The Segura Family

2009-06-23T14:43:00.000-07:00

Our new family blog is hoopesgirls.blogspot.com
Hope you all come follow our new life!

Falling Behind

2009-06-18T12:15:00.000-07:00

My computer is not currently hooked up to the net right now, so I promise to have a thousand adorable pictures of Sophie shortly! I will also be starting a new blog for our new (slightly smaller family) considering we are no longer the Segura family. So for all of you who want to follow me and Sophie through our life adventure, I will have a new address for you shortly. We are surviving and adjusting to our new life. Thank you so much for all the support we have been getting from everyone. It is hard, but when you have such a beautiful baby girl to gaze at each morning who could stay sad for long. We are currently living with my mom and dad, but are looking for a home of our own. I got a job at BYUI as part time faculty in their dance department. Sophie has grown to 11 pounds and is 23 inches long. At two months she is already outgrowing her 3 to 6 month clothes! Who would have guessed that little old me could create a tall blonde beauty! Things are looking up and getting easier with each passing day. With all the horrible things that have happend to us lately, we are still very blessed and are being watched over and loved by many!

Joys/Hardships

2009-05-13T17:47:00.000-07:00

Some of the joys in my life!

Bonding with baby Sophie. Holding my baby, feeding her or rocking her all hours of the day and night. Nothing could be so wonderful as holding that precious little girl.Seeing Sophie with my mom!

Seeing Sophie notice the world! She is starting to coo and discover her voice, her eyes are more alert and she is awake for more hours of the day. It is amazing to watch her develop and grow.

The possibility of moving closer to family. Although I am not in an ideal situation, I need to make the best of it for Sophie. I need to be strong and positive. If we move closer to my family, I will have some much needed support and Sophie will have a lot of loving cousins to grow up with.

Things that are still hard.
I miss Monday nights with my husband, we would always have a fun dinner and watch 24. I miss having someone there at night, when I hear a sound or had a bad dream, I could reach over and he would be next to me. I miss having my phone call person, someone to call throughout the day to tell my stories to or for no good reason at all.

May 14th is my four year wedding anniversary. I think it will be a hard day. How do you stop loving someone? I am trying to figure that out. Each day gets a little better, I have breakdowns and bad moments, but all the joys with Sophie get me through to the next day. My family has been wonderful, I do not know what I would do without my mom and dad. So here is to four years that did not end as I had dreamed, but they gave me the most beautiful gift and the greatest joy in the world, Sophie!

Hard Times

2009-05-04T09:27:00.000-07:00

Facing Tough Times

With the blessing of a beautiful baby in my life also comes a lot of heart ache. When my darling little Sophie was just two weeks old, my husband informed me that he was no longer in love with me and that he was extremely unhappy and that he felt nothing for Sophie when she was born. Never in a million years did I think this could happen. I thought the good times and love was still going on, but he has made his choice to walk away. I am heart broken, surprised, humiliated and afraid, but every time I look at my little girl I remember that I have to be strong. She deserves to have a happy mommy and she is now depending on me, so I don't have time to feel bad, to wallow in grief or to have the break down I deserve. I am a mom. I am filled with hope for our future, she is the greatest joy in my life and I know that together we will find happiness. As for Brandon, I hope he finds what he is looking for, although I think he is giving away the best things in his life and the only things that lead to true joy and happiness. To sweet Adrianne, you have the kindest and most giving heart and I am so sad that we won't be sisters anymore! I am so lucky to have so many supportive friends and family members that have rallied around to help. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers. I am determined that Sophie will feel only love and joy and never know what happened when she came home to a once loving home, now destroyed. It is just the two of us, and although I don't know what we are going to do, I know we will be just fine.

Lots of Easter Pics

2009-04-17T09:50:00.000-07:00

Such a precious gift on a precious holiday.
We had a mix of family over for Easter dinner. I have to admit I felt overwhelmed and over-protective having so many people around baby all at once. It was the first time we had more than two or three people over. But it all worked out fine, and turned out to be a nice day. I was sure thankful to have my mom here, and I cried like a baby when she drove away!

