Lela Dandoy

Ketchup... catsup... Catch Up

2011-08-19T08:56:00.000-07:00

It has been a while, like usual.

Brian is working at Verizon still. He has been working hard at school and will be graduating in December. We don't know what will happen from there. Anyone know of someone that needs help from someone with a technology management degree? He is great with computers and what goes with them.

Anyway, I am very proud of him and what he has done. He works hard to take care of me.

I have started school. I started in May and just finished my first semester yesterday. I have never had to work so hard for school in my life. I love the challenge! I passed all my classes with A's and B's and even got a 100% on my math final! I will be done next December and then will be studying a lot for the certification exam. After that, I will be a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant and will finally be able to work doing what I have wanted to do my entire life!

I am so grateful to Brian for making it possible for me to not work. I have quit driving buses and am able to focus on my schooling. This last semester was mostly during the summer and I would not have made it through if I had been working along with 7 classes. It was brutal and I was having a hard time looking at the future of getting up at 4:30 and leaving the house and not getting home until 6:30 at night and then having 7 classes of homework. Brian made it so I didn't have to go back to work and I jumped at the chance.

We are all doing well here. For our one year anniversary, Brian surprised me with a trip to Indio California. It is a small town outside of Palm Springs. I loved it there. So beautiful! We stayed at one of his grandparents timeshares and could not have asked for a better location. The weekend happened to fall right before midterms and it was just the thing I needed to be able to relax and calm down. When we got back, I was focused and passed midterms with flying colors! It was a wonderful getaway and we plan on doing it again!!

This summer we have made a few trips to Flagstaff and spent lots of time with family. It has been great! My sister moved to Tucson and is now only a short 2 hour drive away from me. She has been spending a lot of time at our house and I have loved every min of it.

That's the happenings around here. Hope all is well with you!

April

2011-04-28T19:40:00.000-07:00

We are nearing the end of Brian's semester at school. He will be taking one class this summer and then 4 more in the fall. Then he will GRADUATE!!! December 16th I think is the official date. I am so proud of him and all that he has accomplished! He is still enjoying his job at Verizon and I hope that the fun and joy he has at his job continues.

I am still driving buses and enjoying it a little more. I love that I can have a group of kids to get to know again. I like having my own route. I start my Occupational Therapy Assistant school this Monday. It is a 20 month program so I will be done in less than 2 years! I am nervous and excited and ready and not ready and so many emotions at once. I have wanted this my whole life and now I have found a way to accomplish it. I am excited to take this next step in life.

A Whole New World...

2011-01-29T17:55:00.000-08:00

I read everyones blogs every day. I actually check my google reader account numerous time a day. I LOVE google reader, but there is a problem... Google reader doesn't tell me how long it has been since I last blogged. I checked it out and found it has been since June. JUNE people! I haven't blogged since I got back from my honeymoon. I can't believe that was over 7 months ago!

A fast catch up:

July: Brian and I finished moving into our home. I started working for Gilbert Public Schools. I was in training for my CDL actually but it was still work. I was getting up at 5:00 and leaving the house at 6 to get to work at 7. It was hard and little did I know... it gets worse! Brian and I tried to adjust to living together and I was trying to adjust to moving away from everything I had ever known. I had a new house, new husband, new job, new family, heck I even had a new last name. I loved it and hated it all at the same time. I went home every chance I got. I think Brian was getting tired of driving to Flagstaff all the time, but he is so good to me and didn't complain at all. He is so supportive.

August: More traveling to Flagstaff and still training. Brian is enjoying not working and not having school work. He got a lot of good video game time in. Work started for both of us in the end of August. I really didn't like my job but I loved that I got to work with Brian. Being with him was the best part of my day.

September: Work was in full swing and now school started. Brian and I both are doing online classes. They are convenient but man are they a lot of work. I think there is double the amount of work. We were still getting used to living together and honestly, I think we will always be getting used to living together. My birthday!! Brian got me a wonderful trip to Tucson and invited my parents to come because he knows how much my family means to me. We went to Cartchner Caverns and had dinner with some family friends. We had a GREAT time! It was a wonderful birthday!

October: Not much happened that I can remember. Work and school... My mom's birthday and my sisters birthday. Halloween was fun this year. I got to have Alora with me and we went to the church trunk-r-treat party. She was Pebbles Flinstone. So adorable as always!!

November: The beginning of the month was pretty quiet.Brian and I joined my family, some family friends, and Aunt Lois in Page for the Balloon festivel. It was so amazing! We also went to Antelope Canyon. It is a huge canyon that has been carved in the ground that you can walk through. The pictures don't do it justice. The colors are AMAZING!! Truly a work of God! It was another really great trip.

