tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90389122403892415282024-03-13T09:40:44.891-05:00Justin & KaraKarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869658433291694404noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9038912240389241528.post-1527586330951315412014-04-05T16:42:00.001-05:002014-04-07T21:29:53.145-05:00Brinley Kristine Martin<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Today Brinley is 6 months old! I don't know why it always surprises me when time flies by... but it does! It seems like only yesterday I found out that I was pregnant with little brinners! Since I have never posted about her I figured I'd do a 6 month/birth/pregnancy catch up all in one! So here we go! There are some cute pictures so if you don't want to read all of my ramblings I invite you to just browse the pictures!<br />
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<u><b>Pregnancy: </b></u></div>
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I found out I was pregers with little Brinners back in March. At the time I was teaching 7th grade science, and I was trying to figure out why I felt so sick and tired all the time. For some reason it just didn't register that I could be pregnant until I went to go grocery shopping one day. I remember walking down the chip isle at HEP and suddenly feeling nausious thinking about the dinner I was going to make, and getting this strong craving for potato chips and chocolate! At that point it hit me that I was probably pregnant so I grabbed some ruffles, a wide array of chocolate candy, and a pregnancy test and then went home! :) We were both pretty surprised, but extrememly excited to have another baby! </div>
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We were surprised when I went in to my first OB appointment that Brinley was a much farther along than we thought! Hence why we announced that we were pregnant and that we already new the gender at the same time! (This came as a shock to a lot of my family, but it wasn't done intentionally I promise!) I appreciated that she was farther along, that meant that I wouldn't be pregnant for as long! Winning! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first family pictures where I actualy look pregnant!</td></tr>
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It was a long hot summer here in San Antonio! I felt like I had to stay inside most of the time because it was just so so hot! We had a early labor scare that sent me to the hospital for a night, and there were some other issues that came up during the pregnancy. But I had a lot of support from great friends here in San Antonio who looked after me and listen to all my pregnant lady grumbling! I am forever grateful to them for their care! </div>
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<u><b>Birth Story:</b></u></div>
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Trace came 10 days early, which was awesome! But we weren't sure what to expect from Brinner so although I wanted her to come early I didn't think it would actually happen. So 10 days before her due date Justin and I decided to try to get in one last date before our life ended (having a new baby sometimes feels like social death for the first few months)! The plan was to go to Outback and then to go see a movie (Gravity in 3D, which the science teacher in me was so excited to see). Dinner was delicious! You gotta love Outback bread and steak! However i had started to feel some contractions, so I started to time them. At dinner they were not too consistent or painful so I didn't worry about it. However, once we got to the movie theater we had to stand in line to wait for the theater to be cleaned and while standing in like those contractions kicked into gear! I asked justin to go get a refund for our tickets and then we went home. (BTW I finally saw Gravity a couple weeks ago and it would have been so amazing at the theater... sigh. Oh well!)</div>
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My friend Rachel was watching Trace for our date and she offered to watch him a little longer while we decided what to do. I decided to take a bath, and in the bath the contractions stopped. So Justin went and picked up Trace and I went to bed. At 4am the contractions woke me up and at 6am we called Rachel to come over and watch Trace so that we could go into the hospital! I called my mom and of course she was able to get on a plane and arrive just in time (literally 10 minutes before I had to start pushing) for Brinley's birth at 1:38 pm on October 5th! She was 7lb 15oz and 19.5 inches long! We were originaly going to name her Hailey, however when she came out she had these huge cheeks and dark hair and for some reason the name (as much as I</div>
loved it) just didn't fit! So Brinley was the name! <br />
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<u><b>The last 6 months! </b></u></div>
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To say that nursing was a struggle is an understatement :) We just coulnd't figure it out!! I will spare you all the gross grusom details! (but if you want to know them then just ask me, cause some were crazy!) But after two weeks of blood sweat and tears we decided switch her to formula. It was a hard decision to make (lots of emotions come back now even just thinking of it) But it was the right descision for our family. And Brinley seems to be just as healthy and happy as Trace ever was so I'm not too worried about it anymore! </div>
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Brinners struggled/struggles with reflux and constipation, so she is on medicine for both of those and since we've figured that out she has just been a doll! I love having a little girl to dress up and enjoy! She started smiling at 1 month, but she really started getting her personality at 2 months. She is the easiest baby to make smile! Not the easiest to get to laugh however. She saves her laughs for when she is trully enjoying an experience :) Trace is actually the best at making her laugh! All he has to do is smile at her or do something silly and her eyes just light up! I love that they already love and enjoy each other! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brinley at 1 month (Trace at 2 years)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brinley at 3 months</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Girl!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brinners at 6 months</td></tr>
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Brinley is such a ray of sunshine in our family! She is a sometimes sitter, and easily distractable eater, an adoring little sister, and an easy smiler, a patient second child (thank goodness!), and a beautiful daughter of god! I love her so much, and I am so greatful for the opportunity I get to be her mommy! </div>
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Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869658433291694404noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9038912240389241528.post-30603645069119403672014-02-20T14:00:00.000-06:002014-02-20T21:33:32.369-06:00Why I Love & Support Sea World! #dontjudgeme<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's been a while! Like 16 months! Sorry I have neglected you blog! Much has happened since last we met, and i fully plan on updating you on all of it However for today I want to make my reappearance on blogger with a sort of touchy subject as of late. Warning, this is a long post! I have been thinking about this post for quite some time trying to decide if it is worth it to write, if I have anything unique to add to this argument, or if anyone even cares about my thoughts and opinion on the matter. And while I don't think that anyone really cares what I think, I'm gonna tell you anyways! Because this is America, dangit! And I can do stuff like that here! But in all seriousness I don't normally get too involved or publicly share my opinion, I don't ever want to offend people. But I would feel remiss if I did not do so in this case because it is something I feel so strongly about. The subject I want to discuss is the "documentary" Blackfish and how misleading and destructive it is to the cause of education, conservation, and inspiration everywhere.<br />
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The first time I heard of Blackfish was through social media. My news feed on facebook was suddenly full of it! I know many people who I consider to be dear friends who watched the documentary and were appalled by what they saw and immediately wrote posts in anger about Sea World and how they "mistreat their animals", stating that no one should ever go to Sea World again. Some even went as far to state that they would never take their kids to any zoos or aquariums again because of what they saw on Blackfish. I love all of these people, and I don't want to offend anyone because everyone is entitled to their opinions. However, I worry that many people watched the movie and formed their opinions solely on the content of Blackfish alone without questioning its truth or quality. I hope that we all do research on things before we form such strong opinions. By not researching both sides of a story we are not being responsible stewards or citizens, and our rash opinions can be destructive. <br />
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The Lies of Blackfish</span></div>
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Blackfish is advertised as being a documentary, and showing objective truth. However those descriptions for this movie are extremely misleading. Blackfish is an advocacy piece that is affiliated with people and groups who are animal rights activists to the extreme. Furthermore, the cast of Blackfish is made up of disgruntled ex-employees that worked at Sea World over 20 years ago. They spin a false narrative not only of the life of Tilikum (the killer whale who is featured in the film), but of the death of Sea World trainer Dawn Brancheau who was killed during a training sesson with Tilikum in 2010. These trainers lie in order to make the audience believe that Sea World captures killer whales, mistreats them (which turns them into killing monsters), and then creates elaborate cover up schemes to keep it all a secret. In truth, Sea World did not collect Tilikum, nor has it collected any killer whales from the wild in over 35 years. Second Sea World rescued Tilikum from the marine park that captured and was mistreating him. And third, in regards to the death of trainer Dawn Brancheau, the cast featured in the film had no involvement with Sea World at the time of this attack nor are they experienced enough to understand all that occurred on that day in 2010. So they are completely unqualified to make the assumptions and statements that they made in the film. These are just a few of the issues with Blackfish and <u>there are so many more</u>. Below I have placed a couple links to what other, more qualified, people have said about the deceit of Blackfish. I encourage you to read them and decide for yourself weather or not the film Blackfish can be trusted. </div>
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<a href="http://www.legalrollercoaster.com/2013/11/blackfish-white-lies-pt-1-sorry-i.html?m=1">Legal Rollercoaster - Blackfish white lies</a></div>
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<a href="http://seaworld.com/en/truth/truth-about-blackfish/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=SW14TABFTW">Responses from those in the film.</a><br />
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Why You Should Take Your Kids to Sea World</span></div>
What I want to address in the rest of this post is how Sea World has personally impacted my life for the better. And how zoos and aquariums and places like Sea World have an important place in society today. <br />
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I truly owe a lot to Sea World and its amazing animals and employees. From the ages of 1 to 4 I was taken to Sea World in San Antonio many many times. My parents thankfully bought seasons passes and we went there often. Even though I can't remember many of those visits today, through watching the Shamu show, and Seamore and Clyde, and riding past the penguin habitat on the moving walk way over and over again I gained a love for the ocean and all the beautiful mysterious creatures that live there. That love has been a huge part of my life and has guided me to do many amazing things thus far. <br />
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At age 13 I became scuba certified. As a diver i was finally able to see some of the animals that I had dreamt of all my life! I was hooked! All throughout high school and for part of college I worked in a scuba diving shop and then became a scuba diving instructor so that I could help others learn and see the world and creatures that I had come to love so much. Over those 8 years I logged 106 dives in many different places and I have some pretty awesome stories from those dives. Possibly the best was a night dive in Hawaii where I dove very close to humpback whales. The vibrations from their calls literally shook my body. It was crazy awesome and an experience I will never forget!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A picture from that night dive!</td></tr>
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Then in my sophomore year of college I was able to attend an internship in Hawaii at Sea Life Park. I was so excited because I was finally going to get to be around the marine animals that I had always loved! I worked with sea lions, penguins, dolphins, and even a wolphin (half whale half dolphin... pretty much the coolest hybrid ever!) and it was a dream come true! I can still remember the first time that I touched a dolphin, or the first time that I got to ask a dolphin for a behavior! Every day was pretty much the BEST. DAY. EVER! And the people that I worked with were amazing people that loved the animals just as much if not more than I did. The relationships that I observed with the animals and their trainers were relationships of love. And I felt blessed to be involved in that good work of caring for and loving those animals. One of the best parts of working at Sea Life Park was being able to not only work with the animals I loved but to be able to help others interact with these animals too. I assisted in running animal guest interactions in which we would teach guests about the animals, let them touch them, and let them spend time with them so that they could understand why it was so important to protect and conserve the ocean environment. The smiles on children's and parents faces alike when they get a kiss from a dolphin, or get to feed a sea lion is priceless and something I will never forget. You can bet that these people who visited Sea Life Park learned a lot during their visit and gained a greater appreciation for the beautiful animals in the ocean. I look back on that decision to go to Hawaii as one of the best decisions I ever made!<br />
