Birthdays Galore!

August is a large birthday month for our family! Connelly turned five on Thursday and Oaklyn turned six on Saturday! We had two parties for the first time this year. It was a little chaotic, but it was fun to celebrate their parties separately. Connelly had a pirate party, and Oaklyn had a girly pinkalicious party.


Here's Oakers opening presents Saturday morning.


Here are the two cutest cakes I've ever seen. My sister in law Jessica made them for us. Isn't she so talented!!??! I absolutely loved them. I got to take some pictures of her new little one Gracie, and this is one of them. Oh my gosh she's cute! It's so fun that my two new nieces will have so much in common and I'm sure they'll grow up to be great friends some day!


Here are the "glamor shots" we took of the girls at Oak's party! With the help of several sweet friends and family, we did each girl's hair, make-up, and nails. Then I took their pictures. :) (Thanks Natasha for your sweet lights).


Short on time, but wanted to post a few pics of the crazy weekend.

My beautiful niece, started teaching...my b-day.

I started teaching at Dixie yesterday, and I'm really excited. It might take me a few weeks to adjust to the new schedule, but that's ok. I have to be at Dixie by 8 am. What was I thinking!?!? Ha ha...I'll be fine. :)

We got to go up to Salt Lake this last weekend to spend a little time with Dan's friends at a bbq and we had a blast. (Sorry no pics...forgot the cam cam). While we were up there, I got to take some pictures of Ayla (Chris and Staci's baby). She is absolutely adorable.

Last week I turned 28. I honestly forgot how old I was turning. How embarrassing is that!?!?! I had to do the math 2009-1981...ha ha 28. I couldn't remember! I had a fun day. My cute hubby took me out to lunch (and even found a sitter) to the new Brick Oven in St. George. It was really yummy. (Thank you for tending, Amber!) Then, I was lucky enough to have Bunko night on my birthday! My cute friends got me a gift card to Tai Pan! How awesome huh! I wish I had some pictures, but I'm not sure where my little camera is at the moment.

The post Dan wrote about me cracked me up because I remember that day like it was yesterday. That was so funny when he forgot my birthday. I was surprisingly nice to him about that!

Other than that I'm staying busy (is there a better word...BUSY in all caps might be a little better description). All things thrifty is so much fun. We have had a lot of feedback and a lot of people like it. That's always fun...to be involved in something that a lot of people like! Please spread the word to your friends (if you want) :).

Dan is staying busy and I get to help him out in the office a few times a week, so that's fun to go and see him. The kids really miss him now that we don't live right through the wall anymore.

Well, I'd better go jump in the shower...since it is 1:30 in the afternoon!

Happy Birthday Brooke!

Happy Birthday to Brooke! I know this is my first post in who knows how long... but I couldn't pass up the chance to tell everyone what a wonderful, amazing, talented, beautiful, smart wife I have. For those of you who don't know, six years ago today, I forgot her birthday. She was 9 months pregnant with Oaklyn, and it was the week before school started. That year I was in Student Gov. at SUU and Brooke was on Pres. Ambassadors. We both had separate retreats the whole week and had hardly seen each other. Well on that day, I got up early and left, and it didn't even cross my mind that it was her birthday. In fact we ran into each other in the Student Center and talked a few minutes and I said nothing. Brooke says this is when she knew I had forgotten. So later that day, Liz went out and bought a Happy Birthday banner and balloons and decorated our apartment. When Jordon and I got home, this is the best part, I walked through the door and said, "who's birthday is it". I know, I know... and she was 9 months prego! Anyway, needless to say she forgave me and every year without a doubt, at least 5 people remind me the day before not to forget her b-day. So HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Thanks for being my best friend and being the best mom in the world. I look up to you in so many ways you will never know. Marrying you was the best decision I have and will ever make in my life. I don't think you ever give yourself enough credit on how talented you are and realize how many people turn to you for everything. That says a lot in itself. You are such a good mom to our kids, and they love you so much. Sometimes I wonder how you do it all? I hope you have a great day because you deserve it! Love you, Dan.

New Moon Trailer!

The latest and greatest of the "crazy lady"

I have to admit, I feel a little CRAZY lately with everything going on, but that's just life around here. It doesn't seem like a normal week if I'm not a stress case!



Londyn is officially a water LOVER...she hopped into the bucket at the primary water party. (It was supposed to be the bucket the kids filled their water guns in)...ummmm she thought it was her personal swimming pool. Oaklyn was being shy, but Connelly had a blast.


Oaklyn is growing up so fast. Doesn't she look so grown up in these pictures. I HAVE A FIRST GRADER...WoW.