Our house heater went out but we had a very warm season so it was not too big of a deal. Well for Brian at least. I was freezing but my parents gave us a room heater so it was ok. We had Thanksgiving dinner here and my family and Brian's family both came. I was a little worried about what we would all talk about but I think it went great! We all had a good time and I really enjoyed having everyone over. Maybe this will become the new tradition!

December: CHRISTMAS!!! I LOVE this time of year!! The beginning of the month we found out that Brian got a job with Verizon and he was supposed to start in January! We we so excited that we could still do our big trip to Utah and Colorado together and then he could start this great new job. He then got offered a chance to start the end of December instead. This meant no trip, but he would get a giant jump in seniority and therefor able to get better shifts when the time came. We debated, but in the end decided it would be much better for him to start as soon as possible. He was able to fly up to Denver and be with us for Christmas and then flew back again for work. It all worked out and Brian is happy at his new job.

January: A new year!! We are loving our precious time together. Now that we don't work together, we don't get much time to be together. It really makes me savor the time we do have. I really feel so lucky to have such a hard working and wonderful man with me for eternity. He is truly the perfect guy for me! Now that we are all caught up, maybe I will remember to post a little more often.

Memories

2010-06-29T20:34:00.000-07:00

We are MARRIED!! It was a Beautiful weekend and we thank all of you who helped make it so. Everything turned out just the way we wanted! The receptions were both so beautiful! My sister told us she had a gift for us that she was really excited about. I had been racking my brain trying to figure out what it could be. Finally, after all the waiting, she gave us her gift. It was a memory. She hired Trevor Forsman, a young man that she grew up with and won second place in the Arizona Idol competition the weekend before, to come and sing our first dance for us. He had a partner with him and after they finished singing At the Beginning with You, they sang a Trevor original. Oh my gosh, the words are so beautiful and they did such an amazing job singing! I know he will go far with his music. Thank you so much to Mary Lynne! You gave us an amazing memory that will last forever!! We love you!

We are now on our honeymoon in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. It is so green and gorgeous here. We got here Sunday night and went straight to sleep. It had been a long day. We woke up Monday morning and went to the activities center to book some activities to do. We booked a wagon ride/bbq dinner for that night. It was delicious!! Brian wants to go back again tomorrow night just for the food! The ride was fun and after dinner we sang a few songs but the highlight was the food.

My parents gave us a day on a zip line course. We rode the Silverton train about half way up and then we started. They fit us with harnesses and taught us a few safety things and then we were off! While we were eating lunch (which they provide) one of the dogs chased a bear right under us. (We ate up in the trees) I will post pictures that I got of the bear. He ended up climbing the tree we were sitting in and sticking his nose through the slots. He was really cute and I got some good pictures before we had to chase him off. It was a really awesome experience and I HIGHLY recommend anyone who comes to this part of the country (and you all should because it is wonderful) do the soaring. If you want to learn about it, go to soaringtreetopadventures.com A little expensive but worth every penny!!

Brian surprised me with a hot air balloon ride that we will be taking Thursday morning. I am really looking forward to that! We don't really know what else we will plan but I am loving the relaxed nature of this honeymoon and I am mostly loving the time I am getting to spend with my husband. I am learning more and more about him everyday and loving him more and more every minute!

Changes in Attitudes, Changes in Lattitudes

2010-06-20T11:29:00.000-07:00

The only thing constant is change right? Well there have been some big ones here!

The little girl that I have been babysitting for the last 3 years is moving! Her step dad decided he was not able to find a job here so he wants to look in a bigger city. He picked Denver, as in Denver Colorado. A whole 12 hour drive away from Flagstaff. I cried and cried. I called Brian and told him. With them moving, we would not be able to make enough money to live in Flagstaff. He listened to my heart break then helped me to calm down.

A little while later, he called me and told me that maybe we should look into me moving to the valley because it is so much cheaper to live and he already has a job there. I conceded that this was the best choice and so we started looking for apartments.

His parents came to him a few days later and gave him/us a wonderful gift! They offered to act as a bank for us and give us a loan for a house. A whole HOUSE!! We started looking at prices and decided that somewhere in Queen Creek would be the best bet. Newer houses and VERY GOOD prices! We have a couple friends that live out there so we were kinda looking in their neighborhood. We found a few that we liked and after a lot of bidding wars (they are forclosure houses) and some frustration, we finally won a house at auction!

It was a house that I had never seen. Remember that I live in Flagstaff still and the list for the auction goes out the night before the auction happens. Brian had seen it and told me about it and I trusted him to make the decision. Boy am I glad I did. The house is AWESOME!! 3 bedrooms, 2 and 1/2 baths, a huge kitchen that I LOVE putting together. There is a nice back yard with a sprinkler system already in. It is perfect for us.

I have been applying for a few jobs this last month and last week I got a call from Gilbert Public Schools. I went in for an interview and got the job! I will be driving school buses! They are going to train me for my CDL.