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After a year in Hawaii I went back to school at BYU in Provo UT and that was when I met Justin. Marrying him was the best decision I ever made. And life since has been truly amazing! But I would not have had those experiences, or possibly even met my husband, had I not been exposed at the age of 4 to the amazing creatures at Sea World. That love is what drove me to be a scuba instructor, and to go out to Hawaii in the first place! It sounds ridiculous, I know, but I owe a lot in my life to Sea World!<br />
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My story is not unique. There have been thousands that have been inspired because of all the good that Sea World does. And that is the last point I want to make. Sea World as a company does so much good in the world today. First of all, it is responsible for education and conservation efforts world wide. Children learn from animal trainers and care takers at Sea World and are exposed to animals that they would never see otherwise. And they have been inspired by these visits to become scientists, and educators, and to spread the word of how amazing these creatures are. Second, through the captivity of a relatively small number of animals we have learned so much about their species. The things we have learned have led to a better world for their counterparts in the wild. and Third, for all the animals it keeps in its parks, it takes in, heals, and releases thousands more. And if a rescued animal is not physically fit to return to the wild then Sea World cares for it at one of their sites. Sea World has saved the lives of thousands of animals and is a leader in animal rescue and rehabilitation. When you support Sea World you are supporting these efforts, and I think that that is a pretty awesome thing!<br />
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So parents, before you decide to cut your children off from ever experiencing a zoo or aquarium again, please think about what you may be depriving your child of! I am forever grateful to my parents for exposing me to places like Sea World. Do your research, and don't just take Blackfish, or advocacy pieces like it, at face value. As a teacher I can attest to the importance of having real world experiences in order to learn. Reading a book, or watching a documentary about animals will never teach as well or make as lasting of an impression as actually seeing those animals first hand. If you are lucky enough to live by an ocean or rain forest, or savanna where you can see these amazing animals in their natural environment, then good for you. If not, then take your kids to a zoo! Who knows, maybe their life will be shaped by that experience as much as my life was shaped by visiting Sea World! <br />
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Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869658433291694404noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9038912240389241528.post-86838710598945760262012-10-13T21:29:00.003-05:002012-10-14T15:17:20.551-05:00Trace the Gecko Slayer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Let me preface this story by saying that Texas has geckos. It freaked me out the first time I saw one, because they come inside houses and crawl around on the ground and wall and stuff. However they actually play a very helpful role in the house because they eat little bugs! <br />
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Anyways, about 2 months ago Trace, Justin, and I were just hanging out at the apartment. It was a typical day, Justin was studying, I was doing who knows what, and Trace was playing in the kitchen. He was going through a pretty drooly stage in his life (and he still is... when does that stage end?!). And it was not uncommon for us to find random puddles of drool around the house marking the places where Trace had spent more than 10 seconds. Well, he played in there for a while and then crawled on to find more exciting trouble to get into. <br />
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Later on Justin went into the kitchen and looked down to find a poor little gecko barely moving, sitting in an abandoned pile of drool... WHAT?!?!?! SICK!!!<br />
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So pretty much this is how I see the whole thing going down...<br />
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The poor gecko is just scuttling around minding his own business eating bugs when all of a sudden out of no where a little 7 month old Trace comes crawling around the corner. The gecko decides it should probably take off and starts to run away, but Trace has spotted him, and somehow manages to catch him. How that happened? I have know idea because Geckos are pretty fast and Trace was not the most coordinated crawler at this point. Anyways, after he catches the Gecko he does what any normal person would do and stuffs it into his mouth because maybe it will taste good. But the gecko will not go down without a fight and starts wiggling around, startling Trace who spits him out onto the floor, makes a weird face, and crawls away thinking, "that was not food!"<br />
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That's the most likely story... but I personally like the version that Jenae came up with. The gecko was sprinting across the kitchen floor and slipped in one of Trace's drool puddles and broke his legs so he could not move which is why he was still lying there when Justin walked into the kitchen. That version makes me feel better as a mother. I'd rather not think that my son had a reptile in his mouth. Who knows what sorts of things were living on it... sick...<br />
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Anyways, I have made up a little song to warn any other geckos that might be still living in the apartment... feel free to sing along as you read it!<br />
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It looks like we have a gecko slayer in the apartment! <br />
He's crawlin' round your floor,<br />
snatchin' your geckos up,<br />
tryin' to eat them,<br />
so you better hide your kids,<br />
hide your wife,<br />
hide your kids,<br />
hide your wife,<br />
and hide your husband cause he's eatin e'rybody in here! <br />
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I know, it's a pretty good song... I bet if we made a youtube video out if it'd go viral! I'm just sayin'! Well anyways, this was a true story, and I just wanted to write it down somewhere before I forgot it. We sure do love the little guy, and we are so happy to have him in our lives! :)<br />
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Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869658433291694404noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9038912240389241528.post-85556010748810525482012-09-23T22:03:00.001-05:002012-09-23T22:03:32.880-05:00We Did Not Buy a Zoo<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This past Saturday we went to the San Antonio Zoo with our friends the Ence's!<br />
It was so much fun, and we were really impressed with all the cool animals! We saw hippos, lions, a huge turtle, and some impressive snakes. And of course we posed with a bunch of bronze animal statues (because you can't go to the zoo without posing with bronze animal statues).<br />
We love zoos! Both of us for different reasons, Justin loves to see the animals and try to mimic their noises, and I love to watch Justin try to mimic their noises! <br />
Anyways here are few pictures from the day. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trace and his friend Austin posing in front of a pair of large hippo bums! <br />Austin is 1 day younger than Trace, but 5 pounds larger than him! <br />(And for little babies, 5 pounds goes a long way!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jSo7lWHMP9c/UF_JIMqQiQI/AAAAAAAAAjw/-EhV5McEX2k/s1600/IMG_1175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jSo7lWHMP9c/UF_JIMqQiQI/AAAAAAAAAjw/-EhV5McEX2k/s320/IMG_1175.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bears!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x__oX2_ums8/UF_Ja20q86I/AAAAAAAAAkA/jsG-FI6z144/s1600/IMG_1173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x__oX2_ums8/UF_Ja20q86I/AAAAAAAAAkA/jsG-FI6z144/s320/IMG_1173.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OK, this snapping turtle was HUGE! <br />I thought that putting trace up would help show how big the turtle really was, but that was an epic fail of an idea... So you'll just have to imagine! But in this picture trace is 3 feet away from the glass... it was the biggest thing I've ever seen and I'm pretty sure it could eat me, whole!</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EqN_bv1PyIU/UF_JTQ0jXOI/AAAAAAAAAj4/63gcC5ldCAg/s1600/IMG_1178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EqN_bv1PyIU/UF_JTQ0jXOI/AAAAAAAAAj4/63gcC5ldCAg/s320/IMG_1178.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-imKN5IcF4WA/UF_JiaIVG_I/AAAAAAAAAkI/vDjLppPBnps/s1600/IMG_1169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-imKN5IcF4WA/UF_JiaIVG_I/AAAAAAAAAkI/vDjLppPBnps/s320/IMG_1169.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trace posing on a Komodo Dragon!<br />I am already impressed with Trace's ability to really become one with the bronze animals.<br />He's a zoo picture posing master in the making!</td></tr>
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Anyways, it was fun to take a brake from school, and teaching, and do something fun in this awesome city! Thanks to the Ence's for inviting us to come! </div>
Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869658433291694404noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9038912240389241528.post-49960326377636666062012-09-03T13:30:00.000-05:002012-09-03T13:32:35.778-05:00Life Life Life<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Wow! Have things picked up around our little apartment lately! Approximately 1 month ago I was offered a job to teach 7th Grade Science at Harris Middle School! After a lot of prayer and soul searching I decided to take the job. Without going into all the details I will just say that the decision to work outside of the home was a hard one, but it is the best decision for us right now as a family. Anyways, Last week was my first week and I absolutely LOVE the students I get to work with this year! I can already tell that they will be a fun group! <br />
Ever since getting this job however, our lives have become quite a bit crazier! Since I am working we have put Trace in a local day care (which I am pretty sure is the same day care I attended till I was 4 years old!). Putting Trace in daycare is probably the hardest thing I have ever had to do... and the first day we dropped him off I was (as my sister-in-law Kindra likes to say) "a hot mess!" I was crying when we dropped him off, and crying when I thought about him there, and then I was crying again when we picked him up! And there have been some tears since as well. But I am so pleased with how well he is doing! And a lot of the ladies there that watch him have expressed to me how much they love him, and that is very reassuring to hear! <br />
Anyways, today I came across this poem that kind of sums up our lives right now! Even though our apartment might be a little messier than normal, and our lives are so busy, I truly feel like I am able to appreciate the time I have with Trace so much more! The few hours we get to spend with him each day are by far the highlights of our lives right now. Those moments are what get me through from one day to the next, and I am so grateful for him and for Justin, and the true joy and happiness they bring to my life! <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Mother, oh mother, come shake out your cloth!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Empty the dustpan, poison the moth,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Hang out the washing and butter the bread,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Sew on a button and make up a bed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Where is the mother whose house is so shocking?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">She’s up in the nursery, blissfully rocking!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Oh, I’ve grown as shiftless as Little Boy Blue<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">(Lullaby, rockaby, lullaby loo).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Dishes are waiting and bills are past due<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">(Pat- a- cake, darling and peek, peekaboo).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The shopping’s not done and there’s nothing for stew<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">And out in the yard and there’s a hullabaloo<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">But I’m playing Kanga and this is my Roo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Look! Aren’t his eyes the most wonderful hue?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">(Lullaby, rockaby, lullaby loo).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Oh, cleaning and scrubbing will wait till tomorrow,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">But children grow up, as I’ve learned to my sorrow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">So quiet down, cobwebs. Dust go to sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I’m rocking my baby. Babies don’t keep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">1958 Ruth Hulburt Hamilton</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bp-4jOUG3-c/UET1l01w6UI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/sYeO1vwVzbw/s1600/IMG_9187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bp-4jOUG3-c/UET1l01w6UI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/sYeO1vwVzbw/s320/IMG_9187.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trace at 8 months old!</td></tr>
