Confessions of a House Wife

Stetson the Builder!!!

2011-10-05T18:15:00.000-07:00

Sometimes my kid amazes me! Well, actually more often than not. With all the trouble we have had with language, Stetson has always excelled in puzzles! Chad is the same way, which is why he is such a great mechanic. You have to have a certain mind to be able to look at something and know how to put it together. I am not that way. I mess it up, even if I read and follow the directions step by step. Last Christmas, my dad got Stetson some Lincoln Logs. Up until now he has played with them, but hasn't really built much. But Yesterday he built this great two level house!

He included Windows

He even put in two doors!!!

Stetson is 4 and a half, and his language is actually doing excellent! I love being his mom, and seeing the new things that he learns to do!

and I am thankful for these lincoln logs that are going to help our winter and having to stay inside seem not so boring!

What do I want to be when I grow up?

2011-05-20T18:10:00.000-07:00

...an extreme couponer!!! If you haven't had a chance to see TLC's extreme couponing you don't know what you are missing! They can buy over $600.00 in groceries and spend less than $25.00. Now I told Chad, there is a fine line between extreme couponing and OCD mixed with Hoarding. lol. I really don't want to have too much stuff that I don't have room for, but I am going to apply some of their skills and try to save my family a couple hundred a month off our grocery bill. Wish me luck!

Do you like me?

2011-03-08T14:10:00.000-08:00

Last night after I tucked Stetson into bed and gave him his goodnight kisses, I walked out of his room. As I was turning down the light he asked,
"Do you like me, mom?"

This is a question he asks me all the time. But it is also something I tell him all day long. I tell him how much I love him and like him. I tell him he is my favorite, that I love his face and his freckels and I love how funny he is. And as much as I enjoy telling him, I think he likes to hear it more. Stetson equally enjoys making sure that we know how much we mean to him.

After I assure him one last time for the night, I get thinking...
How many of us out there love ourselves with an unconditional love?

If you are like me your always able to come up with a long list of things you wish you could change about yourself, but when it comes to things you like or love about yourself the list isn't quite as long.

It is a hard balance. But of all the things I have learned especially in the past year it is one of the simplest, yet most important.

So from now on, instead of looking in the mirror and seeing everything I am not, I will look in my eyes and manifest why I love me.

I love my laugh. I love that when something makes me laugh, I don't hold it in but rather throw my head back and revell in the moment. I love that I can appreciate the comedy that is life.

There is so much for us to love about ourselves, for everything we are and can become when we just believe in ourselves.

My Four year old

2011-02-28T21:33:00.000-08:00

How fast time flies. It is bitter sweet to have my baby growing what seems to be so fast. But every stage is a new adventure. He makes me laugh on a daily basis. Here are some things Stets has been up to:

Stetson had a pretty busy year. First, he potty trained, and let me tell you, that was fabulous and easy! (thanks mom) Convincing him that it was okay to pee on the trees in the mountains was a completely other story. Finally he had to go bad enough that he did it. We spent the rest of the summer reminding him we only did that in the mountains when there isn't a toilet. Not in our front yard.

Stetson also started preschool. Which means he started really talking! I remember thinking when he turned 3 that he only had about 200 words. And to everyone but me they were unintelligable. Now, we can actually have conversations. He is so fun to talk to. He has a funny sense of humor and such strong opinions about things. Now we find ourselves sometimes thinking "Is he ever quiet?!"

Stetson loves to have sleepovers with his grandparents and his aunts and uncles! Three is pretty young to know all about sleepovers...but we don't care. We are lucky to have so many family members who are great, and as crazy about Stets as we are and who want to spend the one on one time with him.

Stetson went through many phases this past year. The ones where he did nothing but ask us questions all day, had different favorite games he liked to play, music he liked, foods he liked to eat. But his strangest phase was he thought it was hillarious to "moon" us. Luckily that stage passed fairly quickly!

I love my boy! Even sitting here I cannot put it into words. Stetson is kind, sweet, and funny but he also has a mischeivious side. He is the light of my life and I cannot wait to see the things he will accomplish this year!

As 2010 comes to a close...

2010-12-31T01:06:00.000-08:00

I think about everything that happened this last year. I feel like I need to release it, so that I can move on.

Stetson: 2010 was a busy year for a busy boy. In February Stetson had to be put under to have his teeth worked on. He didn't have any enamel on his molars and he had to have caps put on 8 back teeth. He did well and has had no problems since then. In March he turned 3 and graduated from Kids On The Move. That meant that he had to be tested by the school district to see if he qualified for "Talking Time" preschool. He was able to get in, and went April-May. And got a Staph infection on his butt cheek in May. After a busy summer he started school again. Only this time he rides the bus to school. I cannot express how greatful I am for this program, he is talking SO much, and it is getting easier to understand what he is saying. My favorite things is when he comes home and sings me songs that he has learned. Stetson has particularly enjoyed the holidays this past year. He dressed up as a Dragon for Halloween. He discovered that Turkey tastes good, but he likes Ham better. Santa is watching to see if he is being a nice boy, and that Buzz Lightyear is proof of that. Stetson also learned about Baby Jesus, but is still a little confused about the story. He has learned to recognize his name, and also is in the process of learning that we are nice to our kitty and fish. I look forward to what this year brings Stetson and how much more he will learn and grow. I could not love that boy anymore than I do!

Chad: My poor Chad had a rough year. In February there was an accident at work and a bus fell off the lift. (it was faulty equipment) but Chad was operating the lift. Things were intense while they investigated because there was a big possibility that he could have lost his job. Then he had to deal with Me. (I will get to that in a minute). In March, Chad turned 28, and his Grandpa Hardy passed away (dads dad). In May, the Cancer that Chads dad had been fighting for 20 years started to spread to his lungs and in July we had to say an Earthly goodbye to him. During this time Chad also got 3 staph infections. One that ate a hole in his muscle tissues. We had to go to the Doc. everyday to get it "packed" and the bandages changed. During this whole time Chad still worked very hard to provide for our family. In August he got our boat working, and in September we went for a day on the lake. Chad was so happy, it was good to see. Chad didn't dress up for Halloween, but he did carry Stetson most of the way. LOL. November brought another passing in his family this time it was his Grandpa Baum (moms dad). He also got an older truck as part of a bonus from his part time job. ( this made him very happy!) Thanksgiving Chad had the stomache flu, so it wasn't so great for him this year, but Christmas was better. All in all, Chad is ready to say goodbye to 2010, and get his projects started for 2011!

Jamee: Now onto me. I have to go back a little further... In January 2009 I started having major anxiety attacks. I was put on medicine to help which caused some major depression. by August 2009 I was a mess. My head was a mess. Only I didn't really realize how bad things were. There were a lot of decisions I made without consulting Chad concerning finances. Come November 2009, I started planning an exit strategy. All I remember from the holidays 2009 was thinking that it was my last Thanksgiving, last Christmas, ect... I am sorry thats a lot of information, but like I said I want to release it. During this time the only way I could function was to take Loratab. I wasn't using to get high, I was using to get out of bed. In January my depression became Manic. In March my sister and my mom stopped by. They knew something was up, without really knowing anything. That day was "THE DAY" I was done. They took me to the hospital. I spent 8 days up at LDS hospital Psych. ward. There they found out a lot of stuff. #1 My medicine was making me manic and was causing harm. #2 while I wasn't an "adict" I certainly like loratab more than I should. I recieved a lot of help and resources while I was in there. Also... I had to talk to Chad. What I did to him, was inexcusable. Chad and I stopped communicating and all there was, was yelling and rudeness in our home. Not a lot of love. or trust. After everything that happened it was a long fall from grace. It is so shameful.
Stetson and I moved in with my mom. I have never felt more fragil in my life. We stayed at my mom until July. During that time I went to see my therapist every week, and Chad and I did some couples therapy. In June I got to take a vacation and go to Country Jam with my family and my dear friend. It was SO much fun, but when we got back I was ready to go home. Chad and I had a tough decison to make. We knew we were going to have to rebuild our lives and our choice was...together, or seperate. After a lot of tears and compromising we decided together. Also in July I had to have a D&C(not pregnancy, female complications) and an IUD put in. I was told that when I am ready she will help me try to get pregnant, but if I start having complications again I will need to have a hysterectomy. In August my brother and sister in law moved in. In September I turned 28. I started my own business in November and had the opportunity to participate in four boutiques. This year I was able to enjoy the holidays. I am still fighting depression, which makes things seem really hard sometimes, but things are 100% better than last year. If I could have fast forward to see how things would turn out, I would not have believed it. I am thankful to my Heavenly Father, for keeping me here. And for the comfort I feel.

I am so thankful to our family, friends, and church for their help, and mainly for their forgiveness. And for letting me know how loved I am.
I don't think I have ever felt more loved.

2010 wasn't all bad, I will look back on it as a year of mistakes, learning, and growth. But I look forward to 2011. I am going to focus on making myself and my family healthy in every way. Mentally, spiritually, physically, emotionally, and financially. I hope to expand my business some more. And I hope that we will be expecting an addition to our family by this time next year.

HAPPY NEW YEAR, LETS MAKE 2011 WONDERFUL!

A new business venture

2010-11-14T14:08:00.000-08:00

I am starting a new business. It is Glamour Mee Chic Artisan Jewelry. I am really excited about it! I am super excited about my cuffs!
go to www.glamour-mee-chic.com to check it out!

Ready to get some Christmas Shopping done?!

2010-11-07T10:37:00.000-08:00

I will be participating in my first craft boutique this upcoming weekend and am super excited! It is going to be such a fun boutique, and Santa Claus will even be making an apperance both evenings from 6:00-8:00. For more information the website is buzyelves.com. I will be selling my beaded watch bands and watch faces at amazing prices! Anywhere from 25%-50% off! I will also be having a drawing each day to give away one of my watch bands for free, all you have to do is come and put your name in! So if you are looking to get something special for someone on your Christmas list, or you want some fun peices for yourself, Come to The Buzy Elves Boutique! Hope to see you there!

