All is calm, all is bright.

We have arrived home safe and sound from our week long trip to our California home.
If you're confused... In Utah, home = California. While in California, home = Utah.


We arrived Thursday afternoon and visited Dad for a while. Then after Mom got off work we joined her for some Yummy Thai food.

Friday we spent the entire day at Disneyland with William and his friend. We had so much fun and ate way to much.
Saturday was Christmas Eve ate dinner and opened our presents. We. Were. Spoiled.

Sunday was Christmas and I woke up early that morning and brought Jack in the Box (tradition) to my Dad before heading off to church. After church we got a call from Elder (Josh) Lyman. So great to hear from him and in just a few short months he will be home!  Then hung out and played with our toys till dinner. Prime Rib! Yum! After dinner we raced over to the Websters to play games with Zach's family. Zach broke his 24 year tradition of throwing up on Christmas. Little depressing because it has become such a joke BUT I think we tricked  his body by celebrating the day before.
Monday we slept in, ran errands with Dad and hung around with him. Then dinner at Yang Ming, my fave Chinese place then off to the hot tub.

Tuesday we took our tandem beach cruiser for a spin in Newport. It was beautiful weather. We stopped for lunch and some ice cream before heading home. That night we watched Sherlock Homes and then visited my friend Stephanie and family. Later that night I visited Dad for some TLC and watched the Glee movie with him and Sophie.
Wednesday was our final day, and after running errands and packing the car we didn't have much time to hang with the family. So after a quick sushi lunch with the parentals; we were on the road to Utah.

 In the blink of an eye it was over. It seemed the week just flew by and we hardly got to spend as much time with the family as we wanted. This year we had to do things a little differently due to the unforeseen circumstances. My dear Father fell in the beginning of November and broke his ankle. After a few days in the hospital they decided to throw him into a rehab facility for anywhere from 3-6 months. Ugh! He hates it but is doing well so far. Since my jet-setter of a Mother has been flying across the country for work, it has left her little time to decorate for Christmas. BUT this amazing woman still found time to make TONS of goodies, do all the Christmas shopping and make a fabulous prime rib dinner.
We are so lucky to have her!
We were completely spoiled this year! Thank you Mom and Dad for making this an amazing Christmas.

Dear Daddy

How can I begin to tell you how much I love you without saying, Thank you?

You are my best friend and biggest supporter. Thank you for always being there for me growing up. Thank you for the love that you have given me. I love being able to call you almost every night and talk. I love our inside jokes, our funny voices and making up songs together. Thank you for always letting me sing along to the radio in the car or the TV in the room, you helped me grow my talent and not to mention my love for music and the oldies. Thank you for comforting me when I was upset as a child. It really meant a lot to me. Thank you for punishing me and grounding me too. I may not have realized at the time but that discipline helped shape me into the women I am now. Thank you for always cooling off my french fries in the AC before I could eat them.  Thank you for the wonderful example of loving Mom and making us a family.  Thank you for supporting our family for so many year and working long hours to give your children all they needed and wanted. Thank you for making every Christmas and birthday special. Thank you for going up to bat against Mom, when I REALLY REALLY wanted something. Thank you for letting me be your nurse, spa technician, chef, hair stylist and barber over the years. Though those careers never seemed to pan out, it was still really fun to practice on you as a kid. Thank you for helping me learn to drive and for taking care of me after I crashed the car. And especially thank you for not being too mad at me for totaling said car. I don't care what insurance said, that was NOT my fault. Thank you for not killing any/all of the boys who tried to take me on dates, even though you may have wanted to, I appreciate the restraint. Thank you for all you have taught me throughout the years. Thank you for helping us this month to accomplish the things we needed to do. You have been such a blessing.

 

You really are amazing, Dad. I am proud of you for all of your accomplishments. I am proud of you for your goal to go to the temple. I look forward to the blessings you will receive because of this. I can't explain it much more then, its amazing.  I am glad that I can be your example for once because you have been mine for so long. Because of your great example to me I have been able to find someone just like you to be with forever. He may never be my Daddy, but he also holds a big place in my heart for the leading man role. When I found Zach I knew I could never marry him unless he was just like my Dad. Someone who loved me more than anything, always wanted to see me smile and was always there to listen. And well, I lucked out because Zach turned out to be that amazing guy, and so far I think I'll keep him around.

