you sure you want to go. She would answer yes with an attitude every time. She loved it. All of the scary clowns, everyone jumping out at you, and even the chain saw guy. As soon as we got out she said "Can we go again, please" So I guess I now have someone to go to haunted houses with. Nate never likes to go. Maybe she likes them because the week that she was due Shaleena and I went to three of them. Who knows?

We also had a lot of fun at the yearly "Leaf Crunch" with the Gundersen family. It was very cold and we had to bundle up Bailee a ton. But he hobo stew, rolls and donuts are always worth the cold.

As for our little Bailee she is growing so much. She gets bigger and bigger each day. She now smiles all the time. Oh when she is not pooping! She loves looking in mirrors and loves her swing. I can't believe that she is almost two months old. time goes by so fast!!

This month we have many pumpkin patches, Halloween parties, and free activities to go to. The girls and I are also heading to Logan for the weekend for fun with the Daugs family. A little bit of coupon teaching, the park, games, making apple juice and more. Nate is heading to Vegas with friend to go to the Utah game. We will have to look for him on the TV.

As for these very cute pictures!! I went in to get a FREE 8x10 and walked out buying the hole package. This was so not like me! Now I am going to have the cutest Halloween pictures up all year long.

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What would we do without Rachie!!

2009-09-17T16:06:00.003-07:00

I just wanted to let my sister Rachie know how much I truly appreciate her and love her. She is alway there at the drop of a hat. It you need something it will be done. If I need a babysitter she doesn't mind driving 45 minutes to watch Aleena for a few hours. If you are having a bad day she will give you a call or take you to dinner. If you need something sewn she will have it done the next day. I don't know how she does it. She is always taking care of others before herself. She is always buying Aleena cute little things and even matching outfits for the girls. She is amazing. I just wanted to thank you Rachel for all that you do for me and my family. You are a wonderful sister and friend. Here are a few pictures just for you. LOVE YOU!!

Ajusting to life with two kids

2009-09-08T15:42:00.004-07:00

Well time is going by way to fast. Bailee is already three weeks old. It seems like she is getting bigger, but she still doesn't fit into any cloths. She is such a great baby. She is still only waking up once during the night. I can honestly say if you get enough sleep you can do anything. I feel like I am making a great recovery and I am back to my going going self. I have being to a few stores this week and am teach Bailee all about her coupon crazy mom. (Aleena already knows) Aleena loves here little sister more than anything. She always has to know right where she is. If she is crying Aleena will say "Mom, she is saying Aleena, Aleena I need you come and get me" Today I was driving in the car and Aleena was just talking to Bailee. She was saying "Bailee I love you, I never want anything to happen to you! Don't get ran over by a car, don't get sick and go to the hospital, and never put your finger in a plug and get electrocuted." I guess that I am not going to have to teach Bailee very much Aleena is going to do that for me. I love being a mom more than anything in this world. My family is the joy of my life.

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Bailee is now one week old!

2009-08-25T20:11:00.005-07:00

Wow!! What a week. Bailee is already one week old. I can not believe it. It has been so fun and crazy. We stayed in the hospital for 4 night. I got a lot of rest and also had a lot of visitors. It was so much fun to see everyone and know how much they truly care about our family. Thank you all for coming. We came home on Saturday and it has been great. Bailee sleeps a lot, during the day and at night. Two of the nights she has only got up at 2:30 and 7:15. If that is how it is always going to be I will love it. She is catching on the whole nursing thing but would much rather have a bottle. She is a poopin' machine. I swear I change 10 poopie diapers a day. We went to the doctor yesterday and she still hasn't gained any weight since we left the hospital so she is 6.3 pounds. She loves her swing and also loves it when Aleena sings to her. Aleena loves everything about her baby sister. She always want to hold her and sing to her. Bailee has to tuck Aleena in every night, by Aleena's request. We Love having two little girls. Sorry it is such a short blog pictures took me longer than I thought.

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Our Baby Bailee

2009-08-19T05:54:00.005-07:00

What a wonderful day! Scary yes but still one of the best days ever. I went to the doctor on Monday and Was dilated to a 2. He said that we could get scheduled to get started the next day because he thought the baby was big. I couldn't pass that up. I was so excited to have this little one. So Tuesday morning we went in at 7 am. Yes very early for me, especially because we couldn't sleep at all because we were so excited. I was already starting to have contractions on my own so I am sure we would have went in today anyway. I didn't want to have petocin because I wanted to go natural. So they just broke my water. When they went to do that I was already a 4. Things progressed from there. My contractions got stronger and a lot closer together. I think that I was one tough cookie. I did my best but by 3 I was so tired and starting to puke. So I gave in and got an epidural. The best decision but I didn't know why yet. I got to take a little rest before all of the craziness. At about 515 the nurse came in and was having trouble finding an active heart beat. Other nurses were called in and the doctor rushed over. The doctor said that I had two chances to get her out if not we were going in for a C-Section. The first push you could see her head. The second one she was pulled back in. Her heart rate went down to 59 and he could tell that the cord was around her neck. He said we were going in. I was amazingly calm. I think anyway. I was just praying over and over that Bailee would be ok. Talking to her and rubbing my tummy. We got in the surgery room at 528 and she was delivered at 531. Amazing. Nate got to see everything. I was very thankful that I didn't see anything. The Doctor held her up for me to see and she was rushed off to the nursery. Nate followed close by and never left her side. He is the greatest and cutest dad ever. He helped me so much through all of this and I couldn't have done it without him. I was stitched up and brought back into the room. Miriam showed me the first pictures of my little girl and I just cried. She is so beautiful. I wasn't able to see her until 6:45 it seemed like forever. She was very healthy and ready to see the world. I was kind of out of it but just held her and nursed her. She did so awesome. Our family is getting bigger and bigger and I love it. Aleena came up to the hospital with Rachel around 7:30. She was so excited to see her new baby sister. She jumped up on the bed with me and started singing Bailee songs. She patted her, kissed her and said "I am big mom I can do it my self" She is going to be the best big sister ever. I truly never thought that the day would come that I would have a biological child. Nate always new that someday it would. I don't think that I believed it until yesterday. I guess that the last nine months wasn't a dream. I really did have this cute little baby in my tummy. I will truly miss that feeling. How amazing it was. So all in all the day was a little scary but had a great outcome. I had three amazing people to share this birthing experience with. My wonderful husband of course he kept me so calm, massaged my back, played with my hair and was there for me each second of the day. My dearest mother-in-law some may think that is odd. But I love my mother-in-law so much and I knew that it would mean so much to her. She was always on top of everything and ready to do anything that was asked of her. And that other person that I got to share this wonderful day with was my sister Miriam. I was so glad that she was able to be there with me. She has never had the opportunity to be in a delivery room and I am so happy that she wanted to be there with me. She also helped me stay so calm. Reassuring me often that "I could do this" "Just a few more minute" I want to thank each one of them for being a big part of my life. And for helping me enjoy one of the best days ever.
As of today I am recovering good. I have been up walking around many times. Bailee is doing great also. She has been laying on my chest as I have been writing. I love spending each minute with her. A couple of the cute things that Aleena has said while our stay here; "Mom I have got so many presents on Bailee's birthday, I like this", then when one of the nurses came in she said "Someone broke my moms water" She has no idea what that even means. Then she wasn't paying any attention to Bailee and the nurse took her out for testing. Aleena looked around and said very concerned "Mom they took my sister away" I am so excited for all of the journey to come. Thank you everyone for all of your prayers.