The Buzy Elves Boutique
Across from Gardener Village at
Historic Pioneer Hall
1137 W. 7800 S.
West Jordan, UT 84088

Thursday, November 11, 2010 1:00p.m.-8:00p.m.
Friday, November 12, 2010 11:00a.m.-8:00p.m.

*Visit with Santa Claus both evenings 6:00p.m.-8:00p.m

Also check out my new website http://Glamour-Mee-Chic.blogspot.com
soon to be www.Glamour-Mee-Chic.com

2010-11-05T23:47:00.001-07:00

Hi I am back! And it has been so long that I forgot how to change the colors on my blog. text and borders. Can anyone help?

Thank You

2010-04-19T12:52:00.000-07:00

Thank you for your support. Stetson and I are still at my moms, but we are working on getting us home little by little. I am trying to get my anxiety under control. We will start spending weekends at home, until I feel completely comfortable being home. Which is kind of ironic because right now it doesn't feel like home. But I think the more time I start spending there the more it will start to feel like home again. Our family is doing fine. Chad and I are fine. And I know that we will all be okay in the end.

Hi

2010-03-23T09:14:00.000-07:00

I don't really want to go into detail right now, but I want to say that we are all doing fine. Stetson and I are staying at my moms house, Chad and I are not separated but he works a lot, and my family as well as Chad don't really want me alone right now. I guess I can't say I blame them. I am taking the steps that I need to, to become a better version of myself, and I plan to come out of this ordeal a heck of a lot stronger! And I know that my family will also be strengthened. Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers!

Some things are just funny!

2010-02-25T09:44:00.000-08:00

It feels like I have been waiting a long time to post some of the silly things Stetson says, like 3 years. He is talking a lot more, and it is becoming a little easier to understand him. Talking is just really hard for him. It is his struggle. But on a funny note here are some of the things he has been saying to us:
If you make him mad or hurt his feelings, or touch something he is playing with, his arm will shoot up with a pointed finger and he will yell at you to "Go bye-bye" He has been doing this for a while, but it is so funny. We probably shouldn't laugh, but oh well.
When we tell him he has to do something he doesn't like for example: go to bed He will tell us, "No, Bed is Yuck!" We here this a lot during the day. Such as " Potty is yuck!"
As I was getting Stetson dressed we put on his pull-up and without thinking and just talking to him I said, "OK lets cover your junk" Stetson replied "my pee-pee is my junk" my response was laughing. Later during the week my brother Broc was over and Stetson jumped on him and Broc said "Ahh, don't jump on my junk." Stetson then had to ask us who has junk. That was a fun conversation!
Last one: Driving around town I always ask him questions about our families, When I asked him about Uncle Austin (on a mission in Peru) He told me that Austin went bye-bye. When I asked him where he said, "Jail!" Thanks Unlce Broc!
I realize that Stetsons talking level is probably a lot lower than children his age and even younger. But really we are just excited that he is finally starting to talk to us! He graduated from Kids On the Move last month, and is being tested by the school district next week to see if he qualifies for speech therapy, or talking time pre-school. But we are so proud of him!

I'm rockin' the suburbs

2010-02-11T14:12:00.000-08:00

As I am chatting on the phone with my good friend the other day, she says something that really makes me laugh. We are talking about music and if we have heard any good new songs or stumbled across any good old songs, and she says, "You might know this band, because you are "HIPPER" than I am." In one second I saw my new situation flashing before my eyes. I am in my "mom jeans" (don't even ask) with my hair pulled into a pony tail, adorning no make up because I was in the middle of a cleaning day, which includes chasing after a soon to be 3 year old and all the messes that come along with one. Yes, I am indeed hipper! Later that night and well for a couple days I think about it and some other funny things that happen. I am coming out of Walmart the other day, it is a nice day. A man in his 30's I would assume is sitting in his mini-van, blasting rock music. In my head I laughed. Ha ha keeping the dream alive and rockin' out to some tune age, even though he was kind of old for that kind of behavior. I get into my car giggling at it, and as I am driving home I realize that it's Me. I totally do that. Maybe not so publicly, but I am guilty. My son is the one who asks me to turn the music down. Whether we are in the car or at home. I turn down my radio before I drive into my neighborhood so I don't disturb my neighbors. I try to get Stetson to loosen up and enjoy being goofy and silly when listening to music, that it's okay to dance and sing and just let go. It's okay to rock out when a favorite song comes on the radio, (even if it did just come out on the oldies station, since when is the '90's the oldies?!) Music to me is like breathing, I can't live without it! SHAM ON!

The battle of the wrapped presents

2009-12-19T09:49:00.000-08:00

Stetson has been really good this year about not touching the decorations on the Christmas Tree, or around the house. Last year, not so much. And my garland on my stairs has some cute big light bulbs on it that look like Christmas ornaments, last year he loved to pop them off and throw them down the stairs, thus ending up with a pile of broken glass. This year he did it once, and after the bulb broke he ran to his room crying. ( He must have forgot that they break) So why you may ask am I posting about Holiday Decorations, it's not so much the decorations as it is the presents. I have wrapped and re wrapped and re wrapped certain presents. This kid just cannot be left alone with them, because they must call to him..."Open me, open me, I bet I have a toy for you, OPEN ME!" Now I have tried to reason with him, tried to punish him, even tried to bribe him, to no avail. So now we know Stetson + Wrapped Prensents= Big Mess and another hour of re wrapping!

The Repeat Offender...

2009-12-18T16:30:00.000-08:00

Let me tell you about the repeat offender, he likes to put things up his nose, the things he likes to put up his nose is popcorn kernels and only popcorn kernels. Why, I do not know, back in June he stuck some up there and it was quite the process to get them out:
1-Hold him down and try to force them out. removed 2
2-Go to the Pediatrician and pay $20.00 (co-pay) to have her remove 1
3-Go to his Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Doctor and pay another $30.00 (co-pay) to have her remove the last one. (He had stuffed them up to his sinuses)

So his little adventure last June ended up costing about $50.00 and he was a sad boy. Fast forward to this past Monday. We are saying family prayer and Stetson is complaining about his nose. We look up there and there is POPCORN!!! So again we repeat the process:
1- Hold him down and retrieve 2, but low and behold there is still 1 up there.
2-Skip going to the Pediatrician and go straight to the ENT Doctor, who was able to get the last one out.

Now to him this was very traumatizing. It took 3 of us just to hold him down, so that Dr. Heras (ENT) could get it out, and the hole time he was screaming, I mean SCREAMING!!! So as we are leaving they bring a sucker to my repeat offender, and notice that the entire waiting room is staring at us. There was only one thing I could say..."Popcorn kernels up his nose!"

"I'm your mother, I want to help you, that's what I'm here for"

2009-12-11T16:02:00.000-08:00

I appreciate my mother! Thank you for taking the time to call and check on me, and to know that I needed help, even though I was to prideful to ask for it. Thank you for coming down this morning and spending your day helping me clean and organize my house. Thank you for not judging me, when you saw the big pile of laundry (due to a washer being broke for a month) just loading up our clothes and taking them to the laundry mat. Thank you for being you, I always appreciate you but you will never know how much your coming down today and working with me, helped me. I love you!

The Difference...

2009-12-08T23:46:00.000-08:00

The difference between a man and a woman:
A woman will go to the store at midnight if it means she can go alone and not drag a child into the cold.
A man would feed his family cold cereal and ramen noodles to avoid going to the store. Period.
A woman will stay up 'till all hours of the night cleaning, just to get some housework done.
A man would prefer you not have any guests, (that way you don't have to worry about a destructive 2 year olds messes)
A woman wants to serve her family a delicious Sunday Dinner (if you're a women then you know the kind I mean)
A man thinks peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are great for Sunday dinner.
A woman will wake up the second her child is crying/stiring and go check on them
A man (if for some reason the woman doesn't wake up) will wake up his wife and tell her that the child is awake.
A woman will take around 30-45 minutes to get ready to go out
A man will shower, shave, brush teeth and hair, and can put on cologne in 5 minutes flat. (spending the rest of the time wondering what takes so long to get ready!?)
A man is willing to go out and brave the cold for at least 8 hours so that his family can be warm inside their home.
A woman hates shoveling snow and going outside in the cold.
A man is willing to get out of bed early to provide for his family.
A woman (this woman) is not a morning person!
A man gets up with a 2 year old on Saturdays just to watch cartoons and bond
A woman really appreciates it!

I have been struggling lately. And not with anything that I can put into words. I wish I wasn't, as Chad says "Everybody gets a little blue sometimes" I just feel like everything is being compromised. I know the things I need to do, but I feel so inadequate and useless, like I've lost before I begin. My family deserves more than I can give them right now, but what do I do? I wen't to The Forgotten Carols by Michael Mclean last Friday and there was a song with lyrics " I cannot find my way, I cannot find my way, I cannot find my way back home." That song really hit a nerve and I was crying. Because I understand those lyrics. Even when you know what you're supposed to do, you don't know how to do it. So for those of you who read this, I am not looking for people to feel sorry for me, or to feel like you have to leave a comment, this is mainly for me, to get out some of my feelings. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers on mine and my families behalf.

Yes, I am here.

2009-11-30T19:52:00.000-08:00

***writers(bloggers) block***
Welcome to my life, And since I cannot think of anything still to write, let me tell you how much I love decorating my house for Christmas! (I am not being sarcastic) I love when it all comes together and you can just curl up on the couch with some good Christmas stories, hot cocoa, and holiday music enjoying peaceful evenings with your family. My wreath looks really pretty adorning my red front door. Also I was watching a home improvement show all about Christmas decorating and they hung ornaments from chandeliers, so I tried their idea out in my entry way and in my kitchen nook above my table. It looks so cute and whimsical. We are ready to celebrate the season.

Ordering Scentsy

2009-09-25T09:56:00.000-07:00

I will be keeping my scentsy party open until Monday morning. If you didn't get a chance to place an order but would like to just give me a call or stop by. I have the scent testers still at my house if you would like to give them a smell.