 

Its funny to think that the older I get the closer we become. I secretly love it. You know my secrets, my good days and my bad. I am so lucky to have such an amazing Dad. Thank you for my "care packages" once I had grown up and moved away. They helped me not feel so homesick in the new chapter in my life. Thank you for adopting Sophie as your fuzziest grandchild. I hope the future ones will look nothing like her! I look forward to seeing you as a Grandpa though. I know you will be just as great at that job too. My kids will be so lucky to know you and grow up with you. I really hope you are taking care of yourself for this reason. This past year has been a rough one for you and honestly has scared the crud out of me at some points. The thought of my life without you has made me cry several times because I really don't want that. I pray that you will be healthy and strong and live forever.I know that last part can't happen but you sure as hell better try. I need someone to drive the car behind the bus while I cry my eyes out as my baby goes to kindergarten.  I need someone to sneak candy to my kids after I said no. I'm selfish and I need you.  I want my kids to know you and have so many wonderful memories with you. I want them to have inside jokes and funny songs with their Grandpa. Keep up the good work, you are doing great!

I am proud of all that you do.

 

But most of all...

 

Thank you for being the Papa Bear to this little bear.

I love you.

 

Hope you have a wonderful day, I'll call you later.

He did it!!!

Finally after over a year and a half of waiting, countless meetings, and endless paperwork he did it!!

Zach has worked so hard to create a club on campus. They are the EMS first responders for Utah Valley University. They provide medical attention in emergency situations to students while on campus. This will helps much! It is also an internship and Zach is one of the main people running it. Talk about adding more awesomeness to his medical school resume!? From this day on all future students have MY HUSBAND to thank for their well being..... Yay !!!

Dear Santa

We have been really good this year! We have been staying out of trouble. Eating our veggies. Going to bed early. Working two jobs. Trying to save money. And being nice to everyone. So now as we reflect on the many things we are thankful for this month, let us also take a minute to tell you what we really want..

All we really want is world peace and to help those in need.

(If I say that it means I get more presents, right?) j/k

Let us being with the littlest of the Lyman family, Sophie. She has simple needs.. a fancy fountain. Mostly because her mother forgets to give her water. She does not want bones because she does not have many teeth to enjoy them and no toys as her youth is fading quickly. Perhaps a bag of soft treats would be just right. She will also take anything from the Sky Mall magazine. In fact so would I! That thing has it all!

This is the one she picked out, its $80 bucks! Ha, she's not getting it.

Mr. Lyman actually has a list this year, which is great because I never know what to get him. It is a bummer because we are extremely low on funds this year and will have to make due.

His list includes:

SCRUBS - Size Top Med pant med. He really like the "digital navy " found here He would also like Plain scrubs; any color maybe darker colors the SET , Found Here
MCAT study books - Because he will be taking those in just a few short months and anything helps. Found Here

Additional things He has not said he wanted but I think he might need/like: Newest Pirates of the Caribbean movie. A year of Xbox live. New white church shirts (french cut). New church shoes. He could always use a new sweater for church too.

My list this year is quite literally a "wish list". I know everything on here I will not be getting but it is fun to dream and once I save up some money I will hopefully get them The Shark Steam Lift Away Mop - Amazing. Bigger house means more to clean. Sadly I feel lame asking for it but its more of a need then anything else. I'm still trying to find a coupon for it.

Black flats and everyday shoes. These I do not have specific ones picked out but they would be nice. The ones I currently have are warn away and are starting to have holes.

Filtrate water station because I go through water bottles like they are going out of style.

An angel for my willow tree nativity , this one its technically not the one that goes with the set but I like it so much more!

but my biggest wish of all is my digital camera. I really really really would love this one .

My laptop will survive another year, duct tape and love are still holding it together.