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Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869658433291694404noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9038912240389241528.post-40895091010754513132012-07-24T14:13:00.002-05:002012-07-24T22:08:14.829-05:00White Coat Ceramony<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So I have officially lost my Husband for the next 4 years... sigh... :) <br />
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This past Sunday we attended Justin's White Coat Ceramony which signifies his entry into medical school. The parts of the ceremony that I saw were very impressive! Unfortunatly Trace did not find them as entertaining as I did, which is why I spent most of the ceremony out in the hall... </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YcaA_MuUZUc/UA7wuXWEJWI/AAAAAAAAAiw/56Y4T7WLhZ4/s1600/IMG_8979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YcaA_MuUZUc/UA7wuXWEJWI/AAAAAAAAAiw/56Y4T7WLhZ4/s200/IMG_8979.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was who I got to hang out with while the ceremony was going on! <br />
He played in the grass for the first time! and subsequently ate grass for the first time...</td></tr>
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But I was able to see the important parts before Trace freaked out! Justin and the rest of his class walked in. Then later he walked up on stage and got his white coat (the symbol of a healer), and after that they all took the Hippocratic Oath and promised to help the world! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ila_rz4K1Z8/UA7wm_nXtJI/AAAAAAAAAio/bqdmNREVdFk/s1600/IMG_8972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ila_rz4K1Z8/UA7wm_nXtJI/AAAAAAAAAio/bqdmNREVdFk/s320/IMG_8972.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Justin walking down after recieving his white coat!<br />
Thanks to Justin's Mom for taking these great pictures!</td></tr>
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Justin's parents took time off from their busy, busy post mission lives to come down and celebrate this happy day with us! </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3IKnltZmJ-c/UA7xN9Kt4YI/AAAAAAAAAi8/F7-C_BRWMz4/s1600/IMG_8982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3IKnltZmJ-c/UA7xN9Kt4YI/AAAAAAAAAi8/F7-C_BRWMz4/s320/IMG_8982.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WIO3LwZLnuY/UA7wOnbueyI/AAAAAAAAAiI/sphkiEyAX0Y/s1600/IMG_8991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WIO3LwZLnuY/UA7wOnbueyI/AAAAAAAAAiI/sphkiEyAX0Y/s320/IMG_8991.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trace still has not mastered looking at the camera and smiling..</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trace loves his dada!</td></tr>
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And all in all it was a great day to celebrate Justin's achievements thus far! Good luck on the next 4 years Justin!!<br />
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</div>Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869658433291694404noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9038912240389241528.post-89091804365677461032012-07-11T14:32:00.002-05:002012-07-11T14:48:29.612-05:00Justin? Where's the truck?!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Last month we moved to San Antonio! <br />
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Oh ya, if you haven't heard, Justin got accepted into UT San Antonio for medical school! So after 10 minutes of deliberations over which school we should attend, we decided to go to San Antonio instead of El Paso!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KCtjkYZW1To/T_3M3P53JxI/AAAAAAAAAh0/X_bE2aouULk/s1600/IMG_8877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KCtjkYZW1To/T_3M3P53JxI/AAAAAAAAAh0/X_bE2aouULk/s320/IMG_8877.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
So anyways, at the beginning of June we moved down to San Antonio. We were way excited as you can see in this picture. <br />
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Packing for the move was pretty easy since we had been living in Justin's parents house and really hadn't had to unpack any of our stuff from our previous move. So the only new stuff we had to pack was Trace's stuff. <br />
Side note: I was shocked at how much stuff we accumulated for Trace! Goodness Kid! Babies add so much stuff to your life... clothes, diapers, furniture, it really is crazy!<br />
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The actual move was awesome! I had to drive alone with Trace in the car to San Antonio while Justin drove the truck, and due to prior experience I was fully prepared to listen to whining and crying the whole 5 hours. But a small miracle happened that day (with a little help from my best friend, Baby Tylenol) and Trace slept for the first 4 hours of the trip and then cooed happily for the rest! Thank goodness!<br />
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That night we unpacked the entire truck with some help from our new neighbor Jessie who was kind enough to come down, introduce himself, and then offer to help Justin with all our heavy furniture. I mean, I was fully prepared to use my insane upper body strength to aid Justin in moving all that heavy stuff, but when Jessie came down I figured I would let him and Justin have some male bonding time. I know, I am such an amazing wife, right?! ;)<br />
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The next day we spent the whole morning inside our apartment unpacking and when we came out to take our handy dandy Budget truck back to the dealer it was MISSING! As in, the parking space where Justin parked it the night before was empty! We quickly visited the front office of the apartment complex and found out that it had not been towed, therefore someone had STOLEN it! what the?! Who steals a moving van?!<br />
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So Justin called the police who sent out an officer to our apartment and while we were talking with him we got a call from an apartment complex about 20 minutes South of us saying that they were going to tow our truck if we didn't move it out of their parking lot soon. I think they were expecting us to be bummed about possibly being towed, but we were just elated that they found our moving truck! So we asked them to hold the truck there, we through Trace in the car, and went down to reclaim our stolen truck. <br />
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I guess someone had just been looking for a moving van and when they saw ours they decided it would work! They popped the locks and then took a screw driver to the ignition. Since it was stolen Budget didn't charge us for any of the damages, and they even came and picked up the van and towed it back for us! So, all's well that ends well!<br />
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I'm not even mad really. I think it's a funny story! But I still wonder what the truck hijackers were needing to move so badly? A <b>really</b> <b>big</b> dead body?! Toys stuffed with drugs?! Stolen art worth millions of dollars?! The possibilities are endless really... let me know your theories! And come visit us in San Antonio sometime! Though we can't promise your car won't get stolen... :)<br />
<br /></div>Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869658433291694404noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9038912240389241528.post-20949037457917810192012-05-27T21:23:00.004-05:002012-05-27T21:23:54.297-05:00My first official Mother's Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So, this year was my first official mother's day. And I just have to say that who ever decided we should have a day solely devoted to celebrating mothers should have a monument made for them... or something.<br />
I have always loved mother's day anyways, (because I have pretty much the best mother EVER! And I am pretty sure that my mother in-law, and sister in-laws, and grandmas, and aunts, and friends, and friends mom's are some of the most amazing women on earth!!). It's so fun to celebrate your mom and treat her like the most amazing person in the world, because she is! But now to be on the receiving end of mother's day celebrations, to actually get to cash in on this great day and all that goes with it... well it's like having a second birthday! And you could say that I am a fan.<br />
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So anyways, since this was my first mother's day Justin went all out. I'm talking, roses, a funny card, breakfast in bed, cleaning the house, watching Trace so I could sleep some more, making dinner, and tickets to a Ranger's game! (I know, I know, I have a pretty amazing man!) <div>
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Here are some pictures of the festivities...<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q2PsBMyjxaI/T8La9ktmJVI/AAAAAAAAAfI/VocwpYq1wDo/s1600/IMG_8802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q2PsBMyjxaI/T8La9ktmJVI/AAAAAAAAAfI/VocwpYq1wDo/s320/IMG_8802.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks for the card and flowers Trace!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LAmQYI3AO1k/T8LbOxPV7qI/AAAAAAAAAfg/J1SFaouWBPo/s1600/IMG_8805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LAmQYI3AO1k/T8LbOxPV7qI/AAAAAAAAAfg/J1SFaouWBPo/s320/IMG_8805.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Um look at Trace's face when we lit the candle... can you say future Pyro?!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qynZkKX0jmg/T8Lb2fFxx5I/AAAAAAAAAg4/ILcvwRh4NGY/s1600/IMG_8834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qynZkKX0jmg/T8Lb2fFxx5I/AAAAAAAAAg4/ILcvwRh4NGY/s320/IMG_8834.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Justin humored me by taking some family photos before the game.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1oeEy8TCoc/T8LcClF61qI/AAAAAAAAAhI/9ZR-eYhh6XA/s1600/IMG_8836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1oeEy8TCoc/T8LcClF61qI/AAAAAAAAAhI/9ZR-eYhh6XA/s320/IMG_8836.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yu Darvish was pitching. <br />YUUUUUU!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BPQWXxqlnxE/T8LcH1wyufI/AAAAAAAAAhY/RwSCIlXdBEk/s1600/IMG_8837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BPQWXxqlnxE/T8LcH1wyufI/AAAAAAAAAhY/RwSCIlXdBEk/s320/IMG_8837.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My two guys! <br />This is one of my favorite pictures of them.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3B3enfAqNA/T8LcUA8A2CI/AAAAAAAAAho/8H9IB6grrUY/s1600/IMG_8839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3B3enfAqNA/T8LcUA8A2CI/AAAAAAAAAho/8H9IB6grrUY/s320/IMG_8839.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1nzOsI5LSyk/T8LbkZTHD1I/AAAAAAAAAgg/csN998I-8JY/s1600/IMG_0822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1nzOsI5LSyk/T8LbkZTHD1I/AAAAAAAAAgg/csN998I-8JY/s320/IMG_0822.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rangers stadium is so beautiful!</td></tr>
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The game was the following Wednesday, we played Oakland, and we won! So you can't be upset about that! Anyways, all in all it was a fantastic mother's day/second birthday. Now I just have to plan for Justin's first fathers day... he has set the bar pretty high! If you have any good ideas let me know!</div>
</div>Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869658433291694404noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9038912240389241528.post-765732566789706572012-04-09T21:27:00.004-05:002012-04-10T10:38:07.235-05:00Justin speaks Parseltongue...For those who don't know Justin and his brother Jerry have a snake breeding business! <br />
Apparently Justin grew up with pet snakes, and about a year and a half ago Justin convinced me that we should get a ball python. Being a science teacher in training I thought it would be fun to own a pet that I could maybe take into class with me some day. So we purchased a little ball python and named her Zeus. (Yes, Zeus is a male name... we thought she was a male for about a year before we found out she was in fact a lady snake! But by then it was too late to change, so poor Zeus will just have to live with her masculine birth name for forever!)<br />
Around the same time we got Zeus Jerry bought a ball python and then he bought a couple more and decided he wanted to breed them. At first Justin was just giving Jerry "advice" in his business. However one day much to my surprise the discussion turned from "Jerry's snake business" to "<u>Our</u> snake business". And that was the birth of JMBP's Since then their 2 snakes have turned into <b>15 SNAKES!</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IqzFfG2W-D0/T4OSUiqbI0I/AAAAAAAAAec/f_G8uKCkRu4/s1600/Logo+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="91" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IqzFfG2W-D0/T4OSUiqbI0I/AAAAAAAAAec/f_G8uKCkRu4/s320/Logo+1.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Their logo that Skyler Thiot helped them make</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">Here are some of the snakes!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0NKd2CZ12Eo/T4OXm52ULCI/AAAAAAAAAek/Okh7QDWFt20/s1600/IMG_7371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0NKd2CZ12Eo/T4OXm52ULCI/AAAAAAAAAek/Okh7QDWFt20/s320/IMG_7371.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bengal the Ghost Het Carmel Albino Ball Python</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--9q5lzjPy6E/T4OXxl0U1MI/AAAAAAAAAes/3xqZRWIwuY8/s1600/IMG_7336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--9q5lzjPy6E/T4OXxl0U1MI/AAAAAAAAAes/3xqZRWIwuY8/s320/IMG_7336.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daisy the Albino Ball Python</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PPyz9Ki_U94/T4OX4xo1PyI/AAAAAAAAAe0/J822SZias6E/s1600/IMG_7349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PPyz9Ki_U94/T4OX4xo1PyI/AAAAAAAAAe0/J822SZias6E/s320/IMG_7349.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sahara the Desert Ball Python</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pekxMXkOQGc/T4OYCF8TSvI/AAAAAAAAAe8/mO2mX79oIjM/s1600/IMG_7351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pekxMXkOQGc/T4OYCF8TSvI/AAAAAAAAAe8/mO2mX79oIjM/s320/IMG_7351.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carmen the Carmel Albino Spider Ball Python<br />
