tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9675671268680231212024-03-15T19:10:11.460-06:00The GrahamsTriest and Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017946381813487846noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967567126868023121.post-57355582136786213622011-12-05T11:55:00.002-07:002011-12-05T12:58:44.127-07:00turning 2<div>We have a slew of family birthdays in the middle of winter and then in the middle of summer. In the winter, we have one December, soon to be four Januarys, and 2 Februarys. In the summer, we have two Junes, two Julys, and two Augusts. And then there's Ross... the April singlet. But it's okay babe, somebody's bound to have a spring baby at some point! :) We celebrated Gabe's 2nd birthday in June, but with the craziness of summer activities, we just did a small get together. My friend Hannah was living with us at the time, so she joined us along with our dear friends Devri and Ruben and their girls, Bria and Camri. My favorite birthday cake is the Rainbow Chip, so until Gabe is old enough to tell me otherwise, we always celebrate with Rainbow Chip:) And honestly, who doesn't love Rainbow Chip??? It's even fun to say! RAINBOW CHIP! Okay, anyway.... </div><div><br /></div><div> </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhivSMlwUy2fOg6OwhB7iSA0o1nGaBLR20trcUGE_kzPazhgqsUR_eW9mpHOoNSUIBkrIyD3k6nyF4U9tJjwZREKkq1TSMKbBd0nUlyuq0J0WopiU_tWHpF_gEVAL_1Sj7DLkyAadrVRsvf/s1600/IMG_9543.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhivSMlwUy2fOg6OwhB7iSA0o1nGaBLR20trcUGE_kzPazhgqsUR_eW9mpHOoNSUIBkrIyD3k6nyF4U9tJjwZREKkq1TSMKbBd0nUlyuq0J0WopiU_tWHpF_gEVAL_1Sj7DLkyAadrVRsvf/s400/IMG_9543.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682722333720167218" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Gabe struggled to make a "2" at first, but he's got it down now.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil61gjnrDNdlybljFPOkNOt7NHBSfxXiYitGUiWywY3CV48lZr9k3M-PLTqemtuXKRL8eAk447ajDX5ICxFLFgYMRyCN3sZuSRhe4ddL27VsDa3PxK6mxZoJTcSujcGpl6Z0IF9OXSnyFe/s1600/IMG_9549.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil61gjnrDNdlybljFPOkNOt7NHBSfxXiYitGUiWywY3CV48lZr9k3M-PLTqemtuXKRL8eAk447ajDX5ICxFLFgYMRyCN3sZuSRhe4ddL27VsDa3PxK6mxZoJTcSujcGpl6Z0IF9OXSnyFe/s400/IMG_9549.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682722326322965986" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">This kid gives the BEST smooches! He has the juiciest lips and I love it when he shares kisses with me. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisdK4pPPpE5YcDpvIpr3st9b6-75XgBrFqlNgpp_jc6AKcMYV4JzERK2eet6JpeznnP8YCqboTjjI0P_pFkDj9t82f0hyphenhyphenTSUg2gujG5nV09L_-mnh-SQC3N1u1kshBOwQllfW4pMmtdmns/s1600/IMG_9560.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisdK4pPPpE5YcDpvIpr3st9b6-75XgBrFqlNgpp_jc6AKcMYV4JzERK2eet6JpeznnP8YCqboTjjI0P_pFkDj9t82f0hyphenhyphenTSUg2gujG5nV09L_-mnh-SQC3N1u1kshBOwQllfW4pMmtdmns/s400/IMG_9560.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682722314248173394" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Blowing out the candles. He was focusing so hard, he's even gripping the counter with his toes!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhEbM8rQC_ql7zxVKk54ESTnA8pf79mLDLzbxFhgj7AnF6c2q7I3-cdy6mhWAiGOaxEVKb524WO4PqNwR4PytYmDM7SL9qI-hhanw-JE2vgfyATq9r7Nd6Qi5mGOZnA7Lyd2mdfIqN1Iac/s1600/IMG_9586.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhEbM8rQC_ql7zxVKk54ESTnA8pf79mLDLzbxFhgj7AnF6c2q7I3-cdy6mhWAiGOaxEVKb524WO4PqNwR4PytYmDM7SL9qI-hhanw-JE2vgfyATq9r7Nd6Qi5mGOZnA7Lyd2mdfIqN1Iac/s400/IMG_9586.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682722304858295282" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Gabe and Bria are bff's. She was either telling him a secret or trying to tickle him, I don't know which.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwpTC5Bwf5-2Kx86bh1Q0sorWk-YnCXopuTfiQO5m-kQ7W-7TPEAIk0uX7By9eQ3zzg9BKaKUn_CjmH6A41cZ7U4HWu-U51USPVnVminpTYohOHWe9ZRphMY_AVDoRbIygfkto0zu_bBH/s1600/IMG_9601.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwpTC5Bwf5-2Kx86bh1Q0sorWk-YnCXopuTfiQO5m-kQ7W-7TPEAIk0uX7By9eQ3zzg9BKaKUn_CjmH6A41cZ7U4HWu-U51USPVnVminpTYohOHWe9ZRphMY_AVDoRbIygfkto0zu_bBH/s400/IMG_9601.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682722293652622482" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">They love sitting together and reading books. She's like a little mommy to him, and he just lets her do her thang. I love their cute toes in this picture. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">Even though he's almost 2 1/2, here are some fun things that I want to remember about Gabe at this age:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">- He speaks really well for his age, and I think it's because he's so observant. He's always mimicking what he hears and he's never afraid to say new words. For example, new phrases he's learned from watching The Lion King include "Oh, not Zazu!", "Slimy yet satisfying!", "Pinned ya again", "Hakuna Matata", and "A wee mawe, a wee mawe" (continued by singing). </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">- He sings the BYU Cougar fight song ALL DAY LONG. This boy was born to be a Cougar. He loves to throw his football, he'll tackle Daddy, and he would wear his BYU shirt every day if he could. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">- When he first learned/understood that there was a baby in mommy's tummy, he refused to call him Baby Max. For months it was Peppayoni. I have absolutely no idea where he got Peppayoni from, but I'm just glad he'll now call him Max. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">- Like his daddy, Gabe is a gentle giant. He loves to rough house and jump off of things he shouldn't and he tends to just shake things off when he gets hurt, but he is such a cuddle bug! He'll come up to me, raise his arms in the air, and say "Mommy, I wanna hold you." How the heck can I say no to that?! He wraps his arms around me and gives the sweetest kisses. If he thinks I have a "boo-boo," he'll kiss it and tell me I need a band-aid. He loves looking at my ever-growing belly, and he noticed my stretch marks for the first time the other day. He gasped and said "mommy, scratches!" and then kissed my belly. He absolutely melts my heart. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">- And while he melts my heart, he also drives me crazy. This kid can destroy in 90 seconds what it takes me an hour to clean. My house is never clean for long, because if Gabe can mess it up, he will. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">-He builds nests by stripping the couch of its pillows and blankets, and will grab just about anything else he can get his hands on and throw it in his nest. He'll then strip down to his diaper (thankfully he leaves that on), and hunker down under all the pillows and blankets and just lay there. Weirdo.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">- He has no interest in potty training (grrrrr...)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">- He'll stand on anything that could act as a platform and then conduct himself while he sings. Twinkle Twinkle and the Cougar Fight Song are his favorites at the moment. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">- He loves holding babies. When Bria and Camri come over, he likes to hold Camri and will sing "I Love You Forever". He then kisses her head (once again, melting my heart). </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">I can't believe my baby is growing up so fast. I'm so glad that he's still a mama's boy and will cuddle me whenever I ask. We love Gabe so much. What a blessing it is to be his mommy... </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;">*T</span></div>Triest and Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017946381813487846noreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967567126868023121.post-58766761168578024112011-12-05T10:33:00.005-07:002011-12-05T11:24:56.232-07:00I am not ashamed...<div><div>... although I probably should be. I have had absolutely ZERO desire to blog for the last several months (if you couldn't tell). But I have a growing son who is too cute not to share, lots of pictures of our family doings, and I have seven weeks left of this pregnancy. Time is flying too fast! And since I've never been good at scrapbooking or journaling (or blogging, for that matter), I need to post some pictures of our lives so that I can at least remember the second half of 2011:)</div><div><br /></div><div>To start, this is from our trip to Cokeville, WY to visit my dear friend Violet. She was visiting her family over Memorial Day Weekend, so we decided to take a little road trip!</div></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGwucXto9W3JN1JV9Z0wMwkV9lkFCJ7zEbPX37KIUdtEpunaP255erSRfkWzfPCz0IOMq4JBqiOIWzrnQyXTDYA0QjcIU0pyPCHdLDK8Rj12u__SwqP_hHcgs26Z56q-1MhcalnRkRvAv/s1600/IMG_9509.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGwucXto9W3JN1JV9Z0wMwkV9lkFCJ7zEbPX37KIUdtEpunaP255erSRfkWzfPCz0IOMq4JBqiOIWzrnQyXTDYA0QjcIU0pyPCHdLDK8Rj12u__SwqP_hHcgs26Z56q-1MhcalnRkRvAv/s400/IMG_9509.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682709873955814242" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Ross was excited about the cool teepee. Gabe, not so much. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8ngIcmf-ZwZPSdURHqiEEdebwjfjXftKRhi9xXCwEXDm3P9wIZfN4TUG4lgN9oGmlW7B23rQ9IjP87mtHpBRSlKXe8mAfuV9pTzDhQlI8jtt3i2s86JfNSGNxRa8lnzJwrG2J62IGdgR/s1600/IMG_9495.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8ngIcmf-ZwZPSdURHqiEEdebwjfjXftKRhi9xXCwEXDm3P9wIZfN4TUG4lgN9oGmlW7B23rQ9IjP87mtHpBRSlKXe8mAfuV9pTzDhQlI8jtt3i2s86JfNSGNxRa8lnzJwrG2J62IGdgR/s400/IMG_9495.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682709870760207330" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">However, Gabe was VERY excited about the cool indian thingamabob in our hotel room!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-AMHqSH9KoYDH_eFj9PldwyxZxzlOlUagav29SBvCxN2l_WG2ijHmdPtc7eK-V2CTe2Rz8LlDNelf1WrpUqqnE0ydCORoJ3Y9faryhUlOJijPgIjykypSHyI-u8K5ruGj367-s3Gz6tra/s1600/IMG_9535.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-AMHqSH9KoYDH_eFj9PldwyxZxzlOlUagav29SBvCxN2l_WG2ijHmdPtc7eK-V2CTe2Rz8LlDNelf1WrpUqqnE0ydCORoJ3Y9faryhUlOJijPgIjykypSHyI-u8K5ruGj367-s3Gz6tra/s400/IMG_9535.