DEATONS....

Movie Madness

2011-11-15T10:38:00.000-08:00

Is anyone as excited as we are to see this?

Summa Summa time part tres...

2011-11-10T17:33:00.000-08:00

Wrapping up summer 2011 now that it's Fall.... Oh well.

I pretty much HATE this pic, but it's the only one I have of this most awesome summer memory I'm sure will have to become a new tradition for us! We went up to Sundance to see The Sound of Music. It was SO fantastic! I had never been up there, and it was so gorgeous and so fun to see a play outside, AND it was

THE SOUND OF MUSIC (with sing-a-long I might add) so what could be better for a summer eve. Plus we went with some fabulous family and friends- Grays, Warrens, Ericksons, Nehmers, and many more enjoyed the show! Such a great night!

B's favorite summer activity, action shot!

Yes, she looks slightly homely, but oh so cute. And showing some definite skin....

Dad's B-day at Tocanos! We went ALL the way to Provo to take dad to lunch :) B's favorite- the bread... OF course...

This needs no explanation...

Just fun at the Deatons.

B's new favorite show "Woody". She will NOT be having a TV in the next room.

Another not so great picture (I was trying to take it by myself while holding B on a bench while moving). But another fun memory. We went to Thanksgiving Point with a bunch of friends and saw all the animals! We were in heaven, but a little hot! look at her rosy cheeks :)

That sums up Summer 2011! Stay tuned for some fall goodness and such!

Summa Summa time part dos....

2011-09-02T13:43:00.000-07:00

Fireworks on Logan :)

Stars and Stripes forever

One boy, one girl. Two hearts beating wildly.

Don't tell my Grandpa...

Not loving the lifejacket until we were on the boat

The Island of FUN

Amazing: Bear Lake, 3:00 pm, NOT choppy. Best Bear Lake Day Ever

This came from ONE M&M. I kid you not

Friendship bracelets with cousins

Oh, the joy of summer BBQ's

Ummm... Need I say more

GPA GPA GPA!

We ended July with Bridget's worst sickness ever. Sick kids + virus = not much you can do. I took her to the Dr. and they tested her for strep, just a virus they say. I hate that answer. What your doctor really is saying "Ummm... I don't know what the heck is wrong with this child either. It would be a lot easier if they could just tell me. So, I'll just tell the mom to fill em up with Tylenol for a few days. I won't tell her that her kids going to just scream for the next 5 days." Oh well, she got better within 3-4 days, but it just happened to be during our family reunion. Thanks to my great family who put up with her screaming. And thanks Tylenol for knocking her out for 3 hours each afternoon for my sanity. BUT we had a great July with 2 visits to Logan, moving out of our house and into a storage unit :), going to Bear Lake several times, and enjoying many many outdoor BBQs!

One more month to go...

Summa Summa time...

2011-08-30T09:27:00.000-07:00

Lots of Bear Lake trips... Lots of swimming at the Aquatic Center (we miss you Logan) and Grandma's pool... BBQ's weekly... Wearing our shadesss... Throwing remotes out the window into the window sill... Fireworks in the park at Taylorsville Dayzzz... Reading books inside on HOT summer days... Learning to eat our own food- MESSY!... Being a "big girl" in our new "BIG girl" seat (literally HUGE car seat)... Watching Tangled on HOT summer days- or pretty much everyday (I do have it memorized)... Playing with friends Audy and BO! What a fun summer we've had living in Salt Lake!!! Oh wait.... this was only JUNE! More to COME!

Adoption help!

2011-08-25T13:37:00.000-07:00

We know some amazing people who are looking to adopt. We have known them for many years and they are truly a one of kind couple. They are looking to do a private adoption, not through an agency so we are trying to help them spread the word, and maybe through a friend of a friend of a friend they can be blessed through the miracle of adoption. They have a fantastic adoption blog, so check it out!
http://rayandheidiadopt.blogspot.com/

Let us know if you know of anyone, have a connection, or want to help. I'm sure we all know of someone who has been blessed by adoption, and I know that Ray and Heidi will be wonderful parents to a very lucky kid!

So long... part tres/finale

2011-08-04T14:40:00.000-07:00

I have been putting off this post for quite some time due to the emotional state it will put me in. I am not happy about the topic, not pleased that I have to write about it, and am in strict denial that it is a reality. Here we go:
So long Logan :( We have officially moved out of our house to Salt Lake. We moved down here the first of June to my parents house, but just went up two weeks ago to get the rest of our things to put in a storage unit. I can't believe that the contents of our life almost all fit into a 10x20 unit. WOW. We had so much help from all of our family and from lots of friends from our old ward.
Logan has been our home for the last 8 years. I must admit I did not like Logan my first year of school- too small for this "city" girl. But each year I loved it more and more. I love that it is not too small, but not too big. There is pretty much everything you need besides a Target- hint hint Target: GET TO LOGAN ASAP. I love that there is no freeway running through town and you can get to anywhere in 10 minutes or less. We have made so many great friends in Logan and had some fantastic experiences. It is where Tanner and I started our life together 5 years ago and where B came to us. I will miss Logan more than any place I've been. So many memories were made there and a little piece of me will always be there. I am convinced we will end up there again sometime soon :) This is not good bye Logan, but "see ya later!"

Dontcha....

2011-07-21T13:11:00.000-07:00

Dontcha wish your toes looked just like me..... For the past year my mom, sisters, aunts, cousins, and friends have been getting together every 5-6 weeks to have glitter toes parties. We have not missed a party yet since May 2010. We have an awesome girl, Bree, who comes to one of our houses to do all of our toes. She does such a great job and we have a fantastic time chatting, catching up, and of course lots of chuckling. Everybody brings a treat and we stuff our faces while Bree beautifies our toes. It's been such a fun way to get together while getting pampered as well. There is only one problem: too many colors. Thank goodness for cousin Kelsey's wise advice on color choices and Bree's faithful efforts to mix our own colors and bring new colors each month. We now have a running list of all our favorite colors and the next month's color of choice. Bree is in for a long-term committment with all of our color choices :)
Here are a few samples of the goodness Bree brings to our feet.... My fave lately is two colors :)

Next month's color for me...

I just love having pretty toes and love even more spending time all the fabulous girls in my life!!! Love you girls!

So Long, part dos...

2011-06-27T18:46:00.000-07:00

Another adeui to my baby :( I realized I didn't even talk about her birthday in the last post, so hats off to first birthdays in this post!!!

The Cake

My attempt at a bumblebee cake

Playing with Emma

All the goods- a little distracted...

For her first birthday we had the party at Gma and Gpa's house in Salt Lake so all our family could make it. It was of course, Bee themed. We were going to have a BBQ and it was looking like a perfect day for it, but at 3, of course a thunderstorm came. We worked all morning in the yard planting flowers and getting ready for an indoor party- BOO. But, it still turned out and was so fun! Bridget got spoiled, of course and loved her cake- that Tanner picked out himself- 6 dollar special at Walmart. I had an idea in mind for her cake that I saw from a friend, but Tanner said he would take care of it since I was a little stressed about the whole party. I'll admit I was a pretty skeptical when he said he had it covered, but it turned out to be the perfect bumblebee cake! :) We were so busy videoing I don't think we took any pictures of her eating it. She got lots of toys, clothes, and summer toys. She got a really fancy Pandora bracelet from Gma and Gpa with a little queen bee charm on it- so cute! So many of our family and friends came to celebrate and we are so thankful for all they do for Bridget! If she could talk, I know she'd say "thanks guys for coming to my Bee-Day!"

So Long... part uno

2011-06-27T15:46:00.000-07:00

I just shed a tear writing that title. The next few posts will be a farewell to several things:
Baby B, now Toddler B
My baby is not a baby anymore :( I think I define toddler as when they litearlly toddle, right? That sounds like Bridge all day. Bridget turned the ONE last month, that's right the ONE. I can't even believe it. Wasn't I just in the hospital pushing and pushing last month? I was just reading a dear friend's blog who just had a baby- I feel like that was me, really, last week. I have NOT forgotten what childbirth was like, so I guess that means I am not ready for baby 2 yet. Everyone says you forget it, and that's why people keep having kids. Well, I haven't forgotten. But, I have come to terms with the fact that I'll have, ahem GET, to do it again. When I read/hear about women having 4 hour labors, pushing 5 times and looking amazing after pushing out an 8 pound babe I want to scream, seriously. But, hey three cheers for c-sections right? Planned delivery date, going in first thing in the morning rather than middle of the night, having your doctor deliver you guaranteed, one more day in the hospital (more AFLAC $$$), and not to forget: never having to feel another contraction again.... And, enough about labor and delivery, let's talk about BRIDGE!!! Needless to say, we had a scary, long, emotional ride getting her here, but we wouldn't change a thing about her!

Bridget Beth Deaton
Born Friday, May 14, 2010 at 6:17 p.m.
7 lbs 7 oz

Here are some fantastic Bridgetisms as of lately-
- loves to jibber jabber (loves to say uh-oh, baby, daddy, and Hiiiiii to EVERYONE she sees)
- reading books is a favorite hobby of hers
- attached to her minky blankies
- loves bananas, grapes, pizza, and watermelon and anything with carbs
- not a fan of chocolate milk or maccaroni and cheese- WEIRD
- still takes 2 naps a day
- can't wait to go outside and play
- goes up and down and up and down the stairs all by her self
- loves playing with her cousins
- "Tangled" has been over shown in our house, even Tanner knows all the songs
- already likes TV
- no shoes for this baby
- going on walks in the stroller is the best part of our day
- started walking on Mother's Day
- HATES getting her diaper changed, it is a 2-3 man project every time
- loves her bottle at night time
- when we say "time for tub" she runs straight to the bathroom and tries to climb in
- signs "more" and "drink"
- starting to love swimming
- thinks it funny when she hits mom or dad and when we tell her no, I've never seen her laugh harder
- already wants her own pet dog.... not in this house
- gives kisses by putting her forehead to your cheek
- is the best kid ever!
I can't enough of this baby!!! Well, toddler....

Here are some, well a lot, of my favorite pictures of Bridget in her first year!

This is still how she sleeps

Already an AGGIE

Carb queen

first baseball game, proud daddy

cousins!

Future True Aggie, and her parents will be proud :)

Day 3....

2011-06-06T20:34:00.000-07:00

Easter flowers bring Snow Showers....

Bridget HATES the grasss....