It's time for some Scentsy!

2009-09-18T20:00:00.000-07:00

Just a heads up, I will be hosting a Scentsy Open House and you are all invited to come! There will be wonderful scentsy products and some yummy refreshments. If you have a friend who loves scentsy, feel free to bring them along.

When: Thursday, September 24, 2009
Time: 7:00p.m.-9:oop.m.
Where: My house

Hope to see you there!

"...We have a lost Mother..."

2009-07-23T20:57:00.000-07:00

As I was frantically searching the isles of Walmart for my lost item, running up and down the isles back and forth, praying that it was safe a voice comes over the intercom. "Attention walmart costumers: We have a lost mom in the store, she belongs to a little boy between the ages of 2-3 with sandy blond hair, blue shirt, gray shorts and sandles. Please come to the costumer service desk." Now, before you jump to conclusions rewind 5 minutes. Stetson and I armed with a blue cart where you can sit are picking out a tire guage in the Automotive department. Stetson can easily climb in and out which was fine, but then he made a break for it. I caught him, told him we don't run away from mommy. But instead I think he heard. "Stetson, this is a fun game, you run away from me as fast as your two year old legs can carry your monkey butt and avoid being caught at all costs. Run fast, duck, and hide." Fast foward I am literally running after Stetson calling his name when he ducks into another isle, and hides. Time for a different perspective. (Family), mother speaking to Stetson, "Hi, little guy whats your name? Stetson replies "albjalkd" Mother, "Where's your momma?" Stetson, "Momma go bye-bye" Then the woman frown-smiles at my "abandoned" two year old, finds the nearest walmart employee which is when the irresponsible "lost" mother is paged. As I went to collect my little run-away, half relieved and half mad at this little boy, he looks up at me, grins his biggest Stetson grin with twinkly eyes and all, then turns and books it. Luckily this time I had 5 people to help me get him. Now I know why my little brother had to where a harness!

Feeling Old...?

2009-07-07T16:59:00.001-07:00

I have been having a hard time with my age this past year. I just can't get over the fact that I am going to be 27. But something happened the other day that put things into a different perspective for me. As I was at a baby shower (names withheld to protect identities) The women were talking about what year they graduated. Some in 1984-1986 and the rest in the 1990's. They proceeded to ask me when I graduated, laughing I replied 2001.

And the winner is...

2009-06-26T17:01:00.000-07:00

Today while I was upstairs making my bed and gathering laundry I hear a low thudding sound with the quiet rustling of a bag, over-powered by the laughter and giggles of two boys, now you're mind can come up with a ton of scenarios when given the opportunity..."They are throwing balls at each other" possible, "They are jumping off the couch into the tent(see post below)" it wouldn't be the first time. "They have a couple swimming noodles and are hitting each other with them", it's been know to happen. "They have the two new loaves of bread I just bought and they are having a bread battle", my mind immediately rejects this theory for the shear idea of how bizarre it sounds. So I finally muster the courage to peek down the stairs and it turns out I was right...needles to say our pb&j's that were on the menu for lunch were: squashed, smooshed, broken, flat, and falling apart. At least I didn't have to cut of the crust.

Tent City

2009-06-18T12:55:00.000-07:00

I watch this little boy Ben, I have watched him since he was 1 and a half and he is now 5! Ben is just part of our lives, a built in friend for Stetson. They fight like brothers and they play like brothers. They love each-other! Today they had cabin fever so we set up a "tent-city" and they loved it.

Stetson got these tents for his 1st birthday and he is just now starting to really enjoy them. It has been a fun day!

Stetson

2009-06-13T17:11:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess it is time to post about this. Stetson has had a really hard time with language. Especially verbal. He is pretty good with receptive- instructions and such, but struggles with speaking. We started working with Kids on the Move in October and it really has helped when he started he could say about 4 words now he has around 50 with about 30 of those being sign. At first people would ask if he had autism, but he makes excellent eye contact and he is very "present" so that was immediately ruled out. Then after working with him for a while his therapists were wondering if he might be deaf in one ear, which would explain why he wasn't saying a lot. Stetson has had ear infections non-stop, so we had tubes put in last June but he still got an ear infection about every 6 weeks, which they say after you have an ear infection you hear like you are underwater for 6 weeks after it is healed. In February we finally had the ears cleared and tested to see if he was in fact hearing, and fortunately he can hear fine when he doesn't have an ear infection. So then the fact that Chad had a speech delay (he didn't start "speaking" till around 4 or 5), same with my brother, might have something to do with it. I guess it can be hereditary, also there is the possibility that he might have a speech impediment, but those things are so hard to decipher so young. He works with an occupational therapist and a speech therapist twice a month and I have set "games" we play each day to increase his communication. Basically we are just taking this really slow, because Stetson gets overwhelmed. It breaks my heart because I can see him try to make the words and he just cant figure out how to make the sounds. This last month his therapist recommended having him tested for Aspergers Syndrome, so we made a trip to his pediatrician and she said he is right on the cusp, so she referred us to a specialist with primary childrens hospital, when I talked to the doctor she recommended waiting to test him after he is 3, it takes 6 to 9 months to get into her, and cost upwards of $1000.00 out of pocket, and it's really hard to have conclusive results until a child is a little older. So we are waiting, and just playing it by ear. And for right now we will not be putting a label on him. You know, selfishly I want him to talk so bad, because I want to talk to him. It's also frustrating just because he isn't talking does not mean he isn't smart, he is just working on other skills. We are not sensitive about it, it is what it is. And chances are I will probably look back on this in 10 years and laugh at how worried I am. We are not offended when people ask us questions, and we are not afraid to use sign. Thank you to my friend Tanya who let us borrow some of her signing time videos, they help us so much and Stetson loves them. I love them too and am thankful that such a wonderful thing was created. Here are the Lyrics to "The Good" it pretty much sums up how we feel. Thank you for reading this and for your thoughts and prayers on our behalf.

The Good

It was you and me and the whole world right before us
I couldn't wait to start
I saw you and dreams just like everyone before us
We thought we knew what we got

And then one day I thought it slipped away
And I looked to my hands to hold on
And then one day all my fear slipped away
And my hands did so much more

So maybe we won't find easy
But, baby, we've found the good
No, maybe we won't find easy
But, baby, we've found the good

It was you and me and a new world right before us
I was so scared to start
I saw you and dreams just like everyone before us
But how did they get so far?

And then one day I thought it slipped away
And I looked to my hands to hold on
And then one day all my fear slipped away
And my hands did so much more

So maybe we won't find easy
But, baby, we've found the good
No, maybe we won't find easy
But, baby, we've found the good

My Boys

2009-06-11T17:59:00.000-07:00

I took Stetson to the doctor yesterday and come to find out he has strep, well this morning I woke up feeling like horrible, I had the worst migraine the kind that hurts with every move you make and it makes you throw up. Stetson was so cute though we just vegged out on the couch, he went off to his room for a second and he brought down 2 blankets and his two little "quackers" his duck blankies. He covered me with the blanket and gave me one of the ducks he then climbed into my lap and covered himself and had the other blankie. He then told me we could watch Harry Potter, because he knows that I love it. He kept looking at me all morning and touching my face, asking in his own way how I was feeling. It was so sweet. Then when Chad went home they went and got me some medicine and sprite. It has taken the edge off so we came downstairs so Stets can play. I am thankful for my 2 boys and what good care they take care of me.

The Hardy's go to the Movies

2009-06-09T18:26:00.000-07:00

Chad and I recieved some gift cards to the movie theater for Christmas so we decided to use them for a family date. We went and saw Monsters vs. Aliens in 3D and a couple weeks later we saw disneys UP in 3D. Stetson loved the movie theater it has 2 of his favorite things popcorn and jr. mints. They were both fun days!

Austin

2009-05-28T10:11:00.000-07:00

My youngest brother Austin has been on his mission for 2 months now, and he went from the Lima, Peru MTC Tuesday to his area in Arequipa. I miss him so much already. Last week he wrote my parents and told them how they were almost attacked by a gang with baseball bats on the street while they were out proseliting. A shopkeeper saw what was about to happen and ushered the missionaries into his shop, it was closing time so he got them in there and locked the doors than took them back to the MTC. He was letting us know that even though he will be faced with adversity he knows that Heavenly Father is watching out for him, and wants us to know that as well. Now we have had some exciting things happening in our family, and I wrote Austin and thanked him for his example and faithfulness because I can see the blessings in our lives and here was his reply:
" Hola Jamee,
That is so cool what is happening to Lindy and Shaun right now and if its because of me its because of you. You helped me go on a mission, think of all the blessings that can happen to our family now it's just going to be like seeds and keep on sprouting and geting bigger. I love to hear about things like that cause hopefully I'm doing something good out here in Peru and the Lord is blessing me. Love you alot and I'm leaving on Tuesday. Dios bendiga"

Reading Corner

2009-05-28T09:33:00.000-07:00

I have become addicted, yes addicted to reading. I was when I was younger, but when I got married I sort of forgot that I loved to read. I read tons of "Pregnancy" and "New Mother" books but not really anything else. Well, after much twisting of my arm I finally broke down last October and read Twilight, duh duh duh and LOVED it!!! So when I saw the movie I thought of how if you hadn't read the book you missed out on so much, which is what made me go to the start of the Harry Potter series and read the through all of Harry's demons. Chad and I had a joke since I read at night after Stetson is in bed that I was attending night classes at Hogwarts. But I have also read some other really great books besides the Harry Potter and Twilight series so here are my recommendations: Tuesdays with Morrie is a great book with valuable life lessons, my mom gave all her children a copy of this on our birthdays and I loved the simpleness of it, be kind, love your friends and family. Stuff we know but sometimes forget.

And I thought I loved Twilight, The Host was definatley worth reading. Some people told me they had a hard time getting into this book. I didn't. I really enjoyed this story.