Family Fishing!

2009-08-12T22:55:00.002-07:00

We are trying to get in a few fun things as a family of three before the baby comes. I am sure that Aleena will adjust fine but we want to make sure she doesn't feel left out. Yesterday we went fishing as a family. It was very hot so we didn't stay long but it was still a ton of fun. We didn't catch anything but that didn't seem to matter at all. Aleena loved every minute of it. She kept saying "here fishy fishy" And she wanted to help Nate with everything. Baiting the hook, washing off his hands, casting and everything else.
I always forget my camera but we have been to the park a couple of times and to the fair. We are also going to the fair tomorrow for the afternoon. I love spending time with the family and wouldn't change it for anything. I have the greatest husband in the world. He is so great to me. He is the best dad ever and loves spending time with us. Aleena is just so amazing everything that comes out of her mouth cracks me up. She acts like she is five or something. Lately she has been pretending to be a police officer and handcuffing all of her animals and sending them to jail. She love to be just like her dad.
I can't wait to meet our new addition to the family. I wonder who she will look like?

Summer Fun!

2009-07-22T14:36:00.006-07:00

Today I hosted a summer neighborhood party. It was so much fun. We were missing quite a few people that had sick kids. Hopefully they will be able to come next time. We had lunch and snacks out for everyone.

We had a swimming pool with bubbles in it and tons of different bubble blowers. (thanks Rachie) Most of the kids just got right in. They are going to be cleaner then they ever have been. We also had three different swimming pools just filled with water. I put them up yesterday so they were pretty warm.

But the whole reason that I wanted to have the party is to let the kids get messy with paint. I am sure that I had more fun then any of them. I had different sheets out that they could put their hand and feet print on them. Them made pictures and also painted each other. We had a blast. Thank you everyone for coming. Yes there is a bunch of belly pictures you can close yours eyes if you want, but I think it is kind of cute. I am getting rather large I only have 31 days to go. I am so excited to see what little Bailee looks like. She was kicking up a storm today as we were playing outside. I think she is going to be an active little bug.

Where Does the Time Go!!

2009-07-07T17:21:00.011-07:00

O.k. so I know that I am the worlds worst blogger!! I have had so many people tell me to update my blog. It has been on my list to do for a long time now. But my list is very long. This summber has been so awesome. We have done so many fun things.

To start out the summer Rachel, Aleena and I drove to Illinos to visit with Aunt Doris and all of our relitives. All meaning our 2 cousins, 4 second cousins and our 3 third cousins. Yep that is it. You would think with having such a big family we would have a lot but nope. It was so much fun to get to know them. We had a blast just hanging out with Doris. She would tell Aleena a story each night. (The stories were kind of long for her but she still talks about them) Aleena loved all of Doris's trinkets. She had a music box, some glass ornaments, a big glass ball, and a little glass bunny, and many more. Aleena would rearrage them and play with them for hours. We had fun playing games and having a picnic at Carrie's house. Just to let everyone know most of them have committed to coming out next August or September for a reunion so start thinking of idea's of places to stay if Bear Lake doesn't work out.

After visiting with the family we drove down to Nauvoo and stayed with my friend Lindsey. Rachel and I went and did a season at the Nauvoo temple. It was so amazing. We went on a wagon ride with the kids. And just hung out. Aleena and Rylan (Lindsey's little boy) were so cute together. When we went to put them to bed the wanted to sleep in the same crib. Both nights they talked and gabbered for about 30 minutes it was the cutest thing ever.
The drive 19 hours wasn't as bad as I thought. The last few hours I was definatly going crazy. But sweet little Aleena did awesome. I had presents for her to open ever once in awhile and she kept herself busy. She was very excited when she had to go to the bathroom on the side of the road in the rain. She got back in the car singing "I peed in the rain!! I peed in the rain!!" Thanks for a good trip Rachie.

Nate has taken up biking this summer. A bunch of his buddies at work bike so they went to park city for a weekend. He had a blast. Also he is excited to go with the boys in the family on future trips. It seems like every summer we end up taking most of our trips individully. He is planning a nother one at the end of this month I think.

As for me I am getting bigger each day. My belly is really growing. Bailee does gymnastics all day long. I don't know if it is because I am such a busy body or what. I have loved being pregnant more than anything. It is so worth all of the "all day sickness", the heartburn, and the swollen feet. I just sit at night and watch my belly move like an alien. I can't wait to see who this little gril looks like. I only have 48 more days. It is now the count down. Wow I really can't believe that it is almost here. These last few months have went by so fast. My awesome friend in my neighboorhood threw me a suprise baby shower. My friend Lisa said that she was taking me out for yogurt. (Nate was in on it too) She had forgoten her coupon so she had me run into her house to get it.

Over the Forth of July we took a spur of the moment trip to Jackon Hole with some friends. It was so much fun!!! We left on friday morning and came back on sunday night. There was lots of rain off and on but no one seemed to mind. Nate was the lucky one that got to ride the river three or four times. But I had to stay back. I was very jeolous but it was best for me. I am sure that it would have put me into labor. Aleena had fun making new friends, playing outdoor game, getting dirty, and playing in the camper. She didn't want to come home. We went to an awesome firwork show in Jackson at the ski resort. Then the next day we went up to some hot springs and a waterfall. It was a 10 mile very bumpy road. NOT Good for a pregnant woman. I started having contractions about 7 miles up and they didn't stop untill about 45 minutes after we were back down the canyon. I am so glad that I didn't have a baby this weekend. Thank you Grant and Ali for inviting us. Just to let you know it is now our tradition too. There is no getting rid of us.

It's a Girl!!

