A few pictures....

I am back among the living now. I had a few rough, ROUGH, days but things are a bit better now. I just want to say thank you to all those that left such sweet comments, called to check on me, took my kids, brought me amazing & thoughtful gifts, etc. Thank you to each one of you. I truly am blessed with fabulous people in my life. I think I will be okay for the rest of the week now. (keeping fingers crossed, of course!) WHEW!

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Disclaimer:
sorry about the quality of these pictures. I tried to take them, apparently, at the WORST time of day and the sun was glaring at me from all angles (no blinds to shade yet). My "shade" setting couldn't even tone it down.. anyways, I'll post some so you can get a little bit of an idea of what things look like. I promise I will take other GOOD ones and post them soon.

Welcome to our almost new home.. It is so weird to think about

Master bedroom (bad picture, I know)

View from the middle landing of staircase going up


view from top of the stairs

ahh, the pepto room (a.k.a. Rylee and Tay's room- they love it!)

Upstairs bathroom
Jayson's room

Walk in shower

Other side of shower (I think it is one of my favorite places)

Master bathroom

Tub in Master

Kitchen

Another view

Dining nook

Back porch

Family Room

I know not the best, but more will come soon. Loves to you all.

1 + 1 = NOT GOOD

So Wednesday morning I threw my back out. I guess I carried too many boxes the day before and somehow pinched a nerve. It really has been awful!

I had been typing on the computer and when I stood up- WHAMMO- it dropped me to the ground. I seriously couldn't even move, literally. Luckily Tayler was home so she brought me the phone. I made my way to my tub, filled it up and got in thinking that would help, but it took me a good 20 minutes to get out. I felt better afterwards and thought that maybe it wasn't anything big, until I put my pants on and again another pain dropped me to the ground. I called Sean sobbing and he came right home and has been helping me ever since. He is seriously such an amazing person! He does whatever with no complaining at all.

Yesterday late afternoon I started feeling really really cold and couldn't get warm (even with my pants, long sleeve shirt, sweatshirt, big HUGE fuzzy socks and slippers on) I was still shivering. I even laid in front of Jayson's heater in his bedroom, but still couldn't shake the shivers. We finally took my temperature and it was 102! Really, if not being able to move wasn't bad enough I get some awful virus that makes me puke, shiver, body aches all over, stiff neck, etc. OH BOY! I haven't been sick for a long time- WHY now? I have so much to do. Did I mention that we are moving in 1 week- YES, 1 week and I move like I'm 90!

This is gonna be a long week.

A day with the dentist

Yesterday Tay & Rylee had a date with the Dentist to get there teeth cleaned. They both did amazing and were so cute. Rylee couldn't wait until it was her turn. I love the office I work in!!

They were all so great with my kids. Tayler also had a tooth pulled out. She had one where the permanent tooth has already grown up behind her baby one so Dr. Jeff pulled it out. The shot hurt her, but she didn't shed any tears. They also gave her a little "happy gas" just for fun too. I was scared that she was going to divulge family secrets because she was starting to act a little "loopy" and spouting off whatever she thought off.

Since she was numb she had no idea that the dentist had already pulled out her tooth. She was amazed. It was funny! So Miss tooth fairy paid us a visit last night.

Seriously, Rylee wants to go back to the dentist today.

My little girls are growing up Rylee getting some flouride (a.k.a. "Bubbles") on her teeth

A big Shout out to my friend Maria who kept Rylee after dance yesterday at her house until we went to the Dentist. It was so nice and I got a LOT of packing done!

I will have pictures of our new home soon. I promise!

Reflection

Today marks 6 years that we had to say goodbye to my sweet Dad. There have been so many times that I have longed to just talk to him and get his opinion on things. Sometimes I talk to him in the car while I am driving (of course, only if I am by myself or my kids are asleep ;)

He was a great man that did so much behind the scenes. He was always there if you needed him. He was such a great listener and you ALWAYS knew that you were loved.

My mom has been amazing through it all. I am not sure how she does it, but somehow she does!

I feel lucky to have the family that I do. Thank heavens for our gospel knowledge that we will be reunited again. What an amazing blessing and time that will be.

Similarities?

It is always fun to go back and see the similarities between siblings. The other day in the tub I noticed that Jayson's hair was looking a slight bit curly and I totally had a flashback to when Tayler was that age (with very little hair also, but still quite curly) so I dug out the old photos to see what I could find.