(Justin's Favorite!)</td></tr>
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And here is the URL to their website: <a href="http://www.jmballpythons.com/" target="_blank">http://www.jmballpythons.com/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">No worries, they are all locked in their cubbies upstairs, and no snakes have escaped since we installed the locks... </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">So the first comment I get when I tell people about the snakes is "Wow you are a great wife for letting your husband do that"... and to that comment I respond "do you think I have any control over Justin and what he does?!" haha no! No, Justin is his own man, and in most things he takes my opinions into consideration. But if he really wants something... he'll get it!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">The next thing they ask is"what are your feelings about the snakes?" The answer to this question is that I am indifferent. I don't really mind the snakes, mainly because they don't take up a lot of room, and they are upstairs so I don't ever have to see them if I don't want to. Also, I don't have to clean or feed them, Justin and Jerry do all of the dirty work. And the business does actually have the capability to earn quite a bit of money in the upcoming years if Justin and Jerry go through with it! But I do get some funny looks when I tell people my husband is a snake breeder... haha oh well!</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">So if you are ever bored check out the website! Hopefully the first eggs will be hatching this time next year, and we'll see where this little business venture of theirs goes from there! </div>Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869658433291694404noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9038912240389241528.post-27759018065954053142012-03-18T15:20:00.007-05:002012-03-18T18:26:09.543-05:00July through November 2011 catch up...<div style="text-align: center;">I eventually want to print out these blogs to use as a sort of journal, if you will... so in order to better remember our families history I have a few things i need to write about in a little catch up blog from the second half of last year. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">JUNE</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">At the end of June we moved to Plano, Texas. Surprisingly I have no pictures from this move which is unfortunate because if was a pretty memorable experience. Especially breaking down in the middle of the desert and having to get the van fixed up in Monticello, UT... good times with the moving van!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">JULY</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">In July we headed back West for the annual Lake Powell trip where we lived "On the Edge of Glory" for a week with my momma's side of the family<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bM2FtmfnjmQ/T2YyshjgSgI/AAAAAAAAAdE/2Iiqm8YDgsk/s1600/IMGP7328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bM2FtmfnjmQ/T2YyshjgSgI/AAAAAAAAAdE/2Iiqm8YDgsk/s320/IMGP7328.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> My awesome siblings (minus karly who is hiding behind me!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After this Justin headed back to Texas and I attended the Robison family reunion up in Island Park Idaho.<br />
After the reunion I flew out to LA to attend Jerry and Sara's wedding in the LA temple! It was fun for us to be able to visit our temple again as well! The wedding was simple and beautiful and we have LOVED having Sara in the Martin family!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TU8nJ5ByX0k/T2ZHah5_wAI/AAAAAAAAAeM/zHM7fHkXjqs/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TU8nJ5ByX0k/T2ZHah5_wAI/AAAAAAAAAeM/zHM7fHkXjqs/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a great looking couple!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y5Krfq4NEAM/T2ZHc-xhSYI/AAAAAAAAAeU/EWkn_tgau0A/s1600/photo_4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y5Krfq4NEAM/T2ZHc-xhSYI/AAAAAAAAAeU/EWkn_tgau0A/s320/photo_4.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My nephews Josh, Dallin, and I asleep in the van on the way home from the Temple</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
</div><div><div class="" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">AUGUST</span></b></div><div class="" style="clear: both; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">At the end of July my amazing Grandpa Robison passed away. Justin and I were fortunate enough to be able to travel to Idaho to attend his funeral with all of my family. It was an amazing experience to be able to celebrate his life! We miss him so much. But I am so grateful for the atonement and the hope that it gives that we will see him again soon and be with our family forever!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3LcwVjbDmCA/T2Yy2zA65HI/AAAAAAAAAdM/zNQPFsqN1-Q/s1600/IMG_4326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3LcwVjbDmCA/T2Yy2zA65HI/AAAAAAAAAdM/zNQPFsqN1-Q/s320/IMG_4326.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On August 20th we celebrated TWO years of marriage! That is crazy to me! We experienced so much in those two years and grew so much closer as a couple! It seemed like they just flew by because we were so busy and having so much fun! Anyways... for our celebration we spent a couple days in down town Dallas! Here we are feeding Giraffs at the Dallas Zoo!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rk3SQHBHsjA/T2ZGWa_f84I/AAAAAAAAAeE/H0mFtwFfan0/s1600/IMGP7355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rk3SQHBHsjA/T2ZGWa_f84I/AAAAAAAAAeE/H0mFtwFfan0/s320/IMGP7355.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YnBV3EaaCR8/T2YzqggMK7I/AAAAAAAAAds/UNZntxcPdvw/s1600/IMGP7354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YnBV3EaaCR8/T2YzqggMK7I/AAAAAAAAAds/UNZntxcPdvw/s320/IMGP7354.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is Justin touching the hungry giraffes!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Side Note: Justin is probably the funniest person to go to the zoo with because at every single exhibit he attempts to mimic that animals sound in order to get the animals to come closer to him! I tried to record him but he caught on to me pretty fast and refused to make the animal noises until I stopped... so I did because it was way more fun when he did make the animal noises. Anyways... I hope that <u>everyone</u> gets the experience of attending a zoo with him at some point in their lifetime.. it's just one of those things you have to experience! <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER</span></b></div>In September and October we were pretty busy with work and being pregnant... that is to say I was busy with being pregnant and Justin was busy with dealing with me being pregnant. <br />
I got a job at REI in Dallas, which for me was like working in Heaven. And Justin got 2 jobs, one at the PGA superstore, which for him was also like working in Heaven. And the second was doing dry cleaning delivery with Brother Bickmore in our ward. <br />
<br />
Also I got a crazy skin rash on my legs and found out I was allergic to Neosporin which is LAME! ... haha who is allergic to Neosporin?! I am apparently! <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hzipb7cFzWw/T2Y_9XfP08I/AAAAAAAAAd8/J2kGiVsdfYA/s1600/Kara's+Baby+Shower_0132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hzipb7cFzWw/T2Y_9XfP08I/AAAAAAAAAd8/J2kGiVsdfYA/s320/Kara's+Baby+Shower_0132.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is me with swollen ankles and my skin rash... ridiculous!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER</span></b></div>In November we said goodbye to another grandparent. Justin's Grandma Johnson passed away on November 2nd. Luckily I was not too far along to fly so we were both able to make it out to Moab for her funeral. It was amazing to be able to learn about her life and the amazing legacy she left behind. This was the first time that Justin and his siblings had all been together since before Justin's mission! It was awesome to be able to see all 8 siblings interacting together!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1De08bMJK5Y/T2Yz58Zb8JI/AAAAAAAAAd0/zcyFn0k79uQ/s1600/photo-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1De08bMJK5Y/T2Yz58Zb8JI/AAAAAAAAAd0/zcyFn0k79uQ/s320/photo-12.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Martin Clan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The rest of the year went by so fast! Kindra and Niel and their kids came out for Thanksgiving which I again have no pictures of (I am slacker with the camera some times I guess). I stopped working at REI on the December 9th and then we had Trace on December 13th! <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">All in all 2011 was an amazing year. But so far, because of Trace, 2012 has been even better! </div></div>Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869658433291694404noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9038912240389241528.post-73304900010716780372012-02-28T12:52:00.008-06:002012-02-28T23:21:48.673-06:00BEST. DAY. EVER!So, the big news in our house as of late is that Justin was accepted into medical school! We will be moving to El Paso, Texas in May and he will be starting med school at Texas Tech in July! We were so excited, relieved, and grateful when we found out! And life has seemed so much brighter ever since!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mfL63IkHXTs/T00VTJf2i4I/AAAAAAAAAc0/CVJCXOgwNJs/s1600/IMG_8287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mfL63IkHXTs/T00VTJf2i4I/AAAAAAAAAc0/CVJCXOgwNJs/s320/IMG_8287.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is Justin with his acceptance letter! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fcRyq_yRdHY/T00U7i_1f0I/AAAAAAAAAcs/hYYwtZzGzlc/s1600/IMG_8003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fcRyq_yRdHY/T00U7i_1f0I/AAAAAAAAAcs/hYYwtZzGzlc/s320/IMG_8003.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Justin and Trace celebrating (notice how Justin is wearing his scrubs)!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>For those who don't know, this was the end of a long journey for us and I am going delve sort of deep for a bit and write about some of my feelings from the past couple years. The process of applying to medical school is so stressful! I am so amazed when I look back over the past 2 and a half years that Justin was able to accomplish all that he did. There were a couple semesters where he was balancing 16 credits at BYU, volunteering at the Provo hospital, job shadowing, doing research, working, fulfilling church callings (some of which were pretty stressful like ward financial clerk), studying for the MCAT, taking the MCAT, playing basketball (this was his stress relief), and of course being an amazing husband to his crazy emotional wife! Then there came the application process with its essays, deadlines, fees, and interviews which always seemed to be offered at the last minute leading to expensive plane tickets and frantic schedules. <br />
<br />
It was pretty hard when we did not get in the first year. We went into the process with such high hopes and then those dreams were put on hold. I think I speak for both of us when I say we spent a lot of time asking why we had not gotten in that first year. We did not understand, we had done everything the schools had asked, we had applied early, we had spent money for new suits for interviews, and all those plane tickets, and we had been trying to live our lives right. I definitely had a couple "woe is me" pity party moments after which I was reminded of 2 sayings. First, "life's tough, get a helmet", and second, a saying that my mom always says, "If this is the worst thing that happens we'll be ok!". And so we picked ourselves up, dusted ourselves off, and with hope and faith that everything happens for a reason applied for year #2! <br />
<br />
Now looking back I can truly say that I am so grateful we did not get in that first year. Yes it was hard to not know where we would living, and yes it was hard not be able to make long term plans. For a while it felt like we were living in a sort of post BYU Limbo having no idea where we would end up. However, there were things that I needed to learn about myself and there were lessons that I needed to learn from my Father in Heaven during this time that I would not have learned otherwise. These lessons are priceless to me and I truly think that I am a better person because of them. Also, in moving to Plano for the year we have strengthened many friendships, and made so many new friendships that we never would have had otherwise. There were some hard times in the past couple years, but overall there was also a lot of joy in the journey and I am so grateful we experienced all we did. We both grew individually and as a couple. All in all, I am just reminded that everything happens for a reason and that our Heavenly Father is always mindful of us and knows exactly what we need even when we don't!<br />
<br />
