3 Guys and A Girl

Hello 2012, good bye 2011

2012-01-20T10:46:00.001-08:00

What a year it has been and as sad as I am to say good bye, I am looking forward to 2012. Starting last January I jumped back into school feet first and finished in December with 36 credits and a 3.8, it was a tough year of school but I am grateful for the opportunity to work towards my career as an Occupational Therapist while still being at home with our children.

In March we went to Seattle to visit with my dad where he threw me a beautiful baby shower. We came home from that trip and 4 days later I went into labor. In April, the 2nd to be exact, Treysen was added to the mix and he has brought such happiness and joy. Trevin adores his little brother and has a lot of fun with him now that Trey can for the most part "hold his own".

In May we moved out to Chicago as we always do and enjoyed a summer of fun with our friends there. Trevin played soccer and swam a lot and on June 30th we had a big BBQ at the pool with the company to celebrate Trevin turning 3. In July I had got to experience the beginning of a life when I helped my best friend Megan during her labor with her new baby boy Lincoln Omni Call. There is nothing more beautiful than new life.

We came home to enjoy the fall with our families and managed to squeeze in a trip up to Seattle in September to see Dad and Taylor. Brad started school again and we were busy with homework and balancing time with the kids.

In November Taylor came home to spend two months with us and my little sister Eloisa played the part of Lil Inez in Hairspray, she was amazing and it is so fun to see her personality blossom as she gets older. We were very proud.

At the beginning of December Brad and I got to go on Western Caribbean cruise with his company and we had a blast in Progresso climbing around the Uxmal ruins and in Cozumel we swam with dolphins and rented a buggy that we drove all around the entire island. It was amazing and we had so much fun being irresponsible for an entire week, we even got to spend a night in New Orleans where we of course spent the night drinking Hurricanes at Pat O Brians. It was so nice to spend a whole week with him without the kids and remember why we fell in love in the first place. We decided that every year we are going to take a vacation together for one week to remind ourselves of why we chose to be with each other.

In mid December Taylors boyfriend Braden came to visit and we had fun showing him how exciting Idaho Fall is...

and later in the month my dad came to stay with us for a week for Christmas and spoiled us rotten as usual. It was so good to spend so much time with him. It all went so fast and he had some fun, but among the fun we had some trials.

My little loves on Xmas morning.

Back to Summer, in mid August I got a call that my brother was back into using and was very suicidal, I was devastated, I took the next flight out of Chicago with the boys to get home to him. We made it in time to say our good byes and spend a day with him before we dropped him off at the airport headed to Boise and to rehab. It was only 30 days, but we thought it would work, and we were happy to see how he had changed. I ended up getting Shingles from the stress and then the boys ended up with Chicken Pox. What a long 4 weeks that was.

It didn't last long, in October a dear family friend and my brothers best friend died in a car accident, it was so horrible having to deal with the reality that he was gone. TJ struggled again with depression and drugs through the holidays and has ended up in a behavioral health center while we get him into a new year long rehab.

Trials always seem to bring great opportunities to learn. What I have learned----the mind is a fragile thing, and life is even more fragile. I have learned that we all make mistakes, some of them greater than others, but that we can find true peace within ourselves when we forgive ourselves. I have learned never to judge someone because we all make mistakes and none of us is any better than anyone else. I have learned how to let go of the negative events and embrace the positive. I have learned not to take any moment for granted because tomorrow the ones we love can be gone in a flash. I have learned never to give up on the ones you love no matter how hard life gets and that there is nothing more important in this life than family and because family is most important I will fight for them to the very end..... there might be a few others, but those are the most important life lessons for 2011. I love that we have the capability to learn and grow from every mistake we make, it is a beautiful thing.

I look forward to 2012 because it will bring so much change for us. I am in my 4th semester of school and so is Brad, we are considering a big move out of state to a sunnier state with so much more opportunity for us and we have a lot to look forward to. Trevin is busy learning Taekwando and is in swim lessons and preschool, he is getting so big, I can't believe that in less than 6 months he will be 4.
Treysen is trying to walk and will turn one in less than 4 months. He says mamma and dadda and day day (TJ) and ya and what and speaks jibber jabber all day long.
Life's not perfect, but mine is beautiful, heres to 2012!
As my brother always says, we put the "D" in Dysfunctional.

Deans List

2011-07-22T18:17:00.000-07:00

Yep, yours truly made the Dean's List for Spring 2011 and am on track to do the same for this summer. I am super excited about being acknowledged for all of my hard work. I even gave birth to Trey, two weeks before spring semester ended and still managed a 3.8. Now I am balancing being a stay at home mom, mommy of two, while taking 12 credits online, so I am very proud of myself for maintaing good grades!! .... okay I'm done bragging. :)

Where did summer go??

2011-07-22T18:07:00.000-07:00

This summer has flown by. I have been extremely busy taking 12 credits online and that has been taking up plenty of time. But I have still managed to has some fun with my boys at the pool and Trey is getting way too big way too fast. Here are just a few pics from May to June. I haven't been great about snapping shots. But here you go

Plenty of walks with my boys in our trusty Phil & Teds (love this contraption).

We have dodged a few tornados..... no really, one night we had the sirens go off 6 times, not gonna lie, I thought we were going to die.

Trey learned how to sit up in his Bumbo! Such a little mini Brad.

And this little guy just keeps getting to be more and more fun. Look at that smile! Love him!

Trev has a lot of fun swimming, going to parks, playing T-ball and going to gymnastics. This Monday he goes to soccer camp and he is stoked. I will definitely get pics of a bunch of 3 year olds trying to play soccer.

Mom finally got glasses..... yep, getting old.

Happy Father's Day to the best Co-sleeper around!!

2011-06-19T08:08:00.001-07:00

We love you Brad. Thanks for being and continuing to be the best co-sleeper and daddy there is! Love Trevin and Treysen!

And of course Happy Father's Day to our beloved Boppa!

Chicago So Far...

2011-06-14T07:58:00.000-07:00

Has been a blast. I have been so busy I haven't had any time to post. I am taking 4 classes online this summer and between that and taking care of two boys (one that I have to entertain every 10 minutes) I don't have much time for anything else. So far we have done a few fun things. Trevin and I were invited to do the Walk for Autism downtown Chicago three days after we got here. His buddy Micah is 9 and has Autism. It was a lot of fun and we had a really great time. Last week Trevin got to go to the White Sox game with his dad and he thought that was pretty cool, mom stayed home with the newborn of course. And then just this last weekend we wen exploring to Blackwell Forest Preserve and did some jogging. Other than that we have spent a lot of days at the pool because last week we hit 100 degree weather with the humidity. Brad is doing even better at selling this year than he did last year and I am very proud of him. On Thursday we are going to the Shedd Aquarium with Becca and Micah. I will make sure to take pictures and make a post! We sure love our home away from home!

Treysens Newborn Pics

2011-05-11T21:42:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of my favorites. Alicia Foster with Bits of Bliss Photography did a phenomenal job. Thank you!

Easter, brotherly love, and more...

2011-04-26T14:53:00.001-07:00

Trevin was so excited to leave his Easter basket in front of the fireplace Saturday night and was even more excited to find that it was full of goodies, a new shirt, a new puzzle, and a new coloring book Sunday morning. But was rather confused when he started noticing that things had also disappeared. Brad and I had to pack the car Saturday night because as soon as we were done with Easter on Sunday daddy had to leave to go start selling pest control in Chicago. Brad told Trevin that the Easter bunny took his shampoo because he was dirty, but that he would return it. It was really funny. We were sad to see daddy go, but we are excited to fly out to Chicago on the 18th of May to live with him for the summer and Trevin can't stop talking about going on an airplane again.

For Easter we went to Aunt Tammy's house for the annual family Easter egg hunt and we had a really nice time with the family and all the kids. Talk about a TON of candy.

Trevin loves to take baths with Treysen. Although we have to be careful because he likes to "help" by dumping water on his head.

Trevin feeding his baby brother.

Mommy snuggling with her boys.

Treysen

2011-04-22T13:18:00.000-07:00

I realized that you couldn't see Treysen in the picture I posted :) so here are just a few of our little man during his first week of life. So far his older brother adores him and loves to hold "his baby."

And then there were 4...

2011-04-18T13:45:00.000-07:00

After 8 hours of natural labor Treysen Bradley Lounsbury was born April 2nd, 2011 at 4:09 am. He was 7 lbs 3 oz and 21.5 inches long with a whole head of dark hair. He is beautiful and perfect and we love having him in our lives.

To the little boy who changed my life...