Sophie with my nephew Dylan - the greatest kid ever!

Sophie looking at Uncle Dom.

Sophie with Grandma Dana - we both really miss her!

Sophie with Grandma Barb.

Sophie meeting Aunt Angie for the first time.

Her adorable Easter outfit. Dry clean only - and yes she had a major poop in it! That's what I get for putting a baby in silk.

Loving mommy!

Labor of Love

2009-04-11T17:47:00.000-07:00

Sophie Lee Segura born April 6th 2009!
This beautiful girl has finally arrived.

A labor of love!
My water broke at 3 am on April 5th. I was not sure quite what was happening, but water was gushing everywhere. I was not having strong contractions, but thought this was a clear sign. We arrived at the hospital at about 4:30 am, I was not yet dialated even a little. But, the nurse said that having your water break is a golden ticket to get a room at the hospital.
We got checked in and my parents arrived, luckily they were in town. They started me on some oral medicine that began my contractions, and they started coming fast. I was sure the baby was only a few hours away. Even with strong contractions I was not dialating, so they put me on Pitosin. My contractions continued without results for the next 24 hours. By 4:00 am on April 6th I had reached my exhaustion level, physically and emotionally. I could not dialate past a 3, so they fianlly decided on a C-section.
My whole body was shaking with nerves. My parents made it to the hospital in the nick of time before I entered the OR. I really needed to see my moms face at that moment. I went into the room with Brandon holding my hands and the baby arrived about 20 minutes later at 5:50 am.
I was heavily drugged, but I could hear her cry and hear the doctors comment in shock and amazement at how big this girl was. She was 8 pounds and 10 1/2 ounces.
I have never loved anything more in my life. She is perfect.
Both mom and baby are slowly but surely healing.

New Baby Bump Shots

2009-03-21T12:50:00.000-07:00

38 Weeks Pregnant! I can't believe how much she has grown! I keep asking the doctor if this is normal. He's not concerned so I will just have to wait. I look like I am hiding a huge basketball under my shirt.

We just thought it would be funny to see if I could still do the splits - and maybe we were hoping that it would hurry the process along!

Her little princess room is ready and waiting. I go in there several times a day to check things over and dream. I should have saved some of the washing and decorating for now because I am going stir-crazy with nothing to do!

15 days until the due date! I am beyond excited to meet her. I would much rather hold my baby than wear her!

Celebration Days

2009-03-18T09:15:00.000-07:00

Two Days of Celebration!

Happy St. Patrick's Day - It was four years ago that Brandon proposed. Time flies, I can't believe it has been four years. I am happy to see how far we have come and how our love has only grown in that time. I wish I had a romantic proposal story to share, but of all the wonderful traits Brandon has, romance is not one of them!! Regardless, they have been four pretty great years!

Happy Birthday to a great big brother. It is Tyler's birthday today!!! He was hoping that our baby would come today so they could have the same b-day, but it doesn't look like that is going to happen despite all my wishes. I could not think of a better guy to share a birthday with, but this day will have to remain just his! He is a great brother, brother-in-law, husband, son and father! He has always been so generous with all that he has and gives of his time so willingly. We wish you a very happy birthday Ty!!

Baby Showers

2009-03-17T10:27:00.000-07:00

Baby Showers!!!
I was spoiled by two wonderful baby showers! The first was put on by Bethany and Gretchen. They did a great job, we played fun games, ate great food and everyone was so gracious and crafty with their gifts. Thanks so much you two!

There was a killer turn out from the ward as well as some friends that drove out to the party!
I got a breast pump from Grandma Barb - extremely necessary from what I hear.

And baby got her first luggage set from Grandma Dana! Something we will put to use as soon as we can make the trip to Grandma's house.