Actually is was quite nice Easter Sunday, but the day before was super cold when we went to baby animal days. Tanner's famly came up for the weekend and we had a fun time exploring Logan and celebrating Easter. Bridget loved all her Easter fun, especially coloring the eggs. Well- she didn't like it that much, she just tried to eat the eggs and wanted to touch all the glitter. She discovered chocolate this Easter and likes Cadbury mini eggs more than me... I didn't know that was possilbe! In her Easter basket she got some cars- they are NOT just for boys. Every week at church she would always go for the little boys toys- cars, so I was at Smiths and they had some Cars cars on sale (thanks Aubrey for the tip). What a great Easter basket idea! And... they were a hit :) We hung out outside for a bit since it was the first semi-nice day we had in Logan for a while, but Bridget does NOT prefer grass, in fact she despises it. She looked so cute in her new Easter dress and loved the Easter grass! Happy Easter lil B!!!

Day 2....

2011-06-01T20:18:00.000-07:00

April Contd....

Baby Animal Days
Over Easter weekend we had the Deaton clan all together up in Logan. We had planned to go to Baby Animal days over Spring Break, but of course it was Winter Break and snowed. Well, thanks AWHC for continuing Baby Animal days for the next weekend. This was our first trip to the days and it was super fun! Bridget loved all the animals, especially the calves. She wanted to climb on all of them. The bunnies were my favorite. No thank you to holdind the baby ducks though. I think next year Bridget will have even more fun and we definitely plan on going back- even if we aren't in Logan. I was very impressed with the cute babies and even more impressed with the real gun fight... Way to go Logan for putting on another great event!

A Week of Posts... Day One

2011-05-31T16:03:00.000-07:00

Now that life has slowed down (sort of) for us and I am officially on SUMMER vacation, and really permanent vacation, I can do some bloggin. Don't expect too much though.

April:
Spring Break-
We had a snowy spring break that kept us indoors, but helped us explore all sides of Logan. Me, Amy, Corinne, and Melanie finally got all our babies together for a play date. We all taught 4th grade together my first year at Woodruff and have been the best of friends ever since, and we all had our babies in the last year! So fun- Bridget, Grayson, Dean, and Mollie (born in that order :) had a great time together- well I think us mom's had more fun. What would a play date be without some Woodruff gossip (not much to tell really) and lunch from Old Grist. We ordered from Old Grist Mill so much, we know each other's orders by heart :) What a great memory for these little kiddos to look back on one day: "Hey, guys- remember when our moms taught school together and they were the best teachers in the whole school? Yeah, and remember when they made us sit on the floor forever to take pictures of us and acted like paparazzi? Well, our moms are the coolest..."

Mel and Grayson, Amy and Mollie, Corinne and Dean, and Me and B

This is the best you get with babies from 3 months to 10 months....

Bridget loves her new chair we bought her on an adventure to Sam's Club and plans on using it A LOT this summer at parades, fairs, fireworks, and such to bring in her first summer season! And... she found her new favorite spot to lounge on the couch.

Well, overall spring break was really on a break, and should be forever known in Logan as WINTER BREAK part 2... Since it snowed 4 of the 5 days I think. Oh well, that's what we get for living in Cache Valley. Love you Logan, love you.

Don't you just want to eat her up???

2011-03-03T21:01:00.000-08:00

It's been a while, I know. Here are some of our faves of B to tie you over till I can update since last August- yeah right....

She has some hair...

Jeggings + baby bums = to die for

Where did those baby blues come from???

She is after her mother's heart: already loving on some books :)

This is what I came home to one day- dad making a fort with B

Sleepy B-ean....

2010-08-28T16:12:00.000-07:00

Just a warning- all this post contains is pics of B sleeping... It is merely for my personal enjoyment, chuckles, and memories of her. Also, for Bridge to see someday how stinking funny she was as a baby. She likes to sleep.... A LOT, and any where! But her favorite way to sleep is with arms straight up, and what we like to call her "prayer feet" (see last photo). I'm sure you will enjoy them and get a little giggle yourself :)

after a day at the pool

lovin the boppy

stretching

Blessing day

Burping wipes her out

poor little head

posing already

nakey in the hot loft

head always tilted to the right

at the Bees game

nappin with daddy

She loves her blankies, especially over her face!

sleeping on the beach at Bear Lake

I know she's not asleep in this one, but she was right before I took this- she was completely sideways in her crib when I went to get her up to eat!

Never wake a sleeping baby!!!

Festivities galore )

2010-08-22T19:02:00.000-07:00

We have had quite the celebration month this August:
Tanner turning the big 3-0!!! B turning the big 3 months :)
And four amazing years as the Deaton family!

We had such a great weekend in Salt Lake celebrating all these wondrous events. We headed to Salt Lake Friday the 13th to start the festivities. Tanner and B hung out at Grandma and Grandpa Gray's while I got my hair done- a lengthy process experimenting a new technique by my sister-in-law, Brandy (it was well worth the 3 hours!). Then we took B over to Aunt Mylee's and Uncle Bernies for a sleepover :) It was the first night we had been without her, but I knew she was in EXCELLENT and loving hands! B got LOTS of play time with her cousins. We sent my sister a text to see how things were going, and this was her reply: "She has been good, now she just needs to survive the smothering of the kids." She had to set up a time schedule for who got to hold her and when! We are so lucky to have so many willing and happy babysitters on hand! Thanks Auntie Mylee and Uncle Bernie for watching little B- it made leaving her for the night a little easier knowing she was with the best!

Tanner and I headed downtown to stay at Little America. When we went to check in, they informed us we had a complementary upgrade to stay at the Grand America- JACKPOT! We walked right over, were welcomed with freshly baked cookies, and headed to our wonderful suite. What a treat :) We checked out our sweet room, and then headed to Rodizio Grill for a very satisfying, filling meal. Tanner had never been to Rodizio, so it was a perfect way to ring in his 30th year :) Zac, Lindsay, & Hallee (to be :), and Jed, Tina, and Devan joined us for the feast. It was a great meal complete with Tanner getting to hold his own spear of meat for a photo (see below)! His favorite was the sweet & spicy chicken, while I enjoyed the pork loin. We loved all the meat, and I think everyone's favorite was the grilled pineapple YUMMO. Then back to the hotel to digest our meat and watch Date Night- a laugh your guts out flick for all to see.

The whole gang- notice the meat Tanner and Zac are holding

Rodizio Grill

Awkward Olan Mills posing in our suite

Off our balcony

The next morning we decided to feast again on a breakfast buffet at the Little America. Can I say, well worth the 16.95?!! Omelets, crepes, fresh fruit, waffles, eggs, bagels, pastries, etc etc. We were officially done with all-you-can-eat after those two meals. And I'm pretty sure I gained back all my baby weight....

Off to the gateway for an afternoon of shopping fun- just my cup o tea. Tanner needed some birthday gear, and I was in search of an outfit for family pics next month. We were thrilled to have a plethora of shopping choices in comparison to our Cache Valley Mall. Our personal fave: EXPRESS!!! We stocked up on the goods.

After shopping I was getting a little anxious to see B, so we decided to be parents again and pick up Bridget. We took her swimming at Gma and Gpa's house, and she quite enjoyed it (no giggles, but no crying either). She did not, however, enjoy being slathered with sunscreen.... That night Tanner got to go to his first REAL soccer game with my dad. I was planning on going, but lets face it- soccer and Lauren don't mix. But, I knew Tanner would have great time with my sports buff of a dad. Success- about 2 minutes into the game a text from Tanner: "THIS IS AWESOME!!!" I forgot to mention Tanner's awesome presents- a gun safe... What kind of present is that? It's what he asked for- don't ask me. Also, a new, adult-sized camelbak (he noticed after a couple of years that his old one was actually "youth size"). Also, and new wireless router and a bunch

of new school clothes.

Swimming with mom

Swimming with dad

Cousins swimming

Gray cousins- Ryder, Cole, Bridget, Maddy, Tenley, Ruby

Ryder giving B "lovey's"- she was a little cranky

Tanner and my older sister Mylee share a birthday, so we had a combined birthday buddy dinner on Sunday! Complete with steak and birthday pie :) Here are the birthday buddies blowing out the candles! Also, we had all the cousins on the Gray side over!

Birthday Buddies

Happy Birthday daddy!

We had a fantastic weekend partying it up and enjoying a night out as non-parents. But, we did miss B and were grateful it was only one night! I can't believe it's been four years, and now we have a perfect little girl in our family. We've made so many great memories, seen many places, cried a lot, laughed more, and loved beyond my imagination. Here's to the best four years of my life! In honor of four years- here are four of my favorite pics of our family! Love you Tanno!

General Conference April 2006- dating phase

Cali 2007- Angels game

SYTYCD concert November 2008

San Fran August 2009

Bridget Beth Deaton- it's official :)

2010-07-29T11:19:00.000-07:00

We had Bridget blessed a couple of weeks ago on July 18, and it was an amazing day for all of us! We had so much support from our family and friends- thank you everyone for coming! My mom came up on Saturday to help shop for food and cook it all- it was a big job! Our A/C had broke the week before and we were so nervous it wouldn't get fixed in time- but thank heaven for overnight shipping so the part got here Friday morning. It could have been a miserable weekend in the 100 degree heat cooking up a storm. Thanks UPS... We had Cafe Rio salads and TONS of yummy desserts made by Grandma Deaton and the Ludlows. Everyone pitched in and brought something to share. Our house is a littel small for a gathering of such size, so we had everyone to Merlin Olsen park. It was great fun right by a little creek and park all the kids could play in- see pics below :) Tanner, my mom and I went by Saturday night to check it out and see what we had to work with. Well, needless to say, the pavillion was so gross! I don't think it had been cleaned up all summer. So, we gathered some supplies- jugs of water (due to no water supply), brooms, buckets, and rags to do some clean-up. At about 9:00 we headed over and started the job- we sure looked like Logan City Parks and Rec clean-up crew. My mom was a trooper and even waded in the creek to get some extra water! It really did make a difference, and it looked so much better. We should have taken before and after shots to show Logan City- we were not pleased!

We have such great family that came ALL the way from Salt Lake and Nephi. We love you all and are so grateful you could share this special day with us and Bridget Beth!!!!

Baby B in her dress- the baby prom dress! Sorry it's sideways... I heard of a great idea to have blessing dress made out of my wedding dress, so I went on a quest to find someone to make it for me. A girl in my ward- Shantel told me she sewed and made the beautiful dress for us! She did a fantastic job and we were so excited to have her make it!

Tuckered out after a long day

The star with mom and dad!