I am a lucky girl and feel so blessed to have all these wonderful people in my life! Thank you to everyone who has helped make this time in my life so great! The wedding is in 5 days!! Then I will have another wonderful group of people to add to my family! This transition has been a difficult one for me but the support from all my family has been great! Thanks to all! Love ya!

Where has all the time gone?

2010-03-31T20:44:00.000-07:00

I don't really believe it has been 2 months since I updated. I don't know where the time is going. There is 84 days until our wedding and I am still really calm. People keep asking how the plans are coming and I think and say that every thing is great! It really is!

Brian applied to NAU and was accepted last week. He also applied for a job with NAU driving busses. He interviewed on Monday and was offered the job on Tuesday morning! I guess they saw how amazing he is just like I do. He will start in August so he can finish his finals and his current job in Gilbert with their school district. Then he will move here the beginning of June and we will get married the end of June and then the honeymoon the last week of June then we will have almost 2 months to settle into marriage before he has to start work. I am so proud of him and his determination and focus. He always get done what needs to get done.

We got our engagement pictures done a few weeks ago. They turned out great and I will be posting some on my facebook soon. We are in the process of trying to design the announcements now. Wording is proving to be a little difficult. If anyone has any suggestions or examples please let me know. My e-mail is ljw13@hotmail.com I would love any help I can get.

Love you all!!

Wedding Blues (actually purples)

2010-01-14T08:23:00.000-08:00

I promise my posts will not all be about the wedding. Just until the wedding is over.

We have the Temple time arranged!! 9:45 in the morning on Friday June 25th. I think we will be taking pictures before hand so we can avoid most of the heat. The reception will be here in Flagstaff on the 26th. Don't know what time yet but I think it will be around 6 in the evening. I kind of have a love/hate relationship with the reception. I have enjoyed the planning but there is so much to do and I start to get really over whelmed with it all. (I am starting to understand eloping) I am so glad that I have my mom to help. I have pretty much given her the reins and am just putting in my 2 cents worth now and then. I know it will be beautiful and it will turn out wonderful.

Brian has been great as usual. He gives his opinion when I ask but for the most part he is letting me do and have what I want. I really couldn't ask for a better man! Now we need to find him a job here in Flagstaff. Anyone have suggestions?

I am still watching the 2 girls and I will be starting to watch a 3 month old little boy soon. I am starting to think I am crazy. I don't know how I will do it. I need to pray for patience.

I also want to thank Nikki for making my blog so cute! You are wonderful!

So this is LOVE!! (hum hum hum hum)

2009-12-05T21:50:00.000-08:00

Well things are still going well here. I am still planning a wedding, although we are kinda at a stand still right now because we can't book the Temple until 6 months out, and I can't get my dress until Christmas when we are in Denver where my Grandma has it stored. I am wearing my mom's dress with some alterations done to it.

So far we have the day picked out (June 25th), the reception place mostly planned (in the cul-de-sac with a bunch of Christmas lights and decorations or for a back up, the stake center), the colors picked (if you know me at all you will know that this will be purple. Different shades of purple to be exact), and I have me a groom which I think is actually the most important part!

Brian is so great! He treats me so well, and I could not ask for a better companion to spend the rest of eternity with. I really look forward to the day that I can go into that temple and be sealed to this wonderful man!

Ok, enough mushy stuff! Brian and I are going to Utah on the 18th to see his best friends up there. I am just a little nervous about meeting them. They mean so much to him and I just hope I can live up to their expectations. We will then head to Denver to spend Christmas with my mom's side of the family. We will spend a few days there then drive back to Flag for a day or so then head to Gilbert to ring in the new year with his family. I am really looking forward to all the time I get to be with him and all the family we get to see.

Well I hope you all are enjoying your holidays and that the rest of this year is great for all of you!

LELA IS ENGAGED!!

2009-11-03T18:05:00.001-08:00

Ok so I think that most of you probably know this but I am engaged! Here is how it happened!

He took me to Lowell Observatory to look at the stars. We looked at Jupiter and its moons which was really cool. When we were done we went out to the car and as he was opening my door (which he always does cause he is wonderful!) he noticed he had a flat tire. He asked me to get the compressor out of the back of the car so I went to get it. As I opened the back hatch, there were purple roses and a custom made banner saying, "Lela will you marry me?" I looked at him and he got down on his knee and asked me. I told him yes of course! Then he called to his friend and my cousin that they could come out. They had flattened his tire for him and were in on the whole thing.

The ring is beautiful, he is wonderful and I am so happy!!!

And now some pictures.

Oh the wedding is scheduled for June 25th and I will be needing addresses so please send them to my e-mail so I can be sure to invite all you wonderful people! ljw13@hotmail.com

Babies are great!

2009-09-09T14:33:00.000-07:00

I am now watching 2 babies during the day. They are finally learning to play together and not fight all the time. It is so great to see Alora learn to share the toys and me. She has had me to herself for the last 2 years and the adjustment has been difficult for her, but she is doing a great job and I am so proud of her!