I am officially a prOcRASTINAtor. Ok if you know me well, you know that I work best under pressure. But, I now officially have about 10 days before I start teaching at Dixie College (2 classes), and I am NOT even close to being ready. What a slacker I am. (I am REALLY excited though) I guess I got a Master's degree, why not use it right?

My cute little niece Gracie got released from the NICU on Sunday. I'm so happy she has done so well. What's up with having NICU babies in my family? AYLA, GRACIE, WYATT, and KAITLYN. It makes me VERY grateful for modern medicine.

I just need to say something quickly...I LOVE GREAT FRIENDS...who care about each other. (ok...you know who you all are I hope).

During the chaos I started my new "thrifty" blog and I think people really like it. Everyone who has talked to me about it has nothing but great things to say. That makes me feel good.

My photography has started to pick up a bit, and that also makes me feel good. If you haven't been on my photo blog lately, check it out. I've been lucky to take some darling pictures lately.

I also got a new calling. I'm the Stake Sports information specialist. I'm excited.

Oh, and along that same subject, Dan and I are going to be playing on a co-ed softball team. That might be interesting, but honestly I am REALLY excited. I loved to play "back when" so hopefully the skills will come back...will they?? Is it like riding a bike...I doubt it. lol.

A few things I'm toggling with: Should I get a mini van? (Something about pushing a button and doors open and shut is VERY tempting). Should I go private on my blog? Give me your opinion.

In case you are wondering...only 78 days before HALLOWEEN!

Crazy lady...OUT.

Another room completed.

I can't decide if I should paint this room, so I'm going to leave it for a few weeks and decide. I'm having a struggle with what color I should paint it. I'm having a BLAST decorating though...I'm sure you're all surprised at that.

We decided to put the two girls together at the new house since they were already accustomed to being in the same room. I don't think it hurts them to share. I think it turned out so cute. The dot rugs are my favorite! Gotta love IKEA!

Random I know, but I wanted to show this pretty sunset that happened the other day. I love that Dan is bending over in the picture. :)

Did you think I stopped couponing?

I FINALLY did the Alberston's deal today. I've been meaning to go for days, but I couldn't bring myself to fight the kids alone. :) SO....here is what I got. (I missed out on a few deals because they were out, but I still got some SWEET prices).

I spent right around $20.00 and saved $98.00. YES $98.00. WOOT WOOT!

Happy Birthday Grandma Julie!

We love you Grandma Julie!

I tried for two hours to upload a video of my kids singing happy birthday to Grandma Julie, and I couldn't get it to work. So much for my master plan!

We hope you had a great day. The kids just adore you and you are such a fantastic mom, friend, and grandma. We hope you know how special you are. Thank you for your loving example and your energetic, out-going personality! We love you!

The leaf wall.

I've had a lot of people ask how I made my leaf wall. If you want to know how, go to my new blog and I explain it! :) OR CLICK HERE!

Here's another picture of it with the desk in the office!

NEW "Thrifty" Blog!

As MANY of you know. I am a FREAK about decorating. I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. I can't get enough of it. I finally finish a room, and I want to RE-DO it. So I, along with a friend, (who is exactly the same as me in this area) have started a blog to prove that you can decorate on a "thrifty" budget. We have learned together that with a little creativity, decorating can be fun and MOST OF ALL....CHEAP. WE HOPE you'll like it enough to WANT us to help you in your house. We'll be doing consultations, and we'll be teaching you "how to" make some SAWEET decorations for CHEAP. Plus we'll be selling some of our projects, and believe me, they'll be surprisingly cheap. We have a RULE that everything we sell will be less than $150.00. We plan to refurnish furniture, create wall art, and show you how to decorate in some sweet THRIFTY ways. I hope you will check out the blog and hopefully like what we have to offer!

A friend of mine and I have been talking about doing this for a LONG time, but we have finally "taken the plunge." If you want to learn how to make these darling art pieces...click HERE and check out our new blog!


A lot of friends ask me "how to" make things I've made...etc. This way Kallie and I will get to teach you some new skills in the decorating area. The blog will teach you how to do things the "thrifty" way. What a fun beginning.

First WALL is PAINTED!

I have to give most of the credit to Dan because he painted this for me while I was out of town. I got the inspiration from a thank you card...I know I'm a weirdo. BUT...I thought it turned out AWESOME!!! We bought the paint at Home Depot. It was one of their OOPS paints that only cost $5.00 a gallon! It was Ralph Lauren Metallic paint, and I have to admit, I'm pretty proud of it! Trying to decide which wall and which color to use is VERY hard for someone who LOVES to decorate! I'm like a little kid in a candy store. I'm so indecisive....I WANT THEM ALL!