Thank you to everyone who prayed and fasted for us, we are so blessed to have such amazing friends and family! I am so proud of Justin and the fact that he worked so hard and achieved his goal, and we are so excited to start this new chapter in our lives!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-69DEOoM1AT0/T00xRioeHqI/AAAAAAAAAc8/ld_p8DYU7oU/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-69DEOoM1AT0/T00xRioeHqI/AAAAAAAAAc8/ld_p8DYU7oU/s320/11.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We will enjoy beautiful sunsets like this for the next 4 years in El Paso!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869658433291694404noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9038912240389241528.post-16452226110067026152012-02-20T15:01:00.000-06:002012-02-21T16:09:49.055-06:00Trace's Hair<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w_Jx1_44TRs/T0LDEQzh-QI/AAAAAAAAAcY/41qIZg2Fbo4/s1600/DSC_0300.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w_Jx1_44TRs/T0LDEQzh-QI/AAAAAAAAAcY/41qIZg2Fbo4/s320/DSC_0300.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5711341755457206530" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">So, Trace was born with a lot of hair! We get comments all the time on how much hair he has, and how it is always sticking straight up!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">I love it so much, especially because it reminds me of Justin's hair! Just like his dad's hair, Trace's hair has a mind of it's own... I used to be able to control it and comb it down... but now that Trace is moving around a lot more it just gets all messed up and ends up sticking up all over the place no matter what... kind of like his dad's hair :)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Here is a funny video of Trace when he was 3 weeks old...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="400" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Vry8ar7jWxs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We love your hair Trace! Please don't pull it all out! :)</div>Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869658433291694404noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9038912240389241528.post-26599794004384280432012-01-31T18:53:00.000-06:002012-02-01T12:44:14.286-06:00He's Getting HUGE!<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:130%;">So I don't know when or how it happened but suddenly Trace looks GINORMOUS to me! I'm pretty sure that he is just going through one long growth spurt since he was born. I am so excited that he is growing and that he is learning new things. But at the same time it makes me sad because i feel like it is all happening so fast! But here are some pictures to show you what life is like for Trace since he was born 7 weeks ago! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">1 day old Trace</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">He is already getting a million picures taken of him!</span></div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NH9oH6lPU94/TyimImznrTI/AAAAAAAAAb0/cDDX6n3WoyA/s320/%257B5762f0c2-9f76-4bd1-a694-f86868b8d9d8%257D_2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703991594850954546" style="text-align: center; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 229px; " /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">2 days old </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Bringing him home and of course he is fast asleep like he was for most of his first few weeks!</span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aC7pA5NNQt4/TyimH7ZzTPI/AAAAAAAAAbc/cDpN1GMze4g/s320/going%2Bhome%2B4.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703991583199939826" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">The poor little guy had Jaundice so he did some serious sun-bathing!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">This him sitting in the sun pondering the meaning of life.</span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wlI0ObMo_6Q/TyimIOD_AAI/AAAAAAAAAbo/EWxnW1hr07I/s320/IMG_7574.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703991588208705538" /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">He is the most popular person in our house!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Justin and I have facetimed/skyped more since Trace was born than ever before. And it's not us people want to see, it's Trace!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Here is Trace with some of his Aunts! </span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GbQC1RoJSlI/TyimJOJN3SI/AAAAAAAAAcA/V0j5VAG3_CY/s320/IMG_7634.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703991605410520354" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">He poops a TON!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">This is Trace next to the poop log from the Diaper Genie! </span></div><div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hogCfXH3pS0/TyjChaydhqI/AAAAAAAAABA/9sPC2iu2IkY/s320/IMG_7852.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704022807447176866" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 208px; " /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Trace watches a lot of Basketball games with his dad.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">This is Justin and Trace on Christmas Day watching the Mav's vs. Heat game.</span></div><div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-czrBYFopeQ0/TyjChJgcHGI/AAAAAAAAAA0/Q1yXZD7Ucp0/s320/IMG_7765.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704022802808183906" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Side Story: The first night we had Trace in the hospital Justin took him in his arms and said, "Trace, important people to know are; first, Jesus Christ, second, </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">Lebron James!</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">"...</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">haha! there were more people on the list after Lebron but I forget who they were... This shows us all where Justin's priorities lie, first to God (thank goodness), and second to Basketball.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Yes I sure hope Trace will enjoy watching/playing basketball because that is what his dad loves to do most! :)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Trace makes a lot of funny faces!</span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IGdgt0uTDjU/TyjCiBN7T4I/AAAAAAAAABM/_QSK2K6F3Rc/s320/IMG_7890.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704022817762922370" /><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Trace get's a lot of lovin' from his mama!</span></div><div style="text-align: center; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">(He doesn't get the whole look at the camera part of pictures yet)</span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLflp1HAZ9U/TyjDdHN0V4I/AAAAAAAAABw/iYZXyOcu6Ug/s320/IMG_7975.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704023832985360258" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Trace get's some pretty cool hair styles!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">A personal favorite of ours is the fohawk</span></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sV-dwZedITM/TyjDc-JB7ZI/AAAAAAAAABk/rR3lpcVuafM/s320/IMG_7949.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704023830549360018" /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Trace has finally decided that he doesn't have to scream during his entire bath! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">(He still does not look to excited... but trust me, this face is an improvement!)</span></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_xekmbrxq0w/TyjDcTEScKI/AAAAAAAAABY/It2V424wXyw/s320/IMG_7944.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704023818986746018" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Here is 6 week old Trace!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">11 lbs and 24 inches tall!</span></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TJItkaP8oAU/TyjDdk_bHnI/AAAAAAAAAB8/IhBggCUjH58/s320/IMG_7992.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704023840978050674" /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Yes, Trace is a cutie, and we are loving having his funny little personality in our family! </span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869658433291694404noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9038912240389241528.post-41314078579506184762012-01-25T15:51:00.001-06:002012-01-26T16:01:22.188-06:00Oh Baby Baby!<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; ">Once upon a time 6 weeks ago we had a baby! On tuesday December 13th I went in to the doctors for a simple check up. While there I was told that I was indeed going into labor and that my blood pressure was a little high. So Dr. Gebert told me to walk myself on downstairs and check myself into labor and delivery and he would be there shortly to check up on my progress! So I called Justin and told him to grab the hospital bag, then I called my mom and told her to get on the next flight to Dallas, and I waddled myself on down to labor and delivery!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">So I checked into the hospital at 11:00 am. My water broke at 12:00 pm. I got an epidural at 3:00 pm. My mom made it to the hospital room by 5:30 pm, thanks to Jerry's fast driving (and of course having the Camero helped as well)! And at 6:53 pm our lives changed forever when little Trace Justin Martin came into the world at 6 lbs 7 ounces and 18 inches tall!</span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Justin and I at the hospital!</span></div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pdY87btci-o/TyB-5b-z_CI/AAAAAAAAAag/LJSFY9Qlx1I/s320/IMG_7427.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701696653479902242" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 223px; " /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My dad on facetime before the delivery!</div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HTTBA0usEjA/TyHMyEQerfI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/ls6O4pF-nIg/s320/IMG_7441.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702063763736145394" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Trace came out screaming!</span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-57ljafZrQN4/TyB-5HscMsI/AAAAAAAAAaU/oIrFLjMVYq8/s320/IMG_7494.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701696648034136770" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Our first family picture!</span></div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tdv4Z_vcvBw/TyB-4WtT_tI/AAAAAAAAAaI/qORSQlbWscQ/s320/IMG_7518.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701696634884456146" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Justin is one proud dad!</span></div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-avqtAp2yQGw/TyB-4NlVkpI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/UK8OPaOdklg/s320/IMG_7522.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701696632435085970" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">I just love my little man!</span></div><div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I94Q1qX8FcU/TyCByjZTHWI/AAAAAAAAAbE/i_gh6lLMZKE/s320/IMG_7517.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701699833745841506" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px; " /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Jerry and Sara helped us out so much! We owe them big time! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Here is a picture of Trace and his Uncle Jerry!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">(a friend of ours commented that Jerry is holding Trace like a football... haha)</span></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WNYCY60uqQI/TyCBybQTNuI/AAAAAAAAAa0/Sp2GR1PqqEg/s320/Jerry%2Band%2BTrace.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701699831560615650" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">I was so relieved that my mom made it there in time! I'll tell you that nothing makes you appreciate your mom more than having a baby... </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Trace and his Grandma Robison!</span></div><div><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pYgUypNrcak/TyCByELcWII/AAAAAAAAAas/bJWBdUaIs1s/s320/Grandma%2Band%2BTrace.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701699825366227074" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">We just love "The Baby Trace"</span></div><div><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P7xVO5jg2kQ/TyB-307O_iI/AAAAAAAAAZw/YxxVuiXYkfw/s320/Trace.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701696625816043042" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /></div><div><br /></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">All in all the pregnancy was fine... a little uncomfortable in the end... but fine. Delivery was a piece of cake! Seriously though, thank heavens for modern medicine and epidurals! And the first two weeks after were AWFUL! ya... people don't really prepare you for that... BUT, every time I hold Trace and look at his cute little face I just think about how it was all worth it! We love him and we are so happy to have this handsome little man in our family! </span></div>Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869658433291694404noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9038912240389241528.post-24166256740383639832011-12-01T19:16:00.000-06:002014-02-19T23:01:18.895-06:00Yellowstone Trip and why I HATE Volcanoes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">This past summer we took a weekend to go up to my families cabin in Island Park Idaho, and while we were there we went to Yellowstone! This area of the country is beautiful and it is my favorite place in the world!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Here is us after watching Old Faithful which was as old and as faithful as always... Justin made fun of me because there was this little blue bird flittering around and I took more pictures of that blue bird than I did of old faithful... unfortunately none of them turned out or else that cute little bird would have been starring in this post as well! </span></div>
<img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-895lyfqN1KA/TtgrEKN7-6I/AAAAAAAAAVA/DQzMDzwMxQ0/s320/IMG_7240.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681338280390163362" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 215px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Some beautiful, scalding hot pools of death! Looking at these pools reminded me that we were standing on top of a giant super volcano that is due to explode very soon and when it does it will destroy almost everything in the north west corner of the US...</span></div>