2011-03-30T17:26:00.001-07:00

Trevin James,
This is a short letter to you from mommy written before baby #2 arrives. You changed my life on June 30th, 2008 in a way I could have never imagined and you continue to add so much to mine and daddy's lives. You were our #1. You taught daddy and I patience, love, and what life is all about. Everyday you bring so much happiness to our lives and we want you to know how much we love you. We are excited to welcome our second child into our family and we know that you will be the greatest big brother there ever was. With your love, care and concern for others we know you will be an excellent example for Treysen and that you will always care for and protect him.
Love,
Mommy and Daddy

38 ish weeks

2011-03-20T12:03:00.001-07:00

Not entirely sure why I am choosing to share this photograph. This is me mid way through 38 weeks. I am going on my 39th this Tuesday. On Thursday I turned 24 and still feel the same. Brad took me to dinner at Blue Hashi and let me devour as much sushi as I could manage and then we went to the movie The Adjustment Bureau. We had a really nice time. We laughed together like we haven't in a really long time and it felt great. It was nice to have alone time seeing as after this baby gets here it is going to get kinda crazy! Tonight we are having family over to enjoy pulled pork sandwhiches and cake in honor of my birthday. Brad has put it all together and ordered me an amazing white chocolate raspberry bundt cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes out of Salt Lake City. He also got me the gorgeous earrings pictured below (which are still in the mail somewhere). It has been a great week and tomorrow after my doctor appointment we are headed to Seattle for a week and I get to attend a baby shower that my dad and my little sister have put together for me and Treysen! Will post pics when I get back! Wish me luck. Hopefully we don't have to deliver this baby in Seattle! This is going to be our last trip with just Trevin before the baby gets here and I want him to have lots of time with mommy and daddy!

Almost Ready

2011-03-10T15:06:00.000-08:00

The other day Trevin and I did a little shopping to get ready for the baby. We got a new car seat (the one we used with Trevin was borrowed) and he was very eager to get it in the house to open. Now all he does is play in it.... We also got a new take along swing and once again, the batteries are going to be worn out before the baby actually arrives. We are down to three and half weeks left and getting pretty excited about it. Tomorrow we have another appointment and I am hoping we get to do another ultrasound. Oh and just a strange sidenote... I am obsessed with the color red with this baby.

New, new, new

2011-02-22T08:46:00.000-08:00

So Trevin's new shoes came yesterday and he wore them around the house all night last night. Then this morning he beat me out of bed and came in with his new shoes on. Apparently they are really comfortable and he looks super cute in them. I think I might have to consider getting the high tops as well. He is so my kid, getting crazy excited about shoes. :) I also got him a new Cars backpack from Ross yesterday (we weren't leaving without it) and he has been wearing it non-stop as well. Super cute. I will have to get some pics.

And of course mom got something new too! The Phil & Teds Dash double stroller, except it is in Seattle and I have to go pick it up when we go to visit on the 23rd of March. I am still SO excited to push my little babies in it this summer!

32 Weeks!

2011-02-13T10:10:00.000-08:00

Only 8 more weeks till we get to meet our second child and we are getting very excited!

Trevin got a new kids tough camera this week and loves going around taking pictures. It is really cute. He insisted on getting a shot of his sibling for his own records.

Say cheese! Is what he goes around saying!

Happy 26th Birthday Daddy!

2011-01-08T14:07:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to the best father, best husband and best friend a woman could ask for! I hope you enjoy your day today! (Even though your real birthday is Monday)! Love, Mommy, Trevin, and baby Treysen!

Drum Roll Please

2011-01-04T19:43:00.000-08:00

We are having another baby BOY! No one in the family is right, it wasn't a girl and thank goodness there aren't two. That would have been a little crazy. We are excited for Trevin to have a little brother and I think we have decided on Treysen Bradley Lounsbury. It could still change though.

24 Weeks

2011-01-02T08:50:00.000-08:00

I feel like if I get any bigger I am going to pop. I have been having so much pain in my abdomen lately and the only thing we can figure is that I my muscles are trying to stretch. Not loving it. I can't believe how much I have grown in 2 weeks! I have grown like an inch a week! Which is crazy. I am almost what I was full term with Trevin and it is making me a little sad. Thank goodness for gyms and treadmills! We find out Tuesday at 2pm what is in there. Brad will be working in Afton, so my mom will be going with me and she is SO excited. It's cute.

22 Weeks

2010-12-11T22:11:00.000-08:00

Getting bigger everyday! We will find out in about 4 weeks what we are having and whether or not there are two in there!

TWINS?

2010-12-11T12:16:00.001-08:00

Yep I said it, everyone in our family believes that we are having twin girls. Let me tell you how they came to this conclusion. Last night we had my family over for my moms birthday dinner and cake. There was about 10 of us in all. My moms boyfriend Dave gave her the most amazing gifts. My mom is a Reiki practitioner and asked for an Ocean Jasper wand, which she got, but Dave also got her a moonstone crystal that is on this chain. What you do is hold it out in front of you and ask it questions i.e. your name, your age, and it will swing one way for truth and the other for a lie. Well everyone started playing with it. We started to ask it what we were having. We asked boy. Nothing. We asked girl. Nothing. So then we said twins and what do you know it starts to move in a circle for truth. We all gasp, start laughing and then ask if it is a boy and a girl, nothing, then we asked boys, nothing, then we asked if we were having twin girls and BINGO it started moving in big huge circles. My mom has obsessively been asking it and so now everyone in the family is determined that we are having twin girls. Kinda funny. Guess we will see in January!

Bellys are good for....

2010-12-07T15:42:00.000-08:00

Driving hot wheels on! Or so Trevin thinks! He thinks it is funny to roll his cars off of mommy's rapidly growing belly and I gotta admit, I get a total kick out of it. This little man makes my life, I can't imagine how much more fulfilled I will be with two!

These days...

2010-11-18T09:30:00.000-08:00

I am looking a lot like this. Well this was from about a week ago, so I actually might be a little bigger?! I am about 17 weeks in this picture! Almost halfway there! Yippee!

SCHOOL

2010-11-10T18:01:00.000-08:00

Things are about to get pretty crazy around this place. Brad has officially registered for his online class for Spring 2011 through Utah Valley University and is going to be taking 15 credits! I am so extremely proud and excited for him. I on the other hand am supposed to register at Idaho State University Idaho Falls campus next week, but have to take the COMPASS test either tomorrow or Friday depending on quickly I can finish preparing myself! I will only be taking 12 credits for Spring 2011 though. So Brad starts January 5th and I start January 11th (if all goes well for me). I am kind of nervous, we will be busy, but luckily Brad won't have to work more than part time if he doesn't want to and I am lucky to not have to work at all. So we should be able to balance our schedule and make it work. The funnest part will be finishing finals three weeks after I give birth to our second child and then packing up a few of our belongings and moving out to Chicago for three months, a few days after finals! Our lives are always crazy like this so we should be used to it by now!

Bound and Determined

2010-11-04T19:19:00.000-07:00

I have spent the last week or so working on digitally organizing all of the photos and videos we have of our son. Yes, all 3,008 photos are all filed nicely on our desktop computer. Now for the fun part. Since it is getting colder and Brad and I have finished all of the projects we were working on, I am bound and determined to spend Trevin's nap time and some evenings getting his digital scrapbook completely done. I am hoping to have it all caught up and printed before the baby arrives this Spring. Wish me luck! I am starting tonight!

Halloween Festivities

2010-11-01T19:58:00.000-07:00

This year we had a lot of fun taking our little Buzz Lightyear to all of the Halloween festivities. On Thursday we took Trevin to my little sisters school carnival, on Friday we went to Trick or Treat street with The Bells and on Saturday we went to a Trunk or Treat and to the mall trick or treating with Trevin's buddy Lilly. I think he really enjoyed all the fun and of coursed loved that all he had to say was trick or treat for someone to throw some candy in his bucket! Saturday mom and dad got to have some fun and we went to The Bells Halloween party where we played a bunch of games and took 2nd for our costumes!

Lilly and Trevin

Trunk or Treat

Buzz with The Bell Boys (Madden was Robin and Brakken was Batman)

Trick or Treat Street

Pauly Bleaker and Juno

Christmas Is Coming Early!!!