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682705747749578370" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">I love this sweet mama. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYDIz3DVgWSTe0JfKxpNYU3OmjAzZnGv9RIkGpOoxupBt4WuwKyUcub-kmaefTiY7N1hkfbglSJfkpFiK9WnlYmY5v1WM3J6fgCPWGUE9uFXAs3qoHs8WZTi2_Zj7ozKQC5nLYDcupGuaN/s1600/IMG_9503.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYDIz3DVgWSTe0JfKxpNYU3OmjAzZnGv9RIkGpOoxupBt4WuwKyUcub-kmaefTiY7N1hkfbglSJfkpFiK9WnlYmY5v1WM3J6fgCPWGUE9uFXAs3qoHs8WZTi2_Zj7ozKQC5nLYDcupGuaN/s400/IMG_9503.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682705737268300322" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">Lemme tell ya, this place was ROCKIN.</span></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlcdjWy5gajcje2ufIJdM0vgYgHkgRbnweDd4MK6qXFza89LhsZLiw27bKq2chqPGtGpSn4_yfa6E2L2lDZE0ltIBRHfBkwjafq9CHH5a-94u1Bk8UNtlZBJdW4_fn5VnKVRJTNNXCVArl/s1600/IMG_9541.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlcdjWy5gajcje2ufIJdM0vgYgHkgRbnweDd4MK6qXFza89LhsZLiw27bKq2chqPGtGpSn4_yfa6E2L2lDZE0ltIBRHfBkwjafq9CHH5a-94u1Bk8UNtlZBJdW4_fn5VnKVRJTNNXCVArl/s400/IMG_9541.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682705074035408482" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;">The day we came back from Cokeville, I realized that it had been 5 weeks and decided to take a test... well, 3 tests. Ross and I were equally shocked and even more thrilled. I probably would've taken more tests had I had them.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And since my mac won't let me post more than 5 pictures at a time, on to the next post!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">*T</div><div><br /></div><div> </div>Triest and Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017946381813487846noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967567126868023121.post-36765469729649571902011-07-12T17:19:00.002-06:002011-07-12T18:02:07.309-06:00happy day!So remember that pity post back in May? The one where I talked about how difficult it was for me to look at a negative pregnancy test each month? Well, 5 days after that post, I took another pregnancy test... and it was positive. COMPLETELY positive:) I was actually pretty shocked, considering that I'd seen negative results for almost a year before that. Ross walked into the bathroom right after I took the test, and he was equally shocked and VERY excited. Baby #2 is due January 28th(ish), 2012 and everything's lookin' good! I had my first OB appointment today and I was a little nervous when he couldn't find the heartbeat. I knew my uterus was tilted back a bit, but it wasn't until after I had an ultrasound that they told us the placenta is anterior, or in front. The baby is sitting low and back a bit, but the heartbeat is strong and Baby is healthy! I'm so thrilled to be growing a little one... even if the nausea has already been a doozy. My doc gave me some prescriptions to try, so I've got my fingers crossed that they help! It was horrible to be nauseous <i>without</i> a toddler, but now that I have a very active 2 year old, it makes the nausea even worse. But seeing my cute little Gummy Bear wiggle around today made it all worth it:) I am very grateful for a loving, compassionate, hard-working hubby, a beautiful, FUN little boy, and a healthy, growing baby. We already have names picked, now we just have to wait and see if Gabe will have a brother or sister! <div><br /></div><div>*T </div>Triest and Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017946381813487846noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967567126868023121.post-83085079345199751052011-06-16T19:26:00.003-06:002011-06-16T19:55:44.347-06:00oh. my. yum.<div>I had a hankering for chicken fajitas (which is rare, since I don't like peppers), so I decided to wing it. I didn't have a recipe, but I figured they'd be easy enough. The good news? They were super easy and DANG GOOD! Ross took pictures with his phone because he was proud of my culinary creation :)</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRaoI04NHtjuexZVmWC72aE-lHVyZxeyT06U_SraSoQ5uAYWpaKWI2OTtuQuiyKscVIE2_jen0r0wUDGpqU7-HmPmCvSaxCToljzI4p5jpTsdVhSw3Au94fAVGMTm8qB-U6O4CM221nUR/s1600/2011-06-16+18.42.06.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRaoI04NHtjuexZVmWC72aE-lHVyZxeyT06U_SraSoQ5uAYWpaKWI2OTtuQuiyKscVIE2_jen0r0wUDGpqU7-HmPmCvSaxCToljzI4p5jpTsdVhSw3Au94fAVGMTm8qB-U6O4CM221nUR/s400/2011-06-16+18.42.06.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618994583140470098" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw8-og58KFaxkVZAMUQRvuh7TzdcBkBy49je_PcGFcZHgeB_6GLFl3YnMerZmsZrtvyhCCVnuxV_1nQks3pBF7NLF4GxtF0AxwuQSPjgK93I8PE-deQ4LKRmhMMTiJOMuIQlx7wPrJhcnI/s1600/2011-06-16+18.41.27.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw8-og58KFaxkVZAMUQRvuh7TzdcBkBy49je_PcGFcZHgeB_6GLFl3YnMerZmsZrtvyhCCVnuxV_1nQks3pBF7NLF4GxtF0AxwuQSPjgK93I8PE-deQ4LKRmhMMTiJOMuIQlx7wPrJhcnI/s400/2011-06-16+18.41.27.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618994527133759458" /></a><br /><div>He obviously loaded his up with cilantro, which was a personal choice. I like cilantro, but I like to taste other flavors too. So, if you're undecided about dinner or just want to add a yummy, simple recipe to your mix, here ya go:</div><div><br /></div><div>2 large chicken breasts</div><div>1 red pepper</div><div>1 orange pepper</div><div>1 yellow pepper</div><div>1 medium onion</div><div>olive oil (enough to evenly coat chicken and veggies, about 1/4 - 1/3 cup)</div><div>1-2 T. minced garlic</div><div>fajita seasoning</div><div>fresh chopped cilantro</div><div>sour cream (opt.)</div><div>tortillas</div><div><br /></div><div>Heat oil in a large skillet and add garlic. Thaw chicken breasts if frozen, then cube and place in oil. Thinly slice the peppers (I used about 3/4 of each pepper and saved the extra for a healthy snack later on) and onion, then place with chicken once chicken is mostly cooked. Simmer until veggies are soft, then add fajita seasoning and mix well. Simmer for another 10ish minutes to allow flavors to absorb. Spoon into tortillas and serve with sour cream and cilantro, and enjoy! </div><div>This is a healthy meal full of protein, fiber, and vitamins A and C. And I love being able to use fresh ingredients! One of the many perks to summertime is the availability of fresh produce. And once our garden starts producing, I won't have to pay for produce anymore! Woot woot!</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy eating!</div><div><br /></div><div>*T</div>Triest and Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017946381813487846noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967567126868023121.post-63829261556958143842011-05-26T20:45:00.002-06:002011-05-26T21:19:26.774-06:00not an easy subjectOkay, I'm just gonna come out and say it. I'm struggling. So many of my friends and family members are either having babies or have just had babies recently, and while I'm happy for them, it's not easy for me. Ross and I wanted our kids to be roughly 2 years apart (and before you judge, remember that I didn't have a child until I was 25), so I went off birth control <i>last summer.</i> It took us a few months to get pregnant with Gabe, but not this long. We've been wanting/trying to get pregnant for 11+ months now, and although I try to put on a strong face, it's really starting to wear me down. I went to my OB/GYN and they put me on Clomid for a while, but because I didn't get pregnant within a certain amount of time, they took me off of it and sent me to a fertility specialist. I scheduled an appointment for the next available date, which was a few weeks away, but when that day rolled around I just couldn't do it. I called and canceled. It would've been a $240 consultation visit, and I was terrified that I'd walk away from that visit with no answers. I know that Heavenly Father has it all worked out, but here I am, 11 months later, wondering what I'm doing wrong. Or maybe what I'm not doing right? I don't know. I just know that I'm sad. My heart wants another child, to give Gabe a sibling, to fill our lives with more chaos and joy. I'm trying to have faith. I'm trying to remember that I'm not in control. I don't know what the future brings, and maybe that's why I'm left doubting. My patriarchal blessing tells me that I was brought to this earth to "become a righteous mother in Israel." Well, I really hope Gabe won't be the only child to help me fulfill that, because heaven knows I've screwed up a lot. He's the first child... most oldest children are lucky to survive childhood as their parents figure out how to be parents. I wish I could wave a magic wand and know why we haven't been able to conceive. I wish that my faith was strong enough to keep me from doubting. <div><br /></div><div>Every day that passes, I watch my sweet son and feel gratitude that he is ours. I'm grateful that I can hold him and sing with him and be his mommy. My love for him is so intense, and I just hope I'm given the opportunity to share that love again. I guess time will tell...