If you are into cheesy LDS romance novels, and love music, you will love this series so far their are 4 books that follow Jayson Wolfe through life the ups and downs with great messages and a gooey love story this is a great series to fall in love with.
Last but not least there is the FableHaven series. My friend Shay recommended this series, and I thought, "Why Not?" This would be a great series to read with your children Stetson is still too young. It is full of fantasy, action, adventure, and all sorts of magical things. In fact it looks like my new blog skin has been kissed by the fairies of Fable Haven the author is LDS so you don't have to worry about what may come up. Over all this is a great series and a fun read.

Now I want to hear what books you recommend, I am going to need something to read soon, post your comments and let me know. Thanks:)

It don't mean a thang...

2009-05-28T09:27:00.000-07:00

If she aint got a ring. Well, she does. My older sister Lindy got engaged a couple weeks ago, and she is getting married this weekend! I am so excited for them. And I am excited to be getting Shaun as a brother in law and to have him as an uncle for Stetson and our future kids. Shaun and Lindy are great for each other, I only wished they lived closer. Clinton seems far away. Here is a picture of her beautiful ring.
You did good Shaun. Welcome to the family!

My cute new lil' nephew

2009-05-28T09:23:00.000-07:00

I am so excited about the new addtion to Chads' Family, McQuade is so cute and little it is hard to remember Stetson coming into the world so small. We love you Hardy family and congrats!

A new vehicle

2009-05-28T08:35:00.000-07:00

Time for the second post...I love our Durango, just love it. It is comfortable to ride and drive in with plenty of room, more room than we really need. And it has been a good vehicle despite the fact that it gets not so great fuel mileage. Well, our durango no longer drives in reverse which is actually a lot more trouble than what one might think. The transmission in it is going out and we have come to except that one day it will stop going forward as well, so since it was practically paid for we decided it was time for a new vehicle. We looked for about a month and finally settled on one, but it was being held to auction off. So the day of the auction Chad went bidding, and actually won the auction, plus we got a great deal! So here is our new vehicle.
It is a Lincoln Aviator and I love it. It seats six, has a leather interrior, and a lot of neat features. But I am most happy that we got it for a great price.

Womens Conference

2009-05-26T17:03:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking that there hasn't really been anything to post about, then I thought about it some more and decided that a lot has happened worth posting, so here's the first thing
This is a picture of me and two of my girly friends from elementry school, I think we were in 5th grade, I have been friends with Shay since we were nine years old,
When I was 18 years old I moved out to Grantsville with Shay and her family to finish my senior year, then Shay and I ventured to Orem/Provo to live and work. That was one of the funnest years of my life. We worked at the Wilkenson Center at BYU as janitors, that is where I had my first experience with Womens Confrence. The women were very messy, and it was very crowded but alas, Shay and I decided that one day WE would go to Womens Confrence.
Fast foward 8 years we finally went to Womens Conference and it was a blast, I am thankful for such a good friend and am looking foward to our new tradition.

She's got lips!!!

2009-04-18T12:59:00.000-07:00

I had to go to the Dentist this last week to have some old fillings replaced. So I was having work done in four different spots. The dentist numbed me up, then gave me the shots in the four different locations. I hate dentists shots more than anything. Well, as I was leaving the dentist office, still quite numb especially in the lip area I was thinking how I must surely have Angelina Jolie lips. They felt so full, and big. I got in my car pulled down the mirror, expecting to admire my volumpious lips when I realized I had a frog mouth, turned down at the side with slobber and everything. Oh well.

Eggsalent!

2009-04-18T12:55:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful Easter. We were able to go down to Hinckley and go to their Easter egg hunt Saturday, then spend some time with Chad's family. Then on Sunday we woke up to see that the Easter bunny had left a trail of Easter eggs to Stetsons Easter basket. After church we got to visit with Chad's family, then go to my dad's and then my moms. We were very busy, but it was a "hoppy" time! I know lame. I will post pics later. Oh yeah, Stetson had fun coloring Easter eggs.

I need a "momma moment"

2009-04-03T12:43:00.001-07:00

So I took Stetson in to have his two year old pictures taken,

Oh man, I just need a "momma moment" to say, "Isn't he the cutest?!" Also we have been working hard on Austins mission blog, http://austinsperumission.blogspot.com check it out if you want!

Just a few things

2009-03-30T13:34:00.000-07:00

I thought this picture of Stetson was funny, he was in the middle of a melt down because we had made him come inside...can you say terrible twos? Anyway, these past few months have been super busy, besides birthdays I have said goodbye to two missionaries. My best friends younger sister Tavia (but I call her Whitney) went into the MTC on the 18th and then my little brother Austin went in on the 25th. I can't believe he is already gone. Besides going to the temple with these new missionaries, which was such a blessing. We were also super busy with goodbye parties, birthday parties and farewells. What did I do in my spare time you might ask. Well, our ward relief society did a portrayal of the parody of the Ten Virgins. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to participate in that and for the ladies who all helped it was a lot of fun. I have also been reading the Harry Potter series. I had only read the 3,6,&7 book. So I decided that I was probably missing bits and pieces and so I went back to book number 1. I am now to book 5 and I cannot believe that it took me so long to decide to read them. I have thoroughly enjoyed them, and I so I say to you if you like the movies and think that you don't need to read the book, you are wrong. I have also been learning how to do genealogy, it takes a lot of time but I am really enjoying it. That's all.

Two...and counting

2009-03-18T12:59:00.000-07:00

Wow, blogging two days in a row. So Stetson turned two on March 2nd. Can you believe that I have a two year old?! It really seems like I was just pregnant with him. Time flies. Well, we decided this year to do two separate birthday "parties" if you want to call it that. One for Chads side and one for mine. We had Chad's family over on Saturday, February 28 a couple days before Stets actual birthday.
The day of the party, yes I know Stetson needs a hair cut!

He had lots of fun playing with his two cousins Braxton, and Mason. They watched CARS and ran around.

We ate some yummy pizza and had a delicious CARS cake from Lehi Bakery!

Then Stetson got to open his presents.

That night Chad and I were tuckered out, but Stetson insisted on arranging and rearranging Grandma Jo's chairs that she let us borrow.

Have I mentioned yet how much Stetson hates getting his picture taken. I wonder where he gets it?!

Now onto Stetsons actual birthday he decided at 2:00a.m. he wanted to wake up, so we put him in our bed and their he laid awake until 5:30a.m. watching sprout until we kicked him back to his own bed! He then preceded to sleep until 10:30a.m. And I let him because it was his birthday but did enjoy singing every obnoxious birthday song I could think of for the rest of the day:)

I do think that he did enjoy his birthday, he spent most of the day sitting at the kiddy table grandma Jo let us borrow, as he had his cake...and ate it too!

We ate his favorites for dinner...pancakes and hot dogs. Jealous? He had some more fun opening presents when my family came over that evening.

So pretty much Chad and I were so ready for bed, but alas Stetson was not...I wonder why?!

In the end we were all able to get some rest and we are very thankful to have the love and support that we have, Stetson had a great birthday.

Procrastination

2009-03-17T13:52:00.000-07:00

Yes, I don't know why I procrastinate blogging. Because I super hate trying to catch up. Well, here goes. Back to the beginning of the year. January was a fun month and at the end our lil' nephew Braxton had his 3rd Birthday and we went to Chucky Cheese. The little boys had such a fun time!

Although, we have come to find out that Stetson HATES little motion rides!

Now, as you know you get tokens to use for the little rides and games, but I think Chad used most of Stetsons:)

Stetson also had his first dentist appointment in January. The dentist counted Stetsons teeth, he has all 20! And luckily the dentist didn't loose any fingers:)

February... Love was in the air! But so was illness. At the first of the month we all got the stomach flu. Yuck! Poor little Stetson was throwing up every 20 minutes for 15 hours. After we were feeling better Chad and I went out for valentines day a week early we went to Desert Star playhouse and saw Home School Musical. It was very silly, then afterwards we went to lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. Yum! On Valentines day I had the opportunity to go to the Salt Lake Temple with my Best Friends younger sister. I am so thankful that I was able to go and support her.
Unfortunately Stetsons cold sore virus flared up again. He got it last year and he was running high fevers again, and not eating. Grrr.

We were pretty busy the rest of the month, I love to take Stetsons picture. He however is not fond of the camera. Here is a lovely bed head picture!

Stetson has very particular ways he likes to do things. He lines things up just the way he likes them. Here is a particular example of things I find during the day. he has lined his cars up according to how he thinks they look best.

He has also started sleeping with Shanks. We think the monkeys might be harassing him while he is in his bed. *shank: A sharp instrument used to hurt people that inmates make out of objects (toothbrushes, etc.)*

Well as you can see this post has tuckered Stetson right out! Hence falling asleep on the stairs. But we will update SOON all about the adventures of turning two!

random thoughts

2009-01-27T13:34:00.000-08:00

It has been just a normal week around here for us. I can't believe how fast January is flying by! I have been thinking the past couple of months about age. I have had a hard time turning 26, just feeling torn between thinking that I would feel older and more mature but that I still feel young. I think that a lot of my confusion comes from only having 1 child. Most people around me, or my age have at least 2. I have talked a lot with people about age, families and babies. My conclusion is that yes I am 26 and only have one child, but I really feel like my Heavenly Father knows me and Chad and that we will know when it is time to add to our family. We think we will start "trying" again closer towards the end of the year. But I know myself and know that I could not handle "well" my children being closer together than 2+ years. I have been thinking about miracles and blessings the big and the small. As I was running errands last week, the skies were blue and clear, and snow covered the lawns and fields around. I specifically was amazed at how entire tree branches were covered in snow, and how at random parts little flakes of snow were swirling around down towards the ground. Like magic. It reminds me of when my grandma says she doesn't know how anyone can look at a newborn baby and not believe in God. I am where I need to be, and even though I may get a little panicky about age, I know that there is an individual plan for me and my family, and am thankful for that knowledge.

Mega Monday Update

2009-01-19T13:55:00.000-08:00

So, yes I have been gone. Not really missing, just not posting. I'm not really sure even why... just busy and easily side tracked I guess. So here goes.
First here are some pics of when Broc, Heather, and Austin spent the Thanksgiving night, so that we could go shopping early.(This is where we left off)

Broc and Heather have a gigantic air mattress that is as tall as our couch!