Cousin Ruby and Bridget! Only 6 months apart. Ruby LOVES Bridget- anytime she is by her she tries to grab her :) I think she wants to eat her up! SO CUTE! This will go on their wall of fame when they are college roomies :)

Awesome friends- and BFF Hallee Dawn was there (in Lindsay's belly :)

She slept through the whole party!

Fun cousins, aunties, and Uncle Bernie

Great Aunts and Uncles

Tanner's Cousin Chet and baby Kate

Great Grandpa Gray

Proud Daddy

Playing in the creek!

Bridget's cousins loved the creek! Ryder played in it the WHOLE time!!!

The main course :)

2010-06-29T14:30:00.000-07:00

Here is the main course as promised :) And don't worry- it's at least a five course meal.... We sure do love her and think she is the cutest and best thing since sliced bread! Little B makes her debut as a future model....

An appetizer :)

2010-06-02T12:16:00.000-07:00

We just had Bridget's pictures taken the last weekend and here is just an appetizer until we get the full main course :) There are just a few- we will post more when we get the disc. My personal fave is the "catch" in the mitt by dad :) Check out our photographers blog!!!

http://www.joydphoto.blogspot.com/

Bridget Beth, easy on the eyes :)

2010-05-26T12:09:00.000-07:00

Here's some photos of our little Bridget and her story of coming to this world! It's very long- memories

for us... but enjoy the photos!

First photo! Notice my bruised head from the vaccuum.... Mom and Dad called me "hicky head"

Bridget Beth weighing in at 7 lbs. 7 oz.

Dad's first snuggle

Under the "bili lights"- trying to compete with Grandma Gray for best tan...

Playing dress up already- first bow

This is how much I like to burp, happens every time.

Going home with my bumble bee!

Grandma and Grandpa Gray- just back from Bermuda. Who do you think won the tanning contest?

Grandma and Granpa Deaton, and Auntie Rackell. There is already talk of her Aunt taking her skydiving.....

First outing to the mall :)

First bath- I hated every second.

Already posing

Bridget Beth is here! Well, she's been her for almost 2 weeks, but mom and dad have been very busy with her :) She has been such a blessing in our lives and has brought us lots of smiles, laughs, and tears. She gave us quite a scare getting here and it has been a rough recovery, but we are all doing well and just trying to adjust to our new schedule and lifestyle.

After being 6 days late, being induced, 20 hours of labor, 3 hours of pushing and one c-section later she finally graced us with her presence. Bridget was born Friday, May 14, 2010 at 6:17 p.m. She weighed 7 lbs. 7 oz. and was 20 inches. We had a hard time naming her, but finally decided on Bridget Beth Deaton (Beth after my grandma Slack who went by Beth).

We went to the dr Thursay, 13th to see what progress (if any) she had made- none. She was five days overdue, so my dr decided to induce me that night. We went home and didn't know what to do with ourselves for the next 6 hours until we could call the hospital to see if they could get us started that night. Thankfully they told us to come in at 7 to get things going. All packed up (with the Wii included) we headed off to have this little girl!

We knew it would be a long process, so we packed up movies, cards, and even the Wii for some fun. They started me at 8:00 p.m. and we played mariokart (a little tricky with an IV) and watched the playoffs til late. We did manage to get SOME sleep that night though contractions, but thank goodness for pain meds! My dr came in and broke my water around 8:00 a.m. Friday. Then (hallelujah) I got my epidural at 9:00- best thing ever invented EVER. Then next few hours were pretty much bliss as I slept the morning away (inbetween hourly checks by our great nurse Dee). I was at 100% (as Zac would say) at 2:00 p.m.

Pushing began at 3:00 after an hour of "rest and descend". The nurse was checking me and noticed that Bridget was posterior (face up), so she said she would have Dr. Blackett come and try to turn her. Dr. Blackett came in after an hour and a half of pushing to try to turn her. Well after a half hour of torutre and turning, no luck. That stubborn girl just wanted to come out looking up at the world instead of the floor. Here were the dr's 3 options: continue pushing and see if she'd come on her own as some posterior babies do, try the vaccuum extractor, and then c-section. I was bound and determined to get her out naturally so we continued to push. Dr. Blackett came back in around 5:45 and we had made some progress, but not enough, so we decided to try the vaccuum. She told us that using the vaccuum she wanted to have her out in 10 minutes. I thought, this is it- our baby will be here in 10 minutes! WRONG. No luck again. She tried the vaccuum 3 times (and ps the epidural is completely gone at this point), and she just wouldn't budge! Then the two dreaded words no mom wants to hear came: c-section.

They wheeled us to the OR and set up shop to get her out. What seemed like forever was probably only 10 minutes before they started. They had some joyful tunes playing in the background to distract me (or keep the doctors entertained) and the anethesiologist stayed right by my side the whole time. Now, I've watched a few c-sections and they usually have the baby out in a couple of minutes, right? WRONG. No luck the third time. I knew something was just a little off when I heard Dr. Blackett say, "Get Dr. Noorda in here now, I can't get this baby out." Not a phrase you want to hear your dr say. Then all I could hear was "push, push, push, there's an arm, there's another arm." Seriously, what about the head? I thought that was supposed to come out first. Well, not for Bridget. I had pushed her so far down that her head was stuck so they had to pull her bum out first. But, she finally came out!

I didn't get to see her right off because they took her to the NICU, but she only had to stay there for a couple of hours. I was in recovery for a while, so they borought her to me in our room upstairs a couple hours later. It was the best feeling to hold her for the first time! I was so happy she made it safe and sound (not speedy though). It was a rough night for us all, and poor Tanner had to sit there and just watch without having any control over the situation. I really do feel bad for the dads since they can't do a whole lot in that situation to help mom or baby. But, he stuck with us through it all!

What a story, and one we'll never forget! I guess every baby decides to come on their terms and in their own way. Even at the expense of mom sometimes. Like I said, a rough day for all, but the best day we've experienced together so far! We love you little B!!!

A few of my favorite things.... says B

2010-05-02T18:18:00.000-07:00

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens (not really kittens at all)....

These are a few of my favorite things :) Thanks to those who gave me all of these fantastic things!!!! I am so spoiled and feel very loved! I can't wait to try on all these cute clothes, throw up on all these burp clothes, and pee all over these blankets. I can't wait to get here QUICKLY and get even more spoiled.
Love,
B

A cute outfit my mommy's friend Aubrey made

Another cute combo from one of my mommy's BFF's- Hayley

I know I'll be the only newborn in tie dye on July 4th- thanks to Auntie Rackell

Grandma Dede whipped this dress and shoes up from scratch just for me :)

My mom already has a season pass to the pool for us- we are tanning buddies

Stuff for me to throw up on from Grandma and Auntie Lisa

Burpies from my Great Grandma Gray. Aunt Jenni has been saving these for years to pass on to the great grand kids. Thanks Grandma JoAnn!!!

Just a few of my MANY "flankies"

Grandma Gray made this for me to remind me of where I'm going someday

This is for mommy. She wants to stay stylish even though she has to cart around diapers, wipeys, blankies, bottles, and binkis. Thanks Aunt Lindsay for picking out a fancy diaper bag mom can use as a cute purse too....

Thanks again everyone!!!

Wanted: Seamstress

2010-04-25T14:08:00.000-07:00

I am in need of a seamstress! I want to have a blessing dress made for little B (yes, still no name!). I have looked and looked and cannot find anything that I like. I would love it if I could find someone who can just do a custom dresss, or just tweak a pattern. Does anyone know of anyone who can accompolish this feat? Preferably in Logan? Or Salt Lake if needed.... Anyway, please leave me comments if you know someone, or can do it yourself :)
Thanks :)
Oh, and p.s. only 13 DAYS left!!! Knowing me, I'll probably be at least 15 more days though......

Baby bump....

2010-04-14T17:26:00.000-07:00

Or should I say baby HUMP! My bump has definitely turned into a hump... Here are some pics of my belly (ahem Chana and Cami) and some fun things I am finding increasingly difficult to do at school like: -give my kids hugs because I'm just the right, tall height for their faces to smash right into my belly
-stand up for more than 10 minutes, most teaching is done sitting on a child's desk who is absent that day

-bend over to pick anything up, therefore my kids pick up anything I drop like markers, erasers, or papers

-wear shoes all day, I often teach barefoot in the pm (which makes it quite hypocritical to tell my kids to keep their shoes on)

-walk my kids to lunch, recess, and prep, thank goodness for my level 2!!! Braxton hicks arrive every time I have to make the long journey to the lunch room

-get out of my rolly chair, which leads to me just sitting and rolling around the class a lot

-sit on the floor to play math facts games, we no longer sit on the floor. period.

-make it through the day without peeing at least 3 times, we takes lots of bathroom breaks

-wear dress pants, I am super sick of the same 3 pairs

-eat regularly, we have snack time (at least I do) every day at 10:30

-not get annoyed by my kids, let's face it everything annoys me at this point

but.... I have found some great things that have come from being pregnant around kiddos.

See examples A and B:

Student A: Mrs. Deaton, are you going to have your baby soon?

Me: Yes, (student) very soon!

Student A: That's cool. I know a girl in my neighborhood that is pregnant.
Me: Oh really?
Student A: And she is only 15!!!

Me: Wow, that's pretty young to have a baby.

Student A: Yeah, and she's not married either. But, my dad said you shouldn't say mean things to pregnant ladies.

Me: Oh really, how come?
Student A: Well, he says you shouldn't ever make a pregnant lady mad.
Me: (trying not to burst) Very true!

Student B: Mrs. Deaton I have a secret to tell you (as she grabs my face and pulls me close)

Me: Oh really, what is it?

Student B: (giggling) I think you're baby is going to be really cute! Don't tell anyone I said that! But she is :)

I just love kids! I may have been a little ornery with them lately, but we'll blame it on the hormones. They really do make me smile! I can't wait for our little B to get here to make me smile!