Ellie is just over a year old and is the daughter of some friends from the ward. She is so adorable and has the cutest personality. She takes all the mean stuff Alora does to her and doesn't even cry. (she does have 3 older brothers though) She is putting everything in her mouth and it has been hard for me to remember that she is only 1 and not older. I keep thinking that she should be doing and understanding the same things as Alora. It is a chalenge that I am really enjoying. Maybe someday I will be able to get some good pics of them together.

Family, Friends, and Upcoming Trips.

2009-07-10T21:47:00.001-07:00

I had surgery about a month ago. I had a hernia in my stomach and ulcers in my esophagus. Not fun and very painful. The good thing is, now I don't have heartburn! I have had almost constant heartburn for the last few years and since the surgery I have had NONE!! It was SO worth the few days of pain to get rid of the constant pain. I recovered well and now everything is great again.

We had our annual 4th of July party this last weekend. It went really well and I think we all had a good time. Almost all the Grandys came (we missed you Rachel, Talmage and babies) and we did a garden project but for the most part we played games, had tons of food and had a blast. Aunt Lois had the ice cream maker going almost non stop and it was so wonderful. Thanks for doing that for us! I think this was the last time we (the Wilkins) will see Jacob before he leaves for his mission and we are great full for the time we got with him. Jacob we are going to miss you, but we are also so proud of you and the choices you have made with your life. We love you!!!

My mom is off to Alaska next week. We will miss her but we are so glad she has the opportunity to go. She is going with her friend of many years, Jenny. They will be gone for 2 weeks. I am sure there will be more to post about her trip later.

(Family on my moms side this past Christmas)

Mom gets home on Wed the 29th and we leave for Colorado on the 31st. One day home. Crazy huh!! My parents and 2 other couples (the Flagstaff 6 my dad calls the group) are riding motorcycles up to my Grandma's house in Dillon and my sister and I will be in the van. I am really looking forward to seeing my Grandma again. I only get to see her 2 times a year and I don't know how much longer I will have the opportunity to see her. She is in wonderful shape and could run circles around me. I hope that continues for many years but you never know so I really have learned to cherish all the time I get with her as well as all my family. I really have the best family and friends anyone could ask for. I love you all!!

Rain and Mexico!!

2009-05-22T19:22:00.000-07:00

I love the rain!! It has been raining in Flagstaff for the last couple of days and I have been soaking it in! The earth smells sooooo good!

I left this morning at 3:45 for the airport. The plane left at 7:45 for San Diego where we (my friend and I) got picked up and shuttled to Tiajuana Mexico. My friend had surgery and just got back to the room about 5 min's ago. Things went well and she is sleeping off the drugs. While she was gone I got brave and went shopping at a little out door mall they have across the street. I didn't get abducted and I managed to find a Burger King and got my self some dinner. FYI the milk shakes taste a lot different. Much sweeter than at home. The television has some english channels and I am now watching Harry Potter. Tomorrow we will hang around here and recover a little from surgery and then Sunday morning we leave for home again.

Cakes and Birthdays

2009-04-14T09:43:00.001-07:00

Thursday the 9th of April my little baby turned 2. I can't believe she is 2!! I started watching her when she was only 8 weeks old. What happened? She used to be so tiny and helpless. Now she is very demanding and so adorable!! I have loved these last 2 years. Watching her learn and grow. Figuring out the world around her. She is so smart.

Here she is at 5 months old!

Now she is 2 years old!

This is the cake that my mom and I made for her party. I think it turned out pretty good. Some issues but over all I like it.

This is a cake that we made for a family friends 5th birthday this last weekend. He is really into Star Wars. We pieced a bunch of cakes together and I love it. I think this one turned out great!

Anyone need a cake done? My mom and I would love to help.

VOTE!!!

2009-04-13T18:16:00.000-07:00

OK so I am a big fan of Dancing With the Stars. I have been since the beginning. This season I feel like I have a connection to the show. It is a far far away connection but it is still there. My friend from high school and before is married to one of the pro's brothers. I am voting and voting and voting. You all should too. Even if you don't watch (which you should cause Chelsie is AMAZING as a dancer and choreographer) you should still vote for her. Doesn't take long and every vote helps!

By the way Stacy, If you do go to Cali and Vegas you should let me know. I was thinking about going to Vegas next weekend and I want to see you and your adorable kiddo!

Thanks to ALL!

2009-04-02T13:18:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all who commented. I like to know that people read even though it is boring. I will stop being so dramatic.

No one reads.

2009-04-02T10:05:00.000-07:00

Well I guess not many people read my blog, so I decided I will just use it more as a journal.

Life has been pretty mellow lately. Min got out of the hospital and is doing good. She still is having some strange pains but they are in a different spot and not constant so we don't know what is going on there. She refuses to go to the doctor again. She is so sick of doctors.