2009-04-10T20:42:00.006-07:00

So on Monday we went to have our ultra-sound. Both Nate and I had a feeling that we were having a little girl. It was true! The very first picture was showing our little girl. She wasn't shy at all. Nate was hoping a little bit that we were having that little boy. But we are so excited for Aleena to have a little sister. She came to the appointment with us and was very excited. After the ultra-sound when I was just laying on the exam table she took one of the pictures and held it up to my belly and said, "mama, this baby is in your tummy"
I have went a little crazy and already bought 5 matching outfits for both of my little girls.

The day was even better because it was April 6th. Two years ago Aleena become leagully ours. And on the 7th is the day that we went to the temple to have her sealed to us. So today we went to the temple and walked around. The grounds were actually closed so we just took pictures outside. Aleena loved every minute of it.

Update on life!!

2009-04-10T20:23:00.004-07:00

I know that I haven't blogged in months. We have been more than busy!! Life just doesn't stop there is always something going on and something to do. At the beginning of March Nate and I went on a cruise to Mexico with Ammon and Sonny. It was such a blast!!!! It was so nice to get away and relax in the hot weather. I had morning sickness (all day sickness) the week before really bad so I was worried. But, I did really good and only got sick one time. We misses Aleena so much I think that was the only bad part of the trip. My wonderful mother-in-law and my sister Miriam watched Aleena while we were gone. Aleena kept telling Miriam that "mom and dad were lost." Miriam would tell her "no they are on a boat". She than would day "mom and dad are lost on a big boat" After we got home she would pray that we would never get lost again. It was so great to be home.

We have been to Logan a couple of times since this last month to see all of the baby animals. Aleena loves every adventure that we have. Our Adventures coming up will defiantly include lots of camping. Nate sold his motorcycle so that we could buy a camper for the family. He is not one that likes tent camping very well. Aleena already wants to sleep in it. We are so excited for all of Nates days of.
At the beginning of this week Aleena and I took a trip with three other moms and 4 other kids to St George. It was a long drive but so much fun. We stayed at my friend Carries house that was like a total resort. A playground, bbcourt, and swimming pool just out the back door. All the kids had a blast and played great together. It has been such a blessing in our lives to live in such a great area and have such great friend. For both Nate and I, but especially Aleena.

Early this morning Shaleena and her family got here for a weekend get-away. Aleena took about five minutes to warm up and now she is talking their ears off. I did warn them. We have already went shopping, played at the park, dyed Easter eggs and just played. Every time Shea leaves the room Aleena is not far behind. We are so grateful for such a great Birth-mother. We love that open relationship that we have. I will post more about our weekend a little later!!

Do you want something from the heart!

2009-02-17T21:49:00.000-07:00

I am copying Alison's post. Who will copy mine?

The first five people to respond to this post will receive something made by me to you. My choice. Made especially for you. Of coarse there are some restrictions and limitations:1. I make no guarantees you will like what I make.2.What I create will be just for you.3. It will be done sometime this year.4. You have no clue what it will be. I promise it will be made with love!5. I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.The catch is you must post this on your blog and offer the same to the first five people who post it on their blog. The first five people to do so and leave a comment letting me know they did will receive a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift from me!! Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win.

Just one more thing!

2009-02-08T22:26:00.004-07:00

Sorry the Deigo movie wouldn't post with the original one. Oh Well! Here is one more movie of Aleena showing off her awesome moves. She does know how to work it. I have to say that her friend Lex has taught her a lot of her moves.

2009-02-08T22:18:00.001-07:00

Aleena is the cutest thing ever!

2009-02-08T21:35:00.009-07:00

Ok she has just been so funny lately. Two is definatly the BEST age. Every night we go through a routine of saying our prayers, singing song, telling stories, being silly, putting on three favorite blankets, getting three animals to sleep with, fluffing her pillow and last but not least giving kisses. I know it is alot. Sometimes I have to rush and we do it in speed motion. Every night no fail I forget something! Aleena will call and call untill I come back up. But then if I leave the room without giving her another kiss I get called back it. Yelling "Mom you forgot to give me a kiss get back here!!!" It is worth every minute of it. Aleena sings non-stop every song she can think of. Some of the time she doesn't know the words and she will just make it up. Here is a little clip of her singing "Go Deigo" from her favorite show.
My gym is still one of her favorite places to go. This last week we had Logan and Ellie with us so it was extra fun. Aleena has no fear!!! It scares me. She is not afraid of any animal, heights, being crazy or anything. At My Gym she is the first to go down the firemans pole, climb the laddler wall, go rock climbing or do the balance beem. Most of them I turn my back and she is as high as the ceiling. It really does scare me to death. Here are a few pics of her.

Last night my friend Lisa and I took our kids to the Circus. I didn't know if Aleena would sit through the whole thing but she did and love almost every minute of it. Her favorite things where the motorcycles (just like daddy), the elephants and some guy the flew like superman. It was alot of fun and lasted 2 1/5 hours.

Triplets

2009-02-08T14:58:00.002-07:00

Check out this blog. An officer wife that works with Nate just had triples. It is so amazing. They are first time parents and very proud. I am so thankful that I only have one in my tummy. http://www.hauzefam.blogspot.com/

Our busy life

2009-01-23T09:41:00.007-07:00

So much has gone on in the last month. I know that I never write or update the blog but I have a few minutes so I thought that I would. Aleena is at Pre-school and Nate had to run into work for a few hours so I have a little peace and quite.
So if I started back from the last time that I blogged then this would be pages so I will just be short and sweet. Christmas was great I loved every minute of it. Aleena eyes lit up the second she saw all of the toys. Opening present took us a few hours. Not because she has lots of presents, just because she had to charish each one she opened for a few minutes. Nate and I didn't really do Christmas for each other (stockings and that is it). We are getting ready to go on a cruise in Febuary. Seven days!! I think that I am going to shed a ton of tears. I have never been away from my little Aleena more than 2 days. She will be in great hands staying with aunt Miriam.
On new years we had a Daugs family party that was loads of fun. Dad put it all together. That means it is my turn next year. I better start planning now.