24 Weeks- best time of pregnancy

28 Weeks

32 Weeks

36 Weeks- bleh I look like way bigger on camera :)

Blidget

2010-04-07T09:51:00.000-07:00

Since we can't decide betweem Bridget or Blake- we've come up with an alternative: Blidget. Hope you like it!
Just kidding- we are still deciding and won't know until she arrives. But... I'm sure she'll always be known as "B" whether it's Blake or Bridget. We posted a poll on facebook for fun and the results were pretty much a tie- I did have lots of people say "well, is it a boy or girl? because that will make a difference!" Well it's a girl, so if we name her Blake I guess she will have a boys name.
Now, as a teacherI know the annoyances of parents naming children odd things and spelling names in ridiculous ways- I won't mention any specifics..... So, I should be more sensitive to this after looking at many class lists and wondering what in the heck parents were thinking. However,I don't think we will scar her for life by giving her a so-called-boys-name; they are definitely becoming more and more common these days. Besides, they always put "male" or "female" next to each child's name- a wonderful save for us teachers so we don't call "Joey" a he or "Tracy" a she on accident. She'll be so stinking cute anyway, it won't matter what we call her :)
This is for you to read someday B to laugh at how crazy your parents were....

B's room....

2010-03-29T20:08:00.000-07:00

B's room is not quite finished yet, but here are some photos of what we do have done! I'm in the process of looking for some fun, unique and CHEAP black picture frames (big ones- like 16 x 20 or 8 x 10) so if you see any or know of a good place let me know...

This is one of the roman shades I made- yes I made it!!! Don't worry, no sewing required... Just fabric glue. Thanks to Hayley for finding this tutorial and fabric for me! One down, one to go.

B's bedding

We had so much fun painting her room and are excited for her to get here and see it! One piece of advice- if you ever decide to black trim good luck and tape off well- it's a pain. Here are some pictures of Tanner's days of touch-up work.

Spring Break :)

2010-03-29T19:43:00.000-07:00

I know, you are all expecting to see a post about some place warm, beachers, bikinis, and skinny tan girls. Well I can't give you any of those- especially skinny, tan ladies. I am severely missing my tanning bed sessions during the winter :( But.... here is what my spring break will consist of:

Yes, whil the rest of you are spending spring break gallavanting in the sun I'll be stuck in this cute girl's room and the laundry room anxiously awaiting and preparing her arrival. She has more clothes than I do so that means LOTS of laundry. I'll post some "after" pictures when it's all ready to go for little B! And p.s.- we still haven't decided on Bridget or Blake... I think I'll post a poll to help us out :)

Happy Sunshiney Spring Break!!!!

Gracias :)

2010-03-08T20:10:00.000-08:00

Thanks again moms! I really appreciate all your comments, suggestions, and advice. It definitely eased some stresses for me and after much reading, searching, debating, and budgeting :) I found a great car seat... We decided to go with a graco car seat/stroller combo- we did choose the car seat for up to 32 pounds just to be safe. I think I'll enjoy the luxorious stroller for long walks and strolling the mall.... Thanks again ladies!

Dear Moms....

2010-02-28T10:30:00.000-08:00

Another request for advice is needed :) My next search after the crib mattress is for a car seat/stroller combo. Here is what I know/want and then I will follow with questions and needed advice....
- graco brand is first choice
- the travel system seems the way to go for me
- nothing too gender specific (no bright pink or purple)

I have read that minimum requirements for rear facing seats are 12 months, 20 pounds, but keeping baby in a rear facing seat as long as you can is best. So, what I'm asking is how long did you keep your baby in a rear-facing seat? How old or how much did they weigh before you switched?
I found one I really like- graco snugride infant seat with stroller, for a great deal. But... it is only safe for infants up to 22 pounds. I don't want to have to buy another rear-facing seat to keep her in until she is bigger. What if she is big and is 22 pounds before 12 months? I don't want to have to buy two more seats!
What are your thoughts, suggestions, opinions??? Should I look for one of the snugrides infant seats that holds up to 32 or 35 pounds?
Thanks moms!

Oh so funny...

2010-02-25T09:54:00.000-08:00

I just have to put in a quick post for the comedy night I (Tanner) am helping out with! It's tomorrow night (Friday February 26 @ 8:00pm) at the Ellen Eccles Theater on Main in Logan.

There are 3 professional headliners and 8 up and coming contestants in a "Battle Royale" in which the audience votes.

Tickets are on sale now at the theater or you can get them online:
http://www.centerforthearts.us/event_cvcomedynight.html

A fun date night activity and tickets are only $9 with a student ID!!!! Totally worth it!
You'll have a good time, seriously.

Mommies unite....

2010-02-23T14:32:00.000-08:00

I have to give a huge thanks to my fellow motheres :) I really appreicate all you advice and tidbits! It was a huge help- thanks Aubrey for the great tips, I ended up ordering the one you suggested :) We ordered it yesterday and it is being shipped to our house next week for only 97 cents!!! Thanks Walmart for next to free shipping and saving me a trip to your store which I really hate going to......

Keep the advice coming moms- any tips on car seats, breast pumps, nursing, working moms, etc... is highly welcomed!

I love technology

2010-02-22T21:15:00.000-08:00

So thanks to student loans and debt, we decided to get a new laptop. Tanner needed one that actually worked and didn't die in 20 seconds, for his master's program and projects. So we found one, nothing fancy. But here is the best part...we still get to buy more software! Has this happened to you? Do you love buying something only to realize you get to spend more and more to make it actually work?

Well, we found something that is super useful, and can be useful for you too! He needed Microsoft Office Works (Excel, Word, Powerpoint, Outlook) and we thought we were going to have to spend another $150-200. But there is a way to get it for only $59!!!! And it's not a scam and you don't have to complete any offers, you just have to be a student. Since Tanner is still a student and has his USU email we got it. If you or someone else you know needs it or would like it for a super good deal, follow this link:
http://student.theultimatesteal.com/z/15/CD3090/

And spread the word too, because if someone goes through this link Tanner gets credit for it.
Thanks!!!

Dear Moms: a little advice is needed :)

2010-02-20T15:04:00.000-08:00

I have a need. I am a stressed out, worried first time mom-to-be. I have lots of friends with babies. So, why not take advantage of your great experience?!?!
I have been aimlessly looking for crib mattresses on the www (thanks Logan, Utah for providing NO baby stores, minus the highly over priced Stork Landing) and have come to the conclusion I have no idea what to look for.
Do we get coil or foam? Sealy or Serta? Spend $69 or $159? From Babies R Us or USA Baby? Vinyl waterproof covering? Do any of these things really matter?
So... what kind of mattress do you have? Where did you get yours? How much is average to spend?
Also, did you get a full crib mattress pad, or one that doesn't cover the whole thing or both?
I know everyone has their own opinion and it will be entirely up to me in the end, but until then I'd rather not take advice from lame reviews, I'd rather trust my great mommy friends:)
Leave a comment and let me know what your opinion is :)
And if you have any other great advice you're dying to share about shopping for other baby things- please do.

Dear B...

2010-02-16T14:51:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine was over last night watching the Bachelor (yes I love it.... Don't knock it.) and asked me if I had been keeping a pregnancy journal. I said I had been so I could remember the awful things that made me sick, the uncomfortable sleepless nights, the first awkward Dr. appt., the day my belly button popped, the first time she moved, the first hiccups, etc. But then she asked if I had been writing one to the baby and I thought how fabulous! What a fantastic idea. Since I would much rather type than write, I am going to start a journal to baby B. So, any future blogs titled "Dear B" are for her- you are welcome to read since I am choosing to put it on this public domain we know as the www, but choose to skip if you don't want to read the sentimental/emotional insights of a first-time-mom-to-be. I have only about 87 days to go, so they'll contain the best journal writing ever!

Dear Bumblebee,
What a roller coaster ride the last 6 months has been! The best and worst days I have ever known have happened in the last six months. I'm going to recap the last six in this first entry for you month by month to make up for lost time.

August- We found out on August 23 you would be the first little Deaton to arrive in our home!!! We figured out your due date and knew you'd be coming to us around the first week of May. This was perfect timing for us- especially mom so I could have you and be done with school, and then spend the whole summer at home with you! We were so excited and had been waiting for you for a few months. I was at home when I found out and your dad was at work. When he got home, I showed him the test and said "does that look like a positive to you?" I was literally speechless when I saw the two pink lines saying "yes" you are going to be a mommy! I am teary now just thinking about how happy I was. I couldn't believe that we were going to be blessed with such a wonderful gift as you! I wanted to tell everyone I knew right away, but knew we should probably wait and get some more confirmation from the doctor. That weekend I went to the Gray family cabin with Grandma and Grandpa Gray, Aunt Mylee, and your cousins Cole, Maddy, and Tenley. They all pretty much knew we were wanting to have a baby (thanks to Aflac policies we signed up for back in May) and many jokes had been going around for a while. We were carrying stuff in and I asked if a box was too heavy, Aunt Mylee asked me if I couldn't carry it because I was pregnant and I couldn't lie! So, then before I knew it they all knew.... But I sure was glad the secret was out- Your mom is no secret keeper.....

87 days to go....

2010-02-09T15:12:00.000-08:00

So I was just reading an e-mail sent to me by a baby website and I just realized I only 87 days to go! That's double digits :) I just had to share my excitement!!! Somedays it seems like forever, then others I feel like I have no time to get things ready! Then I look at dear Cami Jo, who had her baby 5 weeks early and I think, what if that were me??? By the way, Cami, your Emma is the cutest princess ever :) Our girls are already BFF's I know it. Emma just got lucky and got to come here first!
Anyway, I am definitely not ready, but so ready at the same time. I am not complaining about being pregnant yet because the hardest months are yet to come, but I just want little B to get here! I am anxious to see what she looks like and what she'll be like. We just can't wait. Well, I think my somewhat restful nights can wait. Please come soon (but not too soon) B!

Deaton Detailing

2010-01-21T19:50:00.000-08:00

Hey guys!!! Check out Tanner's latest creation. He has detailed for a few years, and now that he's doing his master's full time he started up his detailing again.....So refer your friends and follow his blog (it's cheaper than a website). Plus there are stellar prices and sweet student deals! He's got a great location and can pick up and drop off your car.

Let us know if you need a clean!

Dear Cami, this one's for you!

2010-01-18T16:43:00.000-08:00

Cami Jo- I'm finally posting some baby bump pics :) Here is my bulging belly for you to enjoy! And for anyone else who enjoys looking at pregnant belly bump-its.... Also, to a little redaction from my last blog- it was not meant to be rude. Tanner came home the other day after reading it and asked what was wrong with me. I really wasn't trying to be obnoxious, just venting! Anyway- here is Bee and me!

12 weeks

16 weeks

20 weeks

Dear Friends and the like...