The second shower was in Idaho and put on by my Sister, Mom and Sister-In-Law! They did a great job. I spent the whole week with my mom, which was wonderful to be so pampered. They also surprised me with some out of town guests, which was so great. My best friend Katie drove all the way from Vegas for the shower, and along the way she bumped into my good friend Tiffy. It was such a treat to see them!

We had such a great turnout, it was so nice to see and be supported by people who have meant so much to me throughout life. Great friends, mentors and relatives!

Everyone went crazy with the gifts, I was so excited to come home and put everything away in the nursery! Mom and baby were spoiled rotten! We got diaper bag essentials, music, baby bracelets, clothes, blankets, books, stylish mom gear for diaper changing, gear for the car, and Brandon's favorite was the little girl surfer swimsuit!

My sister planned fun games and great food! The spread looked beautiful, and my sister-in-laws house was perfect for hosting.

We borrowed the diaper cake that Bethany made from the first shower, we thought it was so cute. And we ordered 48 mini adorable cupcakes from the Coco Bean that turned out so cute.

Julie made me a tutu out of the tissue paper and everyone loved making the huge pregnant lady to the belly dance!

Katie was such a great surprise. I have not seen her in so long, and she looked so darn cute, you would not believe that she has two little kids at home. Katie and her sister Amy kept us laughing the entire time.

My good friend Jill and her mom made it to the shower. She just became a new mom only a couple of weeks ago, it was so sweet of her to make the trip with her new little baby girl!

Julie has been my dance teacher since I was three years old, it was so much fun to have her there. She has been in my life for so long, she is like my second mom. I was so excited that she came.

Gifts galore! Thanks to everyone for all the fun goodies! I didn't get a picture with my mom, she was so busy keeping everything together! But, my favorite thing in the whole world is the puff quilt in the right corner of the picture. She put hundred of hours into making this for the nursery, cutting and darting each little baby square, sewing each square and then row. I am sure she has over 200 hours of work into this quilt, but it looks so perfect in the nursery! I will treasure it forever! Thanks mom.

And thanks to Bethany, Gretchen, Angie, Necia and Mom for making everything so fun and wonderful. We have all that we need and more, now all we can do is wait for our little girl!

Birthday Girl

2009-02-28T11:10:00.000-08:00

It's Presley's Birthday!!!
She is three (or twenty one) depending how you think about it. She is such a precious little puppy, sometimes up to no good, but we love her nonetheless. To celebrate we will be eating a huge Mexican dinner with slow-cooked shredded pork, cilantro lime rice, handmade shells and chocolate cake. Presley gets her favorite soft dog food, new bone and a princess crown!

What have I been up to lately, now that I am done teaching? First of all, I am just getting bigger and bigger. And when I think my skin has stretched as far as it can, I get a little bigger. I can't lie down, sit or stand for very long, so I spend my day alternating between the three. To keep my mind occupied I attack one project a day. On this day I took everything out of the pantry and all the kitchen cupboards, wiped them all down, and reorganized.

I am always cleaning something in the baby's room. We just picked up the rocking chair, and I love it. I would start sleeping in it if I wasn't afraid of my water breaking in it! I have also run out of room for shoes in the baby's closet so I have moved on to a new obsession, hair bows!

And of course, our favorite part of the day, nap time. We are just counting down the days until our little girl arrives. Hoping that it comes early (as long as she is healthy) but trying to keep my mind busy so I don't go crazy if she comes late!

Welcome to my nephew

2009-02-20T09:26:00.000-08:00

Our extended family had a great week. We welcomed a new little boy to the family. My sweet sister-in-law gave birth to an adorable little boy, Sawyer Dustin. I think he looks just like his daddy. I took my camera to the hospital, but of course forgot to take pictures with all the excitement. I am so happy for Adrianne and Dom, it will be so fun to watch this little guy grow and see all the changes that happen in their little family. Seeing him made me more anxious and more nervous for our own little bundle to join the family.