Then our big news came on January 2nd. Something that we never thought would or could happen. I had been sick for about a week before that. Nate and Aleena both had the flu two weeks before, so I just thought it was my turn. But my flu was different. I would be sick then I would feel like I was straving and eat, then be sick again. Then I knew something was wrong when I threw everything in the frige away. (I don't ever throw left overs away on the frist day) Nate said that he thought that I was pregnant. I still said no way! I am not taking a test! It will say no! We can't get pregnant! I don't even want to have an emotionial week! I have thought that I was pregnant a time or two before and I don't want to get my hopes up! It is not possible! We haven't been on birth control for 7 1/2 years there is no way! Everything was running through my head Nate was possitive that miricles could happen and he always new it would someday. With or without fertility help. I on the other had new that it would and I was good with it. I grived over it before we adopted Aleena. And I was very much ok with it. Nate wasn't. So we figured out I was almost two weeks late. I still didn't believe it. I waited another 2 or 3 days to take a test. I was still 100% possitive that it would say NOT PREGNANT. So I took it when Nate was asleep. (He was on graves) I took the test and it said PREGNANT. "What the crap" is what came out of my mouth. I waited and waited for the NOT to show up and it never did. I ran as fast as I could upstairs to wake Nate up. I said "Honey, honey, honey it says yes" He was so confused he didn't even know that I bought a test yet. I don't think that I have ever seen a smile so big. He just said that he knew it. He knew that it would happen some day. He is the one that started searching on the internet about how far along we were, how big the baby was, and what my symptoms were going to be. He is the one that said go call the docotor this minute and make an apointment. We were so excited to tell everyone. We wanted to wait a month or two to make sure everything was ok. That didn't last. We started telling everyone the day after our docotors appointment. We have also had an ultra-sound and everything was great. The little one had a strong heart beat and was the size of a gummy bear. We are so excited and really still can't believe it. On sunday we will be 10 weeks pregnant.
Aleena is also so excited. She says we are having a baby brother. Everytime she sat on Santa's lap this Christmas she asked for a baby brother or a baby sister. We really did think that they were going to come to us through adoption. We had no idea that we were already expecting. I still really feel like there is a child that we need to adopt. We don't know if it will be soon or in a year or two. Adoption has been the greatest thing in this world. I wouldn't have changed our challenges and trials for anything. It just goes to show that it is really all up to Heavenly Father is how our children come to us.

Coupon crazy year!!

2009-01-12T19:51:00.003-07:00

I know that I haven't posted forever and I do have so much to update, write and share. But I am just cleaning out the office and realized that I haven't posted my savings for the year.
My goal for last year was to keep track of all of my recipts. (not including out-to-eat or gas). I did a really great job I may have missed some here and there but for the most part I did great. On each recipt I would write total bill $ and total Saving $. At the end of each month I would put them in a folder and add it up. I also kept track of how much I made at yard sales, on-line and selling coupon stuff to my family and friends.

This total includes all of my groceries, rebates, cleaning items, bathroom products, cloths for Aleena and I (and some of nates) Christmas, and many extras. Each month I wrote down some of my extras this is not everything that I bought this is just SOME of the extra things. Things that I sold to family members, gave as presents or charity, or sold at a yard sale.
28 panties
7 bath & body lip gloss
31 hair things
150 packs of batteries
455 soap/shampoo/lotion
45 nail polish or art
24 cookie mixes
41 medicine
100 cereal
44 cleaners
20 ziploc bags
55 toothpaste/brushes
25 deotorant
35 savers
7 bath&body walflowers
80 pd chicken
170 make-up
vacuum
20 paper plates
4 cases powerade
20 bag choc chip
27 extra packs of diapers
sams club membership
50 fiber one bars
120+ 12 pack pop (yes we drink alot)
25 bags of candy

Ok are you ready!!!!!
Total spent for the year of 2008 $3360.74

Total earned for yard sale, online and family $1660.00

And My total saving for the year $17,698.31

Our little get away!

2008-12-15T15:56:00.004-07:00

Nate has training today and tomorrow in park city. So right after church yesterday we all decided to go up there. Nate had a hotel for the tonight but changed it to last night. We had so much fun. We went sledding on the golf course hill, to dinner (I had a coupon:) went swimming at the hotel pool and watched a movie (or a show) as Aleena calls it. It was so much fun just to get away for a few minutes. Aleena didn't wake up until 10:30 and I slept till 10:00. I love the dark rooms. My sleep was much needed after 14 kids in nursery yesterday. The first thing Aleena said was, "I loved sleeping at this hotel can we do it again". Making memories that will last. Oh and I had to upload this video of us teasing Aleena and Harley.

Christmas time is near!

2008-12-09T15:02:00.004-07:00

The season is creeping up on us fast. We have been so busy with parties, shopping, playgroups, cleaning, and much more. I just wanted to write a little bit about our family tradition. We have many more to come this month but these are the one that are on going or have already passes.
One of my favorite traditions is to go to Idaho with my family and cut down our Christmas tree. This was Aleena's third year. I took her when she was just three months old. All bundled up! This year she really loved it. Eating the snow, finding the right tree and just being in her hiking boots. It was so perfect a light snowfall and not too cold. It only takes everyone about 30 minutes to find their trees and cut it down. But, it is still so much fun. This year we went to river dale hot springs after and went swimming. (I hope that we do this every year) We thought that we found the perfect tree. But in the light at our house it is really quite demented. Oh well it was fun. Aleena had a blast decorating it. She lays under it each night (we had to leave a spot just for her) and looks at the lights and plays with the ornaments.
Another one of our traditions that we just started last year is to go to the bountiful lights parade. It starts at 6:00 when it gets dark and all of the floats have Christmas lights all over them. Santa Clause is always sure to show up. Aleena's eyes were so big. She loved every minute of it. Her favorite part was the fire trucks because they had so many lights.

Some of the traditions that we do each day are Aleena helps daddy but up the ornament on the advent calender. She always waits until daddy wakes up. (he is on graves right now) Then they will put it up together. She always wants to put it on the top. They each night Aleena and I read a story from the nativity scene that I have. Each of the characters has a story to go with them. It is so much fun and she remembers each night. If we go to bed without reading one we have to go back down stairs.
Other things that we are doing this Christmas are making treats with Aleena , going to our work and friends parties, Having a preschool party and just little things like making a snowman and going sledding. Happy Holiday's

Kmarts doubles and I am not done!!!!

2008-12-02T21:58:00.007-07:00

Ok so everyone knows that I have OC with coupons. I almost gave up with a bad experiance but I am so glad that I didn't. This week (until saturday) kmart will double coupons up to $2.00. So if you have $2.00 off coupon it will be $4.00 off. Making tons of items free. So I have been to kmart 4 times and this is what I got.