</div><div><br /></div><div>*T </div>Triest and Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017946381813487846noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967567126868023121.post-60559389203778476312011-05-16T09:05:00.002-06:002011-05-16T09:58:26.532-06:00family update<div>Things happen quickly in our family, so here's a little update. We were in Virginia for most of April visiting family (Ross' entire family and my sister and her fam) and we had so much fun! It's hard not living closer to them, so when we're there, we really make the most of it. I still need to download pics, so once I do, I'll post them. Ross and I spent our anniversary and his birthday out there, which also happened to be Easter Sunday this year. It was nice to be with his family for a few celebrations, especially since Grammy was very willing to take Gabe for a couple days so Ross and I could go to the beach for our anniversary. Virginia Beach is only 2 hours away from his parent's house, so it made for a nice getaway for us. We went to the aquarium and visited the naval base just up the road from our hotel. We also made a quick stop at the HUGE outlet mall in Williamsburg, and I was glad Ross brought an extra suitcase to pack with all the stuff we acquired during our visit:) Ross wasn't able to be with us the entire time Gabe and I were there because of work... which leads me to my next update... </div><div><br /></div><div>So, remember how Ross is an incredible tenor and graduated in Music Education? And remember how he did his student teaching at a middle school and really didn't like it? And the starting teacher salary for Utah is a whopping $26K... pretty unbelievable, eh? Well, Ross was working at Pinnacle Security to pay the bills until he could find a teaching job, but Pinnacle was really holding him back and he wasn't happy with what he was doing. He'd come home with headaches every day and he didn't love going to work. We prayed about his job situation, and while we were in the midst of the storm, we received a great offer that was the silver lining we needed. Does this logo/name look familiar? </div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI8vqR6y0I41R_SqD0yarj1HNiIg5xi5U95RLCt5_VxCDW0jkgPlNDopSjiOAFltoP3HgOVm3YJ8ult3SdEwHWph8jhqQ_Aa6ge7YaPvV8-vmbgWP0HwnGd2cZDFu5qKmMQ6z-7pIbExJC/s1600/stratuslogo.gif" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 192px; height: 108px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI8vqR6y0I41R_SqD0yarj1HNiIg5xi5U95RLCt5_VxCDW0jkgPlNDopSjiOAFltoP3HgOVm3YJ8ult3SdEwHWph8jhqQ_Aa6ge7YaPvV8-vmbgWP0HwnGd2cZDFu5qKmMQ6z-7pIbExJC/s400/stratuslogo.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607330520381587698" /></a><br /><div>My dad is the owner of Stratus Insurance, and he offered Ross a job doing some product marketing. Ross has had quite a bit of experience making sales and being on the phone and working with people, and he is overall just a very trustworthy person. Well, the product he's been marketing is doing <i>really</i> well, and he's catching on to the whole insurance thing quickly. In fact, he had 5 days to study for his insurance exam (which is very difficult and something that people usually study for for weeks or months), and he passed it on the first try! I was so proud of him when I got that phone call (since I was in VA). He likes his work environment and his coworkers, and he's really enjoying the work he's doing at Stratus. My biggest fear with Ross taking the job was that I thought he would be wasting his incredible talent in music. I know he loves singing and performing, and I didn't want him to take a job to pay the bills NOW and then regret that choice twenty years down the road. However, Ross has realized that he can work at Stratus and still be involved in music. There are auditions for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir this summer, as well as auditions for the Salt Lake Choral Artists. In fact, the SLCA has gone to several international choir competitions and come home with a handful of 1st place prizes. So basically, Ross will still be involved in music. He'll still be able to feed his desire for performance while also providing for his family, and I'm very proud of him for making the decision he did. It was not an easy one, but our prayers have definitely been answered!</div><div><br /></div><div>And speaking of prayers being answered...</div><div><br /></div><div>... we're moving!!! It's actually not a big deal since we're just moving upstairs, but it was a miracle for us. We're in a 2 bedroom apartment right now, and we're REALLY needing more space. Gabe's room is stuffed to the gills (largely due to his teensy closet), and our master bedroom is also a studio and an office. I <b>despise</b> moving, and although we looked at some houses, we realized that we're not quite to the point where we can buy yet... but we need more space! Just last week I told Ross "the only way we're moving is if one of our three neighbors moves out of their 3 bedroom apartment." Well, just last week I saw our upstairs neighbor carrying several boxes. To make a long story short, she's due in July with her 3rd child and refuses to haul 3 kids up and down the stairs. They're moving to another building in our same complex and we're moving into their apartment on June 1st! Our manager didn't even have the apartment up for availability when I called to tell her we wanted it, so we're re-signing our lease and we'll have 1450 square feet in 2 weeks! I am SO excited to have more space, MUCH bigger closets, an extra bedroom, and nobody above us:) Our prayers were heard and they've definitely been answered, and for that I am so grateful. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now you're updated and now I'll end this painfully long post (thanks for sticking with me...). Until next time, amici!</div><div><br /></div><div>*T</div>Triest and Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017946381813487846noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967567126868023121.post-63814182809732632822011-03-18T13:51:00.004-06:002011-03-18T14:53:34.775-06:00follow your nose<div>As my sweet hubby could tell you, I have the nose of a bloodhound. I've always had a very sensitive sense of smell, and most of my memories have some kind of scent attached to them. We can all picture a plate of warm chocolate chip cookies and know exactly how they smell. Most of us choose our soap or body wash according to how it smells instead of if it's pretty or not. Mothers know the scent of their children. Do you remember the scent of your elementary school? Or your mom's perfume? Here are a few of my favs:</div><div> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://everycollegegirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/deo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://everycollegegirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/deo.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Whenever I smell this deodorant, it brings back memories of one of the happiest, most carefree times of my life. I bought it during our honeymoon to the Bahamas, and smelling it reminds me of our beach house and the sound of the waves against our dock. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/12642062.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 900px; height: 535px;" src="http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/12642062.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">If you read my post about Trieste, I talked about the Piazza Unita. Welp, this is it. Looking at this picture, I can literally smell the coffee wafting out of the cafe's and the slight hint of salt in the air as the breeze comes in from the Mediterranean. Oh, what I'd give to be there right now!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.1-to-x.com/gems/vingtquatre/panetteria.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://images.1-to-x.com/gems/vingtquatre/panetteria.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This is an Italian panatteria, or bake shop. I can't even describe the deliciousness of one of these places. It's just one of those things that should be on your bucket list... "experience a panatteria." Divine.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIkD8fkavYdAB-2fSroMy7Lpyqgyk9UxHckIiJtTQ5Vh0cd9ZYSz4Teic5uR8IPQV0PKsNODYgaBSXgXCWkSQwnl-odz1707fJQ1N7Wt_Y5kenaU6OHUOSYLAp0Ndu0jsY8wdFi1LFMX1/s1600/IMG_5600.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIkD8fkavYdAB-2fSroMy7Lpyqgyk9UxHckIiJtTQ5Vh0cd9ZYSz4Teic5uR8IPQV0PKsNODYgaBSXgXCWkSQwnl-odz1707fJQ1N7Wt_Y5kenaU6OHUOSYLAp0Ndu0jsY8wdFi1LFMX1/s400/IMG_5600.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585510624187584274" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This may sound weird, but I smell Gabe all day long. Ever since he was a newborn, he's had the sweetest baby scent that is my favorite smell in the world. It's not the 'fresh out of the bathtub' scent, but it's just HIM. His skin and his hair and even his breath. I love it!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://everystockphoto.s3.amazonaws.com/rain_pavement_sidewalk_861154_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 480px;" src="http://everystockphoto.s3.amazonaws.com/rain_pavement_sidewalk_861154_o.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I don't even have to say anything about this picture. Can't you just smell it?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Heavenly Father sure knew what He was doing :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">*T</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div>Triest and Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017946381813487846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967567126868023121.post-21432983645235094382011-03-10T20:33:00.002-07:002011-03-10T21:04:54.401-07:00and it came to pass...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhppUr6_D-tuimuMpsv_pXoVpfBaOaY8pHuu-VenZFsqmji8BO6JL04xJigtUzyurs4tENl0dmUpiT1U1BRqcMfa22V1Smhy7sjaAYM198HiTy0pKn112GUNiNgI0J0jSI3b16zeIXXKDSh/s1600/terrible2%2527s.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 350px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 350px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582661024480514194" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhppUr6_D-tuimuMpsv_pXoVpfBaOaY8pHuu-VenZFsqmji8BO6JL04xJigtUzyurs4tENl0dmUpiT1U1BRqcMfa22V1Smhy7sjaAYM198HiTy0pKn112GUNiNgI0J0jSI3b16zeIXXKDSh/s400/terrible2%2527s.jpg" /></a> Okay, so Gabe's not quite 2 yet... but the Terrible Two's have definitely begun. I don't even want to think about the tantrums we've had in our house this week. I lost count after about 50. It has been a very difficult, stressful week, especially since Gabe is recovering from a nasty case of RSV. I'm trying to be patient. I'm trying to be understanding. I remind myself constantly that I love my child more than life itself... I just don't like this phase. He continues to do the same naughty things every day, even when we've told him countless times not to do them. He knows there are consequences, but he crosses the line anyway. And then, when we tell him 'no', he FREAKS OUT. He throws the typical tantrum; screaming, flailing on the ground, weeping, wailing, gnashing of teeth. You know what I'm talking about. My sister suggested that I start putting him in time-out, which will require patience on my part. I can just imagine how time-out will work for my almost-21-month old, but I'm desperate for a breakthrough at this point. As for now, I'm living for the moments when he's happy and funny and cute. He really is a sweet little boy, and he makes us laugh all the time. I love him like I've never loved anyone before, so please don't think any different. Do, however, feel free to share any ideas you may have for dealing with this lovely time in my toddler's life:) I'm open for suggestions!