33 Weeks Photos

2009-02-15T11:32:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of the baby bump at 33 weeks. I am ready to pop! Did anyone else feel as if their ribs might literally break? I can't wait to meet this sweet little girl, only 49 days to go!

Happy Valentines day! We had a very relaxing valentines. We had breakfast in bed, and then went to a beautiful spa and got an hour long couples message. It felt so great to be pampered. Then we topped the day off with dinner at The Spaghetti Factory. It was a great day, thanks sweet husband!

6th Photo Tag

2009-02-15T11:23:00.000-08:00

This is the 6th photo in my photo library. It is a picture of me and Brandon at a little restaurant in Costa Rica when we were dating.

I tag anyone who wants to dig through their photo library for their 6th picture!

Blaser Baby Shower

2009-02-09T11:27:00.000-08:00

My Mother-In-Law Barb put together a baby shower for me and my Sis-In-Law Adrianne. It was great. Ad is due anyday now with a little boy who we can't wait to meet. The shower gifts were fun, one for boy and one for girl. The food was great and the company was even better.

Thanks Grandma Barb!

My Mom and Dad were in town, so my Mom got to join us for the shower!!

Fun for me - I love Mommy time.

Our baby girl was so spoiled by all! Thanks everyone. These are some adorable little shoes that Paula made, with a matching carseat cover. This little girl is so blessed.

We got a good start on our little baby library. I love this nursery rhymes book, I was really starting to worry because I don't remember any nursery rhymes so this will be a great resource.

The two Mommy's-to-be. I am glad Ad has to go first!!!

Two Mommy's-to-be with their wonderful Moms!

Paula - the craftiest little thing this side of the Mississippi.

Aunt Becky and Aunt Diana - always supportive and full of fun!

I was so excited they came.

Later that night I went to a shower for one of my best girl friends, Jill. She is also having her first baby, a little girl and is due in March. It was so fun to catch up with old friends from high school, and see Jill as she is about to be a Mommy. She will be great!

ABC's

2009-02-01T09:28:00.000-08:00

The ABC's of Ashley

Aunt is one of her favorite jobs

Brandon is her loving husband

Children are her number one dream

(This is a cute tag I saw on Audra's blog)

A - attached or single - attached like crazy to my crazy husband

B - best friends - my husband and my parents

C - cake or pie - I will have to go with pie (banana cream!)

D - day of choice - a day spent laughing and lounging with my family

E- essential item(s) - pledge, a vacuum, an iron, a good book, a bubble bath and my franklin planner

F- favorite color - red

G - gummy worms or bears - bears

H - hometown - Tetonia (Teton Valley) Idaho, my favorite place on earth!

I - indulgences - I can't stay out of the Nordstroms shoe department, and oreos

J - January or July - July, I am a summer girl

K - kids - first one on the way!!!!!

L - life is incomplete without - someone to share all the joys and sorrows with

M - marriage date - 5/14/05

N - number of siblings - two, Angee and Tyler

O - oranges or apples - oranges, although I hate peeling them

Q- quotes - "You can't ride two horses with one ass" (always be clear and strong in your decisions, life is too short to stand in gray areas)

P- phobias or fears - I am terrified of snakes and I still don't like being home alone at night

R- reason to smile - I get to meet my daughter in less than three months

S- season - summer because Brandon will spend more play time with me and Fall because of the beautiful colors

T- tag friends - Adrianne and her blog stocker friends!!!

U- unknown facts about me - I have malignant-hypothermia (which means I can't get the gas at the dentists, bummer), when I am really mad I kick Brandon in the shin, I am not quite 5'1, but I always say I am, I have never had braces on my teeth, I have always wanted bigger boobs, I am thinking of opening my own business, and I still call my mom almost everyday.

V- very favorite story - I could listen to my mom tell stories about her childhood, her mother or her life all day long

W- worst habit - I pick at my toenails until they bleed (gross)

X- x-ray, ultrasound, or mammogram - there is nothing more amazing than seeing your baby for the first time

Y- your favorite food - pasta and cheese, I guess anything that clogs you up!