3 Johnson & Johnson soap
24 nail art
7 dog treats
12 tylenol
1 st josephs asprin
3 purell
10 kotex
2 huggies wipes
11 bc cookie mixes
3 chocholate chips
4 nail polish
3 gillette body wash
16 boxes of kelloges
1 vaseline lotion
2 clean and clear wash
6 vicks hand sanitizer
4 Arm & hammer detergent
1 pledge duster
2 juicey juice
4 tuna

m&ms for Aleena 1.06
lifesaver book for Christmas 2.69
Lighter for bows 1.99

My total bill for all transactions was $28.98 minus the stuff I got without coupon for Aleena and Christmas stuff my total was $23.24

My total savings was 296.35 (and I am not done shoping I need to organize tonight)

I also went to target today and got
31 set of two rayovac batteries
1 johnson and johnson soap
6 ouchless hair things
1 coloring thing for aleena
Total bill $ 3.36
Total savings $43.00

Here is the coupon for the batteries (making them free)
http://www.rayovac.com/alkaline/pdf/AlkalineHAB_Online_Rebate.pdf
Here is the coupon for the hair things (making them .19 at target and walmart)
http://www.goodycomfort.com/res/pdf/ouchless_coupon.pdf

KMART HERE I COME!!!

2008-11-30T00:45:00.003-07:00

Ok so here is the deal!! I just looked at the kmart ad online for the utah area and it is true we are having a double coupon week. Do you know what this means? FREE FREE FREE products. I am going to be OC this week I am planing on going until my coupons are gone. I may even go dumpster diving this week. Here are some of the rules. 1. You can only buy 4 of the same product and use 4 coupons (4 colgate, 4 aquafresh, 4 crest etc.) That makes it so other people can also get some. 2. You can only have 75 coupons in one transaction. 3. you can one make overage 4. they will only douple coupons up to $2.00.

Happy couponing here is a link to some of the products that you can get for free after the coupons. so the more paper that you get or have the better!!

http://www.afullcup.com/forums/k-mart/145475-kmart-doubles-free-list.html

The cutest laugh ever!

2008-10-30T20:57:00.003-07:00

I just had to post this! Aleena is always happy and loves to laugh!

Is Halloween just suppost to be one day?

2008-10-30T20:40:00.004-07:00

I don't know about you but Halloween has been happening for about two weeks now!! And Halloween is not until tommorow! We have had a busy couple of weeks but it has been tons of fun. Aleena started out with one costume but so far she has been a penquin (waddle waddle), a bee, a princess and a utah cheer leader. I am really want her to be the penquin because it is the warmest one and I don't have any snap shot of her in it yet. We have been to party after party. At least one a day. I think that Aleena is going to think candy is one of the meals that comes every day. A couple of day's ago we met Logan and Ellie at the farm and went crazy with the camera so here are a few pictures.

Our day tommorow is also crazy we have a party with the mom's club that I am in, toys-r-us has trick-or-treating and so does the mall. We may meet some friends at chuck-e-cheeses for a party, we have a trunk-or-treat that starts at 6, and we have to go to a few of the neighbors. I really hope that grandma is coming here if not we are making a run to trick-or-treat at the university. It is crazy but it will be a ton of fun. I don't think that Aleena will be getting a nap for the second day in a row. That is our day in a nut shell. I hope that everyone has a Happy Halloween and be safe!!!!

I Got Tagged Forever ago but Just getting around to it!!!

2008-10-21T13:13:00.002-07:00

I got tagged a long time ago but I am just getting around to typing it.
7 Things Tag

7 THINGS I CAN DO

* I can save money on just about anything.
* I can do many things at once but usually don't get any of them done
* I can be easily entertained. It dosen't take much, people watching is good enough for me.
* I can change a light bulb, build a shed, fix the garbage disposile, take apart the dvd player. I will try to fix almost anything.
* I can carry 6 drinks to a table without a tray
* I can live on very little sleep.
* I can make friends easily

7 THINGS I CAN'T DO

* Dust I hate it! I always have it was my chore when I was little and I still hate to do it.
* I can not spell good but everyone know that.
* Play sports
* Keep my house clean. I turn around and something else is dirty. What is the point.
* Eat pop tarts. Every since I went on the trek and ate them for three months
* Hiccup quitely
* I can not be quite for more than a minute at a time.

7 THINGS THAT ATTRACT ME TO MY HUBBY

* He is the cutest thing ever.
* He brought me roses all of the time.
* He loves kids and wanted at least three
* He makes me smile and laugh all the time.
* He loves his mom and treats her with respect.
* He is always so thoughtful.
* Oh ya is hot red jeep. (Sorry that someone else was driving it so I had to date him first) But in the end I was with the one I was suppost to be with.

7 THINGS I ALWAYS SAY

* For the love
* Shut-up
* I'm tired
* Love you babe
* Hello - (yes I talk on the phone way to much so you here this often)
* Oh man
* I can't think of anything else

7 THINGS I LOVE TO EAT

* Dr pepper is my favorite pop right now
* Ice cream of any kind
* Pizza I could eat it for every meal (the pie is the best)
* Smoothies (kiva in bountiful is the best)
* Strawberry limeaide from sonic
* Anything Mexican
* Fruit almost any kind

7 PEOPLE I TAG

*Alison
*Miriam
*kim
*lindsey
*shani (because I finally did it)
*mary joe
*michelle

Just a funny video

2008-10-20T13:45:00.002-07:00

Ok so here is Aleena's Wow Wow wubbzy she got for her Birthday I think that it is her new best friend!

October

2008-10-20T13:10:00.004-07:00

So I know that I have been so bad at writing!! I think that I say that everytime. Aleena is taking a nap now so I have a few minutes. We have been really busy this month. We have went on a hike up Adams canyon to a water fall. It took us about 4 hours it is only a 4 mile hike but Aleena did walk atleast one of the miles. We took our time and made some great memories. Aleena loved riding in the backpack carrier and love singing "got my hikin' boots on, got my hikin' boots on and were going up the canyon" She made it up herself. We also had our yearly Leaf Crunch activity with Nate's family. We go up the canyon with rakes and make big piles of leafs to jump in. We make hobo stew and have rolls and donuts. It sounds so simple but is by far one of my favorite traditions. We do it the first monday in october every year. It was so fun this year because Aleena loved every minute of it. She wouldn't stop playing in the leaves but her hands were so cold. We have been to two pumpkin patchs and Aleena asks to go every day now. I love the fall time. We are planing to go to a corn maze tommorow night. We have been busy with pre-school, playing with friends, the activities committee, and much more. This last weekend Aleena and I headed up to logan to have a girls craft day. It was so much fun. I got picture frames painted, candy corn crafts done and made some bowes. I need to have a day like that painting and decorating my house. So anyways that is what has been going on. I Love being busy but that means my bloging has to wait!