2010-01-05T19:14:00.000-08:00

We don't have a name for baby yet- so if you're wondering what the blessed name is, don't ask :) It gives me anxiety to think about it. It just hit me tonight: I mean we are responsible for what this little girl will be known as for the rest of her life. Yikes... Why can't we just wait til our kids are old enough to talk to name themselves. Like on Big Daddy- I would love to have a little boy called Fwankenstein.
Have you ever thought about it that way??? Any other mommies know this immense amount of pressure?
This is also a general apoplogy to all those I have asked, "what names do you like?", "do you have a name yet?", "what are you naming the baby?". I now know the frustration and anxiety it places on a new mommy :)
As for now, she is known as Bee.

Dear Baby Bee,
Please don't hate us for the name we choose.

It's a....

2009-11-28T08:21:00.000-08:00

Girly girl!
We are so thrilled to have a little girl on the way :) Tanner was rooting for a boy, but I think she's going to be daddy's little girl! We decided we couldn't wait any longer to find out, so we went to Fetal Fotos here in Salt Lake while we are down for Thanksgiving. Here are some cute photos of her :) This first pic is the first one we got of her, and is my favorite:

Here's to pink and more pink! Actually I really don't even like pink....

Well, here's to cutie flowers and bows!

A picture is worth a thousand words, or like 100

2009-11-20T12:32:00.000-08:00

Here are just a few things we are excited about that have happened in our lives during the past few months and are happening as we speak :)

We celebrated our 3 year anniversary on August 17
Tanner started his masters program this fall in Management and Human Resources
Niece Tenley got baptized in September
Lauren started her third year of teaching at Woodruff
Expecting new niece next week!
Went on a family camping trip to Acord Lake with the Deatons
Got pictures with the Grays after about 7 years
Finally organized our basement
Went on an awesome 4 wheeling trip to Moab witht the Gray
Painted our garage floor
Spent Halloween in Bear Lake

Well, that's what we've been up to that is exciting in our life! What exciting things are happening in your life? Write us back and tell us all about it since we've been out of the blogging world for two months!

Oh, I forgot to mention one more thing we're pretty excited about....

It should be top of the list, but I thought I surprise you!

TWO WORDS...........

May 8th...

will

have

new

little

Deaton

the

clan!

WE'RE HAVING A BAMBINO :)

Gray Family Pics!

2009-09-13T20:42:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago my family had pictures taken at Wheeler Farm. It was a great location for pics and was super versatile. Our photographer was awesome and we had a blast! The jumping pic on our header is from that day and it's our fave!!! Enjoy my fabulous, cute family!

Kiddos with Aunt Adrienne

My brother Kam and his wife Brandy- don't forget their "kids" Daisy and Tempest

My sister Lindsay, Riley and their cuties- Ryder and Ruby (in the belly)

My sister Mylee, Norm and their kids Cole, Tenley and Madison

San Ramon, San Fran, San Jose, and Santa Cruz

2009-08-13T21:03:00.000-07:00

Lots of "San's".... Tanner and I went to all of the above last weekend for our 3rd anniversary and to visit our great cousins Natalie & Trammy and their cute kiddos- Dax & Elle! We had great time visiting our family and seeing some new sites of California!

Tanner's sand castle in Santa Cruz

Toesies

The cute Tramleasure fam in Santa Cruz. Poor Dax was a little sickly :(

Playing in the waves.

Santa Cruz

At Giants stadium. It was a great game- the Giants played the Reds and WON!!!

The best seats in the house- 25 rows right behind homeplate. Thanks Mommy Deaton :)

Lombard Street. The crookedest street in the world- I didn't make that up.

Golden Gate Bridge! Full House anyone?!

Tanner at the crazy Winchester Mansion. Weirdest house I've ever seen. The widow of one of the Winchester sons lived here and never finished construction. A psychic told her she was being haunted by all the people Winchester rifles had killed and that she needed to buy a home in California and never finish it. She had construction going for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for 38 YEARS. She had a lot of money for it- 20 million in cash (in early 1800's) and stock in Winchester rifles to support her building habit. She built stairs to the ceiling, doors to no where, and even a seance room where she had meetings with the spirits every night from 12-2. Creepy

sorry

2009-08-04T10:58:00.000-07:00

sorry about the "about me" section being all about "mrs. deaton". i am strating a blog for my classroom and didn't realize when i changed it on my class blog it would show up here! does anyone know how to solve this problem???
ps- thanks for the ideas on photographers! i'll let you know who we choose and post pics when we get them taken- probably won't be until fall though :)

Favors anyone???

2009-07-20T15:04:00.001-07:00

Danielle: I am so bummed you moved to Virginia because I really wanted you to take pics of us... But I am now in a dilemma to find someone to take our family (as in the Gray family) pics. Does anyone know of a good photographer that will go to/or is in Salt Lake???
Here's what we're looking for:
inexpensive (duh)
will shoot outside- one or two locations
cd with copy right release of photos

Let me know!

Also- has anyone out there taken the PLT praxis test, and any advice??? I'm taking it this Saturday! YIKES-A-BEE

Dear Aflac and Cami....

2009-07-20T14:48:00.000-07:00

Dear Aflac....
Thank you for sending me a $30 check in the mail for going to the doctor to maintain my health. Also, a future thank you is in order for the $120 check we'll be receiving for Tanner breaking his tooth. I am sure glad breaking your tooth is considered an "accident". And I'm sure glad I added Tanner to my accident policy.
Warm Regards,
Lauren Deaton

If you haven't heard of Aflac or don't have it- you should hear about it and get it. It is the greatest supplemental insurance ever. If you're thinking about having a baby in the next year, get it! My sweet momma hooked us up PHAT with some policies. I think we'll start breaking bones and getting stitches for an extra income.

Dear Cami Jo Mendenhall...
Thank you for bringing me my most favorite treat in the whole wide world from Hawaii. It was the greatest suprise to come home from school and see my chocolate covered macadamia nuts on my porch (well my neighbor's porch on accident- good thing she didn't open them)! If you ever want to make my happy, just drop off a box. And it will be gone in one night. I've already consumed about 28 grams of fat, or half a box in the last hour. But it's worth every fat roll I'll get.
Love you Martian!
Lauren

P.S. if you read my blog and go to Hawaii, I'll be expecting a box from you. Or better yet, if you know where I can get them in Logan tell me now. Maybe don't tell me, because I might gain 100 pounds just thinking about the chocolate and nut combo.

unBELIZEable part dos....

2009-07-05T19:21:00.001-07:00

Here are some more pics- well a TON more pics of BELIZE for mostly my enjoyment and memories! But I'm also trying to persuade everyone that they must go here. Sorry if there are some repeats from the previous post, I have about 500 pics I'm trying to sort through :)

Heading out to BELIZE!!!

This girl can braid, and braid TIGHT. talk about a week long head ache, but totally worth it!

Tanner even joined in on the fun....

Tanner caught an eyeball, ew GROSSNESS.

This was just the bait fish....

And the real fish: barracuda!

This man sold us his reggae c.d. for only 10 bucks- his name is Lyrical King (or was it BOB MARLEY). I tried not to get too close, who know what was living in his hair...

Snorkeling at Hol Chan bay and Shark Ray alley- best time ever! Thanks Alfonse and Henry :)

Holding the sting ray! Watch out for the barb- I'm no Steve Irwin...

Just us tackling a shark.... Don't mind my fatness, but I thought I looked tough holding the sharkie (and yes, it was a wild shark, but our guide Alfonse said it was his "buddy)...

Crush and Dori from Nemo :)

One of Tanner's favorite spots :)

On our private dock and snorkeling for conch shells- when I caught the octopus!

Just the most amazing sunrise and view on EARTH (right from our porch)!

Waiting for our flat golf tire to arrive- so hot....

Going to Mr. Joe's for a delightful breakfast of egg and bean tortillas :) YUM

Sister Williams teaching us to roll tortillas with a BELIKEN BEER BOTTLE! How funny- I sucked at it p.s.

Sweetest lady in Belize! Sister Valesquez- Tanner helped her build an army tent (which she lived in for quite a while) on his mission after the hurricane hit in 2001.

Can you guess my favorite place to be? I'm a sun lover, and I know it'll give me skin cancer, but it also gives you lots of vitamin D! And I did read about 3 books while there....

Last dinner at Calientes- amazing food and my fave- GUAC!!!

Famous chicken drop, as mentioned in the previous post

Tanner love these carts- you'll have to ask him what a "cholo" is...

Seriously, we saw crocs but didn't feed them, CRIKEY!

Our boarding pass: homemade cardstock laminated right at the airport!

Mini plane from San Pedro to Belize City-

I was a little nervous.

A beautiful island that is just a golf course with it's own airport! FOR SALE: only 120 million...

Going home :(

It's unBELIZEable!!!

2009-06-24T15:02:00.001-07:00

Four words will sum up this post: CAN YOU BELIZE IT? Seriously though, there were all sorts of tourist paraphenlia around saying things like that... It was the best trip EVER!!! There are quite a few pics with great captions, so look and read on to enjoy :) P.S.- if you need tour guides to take you to Belize Tanner is available ANY time and I'm also free to come along to show you how to sun tan. We come free of charge, all we require is one day's notice and we are on the next plane to and unBELIZEable vacation!!! But seriously, go to Belize IMMEDIATELY!

The Urbinas- great family that Tanner taught on his mish. Gladys wants pictures of our wedding because she's getting married in Corazal in November :) CONGRATS!!

Sad to go home! P.S. Shalita (the cutest girl in Belize) did the braids for me and Rackell. What a nice way to keep the hair outta my face, but what a relief to take them out :)

Eating at Caliente's on our last night! Deliciousness, where the Chicken Drop is held. They take a chicken out of a basket, twirl it around a bunch and then drop it on a huge board with numbers on it. Whatever number it craps on first wins! Too bad we showed up too late to place our bets..

Tanner loved these kayaks- and snorkeling by our condo! I took one out the last day searching for conch shells and caught an OCTOPUS! A mini one, but a real one!!! It was kinda creepy

Snorkelying at Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley. This was a cute little turtle munching on some sea grass. We saw the coolest fish, definitely the best snorkeling ever. Oh yeah, we held a shark too, no biggie. Football style (sorry no pic cuz it was under water :(

On our cute private dock under the cabana

On our boat ride to the ruins in Belize City. A spider monkey literally walked right on to our boat. I fed him a cranberry granola bar and he partook. It was a little freaky (note the awesome look on my face and Tanner laughing at me) seeing a monkey walking around on two legs. Not normal

At the top of the Lamani Temple. We seriously risked our lives to climb to the top. You had to hold on to a rope to climb the sketchy stairs. Not for the faint of heights

The whole Williams gang! They are another fam Tanner taught. We did quite a bit with them- this was FHE at our place with them. They requested root beer floats for dessert. Don't worry- cost of ice cream in Belize: 56 Belizean dollars, 24 US dollars. It was well worth it!