Z- zodiac - Leo

Presley and Baby

2009-01-29T13:59:00.000-08:00

Here I am at almost 31 weeks. Sleep is all I want to do! My so sweet little dog Presley has insisted on sleeping on the baby bump since August. I don't know if she can sense something special or if she just likes the extra warmth that my huge belly seems to radiate. We have gotten quite accustom to her cuddling with the baby bump all night long. If it is even possible, she has become even more of a mama's girl. She refuses to go outside for her morning piddle unless mom is out of bed and holding the treat; if we try to trick her she runs right back in the house. Presley is so sweet and funny! It will be interesting to see how she behaves when the baby comes, but if this picture is any indication, I think she will love our new baby girl as much as we do.

Our New President

2009-01-21T08:08:00.000-08:00

I was so excited yesterday watching all the events. I could barely pull myself from the TV all day. I felt like a very proud and hopeful American. What an inspiring man and an inspiring message. It is so refreshing to finally be asked to sacrifice and be involved in the future of my country. I know the road ahead is long, but I am excited to see what the future holds with this wonderful man leading our country.

27 Week Photos

2009-01-09T17:46:00.000-08:00

Pregnancy at 27 Weeks!!

I feel gigantic! It is for a great cause I know - but this sure feels weird. I am still teaching about 20 hours a week and trying to keep my energy up for all the kids, but I must confess that I am moving a lot slower as I get up and down off the floor. Plus every time I demonstrate a leap I feel like the skin stretched across my stomach is going to pop. Never in my career as a dancer have I experienced such intense cramping in my calves, and thats when I am asleep. Even with all the complaints and the changes in my body I am still loving it. I can't wait until this little bundle arrives.

2009-01-09T17:27:00.000-08:00

We had a great friend of ours Monty over for the day and he helped us paint the nursery! I was so excited about how it turned out. This picture does not do the colors justice, but they look great together. I can't wait until we get the bedding and drapery (which my mom is so graciously making) and the cute rocking chair I found, all put in the room. It is so fun to decorate for a little girl.

2008-12-29T14:48:00.000-08:00

A few pics from Christmas.

We had a great white Christmas in Idaho. We were snowed in for most of the time, but it was wonderful to be home and with family. I loved spending time with my mom in the kitchen, I never laugh so hard as when I am with her. Our little baby on the way had an amazing Christmas from everyone. Thanks to all the Grandma's and Grandpa's and family for all the fun stuff she received. I have had a great time putting it all away in the baby nursery.

My brother Tyler and his family were able to spend most of the time up at my mom's with us. Their little boy RJ was inseparable with Presley, so he just joined the family picture.

We were all excited Christmas morning. Even Presley got in on the action of opening gifts. This is her new Christmas sweater!

Even Santa remembered Presley with this little toy, sadly it was destroyed within an hour and stuffing strewn throughout the house.

Santa brought Brandon a helmet of his own. He is now fully ready to ride!

Cousin Asia and our little baby to be got tutu's from my mom! I can't wait to use it on my little girl, and get a picture of the two cousins wearing them.

Brandon's biggest surprise was a Wii from my parents. It will be a fun game for the parents to be to play together. Thanks mom and dad!

Here are the boys playing the Wii, Tyler got one too! I guess you are never too old for toys.

We gave Asia and RJ a little igloo fort with a crawl through tunnel entrance. It was a hit.

Little RJ braved the tunnel right after his sister.

Even my dad played the fun Grandpa and got in the fort.

Presley and RJ on their afternoon nap.

It was great to see Dylan, although they could not make it up Christmas day because of the weather, it was fun to celebrate a day late with my favorite 11 yr old boy! Grandpa and Grandma gave him a cell phone for Christmas and it is clear that it will be easy to keep in touch with him, I think my last 20 texts are from him!

Asia is getting ready for the traditional Christmas snowmachine fun.