<img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BetV3jYWSxs/TtgrE2Tw-4I/AAAAAAAAAVI/6oGOYhkEDHI/s320/IMG_7254.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681338292225768322" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 214px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Random Tangent: </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">You might wonder why I talk about Yellowstone being</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">a giant crater of death. That comment is due to my fear of volcanoes which was instilled in me at the early age of 9 after my Dad let me watch Dantes Peak with him.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I thought is was just going to be some documentary on a volcano that exploded once upon a time, instead it is about a volcano exploding and destroying a little town, and (SPOILER ALERT!) the sweet old lady grandma dies in the end from</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> acid </span></div>
<img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pmn94fOtJmU/Ttg5FQ2uqeI/AAAAAAAAAWI/AP2oTwR4cmk/s320/dantes_peak_1997.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681353692514527714" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 320px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 213px;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">water! I mean her legs literally get eaten off by acid... and then they leave her to die, alone in the woods... I shudder just thinking about it!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Seriously though... I was actually terrified to shower for months after watching that movie... I mean I would still shower and all, but I would only stand in the water long enough to get wet, and then I would soap down and shampoo and condition and all that outside of the water flow, and then I would jump back in and wash off really fast! haha needless to say my shower time was </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">record breaking haha! Justin probably wishes my showers were still that short haha!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">But just a word of warning to the few of you who actually get this far into my tangent... DO NOT SHOWER IF A VOLCANO ERUPTS NEAR YOUR HOUSE!!! THE ACID WATER WILL KILL YOU! you have been warned...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Anyways, now I'll get back to very fun Yellowstone post!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">We saw more wild life on this trip than I have ever seen in Yellowstone, which is saying a lot because I have probably visited Yellowstone at least 18 times in my life... we saw buffalo (or bison), elk, A BEAR (first wild bear i've ever seen), and a bald eagle! Here is a picture of the bald eagle just chillin on a this dead tree with his bird friend! </span></div>
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<img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D7SqdBLEJLk/TtgrFdjbW4I/AAAAAAAAAVU/hy206v9Sk5k/s320/IMG_7256.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681338302760442754" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 200px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And then we finished off the day hanging out with Justin's best friend Kyle Roeser and his wonderful fiance at the time Stella! (Roeser and Stella are now happily married and doing just fantastic!)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">All in all it was an awesome trip! You just can't beat a fun filled weekend at the cabin! And as I said earlier, Island Park is my favorite place to be! So even with the dangerous volcano right down the road I would still choose to be there over anywhere else in the world!</span><br />
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Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869658433291694404noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9038912240389241528.post-68029369442592438112011-11-11T20:14:00.000-06:002011-11-11T21:19:38.084-06:00January - June Catch up!!<div style="text-align: left;">I have been wanting to get these posts done for a long time and I am starting to realize that once the little guy comes I probably won't have the time/energy to do it so i'm just going to do a few posts to get caught up on this year so far!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is the BEAUTIFUL cake that the lovely talented Jenae made for my 23rd birthday back in January! It is basically the perfect cake because it combines 2 of the best things ever... chocolate and strawberries! </div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8AH4wuZO_7o/Tr3Y6hJQBaI/AAAAAAAAATI/pEpVnb8pLVY/s320/167110_484893817692_587642692_6506070_4555645_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673929605397874082" /><br /><div>Here is Justin and our friend Dan Neff posing with the Valentines day craft that Marie Neff and I made! The Neffs are awesome friends and we've missed them a lot since we've moved!<br /><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sp3FloQF-Is/Tr3Y6-qsKBI/AAAAAAAAATY/y9k0JHiNazg/s320/IMG_4840.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673929613322758162" /><br /></div><div>I was an Activity Days leader for the 8-12 year old girls in our provo family ward! I miss those girls so much! We had grand times together and it was probably one of the best callings ever!</div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sxpkADhcdZI/Tr3ZoQG3O7I/AAAAAAAAAT4/ffxJ3dByOnQ/s320/IMG_7147.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673930391098440626" /><br /></div><div>Christopher gets home from the Dominican Republic! Justin and I got to travel down California to hear Chris's homecoming talk and for little Dallin's baby blessing! </div><div>Side note, this was the first time I had met Chris after Justin and I being married for a year and a half! haha It was a fun time!</div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lrVksmpPtvM/Tr3Y7_wnomI/AAAAAAAAATs/lTDuygP5JPM/s320/IMG_7152.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673929630795932258" /><br /></div><div>We visited Hoover Dam! Living in Vegas I don't take the opportunity to be a tourist very often but in March we took the time to be tourists and take fun pictures! The visit to the dam was fun and of course full of some great dam jokes! My favorite joke is one Justin tells. It goes like this... </div><div style="text-align: center;">What did the fish say when he ran into the wall? </div><div style="text-align: center;">Dam! </div><div style="text-align: center;">what did the fish's friend say? </div><div style="text-align: center;">Dumb Bass! </div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uMO-XEi4Big/Tr3Zoht0-9I/AAAAAAAAAUA/dyUMcJtBaoQ/s320/IMGP5231.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673930395825273810" /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We tried to take those pictures where you look like your are holding the bridge up in the air and Justin's photography skills are pretty good! He was able to guide my hands till I looked pretty convincing!</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QdHpL-DgedI/Tr3Zo8yeI6I/AAAAAAAAAUQ/zgtM4vuGiA0/s320/IMGP5230.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673930403092505506" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">my skills on the other hand leave a lot to be desired! haha poor Justin's picture does not look as good! </div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qqA3S1z1xfs/Tr3ZpwuJC-I/AAAAAAAAAUc/dOFj7ZpVTqY/s320/IMGP5232.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673930417032989666" /><br /></div><div>I completed my student teaching and some long term subbing at Orem Junior High. This is my white board at the end of the school year, it acted as my "year book". The students were amazing and It was a great experience all around!</div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wRsZgOW57lE/Tr3a2PLKp9I/AAAAAAAAAU0/RP8zSUDtPtQ/s320/IMGP5247.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673931730877851602" /><br /></div><div>We went to a Jazz vs, Mavericks game in Salt Lake City with Alyssa, Blake and Chris! I will tell you that it is a fun experience to go to an NBA game with a group of people who are cheering against the home team... haha Alyssa and Justin were pretty vocal about their love for the Mavs which brought us a lot of funny looks!</div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6QohvqOsR1k/Tr3a11aHBaI/AAAAAAAAAUo/d5kkCi8erEQ/s320/IMGP5245.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673931723961206178" /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So anyways... those were just a few pics from earlier this year that I wanted to get on the blog! I'll post pictures from after we moved to Texas laters!</div><div><br /></div></div></div>Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869658433291694404noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9038912240389241528.post-86582387996502547272011-11-09T19:43:00.000-06:002011-11-09T20:24:34.701-06:00Happy Halloween!<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">So right now we are pretty busy with work stuff and baby stuff and life stuff so we didn't have any huge exciting halloween plans, no parties, no costumes (unless you count me wearing lensless 3D movie theater glasses for work... which I don't really count...), and I actually had to work at REI on Halloween night, so in that respect we were pretty boring this year! So because I had to work Halloween night I had a little private Halloween party the night before! Justin hung around for a little, but he was really tired so he went to bed early and I had a fun filled night doing some of my favorite Halloween traditions!</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b>Tradition #1: Pumpkin Carving</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">This years pumpkin turned out much better than my last years attempt in my opinion (If you can't tell the big pumpkin is eating the little one)</span></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zXTRU4OaEhQ/Trsuw_Qq6iI/AAAAAAAAASw/OregjPQJ8L0/s320/photo-18.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673179574753225250" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b>Tradition #2: Drinking Apply Cider!</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">This was delicious... however I decided afterwards that hot drinks late at night are not good for my prego squished stomach... I had major heart burn after! haha oh well it was for traditions sake!</span></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1pIIoMLDIjM/Trsuxdc-VFI/AAAAAAAAATA/uTdmtu-2Gh0/s320/photo-19.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673179582857892946" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b>Tradition #3: Pumpkin Seeds!</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Homemade pumpkin seeds! These are the best, you just wash off the seeds from your carved pumpkin and bake them with a little butter and salt! YUM!</span></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jPUwwhwNivs/TrsuwYt2s3I/AAAAAAAAASk/x575Nb4txHk/s320/photo-17.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673179564406649714" /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><b>Tradition #4: Watching Hocus Pocus</b></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">No Halloween would be complete without watching this wonderful treasure from my childhood! Everything about this movie is just fantastic! From the funny one liners to the music! When I was little I can remember running around with some little friends pretending to be the Sanderson Sisters! haha anyways here is a little clip of my favorite song from the movie!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/LaRzXM4bEug" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869658433291694404noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9038912240389241528.post-23460014263091277062011-10-23T15:58:00.000-05:002011-10-23T17:41:46.987-05:00There's Gonna Be A New Sherif In Texas!<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">This past week I was blessed enough to get to travel to my hometown of Las Vegas NV for a baby shower that some AMAZING ladies from the Summerlin Ward put on for me! Here are some pictures form the shower, and I can't take credit for them because they were all taken by my beautiful little sister Kelly!</span><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The shower was at one of my old Young Women's leaders houses, Erin Truman, and she went all out! The theme was western because Justin and I are living Texas right now, and the whole thing was just fantastic! Her house was decked out in cowboy decor but it literally looked like that was how her house was normally decorated! She did an amazing job!</span></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DbD6DCa2lw8/TqSKK1g12RI/AAAAAAAAAQg/Y79uKv8LBHE/s320/IMG_5204.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666806149907077394" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o8GC1OYHqhQ/TqSIvfac7FI/AAAAAAAAAQI/P4djBGlBlQY/s320/IMG_5297.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666804580606602322" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JwB2lRfJSLk/TqSJIQLjsLI/AAAAAAAAAQU/ttUdWppssU8/s320/IMG_5300.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666805006014329010" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">When you left, you passed this mirror area and got your own Sherif's Badge (star cookie cutters!) to take home! So cute right?! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_rhN1fIHiUE/TqSW0YBeXLI/AAAAAAAAAR0/etuNWJaAOkY/s320/IMG_5169.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666820057684925618" /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The food was TO DIE FOR! There were Texas Sliders (pulled pork sandwitches), Baked Beans, Pasta Salad, delicious Friut, Cowboy Cookies, Texas Sheet Cake, and IBC Rootbeer! All of which are some of my favorite foods!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">But most of all it was so fun to just be able to see all of my wonderful friends and family from home who I either grew up with or who helped to raise me as I was growing up! Honestly though... everyone who was at the shower just felt like extended family and I was so overwhelmed by all of the love and support I felt from everyone there! Unfortunatly I only have a few pics of everyone who came!</span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fZBDVx-RlLM/TqSNhAA0DGI/AAAAAAAAAQs/MshNA8fTCMA/s320/IMG_5253.