<br /><br />*T<br /><div></div>Triest and Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017946381813487846noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967567126868023121.post-52722488703861927822011-02-25T15:52:00.002-07:002011-02-25T22:15:55.324-07:00Time in Trieste<div>I've been wanting to write down some of my travel memories for a while, and I figure that some of them are interesting enough to share. My parents gave us some wonderful travel opportunities, and one of my favorite places to visit just happens to be my namesake. My dad served his mission in Padova, Italy, and Trieste was his favorite city. It's a port about two hours up the coast from Venice, and it is, to me, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Trieste not only hugs the Adriatic, but it's nestled against the mountains and is only 15 minutes from the Slovenia border. It is one of the most interesting places I've visited, as it has a castle, a university, an incredible plaza and fountain surrounded by old government buildings and quaint cafes, Italy's sole concentration camp, and some awesome shopping venues and restaurants. I've visited Trieste three times, and the last time I went I stayed for half a summer. One of my favorite memories happened one weekend when we went to the Piazza Unita (the main plaza). Trieste was celebrating its 50th anniversary of being freed from Austrian rule, which came about because the Alpini, or "Alpine soldiers," fought for Trieste's freedom. About 50,000 people came to Trieste to celebrate over this anniversary weekend, and several thousand were Alpini soldiers, both young and old. Alpini are easy to find since they all wear their signature felt hats with a long eagle feather on one side. They are known for their love of singing and drinking, and they usually do both quite well:) This particular Saturday, we (me and my Italian "family") were walking down a side alley to get to the plaza. It was crowded because there were so many tourists visiting the city, but it was a beautiful day and we were taking our time. I noticed a 60ish-year old, rather overweight Alpini walking towards us, and as he sang loudly and stumbled a bit, it was obvious that he'd had a few drinks already. We gave him a wide berth, but he then started walking right towards me. Before I could step out of his way, this man literally walked into me and wrapped both arms tightly around my torso, pinning my arms to my side. He started singing again, swaying back and forth and kissing my neck and telling me how beautiful I was. The couple I was living with were mortified and tried to pry this guy's arms off me, but he was a happy drunk and didn't want to let go. My little Nonna (Italian grandma... about 4'11" and 100 pounds) was tugging on my hand and asking the guy to let me go. My Nonno (Italian grandpa, very loving but very protective) was trying to talk this guy into letting me go. After what seemed like an eternity, the man loosened his grip... but before I could squirm out of his arms, he kissed me several times on the neck and gave my bum a little smack. So here I was, a tall, strawberry blonde, green eyed American in Italy (aka I stood out like a sore thumb), and I was so overwhelmed by what had just happened that all I could do was laugh. My Nonni were just relieved that this guy finally let go of me, and once I stopped laughing, we continued toward the plaza. It wasn't but two minutes later that we entered the massive plaza and ran smack into a group of about fifteen young Alpini. These soldiers were my age (early twenties), and lemme tell ya, they were high on life! They were singing and laughing and having a good ol' time... and then they stopped when we came into the plaza. I've never felt more self-conscious in my life because they were staring at ME. A few of them actually pointed! I couldn't figure out why I was suddenly a specimen, but one brave soldier came up to me, put his arm around my shoulders, stuck his face just inches from mine, and said "Mamma mia! Che bell'occhi!" or "holy cow, what beautiful eyes!" My poor Nonni... they were standing close to me, making sure we didn't have another neck-kissing, bum-grabbing drunk man on our hands. But these young guys were awesome! I felt like a celebrity! Within seconds of the beautiful eye comment, I had guys surrounding me, wanting to take a picture with me and inviting me to spend the day with them. Between shouts of "you're so beautiful!" and "will you be my girlfriend?!", I was being yanked on one arm by these testosterone-filled Alpini while my Nonna held firm to my other arm. I was blushing and flustered and giddy that I'd had more male attention in the last 5 minutes than I'd had all my life (stupid American men...), and finally my sweet Nonno stepped in and invited the young soldiers to enjoy their day, as I would spend the rest of my day with my 'family'. I don't remember much else of what happened that day since I was on Cloud 9, and my Nonni kept having to reel me back to reality. We shopped, we saw some friends, we took pictures, we ate gelato, and after a few hours, we began the walk back to the car. As we were about to cross the plaza, two Alpini on a tandem bike came into view and it was clear that they were happily buzzed and singing at the top of their lungs. We were walking towards them, and as I watched them I realized that the soldier riding in front was also watching me. He steered the bike toward me and began singing loudly about "la Bella Bionda", the beautiful blonde. We had been walking in the middle of the street, so when the Alpini reached us, they began riding in circles around me and continued singing to me. Once again, I felt like a movie star. Remember, these are ITALIAN MEN literally falling at my feet. I thought I'd wake up from a beautiful dream at any moment, but it was very real! The Alpini sang loudly until their song was over, and as they rode away they both blew me a kiss. People who'd witnessed the scene began clapping and, for the umpteenth time that day, I blushed. My Nonna grabbed my hand, and in playful exasperation she scolded me and told me they would leave me at home next time. I could've died happy at that moment... I'd had men drooling over me all day and I never felt endangered. These men were not perverts hoping to get lucky. They were happy Italians who made this Americana feel like one lucky gal. Even the first drunk Alpini was non-threatening. He was just a happy drunk who had no concept of personal space and told a woman (while kissing her neck...) that she was beautiful. I will forever remember my introduction to the Alpini with fondness, and it's a story I will tell for the rest of my life. Even my Nonni remind me of 'that one time when the Alpini loved me.' I've not had an experience since that even comes close to making me feel the way I did that day. It still puts a smile on my face! </div><div><br /></div><div>*T</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Triest and Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017946381813487846noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967567126868023121.post-70133636685747415522011-02-19T12:09:00.002-07:002011-02-19T13:05:32.567-07:00stereotype<span style="font-size:78%;">(<strong>Disclaimer</strong>: This post is not meant to offend or point fingers. I am stating what's on my mind (aka I'm venting) because I feel like I may not be the only one who feels this way.)</span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><br />So, I live in Utah... "The Greatest Snow on Earth", "The Beehive State", "The Mormon Bubble", etc., etc. There are so many things I love about this place; the mountains, the awesome summers, the skiing, how close we live to the temple, and not to mention the incredible network of friends and family that we have so close to us. Utah is our home for now, and I will appreciate that. However, there is one thing about this great state that I do NOT appreciate, and that is <em>stereotype.</em> What I'm going to say might sound harsh to your ears, but please remember that these are my feelings. In a nutshell, I am not a blonde, size 4, gourmet cooking, interior decorating, quilt making, award-winning blogging Superperfectmom. Phew. There's my confession. And I am so SICK of the expectation that that is exactly what I should be. I've never before felt the pressure for perfection like I've felt here. And quite honestly, it boggles my mind that I feel inadequate sometimes when I'm surrounded by these Superperfectmoms, because I'm a great person! I constantly have to remind myself that not everyone speaks 3 languages or has served a mission or has a college degree or has traveled to 15 countries or is temple worthy. And before you judge, I am NOT bragging... I'm simply stating that I've done some pretty cool things with my life and I shouldn't feel inadequate just because I don't make bread from scratch! Why do I feel like, in order to 'fit in', I should not only look cute and fashionable <em>all the time, </em>but I should be a pro at everything? I should take my 24 hour day and feed the hungry, knit a sweater, cook an amazing meal for not only my family but the gal downstairs who just had a baby, run a 10k, teach my 20-month old how to read, maintain a perfectly clean, beautifully decorated house, read my scriptures for an hour, and invent some cute craft that I can sell on etsy and make enough money to support my mani/pedi obsession... right? <br /><br /><div align="center">WRONG. </div><br />I am not a Superperfectmom, but I am a super mom. Not Supermom, just a super mom. And wife. I provide the emotional and (hopefully) spiritual support for my hard-working husband and sweet little boy. Sometimes the house is clean, sometimes it's not. Sometimes I'm really proud of my culinary creations, other times we enjoy grilled cheese and tomato soup. I don't sew, I don't scrapbook, I occasionally blog but I've never been published, I'm sure as heck not a size 4, my hair color is NATURAL, and I still wear the same clothes that I've had since 2005 (gasp!). Sometimes I'm tired and I let Gabe watch Dora the Explorer all morning, but he knows who Jesus is and he can say his prayers and point out the temple when we drive by it. He has an incredible vocabulary for a boy his age because we work diligently with him on communicating. I know that my husband and son feel loved because I tell them and show them all day long. I have to give myself some credit, because if I don't, my lack of <em>stereotype</em> will be the death of me. I'm learning to accept that I'm not that Superperfectmom, but with 1 in 5 Utah women on antidepressants, why would I want to be? I'm just me, take it or leave it.