Just the view from our awesome condo!

Me and Rackell athe Williams house for Sunday dinner. They fed us the most amazing Belizean dinner/lunch of rice and beans, chicken, and veggie (potato) salad. These awesome 1 liter drinks were ours for the taking. We drank them super fast to avoid dehydration in the Belizean non-air conditioned heat with 100% humidity.

The Williams house after lunch on Sunday- greatest family!

Me and Rackell with Shalita Williams- the hair braider. Pre-braids. This was after an awesome church meeting!

This was off the balcony of the churh house. They just have church on the third floor of a building down town. Don't worry, no AC here either. Thank goodness for fans, lots of fans.

There will be more pic to come for my own blogging pleasure, if you would like to see more of the most beautiful place on Earth come back for more :)

A laughy-laugh

2009-04-30T21:03:00.000-07:00

Just had to post this story because I said I would write about my funny students:

student: "Mrs. Deaton have you seen the movie 'Goonies'?"
me: "Of course, who hasn't? You must watch a lot of t.v.!"
student: "Yeah, I do. Heeeyyyyy yooooouuuuu guuuuuyyys!" (followed by a laugh exactly like Sloth's from Goonies)

I wasn't aware 8 year olds in 2009 liked that movie too, what a classic.

student: "Hey Mrs. D.J.!"
me: "Is that my new nickname?"
student: "Are you going crank it up tomorrow?" (as in music, my teaching, my personality????) "Too bad you're middle name doesn't start with a 'J', then it would be way cool."

Shout outs and Thanks!

2009-04-30T20:52:00.000-07:00

What do you do when you're feeling blue? You write down a list of things you are grateful for despite the hard times and the craziness in your life. As you can see, our lives have been busy busy busy. But who isn't? With everything going on I am super overhwlemed lately and have needed to remind myslef of all things Tanner and I are lucky to be blessed with:
-awesome families who support us in ALL we do (thanks mom for the insurance)
-amazing friends who still want to hang out even when we never can (even though tons of you are moving on to bigger and better things without us- Hones to Virginia, Giles to Idaho, Wimmers to New York, etc. etc.)
-great jobs that allow us to have nights, holidays, weekends, and SUMMERS off! (even though I'm teaching summer school)
-hilarious students that make my laugh and cry in the same day- crying becuase I'm laughing so hard
-a ward that we couldn't love more
-a beatuful roof over our heads
-working cars
and last on this list- the gospel!
We have such amazing things to be grateful for and thanks to all our family and friends who we love- and will miss you all that are moving!!! Thanks for being a part of our lives and for making us happy people :)

Re-spectrum

2009-04-15T11:53:00.000-07:00

We totally love Aggie Basketball and this video obviously explains why.
Word

You Know You're a TEACHER when....

2009-04-08T09:16:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting her enjoying my week long Spring Break, ready to head to Vegas and I was thinking about my lovely career. Believe it or not, but I have actually missed my 23 kids- for like 10 minutes, until I remembered how much I like sleeping in and not having a headache by 9:00 in the morning :) I was reminiscing about all the funny and lovable things about my job and thought I'd make up a grand list of them... Here's to many years of working with kiddos and teaching all sorts of things. This is for teachers out there who can enjoy and relate, moms galore, and anyone who wants a good laugh!
(P.S. These are all actual things that have happened to me in my teaching career :)
1. When you're out with your friends and find a scratch and sniff sticker on your fancy shirt.
2. Every pair of pants you own have some sort of pen, marker, or paint stain on them.
3. You're friend points out you have two black marks on your boobs from standing too close to the whiteboard- talk about good erasers :)
4. When you don't wear make up to school you automatically look like you don't feel good or are tired.
5. Every morning you get up just a little bit later- breakfast is soon eaten in the car, and you are soon brushing your teeth in the classroom.
6. Your hands are like the desert from washing ten times a day.
7. In a vaccine shortage you are allowed to get a flu shot along with the elderly and babies. It's nice to be grouped into that category.
8. You actually start caring about politics and government, seeing as that is who pays you.
9. Knock-knock jokes still make you laugh.
10. When you color your hair, it is perceived as being "painted".
11. Bill Nye is the coolest guy on science day when you don't have any plans.
12. You know what IEP, DIBELS, EOL, ESL, CRT, UEN, UEA, QRI, ADA, RST, ASC, and AYP all stand for!
13. June 5th (or something close to it) is the best day of the year.
14. You start pulling love and logic on your family and friends- "you can wash the dishes with rag or the sponge" "I'll talk to you when your voice sounds like mine".
and last but not least... (here we go)
15. You are expected to teach: comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, fluency, math, science, social studies, problem solving, repsect, history, social skills, reading, grammar, test-taking strategies, math facts, pe, music, art, computer skills, how to wash your hands, tie your shoes, and good manners. All in a little over 5 hours a day with 30 kids in your class, limited funding, budget cuts to an already skimpy budget, making sure NO CHILD IS LEFT BEHIND, oh yeah, don't forget:
without any prayer or God in our schools!!!

Just a little shout out to all my former teachers and caregivers (INCLUDING MOM!)- I really appreciate all the hard work that went into my education and to my love of learning! I truly understand now what it feels like to see a child learn- the greatest reward any job or career can provide! Remember to thank your educators :)

Getting In Shape!

2009-03-14T15:16:00.000-07:00

Here is to me getting in shape and actually exercising! I have been going to these hip hop hustle classes and they are AMAZING!!! They are so much fun and an awesome work out... The teachers- Jessie and Shukria are the best instructors, and are so motivating! Here's a a little preview of what the classes are like- these are the dances we learn by the end of class. Everyone should come out and try it- anyone can dance :)

Hip Hop Hustle Show 3- MY FAVE!!

Hip Hop Hustle 5- The latest :)

Vivien & Ramee!

2009-02-12T17:54:00.000-08:00

For those of you who didn't know, Tanner and I were parents for about two weeks to two Korean exchange students! We got set up from one of our friends Justin with a program he started called Language Link. They came for two weeks and we fed them breakfast, dinners, took them to do stuff, and were parents! It was a great two weeks and we learned so much from our cute Koreans girls. We took them bowling- which was a riot! We made them dance if they got a strike, but not too many strikes rolled around- except for Tanner had a 4-Banger (4 strikes in a row). We also took them to Cafe Rio, which they said was too salty, who knew? Rock climbing and playing Rock Band were favorites, and they thougth shopping at the dollar store was the best idea ever! They scored some good items... We also took them to an all-American-activity: country dancing at the fun park! They picked it up super quick. Their all-time favorite however, was my spaghetti! They ate it 3 times while they were here- I wish others thought my cooking was so good... We loved teaching them English phrases like "drop it like it's hot", "peace out", "hey girl hey", and "get your groove". They brought some of Korea here too, giving us some sweet gifts from Korea and makng us some Korean food, including Kimchi and Seaweed wrapped rice.... A little spicy for me, but good to try something new! We loved getting to know more about South Korea and Ramee and Vivien! What a great experience for us, and we highly recommend it for anyone! WE MISS YOU RAMEE AND VIVIEN!!!!

Vivien and Ramee eating Sushi and smiling with their teeth!

Playing with some of the other students: Jayce and Willey. Also, our great friends Landon and Brittney!!! They loved the Wii...

What We've Been Up To...

2009-02-03T16:03:00.001-08:00

Here's a quick update of the past two months since I haven't even blogged about Christmas!

Janurary:

My 24th birthday-

-including the stomach flu two days before...

-lunch at Cheescake factory with Mom, Dad, Kam, cousins, Aunt Jenni, sisters, etc.

- Car shopping- test driving my dream car(S): 525 BMW and Cadillac CTS.

-Dinner at my favorite restaurant: Le Nones complete with my favorite dessert- Tirimisu

-new scriptures and a new watch!

Trip to Seattle to recruit

This is the site of Tanner's broken foot

-lots of shopping

- Ballard Locks and salmon fish ladder

- Seattle Aquarium

-Pikes fish market where Tanner bought crab and halibut

-a visit to the Space Needle

- lots of yummy food, our favorite Crepes!

- Started taking hip hop and kick boxing classes to join the biggest loser at school!

-hosting two exchange students from Korea- more to come on this awesome adventure!
December:

Festival of Trees with Rick and Alli
Saw Voicemale in concert in Logan
Stayed with my family for Christmas- which included the "Gray Family Gala" (a family talent show, gingerbread house contest, sledding, made ornaments, tons of games, food galore, prime rib Christmas dinner, and played Wii like MAD)

My adorable nephew in his cute camo chair!

The family talent show- my parents playing the pipes

Ludlow family party in Nephi (Tanner's mom's side) full of good food and family we don't see often

Need to finish

2008-12-28T16:54:00.000-08:00

I know Christmas is over, but I have to finish my list of Christmas countdowns: (i have set my mind to it and i am bound and determined to finish!)
#13- Christmas bingo- at the Gray family party we play every year and my awesome uncle Bill gives out cash prizes- from $100 to $5! He is great! This year was a special edition of "Bailout Bingo" where everybody wins...
#14- Wrapping paper- i love to wrap :)
#15- Making gingerbread houses- it is now our 2nd year of doing this and such a blast, I'll post some pics of our creations later!
#16- Santa Claus- the Polar Express says it all! HO HO HO, enough said.
#17- Seeing Nativities all around- my first present from my mom when I got married was a beautiful nativity that is my favorite Christmas decoration
#18- Christmas trees- we bought a fake tree this year and it is so much fun to have and decorate!
#19- Sledding- we love sledding and adventures in the mountains
#20- Getting P.J.'s on Christmas Eve
#21- The Grinch- One of my favorite stories!
#22- Kids opening presents- kids on Christmas is the only way to go!
#23- Family time!!!
#24- Luke Chapter 2- this year my sister compiled a bunch of scriptures together to make the Christmas story really complete
#25- Celebrating the Savior's life- He is the reason all these other things have made my list. Without Him there would be no lights, gifts, treats, reading of the Nativity, trees, or any other goodies. I am grateful for this time of year to reflect on His birth and life, and I wish we could have these feelings all year long!
Merry CHRISTmas!!!

Let the Chain continue...