When the weather finally calmed down a bit, we drove down to see Brandon's Grandparents. Poor Grandma fell and hit her eye on the kitchen counter, we wish her a quick recovery. It was so good to see them over the holidays.

2008-12-17T11:11:00.000-08:00

8's Tag

8 Favorite TV Shows

1. 24 (new season in January!!!)

2. Brothers and Sisters

3. Grey's Anatomy

4. Desperate Housewives

5. Friends (Re-runs, I can't get enough)

6. What Not to Wear

7. Jon & Kate Plus 8

8. I Love Lucy

8 Things I Did Yesterday

1. Made 4 different phone calls to my mom

2. Went to 4 different stores to track down Dylan's Christmas

3. Ate a horrible quick lunch at a Wendy's drivethru

4. Taught two creative classes at an elementary school

5. Searched Tai Pan Trading for some Christmas Gifts

6. Bought two new baby outfits (I can't resist)

7. Made a Lasagna for dinner

8. Watched "The Dark Knight" with Brandon

8 Things I Look Forward To

1. Spending Christmas in Idaho

2. Having a baby girl!!

3. Seeing Brandon as a first time Daddy

4. Seeing Presley on Thursday (she has been with my parents for two weeks)

5. Painting and Decorating the Nursery after Christmas

6. The new gym opening just down the street in January

7. Brandon finishing his Thesis, and then after two years, school

8. Meeting our new nephew in February

8 Favorite Restaurants

1. Spaghetti Factory

2. Spaghetti Mamas

3. Cheesecake Factory

4. The Blue Iguana

5. California Pizza Kitchen

6. Kneaders Bakery

7. Anything Thai

8. The Roof Top (for special occasions)

8 Things on my Wish List

1. Have at least 3 kids

2. Travel to Italy

3. Own a studio or be a Professor

4. Buy a mom car (volvo cross country/GMC Acadia or Tahoe)

5. See my family more

6. Buy Brandon a truck and then a ski boat

7. A nice new home where we commute less

8. Someday, go through the Temple

I tag anyone who has not done this yet. It is fun to see people's favorites.

2008-12-17T09:44:00.000-08:00

I was digging through my camera bag and came across these old pictures from August 08. This is the last time the whole Hoopes family got together! Lets hope that snowmobiling on Christmas day goes better!

My favorite little 11yr old nephew, Dylan, had the first accident. He was riding with Brandon and Tyler and wanted to do all the things the big boys do. Tyler was guiding Dylan on a tight turn when the fore-wheeler started to tip. Dylan fell off and I don't know how, but Tyler managed to get between Dylan and the machine and catapult it upward. It knocked Tyler off a 30 foot drop where he landed in a tree, and this is what became of the fore-wheeler.

This is not a repeat image! It is a second fore-wheeler. While the rest of us went out on the boat, my dad and Grandpa Bob stayed at camp to do some more fore-wheeling. When it got a little too steep on the trail Grandpa let off the gas (never a good idea) and the fore-wheeler rolled right over top of him. This is where it landed.

With a few strong men folk, they were able to un-tangle the machine, and believe it or not they could actually drive it down the mountain!

Over 80 and invincible! Standing by his proud wreckage a bruised Grandpa Bob stood triumphantly! We were all just glad that Grandpa, Dylan and Tyler only walked away with minor injuries.

While the boys at camp were crashing down mountains, the rest of us enjoyed some time on the lake. This is Brandon helping Dylan get ready. Dylan was such a big boy, with a little help from Brandon in the water to get up he was skiing with the best of them.

A newly pregnant me on the boat. This is the trip where we excitedly told my family we were having a baby. This is my mom, skiing, this little girl could not ask for a cooler grandma!

Asia, my little niece who is now two, cheering Grandma on!

All in all, it was an eventful camping trip. We are very lucky that everyone walked away with no broken bones. I can't wait to have everyone together again for Christmas. Hopefully, we will all have just as much fun and walk away just as healthy. I love my family and can't wait to spend the holidays in Idaho this year.

