Marsden Family

2011-11-05T11:30:00.000-06:00

We're still alive-promise! Just busy getting the house in order, painting, unpacking, decorating..*sigh* the list goes on!! :) HOWEVER, we are absolutely in love with our new house, and can't wait to post some pictures. {Soon I promise!!} Thank you to everyone who has helped us move, unpack and everything, you are all the best! Maddy absolutely loves her new primary class.. 12 kids to be exact. I don't think she quite knows what to do with herself. She has met her new best friend Sophia, that lives 2 houses to the west. They were instant friends from the first day they met.. which was the day we moved in! Our culdesac has 8 girls living in it. So much different than the West Valley house. I'm so grateful for such a wonderful blessing this move has been and grateful that our prayers were answered when they were.

Is it too Early…

2011-09-10T10:30:00.000-06:00

To change my background to Halloween..? Because, I absolutely love this time of year! Yesterday after work, I felt that “fall breeze” in the air and it made me really happy!! Don’t get me wrong I love summer, but I love fall even more. :} The past few months have been full of changes and surprises…

First of all my dear sweet Maddy started Kindergarten on August 29^th. I still can’t believe she is old enough to be in school! The time has flown by way too fast, and I truly can’t stand that she is growing up SO fast! We put her in Rolling Meadows Elementary in West Valley, near her daycare. Which funny enough is the same school I went to! She threw quite the fit that she wasn’t going to Hunter Elementary in our neighborhood, but once she found out it was MY school, and that Aunt Karen worked there… she was pretty happy! We got her in Mrs Carnley’s class, who I heard from several sources was the best one there. I must agree with them! She has been so good with Maddy, and it’s a small class so she is getting the attention and help she needs. I am so proud of my Maddy girl and all that she has accomplished so far in her short 5 years. I love you sweetie!

Secondly, drum roll please!!.... We have sold our house!! FINALLY after 3 ½ years of waiting, praying, fasting, waiting some more, lots of emotions and tears, the right Family has come. We found out on Saturday August 20^th that the offer we had out on a house in Lehi, was finally approved. We put an offer on this house back in March of this year! I was completely okay with that because our house hadn’t sold yet, and it was “buying” us time when we hadn’t heard anything. We had a lot of people looking at our home, and about 5 offers came through since we put it back up on the market in March. Each offer we just didn’t feel right about, and there were some pretty sketchy people! Sam and I had changed our prayers instead of saying: “Please let our house sell” to “Please send the right family to replace us.” Sam and I really felt like we wanted a good LDS Family to replace us, and that is what we found! When we got the news they wanted us to close on August 31^st on the Lehi house, I admit, I panicked! Fear, and our “human nature” set in. Sam called it my “freak out session” but I wouldn’t say it was THAT drastic.. Anyway, we resorted to putting it up for rent. Not our favorite thing to do, BUT we definitely loved the Lehi house, and truly felt this is where we were supposed to be so we didn’t want to give up yet. After a week of no calls, we decided to lower the price of rent. Can I just say there are some CREEPY people out there? I made one last ditch effort of posting on FB about our new rent.. and wa-la! Our good friends in the ward referred a family of 5 to us. We couldn’t be more happy! I have been praying all along that if this is the right house, that it will all work out.. and it has so far! We are set to close on September 30^th {we asked for an extension from the original August 31^st date} Here are a few pictures of it:

Lastly, I have been a Hunter’s Widow the past week… yeah this happens every September and October. Sam has been Elk hunting with my Dad and Cousin Brian up by Flaming George/Vernal area. We went camping last weekend, then it’s been Me and Maddy having fun! It will be interesting to see if we can keep our routine up when Sam gets home!

My Loving Grandpa..

2011-07-09T12:32:00.000-06:00

I truly will miss this sweet man! Words cannot even express how grateful I am for the life and legacy he left behind him. I can't help but think what a wonderful reunion between my Grandma and him. Together Forever with their children that were only with them a short time. I'm a little jealous that he is able to see her again! How I am going to miss both of them, but I know I will see them again. I am so grateful for the knowledge and testimony I have of the gospel, to know that this isn't the end.. it's more of a beginning. I am so grateful for my loving Heavenly Father and his son who marked the way for us to return home again, and to be together forever with our families. Love you Grandpa!

MILTON BARTHOLOMEW

| Visit Guest Book

Milton Lloyd Bartholomew 1922 ~ 2011 Milton Lloyd Bartholomew returned to his Heavenly Father and rejoined his eternal companion, Celia Reeves, on July 6, 2011.Born April 15, 1922 to V. Lloyd and Florence in Fayette, Utah. Survived by his wife Eleanor Stephenson Page and children Lani (Roshelle), Ricke (Jill), Cindy (Randall) Hammack, Kelli (Roger) Sellers, Ronald (Susan), Todd (Lisa), Troy (Clarrisa), Kristi (Perry) Merrity, Beverly Queep, 32 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren and step children Robin Page, Eugene (Rosanna) Page, Martin (Denise) Page, Holly (Joel) Walton with 15 step grandchildren and four step great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his daughter Alice. Milt was an active, faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was an Eagle Scout, served in the Navy during World War II, served a mission with Celia 1947-1948 in Kauai, Hawaii, served for many years as a scout master, a member of the bishopric, a member of the Utah Polynesian Choir, and a temple worker for 11 years. Viewing: Sunday, July 10, 6-8 p.m. at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 255 S. 200 E. SLC. Funeral: Monday, July 11, 11:00 a.m., viewing from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Rose Park Stake Center, 760 N. 1200 W., SLC. Interment in the Fayette City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please donate to your local Boy Scout Troop.

iPhone test

2011-06-30T09:31:00.001-06:00

to found a cool app for my iPhone to blog.. Hope it works

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

We are still here!

2011-05-17T13:34:00.000-06:00

YUP, we are still here. Just crazy busy as ever! Sam has been busy with work, “Honey To Do” Lists, and his new found love..Old School Mario Brother’s on the Wii. Since my last post, we celebrated Christmas, and the New Year, graduated from Nail school, have new church callings, trying to sell the house {yet again!}, keeping up with the nail business, added a new member to our family, put an offer an a house, lost 4 teeth, did some remodeling, and turned the big 30. Lots to catch up on! Stay tuned for sporadic postings over the next little bit. Until then- enjoy this adorable face!

Testing!

2010-10-26T16:02:00.000-06:00

This is just a test for work! :)

Fall

2010-09-28T22:30:00.004-06:00

I decided I should probably blog instead of changing my background and calling it good!

I absolutely LOVE this time of year!! Fall is so beautiful with all the leaves changing and the smell of… well, yumminess! I can’t wait to get all the Halloween décor out. Maddy and I have already picked our outfits for Halloween. We are going to Match! Do you want to take a little guess?

Okay, So I am not a librarian, and I am quite sure I won’t be able to pull the outfit off like she does… but we are going to try. More to come on that! I think I may have even talked Sam into being the Joker, and Ella to be either Batman or Robin… Haven’t decided on that one yet!