2010-10-27T09:58:00.001-07:00

We found out two days ago that Christmas will be here on November 2nd in the Lounsbury home. Heres the story. When we went to visit my dad in Seattle a few weeks ago my dad was excited to tell us that he bought us Apple TV so we can stream movies and such from our computer to our TV. What he didn't realize was that, although we have a nice TV, it is old and doesn't have HDMI hookups. So we told him he would have to take it back. Jokingly I said "well you could just buy us a new TV for Christmas!" I was TOTALLY kidding. Well they say ask and you will receive! So on November 2nd we get to swing by Best Buy and pick up our new 50" Panasonic VIera G20 TV!!! Brad and I were a bit speechless, but dang are we excited to have the best TV on the market sitting in our living room! Thanks DAD!! You sure know how to keep us spoiled rotten!!

Wish List

2010-10-25T11:06:00.001-07:00

While we still don't know what we are having, I am 16 weeks and getting anxious to start collecting the things we will need. Today I spent the whole morning looking at crib sets, nurserys, and diaper bags for girls. Yep, I am so determined we are having a girl I haven't even consider having to put together another boys room. This is the Petunia Pickle Bottom bag I have picked out. Last time we had a JJ Cole, and while I love the brand (we have the car seat holder and Bundle Me by them), I want something a little more girly looking for me to carry as a purse as well. Here it is. I have officially started my wish list!

"New Life"

2010-10-17T20:29:00.000-07:00

I love to go thrift store shopping with my mom and find things that need a "new life." This summer I was about to order some new stools for our bar in our kitchen when I stumbled upon 5 awful looking stools at DI. I looked them over and decided I could make them look good again and they were the perfect height. So for $20 I took them home. They sat all summer until a week ago when I decided it was time to get them done and move them into the house. So I bought some Hammered Copper spray paint from Lowes and painted them (that costed $36 because it took more than I thought I needed). Then they sat again for another week until yesterday I went to Home Fabrics in search of some fabric (which only ended up costing me $15). So all in all I redid these 5 stools for $71 and I am thrilled with the way they turned out. $14 a stool is a great deal and they match my house perfectly!

BEFORE:

AFTER!

Trevin's Room!

2010-10-13T22:08:00.000-07:00

Today I finally mustered up the energy to get Trevin's room done. I started it in June when Brad was gone, but had yet to finish the touch up since I boarded a plane to Chicago the day after I painted it. I also hadn't finished the frames and shelf and we hadn't received his book shelf that was on back order from Pottery Barn for 3 months (I am so glad I didn't cancel that order, it looks perfect in his room). I am so thrilled to have everything done and put together. I still have one more shelf and a small hanging for his art doings, but I haven't finished them yet. However, it still feels great having the biggest majority of it done. Trevin kept coming in when we were finishing and saying "that's nice." So I think he is happy with the end result as well! Brad said that our son has the most kicka$$ room in Idaho Falls.... of course we are biased, but I agree. :)

Travelers

2010-10-12T14:19:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted lately because we have been some busy travelers! After the cabin we went to Park City for my uncle Tyler's surprise party and spent 5 days up there in a condo. We had a blast! This last week we were in Seattle, and this time we took my mom and Eloisa with us. It was a lot of fun! I will have to upload pics and post again soon. But here is the one picture I do have. We all went to the Space Needle Friday night after dinner. It was fun for ALL of us to go together!

Catch Up

2010-09-23T09:49:00.000-07:00

I haven't been great about posting simply because I am exhausted and sick with this little baby I am carrying. But for Labor Day we went to my grandparents cabin and had a lot of fun spending time with family. Trevin got his first fishing pole from his grammy and went on his first four wheeler ride with his daddy. He had a blast. He also got his birthday gift from his grandma and grandpa Lounsbury and has loved riding the scooter they got him. We have also spent a lot of time working on the yard and I need to post before and after pics of our backyard and a pic of the new tree Brad let me buy!

Catch Up

2010-09-23T09:45:00.001-07:00

Water Fight!!

2010-08-20T22:58:00.000-07:00

After a long day of working in the yard Brad decided to hose himself off and TJ decided he was going to help. In the end it turned into a big water fight and TJ was having a blast chasing daddy with the hose!

More pics of summer

2010-08-13T15:59:00.000-07:00

Corn!

Hanging in his really cute "choo choo" unders.

Dirty boy from playing at the park!

Picture Overload

2010-08-13T15:53:00.001-07:00

At the end of July we started potty training TJ. There have been days when I really regretted it and days where I have loved not changing diapers. He has been doing great, but we still have accidents here and there!

Trevin doing "muscles"... so cute

We have discovered that Trevin drools just like his daddy!!

My little Abercrombie model

And then there were four?

2010-08-10T12:23:00.000-07:00

Yep its true. Brad and I found out last Saturday that we will be expecting a second child. It was completely unplanned and I have once again been showed that I am not in control of everything that happens in this life of mine. We were so determined that it was just going to be us three. Now it will be the Lounsburys Four. From what we can tell I am going on six weeks. I have been a little nauseas here and there, but mostly I am just super tired. Our new little one should be joining the family at the beginning of April and despite the initial shock and surprise, we are excited and excited for TJ to have a playmate.

the last few months have been crazy

2010-07-16T15:45:00.000-07:00

To fill you in.... I was working as a paralegal while Brad has been in Chicago selling pest again. He is rocking it btw. We were apart for two and a half months until this last Monday when Trevin and I hopped a plane to Chicago to finish out the summer with him. While we were home Trevin and I moved back into our beautiful home and he turned two. We had a big celebration for him and I rented a huge blow up water slide. I am no longer working as Brad has done better than we could have imagined and I get to be a stay at home mom again. I love it. I will have to post pictures soon, Trevin has gotten so big!

Good for now...

2010-04-15T14:25:00.000-07:00

So I talked with the doctor, for now, we wait, it could get worse, it could get better, but not much is to be done about my blood results. In 3-6 months I will go get it checked again, if it worse, then we take action to figure out why, if it is better I will of course be happy and I am working on a healthier me, just in case! :)

Continuous Health Fair

2010-04-06T20:09:00.000-07:00

That is what it is called when you go to a lab and have your blood drawn on your own (not doctor ordered). I decided to get mine done when I developed what looks like Psoriasis on my left elbow. It has continually gotten worse over the last two weeks and I was nervous about what was going on with my body. In the last month or so I have had headaches and crazy fatigue, which I had told myself was due to being a full-time working Paralegal and mom. Well I got my blood drawn today and got the results.... they weren't as great as I had hoped. I have an elevated HCT level (hematocrit) which means I have lots more red blood cells than need be and a low level of platelets, which means either my bone marrow isn't creating enough, or my body for some reason has decided to start attacking them. Neither sounds good to be honest. Tomorrow I will be consulting a hematologist/oncologist. I will of course keep all friends and family updated, but I guess I just needed to write it down and be objective about the whole thing so I don't breakdown and cry. I am such a healthy person, I eat well and am active, and even jog and walk when it is warm! Oh well. I guess we will just have to wait and see what happens. For those that pray, feel free to say a quick one for me.

Busy, Busy

2010-03-23T18:45:00.000-07:00

Trevin drinking ranch at dinner! Yum!

My new shirt that I am in love with!

I have been really bad about posting lately and was reminded by my old Kingston co-workers that I needed to update. We have been extremely busy lately with both Brad and I working full-time and Brad going to school full-time online. I am also, with the help of my good friend Lydia, planning a baby shower for my Uncle's wife that is the day before Easter.

This last weekend we went to Boise, to see my little sister Taylor. Brad stayed behind to work on an essay for school, so it was just mom, Eloisa, Trevin, and I. We left Saturday after my mom got off work and were in Boise by dinner time. Taylor came to the hotel and we went to Old Chicago for dinner. Trevin was tired and it was kind of a nightmare. That night my mom went to sleep with Trevin and us three girls went swimming. It was really fun to spend some time with my little sisters. On Sunday we went swimming and Trevin had a blast! We also went shopping, had lunch, and then Eloisa and Trevin went and napped at my Aunt Tawni's while Taylor and I went shopping some more! I got Trevin lot's of cute summer clothes, and I got myself a new purse and some new shirts (yes, this trip was partly for my birthday and I spoiled myself). We also had dinner with some family and Trevin ran around with his aunt and cousin in the back yard. He had a blast getting all dirty and being a boy! Monday we woke up, had breakfast with Auntie Taylor and said our good byes (she is moving to Seattle after college) and we won't be seeing her again till the end of May, and then I don't know when, after that. I was sad to say good bye. It was a nice break, despite all of Trevins fits (I think we are starting the terrible twos.... lucky us!)

Pictures are to come..... assuming I can get them off of my new Droid (which I am still having a hard time using).

