Jones Family

I just had to post these pictures! Shane (Elaine's husband) is leaving for the Army on June 20th and she wanted to get family pictures before he left. I absolutely LOVED how these turned out!

She is engaged!

My little sister Rebecca is getting married! It is so weird to think that Becca is engaged and will be getting married in 2 months! She sure has come a LONG way and we could not be happier for her! She called me today and told me the exciting news! If you could of heard her voice, you would of heard pure joy and excitement! She also asked me to be her maid of honor! I am so excited to help plan her wedding along with my sister and mom. I love Rebecca so much and I am so happy for her!

The guy she is dating is actually Joey's best friend and we grew up with his family. We all went to the same high school and were in the same stake and then when wards merged we were in the same ward. His mom was my YW President growing up as well. Who knew :) They are getting married on July 30th.

1 week old

Presley has already been here for 1 week and oh how I just love kissing her and holding her! She is so cute and all she wants to do is sleep! She is a good sleeper and sleeps through all the loud noises that go on at my mom's house. Kennedy is starting to warm up to her. She says HI to her all the time and will give her kisses on the head and cheeks. She also "pets" her. That is her way of being nice and soft and it is the cutest thing ever. At first Ken had no interest in Presley but she is finally coming around to her. She is going to be a good big sister!

Bear holding Presley..

Me cuddling Presley and Ken watching Sesame Street Songs

Ken giving Presley kisses!

Don't you love Ken's mole (booger) haha..I didn't realize it till after the pic but it was such a cute picture! Love these 2 girls so much!

Kennedy was trying to be soft with Presley but as you can tell she is more interested with Elmo on You Tube and was petting me...it was pretty cute!

Presley Grace

My new baby niece is finally here! Oh how I just love that little girl so much! Elaine asked me a few months a go to be in the delivery room with her when Presley would be born. I was SO excited that she asked me but also a bit nervous as to how I would react. I do not do well in hospitals and when I see blood or needles I tend to get lightheaded and have to sit down. So I try to stay out of hospitals as much as I can.

On May 9th Elaine called me around 3:30 and told me she was headed to the hospital. She was sent there by here doctor to get induced. [Her due date was not until May 15th. When she went and got checked at her doctors office that afternoon she was 7cm dialated and 80% effaced.] Her doctor was surprised that she wasn't having any contractings or in pain. She sent her to the hospital right away!

I left work right away and how greatful I was that they let me leave right away with no questions. I wasn't going to miss it and I was so excited! After filling out all her paperwork we all went up to her delivery room. My mom and I were the first ones there. Shane was on his with Kennedy and his parents. And then my dad and Becca came after work. After being there for about 2 hours they finally broke her water. Then we had to leave the room for about 30 minutes so they could give her the epideral.

While we were waiting, we were all in the waiting room trying to entertain Kennedy. She just wants to run run run! We all took turns with her and we were trying our best to ware her out...yeah that didn't work! Little kids have so much energy I tell ya. At about 8:30 we went back into her..me, my mom, Becca, and Shane's mom, Shane was already in there. Her nurses would come in and check her about every 20 minutes. She was progressing quickley because at 9:15 she was a 10 and the nurse had her start pushing. When she was far enough along, they called her doctor in and that is when all the excitment happened.

I was standing on the side of Elaine just watching her push and push. I WAS NOT planning at all to watch Presley being born but slowly I was creeping over closer closer so I could see it. I was not close, I was watching about 20 feet back. I could see Presley's full head of DARK hair and started crying. Her doctor kept saying PUSH PUSH PUSH, and it was in a panicked voice! I was watching the doctor and it looked like she was pulling so hard on Presley's shoulder's trying to get her out. She was stuck. I think right then we all started to get worried. Me and Becca turned our heads away and I think we both closed our eyes thinking it would all go away with whatever was making the doctor panick. After a few minutes (what seemd liked hours) everything was fine and I tured around and the doctor started pulling on Presley and she was slowly coming out. Presley finally made her debut at 9:30 and she came with a full set of lungs! I could not stop crying, it was such an amazing experience and I was so greatful that I was able to be a part of such a special event.

Presley Grace Jones born May 9th at 9:30pm and weighed in at 7lbs 6oz and was 21 inches long! She is so precious!