Maddy has started preschool again, and enjoying every minute of it! I think she will be so ready next year to go to school.. even though Mom won’t be. She has been quite the trooper while I have been going to school. Which by the way I am half way done!! I am really excited to get my life somewhat back to normal! I can’t wait to come home and spend some time with her, instead of being so exhausted every night. When I said in my last post about being a bear.. seriously, I want to do that right now! Just hibernate for the winter. I am glad my family has been so supportive of me in my decision to go back. It truly isn’t THAT long, but it has been difficult working full time, and being a full time mom/wife..

Life is going pretty good, I can’t complain too much. Hopefully more to come soon when I have more time!

The No Good Very Bad Day..

2010-09-27T22:50:00.001-06:00

So here is your laugh for the day {Go ahead it is okay to laugh, because I am laughing about it now!}

So last night I am at costco, getting some stuff for Dinner {trying to hurry because a co-worker is coming over for dinner} I am doing good have an hour to go till he gets there! Anyway, I turn from putting the groceries in the car, and pull the basket behind me to pull around and push it to the basket return {if that makes sense} Low and behold right as I bring my right foot up to step, the basket {which I am controlling} RAMS into my ankle. Instantly, I am feeling a burning tingling sensation. {ya know like you get when you hit your funny bone.. ONLY WORSE!} I figure ahh crap!! I probably just pulled my tendon or something dramatic like that... great, just my luck! I keep thinking “Don’t look at it, it will go away, don’t look at it!" {because you know if you look at it , it will hurt worse!!!!} So I am limping/hobbling to my car trying not to burst into tears {a little background.. my day was a crap day yesterday!! So this was the last straw for me} I get into the car and think.. great how am I suppose to drive to get Maddy! I can’t even feel my toes, it hurts to put pressure on it.. well I end up backing out and driving across the street {literally} to Maddy’s daycare.. WITH MY LEFT FOOT {so awkward, I do NOT recommend} I hobble up to the door {still hadn’t looked at it at this point} get in she can see I am limping.. Teresa asks if I am okay.. and what do you know, I BURST into tears.. {this was the second time today that I had cried.. what is wrong with me!?} She tells me to sit down, and we notice it is bleeding pretty bad and it's all over my shoe. {NICE! The pain just worsened now- of course because I LOOKED!!!} It had split open my ankle.. Poor Maddy was like “It’s okay momma, don’t worry I’ll take care of it!” We get the bleeding to stop, finally! I think to myself alright I have to get home for dinner!! So I tell Teresa I will be fine, really, I will! Well not even a block away I am not okay, I pull over and call my mom by then I am bawling AGAIN and she instantly turns into Mom mode, grabs my dad and they are on their way to get me.. My dear sweet Dad drives me home.. {how thoughtful right!?} The whole way he is cursing me for wearing flip-flops {of course} and can’t understand why I am crying { of course again!- HORMONES dad… HORMONES}

The morale of thisVERY long story.. somewhat shortened.. don’t wear flip flops {according to my Dad} AND just beware of shopping carts.. they bite! They bite hard!!

I’m Gonna be a Bear

2010-07-13T19:27:00.001-06:00

In this life I’m a woman. In my next life, I’d like to come back as a bear.

When you’re a bear, you get to hibernate. You do nothing but sleep for Six months….. I could deal with that.

Before you hibernate, you’re supposed to eat yourself stupid…… I could deal with that too.

When you’re a girl bear, you birth your children (who are the size of walnuts) while you’re sleeping and wake to partially grown, cute cuddly cubs……I could definitely deal with that.

If you’re a mama bear, everyone knows you mean business. You swat anyone who bothers your cubs. If your cubs get out of line, you swat them too…. I could deal with that.

If your a bear, your mate EXPECTS you to wake up growling. He EXPECTS that you will have hairy legs and excess body fat.

Yup… i’m gonna be a bear.

Found a few..

2010-07-09T23:07:00.002-06:00

Blinkies that I like!

That would be me…

That’s right!

what can I say!?

Im done now :)

Little Fishy..

2010-07-09T22:51:00.002-06:00

Maddy started to take swim Lessons Monday with Savannah, and they are little Fish! They have had so much fun. The pictures didn't turn out so great, it kept focusing on the water! {grr} oh well!

**haha I just found out how to change the font on here!! That just made my day! **

Seriously!

2010-07-05T20:52:00.000-06:00

I need to update my blog more... Hmm where to begin. The last weekend in June we went to Telluride, CO with Sam's parents. It is SO beautiful there! We stayed in this Cabinish-Condo, that had 5 flights of stairs, seriously! {I am trying to act like Amy Poehler here} I wish we would have taken more photos of it, BUT I sorta lost the camera on the way down.

We had stopped in Moab for dinner, and as we were heading out, realized I had forgotten to return our Redbox movies! We stopped at the Maverick to return them {thank heavens they are all over!!} Well, my lovely, adorable daughter, decided to spill her chocolate milk all over her, the floor, her bag full of toys and our camera bag. I rushed over and just started dabbing things up with wipes, while Sam went into Maverick to get paper towels. I picked up the Camera bag, it was sopping wet. So I threw it up on top of the Saturn, thinking I would get back to it soon. Well, after using almost all the wipes, and still hadn't got all the milk out of the carpet, we decided to just trudge on. Didn't realize the camera was still on the roof and we drove off! Seriously!
So later Friday night, well hot-tub'n-it-up, I wanted to take some pictures.. only to leave myself in a panic thinking where is it! It isn't anywhere, tore the car apart, our bags, and Maddy's toy bag, with no luck. That is when I realized.. it was still on the roof of the Saturn as we drove off..... I won't put the words that came flowing to my head here.. because we would have to bleep them out. I will tell you, Sam did not let me down on that one the whole weekend.. and still even to today... seriously.

Anyway, I thought I had been getting into better shape, until I met those 5 flights of stairs, and the 11,000 ft elevation we were at. {Mind you Salt Lake is about 4300 ft asl} I think I may have burned all the calories I ate just walking up those stairs.. sad huh? They had a Gondola from the top of the Mountain Village {Where the Condo was} down to Telluride. Madilyn LOVED it! She called it the "Gongo" I thought for sure she would be scared, but she wasn't. It made me a little uneasy at times.. but she just held my hand, and said "It's okay, Momma, don't be scared!" It really was quite a beautiful place, and I would go back again in a heartbeat!

Thanks to my Sam's Dad, he took some amazing photo's you are about to see:

Then it was off to this the day after we got back:

Let me just tell you.. my favorite one of all! Yes, I must be crazy for going to the midnight showing.. but it was oh SO fun! My dear friend Candis has thrown a Twilight, New Moon, and now an Eclipse party-all of which have been a blast! It is a bunch of us crazy early to mid-twenty ladies gooogling over These two men. Wishing we were Bella... am I right Ladies? Nah, it is just fun! haha Candis, thank you for an amazing party as always! :}

{Of course, no camera = no pictures... seriously.}

Then the 4th of July!! Has to be one of my FAVORITE Hoildays!
I love the BBQ's, fireworks, you name it! It was honestly the best weekend for it too! It wasn't too hot, a nice cold front came in just in time. Started out with a Breakfast at my parents ward, which was YUMMY. It has been a fun tradition for as long as I can remember! Maddy played with her friend Savannah {Who was my YW's leader, Kristi's daughter} They are only about 4 months apart, but are such good friends

Then it was off to a BBQ with my parents & Fireworks! We started a little early doing fireworks, so my dad could get off to bed. However, it worked out perfect. We decided to take Maddy to Costco to see the Murray Park Fireworks... she loved them! She kept saying "Whoa! That was so big! Did you see that Mommy!?" It was so fun to see her eyes light up with excitement. It brought back a lot of memories of when we used to watch the fireworks on our roof growing up. It was honestly the best part of my summers!
Sunday we went to Sam Parent's house for another BBQ. It was quite delightful and again a beautiful day :)

And that my friends is what we have been up to!... SERIOUSLY! :)

hehe ;)

2010-06-06T16:26:00.001-06:00

Eclipse Movie and Breaking Dawn

Oh, and this movie comes out Friday!