2008-12-12T15:28:00.000-08:00

Here are the next two days in my love of Christmas chain! (I told you I'd try to do it everyday!)

11. Christmas cards- I sure love to get all of your fabulous cards! It's good to see what friends and family have been up to, what you look like now, and the wishes of a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! My sister sent me an e-mail version of her card and I LOVED IT!!!

12. Cookies, sweets, treats, and snacks- I love all the goodies: mom's ice cream fudge (my fave), hobgoblins, snickerdoodles, decorating cookies with friends from the ward, chex mix, nuts, m&m's, toffee, etc. etc. etc.

I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!!!

2008-12-10T14:35:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love Christmas! I haven't had time to blog about just how much I love it because I have been so busy with Christmas festivities!!! I thought I would make a "chain countdown", if you will, of all things I love about this great season. I will try to do one everyday until Christmas, but for now I will catch up from the beginning of December!

1. Christmas music- it starts at my house after Halloween... gotta love the oldies like Frank and Bing!
2. The Festival of Trees- we have gone just about every year since I was a kids. What a great cause and great fun as well!
3. Decorations- Mine have been out and up since before Thanksgiving and don't come down until after my b-day!
4. Lights- I wish my house looked like Clark Griswalds! We don't have any this year, but next year fo sho...
5. Christmas movies- The Nativity, Elf, Home Alone, Christmas Vacation, A Christmas Story, Mr. Kroger's Christmas, Santa Clause, etc.
6. Saying "MERRY CHRISTMAS" to everyone!
7. Doing Sub-4-Santas- giving is the best!
8. All of my Christmas books come out- I collect children's books (especially Christmas themed ones) and have them all over my house- Polar Express, Night Before Christmas, The Three Trees (MY FAVE), Why Christmas Trees aren't Perfect, Forgotten Carols, Snowman Named Bob, and many more....
9. Christmas decor and lights on Main Street in Logan
10. Going to the MOTAB Christmas concert- it is seriously amazing!!!
and more to be announced tomorrow...
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

One Great Lady!

2008-11-28T19:46:00.001-08:00

I know Thanksgiving has past, but I never blogged about some things I am thankful for in honor of this great day! I am so grateful for such a neat family, especially my Grandma Gray. This Thanksgiving was very hard for us this year because our wonderful Grandma Gray has passed on. She has suffered from alzheimer's for a very long time. It is hard to see her go, and we will all miss her, but we know she is no longer in pain and can now have her memories back. I have so many neat memories of her and my Grandpa! She used to babysit me when I was in kindergarten and made me peanut butter and jelly sandwiches everyday. She told me if I ate the crusts I would get curly hair just like my sisters... Well, I guess I have some wave! She always let me try on her jewelry and she had the best dress-ups. I won't ever forget her famous graham cracker and chocolate frosting snacks. She was a wonderful woman and we all learned so much from her! We love you Grandma!!!
I am so grateful for my amazing and awesome family!!! They are the best... for reals, you make think your family is the bomb, but I snatched the greatest one out there! I have great parents who are there for me no matter what. I have 5 (including my cute sister-in-laws) pretty sweet sistas who are my best friends. Also, brothers who are the funniest people I know... Don't forget my best friend ever and hubby- TANNER!!! He is my everything and I've tried to picture my life without him and I simply can't. He makes me laugh everyday and we have so much fun together!!! Love you guys!!!

One more....

2008-11-28T19:43:00.000-08:00

I know I said 6 quirks... but Adrienne suggested one more of mine that is fabulous.

I have to have the volume on the TV in increments of 5, for example it has to be at 35 or 40. I can't watch TV if it's on any other number. Tannner will put it to 34 or 18 just to piss me off. That's why I always have the remote...

Tag you're it... six of my best quirks

2008-11-23T15:21:00.000-08:00

I saw this on a bunch of your blogs and thought it looked hillarious!!! So here are six QUIRKS about me- if you know me well, you should already know a few :)

#1: I have a weird quirk, talent some would say, of memorizing things- especially people's first and last names. Whenever I meet someone, I try to remember their first and last name. My trick is that I say their name 7 times in a row out loud right after they say it, and I usually don't forget it. Also, I can memorize random numbers. Like on license plates, phone numbers, locker combos, birthdays, addresses, people's social security numbers, etc.
Ex.- my old number phone # from So Jo: 280-0828, locker combo from Aero 26-18-28

#2: I LOVE shopping, but I only really like to shop alone. I don't mind shopping with others, but I prefer alone. You know, at my own pace, no one else's agenda. There is one person I do like to shop with, my sis Lindsay, sorry anyone who is offended by this. We just "shop" alike.
I'm so selfish...

#3: Lists are my best friends. Thanks mom for passing on this awesome trait. I make lists every week of things to do. When I don't finish something on this week's list, you better believe it goes on next week's list. Oh yeah, nothing can be crossed off the list until it is COMPLETELY finished- not in the process, but FINISHED. You should see how many lists are in my CLASSROOM. I have to keep a list of all the lists I have to keep track of all my lists... Sick and wrong, I know.

#4: Movies and tv are my other best friend. I love to watch movies in my spare time. I also love to quote movies; I am pretty good at remembering funny things from shows as well(see quirk #1). I have lots of favorites, but the all time best is The Sandlot. That's right, "you got it, haul it up."

#5: I am in love with Christmas music! I put up my decor already and have been secretly listening to Christmas music at school since Halloween. I love it all, but the oldies are the best. Good ole' blue eyes, Nat, and Dean are among my faves. Don't forget Eartha or Ella either!

#6: My last quirk has to be about my classroom. I have to have my kids' desks straight when I teach. If one row isn't in line with the others, we stop adn straighten our rows before I can go on... My student's hate me for this, but hey they will all be organized, OCD kiddos because of me!

So, I want to hear your quirks Lindsay, Mylee, Ad, Lisa, Natalie, and Tanner!

Happy Halloween! BOO...

2008-11-06T19:43:00.000-08:00

Our "Scary Halloween" picture from Moab... maybe I'll send out Halloween cards next year!

Happy Halloween at Woodruff! Three of my favorite girls I taught 4th grade with last year- Amy, Mel, and Corinne. Love you girls! Too bad I can't post pics of my students- they were adorable! And p.s.- I was "Dr. Pepper" I taped peppers all over me, and carried around a Dr. Pepper. My kids loved it because they know it's my favorite drink.

Making carmel apples...

We love hanging out with our fun friends Ben and Chels- and baby Brookie!

Jon & Kate + 8

2008-11-06T19:15:00.000-08:00

I just had to add this, because I love this family!

Jon and Kate... plus 8

2008-11-05T15:55:00.000-08:00

so... i have to admit i'm a little obsessed with reality t.v.- the good kind (if there is any). but my favorite show lately is JON AND KATE PLUS 8! i absolutely love it and if you haven't seen it, watch it NOW... i think that kate is the most organized and fun mom ever. you have to be with 8 kids under 7 right? those kids- maddy, cara, hannah, leah, alexis, joel, aiden, and collin have me laughing every monday night ( i know pathetic, right, what's even more pathetic is that i know their birth order too...). they are such a normal family for having sextuplets. it totally makes me want to have twins, or probably like sextuplets. how fun would that be? if i could convince tanner that more than one baby at a time is a good idea... Next up on Jon and Kate plus 8!!!

Life in the Fast Lane

2008-10-28T18:44:00.000-07:00

I realize one day I will be a grandpa, which means I'll be old, which also means my reaction time and grip on reality may slow down just a little bit. But I guess it finally hit me today, just how much I want to thank slow drivers, and those who want to personally police our streets.

So for the slightly older woman driving the red 1987 Toyota Corrolla on I-15 last week, this one's for you.

So for work I have to visit quite a few junior colleges/high school students, due to the fact I recruit for the university. Also, thanks to Utah State being located in wonderful Logan, Utah this means I get to spend a 1-hour minimum on I-15 before I reach anyone else outside of the valley. Don't get me wrong I love the drive, it's time to listen to the Morning Zoo on 97.1 ZHT and perfect my mad memorization skills of the latest hip hop.

But the thing I have grown to dislike is how people seem to think that they personally have been given the responsibility to slow down traffic in the passing lane. I don't know how many of you have noticed this too, but when I'm driving a state car and finally get the opportunity to pass you in the "slow" lane going 20 MPH faster than you, don't shake your head at me in disgust.
Like I would seriously drive like mad in a STATE CAR, c'mon

I don't know why this seems to happen to me every time I'm on the road, but I seem to get stuck behind someone who is going 10, 15, even 20 MPH slower than the posted speed limit and they are camped out in the passing lane.

Seriously....you're not doing me a favor by holding up 5 cars and thinking it's going to make people slow down. So move on over and get out the way.

Parents for a weekend

2008-10-09T17:11:00.001-07:00

Ever since we moved into our house we have been promising my nieces and nephew a sleepover. It finally happened this past summer, so we had them for a fun weekend in Logan! We did all sorts of fun stuff... First- a cookout in the mountains on Friday night, complete with tinfoil dinners, smores, a game of pooh sticks, a mini hike, and "i am a chubby bunny" (the kids loved this game!) We had so much fun up the canyon. Then on Saturday we took them swimming at the aquatic center and had a picnic lunch there. We watched a movie and had pizza that night, and they even went to church with us! We are in a married student ward, so they had to create a real primary that day just for us :0 Oh yeah, the kids even helped me do some school supply shopping at the Shopko sale! We had a blast being parents for the weekend, and our so glad we have such great family! Love you guys!!!
Love Auntie Lo-no and Uncle Tan-no

I am a chubby bunny- if you haven't played, you've gotta try it!

Going to church!

Kids Say the Darndest...