This next picture was taken after walking into Stetson room so that we could say family prayer and put him in bed. Little did I know, that Chad was already with him, getting ready for bedtime:)

The first weekend in December I took Stetson to see Santa Claus at South Towne Mall, before heading over to the Festival of Trees. Stetson did really good, I thought he might scream but he didn't. I really enjoyed the festival of trees, and the entertainment. It reminds me of when I was a little girl, and all those performances:) The following evening we took tracks down to Temple Square with my Mom, Denny, Lindy, Shaun, and Austin. For my mom's birthday, to look at the lights. Thankfully we hadn't had any big storms, so it was comfortable. Stetson loved christmas lights this year, and he was definately excited about them this night. But I think he loved riding tracks the most!

We ended that weekend with celebrating my Grandma Judi and Uncle Joey's birthdays.

The following weekend we had our ward christmas party. The men cooked breakfast which was delicious and there was karaoke and Santa Claus! Stetson wasn't to sure of Santa this time. So he just simply refused to look at him.

That same evening we also went to the Bowthorpe family christmas party. It is always fun to see everyone.

This year we decided to start a new family tradition. Which I think worked out nicely. We did the 12 days of Christmas, but this is how we did it. I got a kids nativity set and book. Then every night, I would introduce a person, or animal. So we started with Mary and every night we would add on to the story and sing christmas songs. When we finished on Christmas Eve the spirit was so strong in our home. And even though I know that Stetson is not old enough to know or remember, one day he will be and I hope as our family grows that they will be able to tell me the story, a little each night:)

We decorated a ginger-bread house, Stetson decorated himself:)

We also took a ride over to Thanksgiving point to drive through the lights.

We had a wonderful christmas, we enjoyed visiting with our families and loved ones. And Stetson loved that when he got the wrapping paper off his presents, there was usually a toy waiting for him. The funniest was when he would open boxes with clothes, because he would hurry and close it and push it out of his way. I am guessing that will never change.

We really had a wonderful holiday season. And it reminded me just how blessed we are, and the things that are truly important. Now I am pretty much caught up, so I won't be dreading this anymore:)

Black Friday

2008-11-28T06:54:00.001-08:00

Now that it is officailly the day after Thanksgiving I can officially "decorate" my blog! Yay. Thanksgiving was great and delicious, and being with our families and loved ones was the best part. Though we did miss my mom, she's in Texas. Last night my brothers, and Heather spent the night, and for some crazy reason we woke up at 3:30a.m. to go Christmas Shopping! The best though was going to Kohls, and watching how nuts people get waiting in line, as for us the doors opened at 4:00, so we just waited at the front, but didn't get in the line, people were freaking out, thinking that we were trying to sneak in there in front of them. While Broc, Austin, and Heather worked their way in, I paitently waited outside till everyone had made it in, I was not willing to take a punch this morning. The best part about going with my brothers is that they are really funny and easy going, so while people were waiting in line to check out, and getting aggitated, we were laughing at the Kohles "bouncers" who were outside before the doors opened and making people get into line, they were also monitoring the lines! Yikes! After we went to Walmart, that was a joke, we couldn't even take a cart, because there was no way to manuver it. Walmart did not have a bouncer, though they did have a couple of the American Fork police officers there trying to keep order. Really, police officers! I am happy to say though that Stetson is done, and it makes me all the more excited. I hope everyone has had a happy Thanksgiving, and that you all enjoy the long weekend!

" 8 Things"

2008-11-17T07:59:00.000-08:00

Some of the ladies in my ward are doing this, and I thought I'd join along. If you want you should do it too!

1- I have had the same best friend for 17 years! We both got married less than a month apart, and our babies are less than a year apart, I can talk to her about anything.

2- I am super shy. Even if I know you I am still really shy. Sometimes I think people may see this as being stand-offish, I really am not.

3- I don't always word things right. This causes a lot of embarrassment on my part. Now I usually just warn people as I get to know them. It's like I am missing a sensor.

4- I rarely cry for myself, only if I am in a lot of pain or am really mad. Which is only a couple times a year. That being said, I bawl like a baby when I hear certain songs, read certain books, watch certain movies, or a stupid commercials. For example I almost always start crying in primary during singing time, but I try to hide it.

5- I absolutely adore Musicals and Theater. I have been in over 25 productions, and when I graduated high school I was very seriously contemplating going to New York, or going to SUU to be in the Shakespeare Festival.

6- I love to sing and dance. There is not a sporty bone in my body, but give me a pair of dance shoes and I will bust out some moves. I also have over 150 karaoke cd's, even though they don't get as much use now as they once did.

7- I am feeling old, which I know is funny but I turned 26 this year and am feeling the impending age of 30. Maybe it's because I really wanted to be done having children by the time I am 30 and I realize that it probably will not happen.

8- I enjoy vacuuming, but when I am done you have to be able to see the lines and the shadowing. I have been this way since I was a child, and it caused some anxiety when I worked at BYU in the custodial arts;) I couldn't see the lines because of the industrial carpet and it drove me crazy.

Called to Serve

2008-11-14T12:35:00.000-08:00

So, yesterday Thursday November 13, 2008. Austin received his mission call. The funny thing was, he was out of town and didn't get home until 7:00p.m. The letter didn't actually make it to my dads yesterday. But a lady at the post office, who knows my dad saw the letter and knew what it was. It had just come to late to make it out. So she called my step-mom Karen, told her that the letter was there and offered to bring it by. The best part about this was, 1- Everybody was originally planning on being there at 8:00 so we could watch him open it. But when it didn't come, the plans were cancled. Well, at 7:00 Karen calls me and tells me we're back on. Austin however was still under the impression that it didn't arrive. So as he was downstairs showering, everyone was arriving. He was so suprised! So I know that I am rambling on... He has been called to serve in the Arequipa, Peru Mission! Spanish speaking. He will leave for the Provo, UT MTC on March 25, 2009 and be there for 3 weeks. He will then leave for Lima, Peru and spend the next 6 weeks in the Peru MTC. Then he will go out and share the gospel. We are all so proud of Austin. And I know he will be a great missionary.

So uh, I was wondering...

2008-11-11T16:59:00.000-08:00

So I was talking to my sister Lindy the other day, she was telling me that when her and her man move that they need to find a new home for one of his cats. Naturally she thought of me,(I love cats) and asked me if I wanted to take it. Hmmm...well, see the problem with that is I really don't want any pets. We have two dogs, and well that is more than enough. So I told her, no thank you. But this got me thinking...her man has two cats, why was he only getting rid of one? Maybe he had already found a home for the other one?! And why was he getting rid of them, he is moving from an apartment to a house, so shouldn't it be the other way around. When I called Lindy up to ask about this, I think at first that she thought that I had changed my mind. She told me they were keeping the one cat. Well, why weren't they keeping the other? The answer: "Because he destroys things." What?! Because he destroys things?! Why would I want a cat the destroys things?! So I said, " If you don't want the cat to destroy your house, why would I want it to destroy mine?!" She just laughed...That's my sister for you. She is pretty funny. Hey Lindy, why don't you ask Grandma Judi if she wants the cat?!

Elder Austin Ford Bowthorpe

2008-11-09T17:43:00.000-08:00

I am so proud of my baby brother, Austin! I had the opportunity to go up to his ward today as he got set apart as an Elder, and received the Melchizedek Priesthood. As he was receiving his blessing I was thinking how neat it was, now when our family is need of blessings Austin and Chad will be able to give them. I am so thankful for the Gospel, and the blessings that it has brought into my life. Austin will receive his mission call on Wednesday this week, and we are anxious to see where he will go. But we know he will be called to where he is supposed to be. I look forward to the next couple of months, helping Austin get ready. And for the opportunity that I will have to be able to go with him as he receives his endowments. I love you, Austin!

Pick your 8

2008-11-08T10:43:00.000-08:00

So anyone who reads this blog...I tag you! Have Fun

8 TV Show's I Like
1. House
2. 7th Heaven
3. American Idol
4. Shear Genius
5. So You Think You Can Dance
6. News-Channel 13
7. Word World
8. The Disney Chanel

8 Things I Did Yesterday
1. Visited with an old friend
2. Played with Stetson
3. Talked to my Dad on the phone
4. Stetsons speach therapist came over
5. Colored Lindy's hair
6. Colored my mom's hair
7. Went to Costco
8. Watched Get Smart with Chad, Austin, and Stetson

8 Favorite Places to Eat
1. El Farols
2. Tucano's
3. Olive Garden
4. Italian Village
5. The Village Baker
6. Stoneground
7. Guadalahonkeys
8. Chuch-A-Rama

8 Things on My Wish List
1. Tickets to Wicked the musical
2. A 2009 or 2010 Baby
3. A new Dishwasher
4. A new Fridge
5. A new Red front door
6. To paint my shutters red
7. To be done with the "45 days"
8. A maid

8 Favorite Songs
1. 'Dante's Prayer
2. 'I would-Laura Dawn
3. 'If your Gone-Matchbox 20
4. 'Seasons of Love-Rent
5. 'Slow Me Down-Emmy Rossum
6. 'Without Love-Hairspray
7. 'Run and Tell That-Hairspray
8. 'The whole Wicked soundtrack

8 Favorite Musicals
1. Wicked
2. Hairspray
3. The Pirates of Penzance
4. Phantom of the Opera
5. Mama Mia
6. Rent
7. Fiddler on the Roof
8. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

~k so copy and paste your answers, then add another category with your 8 answers to the bottom.

To read or not to read...Is that even a question!