2010-05-03T20:35:00.000-06:00

So excited!! :}

Just another day in Paradise!

2010-05-03T20:04:00.005-06:00

So Maddy decided to take a little flying lesson of her own.. Thursday was quite the day already, work was busy, all these things coming at me at once. Decided I was going to try and stay as late as possible to get some work done before having to go visiting teaching. {to Ladies, whom I didn't even know I had until last Sunday! btw though.. they are wonderful} About 2:30ish almost 3:00pm, I received a phone call from the Missionaries "reminding you of the dinner appointment at 5:00" Panicking, because I had completely forgotten about it, I called Sam asking if he could be home by then. {Mind you, he drives from Provo every day} Realizing he won't be able to make it, and of course they aren't allowed to be there while a Priesthood holder isn't there. I decided to do takeout. I couldn't possibly cancel on them that late, and besides, I want to do whatever I can to help them out! I call my mom making sure Maddy is okay to stay a little longer at her house while I drop it off.
In the midst of all this, my dear mom is having a horrible past few days. I decided I would take her flowers. I ordered from Every Blooming Thing {my most favorite place for flowers! Thanks Jennie!} , had them delivered to me, so I could drop them off when I picked up Maddy! All is going as planned, ordered Cafe Rio online, check. Pick it up, check. Make it to their house by 5? well, almost, try 5:15, check! All in time to make it home by 6:00 for visiting teaching.. right!? hahaha that would be a perfect day! I get to my parents house, flowers in hand, I rang the doorbell. My mom answers the door, thinking I would get some sort of a surprise out of her.. but there was nothing. So I looked to see if she was crying, nope. A look of nervousness and almost in tears, she said: "I want you to know, she has finally stopped crying.." Oh great, I have heard those words before!! About 2 years ago when she had fallen down my parents entry stairs.. and ending up at Primary's for the evening. She proceeded to tell me that Madilyn decided to climb onto the back of her couch, lean over the railing, to see Tippy {their puppy.} Well, she must have leaned a little TOO far, and ended up in their Landing. My mom sat with her for several minutes before Maddy would move. I thought my mom was about to loose it! She was on the verge of tears anyway, and then to have that happen. My poor Mom!! Maddy could barely walk out of my parent's room, so I decided a trip to the Instacare/ER was in our near future.
I called ahead of time making sure we were okay to take her, and ended up at the Instacare. I thought for sure she had broken something. {Especially with me as a mother, and my past with broken bones} They quickly took us back, and luckily.. nothing. Just some bumps and bruises. I must say she has REALLY come far since Thursday! The Dr said she would be sore, which I only imagine falling down onto Hard wood stairs. She is SO lucky! I am so grateful that she was being watched over. She showed us Saturday what she had done, but wouldn't get near the banister. It is a wonder she didn't break her neck or something. She kept telling me that her "hip and leg was angry because she fell on it" She seriously makes me laugh!

Then comes today! As you know, Sam has had problems with his right leg. He is no stranger to Blood Clots for sure. Well a few weeks ago, he was tested for Factor 5 Leiden. The blood test took about 2-2 1/2 weeks to come back, and it came back positive! Next off to a Hematologist next Thursday to go over everything. Poor Sam! Just one more thing to worry about.

What next? Or maybe I shouldn't ask that... :} All in all I really am grateful for all our trials.. truly!! It only makes us that much stronger. We truly have been blessed, and I am so grateful for that. I am grateful that Maddy is doing better, and that we caught Sam's Blood Clotting disorder sooner, rather than later. Hopefully this is the last of their "competition" for Mommy's attention!

Our New Loves..

2010-04-21T18:48:00.011-06:00

A little bit of updating on our family, we are all doing pretty well. Despite the 2 week long cold Maddy and I have had. Thanks to Daycare, and all the lovely germs Maddy loves to bring home! Don't worry we still love Teresa!! {just not the germs from the other kiddos} First bout of antibiotics, Z-pac, were a no go. Then on Monday, Augmentin. Can I say, HOORAY!? Despite the dizziness that still lingers, I am feeling better.. not 100%, but better! Madilyn was lucky enough to get Amoxicillin and that worked right off the bat. Sam on the other hand, lucky thing never had it more than a couple of days.. go figure.

Since we all have been sickies around here, we have picked up watching movies more! Let's just say when you ask Maddy what movie she wants to watch, she will say "Batman! Batman!" No more Princess and The Frog, it is Batman. Aaahh yes, Batman :]

Quite honestly, who could resist right? Val Kilmer.. makes a pretty nice batman! So I don't mind one bit! It is cute at the end of the movie when Batman is running with the bat signal behind him, she gets all excited. She gets this goofy grin like, yeah he is cute. {it's hard to explain, but I am sure for all of you that know Maddy, you know which smile I am talking about!}

Sam still in love with his guitar's, Facebook, and anything computers, guns, hunting, or fishing :)

One of his Guitar's:

Trying to imitate This guy..

{If any of you know Sam, the Beatles are his most favorite Band of all time!}

As for me.. This is my new love, and before you ask that one question you KNOW you are probably asking... No, the answer is no. :}

I found a jar of these babies in my fridge from my Dad's Birthday last month, and I think I may have almost eaten the whole jar. They are soo good! Maybe it is because I can't really smell or taste anything, but none the less.. I am in love. :]

Along with these...

Yummy

These,

Heavenly

These Guys...

"Hey Soul Sister"

And Him......

Enough Said

Oh, and I am in love with these two too! :] {OF COURSE!}

Been a LOOOONG while!

2010-02-20T09:08:00.009-07:00

Wow, where to even begin. {I must warn you, TONS of pictures! I have you get you caught up right!?} Yes, we are still alive and thriving! Just been WAY too busy for our own good. Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years.. all were great! Here is a re-cap of what has been going on:

Thanksgiving was awesome! We spent the "feast" with my parents this year. {We rotate every year to make it fair.} Christmas.. wow, what a blast!! Maddy got her Barbie House and Barbies that she wanted for Christmas. When you would ask her what she wanted she would say "Ummmmm I want a Barbie House..... ummmm some Barbies, mmm some ponies, annnnnnd a pony house. And that's it!" As you can imagine she had that look of deep thinking, it was adorable!