The Weekend

2010-03-07T17:47:00.000-08:00

This weekend was actually pretty eventful. On Saturday we FINALLY (and I say this because I had to re-schedule THREE times since December) got Trevin's pictures taken and were able to get a few of the whole family. It was kinda horrible and I am so grateful to Cassie Mickelsen who took the pictures and was extremely patient with our son, who upon arriving at her house got a MASSIVE butt rash. I kid you not, we were in the clear when we left and between here and Rigby it occurred. So not only would he not sit, but he would not hold still. Once we got the situation taken care of he was a little better, but by that time he was exhausted and fell asleep minutes after we were done. I am hoping and praying we got some good shots! So that night it was our friend Trey's birthday party up at Heise pizzaria! Their pizza is SO yummy, we took my little sister and had a good time hanging out with everyone! My little sister stayed the night with us and we woke up Sunday and had a big breakfast together and we all sat on the couch and played Mario on the WII and just relaxed, which was SO nice considering I have been sick again this week!... finally starting to feel better! Oh and last but not least, Brad and I are now proud owners of the Droid. Yep, Brad dropped his phone in a puddle and when we went in to get him a new phone found out that the Droid was buy one get one Free. Well hello, we of course took advantage of the deal and for the first time in almost 2 years spent money on new phones. I have to say they are AMAZING and we love them and can totally justify the money we spent! Well that is our update. Hopefully next week I will have our pictures to post! YAY!

Getting Crafty

2010-03-02T19:34:00.000-08:00

So in all the "spare" time I have had.... I was being slightly fesecious just then.... I started making this silk flower/pin wheels to put on headbands. I saw a similar one on line, but wasn't willing to pay 18.50 plus shipping for it, so I decided I could make my own. Well instead I made two, one for each of my sisters (I have yet to actually finish my own... go figure). I thought they turned out pretty cute and here are my little sisters modeling them for me! ..... and now in all my future "spare" time I have to make two more like Eloisa's for two of her friends who have birthdays coming up and my mom wants to pay me to make them for her friends. We will see. I wasn't planning on making them to sell, I just wanted one for me!

All in a Week

2010-02-27T08:46:00.000-08:00

Trevin got ANOTHER Christmas gift, and had way more fun playing with the packing peanuts than with the actual toy!

He made a mess! Thank goodness for vacuums!

Trevin got really good at brushing teeth and now will no longer let us help him!

We went to the doctor to find out that Trevin has eczema, it must be just slight eczema because we gave him the prescribed steroid cream only 4 times and he is looking much better and from here on out we will be really good about keeping him moisturized!

Trevin also fell on one of his dump trucks that was upside down and got a NASTY scratch on his lower right side! Poor kid screamed louder than I have ever heard him scream! He also fell off the couch on two different days and has two black eyes!

And last but not least I either had the flu or food poisoning last night and was deathly ill! Needless to say, I am thrilled that this week is over and that we can start anew on Monday!

Valentine's Day

2010-02-16T18:50:00.000-08:00

Brad and I are a little unconventional when it comes to Valentine's Day and we never end up celebrating the day of. So on Saturday we woke up and had breakfast as a family and Trevin and Brad gave me this gorgeous handmade necklace from The Vintage Pearl and I was so thrilled with it! I am OBSESSED and I have worn it everyday since! Then we took Trevin to my mom's house while we went and got Brad's gift. He was really excited about it. Afterwards we went to Fred Meyer to get Trevin a small gift and then we went and had dinner at Wasabi, we didn't have a reservation, but they were very sweet and fit us in (good choice on their part because we ate a TON of sushi) and it was delicious! We got Trevin a super cute Oshkosh sweatshirt, shirt, board book, heart balloon, and red Tic Tacs. He was totally digging the balloon! On Sunday we enjoyed a day at home and then dinner with Brad's family and then took Trevin to my mom's house, who kept him over night, and then watched him Monday. It was SO nice to get a full nights rest! Thanks mom! All in all, it was a great weekend!

Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho, It's back to work I go!

2010-02-07T20:50:00.000-08:00

That's right, as of Tuesday I am back to work again, full time! I haven't really posted about the interviewing process, because luckily, there really wasn't one! I mean my last day at Kingston I interviewed with an insurance agency, but we just weren't a good fit. I was waiting to hear from Kingston Management Services about an Assistant position there, but in the meantime interviewed last Wednesday with Campos Law (his wife is the VP General Counsel at Kingston and referred me to him)... thank you Kari! We went to lunch to talk about the job and I knew right then and there that this job was for me! Ever since high school I wanted to be an attorney and in my senior year even interviewed with Harvard. Unfortunately I didn't get in, but it wasn't until the last couple of years that I had completely given up hope of ever being in that field. I mean, let's face it, I haven't even graduated! Well I was thrilled to find out that the position I am starting I will be training to be a Paralegal for Campos Law! It seems like the perfect job for me and although I am terrified of the learning curve ahead of me, I am also SO excited for such a huge opportunity! I am so blessed to have been able to find a great job, with good pay, and so quickly in such a "down economy."

Latest and Greatest of Trevin James

2010-01-27T12:32:00.000-08:00

It has been awhile since I have posted about our "bubbs" as we like to call him. I can't believe how fast he is growing up!! This is what he has been up to!

Such a little stud!

Drawing on the fridge! He looks completely guilty, even though I am the one that gave him the marker! Pretty sweet... no wasted paper, just give them a dry erase marker and let them go to town! Following in Picasso's footsteps I think!

Hot Wheels sunglasses! Oh yeah!

Learning to go potty on the "big boy potty"!.... the right way. Doesn't every man need reading material?? He is getting very good at letting us know when he needs to go "he usually will pull on his diaper." I think very soon we will be buying underwear! WOO HOO!!

He is still of course a HUGE fan of music and loves to listen and dance to it!

And of course, what little boy doesn't like taking baths and taking ALL his Hot Wheels with him! Look at that face! He looks like he is 4!! Where did my baby go?

Torn

2010-01-26T10:40:00.000-08:00

So as of February 1st I am jobless :(. Kinda sad. When I took this position I knew full well that I was only a temporary employee for 3-4 months. I just didn't expect to make such great friends that I would miss so much upon leaving!! This job has been a great experience and I am so glad that I was able to meet so many great people who have helped make it such! As much as I hate change (I am really getting quite good at adjusting) I am also excited for a new endeavor. I have no idea, where I will be working next or what I will be doing, but that is part of the excitement. I am lucky enough to have 3 potential job offers and the interviewing begins on Friday! Wish me luck! I sure hope that wherever I go, or whatever I do, will be equally as great as an experience as working for Kingston has been! I just keep having faith, that whatever is suppose to happen, will happen!

Unpredictable

2010-01-20T09:22:00.000-08:00

Life is so completely and utterly UnPrEdIcTaBlE! Just when I think I have it all figured out... So lately it has been very slick around Idaho Falls. A little bit of rain, some ice rain, some sun, and then freezing cold and then snow on top of that=ice that you can't see. Well this morning, this hidden ice got the best of my husband. While carrying our son up to our babysitters house, he lost balance on their front porch skating rink and biffed it bad. I am oh so very thankful that my husband caught our sons fall, but feel bad that he caught, both of their falls, with his elbow! No, not both elbows, just one, slicing it open. At fist he called me to ask if we had any medical supplies at home and was going to go bandage himself up. Well he got home and realized he could see his own bone, and after much deliberation (if any of you know my husband you know he was thinking of super gluing it together), decided to go to Community Care where he ended up with 4 stitches! The funnier part about it is that we are 1 month away from having insurance, so when Brad went in, he told them that, and when they were about to do stitches, asked the doctor for no anesthetic, if it would cost less! The doctor, being the saint he was, gave Brad the anesthetic and the stitches all for only 100 dollars (instead of 300 dollars)! What a nice guy! Thank you "unknown" doctor for not putting my husband in more pain and making this adventure affordable for us! All in all, a negative start to this morning, ended up turning out greater than I could have imagined and I am grateful!

The History of "Aprons"

2010-01-17T17:09:00.000-08:00

My mom made me this awesome apron for Christmas and with it came this awesome story!

I don't think our kids know what an apron is. The principal use of Grandma's apron was to protect the dress beneath, because she only had a few, it was easier to wash aprons than dresses, and they used less material, but along with that it served as a pot holder for removing hot pans from the oven.

It was wonderful for drying children's tears, and on occasion was even used for cleaning out dirty ears.... From the chicken coop, the apron was used for carrying eggs, fussy chicks, and sometimes half-hatched eggs to be finished in the warming oven.