<br /><br />*TTriest and Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017946381813487846noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967567126868023121.post-71860888804807685432011-02-16T20:32:00.004-07:002011-02-16T21:55:43.523-07:00a cute boy, a birthday present, and some fishI feel like my life really isn't all that interesting to blog about. We stay busy, but it's the everyday stuff... Ross goes to work, Gabe and I play and read books and I try to teach him how to clean up his ENDLESS messes, I do some work for my dad and (try to) keep the house in order, and when Ross comes home we eat dinner and try to catch up on Modern Family. I know people who have kids blog about their kids, but I don't want to be one of 'those moms' that can only talk about the amazing achievements of her offspring. Don't get me wrong... Gabe is pretty much the most amazing kid I know and I love talking about him, but I can keep a conversation going <em>without</em> talking about him. <br /><br />Anyway, our 2011 has been interesting so far. We've either been sick or, well, sick, and I finally had my tonsils out in January (I did NOT enjoy my birthday this year... it was spent in bed and in PAIN!). I can easily say that it was the WORST thing I've ever gone through. It's been almost 4 weeks since the surgery and I'm still not 100%. In fact, the doc says I'm a week behind most patients, with is due in part to my age. It's not an easy recovery for anyone, let alone a 27 year old (the recovery usually takes longer if you're not a kid). I still can't yawn or take more than 2-3 swallows of water at a time, but at least I can eat and talk, both of which were very difficult for a good 2 weeks. The doc accidentally knicked my uvula during the surgery and it's still swollen, but at least he didn't accidentally remove that too :) Ross has a severe sinus infection that spread to his ear (he spent Valentine's Day in bed sipping chamomile tea), and Gabe is recovering from a nasty virus that turned into a deep, lingering cough. And amidst all the germs, I've caught a yucky cold and am thinking of buying stock in Kleenex. We've gone through so many tissues in the last month, it's unbelievable. However, today was gorgeous and almost 60 degrees, and I did some deep cleaning and had all the windows open to air everything out. Hopefully the germs are gone and we can recover! I've never been so ready for Spring! We just need to move to Jamaica. That would solve all our health problems... <br /><br />And now, on to the part most of you are probably looking for anyway: pictures! It's okay, I realize that most people don't read my ramblings and just look for the good stuff. So here it is...<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdVhuizUBwwW3dY1_kCSLrRLe7taofqw6hliwUc0Gp_F2r8r_7obRQow8nF_KZXBao2KuXHeFTDvsCYxJvCOad0QRwXYfwoa3yoA7zXFjkLzRxb2fcbVL7nUkPUVo2vNYpqBSGY7xR1cJ/s1600/084.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574499580575460226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdVhuizUBwwW3dY1_kCSLrRLe7taofqw6hliwUc0Gp_F2r8r_7obRQow8nF_KZXBao2KuXHeFTDvsCYxJvCOad0QRwXYfwoa3yoA7zXFjkLzRxb2fcbVL7nUkPUVo2vNYpqBSGY7xR1cJ/s400/084.JPG" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;">Our old bookshelf was literally falling apart, so Ross got me a new one for my birthday. Thank you babes! I love it!</span></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPPLBZ7mbyfkaALEuebe_LoJyDHQx35BaUHxgRn2vctKxSpCLQGR4Qc2Ds4vDZhZLGai8TZQIcDl_6Pz6wuI4EF0_Ey64tD-K9bDONf3LrsfWHN0wuQhou4MeMUe_C-gmBNztUWdYvaQb/s1600/079.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574498962314704946" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIPPLBZ7mbyfkaALEuebe_LoJyDHQx35BaUHxgRn2vctKxSpCLQGR4Qc2Ds4vDZhZLGai8TZQIcDl_6Pz6wuI4EF0_Ey64tD-K9bDONf3LrsfWHN0wuQhou4MeMUe_C-gmBNztUWdYvaQb/s400/079.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Gabe has 2 new roommates, Benny and Joon. Aren't they cute?! </span></div><div align="center"><br /> </div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQSJv5u_Me0Bbn6LtF49FMw2IO36XQ_jTuI_oGWuRxYcNWT9Z-UVnKVb2bbr4CXq70u_X1r1cSG4bGwlYn-eIfADFhyphenhyphenlbPN57U-7_AuyfTr37k23qM2pldtZ7a4xwa5j2I1KtwDchB4OR/s1600/053.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574498276299361234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPQSJv5u_Me0Bbn6LtF49FMw2IO36XQ_jTuI_oGWuRxYcNWT9Z-UVnKVb2bbr4CXq70u_X1r1cSG4bGwlYn-eIfADFhyphenhyphenlbPN57U-7_AuyfTr37k23qM2pldtZ7a4xwa5j2I1KtwDchB4OR/s400/053.JPG" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">What mom doesn't have a picture of a spaghetti-covered child? We had to scrub him to get the orange stain off his skin, but he loved making a mess.</span> <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghbM0m92X8iPtZWsfx2TrNFhahYYJfA2jS6_2RHZGbg_zPKBDGRKlomwiT2pWm9cnq4ZtHz6OLjJw84J6j2ekZMCEhwtiYSLPDRrqCDg6rFQS29kcrTegnFWwXDZF5frCHHwh18O92aZfB/s1600/055.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574498271930503506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghbM0m92X8iPtZWsfx2TrNFhahYYJfA2jS6_2RHZGbg_zPKBDGRKlomwiT2pWm9cnq4ZtHz6OLjJw84J6j2ekZMCEhwtiYSLPDRrqCDg6rFQS29kcrTegnFWwXDZF5frCHHwh18O92aZfB/s400/055.JPG" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Look at that face. Pure joy.</span> <br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeubxJ521gvISlnQD9IfafiEJ4lnNBgQ9sMh4t3KXHHid5QdxUXe4X_D4dB-IIf3hrBzI13iEQijL2ml54_SSfD6c_8plnjQGfMgAnfrEd8PV_eNbfJ-jxMGl-TfCWepCObdMmU3u55CyL/s1600/049.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574498268812325602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeubxJ521gvISlnQD9IfafiEJ4lnNBgQ9sMh4t3KXHHid5QdxUXe4X_D4dB-IIf3hrBzI13iEQijL2ml54_SSfD6c_8plnjQGfMgAnfrEd8PV_eNbfJ-jxMGl-TfCWepCObdMmU3u55CyL/s400/049.JPG" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">I let Gabe play one morning while I made breakfast, but realized I hadn't heard him for several minutes (doesn't your heart drop when that happens?). I walked into our bedroom and he was hanging out on our bed, playing the Animal Sounds game on my phone. Kids these days... technology is in their blood!</span> <br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQwtv3f2RzEuWFizZpSz7JywwHFtfbmf3hbuIgTM5WrlIF48NgwKV62t0usEdst57pe9LQBaoOzHRlRrCdVIop9CKcU5cpUYyDfadNG2r5Pmz4g1o43cS-3Fa0h62wWjrN6qoiSPcPkej0/s1600/037.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574498260353544258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQwtv3f2RzEuWFizZpSz7JywwHFtfbmf3hbuIgTM5WrlIF48NgwKV62t0usEdst57pe9LQBaoOzHRlRrCdVIop9CKcU5cpUYyDfadNG2r5Pmz4g1o43cS-3Fa0h62wWjrN6qoiSPcPkej0/s400/037.JPG" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">And again, a few minutes later. Still gaming... <br /></span><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihnwDPJlyGDeM2jo5OHPeoD5_pdWhD9oiEd_ayflOlYpNco6uqBhVejIAESSblu7M1qJjOjHMesRk04aRmq6NEyXmxI59Lx7h4TYMMb3B5ErSKgKrvGtiCPyIN8vaNR_bXqMakVkkPGcCy/s1600/018.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574498255444595058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihnwDPJlyGDeM2jo5OHPeoD5_pdWhD9oiEd_ayflOlYpNco6uqBhVejIAESSblu7M1qJjOjHMesRk04aRmq6NEyXmxI59Lx7h4TYMMb3B5ErSKgKrvGtiCPyIN8vaNR_bXqMakVkkPGcCy/s400/018.JPG" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Look at that cute face. This was right before bathtime, and he was just chillin on the recliner. I love those juicy little lips!</span> </div><div> </div><div align="left">Time to take some Nyquil and read Vampire Academy:) I figure it was just a matter of time before my sister beat me over the head to get me to start reading them... <span style="font-size:78%;">(love you sizzle!)</span><span style="font-size:100%;">.</span></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">*T</div><div> </div><div> </div><div align="left"><br /></div></div></div><br /></div>Triest and Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017946381813487846noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967567126868023121.post-57231612390996672762010-12-29T16:42:00.002-07:002010-12-29T16:52:15.926-07:00And in case you're wondering...<div align="center">... I WILL own one of these someday. </div><div align="center"> </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjMPmm3k8rLRs4N09rAnlF1ABvtIbNWyMH54sKfkVpAfOqjFuzk54uEIsLAUK3KQYzkUSxPSc1ZE5fXD6pK5sNGxIoyLUZ9JW-CqJ0uJ-9Z8V_uorlhHLWERHOsWeYAcCQ4jZv6E9wUAq/s1600/185.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556255687394955346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjMPmm3k8rLRs4N09rAnlF1ABvtIbNWyMH54sKfkVpAfOqjFuzk54uEIsLAUK3KQYzkUSxPSc1ZE5fXD6pK5sNGxIoyLUZ9JW-CqJ0uJ-9Z8V_uorlhHLWERHOsWeYAcCQ4jZv6E9wUAq/s400/185.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4H20LdhJJHLrwwp1YQtGDH_cqvheq9mkaj3644jgSfyUjT96u4nfKd_hZwRIlelyvBx2nYDQrqnACZihl5zACCnPH4YKDOAf_3aRHVsXKNV24VXyN4jSAZEoSYoHy6T31MoBe3CWZwsPE/s1600/182.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556255685160971714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4H20LdhJJHLrwwp1YQtGDH_cqvheq9mkaj3644jgSfyUjT96u4nfKd_hZwRIlelyvBx2nYDQrqnACZihl5zACCnPH4YKDOAf_3aRHVsXKNV24VXyN4jSAZEoSYoHy6T31MoBe3CWZwsPE/s400/182.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_uCmccaAOY5lRQ9bnxOntx-GGuaOLUecXCFSmdtCWwH8ZvZZnETuU6zgg4EoxWeUNSSyqj8xwwSn5OyRcDLDc55tTVd9tMLRDEjtVloXpDQV2YLTe69yEraCtNuYdHHrv9pciDCfVUhw/s1600/181.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556255680426383890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY_uCmccaAOY5lRQ9bnxOntx-GGuaOLUecXCFSmdtCWwH8ZvZZnETuU6zgg4EoxWeUNSSyqj8xwwSn5OyRcDLDc55tTVd9tMLRDEjtVloXpDQV2YLTe69yEraCtNuYdHHrv9pciDCfVUhw/s400/181.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hLkphIZYxIPwBk1ZBVm0sBQ3Rd4JPcU-ioU2jafZ4LRzDX2Vl0TkSh8Q7rEVlcV3tsJ_qqRMyRcyy6N7FY81eLgly9283pZxfB7H-VVhee8sKCQAEgt090gByqY6x1TZmzqkK3zcfLG-/s1600/177.