Aleena's Birthday

2008-10-04T23:33:00.009-07:00

Today Aleena turn two!! I can't belive it. She is growing so fast. She is so smart and amazes me everyday. We has a party on friday at Chuck e Cheese's with 8 of her friends it was lots of fun. I think that it is going to be one of Aleena's new favorite places. Good thing they have coupons. Today we went down to salt lake and went out to eat with Grandma. Aleena has loved every minute of it and walks around saying "Happy birthday to me". She is the greatest thing in the world. We are the most blessed ever to have her come into our lives. We Love You Shaleena for making our lives better!!

SWAT School

2008-10-04T23:06:00.008-07:00

(Aleena was sad all week with out her Daddy. Whenever I would ask her where he was she would say Policeman school with the saddest face.)

Well Nate lived through SWAT school. He left our house on Sunday at 1:00 am and didn't get home until Friday at 12:00 pm. It was so long to be gone from him. He when through very intense training. Running, swimming, repelling, and climbing; ladders, walls and ropes. They also had to learn how to walk like ducks and be spider man down a wall. It was so much fun to see the videos on the news and the one that he brought home. We didn't get to talk on the phone at all. That is what killed me the most because we call each other at least 4 times a day to say we love each other. I am so proud of him!!! He is such a great husband and he is going to keep succeeding in his job. He is such a hard worker. The hardest part for him was being away from his little girl. On Thursday we were invited to a surprise BBQ. Nate had no idea. As soon as Aleena saw the Policemen running in she took off running towards them looking for daddy. Nate had tears in his eyes. He was at loss of words. Aleena is daddy's little girl!!

MY GREAT SHOPPING DAY!!

2008-10-01T23:41:00.002-07:00

You have got to check out my great shopping trip on my other blog!!

Taking time to play!

2008-09-25T13:44:00.006-07:00

I just wanted everyone to know how much I enjoy being a mom. I wouldn't change it for anything in this world. I love that I have a hard working husband that helps me say home with Aleena and our future kids. Before we had Aleena we didn't really think that we would be able to make it with me only working one day but somehow each month we have just enough. (And a little extra to save) The other day Aleena and I were making some fresh apple juice. Mom and Dad would be proud. Aleena would put the apples in and I would press them. She loved every minute of it. She love turning the juicer on and off when it is time. And tasting every glass full to see if it is "just wite" But I think that Aleena favorite time was cleaning up. We got all of the parts in the sink to clean and turned on the water. Aleena grabed the sprayer and looked at me with this I'M GONNA GET YOU! look.

(She has seen Nate spray me before) I said "If you get me I will get you back." At that moment she sprayed me right in the face. She laughed so hard. I took the spayer and sprayed her tummy. She laughed even harder. We did this back and forth for a good 10 minutes the whole kitchen was wet. But now all of my cupboards are clean and so is my floor.

So the moral of the story is HAVE FUN! and forget about the worries of life sometimes.

OCC=Out of Control Couponing!!!

2008-09-17T22:50:00.013-07:00

Ok, so this week I have went to a whole new level of couponing. My friend Shani is just getting in to couponing really big now. I love that a have a new coupon buddy that is just a crazy if not crazier than me. So she was asking me how she could get a lot of newspapers. I said, I get 4 each week and they are running a special now so it is a good time to get them, you could ask neighbors to save theirs, fellow co-workers or get them as Albertsons or Walgreen's on Monday because they are only $1.00 each. Then I called her a while later and said I haven't done this before but I have heard that is great fun and I think we need to do it. Yes DUMPSTER DIVING!

We found just the right dumpster!!

Coupons everywhere!!
No it is not as bad as you think. It is just in the paper recycle bin.
We went to one not too far from my house, I am sure that neighbors probably saw me jump and and just shook their head. And if you did see me remember you have to find your own dumpster. That one is spoken for!! Just as Shani reached her hand in SCORE a coupon insert. We rummaged through for a minute and that just wasn't good enough. I opened the lid and jumped it.

Making ourselves comfortable on loads of coupons!!

It wouldn't be dumpster diving if I didn't. Shani soon followed me. We scored!! I have never had so many coupons in my life. We probably found at least 50 inserts.

Mounds and mounds of coupons were found!

We also found reading material!

And box tops to help out our schools! Maybe even the school that we were digging through their dumpster.

We look through them fast for the great detergent coupon that was for $2.25 off and ran to Albertsons. The sale ended today and we just had to get more dish soap. The 12 that I already bought this week isn't enough. We got 6 detergent and that are normally $3.25-$4.00 each for only $1.40 great deal.
So now you are probably asking what I did with Aleena? Well she knows all about coupons and helps me get them out of the paper each week. She waited in the car next to the dumpster and eat her dinner while watching a kids show.

and What does Nate think of all of this? He thinks that we are crazy, rolls his eyes and looks the other way. If he ever passed a dumpster with a crazy lady in it while on duty I think that he would just feel bad for her husband. By the way I don't think any of this is against the law.

Aleena's First day of Pre-school

2008-09-12T14:27:00.004-07:00

It was so much fun taking Aleena to (co-op) pre-school today. She was all dressed up. (She picked out her own cloths) and she had her backpack on and all. She wasn't sad for me to leave one bit. All of the girls are her friend and she love to play. I will be teaching the kids in two weeks and really look forward to it. Aleena has been so funny lately. She always is listening to everything little detail of the things going on around her. The other day we were in the car and she said "Mama, turn on the light please." I didn't want to turn it on because I already can't see good at night, so I just said, "I don't know how in this car, baby" She said at the top of her lungs "OH, TOODLES" That is what they say on Micky Mouse club house when they need a special tool to help them with something. I has no idea that she has even caught on to that. Wow she is really growing up way to fast.

Busy days!!

2008-08-17T22:10:00.003-07:00

It really seems like life has been crazy lately. I have been helping out with a new little kids gym called My Gym so that I can have Aleen take classes there for a discount. I have been going to the local fairs to get people to sign up, and also passing out flyers. It has been nice because Aleena has been able to come with me and just hang out. I am getting really excited for it to start. I think that I almost have 9 months free. You know me and my deals.
One really great thing in all our busy days is Aleena just decided that she wanted to start potty training. We are loving it, it is our new fun game. It will still be awhile but we have been doing the pull-up thing now for one week. She is getting to big to fast.
Well anyways I we are doing good and I hope to write more later but I just wanted to show off the cute pics of Aleen from my Neices wedding this weekend.

Crazy eyes!!!

