News Archives
      
December 30 - Grandma Dee's Visit
Grandma Dee came to visit us on the 26th and left today. We had such a
great time with her here. We went to Mesa and saw "The Testaments" at the
Visitor's Center, it was really good. It has been fun relaxing and
enjoying Daddy's time off. We've eaten lots of good food and watched many
football games. Of course we all played with Kristen. She is 4
months old today and growing so fast.
Pictures
December 24-25 - Merry Christmas
We really missed being with all of our family and friends this Christmas,
but enjoyed being at home together. With the temperature reaching 81
degrees on Christmas Eve and 73 on Christmas Day, we were quite warm. This
year marks the beginning of
many years filled with Christmas traditions. We put a lot of thought into it and
hope we will be able to continue them all as our family grows. We had a
great Christmas Eve and a wonderful Christmas Day, but the best part was just being
together. Pictures
December 18 - Baby Santa Photo
Shoot
We bought Kristen a cute little Christmas dress and had several photo shoot
sessions with lots of pictures. Kristen likes playing with the ribbon on
the presents, so for Christmas we'll give her empty boxes wrapped with pretty
ribbon. She's over her cold and doing well. We are staying home for
Christmas so we'll see you all next year.
Pictures
December 4 - Getting Ready
For Christmas
We went with the youth to the Mesa Temple on Friday night to see the
Christmas lights. On Saturday we got our Christmas tree and decorated it.
Kristen has had a cold, but she is still a pretty happy baby.
Pictures
November 28-29 - Disneyland
Vacation
We went to Disneyland with Grandma, Grandpa, Shelly, Zachary, Rachel,
Nathan, Jennifer, Tad, and Hannah. We had such a great time on the rides
and spending time together. Grandma & Grandpa got stuck with all 5 kids a
couple times, so us big kids could ride the big kid rides. Kristen did
really well. She slept when she was tired and only fussed when she was
past due on her feeding time. While we were riding Matterhorn and Star
Tours, Grandma & Grandpa had all the kids and were waiting for the parade to
start. Kristen had woken up and it was time to eat so she wasn't too
happy, but she was fine as soon as the parade started. She watched the
fireworks show and just stared at all the bright lights while listening to the
music. We spent the next day at California Adventure but Kristen didn't do
much there. We only stayed a couple hours so we could head back home.
We rode 3 rides, ate lunch with everybody and then said goodbye. We
stopped at Disneyland right before we left to see the show "Disneyland the First
50 Years" and I'm glad we did. I loved the show and when we came out we
got to see Goofy. Kristen did great on the drive home and now we're back
to the real world.
Pictures
November 27 -
Kristen's Blessing
We went to Cedarview Ward where Bret gave Kristen her blessing. In the
circle was Dad, Chris, Michael, Kevin, Paul, Cory, Tad, Alan, and of course
Bret. I was happy that she was asleep through her blessing so she didn't
cry. It was so wonderful having all our family there to support us and
great to be back with all our friends in the ward.
Pictures
November 26 - Grandma Ruth's 90th
While we were in town, we celebrated Grandma Ruth's 90th birthday at East
West Cuisine. We had a great time visiting with Guy and his family.
Kristen slept through appetizers, but by the time the food came she woke up.
Bret spent quite a bit of time out with her. We went back to Grandma
Ruth's house for cake and ice cream. It was a lot of fun and Kristen loves
Grandma Ruth.
Pictures
November 24 - Happy Turkey Day
On Thanksgiving day we went to Black Angus for lunch with Alan & Lynette and
Donna. Kristen slept through most of it and the food was delicious.
We came back to our place for dessert and took pictures. Kristen watched
football with her Daddy while I packed us up for our Trip to Fresno. We
left at 10:00 pm and Kristen slept most of the way. She fussed a little
but would fall back asleep. We just made one stop for gas and got to
Grandma Dee's at 5:00 am (Ca time).
Pictures
November 20 - Happy Baby
We have enjoyed the last couple of weeks being home. Bret continues to
work long hours but Kristen loves seeing Daddy right before she goes to bed.
We went out to dinner for our 5 year anniversary and some little baby kept
crying. We took turns taking her outside and she would be fine, but cry as
soon as she got back to the table. Kristen is a happy baby and she smiles
a lot and can now laugh. She likes to stand, although her balance isn't
too good yet. We are enjoying visiting with Alan & Lynette who are here
visiting for Thanksgiving.