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556255678613592482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hLkphIZYxIPwBk1ZBVm0sBQ3Rd4JPcU-ioU2jafZ4LRzDX2Vl0TkSh8Q7rEVlcV3tsJ_qqRMyRcyy6N7FY81eLgly9283pZxfB7H-VVhee8sKCQAEgt090gByqY6x1TZmzqkK3zcfLG-/s400/177.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyfagIWeQ8n7PaK3e8_2-H_Tin_FYmsK5yU-liNKvlmZ7mi5hwoX3nB6SW0r-VExqsg58sH6zIg4Q8RwVF8lDDTnWH8aQukySYhWp0dhfV31gnGz_IDiDDmNEV-owdpd9oay20vkcmrOk/s1600/176.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556255673869156930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTyfagIWeQ8n7PaK3e8_2-H_Tin_FYmsK5yU-liNKvlmZ7mi5hwoX3nB6SW0r-VExqsg58sH6zIg4Q8RwVF8lDDTnWH8aQukySYhWp0dhfV31gnGz_IDiDDmNEV-owdpd9oay20vkcmrOk/s400/176.JPG" /></a><br />This is the most beautiful car I've ever seen, and I'm in love.<br /><br /><div align="left">*T</div></div></div></div></div>Triest and Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017946381813487846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967567126868023121.post-8337437583674749962010-12-29T14:43:00.000-07:002010-12-29T15:20:47.734-07:00My mouth is watering...So the holidays are a time for celebration and family, right? A time to get together and remember our Savior and His birth, a time of giving and service. Well, there's also the bittersweet tradition of FOOD... lots and lots of yummy food. I say bittersweet because, while my mouth loves the scrumdiddleeumptiousness (?) of all the holiday goodies, so do my love handles. I mean, really... how can you say no to this:<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3eqHrsOZQgaNK8KZ1GoMW8eN-yxdfLutvGLpkXoOd598pWdlR8C9wAuXLRS7HxH7fQyZ4FRYZ4Qo-hHZgBpShUz3V-d3zKwvh0fbbV9xaNYUP-f65ORCGAttEhIxIcLdeHOZpbJ-pKA8/s1600/608.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556225723378466994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3eqHrsOZQgaNK8KZ1GoMW8eN-yxdfLutvGLpkXoOd598pWdlR8C9wAuXLRS7HxH7fQyZ4FRYZ4Qo-hHZgBpShUz3V-d3zKwvh0fbbV9xaNYUP-f65ORCGAttEhIxIcLdeHOZpbJ-pKA8/s400/608.JPG" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">or these...<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556225717391718866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxswH2z_ikQrOltpGVJyamK2MS9PXQ2DChrRoOsHNheXt5kkaTi9qe3qWcAS9BGOwx348uRMYRR2bT6z2zmiOnYvhPxXBIJssKvI9wUX24WR1laHth3RC3v4M1mlcbjnTqLSbq6_CW8Ee/s400/829.JPG" /><br /><br />or this minty goodness...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdWt7DVPjuPuWxeknOiX8wcCTiw4GDlQ99doxRTGwiyZjsgxSbdrkX15RYcMvsvgZNEXQF6c1CEeFxGraOgbwHcy_sKcnWFvHnCl0n8O0_99J2_-tWZ2qX_lh1bjtQsWlVraTCUu6swO5e/s1600/836.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556224489296443954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdWt7DVPjuPuWxeknOiX8wcCTiw4GDlQ99doxRTGwiyZjsgxSbdrkX15RYcMvsvgZNEXQF6c1CEeFxGraOgbwHcy_sKcnWFvHnCl0n8O0_99J2_-tWZ2qX_lh1bjtQsWlVraTCUu6swO5e/s400/836.JPG" /></a><br />Muddy Buddies?! C'mon!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5xfgFe6o-0slS1xWv_CSzNHfabCJtXhbIIDzIMhRr9FDtijWTUSsQUsr7VZshyphenhyphencgk4RGE45zqtJnQwlxOe0oT_A3CLH86FF5LRx0ispTzBfGCXNu2EoXqZa_qrp1V99q_2e4qs40m4CF/s1600/838.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556224463287499234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5xfgFe6o-0slS1xWv_CSzNHfabCJtXhbIIDzIMhRr9FDtijWTUSsQUsr7VZshyphenhyphencgk4RGE45zqtJnQwlxOe0oT_A3CLH86FF5LRx0ispTzBfGCXNu2EoXqZa_qrp1V99q_2e4qs40m4CF/s400/838.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />Fig Newtons in a jar? I think YES!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOVvWtoSBi5nrbsJhqrrpNuCBVrpcQhjRz0Rpzlt_umwLRvm4VjgSt9MiAd5DPcdjGko971kit83HHTtWAtKnXTzsTiCqzMPmpkCLsHy0TWCdDl_mNZLDG4-PGY1ZHQdRKq10S6XvhMhvf/s1600/840.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556224455809347698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOVvWtoSBi5nrbsJhqrrpNuCBVrpcQhjRz0Rpzlt_umwLRvm4VjgSt9MiAd5DPcdjGko971kit83HHTtWAtKnXTzsTiCqzMPmpkCLsHy0TWCdDl_mNZLDG4-PGY1ZHQdRKq10S6XvhMhvf/s400/840.JPG" /></a><br />Ross's fav<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXFA4kiHF0gQ0ESAPgT1PVwMsvdU513wRp1GZzN4jgYGIFgiL7jDdIjSBoJEoTyS2n4Nw1lSVLvuaubqRFeDwysMJ21_9lHDAOmijs-vfnWdaFThW35asVj8Dr8LaEcQ5kvvZABTfWEvv/s1600/841.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556224446166165906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXFA4kiHF0gQ0ESAPgT1PVwMsvdU513wRp1GZzN4jgYGIFgiL7jDdIjSBoJEoTyS2n4Nw1lSVLvuaubqRFeDwysMJ21_9lHDAOmijs-vfnWdaFThW35asVj8Dr8LaEcQ5kvvZABTfWEvv/s400/841.JPG" /></a> </div><div></div><div>I can't even begin to describe my love for these. Oh. So. Yummy.<br /></div><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNtQzA7b7s5ZCHSPqpYu-ls1OVQoZ25DcbGSTcf6-mv_XciQ-ZFwzO_H41j9Y7DNktpSmVC3F7-BGgBn25LPTvGsPYvOFwJCRJWsvrx2WUHxg6MJc-iHuvrWJn9UfRISplRmW9WparKnXR/s1600/843.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556224438813168914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNtQzA7b7s5ZCHSPqpYu-ls1OVQoZ25DcbGSTcf6-mv_XciQ-ZFwzO_H41j9Y7DNktpSmVC3F7-BGgBn25LPTvGsPYvOFwJCRJWsvrx2WUHxg6MJc-iHuvrWJn9UfRISplRmW9WparKnXR/s400/843.JPG" /></a><br />So will I join the thousands who start off the New Year at the gym? Yes. Will I say goodbye to (most of) these goodies until 2011's holiday season? Unfortunately. Have a gained weight this holiday season? Surprisingly and thankfully, NO. Go me:)</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">*T<br /><div> </div></div></div></div></div>Triest and Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017946381813487846noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967567126868023121.post-11445648117471538192010-11-18T10:30:00.000-07:002010-11-18T11:42:05.921-07:00Choffy is pretty much amazingTriest and I where introduced to Choffy by Ingrid (Triest's mom). And it is pretty much the best thing ever! It is brewed chocolate. Just like coffee is roasted, ground and than brewed (soaked in hot water) coffee beans, Choffy is roasted, ground and than brewed cocoa beans. Just like coffee you can add creamer and sugar (I just add a scoop of Splenda). This drink is great for the winter months and has all the health benefits of eating dark chocolate, and...it is delicious!<br /><div style="text-align: left;">If you live close to us you need to swing by and we will make you a cup! You can also learn more at <a href="http://drinkchoffy.com/chocolove">drinkchoffy.com/chocolove.</a><br /><br />I copied the following paragraphs from an article on the health benefits of Choffy and chocolate by Dr. Eric Durtschi.<br /><br />"Choffy is made from 100% cacão beans (also known as cocoa beans), roasted to perfection. All the antioxidant value, mineral benefits, neurotransmitter rejuvenating properties, and overall health-giving qualities of chocolate are found naturally in cacão beans. No sugar, no dairy, no chemicals. Just one ingredient: cacão.<br /><br />The cacão bean is one of nature's most fantastic superfoods due to its mineral content and wide array of unique and varied properties. Since many of the special properties of cacão are destroyed or lost in the process of making chocolate, we feel that planet Earth’s favorite food is still unknown to most of us.<br /><br />While Choffy uses roasted cacão beans, many of the health benefits found in its natural state are still preserved, allowing us to deliver a healthy and delicious product that will easily fit into most every lifestyle. This document describes many of the health benefits of the cacão bean that survive the roasting process.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cacão beans are extraordinarily nutritious</span><br /><br />Cacão is the Best Natural Source of the Following Nutrients:<br /><br />Magnesium: Cacão appears to be the #1 source of magnesium of any food. Magnesium is one of the great alkaline minerals, helping to support the heart, brain, and digestive system. In addition, Magnesium balances brain chemistry, builds strong bones, and is associated with more happiness. The most deficient major mineral on the Standard American Diet (SAD), over 80% of Americans are chronically deficient in Magnesium.<br /><br />Iron: Cacão contains a significant amount of iron per serving. Iron, a critical mineral in nutrition, is part of the oxygen carrying protein called hemoglobin that keeps our blood healthy.<br />Chromium: Chromium is an important trace mineral that helps balance blood sugar. Nearly 80% of Americans are deficient in this trace mineral.<br /><br />Anandamide: Anandamide is an endorphin that the human body naturally produces after exercise. Anandamide has only been found in one plant—cacão. Anandamide is known as "the bliss chemical" because it is released while we are feeling great. Cacão contains enzyme inhibitors that decrease our bodies' ability to breakdown anandamide. This means that, when we eat cacão, natural anandamide or cacão anandamide may stick around longer, making us feel good longer.<br /><br />Theobromine: Cacão usually contains about 1% theobromine. Theobromine has been shown to strengthen the enamel of the teeth and to reduce the incidence of cavities.<br />Theobromine is a chemical relative of caffeine but is not a nervous system stimulant. Theobromine dilates the cardiovascular system making the heart’s job easier. This is one of the major reasons why cacão is an important part of a heart healthy diet.<br /><br />Antioxidants: Cacão contains the highest concentration of antioxidants of any food in the world. These antioxidants include polyphenols, catechins, and epicatechins. By weight, cacão has more antioxidants than red wine, blueberries, açai, pomegranates, and goji berries combined.<br /><br />Manganese: Manganese is an essential trace mineral. Manganese helps assist iron in the<br />oxygenation of the blood and formation of hemoglobin.<br /><br />Zinc: Zinc is an essential trace mineral. Zinc plays a critical role in the immune system, liver, pancreas, and skin. Additionally, zinc is involved in thousands of enzymatic reactions throughout the human body.<br /><br />Copper: Copper is an essential trace mineral. Copper is found naturally in plants with vitamin C. In the human body, copper helps to build healthy blood.<br /><br />Phenylethylamine: Phenylethylamine (PEA) is found in abundance in cacão. PEA is the chemical that we produce in our bodies when we fall in love. This is likely one of the main reasons why love and chocolate have such a deep connection. PEA also plays a role in increasing focus and alertness.