Gifts that are always good for US: Board games, DVD's, and maybe a mini DVD player for out bedroom or something, and gift cards to movies or dinner.
So Santa, you jolly old guy, these are are hopes and wishes for this year. Our stockings are hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that you will soon be there....
Love, Zach, Sara and Sophie.

Thankful

This month as kind of a tradition I like to pick one thing a day to be thankful for:
1- Zach home early
2- my brother for being there when dad fell
3- skilled surgeons
4- air travel
5 friends that care
6- as always on November 6 my mother
7- being home with my wonderful husband
8- jobs and income
9- technology
10 - My new skill of sewing.
11 - Dinner with friends, sushi
12- The Gospel and the knowledge that families can be together forever, Goodbye Joan.
13 my nieces and nephews sleeping in till 930
14- my home with more space
15 Sophie for being a good dog and not complaining when I'm sick in bed all day.
16 FaceTime with family in CA
17 An education for my husband
18 Candace cheering me up
19 day date with Zach. Crepes in movie
20 extended family get togethers.
21 being sealed forever!
22 buying christmas gifts
23. A healthy body. Aside from the flu this month
24 food!

Check this out!

Hey Everyone,

Just wanted you to check out my amazing friend Heather. She is a new and upcoming photographer and her work is amazing. We grew up together and she is just so much fun to work with! A while back I did a mock bridal shoot with her and this week I was featured on her blog , you have to scroll down a bit but take a look and tell me what you think.

It's that time of year again

That's right dear readers, it's time for our 2nd annual "spot the deer" game! Are you as excited as me?!


This one is tough but look hard and see if you can find him!

I know

Scriptures that are falling apart, usually belong to someone who isn't.

These are the scriptures given to me at age 8 when I was baptised and became a member of

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

I have cherished and highlighted them for many years.

They are one of my most priceless possessions.

I am grateful for the gospel in my life. I have been so blessed because of it.

I want my family and my future family to know what I know to be true. I have a firm testimony of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet and Thomas S. Monson is our living prophet today. He receives revelation for us and through his guidance we will be able to return to our Father in Heaven. I know that my Heavenly Father knows me personally and loves me. He listens to my prayers and is my biggest cheerleader in all things. I have a testimony of tithing and the blessings that come from it. I know it may not always be easy to "give up" a portion of your money, but I can promise that you will ALWAYS be taken care of if you do. This does not mean you will win the lotto and have excess cash, this means you will always have enough for your needs. Time and time again that has proven true to me. I am so grateful for temples and the knowledge that families can be together forever. I know that I am sealed to Zach for eternity and have comfort knowing that we can visit the temple any time to be able to have a place on earth where we can feel so close to our Heavenly Father and receive answers to our prayers. What a blessing it is to know that we will be together even after this life. Zach is my best friend and I can not imagine life with out him. I am thankful that he is a strong priesthood leader in our home. That he is able to give me blessings when I am sick and to listen to the guidance of our church leaders and make wonderful decisions for our home. I pray that my future sons grow up to serve full time missions and be worthy priesthood holders in their homes as well and be able to share those blessings with their future families. I know that Jesus Christ died for our sins so that we may be able to return to heaven again. I know the Book of Mormon is true, through this book we will find answers to everything. I love the feeling I get when I read the Scriptures, the inner peace and teachings in its words. I love to read the stories of Prophets of old standing up for what they believe in. I can not help but say it again and again, I know this church is true.

Zach also wanted to share his testimony.