2008-07-29T22:21:00.002-07:00

I don't know how to copy it but my sister-in-law posted Aleena's "crazy eyes". That was her talent at the family pagent. You have got to see it!!http://adaugslife.blogspot.com/

More Pictures from the Beach

2008-07-28T23:56:00.002-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Bear lake Vacation

2008-07-28T23:19:00.007-07:00

Ok so I think that a am recovered from my vacation. It seems like every time you go on vacation you need another one from the unpacking. Aleena and I have been in bear lake for a week. I really wish that nate could have been there more. He was up there for two of the nights. We loved every minute of it. We would go down to the beach around 10-11 and not come back until dinner time. Aleena didn't seem to mind that she didn't get good naps. She was happy the whole time. No major melt downs. Every night as I would put her to bed she would tell be what she liked about the day. "The sand mama, the ski's mama, the beach, and friends. Mama Lagoon please." Yes every night even after playing all day she still wanted to go to Lagoon. (We did take her today and I think that I am going tomorrow too)
The first two days that we were at bear lake we went with a group of friend's. It was such a blast, everyone got along really good. We really did miss the people that were planning on coming. We played all day and all night.
The next two days I stayed up there with my Brother and his family it was so much fun. He has a jet ski so I took Aleena out for the first time. She loved it. She kept saying "more, more, faster." She is such a little dare devil.
The last two nights was our family reunion. Yes, we had all nine sibling there plus dad and most of the nieces and nephews and even the great grandchild. It was so much fun hanging out with everyone.

My highlights of the week were: Playing on the jet ski with Addison, he liked to see how far I could fly, watching nate play in the sand with Aleena, getting out of my comfort zone and singing (yelling) for family idol, having the nieces and nephews there that I never see, doing dolphins late at night, playing the wii till 2:30, and watching Aleena with every new adventure. My favorite thing that Aleena said was: As she was warming up for a nap eating a pickle she tucked the pickle in my cleavage and said "later" meaning when she woke up from her nap she wanted to eat it again.

It's been two years!

2008-07-14T00:48:00.008-07:00

It has now been two years since we found out about Aleena! Most people have 9 months to plan for a baby, we just had three. It was plenty of time to get the room ready, get all the baby needs, get to know Shea, and stop working as much. The 4th of July will always be a special day. This year Aleena and I spent the whole day together. We started out but sleeping over in Logan on the second and third. We went to the fireworks in Hyrum on the 2nd with Christy, Tricia and all of the kids. Aleena LOVED the fireworks or the "fires" as she called them. She was so wound up and running all around. Sometimes she would say "scarrry momma" but at the same time just love them. Her beautiful brown eyes were so big.
The next day we went swimming in Logan, Aleena finally let me put her life jacket swimming suit on (I have tried so many times and it never happens) She loved it!! She was able to float and touch the bottom. Now she always wants that one so she can "swim" by herself. That night we went to the fireworks with all the girls and the kids. We sat in the stadium and listen to the music, ate treats and just hung-out. Once again Aleena loved the fireworks.
In the morning Aleena and I headed home. We look a nap, did a little grocery shopping then went to the park about 6:00. We played on the playground for hours and had so much fun. Then we found just the perfect spot to watch the fireworks again. (Aleena's new bed time is 11:30) We sat on the lawn and just played. We bought some glow braclets and Aleena danced and sang for everyone that was passing by. She loves to sing. No words even though she knows the word she just says "LA LA LA LA" We watch the firework and by this time Aleena was saying "ooo ahhh" every time there would be a big one. I think that my favorite part of the night was when she came up to be in the middle of the fireworks and said, "I love you momma" The tears just ran down my face. What a wonderful week. The only part that would have made it it so much better is if Nate could have been there. Nate, Ammon, my brother Nate, Dad and a few friends went to Alaska for the week. Nate was wanted to go so bad but at the same time he didn't want to miss out on the 4th with Aleena. He has tons of fun and I text him pictures of Aleena and he called and talked to her a couple of times too. I missed Nate so much and I know that Aleena did to. We love him so much. Nate was off seeing bears up close, a ton of eagles and catching lots and lots of king Salmon. He brought a whole cooler full of fish home and has been making great smoked fish.

Mom and Aleena

2008-06-16T22:14:00.005-07:00

I can't say enough how much I love being a mom. I wouldn't change it for anything. Aleena is my pride and joy. The summer day's have already started to get so busy. It seems like it is run, run, run!! Monday's we do activities as a family, it is Nate's day off. We go to the park, lagoon, to outdoors stores, or just hang out. Today we jumped on the trampoline will the sprinkler under. It was a first for Aleena and she LOVED it. Tuesday's Aleena and I go to the kid summer movie with a few moms in the neighborhood. Wednesday is play group at the park with our ward. Thursday's we go to lagoon, having a season pass has been so much fun. And the weekend always brings something fun. Aleena love every minute of every day. She always is happy and finds good in everything. This week at lagoon her favorite thing was jumping in the puddles of water. I sat on the bench just watching with a big smile on my face.

Check our my new blog!

2008-06-03T23:07:00.002-07:00

So I am starting a coupon blog! You sould check it out!
naomisdeals.blogspot.com

Lagoon

2008-06-03T21:36:00.003-07:00

We have loved the summer so much already but our highlight this week was lagoon. We have season passes and have been at least five times already. Aleena loves all of the rides. As we walk in to the park she says "horsies" and can't wait to ride the merry-go-round. She loves the train and seeing all of the animals.

We bring the stroller in but it is just to carry all of our stuff, Aleena wants to walk everywhere. She is not scard of anything. We have taken her on the log ride, the new odesy ride and the sky coaster. When we got of the Odesy ride she said, "I like, I like." and wanted to go again. We are excited for more fun memories throughout the summer.

Dear birth parents - Open adoption

2008-05-29T22:49:00.009-07:00

When we first decided to adopt we didn't know how we felt about open adoption. Now I think that we would be scared to have a closed adoption. For anyone that doesn't know a closed adoption: is where neither party knows the full names, or place of residence. And, when all of the letters and pictures are sent through the adoption agency. An open adoption could consist of visits once a year, email, talking on the phone or visits once a month. It can be as little or as much as you both agree. I think that we were scared of the unknown before. Now, we think that it is so great and wonderful to have Aleena's birth mom in our life. We would love to have our next adoption every open also. We are both very loving and accepting people. Nate is the shy one and I am the talker. Sometimes it is hard to get me to stop. We would love to meet you and maybe even your family. We would love to email you or write letters as much as you need. Pictures are great!! I take a ton of them so you will also be getting a ton. Anyway we just want you to know that we are open to as little or as much as you feel comfortable with. You are going through such a big part of your life and the hardest decision ever. As you are going thought the roller coaster of emotions you are in our prayers. If you choose us or not that is totally fine if you just need someone to talk to we are happy to be there for you. I am excited that Aleena already knows who her birth mom is. She says good night and gives her picture a kiss each night. I know she doesn't understand yet but she will some day. It will just be like she knows she is a girl and she knows she has black hair. She will just know she is adopted and that is a part of her life. We know that there is going to be days that she asks questions and we will be there with loving arms to answer them. I am excited that she will know Shea (her birth mom) and also her birth family throughout her life. We think that adoption is the greatest thing in the world.