2008-10-08T15:59:00.000-07:00

I have decided I am going to write a book about all the funny things my kids say to me. BUT... until I actually get that going, I'll just blog them, just as good. Here's the latest-
I recently colored my hair really dark, almost black (time for a change). When I got to school the next week all my kids were saying "you look different", "why did you dye your hair?" one even said "I liked your hair better blonde!" But the best was.... my sweet little *Tony (names are changed because I might get fired for sharing) said in his cute accent....
"MRS. DEATON, YOU PAINTED YOUR HAIR!!! HOW DID YOU DO IT?"
Oh, I just love my students... they are the best. I may not be a mom, but I definitely have 23 kiddos that I love like my own :)

Mexilent Riveria Cruise Aug.2008

2008-10-02T19:27:00.000-07:00

This past August we decided to go on a crusie for our 2 year anniversary with some friends. We went with Zac and Lindsey Humes, Jack and Liz Stepan, and Brittani and Keenan Atwood. We had so much fun with our awesome friends! We went on a 7 day Mexican Riveria cruise to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta. We went to a great beach called Costa Azul in Cabo and surfed there. Well the boys surfed because the waves were a little big... Then in Mazatlan we checked out a sweet resort called El Cid and enjoyed their beach and pool- we even did water aerobics with a sweet male instructor :) Then we took a van tour of the city and saw some great history of the city. We got to go to a real Mexican market and see a whole cow lying on tables. Puerto Vallarta was our favorite day with a thrilling zipline adventure. We took a 30 minute boat ride across the bay in a way ghetto, sketchy boat. Then we had a 45 minute ride up the jungle in a Uni-mog. When we got to the zipline place we rode real live donkeys or "asses" up the mountain. Then we did the ziplines- which was incredible! We even repelled down a waterfall and did free-fall repel. It was so much fun! We highly reccommed it :) We did so many fun things on the ship from karoke, dancing in the club, dressing up 80's for dinner (picture to follow), lots of games, bingo, wonderful dinners with the best waiter- Erkan, laying out, reading, shuffleboard, cards, shows, and more! This definitely made the list of my top vacations!!!

Puerto Vallarta- parrot and riding in the uni mog

Photos by Deb at formal night

The whole crew with our waiters- the best

Mazatlan

Surfing in Cabo

Playing an awesome game called quest- we had to switch clothes

Report to your muster... sick lifejackets

80's/70's night... need I say more (we did it on our own- not with the ship...)

Best Fireworks EVER!!! 4th of July 2008

2008-09-23T15:55:00.000-07:00

This is our 4th of July trip to Idaho Falls! They have the best fireworks I've ever seen! We went and stayed at my sister Mylee's house. We did fireworks on their street, had a bbq, played lots of wii and had ice cream cones at the fireworks. So much fun with the Gray family this year on the 4th of July- I'm sure proud to be an American!!!

Tanner and Tenley having ice cream, I think more ended up on her face :) (my niece)

The whole gang eatin ice cream

Find me a home

2008-09-22T12:01:00.001-07:00

Hey ya'll,
So the wintery greatness of Logan is quickly approaching, and what better way to spend it than snowboarding? The only and best way to play in the snow, right? Well, if you're like the other millions of cool people who like to snowboard, but need some gear (or know of someone who may be in need) you're in luck.
I have a board, boots, and bindings I'm selling. It's a great board in decent shape and is ghetto fabulous as a "starter" board.

It's a 154 cm Lamar Vision
Kemper bindings
Liquid boots (size 9)
It also comes with experience, this board knows the snow. I hate rails so I never took it on rails (except for one failed attempt).

If you or someone you may know is interested it's up for grabs, $75 OBO. If ya wanna check it out let me know.

12 Hour Day...

2008-09-15T20:31:00.000-07:00

I finally started moving into my new classroom today. Yes I'm excited, but I'm sure sick of moving my classroom. This is the third time in 6 months. Yuck. I guess I'm pretty much a pro mover now. So if you need help, call me, well not for a while! I was getting a little stressed and overwhelmed with the task, but thanks to wonderful Tanner, he came to my rescue and helped me moved, I am almost done!!! He set up all my student computers, moved my bookcases, and helped me decided where to put my reading corner. Bless his calm and helping heart! He is the best! But I do love my new room- it's so bright and cheery with lots of windows. And it's SO BIG!!! YAY! My kids will have to help move the rest tomorrow, but we'll be all settled in by tomorrow afternoon! I'll post some pics of the finished project tomorrow! I don't plan on being there 12 hours tomorrow.

Cali #2- June 2008 with the Gray family!

2008-09-12T21:46:00.000-07:00

In June we went on a trip to Oceanside, Ca with my family. We had everyone there at one point- lots of us had to come and go, but I was there the whole week with my sisters and mom! It was a great trip that included a trip to Old Town San Diego (hence the sombrero and maracas), lots of days at the beach, a day at Disneyland, and an awesome Angels game in Anaheim!

Rally Caps!

CALI... #1

2008-09-09T20:22:00.000-07:00

Here's the first Cali trip of the year in April 2008! Tanner was going for another recruiting trip for some fairs close to Anaheim. We went all over- Anaheim, LA, Garden Grove, Seal Beach, Newbort Beach, and Whittier. Thank goodness for GPS!!! We never would have found our way around that crazy state without our handy navigation system, and Bambi of course (the voice that tells us where to go:) We went to Disneyland and Univerisal Studios as well- so fun!!! We got to meet up with my cousin Alli and Rick at Huntington beach for some awesome beach bike riding.

Here's the Newport Temple- we couldn't go in because it was Sunday :( But still beautiful on the outside!

Here's the beginning of Disneland- our first ride and our favorite (or mine) INDIANA JONES!
(and the lovely Disney worker- Carlos:)

Tanner took a picture of our picture from Splash Mountain- we were SOAKED!

It's a BUG'S LIFE...

Tanner loves Jasmine, and this was as close as we could get. You can't tell but we were way far away from her, just a super huge zoom on our camera. Yes, Tanner is a Disney princess stalker.

Tanner says I look like a cartoon, but I had to get a Minnie hat

Long day at Disneyland- I can't wait to have a toddler just like him...

Teacups anyone?

Oh how we love Disney!

Dodger Stadium, Dodger Field, Dodger Tour- AWESOME!!! (even for me)

Angels game- we did arrive early to catch BP in case you were wondering

Heres' us at Universal Studios- and me touchingt the Mummy curse

What??? LA INK? Where was Kat Von D? We wanted a tat!

Gotta love tandum bikes at Huntington Beach

Recipes...

2008-09-08T20:02:00.000-07:00

I've decided I would love some more recipes to make dinners because Tanner and I are getting sick of the same old thing. So, I am proposing a recipe swap! I'll try and post one of my recipes each week to share and if you would like to join in, share one as well! Here's my first recipe...
It's just for my mom's famous salsa. I make it for just about every event we go to because it's so easy and so yummy! Here ya go:

2 cans diced tomatoes (Del Monte brand works best)
Half onion chopped up
2 T of cilantro (finely chopped)
1 can chopped mild green chiles
pinch of sugar
salt and pepper
whatever hot sauce you like
1 T garlic

Put all ingredients in blender and PULSE until chopped! ENJOY!!!

Updates 2008

2008-09-08T19:02:00.000-07:00

Since I have been slacking this past year on blogging (and since Tanner is out of town for the week), I'm gonna give some updates of some things we've done in this past year! We had lots of fun, saw lots of places, and did a lot with family! First up on the list- Phoenix Arizona, October 2007 Tanner was going on a recruiting trip, and I got to go with him. We did lots of recruiting, laid out by the pool, and loved having a GPS system to get us around. We drove an awesom VIBE and I did some shopping :) Thanks for a great trip UTAH STATE!!!

Here's our sweet Pontiac VIBE rental car.... I think Tanner really wants one!

This was a botanical garden we went to (or Arizona's version of one) It actually was very col and fun to see. We should have used this for our Christams card!

Here's my recruiting fool of a husband- we love our AGGIES!

This is the Diamondback Stadium- Chase Stadium. No baseball here in October, but we ate dinner here and pretended to watch teh best game ever from the restaurant inside. There is a TGIFridays there that is open to the field, we plan on going back to watch an actual game....

This was our hotel...

We had loads of fun in AZ, but it was so so so hot, even in late October. We had over 90 degrees everyday. It was weird to see Halloween decoratoins in 90 degree heat, just not right. But all in all, we loved Arizona (a little hot for me)- Tanner would definitely move there because of year round baseball/softball. I guess I could handle that with all the amazing shopping there!!!

SYTYCD?!?!

2008-08-18T16:07:00.000-07:00

So if you know what SYTYCD is, then you will love this! Tanner and I celebrated our two year anniversary yesterday (well Tanner was in California for his birthday, so we haven't celebrated yet!)! But Tanner text me yesterday morning to tell me to check my e-mail... So I checked my e-mail, and low and behold the above image is what I found in an e-mail from him. Yes.... I am what you call OBSESSED with this show! Tanner bought me tickets to go see the show in Salt Lake on September 23!!!! Yay! I have the best husband in teh WORLD- Love you babe! And Happy Anniversary!

P.s. Here's a clip from the show, it's my favorite dancer- TWITCH...

love it.. Coming shortly!

School.......

2008-08-16T17:12:00.000-07:00

Just listen in to the way my school year is about to begin. I think you teachers will definitely appreciate this! So at the end of last year I moved back to my old classroom (the room I orginally started in last year, but had to move due to construction at our school). Two other third grade teachers moved their things into my room as well because we are all moving into the new addition of the school. Well, we couldn't even get into our school until last Wednesday because of construction. So we spent all day Wednesday moving our things back into other rooms because our new classrooms won't be done until 4 weeks into school!!! I get to start in my old classroom from last year, but then in four weeks I get to move into my BRAND NEW classroom! After a lot of grief and hassle the new addition will be so nice. But I am so excited to start my second year and give third grade a try!

BLOGGING?!?!

2008-07-13T21:51:00.000-07:00

So, let's be honest... I really suck at this blogging thing and kind of hate it right now:) I get so caught up in it and have absolutely NO time for it! It's so fun to see everyone, but I spend way too much time on it! I don't know how you all find time to make your blogs look so cute. So be patient with me and maybe when my life settles down I'll put up some pics and figure it out. Oh wait, my life won't ever settle down- I'm a teacher, no time for breaks!

Time to catch up...

2008-06-26T20:55:00.000-07:00

It looks like the last post was LAST July. Time to update I guess! Tanner and I have been in our new house for one year this week! Time flies, and we can't believe we've been here for a year already. Summer is going by so fast. I am teaching summer school and Tanner is working up at Utah State. We love Logan, our jobs, our lives, and each other!!!

aggies!!!

2007-07-30T10:57:00.000-07:00

we love our aggies!!! especially aggie basketball!!! utah state hey aggies all the way, go aggies, go aggies HEY HEY HEY!

july...

2007-07-27T17:57:00.000-07:00

july has been quite a month for us!!! we have been all over the place!!! we went to price for the fourth, las vegas for my cousin's wedding, lake powell (twice) and we just got back from bear lake for a family reunion. we love vacations, but not recovereing from them.... hopefully we'll catch up everything at home in august, then school starts- YIKES!!!