2008-12-12T11:45:00.000-08:00

After a wonderful Thanksgiving with the Blaser's and the Segura's, Brandon and I took a quick getaway to Hawaii. We had a great time! It was a last little adventure before I get too big to play. We spent a couple of days on the North shore while staying with Brandon's old roommate and his wife and then a few days around Waikiki. I sat most of the time under a large beach umbrella and watched Brandon surf and snorkel, but we both had a great and relaxing time.

This is us at the Polynesian Cultural Center. This was one of my favorite parts of the trip!

I really enjoyed the food! I loved everything pineapple, the drinks, the ice cream and all the fresh fruit.

There were a couple of beaches where the turtles would just swim right up on shore. They were protected areas so I guess they were just used to the people. Turtles were always one of my favorite things to see scuba diving, they look so out of place and amazing under water.

Yes it is a maternity swim suit! Ha Ha, my first time in Hawaii and I have a huge belly!

This is a picture of Brandon cliff diving (it is the same spot off the movie "Forgetting Sarah Marshell." After this dive he went spear fishing and being the man that he is caught a little nemo fish!

Being around 6 months pregnant I sat the dive out, however I am not sure if I would have been able to get back up the rock even if I weren't pregnant. This is Brandon and his friend Mose, the wives waited at the top!

One of the overlook points on the island.

Brandon during his day of surfing. I sat under a huge beach umbrella and lounged! I think we both got to do what we love!

We had a great trip, big belly and all! I have the sweetest and most adventurous husband. There is ever a dull moment when I am married to him. Thanks for the great trip!

Thanksgiving List

2008-11-26T07:53:00.000-08:00

10 Things I am incredibly thankful for this year.

1. I am thankful for the growing baby girl that is soon to arrive.

2. I am thankful for my husband Brandon and how hard he tries to make me happy.

3. I am thankful for my mom and dad, two of my best friends, and the best examples of how to be good, honest and loving people through this life.

4. I am thankful for all of our family and the support that they give us in their own unique ways.

5. I am thankful for my little baby dog, Presley, and the fact that she is always excited when I walk through the door.

6. I am thankful for our home, and how we have been able to grow and learn as a family within its walls.

7. I am thankful that Brandon and I had the opportunity to receive an education and the doors that will open for our future.

8. I am thankful for the renewed hope in America and the prospect for a better future for my daughter.

9. I am thankful for my calling as Primary Secretary and all that I learn from the little children each week.

10. I am thankful for the direction our lives are taking and can't wait to see what the future holds.

2008-11-22T15:24:00.000-08:00

It's not over until the fat lady tells a joke!

This weekend is my final performance with RDT, if you can call it a performance. It is our fall family show, and apparently some of the higher-ups at RDT find a pregnant woman aesthetically unpleasing onstage. So for my farewell performance I walk onstage, stand behind boxes and tell a joke! That's it! No dancing for this mother-to-be. Luckily I can laugh about the whole situation. I am not uncomfortable in a leotard but I guess it would make some people feel uneasy. I forget that most of the dancing world does not like to present "real people" onstage. So I say goodbye to my professional dancing days for now with a funny little joke about a frog.

2008-11-21T16:10:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays from Our Family to Yours!

We are looking forward to a wonderful holiday season. I have to admit I am already listening to Christmas music in the car, and trying to convince Brandon to put up the lights this weekend. All I am missing is a big snow storm and I will be completely content and ready for Christmas. Brandon is being a wonderful husband and taking me on a vacation to Hawaii in the beginning of December (I am sure it will be the last one we take for a little while)! It will be a great way to kick off the season together. Then it will be back to the hopefully snowy weather, although I might not be up for all the fun winter sports this year! Christmas is my favorite time of year, and we have so much to celebrate in our lives.