When company came, those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy kids. And when the weather was cold grandma wrapped it around her arms. Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow, bent over the hot wood stove.... Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron.

From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables. After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls. In the fall, the apron was used to bring in apples that had fallen from the trees. When unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising how much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds.

When dinner was ready, Grandma walked out onto the porch, waved her apron, and the menfolk new it was time to come in from the fields to dinner. It will be a long time before someone invents something that will replace that "old-time apron" that served so many purposes.

Remember: Grandma used to set her hot baked apple pies on the window sill to cool. Her granddaughters set theirs on the window sill to thaw.

They would go crazy now trying to figure out how many germs were on that apron. I never caught anything from an apron!

Happy Birthday My Love

2010-01-09T11:58:00.001-08:00

Tomorrow Brad turns 25! I had to do a quick post in honor of such an outstanding man!

A few weeks ago I mentioned to Brad that he would soon be turning 25..... I was sad to hear a response of.... "ya 25 and I have yet to accomplish anything." At first I was upset about this and as I got to thinking more about it over the weeks I have thought a few things...

Why is it that our society is so negative, making us in turn, negative? Why is it that once you hit your mid twenties that people feel like, if they haven't discovered a cure to a disease or gone to the moon and back, or invented something amazing, that life is short of any accomplishments? Well Brad, here is your list of accomplishments.... in my eyes!

-Graduating from High School (not everyone today can say they have done this)

-Going on a mission for 2 yrs. (yes although we do not attend the same church, that to me is still quite an accomplishment, many men would be too afraid to leave home for such a long period of time to go door to door teaching people about Jesus Christ)

-Marrying me :) that has to be one of your most difficult feats yet!

-Building our beautiful home! True we almost lost it, but I will never forget all the hard work on so many cold days that you spent making our first house so special!

-Starting your own business. How many guys do you know that can say that they owned their own business at 22? .... I don't know any other than you!

-Becoming a father to our handsome little man! When my dad said that you were an "exceptional father" I couldn't have agreed with him more and I know many that feel the same way! That little boy adores you and I am so happy to have such a wonderful role model for our son!

-Continuing to work everyday to provide for our family. You have always done whatever it takes to make sure we have a comfortable life and are fed and warm! I am so grateful to you for this!

-For starting college this year. It is going to be crazy, but I know you can do it and I have every bit of faith in your ability and am SO excited for you!

Now I am sure to a lot of people none of this means anything, but to me, each of them is a milestone in your/our life. We may not have everything, but together, we really do have it all! I am proud to celebrate your 25 years of life! What an awesome 25 it has been! What a wonderful husband, father, son, brother and friend you are! Here is to you and ALL of your many accomplishments! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

New Family Pics

2010-01-07T14:28:00.000-08:00

Thank you to Cassie Mickelsen with Pink Paisley Photography for our new and updated family pictures! .... it is has only been 7 years! There are to many to upload them all, but here is a taste!

We miss you Dad!

Family 1

Family 2

Dad's Kids

Mom's Kids

A New Year Brings New Beginnings!

2010-01-06T09:34:00.000-08:00

As if our lives couldn't get any crazier! Starting today my husband is an official "college student"! It is very exciting, surreal and unnerving at the same time! Brad is enrolled at Utah Valley University and will be completing the Aviation Science Bachelors Degree online while completing his flying hours here in Idaho (I opted for them to start Spring/Summer simply because it makes me less nervous!). I am very excited and proud of my husband for making his life long dream a reality! I know that he is more than capable and in 4-5 years (hopfully sooner, but everyone has failed a class or two) we should have a pilot on our hands! YAY! It is the start of a very dim light in the horizon of our future! It is going to be busy, but we have made it through so much, I doubt this will even phase us!

I also forgot to mention, that with this new beginning comes a New Years Resolution for me. No it is not one of those diet resolutions (if any of you know me you will know that I love food too much to make such a silly resolution). My New Years Resolution is simple, make more time for me. Amongst Brad going to school, working full time, and me working full time, I am making a commitment to myself to spend more time on me. Not that I don't love devoting all my time to my son, and my husband, I just feel like I could be a happier mommy if I did some things for myself. You know, take a break every now and then! So there you have it, our 2010 in a nut shell! Stay tuned for all the nit and gritty details over the next year. I'll be posting!

No work+Lot's of Snow= SLEDDING!

2010-01-02T12:48:00.000-08:00

On Friday we took Trevin and my little sister to Freeman park. We had a lot of fun and after a few trips down the hill with Mom and Dad, Trevin would only go by himself!

At 18 mos old our fearless son was cruising down the snow hill all by himself and loving it!

Christmas Day!

2009-12-28T15:20:00.000-08:00

Christmas was wonderful and crazy all at the same time! On Christmas Eve I got a bad headache and Trevin spiked a fever and was teething so the party at my aunts house was cut short and Brad and I had to go the in laws to open pj's, it is a tradition (Trevin didn't make it and was sleeping on the couch with Grandpa Custer). So Christmas morning we woke up to a very unhappy Trevin. We opened gifts at our house and as time went on Trevin got a little more enthusiastic about opening all of his gifts. Then as quickly and painlessly as possible we ate and got ready for the day and headed to Brad's parents house to do gifts there. Soon after we headed across town to open gifts from Grandma Smith and Grandpa Custer and then we headed to Salt Lake City to see my dad's family and stay there till Sunday (I will have to do another post). It was nuts! I am pretty sure that the grandparents each tried to outdo the other! That being said my son is spoiled, here are a few gifts that Trevin received:
-A Wii & extra Wii remotes(Gpa Custer)
-Sports games for the Wii (Gpa Custer)
-A Home Depot tool bench complete with EVERY tool you could ever need (Gma Smith)
-A huge truck/excavator with Mega Blocks (Lounsbury Grandparents)
-Baseball stand
-Mega Blocks
-Hot Wheels!
-Puzzles & Clothes
All in all I think our boy is set for awhile. This morning he woke up and must have forgotten that he had received all this because his reaction of "OH WOW" was better than the one he gave us on Christmas!
Also Brad and I received so much from our parents and are very grateful for such a wonderful Christmas! I especially love my new bread machine that Brad's parents got me! Now all I need to do is find time to use it!

Grandma Smiths house

Playing baseball with Grandpa Custer

Grandma & Grandpa Lounsbury's house

Stockings!!

Santa's Favorite!

God's Wife

2009-12-22T08:14:00.000-08:00

This is long but worth the read!
An eye witness account from New York City , on a cold day in December, some years ago: A little boy, about 10-years-old, was standing before a shoe store on the roadway, barefooted, peering through the window, and shivering With cold. A lady approached the young boy and said, 'My, but you're in such deep thought staring in that window!' 'I was asking God to give me a pair of shoes,'was the boy's reply.. The lady took him by the hand, went into the store, and asked the clerk to get half a dozen pairs of socks for the boy. She then asked if he could give her a basin of water and a towel. He quickly brought them to her. She took the little fellow to the back part of the store and, removing her gloves, knelt down, washed his little feet, and dried them with the towel. By this time, the clerk had returned with the socks.. Placing a pair upon the boy's feet, she purchased him a pair of shoes. She tied up the remaining pairs of socks and gave them to him.. She patted him on the head and said, 'No doubt, you will be more comfortable now.' As she turned to go, the astonished kid caught her by the hand, and looking up into her face, with tears in his eyes, asked her. 'Are you God's wife?'
Can you imagine a world where everday, each person did an act of kindness such as this? What a world we would live in! Merry Christmas!

Christmas Blessings

2009-12-21T09:18:00.000-08:00

Today I am just feeling so blessed. I am one of those people that believe that Christmas is the celebration of Christ's birth and lately I feel so blessed because of him. Everyday I put my trust in the hands of the Lord and he has never failed me. I am so grateful for all that I have.
-For a husband that rubs my feet at night just for fun and makes me and my son breakfast EVERY morning
-For a healthy, happy, loving baby boy
-For a roof over my head, heat, and food on the table
-For clothing for my family
-For a wonderful family who loves and supports me
-For a brother who is still with us (I thank the Lord for this often)
-For not one, but two vehicles
-For the jobs that we have
-For the ability to give to those in need this year
-For the most wonderful friends and for all the new friends we have recently met
-For the peace of knowing that Jesus is our Savior
I hope that everyone has a Merry Christmas and can take a few minutes amongst the chaos and gifts to give thanks for all that you have! Whether or not you believe that they are blessings from Christ or acts of coincidence, in a world where some have none, be grateful!