A group of my Highschool friends have decided to do a get-together once a month. We just recently decided on the name... Sophisticated Mama's! How might we have come up with the name you might ask? Have you ever seen The Wedding Singer? There is a part when Jimmie Moore is performing "Ladies Night" in it it goes "Romantic Lady , single baby, Mm sophisticated mama, Come on you disco lady yeah." Lindsay was actually the one to come up with it.. it was so funny when she "re-inacted it" We thought, even though we definitely aren't single, all of us happily married... we are definitely Sophisticated Mama's! I have pictures from November & December's Ladies Nights. {December was Ugly Sweater Night}

{Warning, some of these pictures were taken late at night..}

New Year came and 2010 got off to a pretty good start for us! Spent lots of time getting our house back into order. We took a "break" during the Holiday's in having it up on the market. Needless to say it helped! we have already had more people look in the past few weeks than we have had in Months! We have had an offer on it, and I am sad to say that we had to decline it. I hate it!! I wish someone would just come upright and buy it. The people wanted us to do a lease option to buy. It really sounded like a good plan, and we were about ready to accept it, but then realized the $4,000 grant to build a new house, was no longer available. We were counting on that so that it could help with a down payment. We realized there was no way we could come up with $7K in 3 months while the house was being built. If the grant would have been available, we could have easily saved up the $3,000. After lots of prayers, and days making myself sick about it.. we both know it was a good decision. Right now we are focusing on getting more a down payment saved up so we can be ready for the next offer! I figure now, I figure we are just going to make the house the way we want it. I wasn't wanting to put TOO much work into it if we were just going to sell it, but it looks like we will be here for a while longer-so this is some of the things we have done!

Maddy has been in preschool and loving every minute of it. We just got her "mid-year" report card, check-plus on everything! {which is the highest you can get.} She is only 3 1/2 but going on 17. She is complete girl through and through. Her personality is surely showing through: Drama, Princess, goofiness, you name it! She has grown up so fast, and I can't believe she will be 4 in June!! Where did all this time go?? Here are some pics of her throughout last year:

Sam, still working for Utah County Health Department {Hence the reason for wanting to move!!} He is doing well! We both have started weight watchers first part of January. He has lost 9 lbs so far! I'm proud of you Honey!

Me, well I am alive and here! I am still working for Intermountain Healthcare's Recruitment part of HR. I have decided that I need to make time this year to keep up my blog up. They say it is a form of journaling. Since I suck at keeping a personal journal this will have to do! I started weight watchers with Sam, and have done pretty well. I weighed in this morning and I lost another 1.6 lbs. Making that a total of 11. something lbs! Slowly but surely it is coming off.. hooray!
We actually got back from Las Vegas this past Monday. Can I just say I honestly do NOT remember it being that dirty of a city. I mean dirty as in people basically handing you pornography as you are walking down the street! We walked {about 12 miles mind you!} down the strip, and they have these people that slap cards and then try to hand them to you. Well if take a look at what they are trying to hand you, {I highly suggest you DON'T!!} It is of women. This guy tried to slip on to Sam as we were walking past, and Sam was like "DUDE, I am with my family, NO!" The air is just gross from all the smoke. Here I am trying to be a good mom and shield my child from all this crap! Mind you there are some fun things to do there. The Mandalay Bay has a Shark Aquarium.. absolutely SOO COOL! My pictures didn't turn out so well because you walk through a few tunnels that are surrounded by water. I highly recommend it! The Mirage has a really cool Seigfried & Roy's Secret Garden. A Tiger & Dolphin Refuge. That was awesome! Maddy LOVES Dolphins as it is, so she really enjoyed it. Another thing Maddy enjoyed was Circus Circus's Trapeze Artists! We actually stayed at Circus Circus and let me tell you.. DO NOT stay in the Skyrise Towers. Umm let's just say we got in about Midnight, got our keys, the room was NOT cleaned. Beds weren't made, beer bottles, porn, and drug paraphernalia on the night stand. It was utterly disgusting! Obviously we complained and got upgraded to an amazing Room! They had recently remodeled their West Tower, and that is where they sent us free of charge. Knowing what I know about the other room.. I am SO glad it wasn't cleaned!! I don't think I will stay there again!! Anyway, here are some pictures from our trip!

Whew! I think that is all.. more to come as more events unravel!

Happy Halloween!

2009-11-01T13:47:00.003-07:00

What a day.. we sure had fun... well until Bedtime when Maddy was sick and puking all night! Other than that it was a delight. Madilyn last minute decided she didn't want to be a Bee.. she wanted to be Belle. So we proceeded to whip a Belle costume together in about 20 minutes. It was too hard, since she got a Belle costume earlier this year in Disneyland. We did her hair.. and wala!! There was Belle!
Maddy and her friend Savannah made beautiful princesses! They went out despite the cold and had a great time. Grandpa was the greatest to take Maddy out with Me. I think he had just as much fun. I must say she came home with a TON of candy. More than I would like in my house! It is hard to believe that October is now officially over, and it is NOVEMBER!! Now it is time to think of Thanksgiving.. Black Friday Shopping {Which by the way I am COMPLETELY Excited about!!!!} Oh and how could I forget...... New Moon!! Yea, I am one of the crazies that will be heading out Friday November 20th to see it! However I am completely excited to go. My friend Candis is doing a Werewolf Breakfast {for Dinner hehe} and fun New Moon festivities. Then come 2:00am... we will be watching the movie! Can I just say.. I have high hopes it will be better than Twilight.. or so I hope! Either way it will be fun to try and pull and all nighter again... well at least try to. haha. Then comes good old Christmas.. can you believe it is only 54 days away!? Man, time flies, it seems like we just did this! Eh oh well, I love this time of year! Well I hope everyone had a great Halloween, enjoy the pics!

Big Slacker!