<br /><br />Tryptophan: Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that is transformed into important stress-protective neurotransmitters including serotonin and melatonin.<br /><br />Serotonin: Serotonin is the primary neurotransmitter in the human body. Serotonin is similar in its chemistry to tryptophan and melatonin. Serotonin helps build up our “stress defense shield.”<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Does Choffy contain caffeine?</span><br /><br />Contrary to popular opinion, cacão is a poor source of caffeine. A typical sample of cacão beans will yield anywhere from zero caffeine to 1,000 parts per million of caffeine (less than 1/20th of the caffeine present in coffee). Unlike caffeine, Theobromine will give you a noticeable increase in energy without making you feel nervous and jittery.<br /><br />In February 2008, Dr. Gabriel Cousens discovered in clinical tests on healthy people that cacão does not elevate blood sugar in the same way as caffeine containing foods or beverages. In fact, Dr. Cousens found that cacão has less of an effect on blood sugar than nearly any other food.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What is cacão?</span><br /><br />Cacão is the seed (nut) of a fruit of an Amazonian tree that was brought to Central America during or before the time of the Olmecs. Cacão beans were so revered by the Mayans and Aztecs that they used them as money!<br />In 1753 Carl von Linnaeus, the 18th-century Swedish scientist, thought that cacão was so important that he named the genus and species of this tree himself. He named this tree: Theobroma Cacão, which literally means "Cacão, the food of the gods."<br />There is no evidence to implicate cacão bean consumption with obesity. Cacão is actually one of the great weight loss foods because within its extraordinary nutrition profile it contains the minerals and molecules that help curb appetite.<br />summary<br />Incorporating Choffy into your daily diet can help you take advantage of the many benefits native to the cacão bean and assist you in leading a healthier and happier life."<br /><br />Ross<br /><br /></div>Triest and Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017946381813487846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967567126868023121.post-65010955342743326092010-10-06T12:23:00.000-06:002010-10-06T13:05:25.078-06:00Yes, I took a sabbatical...Life has been very busy and yes, I'll admit that I've had no desire to blog. Does that make me a bad person? I don't think so. I've had other things to deal with, and blogging was at the bottom (<span style="font-size:78%;">and by 'bottom' I mean VERY BOTTOM</span>) of my list. In short, here's what's kept me from keeping you informed about my life:<br /><br /><div></div><div>*Ross started student teaching in August, and he's now halfway through his last semester as an undergrad! Woot!<br />*During his first week of student teaching, Ross got a call to the front office. The mother of one of his students hit his car and basically totalled it. She had a big SUV and his 15-year old, 207,000+ miles, already-been-in-2-accidents (not by Ross, I'll add) Mercury Sable met it's end. On a good day, that car was worth <em>maybe</em> $700. We were told it would cost at least $2500 to fix it, which we decided wouldn't be worth it. So, we had to look for a new car, which was NOT part of our budget plan. It took almost 2 weeks of searching and stress and budgeting and more searching, but we finally found what we were looking for: a 2005 Toyota Corolla. We got it for a great price and the gas mileage makes me absolutely giddy! We need this to be Ross's run around car that will hopefully last through all of grad school, and we have been very happy with it so far :)</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>*We moved! Life in Alpine was great, but when you're 26 and have your own family, living with the parentals is... well... less than ideal. We love my parents and Gabe loved seeing Mimi and Poppy every day, but it was time to find our own place. We found a nice apartment in old town PG, and within about a month of turning in an application, we were moving in! We love having our own place and we really like our cute little community. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>*I started having really bad migraines the week we moved in, so after several doctor and chiropractor visits, I was told to just slow down. The chiro said I was suffering from neuro-emotional stress (whatever that means), but with all that happened in such a short time, what do you expect?! Ross was leaving for school at 6:45 each morning and would go straight from school to work, so most days he wouldn't come home until after 8pm. I was at home with a very active little boy, I was beyond exhaustion, and there was still a lot of unpacking/cleaning/sorting to do. I was feeling guilty because I was SO TIRED and didn't have a spotless house and a warm gourmet dinner on the table when Ross came home every night. And with guilt came more stress, and the more guilty and stressed out I became, the more emotional I was. And I know what some of you are thinking, but I am NOT PREGNANT. Headaches- yes. Exhausted- yes. Pregnant- no. Anyway, Ross finally sat me down and told me that all he wanted was my happiness and for me to take care of sweet little Gabe. He helps around the house more, he'll cook when he can, and he's been very understanding of the whole thing. He even quit his job for the next 8 weeks (until student teaching is over with) so that he can come home earlier and focus on family and student teaching. And it just so happens that our school grant came through the day before he quit, so our finances are right where we need them to be. Thank you, Heavenly Father!</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>So, I hope my explanation gives me an excuse for taking a blogging sabbatical. Now that things have slowed down just a bit, I'm hoping to get back on the blogging horse. Maybe I'll even add some pictures next time <em>(gasp</em>!). But for now, I thank you for reading this very long post and give you my word that it will not be 3 months before I write again:) </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>*T </div><div> </div><div>PS- blogger won't let me put spaces between any of my paragraphs... anybody know how to fix that?</div>Triest and Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017946381813487846noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967567126868023121.post-81395727277340214412010-07-25T15:05:00.000-06:002010-07-25T15:24:34.223-06:00tossed salad and scrambled eggsI'm sure I'm not the only mom out there who feels like this after church:<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.melaniecooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/scrambled-eggs.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 282px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.melaniecooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/scrambled-eggs.jpg" /></a> ... right???</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">I love my son more than life itself, but Sundays are getting harder and harder. We bring snacks, books, a bottle, finger puppets... but he is SO SQUIRMY that I get absolutely nothing from church meetings. My brain feels all kindsa' scrambled once our 3-hour stretch is over. I have five months until this kiddo goes to nursery, which is roughly 20 Sundays. I don't know if I can handle 20 more Sundays! Thank goodness Ross is such a hands-on Daddy, otherwise I'd be inactive. I look forward to church until we're about 15 minutes into Sacrament Meeting, and then I realize it's practically impossible to get Gabe to sit still for 30 seconds at a time. He's not tired... he takes a nap right before church. And if he doesn't take a nap, it's World War III. If Gabe had it his way, he'd spend the first hour of church climbing up and down the stairs that lead to the podium. Obviously, that won't happen. So please, mommies of the world... share your ideas with this scrambled egghead as to how I can quietly entertain my 13-month old during church. I'm desperate!</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">*T<br /></div><div align="center"></div>Triest and Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017946381813487846noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967567126868023121.post-35112887451715754792010-07-04T09:47:00.001-06:002010-07-04T09:53:22.971-06:00old glory<div align="center">"You're the emblem of the land I love,</div><div align="center">home of the free and the brave."</div><div align="center"> </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2PIXAU4LQ7pRJ6KL4FASVGCrSFcq2Yp9m2oYPKOClcPaNozp_qXnfQbPBsFYkEiT70cvlpXx6BAiCXZLnQ9FivZK9Hhbf40fv2nkqVlQw3pRZmZYU2YwWWKcz92dWmqxFTKGZvxMrz-RN/s1600/242.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490078737771140466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2PIXAU4LQ7pRJ6KL4FASVGCrSFcq2Yp9m2oYPKOClcPaNozp_qXnfQbPBsFYkEiT70cvlpXx6BAiCXZLnQ9FivZK9Hhbf40fv2nkqVlQw3pRZmZYU2YwWWKcz92dWmqxFTKGZvxMrz-RN/s400/242.JPG" /></a><br /><div> </div><div align="center">I love this flag. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Happy Independence Day!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">*T</div>Triest and Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017946381813487846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967567126868023121.post-43447866850942823292010-07-03T09:13:00.001-06:002010-07-03T09:54:01.921-06:00a soup lover's delightThis post is for all of you Olive Garden lovers out there (or for those of you who may want a new, super delish recipe) . My Aunt Vilate gave me the recipe for Zupa Toscana, so I decided to try it out last night. Ross and I are searching for new low-carb recipes now that we're doing the Atkins diet again. Yeah, let's not talk about that. Anyway, this meal was such a success that I had to share it. And even though I omitted the potatoes to make it more carb-friendly, there wasn't a drop left in the pan by the time we were through! I should've taken a picture of the final product, but I was so excited to eat it that I totally forgot =)<br /><br />Ingredients:<br />1 1/2 c. sausage, cooked and crumbled (I used a 12 0z. package of reduced fat turkey sausage and it was still delicious)<br />3/4 c. diced onion<br />1 1/4 tsp minced garlic<br />1 quart low sodium chicken broth (and believe me, you'll want low sodium!)