Adult Christmas Party

2009-12-14T10:40:00.000-08:00

Saturday night was my company's Adult X-mas Party. We got to take a stretch Hummer limo up to Dave's house in Rexburg where we got to enjoy great food, great music (there was an excellent live band), and great company. It was a really good time, and it was Brad's FIRST time in a limo, which was exciting! I have more pics to post later, but it has been a long weekend. In fact I was having this much fun....

until we went to leave the Shiloh (where our limo dropped us off) and we were broadsided! The worst part is that it was one of my brothers friend and he hit us and ran! That's right, he didn't come back to make it right with us, instead we had to file a police report and he is now being charged with a hit and run, driving on a suspended license, and he has no insurance, so he will be getting sued by our insurance company! Sucks to be him.... moral of the story.... always do the right thing!! As for the car, we aren't sure if it is dead yet. We have gotten one bid and so far it is going to cost 1/3 of what my car is worth to fix. As for Brad and I we are okay. I had to go to the chiropractor last night because I was in a lot of pain to find out that I got whiplash and that was the cause of my pain. After being popped more times that I thought imagineable and having needles stuck in my back (acupuncture), I am feeling better and will only have to go back maybe 1 or 2 times for my neck. Brad was a little sore, but other than that is fine. Thanks for asking Ashley!

Happy Birthday Mom

2009-12-08T07:39:00.000-08:00

Yesterday it was my mom's birthday. Every year I find myself stressing out about how I am going to make this day special for a woman that deserves it more than anyone else I know! Last year I out did myself with an awesome surprise party. So deciding what to do this year was difficult. I finally decided on making homemade fish tacos (her favorite) and making her a cake, which turned out pretty good. I think the best part was giving her the gift I had made. For the last year she has been using my Starbucks mug that has all of my cheerleading pictures on it. So I bought a Starbucks mug that you can personalize, and then used my PSE8 program that I use for Digital Scrapbooking to create a collage of her and all of her children and then printed it at Fred Meyer. It turned out great and I think she was happy with the gift!

My amazing family!

Karen, my mom, sister and grandparents enjoying dinner! (Our townhome is a bit small, but we had a good time!)

My mom's cake! I stayed up until 12:30 Sunday night making this Orange Chiffon Cake, and it was GOOD!

Happy Birthday to the most amazing, sister, daughter, aunt, mother and friend! You continue to amaze me with your strength, love, and willingness to give! EVERYTHING I AM OR CAN BE, I OWE TO MY ANGEL MOTHER! I am so proud to be your daughter! You deserve the world mom, and even though you tell me every year not to do anything, I will, EVERY YEAR, because your birth is one that deserves honoring!

Opening presents!

Love you Mom! Happy Birthday! XOXOXO

Kid's Christmas Party

2009-12-07T08:37:00.000-08:00

This last Saturday was my company's Kid Christmas party up in Rexburg. We were fortunate enough to be able to go enjoy good food and spend time with some great people, and the party was amazing. There was a horse drawn sleigh, Santa, gifts for the children, Christmas lights, and decorations everywhere. It was a really fun and I think Trevin had a good time playing with all the kids!

It was a little bit of a drive and Trevin couldn't resist taking a quick nap!

Sleigh ride! SO fun and SO cold!

Trevin wasn't thrilled to sit on Santa's lap until he gave him a candy cane! Bribery works! At least he didn't scream and cry... my child is fearless I swear!

Opening his gift!

He got a Vtech helicopter, which he loved! He played with it all Sunday morning until nap time! Thank you Dave!

Thanksgving and Such

2009-12-02T13:41:00.001-08:00

This will probably be the longest blog post I have ever done! Here is the catch up on our fam! Thanksgiving was last week and it was wonderful! We went out to Terreton with Brad's family where we had dinner with 45 ish other members of his family and Trevin got to run around with a handful of cousins that he rarely has seen. We then drove over to Rigby where we had dessert with my family and where I took this delicious Chocolate Harvest cake, pictured below! I was extremely impressed with my baking skills, seeing as they have never been that great! I didn't get many other pictures, I guess we were too busy eating and chatting! :)

Auntie Taylor came home from BSU for a whole week! (Trevin can now say her name, which is exciting) Yes, Trevin is in overalls, we were in Terreton, we deemed them appropriate! :)

I posted this just show how much personality my 17 month old has. He is so fun! "If your happy and you know it clap your hands"!

And this to show just how big he is getting! We are almost ready to convert his crib to a toddler bed! CRAZY!

And this to show you that he will always be my sweet baby boy!

He sure is growing up fast though! He loves, loves, loves to do whatever daddy is doing. Bet you can't tell that here, he was fixing the latch to the door in our bathroom at our new townhome that we will be renting for the next 6 mos. until we move back into our home!!

MINI BRAD? I think so!

Finally starting to show more interest in books and reading! And I love it!

So this last weekend we decided to get out the Christmas stuff and I plugged the lights in and loved Trevin's reactions of OH WOW! Followed by PRETTY! He was fascinated and thought they looked good around his neck!

Playing with the lights!

Brad and I bought this fake tree and all the decorations when we were engaged. Knowing that one day we would have a young child, we bought everything in plastic and now Trevin can enjoy the tree and I don't have to worry about anything breaking! It is simple, and quaint, but it works for us!

So I had to post this to show you how long my sons hair is getting. Brad is insisting upon growing it out, but when I saw this picture, my first thought was MULLET! I am thinking we will be cutting it this weekend! He is still a cutie though!

Catch up on Trevin. He will be 18 mos. old on December 30th. He loves to play Ring-Around-The-Rosie, especially when you get to the part about everyone falling down. He eats blueberries and Green Beans by the handfuls. When he accomplishes something, he says "I did it" and he loves to play any game where mom and dad can join in. If a show comes on that he likes he claps his hands and yells with excitement. He loves to shower with daddy "like a big boy" but still refuses to go potty on the "big boy potty". It is a work in progress. He is Brad's little shadow and still the bubbly, lovey, happy kid, that you all know, he just talks more!

Sweetest Thing Ever

2009-11-04T19:31:00.000-08:00

I have to be the luckiest girl ever. Today I came home from work to find Lily's (my absolute favorite flower) on my dresser with a note from the most amazing husband in the entire world! I am not entirely sure what I did to deserve them, but I was thrilled! Bradley James Lounsbury I love you and am so grateful to have you as my husband! Thank you! Forever and Always babe! :)

Trevin thought they were pretty and was trying to touch them!

For the Love of Green Beans

2009-11-02T19:41:00.000-08:00

So tonight when I brought Trevin home from the sitter I decided that he would need a snack to tide him over till dinner. He loves green beans so I warmed a can up in the microwave and fed him some. I thought he was finished so we walked away for awhile and I was cleaning up some of his toys when I heard a "splash" in the kitchen. I walked in to find that my son had grabbed the bowl off the counter (man he is getting tall) and was not only eating the green beans by handfuls, but doing a little dance in the "green bean juice" with soaked pants and socks. It was hard to be mad while laughing hysterically. I am thrilled that he is so enthusiastic about eating his vegetables! Just hope next time it doesn't come with a stinky (yes green bean juice doesn't smell all that great) mess!

Dancing in the juice!

Eating beans by the handful!

Halloween Fun

2009-10-30T18:56:00.001-07:00

So I know it isn't Halloween yet, but at my work, today it was. Most everyone dressed up and we had a potluck (lots of yummy food) and then we did a costume contest and trick contest. I went as Cruella DeVil and ended up winning the contest which totalled a $50 to Outback Steakhouse (date for Brad and I). Then everyone left to get their kids and bring them back to Trick or Treat in our offices. Brad brought Trevin in his monkey outfit and I think he enjoyed the experience! It was a fun day! Can't wait for tomorrow (when I will of course post more picture of my little monkey boy)!

Trevin playing with Lydia's daughter Lily

Monkey Boy

SO CUTE! I need to get a picture of behind to get a shot of his tail

Me as Cruella DeVil (Brad helped with the hair)

Scary! But I WON!

BRONCOS GAME!

2009-10-03T20:35:00.001-07:00

Tonight we got to go to the Bronco's game vs. Aggies. Daddy Custer bought first row tickets in section 7 and it would have been fantastic except for the fact that it started raining and that Trevin refused to stay under the poncho with anyone. So I got to watch probably 15 minutes of the game before having to run back and forth to the bathroom to keep him dry and warm. Finally exhausted I decided to bring him back to the hotel room and put him to bed. So I don't actually know who won or how it went, but we still got to have a fun day at the parade and running around buying our Bronco gear!

Go Broncos!