2008-11-21T15:36:00.000-08:00

Could you say no to these adorable puppy eyes!! I know that I spoil our little Presley dog, but she is so sweet that I just can't resist. Brandon and I have been working like crazy these past few months, so as guilty dog parents we have been taking her to doggy daycare! Yes you read that right, doggy daycare. She has been going about three days a week and loves playing with her friends. They tell me her best friend is a huge black lab named Guss. The best part of the deal is that at night she is so exhausted she sleeps from 6pm to 6am without a peep. She is such a wonderful little addition to our family. It will be interesting to see her adjust to the new baby girl in April. For now, she likes to curl up on my ever growing belly and snore the night away!

2008-11-17T08:33:00.000-08:00

It's A Girl!!!

I am about 20 weeks along and we can't wait to meet her! We are busy shopping for strollers and cribs and every little thing a new baby might need. We are trying to pick out paint and deciding how to decorate the nursery. All the grandmas are busy making blankets and quilts. We want to finish a spare bedroom in the basement over the holidays so we can move the guest room downstairs, and leave the upstairs rooms just for mommy and her baby girl. We have a lot to do, but we are loving the process. Although my belly is huge, she measures really small, but everything looks good and healthy. I think she already has a beautiful profile!

2008-10-05T13:56:00.000-07:00

My baby bump made it's stage debut on Thursday October 2nd. We were able to hear the babies heart beat on the 3rd, however I think the baby might be a dancer or a mover of some sort because they would not hold still for more than a few seconds as we tried to locate the heart beat. Here are a couple of backstage photos of the babies first stage appearance.

2008-10-05T13:49:00.000-07:00

I found out I was pregnant on Sunday, August 3rd. Brandon was working at the hospital in Salt Lake and did not get home until 12:30 a.m. This is what he found waiting for him on the bed. He just started laughing!

2008-10-05T13:41:00.000-07:00

Brandon and I spend a lot of summer hours trying to improve our golf game at a little course in Tooele. It is one of Brandon's favorite activities that I can actually participate in!

2008-08-23T10:15:00.001-07:00

We are having a baby!!!! I am almost 10 weeks along and we couldn't be more excited!!!

2008-06-09T20:29:00.000-07:00

Repertory Dance Theater

I am back to work! After six wonderfully lazy weeks off RDT started back up again. This will be my second season with the company - and I am really enjoying it. We are working on a piece with Andrea Miller for our upcoming tour and fall concert. It is so nice to work with so many different choreographers and different styles. After six weeks off today was a challenge. I can really feel my almost 30 year old knees after almost six whole hours of floor work. But, what could be better than to get paid doing what you love!!!

2008-06-08T14:37:00.000-07:00

Desert Peak Rodeo!!!

We enjoyed a fun night out at the rodeo in Tooele. It had been so long since either of us had attended a rodeo, we forgot how much fun they can be. Brandon's favorite part is the team roping and Ashley loves the Muttin Bustin! And of course, who can look away as the bull riding happens. It was a cold night, with even a little rain, but we had a good time on our date night out!

2008-06-06T19:00:00.000-07:00

Brandon's 30th Birthday

Brandon celebrated his 30th this year. I think he is having a hard time adjusting to the thirties! He is complaining about a lot of body aches! I think he makes a good looking 30 year old. We celebrated, just the two of us by enjoying a delicious mexican dinner at the Blue Iguana. Then we invited the whole Blaser clan over for a BBQ. He was surprised when we all went in on a new set of golf clubs for him. Happy Birthday to my favorite 30 year old!!!

2008-06-06T18:30:00.000-07:00

Our First Family Blog!!!

I am finally catching up with technology. We have been a family now for three years, and we thought we would share it with all of you. We were married in May of 2005 and have been in school since then. I just finished my MFA - hurray! My husband is working on his Ph.d in school psych and we hope he will finish in 2010. No babies to show off - but we do have one adorable puppy named Presley. She fills our baby hunger until we are able to have kids. As a professional dancer they tend to frown on the sudden change in body weight! But, hopefully soon, we will be able to start adding to our family.