2008-11-03T13:08:00.000-08:00

Okay, Okay...So I swore I wouldn't do it. I would not be another woman who read and fell in love with the Twilight Series. I bought the first book in June. Still I was reluctant to pick it up then on a whim Wednesday October 22 I started reading. I was done with the series by Tuesday morning. I loved the books. I had a really hard time concentrating on other things, my mind would be wondering what was going to happen to Bella and Edward. So I guess I am one of those women. That's okay. I had forgotten how much I loved to read. When I was a little girl I would read all the time, even up into college I still read. After I got married, it was just one of those things that got put on the back burner. But my love of literature is rekindled, and I am very thankful for that. I have always truly believed that it only takes finding the right book to make you enjoy reading. When I was younger the series was "The Babysitter Club", now I guess it is Twilight.

Halloween #2

2008-11-03T12:55:00.000-08:00

Still more pictures of Halloween. I made my usual batch of Chili. It was so yummy! We had good food, and lots of fun. It was Stetson's first year trick-or-treating. He seemed to like it, we took him to 3 of our neighbors houses. Everyone is such good sports. As for our home, we had a ton of trick-or-treaters. We went through 3 giant bowls of candy. But the funniest trick-or-treaters were the two couples who looked like they were 15 or 16 and doing it as a date. Broc and Austin were teasing them that they were too old, I say, if you have the courage to do that, than you deserve the candy. Broc and Austin were on a quest by then. They took a pez despenser and tried to tell the rest of the trick-or-treaters we were out of candy, they held open the pez dispenser and told the kids to take 1 pez. Of course I was right behind them with the real candy, but it was sure funny. By the end of the night, I was tired! And Stetson, Chad and I ALL slept like babies!

Sundays at the Hardy Home

2008-11-03T06:07:00.000-08:00

The Five reasons that I love Sundays
1. I enjoy going to Church
2. I enjoy our Family Time together
3. I enjoy being with my Husband
4. I enjoy Chad helping with Stetson duty
5. I love Family Nap Time

Halloween

2008-11-03T05:56:00.000-08:00

It was a very happy and festive Halloween at the Hardy Home this year! We had a great time, though we did miss not seeing some of our family. Most of my family dressed up which was fun. Austin was Hugh Hefner, Lindy was Little Miss Texas (a child Beauty Queen) Broc and Heather were a married couple. (This was funny because they wouldn't even hold hands, when they are normally sitting on eachothers laps.) My mom and Denny were Mrs. Robbinson and the Graduate. And Chad, Stetson and I were in themed costumes. Chad was the Redneck Tin-man. We hooked a funnal to his ball hat, Put a paper heart in his pocket and tied some oil to his belt. I was the make-shift Lion, and wore a gold star around my neck for courage. And Little Stetson was the Scarecrow. He looked so cute!

CornBelly's at Thanksigiving Point

2008-11-02T13:36:00.000-08:00

This month I had the opportunity to take Stetson to Cornbelly's. My mom and Denny
were able to meet us there, and we had lots of fun! Stetson loved the rain-gutter duck game. He kept stealing peoples ducks as they were going down to the opposite side. He absolutely loved the Chicken singing. He was over there for a good 20 minutes. He just kept shakin' his little tail feather. He loved going down the slides. He enjoyed riding in the cow train, playing in the houses, going on a wagon ride, and running around. He did not like walking through the big monster, or any of the jumping equipment. I think his favorite part though was the Nachos. He LOVED them! As for me, my favorite part...besides being with Stetson and watching him enjoy things was sitting in the Cinderella carriage. I truly felt like the little girl again, who always thought of herself as a princess. What a fun fun day!

Things that go Bump in the Night- or morning

2008-10-22T13:12:00.000-07:00

This morning around 6:30 Stetson woke up crying. Now this is an odd thing for him. I went in to comfort him, and he wanted to come with me. So we went back into my room, and he just wanted to sleep on me. Not by me, but on me. For about the next I had a little boy who was wiggling around trying to get comfortable with a foot in my face at one point or when my head was used as a pillow. But I didn't mind, I am just happy that I get to comfort him when he's had a bad dream, and that he knows that I am a safe place.

My little Pumpkin

2008-10-20T14:16:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to add some individual pictures of Stetson. He really enjoyed the Saturday. Except for the picture in the middle. It was indeed a temper tantrum. I would not let him go in the street. I know, I know...mean mom! Hope you all have a very festive October, and Happy Harvesting!

Saturday is a Pumpkin Day?

2008-10-20T14:04:00.000-07:00

Saturday was a fun day for our family. We started the day by going to a Pumpkin Patch with Chads brother Cory, his wife Gina and their cute son Mason. Cory and Gina were watching Braxton so he got to come as well! Aren't those three boys the cutest cousins you have ever seen?! Braxton is the oldest by 6 months then it's Mason who is a little over 6 months older than Stetson. We were at the pumpkin patch for about an hour, and the dad's definately took the longest picking out their pumpkins. We went our seperate ways after that. We were going to go to Gardner Village, but it was so crowded and all the boys were ready for a nap. When Stetson woke up, he helped me decorate the house for halloween. It looks really cute, and he had fun! Later that evening Cory, Gina and Mason came over and we carved pumpkins! Although the boys were more interested in wearing the bowls on their heads. Mason kept calling it his helmet. What a fun fun day!

A remarkable discovery

2008-10-17T19:56:00.000-07:00

As Stetson and I were walking around Wal-mart tonight, I came across a fabulous discovery! In the candle section they have cute festive warmers with the scented wax cubes. You know the ones I am talking about. Like the ones the Scensty sells. Only the difference in cost is about 1/2. My cute pumpkin warmer cost $12.98 and my pack of scents cost $1.98! I love the idea of these warmers, but I could never bring myself to buy a $30.00 one and then the scents on top of that. I can however justify $15.00. So I'll just say YAY! Yay for my new candle. Remarkable.

Stetson Bow

2008-10-13T20:26:00.000-07:00

He is my baby. He is my little boy. He is my fit thrower, mess maker, and trouble causer. He is my angel, and my devil. He is my joy, and sometimes my pain. He makes me worry, but also make me carefree. He works with me and against me. He is my hugger and my biter. He is my love, an expression of love. He is a part of me, and a part of his daddy. He is my son. He is himself. He is our Stetson. He is my little boy.

Labor Day Weekend

2008-10-13T20:03:00.000-07:00

For Labor Day weekend this year, Chad, Stetson and I went up to Big Horn Ranch to go camping with Chad's brother Cory's family. I am so glad that we got to do this it was a lot of fun. Stetsons cute and slightly older cousin Mason was there and they played. Well... I should say that Mason wanted to play. Stetson wanted to fight. Don't ask me why? Every time I would try to help him he would lay down in the dirt and scream. I enjoyed being able to visit with Gina and I know that Chad loves the ranch. Cory and Gina were very nice to watch Stetson while Chad and I took an ATV ride down to the frog pond. I would shine the light and Chad would catch them. Some of those frogs were huge! As we drove back it was getting dark, and had started raining. It was actually romantic, to be cuddled up with my hubby. It was a tough night, and a wet morning. It had rained all night. It was so muddy going out of there you wouldn't believe it. Seriously. When we got home we just relaxed. Oh, on a sad

note Stetson had 4 slivers in his hands that we had to get out. Thank you Cory, Gina, and Mason. It was fun, and we can't wait till next year.

Lets hear it for Two Buck Tuesdays!

2008-10-13T09:14:00.000-07:00

This August, Thanksgiving Point did a promotion. Two Buck Tuesdays every well... Tuesday. We were able to go every Tuesday since we only live about 5 minutes away. The first week we went to Farm Country. That was Stetsons favorite. We actually went twice. He loved all the animals and would mimic the sounds they made. But he did not love the pony ride. He prefers the wagon ride. The following Tuesday Austin came with us and we went to the Discovery Garden. It was great. At the front they have a Noahs Ark, with water all around almost like a wading pool. They had so much stuff for kids to look at and climb on. The gate to the big Gardens was open as well so we went and walked around there. When we were done, we were tired. The last Tuesday we finished up by going to the dinosaur museum. Stetson thought it was okay, but would have nothing to do with touching anything. Thank you Thanksgiving Point for offering such a fun idea. We hope they offer this again next year!

A Celebration Dinner

2008-10-13T08:58:00.001-07:00

After our sealing we went to Golden Corral in Orem. We figured that was a good middle part. Our family and friends came to help us celebrate. Chad's mom made us a celebration cake. And we got to cut it like we did when we were married. How fun! But this time it was better, because we had Stetson. And we got to feed him cake. The blessings in my life are enourmous. The people that my Heavenly Father has surrounded me with is amazing. I am so thankful for the gospel. Isn't it amazing to know what we know? I hope that I am a good example , or that I can be. And I hope that everyone realizes how much I love them and need them in my life. Towards the end of the dinner Chad stood up and thanked everyone for coming, and for their support and love. After the dinner and our goodbyes Chad and I took Stetson home to have a sleepover with Aunt Lindy. Then we drove up to The Anniversary Inn- Carriage Room. It was such a wonderful anniversary, and Chad gave me the best present of all... Being together forever.

A Forever Family

2008-10-13T08:41:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday August 20, 2008 Our family became a Forever Family. That was also the day of our 4 year anniversary. It was a beautiful day. We wanted to be sealed in the Manti Temple. We love that temple. Our friends Shay, Jeremy, their cutie Harlee girl, and Whitney met us at our house and we drove down together. My brother Austin also came with us. It was such a neat experience for me to have my baby brother there. He isn't endowed so he did a baptism session. It was his first time being able to go in to the Temple. I forgot our paperwork in the car and Austin had our keys so it took a while to get them. So of course by then we were running late. Go figure. On our wedding day 4 years earlier our ceremony was about 30 minutes late as well. The sealing was beautiful. Like a wedding. And the security that I know I will be with Chad and Stetson forever is very peaceful. When Stetson came in he was screaming. And I have to be honest I was slightly disappointed. Until I was writing in my journal a couple days later and I realized that even that was beautiful. I am excited for the day that Stetson gets to go into the Temple and to do baptisms and to receive his own endowments. I love the Temple. I love going to the Temple. Thank you to all who supported us.