For spring break Min and I went to Las Vegas for a few days. It was so fun spending time with my sister just the 2 of us. We met some of my friends and hung out with them for the first day and then we hung out just us the rest of the time. We stayed at the Plaza right down on freemont street. So much fun. I miss our time together. Life just seems to get in the way sometimes.

The second part of break Hyrum and Sarah Grandy came down from Utah and spent some time with us. Hyrum and my mom installed some recessed lighting in our living room, hallway and my mom and dad's closets. They look really nice. We played lots of cards and Hyrum helped clean out our fridge. It was fun to have them here. I am excited to play with their baby when it gets here later this year. Saturday we went down to Phoenix for Rick and Alyssa's baby blessing. It was the first time I saw Thayne and he is adorable. That family makes some cute kids.

Nikki had her baby last friday. Pierce is perfect. So much hair! Easter is next weekend and therefore the treasure hunt. The entire Grandy family will be there (-Angel). I am excited to see all the babies and their familys.

Speaking of the hunt, I am now, and for the forseeable future, in charge of the Junior hunt. This year is only a junior hunt but next year we will have a junior (8-12 or so) hunt and an egg hunt (everyone 1-6 or 7). We will have Paysen, Porter, Pierce, Hanna, Heber, Thayne, Mackezie, AmberLynn, and maybe more for the eggs. People keep multiplying. I love it!! The kids hunts are my favorite. I love to see the fun and excitement in their eyes. It's great!!

Well I guess thats all for now. Oh by the way, Tannis I will need your address. E-mail it to me ljw13@hotmail.com.

To give me something fun to do!

2009-03-10T12:32:00.000-07:00

So I have read a few blogs that have done this and while I didn't respond to theirs I hope people respond to mine. I love to give gifts to people!!

Here's how it works: the first FIVE (Maybe more if I decided I am having too much fun making things) people to respond to this post will get something made by me personally. What I make is my choice, but it will be made JUST FOR YOU! My choice. For you. However, like all things that sound too good to be true :), this offer does have some restrictions and limitations:

1- There is no guarantee that you will like what I make!
2- What I create will be just for you personally.
3- It will be completed sometime this year. :)
4- You will receive no clues as to what it's going to be. I'll let you post a request of some sort with your comment, but still... it could be anything!
5- I reserve the right to do something extremely strange if I so desire... it may blow your mind! Or it may not. It may be very simple and predictable... but hopefully you will benefit from it!

And like most things that sound too good to be true, there is a catch. You must re-post this on your blog and offer the same deal to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog. Not too bad, huh? In fact, I think it'll be a lot of fun!!

So-- on your mark, get set, GO! The first 5 (or so) people to leave a comment telling me they posted this on their blog and want to win a free, FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift from me will receive just that!!! **Remember: You have to tell me in your post that you've posted this on your blog before you can be guaranteed one of the slots!** Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it!

Out of Surgery!

2009-02-23T17:27:00.001-08:00

Ok so Mary Lynne is out of surgery and the doctor said he thinks he got it all and that he hopes he didn't nic the bowels. HOPES!!! What the heck does that mean? Anyway I am sitting at home babysitting when I really want to be at the hospital with my parents and my sick sister.

For any of you who know the Hovers, Rita is in the waiting room with my parents waiting for Tom. He had a heart attack and is having triple bi-pass surgery right now. Prayers would be welcome!

Sick sisters are no fun!

2009-02-23T15:13:00.000-08:00

My sister is sick. She came over yesterday early after not sleeping all night because of side pain. It continued to get worse and my mom finally took her to the ER. They ran some blood tests and came back with elevated lipase levels, which means something is wrong with the pancreas. They admitted her and this morning at 4 am they did a CT scan. They found an obstruction in her intestines. The intestines are blocked and starting to wrap around themselves. She is going in for surgery as I am typing this. I really hope all goes well and I will keep you updated.

Bored...

2009-01-16T15:38:00.000-08:00

Well I am bored. I know that is not a very good reason to blog but maybe I will be able to come up with some interesting things to say.

My "cousin" Alyssa had her baby last week. A little boy named (sorry if I butcher the spelling) Roderick Thane Grandy. I think they are going to call him Thane seeing as Roderick is his dad's name. Anyway congrats to them!

Last week Amanda and Rachel and her babies came to visit us. We LOVED seeing them. The babies are so cute and I was so excited to see Amanda. This was the first time since she got back from her mission. She has not changed and we love her so much. We love the whole family!!

Last night I made dinner for my parents and sister and Brandon. Meatloaf made with croutons, mashed potatoes, salad and homemade rolls. Everyone loved it and I was pretty happy with it myself. My dad says that now I am the dinner maker. He doesn't have to do it now. I don't think that's fair. Just cause I make one good meal doesn't mean that I should cook everyday. Oh well, good thing that I like to cook. I would love any recipes (not too involved) that you all might have. Suggestions are always welcome.