I want to share what I know to be true. The gospel of Jesus Christ holds the power on Earth to bless lives. I know because it has blessed my life in so many ways. I have been able to see it bless my life and those I have shared it with. I know that God is my loving Heavenly Father. That he knows me in my life, cares for me, and watches over me. He has blessed my life in so many ways. He reaches out in his love into my life every day. One of the greatest ways that he has shown his love for me was by restoring the church in these modern days. God did call Joseph Smith to be a prophet of God. He called him to restore the truth and translate the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is another testament of the Truth. It testifies of the Savior and his divine role. It truly provides away for us to be happy in this life and the life to come. I also know that through the restoration of the Gospel, our Loving Father provided temples for us to do work for the eternities. I know that I will never have to say good bye to Sara. We are sealed to each other forever and eternity, This is the promise God gave to us in his holy temple. No promise has ever made me happier and I know that it is true. Lastly, I know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. I know that he came to Earth showed us the way we should live and ascended to heaven again. I know that he suffered and died for my sins. I know that my brother Jesus Christ knows my pain, my affliction, my heart ache and sorrow. I know that he is always there for me. Most of all I know that he lives now I know that he will always be there for me. and for this I'm eternally grateful.

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Could there be anything more wonderful?

If you're interested, click here to find out more of what we believe in.

It is my personal promise if you read and pray about the Book of Mormon,

you too will feel those blessings in your life.

Adventure and Surprises

I took a vacation once again without my husband. I know what you're thinking... what an awful wife! But judge not, because he actually let me go. He is a very wonderful and understanding man.

On November 4th, I flew out all the way to Indiana to surprise this girl for her birthday!

Jena had no idea I was coming, thanks to sneaky work on the part of her husband and I. And though she will admit it was "just pregnancy hormones" she cried when she saw me standing there. Talk about melt my heart... so of course I cried too. Sheesh, such girls. We went out to dinner that night with her brother and his family then drove back to their house. I got to meet Hoosier, their beautiful husky and was finally reunited with my amazing friend. We stayed up till 3 in the morning just talking. It was fantastic! Saturday rolled around and we finally rolled out of bed. We went to Sam's Club and ate samples for lunch, this girl knows the way to my heart. Ran a few other errands, attempted to watch a movie and ended up just talking the whole time. Then drove down to Baby's R Us and did a little price matching. That's right, my childhood friend is half way done with her pregnancy! I still can't believe were "big kids" now. She is having a little girl due March 20.

It is beautiful there. It reminds me of Utah, but smaller. I loved everything about it.
This was Hoosier, and he was always hanging around hoping we would drop something to eat or stop and rub his tummy. We became good friends.

This was at dinner Saturday night. Jena will most likely hate this picture and demand that it be taken down right away, but no. I think its cute and you can finally see her little tummy. Her tummy is so small you can barely tell she is pregnant. It's adorable.

Sunday we went to church and came home and did what else but talk! We finally convinced ourselves to take a nap, and when we woke up, Ryan was making us dinner! What a nice guy! It was very yummy too, Zach will have to take notes. Then we took just about anything we could find in the fridge, and covered it with chocolate. Yum!

So the weekend was fantastic and I miss her already. Thank you Ryan for all your help and opening your home to me. You are wonderful! I can't wait for another girls weekend, or perhaps a trip down here with peanut this spring?

Happy Halloween

Tonight I get to go trick or treating with my cute nieces and nephew. On Saturday I went to Gardner Village with them to hunt for witches. They had a blast.



And here is a couple pictures of this years pumpkins. Mine is a mummy and Zach's is a shark attack. These were both done freehand. Be proud.

I love date nights

Yummy sandwiches, battleship and my husband. What a fun Friday night. We tried this new yummy place called station 22. I had a caprese sandwich and Zach had an open face sandwich with a peach compote. Yum!! We finished the night with not one but TWO helpings of giggles at comedy sportz in Provo.

Rise and shout!

Tonight I went to my first BYU game with my cousins. It was a blast and they actually won!

Two Years Already!

This year we had a couple bumps in the road, 1 our actual anniversary was on a weekday which is always hard, and 2. we are still financially recovering from all the vacations this summer.
So we kept it low key and cheap. We celebrated our anniversary on Saturday. We spent a majority of the day unpacking our new home, running errands and cleaning. Romantic huh? We needed to get as much done as possible so we can finally live there. After all that we came home and got ready for our date. We went to a place called Communal in Provo for dinner. Its a very yummy and interesting place where the menu changes every night. Then we ran to see Lion King in theaters and it was wonderful. We came home and I made brownies for my Sunday school class while Zach played Xbox.