This is the thank you card I got the idea from.

A project completed!

I am constantly re-doing something, but I always forget to take a "before" picture. BUT, this time I remembered! Dan thinks I'm crazy when I come home with "old" and "ugly" things. BUT...he just doesn't see the vision! I thought they turned out SAWEET.

Last night we got to go to family bunko night, and the kids had a blast. We were supposed to wear "red, white, and blue" and we did our best! The kids and dads got to go swimming and the moms played the game. Thanks to Wendi, we all had a delicious dinner, and had a fantastic time! The only thing is that I'm on a LOSING streak...I have got to start WINNING again! I'm not competitive at all. Ha ha.

What a miracle!

We have been so lucky over the past few days. We got our first "visitors," and I have LOVED every minute of it. The scary part is the reason we got these visitors.

Gracie Kay Ulrich (4 lbs 3 oz) was born last Friday night after Jess (my cute sis-in-law) got an infection, and had to be rushed in for an emergency C-section. She was 8 weeks early and was transferred to the St. George NICU. So, after Jess was released from the hospital, she and her cute hubby came to stay for awhile. I'm so grateful that Gracie is ok. She is doing great and is slowly gaining weight.

It seems a little crazy that Gracie's cousin, Ayla, was also born 8 weeks early. What's up with babies coming early in our family!?!?

Mike and Jess brought their dogs and our kids have been in HEAVEN. We can now have canine visitors and it's AWESOME. My kids played and played with Daisy and Rocky. Oaklyn is begging me for a dog. Londyn was a little scared at first, but she was loving them by the time they left. Hopefully they get to come back soon.

The "winter" of St. George!

It got hot FAST this year because it was unusually mild during June. So, the last two weeks have "melted" us! You have to think of it as the "winter" time of St. George when it's this hot outside. Swimming is a MUST to get out of the heat. We took the kids swimming today, and we had a blast. Londyn has decided she loves the water now, so that helps. She just floats around with her floaty swim suit and arm floaties! Oaklyn and Connelly BEG us to go swimming every day, so they were happy that we finally did it. I love the picture of Londyn where she is stuffing her face with pizza, and she has the goggles on sideways.

Random I know, but I had to include a picture of the bunt cake that Dan and I made the other day. Holy cow this cake is DELICIOUS. My brother in law Chris got us the recipe from a friend, and it is so good!


I also got a new camera! I'm so excited. It's a little complicated for me, so it might take me a little while to learn what I'm doing! This is the "Mother's Day" camera that I mentioned a few months ago. (plus birthday...plus Christmas...lol...etc)

We are finally getting settled into our house. Dan took a few days off work to help me, and I am so glad. I can finally park our car in the garage. YAY. We sure have a lot of CRAP. I'm sure you can relate if you have moved lately. I laughed because we honestly have probably 10 "Halloween" bins. We love that holiday. If you don't remember...look HERE for a reminder!

Well, enjoy your Saturday!

We are IN!!! AND the reunion is OVER!

What a week. We weren't able to move our stuff into our house until Tuesday, so we had a lot of fun "searching" through boxes to find everything I needed for my reunion! I needed my yearbooks...something that would be buried at the bottom of the pile of boxes! So, needless to say, I may have been a little frustrated trying to find things. In the mean time, the kids have had a blast at the new house. They love Mommy and Daddy's tub, and they had a blast with the bubbles! And, the stairs have been such a fun place to play for them.

One quick story about moving, We had everything out of the old house except 1 outfit for the kids, jammies, our mattresses (to sleep on), and shoes to wear. Well, when we woke up, we couldn't find Connelly's shoes ANYWHERE. Our house was empty, so it shouldn't have been hard to find them. But, we couldn't find them anywhere. So, we went outside to see if we could find them. Well, Londyn found my make up in the 1 minute I was outside, and the rest was history. I wish I would have snapped a picture of her face, but I didn't get it in time. All the walls that I had JUST washed had RED, LIPSTICK hand prints all over them! I had to call my mom to distract me for a minute or I would have EXPLODED.

My 10-year reunion was also during this week. (Yes, it was a week from BLEEP). It was fun to get together, and we figured we had almost 40 people out of 95 in our graduating class. So, I thought that was a great turn out. We had been working on this reunion for almost a year. So, to have it finished feels fantastic. We had a fun "quiz" about growing up, a slide-show, and a delicious dinner. IT was so fun to see everyone.