2009-09-18T22:58:00.003-06:00

Alright, I know, I am the BIGGEST slacker when it comes to blogging. Lots of things have happened since my latest post. I know what you are thinking... pumpkins, fall, isn't that a little TOO soon!? Well, I have to say, that Fall is one of my most FAVORITE times of the year. I absolutely LOVE IT! THe colors, the smells, the warm sweaters, leaves changing, *sigh* it is perfect! So i thought I would get started early. ( I even have my house partially decorated! ha!) Where to begin. WEll, first off, Sam had surgery on his leg Friday July 31st, to remove a vericose (sp?) vein. All was well, he was taking great advantage of being laid up! lol Then Monday rolls around for his checkup appointment, and they found a blood clot. Well needless to say that was a kicker. Maybe I should rewind a day or two. Saturday (the day after his surgery) I got in the car ready to go over to my parents house, and wa'la... the "check engine" light comes on in the Jeeo. Now as you all know, that jeep has been more trouble than I would like to admit. HOWEVER, it was doing well for the time being, until that moment. I just wanted to cry!.. and I did. Then Monday taking the Jeep in to be looked at, my mom taking me back home so I could get Sam to his follow-up apointment to find out the blood clot. The Dr put him on blood thinners (coumadin) and Lovenox shots to help thin the blood. Can i just say.. OUCH! Sam's stomach after that first week looked like a battlefield. I felt so bad for him! He was a trooper I must say, he ended up giving himself the shots not only once, but twice a day! So on the way home from the Dr's already stressed about the blood clot, and Jeep. We get a phone call of some people wanting to look at the Jeep. We were completely honest in saying it was in the shop, but we were getting it fixed. Once we found out it was just a sensor, we called them back and they drove all the way from Cedar City to look at it! After a drive.. they loved it! Took it home that night. I was COMPLETELY shocked and excited. Grateful for the timing because that left us with one car, Sam on bedrest/home from work for the next week. That next Friday we were on crunch time finding a vehicle. The Doc had given Sam the "okay" to walk around and do normal things, just not to "over do it." Sam went out looking for a vehicle. I had attempted several times during the week with my dad to look at some vehicles, with no luck. I must say, I am VERY proud of Sam, he found our new car for us! A 2006 Black Saturn VUE. LOVED it! I really wanted a 3rd row, but decided that where we are at in our lives now, one child.. why did we need it. I was just trying to plan for the future, but we love it!
Secondly Maddy Started pre-school!! I had called about a month back, and they said they were full. I was really bummed! Madilyn is extrememly smart for her age. (No I am not just saying that because I am her mom, she really really is!) I am amazed at the things she says and does at 3!! I really felt like she needed to be challenged. Well over Labor Day weekend, we were headed down for my cousin Sheri Ann's wedding, and I got a phone call from Jolene. They had an opening. I was so excited! Of course, so was Maddy. She get's to go to school like the other kids at her Daycare. Her first day was the best! I took a break from busy work, and dropped her off. She had the BIGGEST grin on her face when I said goodbye. It made me cry! I can't believe she is already old enough to be in preschool. Then in a short 2 years, she will be in school. It makes me incredibly sad!! She has had so much fun, and thanks to my mom for dropping her off and picking her back up again. (Thanks Mom you are the best!) I need to find a more permanet fix, but for now, it works. :]
Lastly.. well that is about it! We are just keeping busy between work, dance, church callings etc. Yes, we still have our house on the market.... gr! haha We now have lowered it to $165K. So if you know of anyone looking for a house, send them our way! I have been busy with painting the upstairs, and we finished the basement a few months back. (Pictures to come) Now all we have to do is wait, and put our trust in the Lord that he knows best. In the meantime Maddy keeps on saying "Mommy, I really really want a new house in Lehi by James and Chomper." and I keep on torchering myself by looking at all the cute homes for sale! Our new kick.. is building a new home with Salisbury homes. It would be awesome! *sigh* well all in due time. Right now, we are trying to enjoy life to the fullest. Being happy and content where we are. Our goal.. to be in a house by Christmas.. that would be the best gift! Sorry for this being so long and boring.. hopefully some new exciting things will happen in the next little bit!!

Jeep

2009-06-19T22:21:00.004-06:00

Hey so, I am doing my own add on here.. hope ya don't mind! (Spread the word) We are selling our 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo [want to upgrade and get a 7 seater :)] Here are the details:
Blue 1999 Grand Cherokee Laredo. This is a great SUV. We need a 7 seater though. The AWD/4WD makes this great in the snow and off road. Even though it's a V-8, it gets 20 mpg on the highway.
Dark Blue Exterior, Charcoal Interior, 5 Passenger Seating, Luggage Rack, Dual Front Air Bags, Rear Defroster, Privacy Glass, Power Windows/Locks, Cassette Player, AM/FM Radio, CD Player, Air Conditioning, Tilt Steering Wheel, Cruise Control, Interior Wood Trim, Digital Compass, Trip Odometer, and Tow Package. Newer radiator and brakes (within one year). New battery. BRAND NEW ALL TERAIN TIRES!
I have changed the oil every 3,000 miles and have done all the "little things" that others may have neglected. It runs & drives great!
Call us if you know anyone that is interested or email! Sam is probably the best to call about it, he knows more about car stuff! 801.897.5690 or email samuel_marsden@hotmail.com maili_marsden@hotmail.com (801.897.5689)

Random Pics of Maddy

2009-06-19T22:12:00.003-06:00

You have to love the randomness of my child.. she says and does the funniest things. I absolutely love this age!

She Fell asleep standing up by the couch! lol

I love her piggies!

Cheesy Grin... :] Nice Boots of Mom's!

Just cute..

This one I was trying to catch her with her leotard
over her head.. she came running in with it on, and
OF COURSE the camera wasn't right on hand.. oh
well got the cute grin!

Madilyn's First Dance Recital!

2009-06-18T22:05:00.002-06:00

Madilyn's first Dance recital was yesterday.. she was SO stinking cute!! My cousin Marcee is her dance teacher, and just absolutely loves her. [Actually tonight she was taking my little dress shoe socks (the footie ones) and putting them ontop of her tights pretending to have "dance shoes like Marcee." She was taking her barbies, dolls, stuffed animals anything she could find and making them her students. lol it was SO funny. I couldnt help but laugh to myself. She did a lot better than I thought she would, even though she was a little off-beat, but what can you expect from a 3 year old! :] I love it! Her outfit was quite cute, and they danced to "Do you believe in Magic." I think all the girls (Kiara, Kayli, and Bryten) did a wonderful job!!
If I can get videos to work on here.. I will add the one we took of her. Enjoy!

A LOT of Catching up to do

2009-06-13T21:04:00.000-06:00

Yes, yes, I know I have been quite the slacker when it comes to blogging. Life gets one TOO many steps a head of you... I think I am back on track.. hopefully!! A LOT has happened since the last time I have blogged. The biggest thing is that my little Maddy has turned 3!! Cannot believe how time flies by. We had an "Under the Sea" party with Ariel and all. She had lots of fun with her little friends and cousins. Maddy is in LOVE with her tricycle that Grandpa, Grandma Sellers and uncle Jeffy gave her! Chef Sam did a great job at cooking for the BBQ. We almost didnt get to do the party because of all this JUNE RAIN! I cannot believe that it is STILL raining... however, I am not ungrateful! I am so thankful for it! (Secretly I LOVE the rain!!!) It makes everything so green.. love it! I am thankful that we haven't had to water our lawn in seriously like 2 1/2 weeks! and it looks like we will make it 3 with this next storm coming through.. Definitely a change, but a great change!
Not only did Maddy have a birthday, but Sam and I did too! Both were great, but according to my cousin Will, after a certain number of Birthdays, you don't get any more! :] Not too much is going on, just working, and trying to keep up with life! Ella is doing great (that is our dog for all who don't know) she is LOVING being outside!! However, she digs in my flower pots and eats my plants.. not so good. But she is still a cute little puppy!

Easter

2009-04-12T21:46:00.000-06:00

Okay so I am sqeezing everything that has happened since the last time I posted.. so here is Easter!! We went down to Grandma's EvaDean's in Tropic, Utah.. LOVE IT! My parents have the Easter Egg hunt on their Camera.. more pics to add once I get that from them!

FINALLY!

2009-04-09T10:35:00.003-06:00

Finally I am updating the blog! Sorry it has been a while.. Easter is this weekend so there will be some new stuff on here! I just wanted to share some photos of Maddy that were taken this week by "Photos By Emilie." I won a photo shoot with her and decided perfect timing for Easter! Enjoy... she is such a Ham!
Everything else is going good.. we are still alive and doing well. Can't complain!

http://www.shabbyapple.com/p-304-hibiscus.aspx "Little girls and girls dresses from Shabby baby"

Just Like Uncle Jeffy!