I hope every one is doing good!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T12:23:00.000-08:00

It's MINMIN

2008-12-04T20:07:00.000-08:00

So for the first time ever I (Mary Lynne) am actually posting my own blog!!! I have been leaving all the blogging to my wonderful sister who has been keeping any body who cares updated on the events in my life. Well i am just so excited I had to share. Well starting in October I have been having this killer pain in my stomach. When it would hit me I would be one the floor. I had to run out of class a few times and missed quite a bit of work. All of my symtoms sounded like gul bladder but I had many tests done and that was a negitive. I went to different doctors and the ER. no one could figure out what was wrong with me. Well the day before thanksgiving I had my wisdome teeth taken out. Yeah killer mystery pain and surgery. (I was not looking forward to thanksgiving this year) Anyway, the tuesday before thanksgiving I went to one more doctor in hopes that he could just make the pain stop. The nurse had told me when I made the appoiintment that it sounded like gul bladder and to try cutting out fatty foods. I did and the pain lessoned. Made me think again gul bladder right? the spechialest did nothing but charge me money and schedual more tests..... Well the doctor gave me penisilin for my teeth so they would not get infected. by the time I was awake and bbecame able to eat food again the thing I could have was soft food so we tried mashed potatos despite the known fat within. Didn't even think about it I was just hungry. A few days later I realized I had no pian in my tummy. I then finnished my pills and tried some french fry's from BK. and guess what...........NO MORE PAIN!!!!!!! I am cured!!!!and can now eat whatever I want :) just a happy day :) O and I am now employed again and once again realize how middle schoolers can be so mean. I work with a spechial ed kid who has many issues well her class mate are nothing but nasty to her. She reminds me a lot of me at her age and can't stand the kids picking on her so let it be know that I am now standing up for all the fat kids who ever got picked on in middle school....just look at us now right?

Congratulations!! and other stuff.

2008-12-03T13:22:00.000-08:00

A couple of things to post. First I would like to thank Nikki for the cute background. I just can't seem to get the cute ones like she does. So THANKS A MILLION Nikki.

Second, a BIG congratulations go out to Rachel and Talmage today. They had their twins this morning at 5 am. All are doing well I hear, and I hope that continues. I look forward to seeing them. (Does anyone know about the baby shower? Is that still happening this weekend?)

Third, AMANDA COMES HOME TOMORROW!! I have missed my "cousin" so much. I know she was out in the world spreading the truth and that is one of the wonderful things about the church. The fact that they make it possible to spread the gospel and teach so many. I am so proud of her and the choices that she has made, but I am so glad she is coming home too.

Last, I would like to wish a happy holiday season to everyone who reads this. I hope that this season will be filled with friends and family and love. I am so grateful for the savior and the sacrifices that he made for us. I love that we have a special time of year to celebrate him and worship him a little more. Merry Christmas everyone!

Is santa coming yet?

2008-11-14T15:10:00.000-08:00

I am ready for Christmas!! Ok so maybe not completely but I am ready for the lights all over town and the holiday cheer. I love the way this time of year seems to bring people together. The smiles and the general good moods. I still have some shopping to do. Good thing there is still some time. If anyone has good ideas on what to get Grandmothers and mothers that have everything please let me know. Hope you all are doing well! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

New news!

2008-11-01T19:58:00.000-07:00

Well I haven't updated in a while. Sorry about that. I just got a new computer today! I love it. It is a mini laptop. It fits in my purse! So amazing. It has great memory and storage. Only $350. LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!

In other news, Mary Lynne will not be getting married for a while. They are still engaged but plans have changed and the wedding will be farther away now. E-Mail her if you want details. min1388@hotmail.com.

New house!

2008-09-17T20:25:00.000-07:00

So we are all moved in to our new house. I love having my own space. We are all getting along so far. Things are good at home.

I am going to start babysitting again on Monday. I have the same little girl that I have had for the past year. I am looking for one or two more kids. My birthday was a good one. No big hoopla which was nice. Next is my moms. Anyone have any suggestions on good mom type gifts?

Anywhoo... I hope everyone is doing good, and I will post some pics of the new house when I get them.

2008-08-28T20:57:00.000-07:00

So a lot is happening. Last weekend was Hyrum's and Sarah's wedding reception and this weekend my sister and I are moving into our new house! Next weekend are the bed races to which my Grandma will be attending meaning she and my aunt and who knows who else will be here and the next weekend is my birthday.

Hyrum's reception was beautiful as I knew it would be. I was great to see all the family especially the ones that just moved back. Nikki and Caleb have 2 kids now! I had never even seen Porter and I hadn't seen Payson since she was maybe 18 months. I am glad they are back and we will get to see them more. (hopefully) I have known Sarah since the good ol days of EAC where she was one of my roommates. We love Sarah and are so glad to welcome her to the family.