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666809829217537122" /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Here is a big wide shot of the shower and all the pretty ladies!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wUvxQSjGirI/TqSOGWIB5YI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/fqja-s-VTNI/s320/IMG_5173.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666810470808544642" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Jamie Miller!! She is the best!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yLCSdA54cns/TqSOrkRDFPI/AAAAAAAAARE/r8nDd1NIk3A/s320/IMG_5245.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666811110259627250" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sister Jensen, Aunt Joni and my cute cousin Jamie!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 247px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I2lkkaWJtF0/TqSPMCCLiTI/AAAAAAAAARQ/uwBWIp3Yg68/s320/IMG_5313.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666811668006144306" /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">This my wonderful Grandma Robison</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">In the end a fun time was had by all!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RQV87f3MFVw/TqSQZcnKM4I/AAAAAAAAARc/FYbH4ZS2y6o/s320/IMG_5246.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666812997990495106" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And my little sister Katie found a new favorite baby blanket! haha this is a blanket that Jill Nielson made for my little guy! But Katie immediatly snatched it up and then proceeded to pass out on it, on the floor, for a good 45 minutes! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">So anyways, a HUGE thank you to all who helped with the shower, all who attended, and all who wanted to attend! Again I feel so loved right now and when I get a little nervous about becoming a mom and all that that entails I just remember all the amazing people in my life and I know I'm not alone, and that I'll be able to make it! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869658433291694404noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9038912240389241528.post-75276150827354722432011-10-05T12:15:00.000-05:002011-10-05T13:55:03.283-05:00Story of a Pregnant Lady!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I have had a lot of requests to update my blog with prego pictures so here we go! Unfortunatley I did not take specific pregnant pictures during the earlier weeks of my pregnancy so I had to go back to a few pics and doctor them up a little bit to show my belly!</span><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S7BDpbCMolI/ToyV_X62ChI/AAAAAAAAAN0/bATj4jbBG8M/s320/photo-10.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660063747682994706" /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">This is kinda a funny/gross picture but its for posterity's sake people so don't you judge me! :) Justin and I found out we were pregnant the morning of our BYU graduation. But my brother Nate was staying with us at the time and we didn't want him to know yet so we took this picture later on! How much later on you ask? haha... I'm too embarrassed to say...!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 264px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HTTgpUWRa4M/ToyV_hf4MSI/AAAAAAAAAN8/6aHTL1aZaho/s320/IMG_7177.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660063750254244130" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;">This pic was taken at week 12, right after the Mavericks won the NBA Championship! And we were also moving to Dallas a few weeks later so this poster seemed fitting!</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 146px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WPKZ-BvjrBk/Toya49hh3II/AAAAAAAAAOk/Yt9Pa0G0jJQ/s320/IMG_1826_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660069135076416642" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">The next picture I have is from our annual Lake Powell trip in July. Here Justin and I are in my families yearly Rainbow Bridge picture and I am just at 16 weeks pregnant! The baby bumb is starting to show!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 142px; height: 213px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u0C7xOP8AK0/ToybicazltI/AAAAAAAAAOs/Kjpt28Wf2LA/s320/08%2B04%2B11_9504_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660069847744354002" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">This one makes me smile! This is my cousin Nikki and I doing our "We're Pregnant!" pose in a goofy family picture! I was just at 20 weeks when this picture was taken and in this dress I feel like I look HUGE! haha</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SXJCKk7VOhs/ToyeVIiqpRI/AAAAAAAAAO8/5DG9kjZz1nU/s320/IMGP7382.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660072917605197074" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Here I am at week 24</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">(Sorry for the bad lighting)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2xXWqSQKTDc/ToyesORUMkI/AAAAAAAAAPE/JGumrBnGfF4/s320/photo-12.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660073314280026690" /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And this was taken at 29 weeks along! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">A few more things I wanted to write down just for my sake so I don't forget them:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">First trimester craving: Jamba Juice's Strawberry Surfrider, Pomagranate Passion, and Razzmatazz smoothies! Fruit sounded so good to me all the time! I was totally fine with this craving though cause fruit is healthy!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Second Trimester Craving: McDonalds cheeseburgers! OK... not so healthy... but its just the simple cheeseburger, no double double or Big Macs! AND, one cheeseburger is only 300 calories so that's not so bad! haha (this is what I have to tell myself every time I order one... which I try to limit myself to 2 per week, and I normally only have one per week! That's pretty good right?!) </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Third Trimester Craving: To be determined! </span></div></div>Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869658433291694404noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9038912240389241528.post-23841112135966638912011-09-02T11:12:00.000-05:002011-09-02T11:19:53.867-05:00Llama Face!<div style="text-align: center;">I almost forgot about this little gem of an experience in my BYU Tribute post! So one day my sophomore year I walked out of the Marb and there was a llama and you could take pictures with it! So here is my llama picture!</div><div> <div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zN36Ol1TJKg/TmEB7o6smOI/AAAAAAAAANs/Z8KiR14iRI4/s320/205133_1021485427680_1541544215_30051820_3621604_n-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647797531806832866" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I know you are all jealous! I think they got the llama from the Hindu temple in Spanish Fork if you want a similar type picture! But your llama would probably not be as handsome as my llama... just saying!</div></div>Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869658433291694404noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9038912240389241528.post-69727478089850622062011-08-30T21:03:00.000-05:002011-08-30T21:51:10.545-05:00BYU TributeSince Justin and I recently (4 months ago... relatively recent) graduated from BYU I thought I would take a few minutes to write about some of my most memorable classes and college experiences.<div>
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Entomology </b></div><div>In entomology i learned how to catch/identify/preserve bugs. Before this class I did not care for bugs at all! However, entomology gave me a greater understanding and knowledge of bugs and I now consider them to be pretty amazing/fascinating organisms!</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RmsjrHwwW4c/Tl2Y2ZngfXI/AAAAAAAAANM/JpyPGidvVc4/s320/IMG_6950.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646837568149421426" /><div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is my prized Jerusalem Cricket</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QZhuXUkM2eo/Tl2Y2BhRWLI/AAAAAAAAANE/Z-gvvOLWmb8/s320/IMG_6918.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646837561680812210" /><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is my bug collection! </div><div style="text-align: center;">I got all these bugs with a lot of help from family and friends!</div><div style="text-align: center;">(300 bugs total, 18 Orders, and 100 Species! I think... )</div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Plant Identification</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">In this class I had to learn and identify 200 different species of plants in the provo area. Although I can't remember most of the plants and names now, it was a cool feeling to be able to identify any plant I saw for a good couple months! </div><div style="text-align: left;">I don't have a picture of anything from this class... but one day when I was out looking at plants in order to study for a test I took this little beauty below! Y-mountain after a summer shower!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JzAkXEw0F0k/Tl2Y17Sy0yI/AAAAAAAAAM8/jVhv6QXrZe8/s320/IMGP5157.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646837560009478946" />
<br /></div></div><div>
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Canyoneering</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Canyoneering was not a required class, just one of those crazy classes you take for fun! For this class we took a trip to the San Rafael Swell and canyoneered down Eardlly Canyon. 3 repels, and ice cold pools to swim through!</div><div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><img style="text-align: center;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1LJRpovZBEc/Tl2cyqzeJ5I/AAAAAAAAANU/l7g8svi4Jhg/s320/25639_397937602544_676642544_3967201_5304319_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646841902090037138" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 234px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JYr7paWM4e8/Tl2cy-9gpjI/AAAAAAAAANc/wHz0EevAhbc/s320/canyon.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646841907500852786" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The water was so cold we had to wear 5mm wetsuits and dive gloves. At one point when I was doing the last and tallest rappel I lost my footing on some slick rocks and I flipped upside down! I thought this experience was awesome, but I think I almost gave my professor a heart attack haha! </div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Evolution</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">This was probably my favorite class at BYU for many different reasons. First of all, my professor Byron Adams was HILARIOUS! My favorite of his quotes "I want to teach this class like Jesus would teach the class. He wouldn't be all up tight about stuff, it would all be like Love and Hot-tubs" haha maybe you had to be there.. but he was pretty hilarious! My second reason for loving this class is because Evolution was taught at BYU and I was able to see how Evolution and the gospel work with each other and not against each other! If you are ever interested in discussing this topic just give me a call! </div><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There are so many other classes that I took... these were just the most interesting and best that I can remember! I figure I should write about them now before I forget about them completely! </div><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869658433291694404noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9038912240389241528.post-8204822802609357562011-08-11T21:50:00.000-05:002011-09-02T11:21:53.033-05:00If at first you don't succeed, try try again!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Anyone who knows Justin knows that he has some mad wakeboarding skills! He is pretty impressive, and that might be the reason why I married him... just kidding... but it was definitely a perk!</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">He can do all sorts of tricks and is far more impressive than me... One of his most impressive tricks is his backflip which he lands pretty consistently!</span><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-infF7o4t7tI/TkSKaprJeQI/AAAAAAAAALs/JSZ94YRe7C0/s320/180442_1857537395539_1153981417_2262682_7934632_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639784823842765058" /><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">A month or so back we got to go with some family to Lake Powell and Justin was again very impressive! This year Justin's goal was to land a 360 which he has not done since before his mission. This trick is not the hardest to do, however when you crash you pretty much die! So I was way impressed with his determination and perseverance throughout the week! He did end up landing the 360, which was awesome to see and he was WAY stoked!</span></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_nsZ344ub5U/TkSK_0ZvpXI/AAAAAAAAAL0/LZf8ls5Uwjk/s320/IMG_2025.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639785462377719154" /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Now as far as I am concerned Justin has just always been a great wakeboarder! However as some of the following pictures show, hundreds of crashes and pain go into perfecting every trick on the wakeboard!</span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 219px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dCsvh9Df-gM/TkSJqx7b21I/AAAAAAAAALk/wlcCLwJmURk/s320/IMG_2531.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639784001424841554" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 207px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T9nHn6-GP4k/TkSJRqSI8oI/AAAAAAAAALc/z3LNX0WkNjc/s320/IMG_2529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639783569875858050" /></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">