Are we old and boring yet?

Monday was our actual anniversary and what a busy day it was. I left for work at 5am and Zach headed to a full day of school. I got off work around 4 and he met me at home. We ran to a quick early dinner at CPK ( one of our faves) and we were the only two people there. It was actually kinda nice. Then Zach had to go to a meeting at the hospital for a couple hours, so I went home, attempted to clean, chatted with my dad, and got sidetracked with everything. I waited for 45 minutes outside the hospital to pick up Zach because his meeting went long. I didn't mind because I have now picked up reading and crocheting. Really good time killers. Since our new home does not have TV yet, we have to be very creative with things to do at night. But we watched a couple shows on my phone and then .... had a wonderful evening.

Yes, this was a very low key anniversary but honestly, I loved it! Its just nice to get to spend time with your husband when you don't see him a whole lot.
Two years later and I still love Zach more than anything in the world. I'm excited to see where the next 100 years take us and what adventures we have in store. He is my best friend, my love and my everything.

"Our song" this year is by Rascal Flatts called Wont let you go.
Its not exactly a love song but we just both really like the chorus because we will always be there for each other:

I will stand by you
I will help you through
When you’ve done all you can do
If you can’t cope
I will dry your eyes
I will fight your fight
I will hold you tight
And I wont let go

Where were you when the world stopped turning?

Today we remember the 10 year anniversary of 9/11. What an amazing and scary day in American history. The images still bring a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes.

I was in 7th grade at Cerro Villa Middle School in Orange California. I had just woken up and turned on the TV as usual while I got ready for school. It was about 6:30 in the morning when the breaking news hit. I remember standing there in my room unable to move. I didn't really understand what was going on, but I knew right away that this was bad. The first tower had been hit and I watched smoke pour out of the building. I continued getting ready and fifteen minutes later the second tower was hit. I sat in my living room and cried thinking of all those people who had died. At first we thought it was a huge accident, but as the second tower was hit, and then the pentagon a couple hours later, we learned that it in fact, was a terrorist attack.

Mom took us to school. I remember minutes seemed like hours as we all stayed glued to the television. Parents took their kids out of school to be home with them. Afraid that something might happen to our little city and they wanted to be together. The teachers were instructed to keep televisions and radios off during school hours so they would not scare the students, and to "carry on our day as usual. " Carry on our day as usual? Are you kidding me? Did you NOT see what just happened? There is no such thing as normal anymore. A couple teachers would not turn on their TVs but the majority did. Silence fell over the students as we walked the halls. After school I went to a friends house to work on a school project and again stopped everything to listen to the presidents speech that afternoon.

I don't remember much more of that day. But I know, what I do remember, I will never forget. We have been at war ever since.

Four years later I visited Ground Zero with my mother. There still stood a pile of rubble with a chain link fence around it. Messages and pictures all around of the brave men and women we lost. I could not help but cry. I could imagine what it felt like being there on that day. Ash and soot filing the air, debris falling from the sky, people screaming in pain and fear.

This hell on earth that had come to life.

Ten years later, we are beginning to heal. Families and friends remember this scaring event, and I'm sure every year the wound is re opened and the feeling of pain is back. We know with time all things heal. We are thankful for the military men and women who risk their lives for our country. We are grateful for the service men and women who gave their all to help on 9/11. We remember the hero's, we remember the loss, we remember the fear and we remember the fight.

There is a concern with today. Osama Bin Ladin was killed in April, and we have heard threats concerning this weekend that bombs may fly and bridges will collapse. We can only pray that this does not happen and is an empty threat.

We have constructed a monument to those lost in that tragic day and plan on building a building bigger and taller than the World Trade Center.

We are proud to be an American and we WILL fight.

We Will Never Forget.

Today I met you..

Today I met someone that truly inspires me. Her name is Stephanie Neilson, she is sort of a mini celebrity around these parts. She has four adorable children, a very loving husband and lives here in Provo. Why does she inspire me? Several years ago she was caught in a near fatal plane crash that burned 80% of her body. She was in a coma for several months after the crash until her body was healed enough to be woken up. Her husband was also in the crash and was burned as well, but when the plane hit something inside told him "get out now, you're wife will be ok, but you will DIE if you don't leave now" With that scary thought he jumped from the flames and rolled away to safety. Stephanie did escape as well.