2009-02-09T23:41:00.002-07:00

I had to post one more.. Maddy LOVES her uncle Jeffy A LOT. Also, she loves to wear anyones shoes she can get a hold of. I thought these were extrememly cute pictures.. she could BARELY hold herself up! hehe I love her!

Bed in the Closet....

2009-02-09T23:34:00.002-07:00

So Maddy decided she was going to climb up in our linen closet and lay on one of the shelves.. I'm not talkin about the bottom shelf.. try the 3rd one up!! That child has a lot of her dad in her! He sat in a garbage can once at school.. just to name one. Sam caught her and I couldn't resist!!

Blast From the Past!

2009-01-23T23:17:00.004-07:00

Okay, SO I was going through our pictures throughout the years.. and came across A TON ( I am not even kidding..) of Madilyn that just brought back so many memories! I can't believe how fast time goes by, it just seems like yesterday I was holding her for the first time. I love it, she has been such a joy in our lives. I wanted to share the memories with you.. I hope you enjoy!
Again.. there are like over 100 pictures...

House....

2009-01-11T21:29:00.004-07:00

I know you all probably get tired of me complaining about our house not selling. It is just hard! I know we are suppose to be here for a reason. I just thought it would have been before now! It is mostly because the market is crazy and really it is in the Lords hands. I REALLY have been down now that I found the house I absolutely love! I know I say that about a lot of homes, but this one is very cute! It is in Lehi (closer to Sam's work and median for both of us) 3,500 SF 4 beds 3 baths, plus a loft upstairs that could be made into a bedroom. Perfect size for us! We wouldn't need to move for a while!! haha Anyways.. here is the picture:

It is a little hard to see because of the sprinklers. I think it must have been up for a while (hence the date) Now it is a bank owned one. One day! I just keep praying it will happen soon! HOPEFULLY before Maddy's birthday so that we can actually have it inside instead of outside in the extreme hot!
Anyway, enough of my complaining, I am just grateful for being in a home, and that we aren't being forced out. That is all I can ask for! Here is a picture of our home now! It isn't so bad!!

Maddy's First Day of Dance

2009-01-07T22:48:00.002-07:00

Maddy Started Dance last night! She is taking Ballet & Tap through Becky's School of Dance. Miss Marcee (my cousin) is her teacher. I was nervous on how she would do.. she had been having some accidents this past weekend. I kept telling her that she could not take dance with Marcee if she kept having accidents. She was determined NOT to have another accident. We got there and all she could do was say "Where is Marcee! Where is Marcee! I need to Dance with Marcee!" However the way she said it sounded more like Maercey. She looked so cute in her leotard and ballet shoes. She did surprisingly well. At first I went out on the floor with her and helped her with stretches etc. Then she got the hang of it and I sat on the side of the room watching. She did well! I am excited to see how she does in the coming weeks!
(Some of the pictures didn't turn out so well. I think it is because of the glare from the floor)

Ella's First Haircut!

2009-01-07T22:22:00.000-07:00

This one is one of my favorites! They put the cute bows in.

On Saturday the 27th of December we took Ella in for her first hair cut at Petsmart! She was so funny, when we took her in the store she loved seeing all of the different dogs. Once she was finished and home, she kind of just looked like... what just happened!!

Day After Christmas Storm!

2009-01-03T22:42:00.003-07:00

All I can say is WOW! There was a lot of snow.. and it just kept coming and coming! Madilyn wanted to go out and play in the snow, so we got her all bundled up for it. She reminded me of Randy from The Christmas Story.. falling in the snow and can't get up! She was too cute. Ella had a blast, she looked like the abominable snowman with all the snow stuck to her face. She really enjoyed being outside. She somtimes got stuck and so far in that we could tell where she was at!

Christmas! A Little late....

2008-12-31T23:39:00.011-07:00

I hope that Everyone had a pleasant and Merry Christmas! It definitely was a white one.. which I was very grateful for! We had a blast with Maddy this year.. she was a lot more "into" it then last year. Santa brought her her Elephant & Giraffe: Dumbo & Madigigascar [as maddy calls it] and the Little People's Noah's Ark. She was very excited... However she didn't really get up for anything except to see if Santa ate all her chocolate "pencils" (pretzels) she left for him. It was pretty cute to see her face when she ran down the stairs to where we left the plate and they were gone! "Look! He ate all my pencils!" It was cute. I got my Shiloette machine!!! It cuts anything from Vinyl to paper, sticker paper... really anything!

I am still figuring it out.. but I LOVE IT!! I will have to post pictures of some things I have already cut out of vinyl. If anyone wants Vinyl I can do it for you! :] I have been downloading all the cute fonts so I will be ready to go!

Sam got his Epiphone Dot Electric Guitar... it was sure a surprise for him! I have to tell the story because I am proud of how sneaky I was!! If any of you know me.. it is hard for me to keep surprises like that a secret!! I just want to give it right when I get it. Well It started with getting Ella, our puppy. I told him that I would buy him a muzzleloader if he would buy me a puppy. Which he FINALLY gave into. Well then he started in on wanting an Electric Guitar instead. I kept on saying no, because I am mean like that. :] (Hey it took me 5 years for him to give into a dog!!!) Well I was at work one day and I thought, you know... that would be really sweet if I got that for him for Christmas. So the sneaky me that I am, called and said "So one of the security guards at work were talking about Christmas and what our spouses wanted. I mentioned that you wanted an Electric Guitar.. but I cannot remember what kind it was!?" [This conversation with the security guard never really took place! Just a plot to get the info] So he told me:

Epiphone Dot Electric Guitar ( See below) Color and everything...

So I proceeded to find it online... print out the pic and take it to Guitar Center. [This was a Wednesday Night] I told little white lie that I had to stay late at work, and wouldnt be home until about 6. So I went over showed the guy the pic and said.. It is a surprise for Christmas.. please help! I didnt know what amp you needed, etc.. so I called my little brother and had him come over to help me pick everything out. Meanwhile, Jeff wanted a distorition pedel for his Electric Guitar.. So I told Sam the next night we should go and get it for Jeff's Christmas Present. (This is a week before Christmas) We walk in the store, him being all excited to show me this guitar he has been talking about relentlessly AND playing EVERY Monday on his day off. We go up, and what do you know.. the guy who I bought it from just the night before was helping us! He knew and played along, telling Sam he sold the last one, and wouldn't be getting another one in until the first of the year. Sam was bummed, REALLY bummed! I was laughing inside, and just wanted to jump out and say "I GOT IT FOR YOU!!"... but I resisted! So the whole rest of the week, Sam kept pushing the fact that he could order it online and it would be here by Christmas.. I just wanted to scream... what was I going to say to keep it away from him now! But I made up excuses like: "It might get ruined while it was being shipped to us. I would feel better if we had it shipped to the store." and then finally I said "I already bought you a Christmas present, just be excited and happy for it and then we will get you the guitar when it comes in, in January." That seem to suppress his urge to buy it online. Come Christmas Day.. I put the strap & picks in his stocking saying "This is for when we get you your guitar" Alas, when we finally got to my parents house, we were unwrapping presents when my mom brought out this HUGE box [the amp] for sam to open. He was like.. what!? and still kind of not getting what was going on when she brought out the guitar in the case. Then he started to flip out saying "Nu uh!! No way! You were the one that bought the guitar, weren't you!?!" It was priceless! You can see the pics in the slideshow. It was awesome!