Pictures
October 15 - November 4 -
Trip To Fresno
Bret had a crazy work schedule and was gone 15 hours a day, so Kristen and I
decided to go to Fresno for a couple of weeks. The May's were also moving
to Iowa so this was our last chance to see them before they moved. We
didn't tell anybody we were coming, so it was a big surprise. We were very
busy visiting lots of family and friends, and extended our visit an extra week
so we could see even more people. Kristen dressed up as Tigger for
Halloween and although she looked really cute in it, I'm not sure she enjoyed it
very much. We miss all of our family, but we are very glad to be back with
Daddy. Pictures
October 12 - Revolving Around
Kristen
Kristen has changed our lives forever. Bret wanted to take me out to
dinner on Saturday night for my birthday, but it didn't work out. Kristen
had been asleep but started wailing as we got near the restaurant so we went
home. We tried it again Monday night. She had been awake all day
long and it was a 25 minute drive to Cattlemen's so I figured she would fall
asleep in the car. I had fed her, but we ended up going a little later
than planned so of course she woke up before we had even ordered. We stuck
it out taking turns holding her while the other ate, sometimes walking out to
the parking lot with her. Kristen went to church for the first time on the
9th and slept through the entire 3 hours, including her feeding time. Bret
kept her during Sunday School while Primary needed me to fill in on the piano,
and also during Priesthood while I had to play in Relief Society. She is
sleeping great at night! We've had many 6 hour nights and even some 8's
and last night, 9 hours.
Pictures
September 30 - One Month Down
We have now survived our first month of parenthood and Kristen thinks we are
doing great. Bret flew out to Texas last night for a job he had to do
there, and returned home tonight. We're glad he's back and enjoying his
new job. Kristen has been doing well and seems to be growing so fast.
She likes hanging out with Dad in her baby backpack and she had a nice nap in
her swing today. Today was the first time I gave her a bath that she
didn't cry all the way through it. She had the hiccups and that usually
keeps her from crying. Also, because she is one month old today, I did a
little photo shoot of her. Luckily I had gotten enough pictures before she
threw up all over the place.
Pictures
September 23 - Just Mom & Dad
Grandma Dee flew home to Fresno yesterday so now it's just the three of us.
Kristen wasn't too sure what to make of not being held all the time. She
is doing great and we are so happy to have her in our family. We don't get
out much yet, unless it's to the airport. Kristen has been 4 times in less
than 4 weeks. It's harder to keep the website current since I don't have
as much free time as I used to, but I will do my best.
Pictures
September 16 - Daddy's Back
Bret started a new job and left on September 5 for training in Chicago.
While he was gone Grandma Gage was here to help me and Kristen. Bret came
home on Friday and was glad to see his little girl. He couldn't believe
how much she had changed in those two weeks. I took lots of pictures while
he was gone so he could watch her grow. Grandma Gage returned home to
Fresno and now Grandma Dee is here for a week. I'm sure Kristen is happy
her Daddy is home, but nobody could be happier than me!
Pictures
September 10 - Kristen Lynn Again
Grandma Gage has been here visiting and Kristen loves the attention.
Kristen continues to eat, sleep, and cry, but we have no control over when she
does these things. Here are some recent pictures of her from the last
week. Pictures
September 2 - Kristen Lynn
We took Kristen to the doctor today and she's normal, well at least as
normal as can be expected for our daughter. :) We gave her a sponge bath
for the first time at home today and it went really well. She's such a
cute naked baby. We are both exhausted new parents, but loving every
minute of it! Pictures
August 29 - 31 - Kristen Lynn's Arrival
She's Here! Kristen
arrived August 30th at 10:30 a.m. weighing in at 6 lbs. 15 oz and measuring 20
in. We are so happy that she is finally here and is a healthy little girl.
I'm feeling pretty good and Bret is a great daddy!
Pictures
August 20 - Happy Birthday Bret
Bret started his birthday Saturday by attending Little Philmont (scout
leader training). When he got home he received many phone calls to wish
him a happy birthday. We just enjoyed the day relaxing and taking it easy.
We went out to dinner at some Italian place called Carino's, it was really good.
I had planned on surprising Bret with ice cream cake, but he saw it in the
freezer first. We didn't have any candles, so we improvised and used
matches, it was pretty funny.