Fast forward to now: Stephanie writes a very sweet blog. ( http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com ) I am addicted to reading her posts. Her love of life and the gospel are so inspiring to me and make me want to be a better person. To see someone overcome such trial with a smile on their face, is amazing. To make things even better... she is expecting her 5th baby! What an amazing blessing for their family. She truly is the person I want to be.

All of that being said, I ran into her today. Now I try to pretend to be pretty "cool" when meeting famous people, but lets be honest I always end up being completely star struck and speechless when I see them. So in walked Stephanie and my heart started racing. I knew I had to go up and talk to her and tell her how much she meant to me. So I did. And the words came out " I just wanted to tell you I love you" What?! Oh wow, embarrassing. But this sweet woman told me I was sweet, gave me a hug and chatted with me for a few minutes as her kids ran around.

Wow! My heart is full. I am grateful for the wonderful examples in my life, my friends, family, and those I only stalk on the Internet, for showing me how to be amazing. I am grateful for the gospel in my life and the knowledge that we can all be perfect again, emotionally, spiritually and physically. Our trials may seem hard at the time, but remember God only gives you what you can handle. You will make it through anything with His help.

A few reasons I love being an aunt.

My real reasons:
Max Finleigh Maizy


And my adopted reasons:
Payton, Jayden, Laith, London and Jaxon

We've Moved!

As Google maps will show you....

Literally we moved 5 houses, walking distance. I know its a little silly, but its a beautiful home and a great opportunity for us. So after almost two wonderful years of marriage we're moving. We are excited to have a space of our own. Mostly, the dog is excited to be out of a basement apartment and be able to stare out a window all day while we are gone.

So in reality, we did it for her. Man, she is spoiled!

Summer 2011 In a Nut Shell

Got a new phone. That's right. The crackberry finally died and I have officially upgraded to the iphone. Just in time for a new one to come out. Sheesh. But still I am happy to be able to facetime with my family in CA.

Jaxxon Scott Sizemore was born and we were able to visit Kellie and Brandon in the hospital and hang out and play games. They are moving in 10 days and we are so sad to see out good friends leave.

My cousin Grant's wife found out she is prego. Should be due in May.

Zach had an amazing birthday celebration at the beach along with another one at home with me. He was spoiled rotten.

Sara Birthday - I celebrated my birthday month with lots of goodies and trips with friends.

After 6 months of growing out his hair, Zach finally decided to cut it.

We both got new jobs. I still work for my aunt but also from 5am - 10am back at Michaels. Funny how things came full circle. Zach now works as a phys tech at the hospital ER and is "on call" like the cool kids.

School Started this week. This is (hopefully) Zach's last year before med school. He is finishing up a SECOND bachelors while taking pre med classes. He will be taking the MCATS in December and applying in the Spring.

A very beloved dog of my (actually my aunts) spent the night last night. Her name is Berlin. Complete sweetheart. About a month ago and she had puppies on August 18th. Sadly the pups had an infection and the boy died the next day, while the girl managed to hang in for a few more days before passing. I'm very sad and think that will probably be my last attempt at breeding.


My sister in law's mother is continuing to fight her 4 year long battle with cancer. I do not know much of the details but it seems to be that things have taken a turn. She is not staying in the hospital until they know more. Joan is in our prayers along with the rest of the Pehrson family.

My cousin Ryan FINALLY got married to Barbie on Sunday. We were not at the wedding but hear that it was beautiful.

We had several fun date nights with friends this summer but out most recent was with Meagan and Gage. We tried this very yummy Italian place that I LOVED. Its called Gloria's little Italy, in Old Town Provo. Reminded me of my childhood. MMM. My mouth is watering while writing this.


And last but not least. Next month we celebrate TWO wonderful years of marital bliss. Man how time flys!