SO I apologize for the long story, but it was awesome! Needless to say, we had a good time.. and Maddy of course, thinks Santa should be coming again everynight! We have been trying to explain that he only comes once a year. It was great! Enjoy the pics! [ There are quite a bit!]

Christmas Day Pictures:

Year in Review

2008-12-22T20:16:00.002-07:00

My friend put out a Family Newsletter telling about what everyone has been doing for the year. I thought it was a fabulous idea.. so here I go!

Sam: Is still working at the Utah County Health Department as a Health Inspector. Whenever I think Health Inspector I think of Larry the Cable Guy, Health Inspector. That movie is hilarious! Sam inspects anything from restraunts, tanning salons, daycares, wastewater and pools. (Just to name a few). He really enjoys working there, minus the commute! It takes him about 45 minutes sometimes an hour on a bad day. (Especially lately with all the snow!)
He is the ward mission leader in our ward, it is kind of a crazy calling our ward is so huge, but so small! We hardly have any memebers, so he has been busy!

Madilyn: She turned turned 2 going on 18. She is talking SO much! I think this has to be one of my favorite stages with her talking, saying the funniest things! She is quite girly girl. She loves putting on makeup with Mommy, loves playing with her princess things, dressing up and putting on jewelry. She absolutely loves to watch movies (like her mother) She really like Enchanted watching it ALL the time. She told us that Edward was cute! Her new favorite movies are the "Space Ship Movies" (No, not Star Trek for any of you who know what a fan Sam is) They are the Star Wars movies! I think next year we will have to dress up as Star Wars actors for Halloween. She is ever so excited for Christmas, and can't wait for Santa to come!

Me: I still work with Intermountain Healthcare in HR- Employment. We do all the hiring for the Urban Central Region (Basically all of the SL Valley minus Primary Children's). I am on the Nursing Team, so we hire RN's, CNA's, HUC's, Paramedics, Physician Assistants, and Nurse Practioners. It has been quite the experience, but I love it! It is good to do my own thing, but I really miss being home with Maddy. I am hoping one day I will be able to! Right now doesn't seem like it will happen.. but oh well. One day :] I am in YW's as the Laurel/MiaMaid Advisor.. and I LOVE IT! They are such a good group of girls.. and are so fun to be around.

In General our family is doing well! We are still living in West Valley, but do have our house up for Sale. It has been up since March (I believe-it seems like forever!) We are hoping to move closer for Sam. Either Lehi, or the southern part of the SL Valley (Riverton, South Jordan, Herriman, West Jordan). We got a little puppy named Ella! She has been so good for our family. It has really helped Maddy adjust to having someone other than just her in the fam. She loves to mother her A LOT. It is cute. We are just living life, one day at a time, excited for what each day brings! That is us! (I am sure I will remember more things once I am finished! ha!)

Christmas Time Again..

2008-12-15T09:54:00.002-07:00

I haven't updated this in a while! A few weeks ago, I asked Madilyn what she wanted for Christmas. She continued to give me a look of concentration... when she finally said: "AN ELEPHANT!" wow, is all I could think! Then just the other night we asked her again, she proceeded to tell us, "An Elephant, a little giraffe and maybe a rinosous." A What!? I thought... I couldn't understand the last part she was saying to me. We asked her several times, until I realized, she was saying rhinoceros! Well, good luck with that one, is all I could think! haha. I called all of the Targets in SL & Utah County.. no one has them in stock! I proceeded to call all the Walmarts and yet again, nothing! So finally thinking I am just going to give up. I called Toys R Us. They had 4 left and of course, they do not hold anything for you. So I was at work, decided to just leave and go. when I got there, mind you this is like maybe 15 minutes there was only 2 left. I couldn't believe how quick it went! It is crazy! Anyways.. that was my last gift to get. I did most of my shopping on the day after Thanksgiving! That was a blast. My cousins, Haeli, Marcee, Taryn and my Aunt Shelly, all piled into my jeep and went shopping! We made a pit stop to unload in her garage, then went out for more... It was a blast! I love shopping! haha

Cents of Style Party!

2008-12-05T08:51:00.006-07:00

Just in time for Christmas!!! I am hosting a Cents of Style Party! For all of you who have never been to one... you are missing out!! They sell purses, headbands, shoes, and jewelry. All of which you would find at boutiques, but for A LOT less expensive! Everything is $20 and under. VERY CUTE STUFF... This will be my 4th party I have held, I am hooked!
Anyways, all the details:
Thursday December 11th from 6:30-8:30 (9:00)
[Call me for address]
Bring Friends, it will be an open house
www.mycentsofstyle.com
Call me if you have any questions!
Hope to see you there!

Here is a picture with some examples of their CUTE stuff!

Our Elfed Family!

2008-12-02T22:00:00.001-07:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

2008-11-24T18:39:00.003-07:00

Okay I haven't posted anything for about a week, so I thought I better do it now. We just got Madilyn's pictures back from Amber. AMAZING!!!! I absolutely love them! She is so awesome! Nothing new going on.. just getting ready for Thanksgiving! Yay 3 day work week..I am very excited... and for shopping! :)

Falling Leaves

2008-11-15T22:24:00.002-07:00

Today was such a beautiful day!! We finally had time to rake up leaves from our gigantic tree out front. I love it for the shade during the summmer, but it is a pain! Not only is it a mess to clean up the leaves, but it has been lifting our sidewalk (extremely bad) and roots growing in our sewer line! I think we will be removing it if we are here much longer! The house is still on the market,and we FINALLY had someone come and look at it on Thursday! The first in about 2-2 1/2 months. There must be a reason that we are still here, and whatever the reason I am okay with. I just would have loved to be in a new house by Christmas.. even Thanksgiving so we could fit everyone at our house! Oh well, one day I will have a big kitchen! For now, I am grateful that we even have a roof over our head. That is a blessing in and of itself.
I just have to say I am grateful for eternal families!! My friend Nina that I work with was sealed to her hubby Jonathan and there two kids, McKenna & Jacob. It was the most amazing thing in the world! They have been married for 12 years (Nov 13th) hence the day they wanted to be sealed. Jonathan joined the church a little over a year ago, all on his own. To see them in the temple was incredible, you couldn't help but ball your eyes out. Okay, so maybe it was just me.. I am ball baby anyways. I think it will be a neat experience for all of them to remember even McKenna and Jacob. I was able to be there when Jeff was sealed to our family. I still remember the room and how I felt. It was incredible. Now they will be together forever! I am so excited for them!
Update on Ella.. she is so cute! She is such a silly puppy. So cuddly and tolerant of Madilyn. Madilyn is mothering her like crazy, I feel bad sometimes, I think Ella just wants to run and hide! We are so excited to have her in our Family. She has been such a good thing for all of us. (Thanks Sam for letting us get a puppy!) I told him that is all I wanted for our Anniversary and Christmas. I think I will close for now.. till next post! :]

Family Pictures

2008-11-15T09:18:00.006-07:00

We got our family pictures done this last Wednesday. Her name is Amber Bates, with AbbygailLouise Photography. She did an awesome job!