Here are some pictures of both of them. I tried to get a decent picture of Jayson, but since he rarely stops moving, that was a little more tricky, until I handed him a toothbrush.

What do you think?

Kind of fun eh? It will be interesting to see. Tayler has very curly hair so we'll see what Jayson's really does.
Now for Rylee, she is from a completely different mold. Maybe, JUST maybe if we ever have another one he/she may pick up on the Rylee characteristics. Anyway, just a fun trip down memory lane.

Happy Birthday Brent!

I love this picture of Uncle Brent and Jayson. This is when Jayson met his uncle and look at that smile ( I think he likes him :)!

We hope you have a fun filled day today Brent! Thank you for being an amazing example and a great brother. I wish that we lived closer and got to see you more, but I can't wait until APRIL!

Have a great day! Loves!

The verdict is in...

Yesterday Tayler didn't feel well all day and I knew she had a sore throat but honestly I just thought it was post nasal drip.
Nope, it was full fledged STREP! This morning her little eyes just looked sick so I took her in to the doctor. I should have taken her yesterday, but I hate paying $50 to have them tell me it is a virus and there is nothing to do but wait it out.
Anyway, now that she is on an antibiotic I hope that she will start to perk up soon. I hate it when they are so sick. It breaks my heart.

Snow Day

okay, I have already used the snow blower TWICE and there is already another inch or more and it is not stopping yet. UGH!

Tay woke up this morning with a sore throat, Rylee wouldn't wake up for school and Jayson was up past midnight last night so I cancelled all plans and decided that we are going to have a snow day today.

My fridge is longing for food to be in it, but I haven't gone to the store (and definitely won't today) so we have been creative on our meals thus far. It has been interesting.

My sister and I are starting a project. We are going to find all the pictures of my dad, scan them into a file, and then put together a slide show/movie. I am excited to get it started. I have been rounding all of mine up and it has been a little hard looking through them all. I laugh and cry a little too. We are approaching 6 years since he passed away and it doesn't really seem to get any easier. I think the end result of this little project will be priceless.

Anyway, happy snow day to all of you! (hopefully you don't have snow where you are).

Happy Valentines Day

First off, Happy Valentines Day to each of you my family and friends.

Yesterday at work I received a surprise that was so beautiful. When the flower guy came in he said "now who is Jessica?" I was shocked! (only because Sean doesn't get me flowers because of a comment I made long, long ago about how they just die and are so much money).
Well, I'm glad he forgot about that silly comment because they made me BEAM all day long. He even had given them his own card to put with it and not some message they typed on the card themselves. It also included a box of YUMMY chocolates from some ritzy chocolate store. I loved it!! THANKS babe, you are the best, REALLY!

I love all my little Valentines today!

Last night when I came home from work, there was a darling package sitting on the table that Sean had brought in. It was from the couple buying our house and she had made little aprons for my 2 girls complete with purses, bows, candy and a sweet card. Can it get any better than that? She really is a gem and I am so excited that she loves us too. It is the perfect match!

I hope that you ALL have a "L-O-V-E-ly" day!

Hugs and Kisses or should I say "be mine" :)

My VIP

Rylee had a singing program at her pre-school a while ago. The theme was:

" I'M A VERY IMPORTANT PERSON"

It was darling! I love the pre-school she attends, they do such a wonderful job in everything. I was so proud that morning when my little Rylee walked in. She definitely has given me a run for my money, but lately she has been sweet as sugar. I'm not sure where the change is coming from but, I'll take it! She randomly says throughout the day- "mom, I love you"

Rylee with her teacher, Mrs. Dani

Thanks for making me smile Rylee! I sure love you too.

Our Trip

Is there anything better that leaving your doors open, listening to the waves of the ocean crash and feeling warm air? I didn't think so either! We had such an amazing time on our trip to California. We ate fabulous food, walked on the beach, shopped in an awesome outdoor mall, slept, had the best massage ever, sat on the patio, and just enjoyed the 78 degree weather. It was a little slice of heaven and everything was paid for.

This is the hotel that we stayed in. All of the rooms had a balcony that was private.

A view from our balcony and our friend Mr. Seagull. We ate breakfast out here the day we flew out. That was awesome.

The beautiful sunset

The beach. It really was breath taking. I am definitely a beach type girl- not diggin the snow we came home too.

All in all everything was wonderful. Our kids did great and enjoyed some time with Grandma and Grandpa. I loved having some one on one time with my hubby!