Babies Babies All around and not a one for me.

This year I have had 36 friends that are prego/had a baby. At one point I was keeping track of everyone so I had an updated number of pregos vs. newborns, but lets be honest, that was too much work. So, for your reading pleasure

Momma - Baby

Brittany K - Jaxxon Reed

Kayla A- Avery

Shelly T - Emily Joanne(coming sept)

Kellie S - Slade Beckett

Janeene S - Ella

Amy B- Boy (unknown)

Amy M - Jamison

Kellie S- Jaxon Scott

Marissa Q- Noah

Rachel H- Blake Allen

Marlo S - Robert Timothy

Katrina C - Lydia Oxana

Ann S- Belle

Katie J- Joshua

Julie R - Ward

Brennan T - Briley

Lindsay R- Unknown (coming soon)

Stephanie N - Unknown (coming soon)

Jocelyn T - Girl (coming soon)

Heather J - Myles (coming November)

Jena G - Unknown (due Feburary)

Mariah R - Unknown (due Febuary)

Ej C - Benjamin

Erin L - Girl (Due September)

Stephanie G - Jayden

Heather L - Sienna

Karilyn M - Tanner

Matt E- Matiland

Amy H - Adrinne

Lauren G -Henry

Ashton S- Girl (due November)

Julie C - Unknown

Nicole P - Boy

Lindsay H- Grayson

LaDon S - Laith Winslow

For those of you keeping track, that's 19 Boys VS 12 Girls and 5 unknown! Yikes.

I missed the Memo.

My ovaries hurt from typing all of this.

Beach Camp

The Lyman Family Tradition.
I can honestly say, at first I did not want to go. I have never really been camping before and the idea of it all just scared me to death. We sleep in a what? You want me to pee where? We have to bring and cook our own food? Yuck.
But now that its over, I can say out loud, that IT WAS AMAZING.
We made memories to last us a lifetime. Zach and I had the BIGGEST tent of everyone! Nathan had a tent the size of a tuna can, still not sure how he fit in there. Lance and Vikki had the mack daddy kitchen set up that I know all camp sites were envious of and even Sophie was a good sport about camping. (Yes, I brought my 4 pound dog camping)

Everyday Zach would build a giant hole in the sand. One day it resulted in a sand pit with card table and we all sat around and played Gin. Nate wore a speedo and flashed his whiteness as he dashed to the ocean. (Vikki and I ran after him with towels to cover him) Grandma and Grandpa dressed up as Mexicans and sang a song. Jono basically cooked all our food. We played cards every night and sat by the camp fire. Dared younger cousins to eat sand crabs. Played games.I ate more food then I ever thought I could have. Learned a couple new desserts. Hung out with family we never get to see. Ate sushi. Worked on our tans. Went to Sea World. Attempted to make jiffy pop. Celebrated Zach's birthday. Made sand Candles. Learned to play the nose flute. Took family pictures. Styled all the girls hair. Read books.
All in all I would say it was quite the adventure.
Who knew we would be this busy "relaxing"?

And so Zachary, this is me publicly saying... I'm sorry for being a stink about the whole thing. I can not wait to take my future children there and teach them the art of relaxing.

(more pictures to come when my Internet isn't being so wacky)

Yellowstone

Yellowstone: the short version.

It was beautiful. Family was a bit much at times, but that many people in such a small space is always annoying after a week. We saw tons of bison and elk. Our brother Aaron would have been so jealous of the 12 point bull and an albino ones we saw! I even saw a beaver. I know sounds stupid, but I spotted it really fast as we were driving by, Zach was impressed. We went on a hike with a beautiful view, bottle fed a baby black bear and I even dealt with puke! You should be VERY impressed with this because I can NOT touch the stuff, in fact talking about it now makes me sick. But short version, I was babysitting my cousins triplets and in the middle of the night one got sick... everywhere! I was the only one there to clean it up. YUCK! I guess I can now say I'm ready for motherhood?? I think.

(More Details to come)

Now that it is over we can focus on getting things ready for beach camp.