Our New Puppy!!

2008-11-04T06:52:00.001-07:00

I know it is amazing! We are getting a new little puppy named Ella. She is 1/4 Poodle and the rest Shitzu (sp?) We went and saw her last night she is so cuddly and calm. Sam will be going to get her tonight and bring her home. We are so excited!! Maddy can hardly stand it! All the way down to springville she kept on saying "We going to get Ella Mommy?" "Where is she?" It was cute. Then this morning she woke up and asked where Ella was. Anyways, I will post more when we get her.

Halloween

2008-10-31T22:04:00.002-06:00

Today was Halloween! Madilyn was a Butterfly.. and a cute one at that! I was Ugly Betty, which is surprisingly hard to find an outfit to match hers! You would think it would have been easier.. oh well. I did make her pancho, that say Guadalajara... that took some time! Sam decided to be a party pooper and not dress up. When we went to Grandpa and Gradma Marsden's house though, his mom gave him the "scary mask." At first Madilyn didn't know how to react to it. The first thing she said was "I don't want to be scared!" So we taught her that it was daddy being silly and to pinch his nose! She got a big kick out of that. I decided to change into a BYU fan (a little more comfortable and not so hot!) Sam had her flying like a butterfly in the air on his feet. She was giggling so hard! I am already thinking of next years costumes!

Gardner Village..Once again!

2008-10-20T21:44:00.002-06:00

This time we went with Grandpa and Grandma Sellers, Jeffy and Daddy! Madilyn dressed up as a witch and Grandpa had her make a witches hat (mommy helped) It was so much fun! Crowded, but fun. Madilyn insisted again to ride on the pony's ( which she rode twice) Towards the end I think she got tuckered out.

Steve & Kristi

2008-10-20T21:30:00.002-06:00

Our Friends Steve & Kristi got married on Saturday! Here are some photos from their wedding. I had the opportunity of taking their pictures... it was beautiful!

Wee Witches Night!

2008-10-19T08:42:00.001-06:00

Last night we took Maddy to Gardner Village for "Wee Witches Night!" She had a blast! At first, she was a little unsure of the witches saying "I don't want to be scared!" Our first witch we ran in to, was absoultely wonderful! She was so cute with maddy showing us her spider ring, and singing "Be Our Guest" from Beauty & The Beast. Madiyln was so cute with her. She said "You have pretty nails!" It was cute! Then another witch with a green face came up and maddy said "She's the scary witch!" it was so fun. We went with Grandma, Cami & Tyler (Both neighbors of ours) We are going to go again on Monday, but this time Maddy will be dressed up as a little witch herself!

Pronghorn

2008-09-28T20:39:00.001-06:00

This is the pronghorn, antelope, whatever you would like to call it. My dad was lucky enough to draw out. Sam is hunting this weekend so hopefully he will get something and I will post it!! :) Enjoy

First taste of Fall in the Mountains!

2008-09-15T20:38:00.000-06:00

Saturday we decided to go and have family pictures done on the Alpine Loop Drive. Despite some drawbacks, we finally were able to take them. I now know Madilyn definitely takes after her mother. She got extremely carsick on the ride up there. Luckily I didn't put her in her outfit until we got up there, and her curls barely made the nap too! Nona Michelle came up with us to enjoy the fall air and mountains. She had been evacuated from Houston last weekend, so it was a blast being able to spend some time with her! We love the Mountains!!

Mom's 50th Birthday Party.... SURPRISE!

2008-09-07T08:43:00.000-06:00

It was my Mom's 50th Birthday Yesterday.. what a blast! It started out with our water heater breaking breaking in the middle of the night. Maddy woke us up at about 2:00 in the morning and wanted her diaper be changed (it was to the point of explosion) and insisted that we put powder on her. So Sam went down to the basement to get the poweder, and he found that our basement had flooded..... a lot. It went clear into our 4th bedroom downstairs, all in the family room, hallway and bathroom. We juggled with the idea of calling a plumber then, but realized that it would just cost us even more. So we decided to shut all the water off and TRY to go back to bed. It was hard because we kept thinking about what needed to be done.
You may ask why we went back to bed.. well it was my Mom's Birthday on Saturday and we had planned a surprise Birthday Party for her. I had made arrangements to take her to get an hour long massage in the morning. We needed to get all the sleep we could so we could battle the morning to come. Everything went pretty smooth, Sam's Dad, Ron came, my Dad, my brother Jeff and his friend Colton, all helped to get things moved out onto the patio and wet vac all the water out of the basement. After determining it was JUST the water heater, and not sewer backage, we called my uncle Orlan, who knows EVERYTHING about fixing things. He helped us install the new water heater and we got most everything (besides the carpet is still drying) cleaned up and ready for the party... even with time to spare!
My Mom had NO idea what was going on. Even though it was her birthday she stayed to help most of the day sucking all the water out. When my Dad finally got her to leave, they went out to celebrate her birthday! Thinking we were watching Jeff just for that reason, we got everything prepared for the BIG surprise! When the time came, we had everyone over in the backyard waiting for her... she thought she was coming to get Jeff and we'd go out for ice cream. I told her that Sam, Jeff, Maddy and I were outside having a picnic for dinner, and that Maddy had a surprise for her. She was really surprised, almost to the point of tears.. it was awesome! I am grateful for everyone coming and helping out yesterday, with out them, we wouldn't have been able to pull it off!

Mom's first reaction to everything

Getting sprayed with silly spray

Maddy trying to get the silly spray to work

Kayli and Kiara

Elk Hunt/Labor Day Weekend 2008

2008-09-05T22:31:00.001-06:00

I have made a promise to myself that i would AT LEAST update the blog once a month.. I am no good at these things, and I am still learning all the in's and outs of running a blog. Bear with me while I figure things out.. I am going to be posting some of the "Summer Activites" we have done with Maddy this summer.. and just a little update from this year.

To start things off: Every year we go up to Flaming Gorge for the Labor Day weekend. We decided to try something different this year and go up to a different spot. We definitely had a lot of fun! It was COLD and RAINY.. but Madilyn still managed to get herself dirty. I am surprised at how "okay" I was with that. My mom can recall a time when I said "I will NEVER let my kids get dirty... EVER!!" ha ha... how it changes once you actually have kids. I figure they wash, and so do their clothes. Besides I dont think Maddy even noticed how cold it was up there, she was having so much fun! Sam did get a shot at a cow elk, however I think all the addrenalin got to him.. and he missed. That is okay though... my dad did too! Yes, you heard right.. haha the great huntersman! I just told him.. there is always next year... and of course, the muzzleloader Deer in the next few months.

Madilyn in Grandpa Sellers Truck!

Goofy Grin of hers..

Wait.. is that Sam? Can't tell because
of the Camo..

Sam again.

Dad in his Truck

Maddy and Grandma!

Here we go again!

2008-09-05T22:30:00.000-06:00

Okay, So I don't know what the deal was with the other blog, but now I have this going... I am going to give it another try! :)