Pictures
August 8-11 - Family Visit
Thanks to Tad going on his fishing trip, Jennifer & Hannah decided to come
visit us. Then Shelly decided to come, and since they were both going, Mom
wanted to come too. They drove through the night and arrived early
Saturday morning, surprising me since I thought they were leaving Saturday
morning. We had lots of fun just hanging around and visiting with other
family and friends they have here in Phoenix. We went to Mesa to see Julia
& Rebecca. The kids had fun swimming at Rebecca's house. The weather
was actually not too bad all week long. A little more humid than we like,
but it was overcast most of the time. We went for a walk one night and
returned home early when it started to pour. Zachary loves Uncle Bret and
couldn't wait each day until he would come home from work. Bret had scouts
3 nights that week, so I took Zachary with me to the Court of Honor so he could
see him. We loved having everybody here!
Pictures
August 5 & 10 - Scouts
Bret was really excited about going backpacking. He loves being in
the mountains and enjoys nature. (Sounds like someone else I know.)
He got a new pair of scout shorts and he looked great in his Class B uniform.
They went up to Flagstaff and hiked a really easy trail because they had lots of
beginners. Bret enjoyed sleeping under the stars, but didn't like
mosquitoes so much. Bret loves scouting and he's doing a great job with
the boys. Pictures
August 2 - Out to Dinner
We decided to go out for one last, really nice dinner before Kristen
arrives. We went to the Compass Restaurant that sits on the 24th floor at
the Hyatt hotel. It's called the Compass because it constantly rotates,
giving you gorgeous views of the city from every side. It was a lot of fun
and we enjoyed seeing some of the beautiful surrounding sites.
Pictures
July 30 - Happy Early Birthday
Bret
Even though Bret's birthday isn't until August 20th, he got his present a
little early. I bought him an evaporative cooler to use in the garage.
Since he was going to be working out in the garage that day, I decided to let
him open it early so he could enjoy it right away. He also got some new
camping gear in preparation for his upcoming hike, so I said that was for his
birthday too. And one more thing he picked out for his birthday was the
latest and largest in our series of "mavericks".
Pictures
July 23 - Fun in Phoenix
The scouts had spent the night Friday night and got up early to work on
their personal fitness merit badge. After they ran their mile and did
their other exercises they went home and then the fun began. We drove out
to Fountain Hills to see this big fountain we had heard about. They say at
its highest capacity, it reaches 560 feet, but it was only 330 feet when we
went. It usually runs for 15 minutes, but if it's too windy, it shuts off.
It only went for a couple of minutes while we were there, but we enjoyed the
breeze that carried some of the water to where we were standing. That
evening we went to my first major league baseball game at Bank One Ballpark.
The Arizona Diamondbacks lost to the Atlanta braves. The stadium was
really nice, and air conditioned.
Pictures
July 4 - Happy Independence Day
We started early in the morning going to our Bishop's house for a pancake
breakfast. Bret enjoyed having an extra day off just relaxing. Bret
barbequed hot dogs and I made deviled eggs, after all, it was the 4th of July.
We drove to Glendale to catch their fireworks display and then caught a few more
as we were driving home.
Pictures
July 2 - Prescott Excursion
We went for a drive up to Prescott where it was much cooler. It
happened to be their Arts & Crafts Festival that weekend so we had fun walking
around checking out the booths. We also visited the Sharlot Hall Museum
where we got to see some old buildings from Arizona history before they became a
state. We went to lunch and enjoyed some ice cream before heading back home into
the heat.
Pictures
June 18 - Family Picnic
We all got together at Woodward Park for our traditional summer picnic.
The kids had a great time at the play ground and there was lots of food to eat.
Some of us enjoyed just sitting around relaxing and talking.
Pictures
June 18 - Baby Showers
We arrived in Fresno Saturday at 4:00 a.m. At 8:15 I went and got my
nails done (I have my priorities), then headed to the institute where Melissa
threw me a baby shower with church friends. Even though we haven't been
gone very long, it was so much fun to see everybody again. Then we headed
over to Momma Dee's house for the family baby shower that Jennifer put together.
Everything was perfect and it's great to be surrounded by people you love.
Thank you so much to everybody who has helped us prepare for Kristen's arrival!