6 Years

Well another year has come and gone and we celebrated 6 years of marriage on April 22. It seems although that we have not been married for that long. We have learned a lot this past few years and I know we still have a lot more to learn. I know I have been saying this every year, but I really hope this is our year to start our family! Either through adoption or IVF. I love Bear very much and I feel very lucky to have him in my life. He does so much for me and when I sit back and really look at all he does, I can't help but smile and feel so much love for him.

For our anniversary this year, we went up to Big Bear, CA. I got a groupon for a 3 day 2 night stay for $150 so I jumped at the opportunity to buy it. It was not exactly what I thought it was, but we made the most of it and had an enjoyable time. Next time I will do a little more research :)

The first day, we spent the whole day driving to our location. On the GPS, we entered in our destination and couldn't find the exact address so we did what we thought was the closest to where we wanted to go. After stopping at a Burger King to go to the bathroom, Bear decided to call and ask where exactly they were. Well come to find out, we were 130 miles past our spot. At first, we were a little upset but in the end we just laughed about it. Lesson learned, call ahead and print out a mapquest. Don't rely just on GPS. Since we got there pretty late, we ended up just getting a pizza and renting a movie. Here is a picture of where we stayed.




On the 2nd day, was pretty low key. I unfortunately started school that week and I had homework due on Saturday so I spent a few hours getting that done. Bear took a nap while I did that. After I finished that, we went out to lunch and drove around Big Bear to see what it was all about. It is a good sized small town, about 50,000 population and its all up in the mountain. There was not much to do so after we drove around and found nothing to do, we searched for the closest city and drove there. We drove down to Redlands, went to Red Robin for dinner and then we went and walked around the Redland Temple. It was a small Temple so no visitors center but we walked around the grounds and it was very pretty.





On the way back from the Temple had to be one of the scariest moments of my life. When we were on way to Redland, we saw that there was a lot of fog but nothing bad and we were still able to see in front of us as we were driving. I guess we forgot that there was fog because on our way back (it was 10:00 pm) the fog was so thick you could not see 5 feet in front of you. Normally I would not be that scared, but we were going up a mountain for 35 miles and it had some of the worst hairpin turns ever! I am not going to lie, I was having a pretty bad anxiety attack. I thought we were going to fall off the mountain and die (dramatic I know). I had Bear pull over for a few minutes so I could "breath" and he talked some sense into me. Since Bear was driving very cautiously, I said a prayer that we would get to our cabin safely. I am happy to report that we did in fact get there safely and that my anxiety went way down. It took double our time to get to our cabin and I was fine with that. We were going 5 miles an hour...SO SLOW but it was well worth it!

And Sunday we spent the day driving home. We didn't realize that when we booked the trip it was Easter Weekend so when I found that out, I was bummed we were going to miss Easter with both sides of the family. We left earlier than we planned and I am very glad we did. We got home at 6:30 and made it just in time for Easter dinner with my side of the family. Luckily my sister's house was on the way home, otherwise we would not of made it.

It was a very short trip but a well needed one with just Bear and I. We were not able to take the dogs with us. I was sad about it at first, but realized that it was better they did not go. Me and Bear had not gone a trip just the 2 of us since our cruise in 2009 so it was well needed. I was glad to go home and sleep in our bed and have our little doggies back home with us.

New Addition

Bear has been doing a big kitchen remodel for the past 1 1/2 months and the people he is doing it for, he has has known for about 5 years and they are dog lovers just like we are! One day while he was working on the kitchen, the wife came home with a new dog and Bear fell in LOVE with her (the dog :). It was an itty bitty yorkie that weighed about 1 pound. Everyday Bear would come home and talk about how cute she was. I believe that was when he started contemplating getting another dog.

I have been asking for another dog for a couple of years now. Not just because I wanted another one, but Toby really needed a friend to play with during the day. I felt bad that Toby had no one to play with. All he would do was eat, sleep, and lay on the couch when we were home. I know we should of gone out on walks on stuff with him, shame on us.

So we started looking online for yorkies and soon realized that there was NO way we could afford one. We saw one for $3000! Seriously ridiculous. They most I would ever pay for a dog is $400. So we soon realized that we would not be getting a yorkie :(
So we started looking at Chihuahuas again, but a tea cup this time. We were kind of hesitant about getting a Chihuahua because they are known to be yappy mean little dogs. We got super lucky Toby because he is the complete opposite. He only barks 3 times when someone rings the doorbell, he loves to cuddle on the couch, he doesn't bite or nip, he is playful with other dogs and kids, he is a GREAT listener,etc.