Tight fit on those bleachers!

In Aunt Taylor's dorm

Trevin looked so adorable in his little Bronco sweatshirt!

Happy Late BIrthday Tay!

2009-10-03T20:29:00.000-07:00

This weekend we drove to Boise, ID to spend time with Daddy Custer. We got in Friday and that night we went out to dinner at The Melting Pot to celebrate my little sister's birthday (which was Sept. 19th). We had a wonderful time with lots of laughs!

Birthday Girl.... dad looks drugged.

Me and my wonderful husband (Trevin was asleep next to me on the seat)

Me and Tay

Where did we move to??

2009-09-23T12:48:00.000-07:00

Good question. Back home to Idaho! Now we are trying to figure out jobs and housing, seeing as there are renters in our house. Then we get to figure out school. Talk about a load of stress! I have a few pictures of the 1500 mile, 25 hr drive that we started Sunday and ended last night, but haven't had much time to import. We will soon. Hello Idaho Falls! Missed us, didn't ya!

Packing Fun!

2009-09-17T09:37:00.000-07:00

Who ever thought packing could be so much fun! Brad went to Walmart this morning and got boxes for me (while letting me sleep) and came back and put together 4 boxes to make a tunnel for Trevin! I just have to say that Brad is the most amazing husband and father a woman could ask for! Trevin absolutely loved it! And it looked like so much fun that I decided to give it a shot... and halfway through the tunnel got stuck! Brad laughed hysterically at me for a few good minutes. Somehow Trevin ended up with the camera and handed it to Brad... so there ended up being proof of me stuck! Oh man I haven't had that good of a laugh in a lonnnggg while!

Here he comes!

Pushing his Shake N Go car through!

Notice how my own son is laughing hysterically at me as well!

Yep. Stuck!

Monkey See Monkey Do

2009-09-16T11:15:00.000-07:00

These days our little man really sheds some light on the saying "monkey see monkey do." We are having to be extra careful about what we say and "do" because he catches onto everything and once mommy or daddy does it, it must be mimicked. For those that know me well, I have and always will love my morning coffee. I grabbed my mug and of course Trevin wanted one so I gave him one with a little water and we sat down on the couch to watch tv and enjoyed our morning joe together. Funny that he knew exactly what to do! He is getting so big!

Lincoln Park Zoo

2009-09-12T09:42:00.000-07:00

So our Labor Day weekend was spent at the Lincoln Park Zoo in downtown Chicago with Meg and Jarom. It was packed because it was Sunday and it was a holiday, but we managed to be up front and center when a baby gorilla started pushing around it's daddy and they spent a few minutes wresting right in front of us. It was cute.... reminded me of Trevin and Brad. It was a good time and Trevin was fascinated with the chimpanzees!

Oh yeah, Trevins shorts ended up soaked after lunch! He went pantless the whole day!

Showing us the monkeys!

Daddy Gorilla

Lion. Can't go to the zoo without seeing him!

CUBS GAME

2009-08-29T12:20:00.001-07:00

On Wednesday night Brad and I got to have a date night! The second date night since April! It has been a crazy busy summer, but Brad won Cubs tickets from work and so we took the opportunity to spend a few hours alone. (Thank you to my best friend in the whole world Megan for watching Trevin so that I didn't have to sit and worry about him) They played the Nationals and it was an awesome game, they won 9-4! The best part was walking around Wrigley Field which we did in the first couple of innings, when the game was slow. What an incredible field and not to mention incredible fans! For a cold, yes for August it was freezing, Wednesday night, the place was packed! It was such a fun atmosphere and we had a wonderful time together!

This was the view from our seats! Great tickets! Thanks Pointe!

Harry Potter

2009-08-06T08:18:00.000-07:00

Bet you all didn't know that our son is the next Harry Potter. Here he is with his wand...

And here he is with his Nimbus 2000...

Dream Come True

2009-07-30T17:46:00.000-07:00

We found out a few days ago that we aren't going to lose our house! When Brad and I were engaged we built a beautiful house and a year ago when he didn't have any work we weren't able to continue paying on it. We were going to lose it August 14th. By the grace of God we get to keep it! I will be the first to admit that some days I didn't believe there was a God, but when we got the news I dropped to my knees in tears. I have to thank the Lord for being so gracious and humble and second thank my husband. He is the hardest working man I know! I also have to thank our families and our friends for helping us through such a tough year and giving us the strength to move forward everyday. We don't know what we would have done without you all! We hope in the future we can be there for you as you have been there for us!

Family Pictures

2009-07-27T21:23:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Alicia Foster from Bits of Bliss Photography! You do amazing work and I am so thrilled to have such beautiful family pictures! Here are the collages that she put together for us! I LOVE them ALL! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

A night out and some other fun

2009-07-23T12:39:00.000-07:00

This last weekend Pointe Pest had a softball game so we went to go play some ball and then afterwards we went to get some ice cream before we headed to the drive in to see Harry Potter. It was so much fun to get out and spend some time with our best friends!

They look hot!

Trevin helped himself to the crackers that were next to him in his diaper bag!

Cheers darling!

Jarom? Are you alright?

Arm wrestling! Free entertainment!

Trevin's Teddy

2009-07-23T12:37:00.001-07:00

Trevin got this teddy from Grandma and Grandpa Lounsbury for his birthday and didn't really have much interest. He picked it up three days ago and started lovin on it and hasn't put it down since! He hugs it and gives it kisses and carries it all over the house! SO cute!

Taste of Chicago

2009-07-12T17:08:00.001-07:00

Hello Chicago! On July 5th, we took a trip to the city of Chicago for some more food and fun! It was right on the lake and it is huge! We ate some yummy food and listened to some amazing Jazz! The buildings in downtown are awesome. It was a a busy weekend but we we loved every minute of it!

Look at that skyline!

Uncle Wayne and Auntie M.

Trevin was so exhausted, and he slept great that night!

This guy was a trip!

Fourth of July

2009-07-12T17:00:00.000-07:00

For the 4th of July we went to Ribfest. It is a collection of rib serving restaurants that sell food and there is music and rides. It was fun, but a little wet. Luckily it stopped raining and at night we went to Batavia with the rest of the Pointe Pest team and watched a fire works show at the high school there. Trevin loved it! He was mesmerized!

Chillin in the hiking pack.

Uncle Wayne and Auntie M.

Eating Ribs! And Brisket!

This shirt Brad, Jarom and Dan picked out for Trevin while we were in Denver, Nice!

Fascinated with all the lights in the sky!

Our besties! Love you guys!

TREVIN TURNS 1

2009-07-11T17:43:00.001-07:00

Opening presents! For his birthday Brad and I got Trevin a Little Tikes basketball and a day later was able to walk up and shoot a hoop. He had a lot of fun opening presents and even got a few in the mail! Thanks Grandma Lounsbury!

On June 30th, our baby boy turned one! I can't believe how quickly this year has gone. The Saturday before we had cake at the Pointe barbeque and Trevin wasn't excited about eating the cake with his hands because I have been teaching him to use utensils. As soon as I gave him a spoon, he went to town and it was messy!

GOODBYE DENVER, HELLO CHICAGO

2009-07-11T17:33:00.000-07:00

Lot's to blog about. First and foremost is that we moved from Denver to Chicago. Brad was working for a really crappy company (Elevate) and now we are selling pest in Naperville, IL for an awesome company called Pointe. I haven't blogged since Father's Day, it was two days before we left and Trevin and I took Brad to Water World with our friends Megan, Jarom, Laura & Dan. It was a blast. I am so thankful for such a hard working husband and a loving father for Trevin. Things are crazy right now, but if at the end of the day all I have is my husband and our baby boy, I am still the luckiest girl in the world.

Downtown Denver

Misc. Idaho Trip Photos

2009-06-13T16:11:00.001-07:00

Here are just a few pics that I liked of mine and Trevins trip to Idaho and coming home that I never got around to posting until now.

Coming home was amazing. Brad picked us up from the airport and had with him a dozen pink roses. When we got home he had cooked us a really nice rib dinner. I felt so missed and LOVED! What an amazing husband I have.

Trevin causing chaos at the Denver Airport.

Playing a binky game with Auntie Taylor. I thought it was cute because he finally got smart and grabbed her head so she couldn't move the binky away from him.

New stroller/hiking back pack, thanks Grandpa Custer!

Playing at the park. This was Trevin's first time experiencing bark and he was putting in little piles and then he tried to eat it.

Swinging with Auntie Eloisa. He loves her so much!