Pictures
May 27-30 - Russ
& Chandra's Wedding in Cambria
Bret's cousin Russ was getting married in Cambria so we made another trip to
California. We started Saturday morning by playing catch at the park, then
we watched a movie in the van. Once Mom & Mike got there, we met up with
them at Aunt Sandy's where we stayed in the room above her garage. It was
so nice and it was fun just hanging out enjoying the cool weather. We went
out to dinner with Alan & Lynette (who happened to be in Cambria) and their
friends Alan & Vicki. The next day was the wedding and I finally got to
meet Russ. The ceremony was beautiful and the weather couldn't have been
better. We spent some time with Mom & Mike at the beach and had an awesome
view of the ocean as we ate dinner. We had fun visiting with family and
especially loved the cool ocean breeze.
Pictures
May 21 - Grandpa Feaver's
90th Birthday
We made a quick trip to Fresno to attend Grandpa Feaver's 90th Birthday
party. The party was in Grandpa's front yard and the weather was perfect.
Grandpa looked great and of course he poked us with his cane when we were within
reach. We had family pictures taken and enjoyed lots of good food. I
think all the kids favorite thing was when Uncle Glenn took us on a hay ride.
He locked us up in a trailer and drove the tractor around the ranch. It
was so much fun, even for the adults. It was a wonderful day filled with
lots of memories!
Pictures When we get the pictures back from the photographer,
we'll post those too.
May 21 - Happy Graduation Neal
Because of such great timing, while we were in Fresno we were also able to
go to Neal May's graduation party. We all had our doubts if Neal would
actually graduate, glad he proved us wrong. It was so fun to see the May's
and Williams' again. Where were the Smithhart's? We always have a
great time just hanging out and laughing together, or at each other.
Picture
May 8 - Happy Mother's Day
Bret woke up Sunday morning and fixed a wonderful breakfast for me. We went
to church and Bret got called as the 2nd Counselor in Young Men's/Scout Master.
He is really excited about his new calling. When we got home from church we
called our mothers to wish them a Happy Mother's Day. Lynette was in town
visiting her mom, Donna, so I met up with them on Friday for shopping. On
Saturday night we went to Donna's for dinner and a fun game of dominoes.
April 21-22 - Disneyland Again!
Mom & Dad were going to go to Disneyland with Paul & Krista's family so I
tagged along and met them there. I had tons of fun, and I think the kids
did too. Cannon & Heidi loved all the roller coasters, and Kayla loved
everything she could do. Grandpa enjoyed watching Billy Hill & the
Hillbillies perform at the Golden Horseshoe Stage. Paul & Krista & Family
headed to the beach on Friday, but Mom & Dad & I took advantage of several more
hours at Disneyland. I don't think I could ever get tired of this place.
Pictures
April 17 - Hannah's Blessing
We attended the Ashlan Ward for Hannah's blessing. I attempted to get
everybody's family picture, but I didn't quite succeed. Hannah had 8
uncles, 1 great uncle, 3 grandpas, 1 great grandpa and of course her dad
surrounding her. She is loved very much!
Pictures
April 16 - Happy 90th Gramps!
We were in Fresno to help celebrate Grandpa Dwelle's 90th birthday. We
had a great time visiting with all the family and cousins. There was tons
of food, all of it wonderful, and cake & ice cream too. The weather was
nice enough that we were able to enjoy being outside. What a wonderful
example Gramps is to all of us and we are thankful we are a part of his family.
Pictures
April 5 - Website Finally Updated
I had attempted several times to update the website, but unfortunately was
having problems. Thanks to Bret he got it all fixed up for me and I was
finally able to put up some pictures from my time in California.
March 23-24 - Fun With New Friends
The Relief Society President, Katie Rios, invited me to go camping with her
and Merissa Fleming up to Roosevelt Lake. Camping sounded like a good
idea, even without the husbands, so I went along. It was very windy while
setting up camp but I managed to set up the tent without it flying away.
Katie & Merissa each have 3 boys and it was fun watching them play by the lake.
Who knew throwing rocks into the water could be so fun? We went on a
little hike up the mountain to see the Lower Cliff Dwellings where Indians once
lived. I enjoyed being in the outdoors, but I think the night time camp
fire talks were the most fun.
Pictures
March 14-16 - Disneyland then Home to Arizona
After being in Fresno for several weeks, I went with Mom & Dad and Shelly
and her kids to Disneyland for several days. We all had a wonderful time
and the kids did really well. Even Nathan at 7 months always wanted to see
what was going on and didn't want to miss out on anything. We went to both
Disneyland and California Adventure and enjoyed lots of shows and attractions.