Our new house is a rental that my friend is moving out of and she needed someone to take over her lease. There will be 4 of us in the house but we all get our own bedroom so it should be ok. We are really excited about it!!

I guess that is all for now.

The good ol days!

2008-07-23T15:37:00.000-07:00

Everyone needs to try this!!! It could be fun ---

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember--it can be funny, weird, awkward, random, etc.!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

I look forward to your comments!!!

Long Time Gone!

2008-07-07T13:27:00.000-07:00

Ok so I know it has been a while since I have written. My family was here this weekend and reminded me just how long. So here it is.

This past weekend was so much fun! We had an extra 200 or so people at our house. Ok so not that many but 17 or so. We do this every year for the 4th of July. We start with a neighborhood pancake breakfast in the cul-de-sac and a bunch of people from the neighborhood and our ward come and eat before going to the parade. This year my cousins that live in Texas and some that live on the east coast (I forgot where. Sorry Lindsay) came and it was so good to see them and their children. Well we almost can see Lindsay's. She is due in December. Anyway after the breakfast, all the Grandy's came up from the various places they live and stayed at our house. We provide them with food (usually about $400 worth seein as there are a LOT of them) and they do a few big projects that my mom wants done around the house. This year they took down the fence on the side yard and cemented in new poles and then put the fence back up. They also helped move rocks from around the pond and put in a new liner that doesn't have a hole and they dug up in front of the play house and put in a brick patio. They all worked hard and it looks GREAT! Thanks again guys for all your help.

Also this year Hyrum came a day early to surprise us with his new fiancee! ( I can't spell. Don't bother me about it!) Her name is Sarah and we were roommates when I was at EA. They met the beginning of June and were engaged by the end. Fast I know. Anyway she was here and it was great to see her again and I am so glad to welcome her to the family.

Next year there will be even more people here because Alyssa and Rachel are pregnant and both due in January. We are so excited for them!

So it was a busy weekend and a wonderful one as well. We love to see you all and look forward to this every year. Thanks again to all who came and helped. We love you!

2008-05-22T13:51:00.000-07:00

I came across this while I was browsing through old pictures and I had to post it! Sorry to all the Hatches. Levi wasn't even born yet. Pretty crazy huh!!

What now?

2008-05-21T09:25:00.000-07:00

Ok so time for another update on the wedding. Brandon has decided to pick a different job in the air force so he will be gone later than we thought. The wedding will be next spring sometime. Probably around May or June.

Now an update on Lela. I am no longer moving to Las Vegas. I have no idea what I am going to do in the fall. I think I am going to go to NAU and get my BA in liberal studies. I feel kinda stuck and things are not going like I planned. I think a lot of personal prayer is in order. I will let you all know when things are settled.

Wedding update!

2008-05-08T07:53:00.000-07:00

Ok well I think we have decided that she is going to get married in December and then have a reception later in the spring. We are going to have a small close family wedding ceremony and then the reception will be in the spring when we are not worried about snow preventing people from attending, and when it is not so freaking cold.

My parents and I went to Vegas yesterday to attend an orientation for my school. (I now have soooo much to do to get ready but I still can't sign up for classes) After the orientation we went to the strip to Paris to get some pastries that my sister wanted. That is all she wanted us to bring back for her. While we were there we saw that they has wedding chapels in the tower. We went to look and brought home a packet that has all the cool stuff you can have for your wedding through them. My sister and Brandon love the idea of getting married in Paris and my parents like the idea of having a small wedding and a larger reception later so I think it is working out. Nothing is set in stone yet but that is as far as we have got so far.

This is the dress. What do you think?

Wedding

2008-04-30T09:04:00.000-07:00

Mary Lynne is engaged! She is planing a wedding in December. None of the plans are set really but we are in the preliminary stages of wedding planning. I think she has found the dress she wants and we are looking into reception spots. That is really all that we have done at this time but I thought we should get the news out there. I will let you all know more as the details are planned.

2008-04-30T08:53:00.000-07:00

So I have been spending the last few weeks trying to get ready to move. As you know I am moving to Las Vegas in August. This means I have to find a place to stay and get into the school. I have been accepted to the college but now I have to get into the program. The application is due in June so I can't sign up for classes or anything until probably late June or early July. I don't like this because I want to have everything done and ready NOW. I am so used to signing up for fall classes this time of the year so it is new to me to wait like this.

I have found a place to live that I think I am going to like. It is kinda like the dorms at EA but I have my own room and my own bathroom and my own entrance from the outside, but I share a kitchen and living room area with 3 other people. I like this because I don't have to pay for the electricity from anything in the kitchen. Our rooms have their own meter and we only pay for what our room uses. Water is included in the rent so I think I will be able to afford it. I am pretty excited to decorate my room (which is 2x the size of my room now). If anyone has any decorating tips I would love to hear them!