As we were looking on a website we saw a tea cup Chihuahua and instanly we both fell in love with his sweet little face and Bear called the lady to see if he was still for sale. The price also sold us, she was only asking $100. When she said he was, we made an appt to stop by the next day to go and take a look at him and we brought Toby so we could see how they would interact with eachother. When the little dog came running out the door, I immediatley fell in love with him and knew we just had to have him. Him and Toby sniffed eachother for a few minutes and then started playing with eachother and seemed that they would get along. We gave the lady the money and off we were with our new addition.




His name is Taco and he is the cutest dog and fun to have around! He is only 10 weeks now so we are still trying to potty train him and all the other fun stuff that comes along with a new puppy. Him and Toby getting along great! They chase eachother all the time which is great because it wears them out when night time comes. I love having Toby and Taco here!

Pulled the Plug

I was spending way too much on one thing and not paying enough attention to Bear. If I knew how to limit myself from this stupid thing I would not of had to get rid of it. I don't know why all my time was consumed around this. I had to check it every 20 minutes and see what people were doing and stalking some. (yes I admit that) I think Bear felt like he had to compete with this to get my attention. After I realized that, I had to say goodbye. It was not worth it anymore. Yes I liked the fact that I could keep up to date on people's lives that I don't see often, I was able to communicate with my family in Chile, I would get happy when someone would comment on a picture, status update, write on my wall, etc. But it was not worth it. I have gone 2 days without it and it has not been that hard to stay away. Yeah at times, I wonder what is going on in people's lives but they are just going to have to be on hold for a few months. I am hoping that with not having for a few months, it will {so call} train me to not want to be on it all.the.time. when I do plan on reactivating my account. I think with it gone and me not spending most of my free time on it, I will learn to cook, keep the house cleaner, work on my projects, and finish getting my business up and running. Those sound more important don't you think :)

For now, I am going to have use my blog as my writing outlet. Which will be good since this is my journal and all. I need to start documenting more. Getting rid of this thing might not be a bag thing after all.

Farewell Facebook!

Dear Baby

Who know naming a little business would be so hard. I think I finally came up with one! So since the main idea behind doing this is going to help with the expenses of IVF or adoption and us hoping for a baby I think the name is perfect! And I checked and I didn't see another name out there...

{Dear Baby}Boutique

I am still trying to get the layout of how I want it to look but that is the name I think I am going to stick with! What do you think?

business name?

I am having a hard time thinking of a cute business name! I think its a little bit harder since I will be having a variety of stuff: Flower headbands, aprons, greeting cards, home decor blocks, etc. Do you have any ideas :)

Feelin Lucky

I am trying to get a lot of stuff ready so I can open up my blog and I whipped up this cute burlap flower with green accents. I need honest opinions here girls :] What do you think?

I couldn't say NO

I have been at my current job for 7 years now! For the past 2 years I have really been wanting to get out of there. I do not like the lady I work with, the drive was WAY to long (1 hour one way), I was paying to much in gas, and I was just getting bored there. But I was way to comfortable there and knew what I was doing, so leaving that job and having to go to something new and having to meet all new people just scared me to death! Let alone, I would have to interview, and I am NOT good at those because I get really nervous and then I forget what I need to say, and begin to not understand the questions. I think that was a big part in me not pursuing the job hunt.

For the past 6 months, I have been submitting resumes here and there for job postings that fit my criteria. I got one call from a company and when I looked them up and to see what they were all about, I knew I could not work for them. All the clients gave them horrible reviews and would suggest not doing business with them, so I never called them. If I was going to leave my current job that was totally secure, I had to make sure that wherever I was going next had to be just as secure and not have a bad reputation.

In the middle of February I got a call from a guy saying he received my resume and he wanted to meet with me for an interview. I didn't even remember applying with the company so I was kind of sceptical of calling him. The next day, I knew I just needed to call him and get over my fears. So I called him and we set up an interview. I don't think I slept well that night, as it had been 7 years since my last interview, and all the jobs I have had in the past I got through friends and family, so I never really even had a "real" interview.