Ooh La La

2008-10-12T20:45:00.000-07:00

The day before Chad and I went to the Salt Lake Temple, we went in to Salt Lake for a fun date night. We stayed at the Anniversary Inn, in the Dodge City room. We went to dinner at Tuccanos in Salt Lake, then went to the Joseph Smith Memorial Building and watched the Joseph Smith Movie. We finished the evening with a night carriage ride. What a fun romantic date! How lucky am I to have such a wonderful Husband.

I love to see the Temple

2008-10-12T20:38:00.000-07:00

Now that our computer is up and running I can finally post again. On August 16, 2008 Chad and I were finally able to go to the Salt Lake Temple and recieve our endowments. It was beautiful. I had a scripture in my head the whole time. Moroni 10:5 " And by the power of the Holy Ghost, ye may know the truth of all things." I felt the spirit and I know the things I learned are true. I am so thankful that we have gotten to this point. It has been a long road, full of ups and downs. The adversary worked hard against us, but the blessings we recieved during our trials far outnumbered the bad. As Chad and I drove into Salt Lake I saw the Temple and I started to cry. I was so thankful that I finally would get to go inside. And I am thankful to all the people who supported us. I am also truly greatful to my Father in Heaven, who hears our prayers and knows us as individuals.

You got a real evil streak kid!

2008-08-04T13:40:00.000-07:00

Stetson is the sweetest boy around. He is lovey, and gives out hugs and kisses like they are candy. But what goes on behind closed doors may shock you! Stetson picks on me all day long. He gets a real evil look in his eye just before he goes in for the attack. Whether it be tugging on my hair, hitting me with kitchen utensils, pinching, head-butting, or the occasional bite. Why does he do this? Is it out of anger? No, actually not at all. He just gets a little too excited, and doesn't quite know another outlet yet. Right now, we are just trying to help him learn to be "soft". Go figure, I spend my days getting beat up by my 1 year old. I guess this will be good black-mail when he gets older!

I can't believe I did it!

2008-08-02T23:08:00.000-07:00

So I finally did it. I cut my hair. The hair I had been holding onto and growing out for over 5 years. I just woke up today and I was ready. So I called my neighbor, who also does hair and asked her if she was available for haircut. 10 minutes later I was cutting off over a foot of hair! Like 15 inches. So now it goes to my shoulders with a slight a -line. I really am enjoying it. I also added in some color to put a spring in my step. I will add some more pics when I take a better one.

Why Lighthouses?

2008-07-30T14:04:00.000-07:00

For those who don't know, and on this one I think really only my Chaddy, and my grandma know that I love Lighthouses, and the reason why. I started loving them around the time when I was 16. I found them to be beautiful and magnificent. They served such a noble purpose. Helping all those sailors find their way back to shore, helping them avoid the danger of a rocky path as they cruised into port. Then when I was 18 I was driving to my apartment in Orem one night, I had to come to a stop on the highway due to traffic and as looked to my left I noticed the Mt. Timpanogas Temple. I was thinking of how much Temples are like Lighthouses. They shine so bright, even on the darkest of nights. They are beautiful and magnificent, and they too serve such a noble purpose. Now when I think about Lighthouses I think about our Savior and the similarities that He has to lighthouses and Temples. How he gives us safe path back to Heaven if we just follow his example and heed obstacles and dangers in our way. I must say that I am extremely thankful for the gospel in my life, and the knowledge that has come with it. It is amazing to know who I am, where I came from, and where I am going.

Monkey See Monkey Do

2008-07-26T15:04:00.001-07:00

Stetson has a stuffed monkey that he loves. Monkey has been a friend and companion keeping him company during the night. Helping him during nap times, or when he needed a special friend. Like when he had the tubes put in his ears in June. We got out to the car and buckled him in, then I handed him Monkey, he grabbed him and buried his little face in him as if to say, "Monkey, you will never believe what they did to me in there" We'll we have had an extra monkey hanging around the house, we keep him downstairs and Stetson plays with him on and off throughout the day. Actually this monkey has been most helpful to me, because Stetson sees that Monkey sits still while we change his diaper. So Stetson has been more cooperative that way. Well last night we decided to play a "trick" on Stetson so when he went to bed, we took monkey # 2 upstairs with us. After we said our prayers, read our story and started our music, we got ready to lay Stetson down. So I decided to hand Stetson Monkey, and I held up monkey and monkey # 2. He looked at Monkey #1, then #2, then back to #1. He couldn't figure out what was going on. So he grabbed Monkey #1 gave it a kiss and threw him into bed, then grabbed Monkey # 2 gave him a kiss and threw him into bed, then after begging to get our kisses we laid him down and with a monkey in each arm he fell asleep. He is such a little monkey himself!

It's too dang hot, for a penguine to be walkin' around!

2008-07-25T14:10:00.000-07:00

It's as simple as that. I am hot, I have been hot and wet (the humidity) for the past 2 weeks. I would just like to say that I think I should be done now! Oh, it has been miserable! I tend to not like July for this reason. All I want to do is be in water. Oh well, it will start cooling down in a couple weeks. 'Til then try and stay cool out there.

The throwing of the food

2008-07-16T14:09:00.000-07:00

So yesterday, while Stetson our little friend Ben, and I were eating lunch. Stetson decided that it would be a really good idea to throw his food at Ben. This started a chain reaction. While Ben and Stetson threw food at each other, they were both just giggling away. Then a piece of food that Stetson threw went down Ben's shirt, and I thought that Stetson was going to die laughing. Needless to say, that although I didn't stop it. (They are little boys, who were just having fun) We did have quite the mess to clean up.

Little Boys and skinned knees

2008-07-14T13:13:00.000-07:00

I had a funny experience yesterday. It was when I realized that my baby boy was becoming a little kid. We went to my dads house for a barbeque with the family, and while there, Stetson was playing and walking around. Well... he fell down on the gravel driveway and skinned his knee. So I took him in and sat him down on the counter. We wiped off the dirt, then washed out the scrapes. Then we had to use a disinfecting wipe. Stetson did not like that. Then onto the anti-bacterial ointment and finally a couple of band aids. He was such a trooper, putting on a brave face. And I realized that though I have been a mom now for over 16 months, that I am now going into a new phase that will only continue. It is so incredible to me, and I am thankful for the opportunities that I will have.

2008-07-08T11:37:00.000-07:00

I am truly grateful for the opportunity that I have to be this little guys mom! He has been such a blessing. He has been so funny and entertaining lately. He has learned how to "jump" and thoroughly enjoys it. He "jumps" whenever he has the opportunity. Whether it means "jumping" in his crib, or on the ground, or maybe sneaking the couch cushions onto the floor, so he can "jump" on the springs in the couch. He just gets going so fast and giggles. Last night he learned how to gallop like a horse. This of course is now his new way of getting around. He is so funny and random. I love him!

Name Eight

2008-07-08T11:20:00.000-07:00

Eight Things I Have A Passion For:

My Family
My Faith
My Beliefs
Love
Music
Things being in there place
Service
Marriage

Eight Things I Would Like To Do Before I Die:

Have the rest of my family
Make a difference in someones life
Take my family to Disneyland
Go parasailing
Go paragliding or hanggliding
Go to England
Serve a mission with my Chad
Become the best person I can be

Eight Things I Say A Lot:

"I love you"
"No, no"
"Oh, Man...I love you"
"What does a kitty say?"
"Aww, lovey!"
"How was your day?"
"How come we can't be friends?!" (usually said to Austin, to get him to come and visit)
"Let me tell you this last thing"

Eight Books I Have Read Recently:

Twighlight-Starting
I am a mother-starting
The Book of Mormon
A wide variety of children books
What to expect the Toddler years
What to expect the First Year
What to expect when your expecting
Harry Potter #7

Eight Movies I Have Seen Eight Times:

Hairspray
Rent
White Christmas
Center Stage
Grease
Moulin Rouge
Phantom of the Opera
All the Harry Potter movies that are on DVD

Bloggers I’ll Tag:

Lindy
Lacey

My little quirks

2008-06-27T12:34:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking that there are little things about me that people close to me don't even know. Like I have always wanted to be a pointe ballerina. Funny I know, but I am hoping that in Heaven I might be able to. Also I love lightening storms. My favorite place to sing is in my car, or shower. But who doesn't like to sing in their shower? I love flowers, but absolutely do not have a green thumb, so if I had a flower it would have to be self sufficient to survive. I think I have the ability to be really creative, but I am scared. If you were to sneek into my house while I was cleaning your bound to see me bust a move. I love the smell right before it rains. I absolutely hate cleaning out the fridge. When I go into Seagull book, or Deseret Book, or the Distribution Center I cry... and I have no idea why. I like almost all fruit except for apples...yuck! I am almost confident that if I kill a spider it's family is going to seek me out for revenge. I get severe anxiety on long car rides. I love theater, when I was in high school I was convinced that I could do something with it, but the last play that I did, after I was married...I felt silly. Although I would love to do a play again, and would love to be a voice for a cartoon character. I love peignoirs. If you don't know what that is it's a long pretty nightgown with lace on it, and a beautiful chiffon and lace robe to go over it. And I bought one for my upcoming anniversary. Also even if I don't seem like it I get attached to people who enter my life, but due to getting hurt to many times, I put up a wall. And with that wall I lose contact with people who made a really big impact in my life. Also I am very into heritage, and wanting to be like my grandmothers and great grandmothers. So, that's me.

Anxiety attack Updated

2008-06-27T10:19:00.000-07:00

This is just a venting session. Well, kind of. I am having really bad anxiety right now. I am supposed to be giving the lesson in sharing time in primary on Sunday, and I feel totally unprepared. I finally figured out what I was going to be speaking on, but now my printer won't work. And I needed to use it to print off things for my lesson. I would use my moms but she is out of town. I know I will figure it out, maybe I will just have my lil' brother look at it when he comes over. Oh well, wish me luck!

Okay, well it has been about 2 hours and I can successfully say that I fixed my printer by myself! Are you impressed? Well you should be. I still have to get my lesson ready but I have been able to print off some of the resources I need to do it. Yay me!