Tuesday.

2008-04-08T16:01:00.000-07:00

So today has been an interesting day. I woke up very tired this morning and I have no idea why. I slept through the whole night but didn't get rested. I went up stairs and started to eat my cereal and there was a knock on the door. The first baby was 30 min early. She was also tired hungry and very dirty. So I shared my breakfast with her then gave her a warm bath and put her down for a nap. By this time I had to wait for the other baby to come. He came at 11:00. He had just woke up from a nap meaning I couldn't put him down. Darn!! Well we played a little and ate some lunch. Then he got tired and I gave him a bottle and he fell asleep. I thought GREAT, some down time! NO Alora woke up 5 min later. She had figured out how to get her diaper off and was playing in her poop. Yuck. I had to give her another bath and do a bunch of laundry now. Kieran's mom just came and got him and Alora is walking around in a 3rd outfit clean for the time being. Did I mention that I am sick and running to the bathroom every 15-30 min all day. What a long day it has been and it is not over yet. The good news is that I have finally been keeping food down and Alora will be leaving in 45 min. Tomorrow is another day and I am determined to make it a good one.

2008-04-03T08:29:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I posted anything so I guess it is time.

2 weeks ago my family and another family went to Mexico for spring break. It was wonderful! Our house was right on the beach in Kino Bay. So beautiful! We had a blast and hope to go back soon.

The sunset on the first night we were there.

The sunset on the last night.

Yesterday I took the babysitting kids to get pictures taken. They turned out really good. Here are some of my favorites.

Alora and her lovely sister Tyra.

She turns one next week.

He turns one in 2 weeks.

This is Kieran's brother Dermot.

Finally Friday!!

2008-03-07T07:23:00.000-08:00

It is friday!! I love my job but I love the weekends too. I am going to look at the brakes on my moms car tomorrow and then help my dad with various other cars. Some of them not even ours. I also have a ton of homework to catch up on. I hope I can get it all done.

Anyway, I hope everyone is doing good. Only one more week until spring break then its off to Mexico baby!! Then Easter!! Have a great weekend!!

Another Monday!!

2008-03-03T06:57:00.000-08:00

Well here it is, another Monday. I am waiting for 2 more kiddos to get here before my day can really start. My weeks are a little crazy but it makes them so really fast. Everyday I have a baby and her 12 year old sister (she comes after school). Then Monday-Wednesday I pick up a little boy after school. Mondays and Wednesdays there are a 2 year old and a 7 month old that come. Thursdays I have another 10 month old baby that comes for the whole day. Tuesdays and Fridays are my easy days with only the little baby girl and her sister. I love my job!! I am really going to miss these kiddos when I move.

I would like to change my page a little but I don't know how to do anything cool. Anyone have suggestions?

Babies

2008-02-28T13:40:00.000-08:00

I have decided that I never want twins. I am babysitting two 10 month old babies today and I think I am insane now. When one cries the other one starts, and they NEVER sleep at the same time. I love it though. They are so cute when they play together. They are learning to share now and it is so adorable.

2008-02-21T08:02:00.000-08:00

So here I am sitting at home while it is snowing AGAIN. I am so tired of this cold weather and all this snow. I am really looking forward to moving to Vegas where it is warm. I am also looking forward to moving there for a fresh start. I feel like I have been stuck in this rut here and I can't get out. Finally it looks like I will have a chance to move on. I am going to visit this weekend and hopefully check out some places to live. Hopefully there is a board at the institute for roomies wanted. Well I guess it is time to shovel the stinkin driveway. Hey this is a good excuse for hot chocolate! Yumm!!!!

Wonderful Evening

2008-02-15T07:06:00.000-08:00

So as you all know, last night was Valentines day. Aaron planned a night for us and didn't tell me anything about it. All I knew was what kind of things to wear and what time to be ready. When he picked me up he brought me flowers. Now this may seem like no big deal, but I have known him for 10 years and he has only ever brought me flowers 1 other time and that was for my birthday. So the flowers were a nice surprise. Then he took me to this new Italian place that was so romantic (and expensive). The food was great! Then we came back to my house and watched the Suns win over the Mavericks. Not as romantic, I know but we both like sports so it was nice. It was a wonderful night. Tonight he is taking me to see Fools Gold. I have been wanting to see it so tonight should be good too.

First Blog

2008-02-10T18:46:00.000-08:00

Ok so I have never done this before and I have no idea what I am doing. If anyone has any pointers or little hints please let me know.

Well for those of you who know me, I am still living in Flagstaff for the time being, however I am planning on moving to Las Vegas in August for school. They have an Occupational school there and there is no such school anywhere in Arizona. So sin city here I come. I am looking forward to the move but I am not really excited about where I am going to be.

I don't know what else to say for now but there will definitely be more later.