Trevin Walks

2009-06-09T19:59:00.000-07:00

While we were on vacation Trevin got really good at walking. He will take up to 13 or more steps at a time as long as he doesn't get too excited. He also tries to run which is really funny to watch. He is super excited to be able to stand on his own two feet!

Walking with a water bottle!

Walking! And so excited about it!

I just thought this picture was funny. Don't know what it is all about!

Off to Saratoga Springs

2009-06-09T19:50:00.000-07:00

So on Saturday Taylor, Trevin and I left Idaho and went down to Utah to stay with Grandma and Grandpa Custer and to see our Aunt Kirsten and Aunt Kari and their kids. Some of whom we hadn't seen in 6 years!! It was so much fun! Our cousins Tierra and Camry came and stayed the night at our grandparents and we stayed up laughing and talking and looking at scrapbooks. The next day we took Trevin to the park and then that afternoon the rest of the families showed up for a big dinner. Everyone had a blast just sitting and telling stories. I can honestly say that these people know the saying LIVE LAUGH LOVE, literally. What great company! We had a blast!

Me, Trevin, Taylor, Aunt Kirsten, Tierra, Aunt Kari (back)

Jentry, Keisha, and Kayleen (front)

Jentry loves babies and pretty much held Trevin all night!

Jentry, Trevin and Keisha playing soccer

Story Time

Keeley, Me, Tierra, Camry, and Taylor

Taylor Graduates!!

2009-06-04T12:30:00.000-07:00

June 2nd Taylor graduated and the night before I helped Taylor and Sara (one of the fam) decorate their caps. We had a lot of fun! And Dad had even more fun!

Very pretty!

Proud mom and sister with the graduates

Tay and I before the ceremony. Couldn't be a prouder sister! I ran around all night taking pictures for her and was very happy I got to be here to see her walk! (she graduated Cum Lade which is 3.7 or higher) I have never considered myself a heckler... but this night I was. I think people thought I was a bit nutty. But I had a blast!

Mom, Teege, Tay, Me, and Dad afterwards

Sara!! Dad and I... we miss you already!

As you move forward in your life remember this... "i carry your heart with me. i carry it in my heart. i am never without it. anywhere I go, you go, my dear"

You will always be my number 1 best friend!

Auntie Taylors Last Dance

2009-06-04T12:26:00.000-07:00

The day that Trevin and I arrived in Idaho was also Taylor's last dance. It was fun to be there for that and she looked GORGEOUS!

All us kids!

Trevin Update

2009-05-27T20:25:00.000-07:00

Trevin is getting so big! This week we have been working on going to the potty on the "big boy potty" and he has been doing great! He goes at least once a day, if not twice! He is also taking up to 8 steps at a time and mimicking a lot of what Brad and I say. He says, mama, dada, daddy, ball, bye (rarely), and hi (rarely). But is starting to understand a lot of what we say and can sign "more" and can respond to us signing food, eat, and hungry. He is also learning to use a spoon! Which is very exciting! Our baby boy is turning into a toddler!

Rain Rain Go Away!

2009-05-25T17:48:00.000-07:00

It started raining last week off and on and hasn't stopped. The thunder/lightning storms here are kind of intense. Trevin keeps missing the rain when he is napping, but on Saturday he watched it rain for the first time ever and seemed slightly confused by it. Sunday morning we had a break in the clouds for a little while so we spent some time out on our patio, before it started raining, yet again!

Sunshine!

Our Abercrombie model! A lady in the mall called him a little Abercrombie model and this picture pretty much verifies it.

Children's Hospital Adventure

2009-05-21T18:20:00.000-07:00

Let's just say today was interesting. I can't help but share the adventure Trevin and I had today. So before we moved here Trevin had an ear infection and was treated. Lately he has been acting like his ears hurt, especially at night. So today I decided I would take him the pediatrician. I called a bunch and was told that they didn't take new patients (which to me is absurd). I finally found one while in route to an urgent care. They of course told me the same thing. So I continued on my journey to urgent care where I was told that they could not take his Medicaid card and that they couldn't do a payment plan and that I should go to the children's hospital. They give me directions. I of course not really knowing where I am in Denver, get lost. Surprise surprise right? Well we finally get there and I park in the "east" parking garage. Little did I know I was WAY far from where I needed to be and had to be "escorted" once inside by people with "badges" to check -in. Meanwhile my luggage is extremely heavy and wiggly. So we get checked in, and wait for 1 1/2 hrs. to see a doctor who is super surprised when I explain to her why I am in the emergency room. So I told her the story while she checks Trevin's ears. I could have hit the poor lady when she told me that he didn't have an infection! Which is good! So I go to leave and try to go the way I was escorted in and a lady finds me lost, needing a badge, and takes me to the main entrance where she validates my parking, finds out where I was parked and must have felt bad for the "poor little lost girl with a very cute baby" and sends me on my way on a white "short bus" with a blinking light driven by "pops." Could this have happened to anyone else but me? Nope probably not! Here are a few pics for you to enjoy!

Remotes are fantastic no matter where you go!

Doesn't look like he needs the ER to me!?!

The back of "pops" head... couldn't resist!

Thanks for the ride!

Needless to say I was glad to find out that there is no infection and we were able to end our day peacefully at the Eloise May Library. Trevin had a blast!

Our Son Elmer Fudd!

2009-05-20T11:14:00.001-07:00

Sundays are the one full day that we get to spend with Daddy and this last Sunday happened to be a pretty warm day so we decided to go swimming after a big breakfast and church. Last time we went swimming Trevin's head got pretty warm so this time we had him wear a hat that kinda made him look like Elmer Fudd, so that is what we called him that day. At first he wasn't so into it, but after awhile he didn't seem to mind!

Look at that face!

Daddy is so fun! He definitely misses him during the week and enjoys the time he gets to spend with him on Sunday! Other days he wanders around the apartment saying "dad dada."

Elmer Fudd!... so funny!

Auntie Megan and Uncle Jarom came swimming with us too!

Mommy and Elmer

It was a long day and after being in the sun Daddy and Elmer were super tired and crashed out on the couch!

Helping with the dishes!

2009-05-20T11:10:00.001-07:00

The other day I was unloading the dishes and I turned around for literally 5 seconds to put some bowls away, I turned around and screamed when I saw Trevin standing up on the dishwasher lid getting stuff out of the top shelf. I still have no idea how he got up there for one thing, but how he got up there so quickly and without me noticing! Either way I was not expecting him to be there and it totally caught me off guard. He of course looked at me like "what?"

Muffins and Such

2009-05-20T11:00:00.000-07:00

Trevin playing in his "fort." For some reason he likes to walk around under the table and then look out through the chairs all the while talking in his crazy baby babble. He is such a goof!

Funny story about Trevin and sippy's. His buddy Milly always has a sippy and every time they are together, he steals it from her. So I finally bought him one. (He is getting so big!) He really likes it when we are at home, but when we are with Milly he always takes hers and gives her, his. So here is him at home perfectly content with his blue sippy. Mind you, Milly wasn't around! :)

Every morning before Daddy goes to work we have breakfast with him. This morning it was blueberry muffins!

Yummy!

Happy Birthday

2009-05-20T10:52:00.000-07:00

On May 12th it was Auntie Megan's 22nd Birthday! I had to post these pictures because I spent most of my afternoon baking her a cake. It was a double decker "deuce deuce" cake, and it was blue. Yes blue. With one layer colored purple. I think I missed my calling as a cake baker. It was awesome and most of our team came over to celebrate including Jarom, Laura and Dan, Lisa, Matt, and Kristen. It was a lot of fun! The same day it was my little sister Eloisa's 8th birthday! So happy birthday to wees! We love and miss you!

First time at the Pool

2009-05-16T11:19:00.000-07:00

The other day Trevin and I went to the pool and it was Trevins first time! He seemed to really enjoy it, after he got used to the water of course. He started by dipping his feet! So cute!

Trevin and I enjoying the sun!

Lot's of News

2009-05-15T17:56:00.000-07:00

I can now call myself a "blogger". And it is hard to know where to start. To those of you who do not already know, we live in Denver, CO for the summer where Brad is a summer sales manager for a company called Elevate. So far I can say that it has been awesome. Some tough times, but I like to just call that life. That is the biggest news.

The second is that Trevin (who is now working on 11 months) is starting to walk. He took his first step just the other day. He loves to walk with help and cruise around the perimeter of the apartment using the walls as guidance.

He has become so much fun these last few months as he learns and grows. Just yesterday he said 'bye" and "ball" both for the first time.

So again this is my first time blogging, so bear with me. I will add more later.