Just a thought

2008-06-17T23:30:00.000-07:00

Now I realize that as a person I have my own opinions, and I acknowledge the same in others. So please don't be to harsh as you read this. I have been thinking a lot about infertility. It took me 30 months ttc to get my own beautiful baby boy down to earth. Even then, we had to use fertility medicine. Right now I am trying to get motivated so that I can have another child. I think that the thought of riding that emotional roller coaster has me scarred, scared, and is holding me back. So as I have been thinking about my battle with infertility, my thoughts turn to those who are also trying and having just as hard, if not harder time than me. It seems like more and more women struggle with this than I have ever heard of before. Or, can it be that I am just older and more aware? I don't think so. Today as my thoughts turned to this I had an Epiphany...Maybe we are having a harder time conceiving today, because there are so many children already here on earth who need parents! Maybe we are being slightly directed in which way we can help. Most women trying to conceive will be great mothers. And there is nothing like good parents. I could be wrong, maybe I am just scared. Either way it's something to think about.

Really, we're sharing a road with these people?

2008-06-16T22:06:00.000-07:00

Over the last two days, I have seen some pretty unbelievable acts of ...for lack of word I will use stupidity. Yesterday as we were driving up to my grandparents in Draper, UT. A duel cab truck passes us on the freeway. Now in this truck, they had 4 passengers in the front, 4 in the backseat, And 5 others in the bed of the truck with 4 out of the 5 being children! I was at a loss for words, seriously on the freeway going 75 mph!? I just couldn't get over it. Then today there was a kid about 19 driving with his one arm behind his head, and one foot hanging out his window. Like he was sittin' at home in a LazyBoy. Then to top it off, driving home from where I was back on the freeway. There was a man, with a little boy, probably about 4 or 5 riding a motorcycle without helmets...ON THE FREEWAY!!! People, wise up and think. When you are traveling you not only hold your life in your hands, but the life of others. Buckle up and be safe!

The Bunny and the Frog

2008-06-15T13:30:00.000-07:00

Chad and I met online, but we did not date online. We were both on a web site called Imatchup.com. One night in June 2003 it was a Sunday, he sent me a flirt that said "How's it going" I sent one back, not realizing he was actually on that moment. All I typed was "Great" Well, that started an 8 hour IM conversation. The next day we started talking on the phone. We had set a date for Saturday night. But Friday he called and asked if I wanted to go to dinner. I accepted his request and met him at a little mexican restaurant called "Corinna's". He got there about 10 minutes before me, so he had time to tell the waitresses that it was a blind date, but that he liked me a lot. When I was driving there, I was so nervous. I walked in and there he was...glowing with white around him. I thought how strange that was, but I felt like I already knew him. He handed me a yellow rose, and we went to our table. We were only able to spend about an hour together because he still had to work. As I drove home I remember thinking of how comfortable I was with him. The next day was Saturday and we went on our date as planned. It was a lot of fun, we ended it with a long walk at sunrise, and no we weren't doing "anything" we didn't even kiss that night. But as I went to bed...that morning...I remember knowing that he was my companion, and one day we would soon be married. Now we have been married almost 4 years. They have not been easy, but I have loved him every step of the way. We have made a beautiful baby boy together, and hopefully will add to that. But he is a wonderful dad, who loves his son. He takes such good care of us. We love you Frog!

Forever and Ever

2008-06-12T11:00:00.000-07:00

Well, I must say that I am excited for my little family! We are having a very special event take place in our lives in August. Through this we will be able to be together forever. How amazing is that?! We are very excited, and thankful to all who have supported us.

Yeah, I feel safe there too!

2008-06-06T13:28:00.000-07:00

Last night we had an uncommon event happen. My son woke up crying around 12:00am. Now those who know us, know that we have been one of the few who have been blessed with a child that sleeps. He has slept through the night since he was 1 month old. So when he wakes up, we get worried. Well, after determining what type of cry it was (scared) We scooped him up, and took him down stairs. For we knew it was to early to lay him back down. I told my husband I had the situation under control and sent him back to bed, He NEEDED to get some sleep. But Stetson wouldn't have it. He wanted his daddy. So after giving him a drink we decided to lay him between us, and see if he would fall asleep. As I was watching him lay on my husbands arm, I felt such gratitude. Thankful that I was not doing this alone. I watched Stetson relax, and he had such a calm look on his face while drifting off to sleep as if to say, "Okay, I am safe here" Yeah, I feel safe there too!

The Power of a Mother

2008-06-04T13:17:00.001-07:00

This one might be interesting...I have been thinking about the power of a mother lately. What impact do they really have on a childs life? Especially when they are grown? I always come back to the same conclusion, it is the mother who makes or breaks a child. I have seen both examples of this. A child who is praised, cheered on, inspired, encouraged, to learn forgiveness and persistence and most importantly shown unconditional love is bound to prevail! They are given the tools to show them how to succeed in life. Learning how to be strong and independent. A child who is abused, made fun of, spoken down to, disgraced, shamed, and shown no love or affection. They are bound to be confused, hostile, to rebel and to be broken. All because the one who was supposed to love them most, failed them. Maybe this is not the case 100% of the time. But I encourage you to hold your child a little closer, tell them you love them a little more, and always be there for them, whether they are soaring high, or need to be picked up. If you don't have children yet, think of a child you know...and I know you know at least one. Take time to let them know you care. Sometimes all we need, is that assurance that someone is out there, and they care about us.

Lets hear it for the boy...or should I say man

2008-06-04T13:10:00.000-07:00

I must take the time to say how proud I am of my husband! He has worked hard at making himself better, so that he can make his family a "forever" one. Now, for some of you, you may say this was easy. Or that it is really not that much work. But if you know my hubby, it was work. Although he doesn't fight certain temptations, he has some limitations that would make it easy for others to give up or not try. I would like to thank him, for the great example he is setting for our son, our family, others, and himself. And giving me something I never really had in my own home growing up. He is truly remarkable.

I didn't believe it when they told me!

2008-05-30T08:30:00.000-07:00

Growing up, I had a love/hate relationship with my sister. I always loved her, but we fought. My grandma used to tell me how we would be best friends one day. I would laugh, How could we? We don't get along! But in the past 8 years, I realized that, that wise older woman was right. Sure, we still disagree. Only sometimes though. And my sister is still the boss. But my grandma says that her sister is still the boss, so it is something I have come to except, and appreciate. So I have to ask myself, did I have this other best friend my whole life? Who was always here, and I just didn't realize?! Personally I would have to say that having an older sister has been a blessing. Even when we were younger. Unfortunately for her, she has had the responsibility of being the "first one" so she has caught a lot of flack. But I must say for myself, my family, my brothers, and parents. Thank you for all you do, and we love you more than you may know!

The Curse of being a night owl

2008-05-29T21:52:00.000-07:00

I am not one of those people who can decide, okay, I am going to bed now. Turn off the t.v. or radio, and drift off into a silent slumber within a minute or so. I am the person who is still awake an hour later and asking my husband (who is asleep) to turn the radio back on, because the 59 minutes it gave me to fall asleep just didn't quite cut it! Some nights I just watch t.v., type on the computer, read a book or listen to some good old music to shut my mind off so I can fall asleep. And even then, I still lie awake just trying to make my mind go blank so that I can get some shut eye. On the days that I really feel desperate to get some rest and I can tell I am finally falling asleep, I get pretty excited. I go into that deep relaxation and (wah...)...wait, what's that. I think I hear a faint noise. Could Stetson be awake? I listen real close and don't hear anything, So I think that it is just my mom ears. Okay now finally I can sleep (WAAAAHHHH!!!!) or, maybe not.

To cut or not to cut!?

2008-05-29T09:51:00.000-07:00

To all who know I graduated from cosmetology school, about 4 years ago. My last goal while I was there, was to grow my hair out for a year, without cutting it off. Well it has been about 4 and a half years now since I have cut it. Don't get me wrong I trim it often. So my question is when did this hair become part of my identity? I love the fact that it is long, but hate that the only thing I can do with it is put it in a ponytail. This past month I have really been toying with the idea of cutting it to my shoulders. Right now it is past my shoulder blades, in the middle of my back. The funny thing about this is that when I was in school and ladies would come in with long hair, or they would be freaking out. Like I am now. I used to think it was so funny. What's the big deal. It's just hair. But is it just hair? What a silly thing to write about I know, but if you could understand the emotional turmoil I am going through. All because of this stupid hair.

A little about me

2008-05-28T14:21:00.000-07:00

Hi to all, or just to myself. My name is Jamee J Hardy. Recently known as Jamee J Bowthorpe. I am 25 years old. I am married to my soul-mate(the male version) I have a love/hate relationship with him! That's okay. He can be my greatest joy, or my most frustrating moment. That is also okay. He loves me, knows me, and knows how to love me. Which is really important for me. I can only hope that he feels the same amount of love from me. Chad, who is my husband and I have almost been married for four years. We have a darling baby boy who is 15 months old. Not so much of a baby anymore, but he's MY baby! It's funny for me to think that I wanted a girl. I was happy, don't get me wrong. I just thought he was a girl, until we found out well...he was a boy. How much has a little boy changed my life? More than I can possibly say. Stetson Bow, the sons name, is amazing! And I must say that it is also amazing how well I know him! He has taught me a lot, in just the short time that I have had him. Our little family is LDS. And very proud of that! I also feel very blessed to know that I am a child of God. We are working on becoming a forever family. My family: I have a mom, and Dad and step-mom, 1 sister, and 2 brothers. I am close with them and love to have them around! As for myself, I love my family. I love music, and movies. I especially love Movie Musicals! I love my house. I hate laundry. I like to vacuum, I hate to sweep. I love to cook, but hate to do dishes. I love to sing, but not in front of others. I love scented candles. I enjoy talking on the phone. I enjoy those moments when the house is clean, everything is organized, and I can enjoy my family without chaos going on around us. But my most favorite thing would be, going in my sons room at night to check on him, to make sure he is okay, and there he is sleeping so peacefully that all I can do is thank my Heavenly Father for my blessings of being a wife and mother.