I was able to ride all but about 6 attractions. We left on the afternoon
of the 16th and drove towards Phoenix where Uncle Bret was waiting for all of
us. Over the next couple days we saw Goodyear, Phoenix, Mesa, and
everything in between. I loved having family here, and I was glad to be
home with Bret.
Pictures
March 4-6 - Bret's Visit
Bret was planning to come visit me in Fresno on the 5th, but got a day off
work and surprised me a day early. We went to see Hannah and she really
likes her Uncle Bret. We visited with Dee who was feeling under the
weather and then went out to dinner with Alan & Lynette, Grandma Harrison and
Gavin. I enjoyed having him with me for an extra day, but then it was over
and he had to go home.
February 22 - Welcome Hannah Ruth
Hannah Ruth made her first appearance on Tuesday February 22 at 11:00 p.m.
She arrived by c-section with lots of dark hair, and weighing in at 9 lbs. 2 oz.
She is as cute as can be! Mom and I visited Jennifer and Hannah daily
while at the hospital, and mostly everyday once they got home. Jen's
recovery seems to be going great and Hannah is starting to grow more.
Hannah had to travel all the way to Hanford to see her pediatrician Dr. Gage,
aka Uncle Michael. Hannah is grandchild number 16 and is loved just as
much as all the rest.
Pictures
February 7 - Bret's New Job
Today is Bret's first day at his new job. He had his interview this
past Thursday, and was offered the job later that day. He will be working
at a CPA firm in downtown Phoenix, which is just what he wanted. I'm so
proud of him!
February 6 - The Lingering Illness
Julie returned from Fresno feeling sick and we went to the doctor a few days
later assuming her sinus infection had returned. We were right about the
sinus infection returning, but also found out she had bronchitis. After 2
weeks, she is finally feeling better and able to get out of the house a bit.
Sorry we haven't posted much recently, but with Julie sick, there isn't much to
report.
January 21 - Julie Due Back
From Fresno
Can't wait until Julie comes back. She has spent most of the month in
Fresno for work. I have been to the Sky Harbor International Airport many
times! This will hopefully be the last week that she spends in Fresno,
although we are not for certain.
It's a GIRL!
Kristen Lynn arrived
August 30, 2005.
August 29 - Julie woke up with contractions this morning and has been
timing all day long. Had a doctor's appointment and she is 3 to 4 cm and
100% effaced. She is scheduled to be induced tonight if nothing happens
before then. At about 6:00 pm contractions were lasting for 50 seconds and
were spaced about 4 minutes apart. Here we go!
August 22 - Still no Kristen yet. Went to the doctor today and
nothing new. We are hoping she will come in the next week, or I'll end up
being induced. We'll keep you posted when something happens.
August 15 - Still at 2 cm and now 80% effaced. She will come on her
own time, she wants me to know who's in charge.
August 13 - Kristen's room is now officially finished! These were
the last of our projects on the to do list for her room. I painted her "K"
silver and we put it above her crib. We painted the Mickey shelf black and
sitting on it is a squeaky Goofy from Grandma Gage, a Mickey water globe Bret
bought right after we found out we were pregnant, and a Disneyland Resort soccer
ball from one of my trips.
August 8 - I went to the doctor and I am now dilated 2 cm and 70%
effaced. So we just keep waiting.
August 2 - I went to the doctor and I am at 1 cm. Yeah! So
hopefully Kristen knows what to do and I won't have to be induced.
July 19 - We got the crib and we are set. Bret put it together and
I washed the sheets so it's all ready. We're excited for Kristen to be
able to use it pretty soon.
July 2 - Kristen's room is now mostly finished. We painted picture
frames to match the walls, but haven't found prints to put in them yet. So
I colored some temporary pictures to get the point across. We bought the
clock and just added some Disney stickers, Ta Da, now we have a Disney clock.
The crib is on back order, so we are still waiting for that, but I think
everything else is pretty much ready to go.
June 25 - Up goes the border and molding.
June 18 - We went to Fresno where I had two
baby showers. Thanks to
everybody for everything!
June 11 - We started painting Kristen's room. Still more to do, but
we've got a little bit more time.
April 22 - Kristen is definitely making her presence known. I now
feel her moving a lot, and even Bret can feel her move. I think
reality is beginning to set in.
April 15 - I started wearing maternity clothes this weekend and have had
a rougher time trying to sleep comfortably. But I do realize that it only
gets worse from here.
April 6 - I had my first ultrasound and found out that we are having a
little girl. We are both thrilled and hope the next four months go well.
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