<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">This summer my Uncle Terry came out the lake with us and taught Justin how to Barefoot, which is basically where you crawl out on a bar hanging over the water while the boat is going 34+ mph and then you ski on your bare feet... CRAZY! But it is awesome to watch Terry do it, he is way good! So here for you enjoyment are some picture of Justin learning to Barefoot!</span></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W2NupQoGJSc/TkSL93Rxg0I/AAAAAAAAAL8/cBd3hQ9T4eI/s320/IMG_2547.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639786528301482818" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Justin excited for his first try!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xGUAkbSEURs/TkSMXlMHfCI/AAAAAAAAAME/NbfRcn52tG4/s320/IMG_2555.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639786970122517538" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">After he crawled out onto the pole...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">
<br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yOggV5XNkfA/TkSMmVJkboI/AAAAAAAAAMM/LF-6-jNWhOw/s320/IMG_2562.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639787223514902146" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">And he's down! First try is a no go...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">
<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">After only a few more tries and Uncle Terry getting out to show us how it was done Justin was able to successfully barefoot! </span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JlOPVasElf8/TkSPwTFZyBI/AAAAAAAAAM0/NWUmrdfGm2E/s320/IMG_2582.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639790693294131218" /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Justin had just enough time to yell out, and I quote, "I'M DOING IT!! IT'S WORKING!!" before he caught a toe and crashed big time! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">
<br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w33b4VYjWvc/TkSNIABOYrI/AAAAAAAAAMk/Z0zNyzAW8cA/s320/IMG_2662.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639787801958310578" /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Haha this crash was the best... the funniest... and I think it's the one that hurt the most! Needless to say, he was done after this one! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">
<br /></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QR6MJVxGNI0/TkSNOcgrw9I/AAAAAAAAAMs/JsR_7V43GOc/s320/IMG_2666.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639787912685667282" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Justin celebrating his success!</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">
<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">So after seeing these pics you might ask yourself "Why put yourself through all that pain?!" In the end I think he would agree that all your crashes and hard falls are worth it once you land the trick! All in all, it was a successful week for Justin at Lake Powell, and I am still always so impressed when I watch him do his thing out on the water! </span></div>Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869658433291694404noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9038912240389241528.post-54807946222537422302011-08-11T21:40:00.000-05:002011-08-11T21:46:37.861-05:00Living on the Edge of Glory!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This summer at our Lake Powell trip my wonderful and talented Stone cousins decided to make a music video documenting our week! They worked really hard and I think they did an amazing job! </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My favorite part is when Justin falls off of the boat when all the cousins are jumping off the back! haha if you havn't seen it, look for it! It's good stuff! </span></div><div>
<br /><div><iframe width="400" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/LBzq6hToTYk?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div>Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869658433291694404noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9038912240389241528.post-37889760658159346902011-07-17T13:39:00.000-05:002011-07-17T14:19:19.529-05:00We're having a BOY!!!<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div>WOW I am waaaaay behind on my blogging but just in case anyone had not heard our great news we are having a baby, and on Friday we had our first ultrasound! I was at 17 weeks so we were not sure if they'd be able to tell the gender of the baby yet but we had a great ultrasound tech named Marlo who was able to poke around and find just the right spot to tell! <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Justin thought we would be having a girl, and I thought we'd be having a boy (because I'd had a couple dreams with a baby boy in them... not that that means a whole lot or anything... but I just had a hunch). But we were both just so excited to find out what we would be having and that our baby was healthy so what ever the gender ended up being we would have been thrilled! I just don't understand how some people can wait the whole 9 months and be surprised at the end... I am just not that patient I guess because that wait would kill me! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>This was the first shot of the baby that we saw! Isn't the little alien cute! He looks like Justin already! haha just kidding Justin! But seriously... at this stage babies look a lot like the aliens from the last Indiana Jones movie! But don't get me wrong, I love him so much already and I started tearing up when I saw his cute little face! </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 225px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7kcB1JThAQM/TiMuJOGNzeI/AAAAAAAAAK8/NecM6oUb7p0/s320/Baby%2BFace.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630394695081119202" /></div><div>The next thing we found out is that he is very healthy as of right now... no abnormal issues or anything, so that was such a relief! I think that I stared tearing up again when I found that out! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Next thing we know we hear Marlo the Ultrasound Tech say "Well that is a hundred percent Boy!" And at that point Justin got a huge smile on his face! Haha I am pretty sure that this is Justin's favorite of all the pictures we got. Haha so funny! I think that it is a Male thing to want at least one Boy so that your last name gets passed onto future generations or something like that... Suffice it to say this little guy already has a proud father! I was just so happy to find out that he was healthy, but I must say it all seems more real now that the thing inside of me is a HE and not an IT!</div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jj2y_Dk453E/TiMt20aDKyI/AAAAAAAAAK0/CVKnu6qd6Ao/s320/Better%2BMale%2BParts.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630394378947341090" />There are a couple other things we found out. First, he has long legs for his body size (probably the second thing that Justin is most excited about... he is convinced that all our children are doomed to shortness). And second, that the due date is now December 22nd instead of the 23rd (Sorry Jenae!)! Which is awesome because it brings it one day farther away from Christmas! In case you don't know I have a fear that he will come on Christmas which I think would stink for him growning up... but I'll have to discuss that one on a different post!<div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Here are a couple more pictures we got! This one is of his feet My dad thinks he has 9 toes... 6 on one foot and 3 on the other haha... so we'll have to keep an eye on that! And the next picture is of our little boy waving hello to the world! </div><div><br /></div><div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JfZPGX51I5I/TiMxMkJ1E-I/AAAAAAAAALE/dcK8DNegzcE/s320/Baby%2BFeet.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630398051076346850" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 243px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RouHN4qMo5c/TiMxRVHIrzI/AAAAAAAAALM/e0Ltyf534WY/s320/Better%2BBaby%2BHand.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630398132937862962" /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Justin and I are both so excited and happy about our little boy and we can't wait to get to meet him in 4 months and 3 weeks!</div></div>Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869658433291694404noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9038912240389241528.post-37557560890744986292011-02-13T17:54:00.000-06:002011-02-13T18:45:06.084-06:00BANG!!!!<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><b>BANG!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vph0XJmv_Yk/TVh2KP9eeSI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/pOb4a7Te1-U/s1600/IMG_7156.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vph0XJmv_Yk/TVh2KP9eeSI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/pOb4a7Te1-U/s320/IMG_7156.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573334457326139682" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">For those of you who have not had the experience, nay</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">the privilege, of playing </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">BANG</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">, shame on you! You need to go out and buy it! Or find some friends who already own it! Or if you can't justify spending the money on a game for yourself, just be like Justin and I and buy it for someone as a christmas present and then invite yourselves over to play it all the time! We have been playing </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">BANG</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> since last Christmas when we got it for Brett and Jenae (It was kind of a selfish present because we knew we'd get to play it with them... but I think they have enjoyed it a</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">s well, so I don't feel so bad!).</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I'll give a short summary of how to play </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">BANG</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">. Each playerpics a character to play as, and a role. Each character has a special "super power" you might say, so some</span><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XaUIXbIR5s8/TVh6IhUYo8I/AAAAAAAAAKc/lsApcVxiMhI/s320/Picture%2B19.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573338825672401858" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> characters are WAY better than others! Some of my favorite include Willy the Kid,Slab the Killer, and anew favorite is Big Spencer (he gets 10 life points for the whole game, so he's way hard to kill!) Anyways each player also gets a role that he or she has to play by the whole game. For example if you are the Sheriff you have to try and kill all the outlaws (this is the worst position in my opinion). If you are one of the outlaws you have to try and kill the sheriff (This is the best position in my opinion!)!</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Also just a side note, when you play they have the instructions written in both english and another language. This language is Italian, </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">NOT SPANISH</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">! Italian... it took us like 4 months of playing before anyone realized that...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">that is all.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Well, anyways, A couple weeks ago we got together with some friends to have an ultimate </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">BANG</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> night! We all got dressed up in our best cowboy getups, had wonderful vittls (mexican food), and drank some good ole' IBC beer, ROOT BEER, that is! </span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 205px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A2bz67wdJ6Q/TVh5jqV0MsI/AAAAAAAAAKU/r6q8cTZnSbI/s320/Picture%2B21.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573338192439161538" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And then of course once pictures were taken and dinner served we pulled out the cards and played </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">BANG</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TrLdz8fsA0Q/TVhwkyvc5fI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/Er8VXnsWWMg/s1600/IMG_7159.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TrLdz8fsA0Q/TVhwkyvc5fI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/Er8VXnsWWMg/s320/IMG_7159.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573328316269389298" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Here are Dan and Marie shooting each other.</span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-md151MvsGDU/TVhwku7iG9I/AAAAAAAAAJs/sY7J-Bu93R4/s1600/IMG_7154.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-md151MvsGDU/TVhwku7iG9I/AAAAAAAAAJs/sY7J-Bu93R4/s320/IMG_7154.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573328315246320594" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Check out the belt Buckles!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZtRncnIxF2I/TVhwkYUy6oI/AAAAAAAAAJk/AaJHK96wDlA/s1600/IMG_7153.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZtRncnIxF2I/TVhwkYUy6oI/AAAAAAAAAJk/AaJHK96wDlA/s320/IMG_7153.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573328309178264194" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Justin and I found most of this at DI! I wish I got a good picture of my 7 dollar boots (I'm pretty sure they were meant for 8 year old boys because they are 2 sizes too small! But... they were 7 dollars... so... nuff said!).</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">It was great night and even though I did not win any of the games there was great food and great company so what more can you ask for?! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">ps. If anyone wants to have another western/BANG night justin and I have the costumes! Our inspiration was John Wayne, and I think we trully embodied the awesomeness of his western aura. </span></div>Karahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08869658433291694404noreply@blogger.com5