I was praying so hard to Heavenly Father to help me get through this interview and say the things that needed to be said. I truly think my Grandpa and Heavenly Father had a help in this job coming to me in the way it did and just at the right time. When my Grandpa was around, he would always ask me how the job hunting was going and he would tell that the right one will come along! He helped me write up my resume and always gave me great tips on how to stand out. My grandpa got his degree in Business Management and during his working years, he was taking companies that were failing and bringing them back up and helping them succeed. That was his passion in life. Him and my grandma served a local mission as the missionaries in the Employment department. He knew what he was doing :]

When I met with the owner, he had asked me how I found the job, and I paused for a second because I had NO idea and then he asked "did you hear about us on desert listings" as soon as he said that, I knew he was LDS and I then remembered I found it on LDSjobs.org. When I said that, he asked if I was LDS and I said yes and so we talked about the church for a little bit. Come to find out, he served his mission in Chile, and I told him that is where is my Mom is from and my Dad served his mission there and that is how they met. We already had a few things in common! Great! That calmed me down greatly and the interview went pretty good! I also think Heavenly Father was aware of me being nervous because that had to be one of the easiest interviews ever! The owner was so laid back and the total amount of time I spent with him was 15 minutes.* I applied for this job back in December and that is why I forgot about applying there.* I guess it wasn't meant to be until now :]

A few days later his area manager called me and I went and met with him for about 45 minutes. As he was explaining the details of what I would be doing and how my schedule was going to work, there was no way that I was going to turn down this job! Everything I have been wanting in a job, this place had it!

*Working 30 hours a week
* Health benefits
* I get to make my own schedule, which is an added bonus. The manager said I could work 3 days a week if I want, or I could everyday with less hours! He also said that I could alternate my schedule and it does not have to be a set schedule! Seriously perfect!
* It is 15 miles from my house

I am so excited to start this new job and learn new things! I am grateful for my Heavenly Father and know that he was watching out for me. With this new job and the schedule, I am going to have more time to get things done that I have not been able to do in a LONG time. I will have the time to prepare our weekly scout den meetings, I can study for school, I will clean the house, and hopefully I can start to work on my cooking skills! I start in 2 weeks and I couldn't be more excited!

Dainty & Delicate

Here are a couple of other flowers I am working on! I am loving the really thin headband with the small flowers on them! Dainty and Delicate :) I am also loving the puffy pink pom pom flower! They look way cuter when they are on a baby so just imagine the cuteness! So cute and easy to make!

New hobby?

So I have come up with a solution that I am *hoping* will work out well! I have decided to make a lot of homemade stuff so that I can sell it and use that money towards our funds of adoption or IVF. I have a lot of the resources already here at home so I thought I would give it try and see how it does. I am going to do a variety of things...flower clips, sewing, wood crafts, greeting cards, etc. I have started with the flowers and here is what I have so far...dont laugh! This is just the beginning...I will have better stuff up soon!

I have a bunch of the green ones right now for St. Patricks day...

Valentine

Holding Kennedy Sept 2009

14 things I LOVE about my special Valentine:

1. He is always doing thoughtful things for me
2. He knows how to make me laugh when I am having a bad day
3. He works hard everyday to provide for us now and our future family
4. His love for kids and I can see what a good day he will be someday
5. His laugh when he is really "laughing"
6. He will surprise me at work when he is on my side of town
7. His random texts during the day telling me he loves me
8. He gives the best massages
9. He is a GOOD cook
10. He will drive all the way to the East valley just so I can eat Cafe Rio!
11. He does a lot of the grocery shopping
12. He is ticklish
13. He let my sister move in to help her out when she needed it
14. His imagintion and creativity

I love Bear so much and feel lucky everyday that I get to be a part of his life. I need to do better in showing my gratitude and love towards him! He does so much for and I literally do not know what I would do without him. He is always teaching me something new and always watching out for my best interest! He is the best husband and someday will be the best dad!

Gone Shooting

Yesterday we spent the day shooting out at Lake Pleasant! We went with my mom, dad, sister Rebecca, aunt, uncle, and with their niece and nephew and their 2 kids. It was a lot of fun and there is something about shooting at objects that lets all the frustration out that has been built up all week! At first I was TERRIFIED of guns but now that I have gone shooting a handful of times I am becoming more comfortable with one. Hopefully I will never have to use one!

Shooting Bear's AR-15
Bear happy in his element :]

This was my mom's first time shooting, and she really enjoyed it!

This was my dad's first time shooting I believe since he got out of the Marines more than 30 years ago!

Becca's first time also and she did good!


Me and Bear have a competition at shooting pop cans, 1-Melody 3-Bear