It's about love!

2008-05-26T00:12:00.010-07:00

One of the reasons that I wanted to do a blog is to share our adoption story. We are also hoping to adopt another child and this is one way that birth parents can get to know us. I don't know where to start besides adoption is the greatest thing in the world and it has blessed our life in so many ways.
When we first found out that we would not be able to have kids it was the hardest thing in the world. We cried for hours just holding each other. That day we knew that we would not thy any of the infertility treatments and that adoption was the right thing. Nate and I wanted to be parents more than anything. There were many times that I would see a new baby and I would just cry. Not knowing how long it would be before I could hold one of my own. I remember when friends or family would call to say that they were pregnant and I had to fight back the tears. One mothers day I was asked to speak in sacrament meeting. I just couldn't do it, I had to tell them no. What would I say? Would I just talk about how much I wanted to be a mom? I think that I ended up skipping Church all together. That was always one of the hardest days of the year. We would also pray each night that our baby would find us. And she did!
Our prayer were answered threw the most amazing girl, Shaleena (Shea). She contacted through email in June of 2006. We email back and forth a few time then she wanted to meet us. I don't think that we slept for days before. We didn't know what to think. Would she like us? What does she look like? While she choose us to be the parents of her baby? The questions just kept coming. We met her and her mom at a restaurant and everything went great. She was amazing. She just seems to know everything she wanted in life. She had so many goals and such determination. It seemed like we knew each other for ever. We talked for a couple of hours and then went our separate ways. Nate and I walked out of the restaurant hand in hand, crying. She hadn't said that we were "that couple" yet but it felt so right. We went home and like a little teenage girl I started thinking of names we could name our little girl. I always wanted to name my first girl Korey kay. Kay is my middle name. Now if Shea choose us I wanted to name her after both her moms. I wrote down kaylee, Kaleena, Alee kay, And Aleena Kay. I know that I am crazy she hadn't even picked us yet.
Two days later on July 4th Shea called us and said that her mom had some more questions for us. We met her at the city fair and had snow cones. As we sat around a picnic table and talked Shea said "I have a present for the two of you" and handed us an envelope. In it were all the ultra-sound pictures of her little girl. She said this is your baby girl that I am carrying. We just held each other tight and cried. I could believe it, was this really happening? Nate just kept squeezing my leg so tight. I had bruises from all five fingers. Our next three months became very crazy tying to get ready for a little one.
Our friendship with Shaleena began to grow. Talking on the phone, email, out to dinner and even to get pedicures. To me Shaleena seems like the little sister that I never had. Talking to her is so easy. We like so many of the same things and love to just have fun and be little kids.

At 3:00 am on October 4th Shea called us and asked us to come and pick her up. She was in labor. I never imagined how amazing an open adoption could be. We went and picked her up, Nate ran every red like and was speeding the whole time. We spend 7 hours in the labor room joking, watching movies, and little sleeping. Seeing Aleena be born was two big for words. A miracle, Amazing, Emotional, Self-less, A blessing, Priceless, and very Spiritual. The tears didn't stop for days. So many different emotions. As Nate and I held Aleena we were so happy, but at the same time hurting so much. I handed Aleena to Shea and we held her together for what seemed like eternity. Looking at her little hand, feet and her cute little lips. I can't imagine the pain that she was feeling. Part of me wanted to say I can't take this child out of your arms again. But I know that is what she really wanted. We spent many hours laying in the hospital bed together talking, laughing and crying. I loved when I would see Shea smile so big when Nate was holding Aleena. He would totally be unaware of everyone around him. That would just reassure me that she know that her choice was right. Shaleena was defiantly sent to us. She is an amazing girl and a great friend.
Then came that sleepless nights and I have to say I loved every minute of it. I did also take naps alot during the day. Aleena is so wonderful. Now we look at our life so different. What in the world did we do before we had Aleena? She fill our life up so much. Now our trial of not being able to bare children is a blessing. We would not have this beautiful spirit in our life if it wasn't for our trial. We know that someday (we hope soon) more children will come into our life through adoption.

So as we have our papers in to adopt if you know anyone that is thinking about placing their child keep us in mind. It is now 2:30 am so I need to get some sleep but I will write more later!!

2008-05-26T00:05:00.001-07:00

"Sugar and spice and everything nice"

2008-05-25T20:30:00.010-07:00

Finding the bugs in the "Flavies"

Doing the duck walk with Aleena

Rows and Rows of tulips

Sugar and spice and everything nice! Is that really what girls are made of? What about "snakes and snails and puppy dog tails" I think that this sound more like Aleena. Yes some of the time she is truly a girly girly. But, she is not afraid of any animal and she loves BUGS!! In her eyes sand and dirt the more the better. And, every time we go on a walk she comes home with a hand full of rocks. Aleena, Aunt Rachie and I went to Seattle to see my sister Shari last month. It was such a blast! Seeing Aleena discover new things a plain ride, the boat, walking on the sand, the ocean and many more discoveries. But I think my favorite time with her was at the tulip fields. There was so many flowers everywhere. I have never seen anything so beautiful. Aleena also loved as she calls them "Flavies". But as soon as she saw a bug in one of the Flavies that is all she wanted. So we walked around looking in each flower for bugs. Then she would let them crawl on her finger and play with them. Now she loves bugs.

The next week we had an ant problem (As I would call it). So I went to kill a couple of the ants. Aleena cries "No, mama! No the bug mama! I like, I like!" So I just layed on the floor with her and watched the ants for a good 30 minutes. So I think that Sugar and spice is only a small part of our little girl.

I'm almost a blogger!

2008-05-25T19:58:00.006-07:00

Hi Everyone!

I know that I have been out of the "blogger" loop, but I am now going to start. I don't know how faithful I will be at writing but I will try. Lots of the family have blogs and I think that ALL of my friends do. They have been telling be to get it going for months. Well here it is. Welcome to my world. Home of the spelling mistakes!! Oh well I type fast but I do not like to re-read anything.