Off to Sunny Cali

Sean and I get to spend a few days in Sunny California-- all expenses paid-- thank you SelectHealth!

It is a broker retreat and they invite spouses to go. I am so excited. I do hate to leave my kids though, but they are in great hands with Grandma and Grandpa. Thank you so much for watching them for us!! We are very VERY appreciative.

Quality Time

I have some major catch up to do! Last week Tayler and Rylee had their Dance Recital. It was so much fun and both girls did fantastic. I was a bit worried that Rylee would bow out at the last minute, but she did great. She was so serious the whole time up on stage, watching her teacher so intently, we laughed so hard. Tayler is a natural. She really does well at dance. It was fun to see how excited they were to do it. At the end their Daddy gave them flowers and then we went out for ice cream with our friends.

Here are some pictures from the night (my camera couldn't capture any great ones during the performance. We need to figure out how to get a video clip on here.)

Ready to go out..

We have been so busy lately. It always seems like there is something to be doing that needs to be done right then. I have decided that I am going to simplify this week and focus on spending quality time with my kids. I want to talk to them and then listen to what they have to say instead of the "how was school Tay- good" conversation. I want to really cherish this time I have with them. I want them to know that they are the only thing I really have going on and not the 101 other things. To know that I have time to listen to what they have to say instead of cutting them off because I have to answer the phone or because I am too caught up in something else going on. Everything else can wait, at least a few minutes, right?

Happy Birthday Jen

Today is my sister's birthday and I wanted to send her many birthday wishes.

She will never fully realize how much I appreciate ALL that she has done for me (and believe me it is A LOT). She has always gone out of her way to help me in any way she can. I love that I can call her whenever I just need to talk and she will listen. She is a great sounding board, a wonderful example and one of my best friends. She is a beautiful person inside and out. I am so blessed to have someone like her in my life, especially as a sister. I love you Jen!

p.s. I really think she is aging backwards too. Each year she looks a little bit younger. Seriously!

Lots of love from our family to Y-O-U!

HOLY MOLY

She's four!

She brings SO much joy into our lives! I remember being so excited for Christmas to be over because it meant I would have my baby girl in my arms shortly. I was instructed by Sean that I HAD to wait until after January 1st to have her, so we waited until the 3rd, and when it was "go" time she came quickly!

It is hard to believe that she has been in our lives for 4 years, although at times it seems like it really has been much longer than that.

She can be so sweet and so stubborn all at the same time. She loves her sister and her brother so much. She loves to hug. She loves to cuddle. She loves to play dress up. She loves to watch movies. She loves to eat chips. She is my first to wake up every morning. She loves to sing. And right now her favorite thing is Chronicles of Narnia: Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe, so if you could address her as "Queen Susan" that would be much appreciated.

Happy birthday my little Rylee Pot Pie. We sure LOVE you!

Friends

I love my friends from High School. I love that I haven't seen them in years, but we can pick up and talk about the "then" and "now" It is so fun to see and hear about all the life events that everyone has experienced.

My mom was SO kind to let us all meet at her house to have our little get together. Thank you so much mom. She was a fabulous hostess and everything was perfect.

Lisa came later so we had to take another picture.

Thank you so much for coming everyone! It was wonderful to see you all!

Is it really over?

I can't believe that Christmas has come and gone..

After our Christmas Eve party we opened up Christmas p.j.'s. and then it was off to dream of sugar plum fairies...

Christmas morning. We didn't wake up until 9:00. I love that my kids are sleepers too.

This picture is my favorite. I admire the "love" they truly have for each other. (this was after Rylee opened up the gift that Tayler picked out for her). It was so cute and I'm so glad that my awesome photographer captured it. So sweet!

Jayson just chillin'

Rylee with her new Salon from Santa.

Jayson LOVES our vacuum so I found one more his size. He stinkin' loves it. After he opened it he didn't care about opening anything else until later. He vacuums all day long. It made me smile. Tayler got a new MP3 player. She listened to music all day. She told me that she doesn't care about watching TV anymore and just wants to listen to music from now on.

We had SUCH a relaxing day. It was glorious. We played with toys, we ate, we took a LONG nap and watched movies. I really needed a day like that. I never even got dressed. Merry Christmas to me!

It was so fun to talk to my whole family too. Thank heavens for Skype. I love you all SOOO much!

I hope that everyone else had a fantastic Christmas too!