Adventure is out there

Utah finally did something cool. This year in the SLC Parade of homes they are featuring a REAL LIFE REPLICA of the house from the Pixar/Disney film Up.

This is one of my favorite movies and I was ecstatic when I heard the news! After an hour of traffic and getting lost for another two hours we finally used our "phone a friend" and called William. With his help, and computer expertise, he was able to guide us safely to the house.

It is not yet open to the public because they are still putting on the finishing touches. But here is a sneak peek. The painting above the fireplace is the same. The nursery is the same as well. They custom ordered chairs to match the ones for Carl and Ellie in the living room. They have a mail box (complete with hand prints) and the basement rooms are both themed as Disney as well. One being Andy's room from the movie Toy Story and the other being Princess themed. Because the movie only shows three rooms in the home the builders had to use a little imagination of their own to design the rooms in an "UP like" style to be consistent.

A.MAZE.ING.

Two weeks till its open. More Pictures then!!!!!!

Paradise falls!

Sophie and I at the UP house.


Painting in the Nursary. Just like the movie, down to the last detail.

The Mailbox

Baby I'm a firework...

I had a fabulous birthday weekend!! Friday my MIL Vikki took me to Salt Lake to go shopping. We had to much fun trying on tons of clothes and people watching. I got a couple CUTE outfits and and so thankful to be so spoiled.

Saturday (my birthday) Zach and I woke up early-ish to run down to Kneaders for birthday breakfast. They make the best french toast and we had to get there before 11 to get it.


I then was sent to visit my friend Meagan at the spa for a facial and massage. Again, so spoiled.

After the spa we headed to the pool to meet up with family and friends for a bit more relaxation.

Then we went to Chef's Table (very fancy) for dinner. The food was great. The view was great.
Then we headed to My cousin Dacia's in laws house for second dinner and to watch the Stadium of fire fireworks show. They live so close to the stadium that we could hear Brad Paisly and had a great view of the show. WONDERFUL.

Sunday things got even better. We had the Lyman family party. Complete with the cul-de-sac of fire. Jono, Zach and I spent entirely too much on fireworks this year but it was completely worth it.

Vikki made me an amazing red, white and blue, birthday cake and HOMEMADE chocolate ice cream. It was delicious.

The boys played baseball outside while the girls cheered along the sidelines till it got dark.

Lindsay, Finleigh and Maizy.

Maizy is getting so big! She is the happiest girl and was a joy to be around all day. You rarely catch this girl without a smile.

And then on the 4th of July, my nephew Max learned how to Flo Ride. He did a great job!

Its only fitting he took another big step in his life, because his very first steps were at the pool on the 4th several years ago. Kinda a big day for him.

All in all I would say it was an amazing weekend and I enjoyed every minute! Thank you to all who made it so special.

The Big Sister Club...

Would like to welcome its NEWEST member

TERESA SMITH!!!

Congratulations Teresa on becoming a big sister!

Today Robert Timothy Smith was born!
Time: 10:40 am

Weight:7 lbs 12 oz

Length: 21 inches

Mom and baby are doing great

The road to get to this point was a rough one; but I'm sure now that he is here safe, his Mom will tell you it was all worth it!
It has been so fun to watch my dear friend's family grow these last few years. Its moments like these that I wish I was still in California. Then I could cuddle this sweet boy, play with my adorable T and be near to help and support my friends.

Again, Congratulations Marlo, Jim, and TT on your new arrival.

We are all thrilled for you!

Hey You Guys!

Tonight, for the first time in my life I saw the movie The Goonies.

What else have I been missing all these years?!
My friend Calix and I went and watched it in the park and had a blast!

We ate dinner, people watched and there was even a talent show before the sun went down.

Calix recently visited Croatia (among other places) and brought back TONS of chocolate. Each time we get together she brings a few more pieces to try. The packages are all in German so we always have fun trying to guess what the flavor will be before we open it. Its awesome!

This is by far her all time favorite movie and this is her "super excited" face that we get to watch it on the big screen.

On a side note: I got a pool pass this summer. Notice my amazing tan coming in! yay!