<br />2 medium potatoes, cubed to your liking<br />2 c. kale leaves (I used a little more because they're good for you) - cut off stems and cut out the core of the leaves, then slice thinly<br />1/3 - 1/2 c. heavy whipping cream (obviously not whipped)<br /><br />Place drained sausage in separate bowl. Put onions and garlic in the saucepan that cooked the sausage, and cook over medium heat until the onions are translucent and cooked through. Add chicken broth and potatoes and simmer for 1 hour (but if you omit the potatoes, just simmer the broth/onions/garlic for about 15 minutes). Add sausage, kale, and cream and simmer for another 10 minutes, which will allow all the flavors to mix together. Remember to use a saucepan that's big enough to hold everything. I actually used my electric skillet and it was perfect. I'm pretty sure this will be one of your new favorite soup recipes! I'd love your feedback (hint, hint) :)<br /><br />Enjoy!<br /><br />*TTriest and Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017946381813487846noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967567126868023121.post-29016345670990452552010-06-26T21:07:00.000-06:002010-06-26T23:09:38.256-06:00The Tank is 1!!!<div align="center">It's hard to believe that this little boy.... </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00TBPfMtwrSJNS9bbB9K7o5KjsrotgA9cxSGTpLcqEnnach-TsVnRe3j2OpZaD6Qrfl_83UB4RNsQLUVevrflBGSTtqgJqujUtJffcxZPiJY0Gv3g2bjg_A-L5La6-c4IEMIYKZoLkpta/s1600/4981_93794251956_726191956_2512923_1857375_n%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487293429076461778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00TBPfMtwrSJNS9bbB9K7o5KjsrotgA9cxSGTpLcqEnnach-TsVnRe3j2OpZaD6Qrfl_83UB4RNsQLUVevrflBGSTtqgJqujUtJffcxZPiJY0Gv3g2bjg_A-L5La6-c4IEMIYKZoLkpta/s320/4981_93794251956_726191956_2512923_1857375_n%5B2%5D.jpg" /></a>... is now a year old! We celebrated Gabe's birthday on Father's Day, which was actually perfect because we had most of the family together. We were in Virginia visiting Ross's family, so we had a get together at Ross's parents house. My sister and my dad were there as well, so it was quite the party! My in-laws made a big German feast for dinner, and then we cleared the table for the cake annihilation. I put the photos in order from blowing out the candle to the final hose-off, so you'll see how messy he got. It was so fun to just let him just have a heyday with the cake, and he loved it!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9ejUd-WuhPA0G7226ca8M92UNOUbT8qZWZrJNKitKcOXJ1eRKpTeZrAvEji3DbeLgDf_qF8TWznLtO1kiEJtc1Y2bGcVIV8Vtq1CIII_UCYX8fcYrBK5rWj1QTh4C1UQVTLqItcZLLnK/s1600/471.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487293427870047474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir9ejUd-WuhPA0G7226ca8M92UNOUbT8qZWZrJNKitKcOXJ1eRKpTeZrAvEji3DbeLgDf_qF8TWznLtO1kiEJtc1Y2bGcVIV8Vtq1CIII_UCYX8fcYrBK5rWj1QTh4C1UQVTLqItcZLLnK/s320/471.JPG" /></a> The feast. I love all the different facial expressions. </div><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigjKjWxn9oCksVgxtbrPYffXTR6Q709sQzZqZN-6vQcVbWflcBUhupYNFHkVcVcvnulssGRkTlVA5nXbbkpKMgKD-rOZw2a8VyhpWBAOgG7Wmav4xwWVT6qCuF9gfm-mxc00ZKsJyunlE9/s1600/500.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487293417809871234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigjKjWxn9oCksVgxtbrPYffXTR6Q709sQzZqZN-6vQcVbWflcBUhupYNFHkVcVcvnulssGRkTlVA5nXbbkpKMgKD-rOZw2a8VyhpWBAOgG7Wmav4xwWVT6qCuF9gfm-mxc00ZKsJyunlE9/s320/500.JPG" /></a>Blowing out the candle...<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkiqpUz6DNasBTxSMaOj_06_bUueiGRWR36q2kdzAY9V-mue4aomoCknOMtgpeJjE1BC6QLOHJ0qigCCBHCrw_1aie5ECz30zTprlsCxsntIlDWdW418vqTrmZusi2Kss7yLi9WQldVrF/s1600/507.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487293411109844130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkiqpUz6DNasBTxSMaOj_06_bUueiGRWR36q2kdzAY9V-mue4aomoCknOMtgpeJjE1BC6QLOHJ0qigCCBHCrw_1aie5ECz30zTprlsCxsntIlDWdW418vqTrmZusi2Kss7yLi9WQldVrF/s320/507.JPG" /></a> Dipping his finger in the cake for his first taste...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguce-qok_HMASy5SsmLEOYL9n8ehwVBlXBYpP8zuW7iT6dmoSTAbD2WwEvPZYnuRs3XjSPzEELCCa5-BkP9fV2o6kNp0AYwaMPWlw7v_qOUWSV8CmXLyhnkI2uhUKlQDFDwKWz8OyyJLJd/s1600/512.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487293396482852930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguce-qok_HMASy5SsmLEOYL9n8ehwVBlXBYpP8zuW7iT6dmoSTAbD2WwEvPZYnuRs3XjSPzEELCCa5-BkP9fV2o6kNp0AYwaMPWlw7v_qOUWSV8CmXLyhnkI2uhUKlQDFDwKWz8OyyJLJd/s320/512.JPG" /></a>HE LIKES IT!<br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvG7opYnPdlovAmDopSmptJ9gKY4FGcRCpT2IxxY6G5NLRPmPsmn16FwPEBoJUab0zehhhNgyK4DZhbXQKdbGqpVtJSiUg4AlNt4JXX_yYo-G6vBokdzU5acInAFdFkX4vwQ1R6XvvQpRP/s1600/514.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487290070011169746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvG7opYnPdlovAmDopSmptJ9gKY4FGcRCpT2IxxY6G5NLRPmPsmn16FwPEBoJUab0zehhhNgyK4DZhbXQKdbGqpVtJSiUg4AlNt4JXX_yYo-G6vBokdzU5acInAFdFkX4vwQ1R6XvvQpRP/s320/514.JPG" /></a>He kept sharing with Poppy. He'll be such a good big brother:)<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQq1tpt1fW92a3PsqL7B5FVfGVfRbIKA0SoR8i2yKOiYdIJ7l3HaQ4RpzSsL9JyZDU34Yk2WMg5ZJFeAKdQqNOpvNncUVIiyjKAJRKSHfcKuxCdEH_HkENycmCecXnv55bQalw1QJtFsJ/s1600/530.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487290054268962002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQq1tpt1fW92a3PsqL7B5FVfGVfRbIKA0SoR8i2yKOiYdIJ7l3HaQ4RpzSsL9JyZDU34Yk2WMg5ZJFeAKdQqNOpvNncUVIiyjKAJRKSHfcKuxCdEH_HkENycmCecXnv55bQalw1QJtFsJ/s320/530.JPG" /></a> He'd get a fistful of cake in each hand and make this cheesy, super-excited face. </div><div><br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCsNdXA_6bO3G3nzoH15jYvs4stwVo6h8fcpEuK9wj8P7XjrDyiqZ9p4Egqx_rFNNoQUzDo_lcuxTiTBIIgoa2pJzshwe5zxVOq97XUYMj93m1bb4uKvdD6h3Dg4tSosTNpJnQY2ilhqoA/s1600/534.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487290045373886258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCsNdXA_6bO3G3nzoH15jYvs4stwVo6h8fcpEuK9wj8P7XjrDyiqZ9p4Egqx_rFNNoQUzDo_lcuxTiTBIIgoa2pJzshwe5zxVOq97XUYMj93m1bb4uKvdD6h3Dg4tSosTNpJnQY2ilhqoA/s320/534.JPG" /></a>Power to the baby!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1d3pWk-uRLBXUmYSBQeroFaQqYp-6OJkxfvvk1GFpfZIP_egRw9-f7PUN1Bc2Kql7CM7MMypZGcDY6oH6J0YrCx5DMlDdHCRWt97Tc5jMtXe1W16F6Pgp5EtMwqjQIPAJFBqjo6Ya5zI7/s1600/538.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487290039663906882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1d3pWk-uRLBXUmYSBQeroFaQqYp-6OJkxfvvk1GFpfZIP_egRw9-f7PUN1Bc2Kql7CM7MMypZGcDY6oH6J0YrCx5DMlDdHCRWt97Tc5jMtXe1W16F6Pgp5EtMwqjQIPAJFBqjo6Ya5zI7/s320/538.JPG" /></a>Posing with Mama.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Gy5gqnMgKloMDEyiLiwWW-NtIcL5LDa48Zmbj7NTTmrAbi_AJa8nWNcC4DbbooQzCa5LKwhoZD93pku7j9jh7TdgXF9gdTt9KXdwbRATkWVYw1q2iMyQSFPdNdojKK0eurWAtEDrx0_J/s1600/568.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487290028172998130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Gy5gqnMgKloMDEyiLiwWW-NtIcL5LDa48Zmbj7NTTmrAbi_AJa8nWNcC4DbbooQzCa5LKwhoZD93pku7j9jh7TdgXF9gdTt9KXdwbRATkWVYw1q2iMyQSFPdNdojKK0eurWAtEDrx0_J/s320/568.JPG" /></a> Poppy made an elephant noise and it scared Gabe. He's pointing at Poppy like "Why would you EVER do a thing like that???"<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYeQQA9tNBqSU-oScBygwFHZ3IG5QyPA2A2MeWSqQXZy_BX1zEas2tVtBX6i3XU8RlFCA3oi8Y6okXWwqY0h5SVJsVhFaWy573SOnPXa3jOTNci4q5AN-AVYIYR1V_O0JewYGwZFzvlMRV/s1600/579.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487287483422634610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYeQQA9tNBqSU-oScBygwFHZ3IG5QyPA2A2MeWSqQXZy_BX1zEas2tVtBX6i3XU8RlFCA3oi8Y6okXWwqY0h5SVJsVhFaWy573SOnPXa3jOTNci4q5AN-AVYIYR1V_O0JewYGwZFzvlMRV/s320/579.JPG" /></a>Hosing of the Tankster. Luckily it was so steaming hot in Virginia that the cold water didn't even phase him.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMPiqkU-ZBBQGGF4NqbRAFQYzGwwLy0OpdfOIy-zWxdseOWrMUSxfVDnRFECGQ9IyieY2qwj3jeDZ8oU6SZhondTKgK5MBViaWm3Yps8FmwrC4NPcJsrU6Zn0-iKxndCTa5Y7T6zlodNp/s1600/589.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487287471979521810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMPiqkU-ZBBQGGF4NqbRAFQYzGwwLy0OpdfOIy-zWxdseOWrMUSxfVDnRFECGQ9IyieY2qwj3jeDZ8oU6SZhondTKgK5MBViaWm3Yps8FmwrC4NPcJsrU6Zn0-iKxndCTa5Y7T6zlodNp/s320/589.JPG" /></a> Gabe kept trying to drink from the hose. He loves playing with water!<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipnHhjEXtD13MC_G9aJY7xnCpZeq2DkXyJxPJwbSDjpHMA-22bLGKsH4T5BSpYpd8udHtthCUhKdGXCpnqKtfrfcH_Ysgeml4Oo7AyHmESAFMKm0P74RdQtwgngOqpial0wmyoBSNojckN/s1600/600.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487287468318155026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipnHhjEXtD13MC_G9aJY7xnCpZeq2DkXyJxPJwbSDjpHMA-22bLGKsH4T5BSpYpd8udHtthCUhKdGXCpnqKtfrfcH_Ysgeml4Oo7AyHmESAFMKm0P74RdQtwgngOqpial0wmyoBSNojckN/s320/600.JPG" /></a>The Graham fam in its entirety.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0tYIaU7Jc_ZwiF6cOEtw2FhuhXSzm8iGTRCQRIV5UvKch9x3fynngCSRRERH_bywtDv5dIIk9KaILNpf_W04CqSCEnXZDglBOPyKloxH-iWQZVGPBTq43gCiSIUqCicQsNI6Y0knaHddt/s1600/638.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487287461127166290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0tYIaU7Jc_ZwiF6cOEtw2FhuhXSzm8iGTRCQRIV5UvKch9x3fynngCSRRERH_bywtDv5dIIk9KaILNpf_W04CqSCEnXZDglBOPyKloxH-iWQZVGPBTq43gCiSIUqCicQsNI6Y0knaHddt/s320/638.JPG" /></a>Opening presents with a clean baby. He got some bath animals from Ellen Young, my 10th grade English teacher. Gabe is obsessed with elephants, so he was excited to see an elephant in the mix!<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRiUordrWCH06bvjGbOXj8EGKyjgLdPSW88mUK4PkBOL-xHzozbuQ4whZOgCBj4uuw5Z_Eu9dQnP1cH1Myl0D0vxJOUt44KJ2xxLN4JTNc5N8k9xuh7Pp0n9-sHp4RURJHbVqyS7DCyMG_/s1600/650.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487287454422486722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRiUordrWCH06bvjGbOXj8EGKyjgLdPSW88mUK4PkBOL-xHzozbuQ4whZOgCBj4uuw5Z_Eu9dQnP1cH1Myl0D0vxJOUt44KJ2xxLN4JTNc5N8k9xuh7Pp0n9-sHp4RURJHbVqyS7DCyMG_/s320/650.JPG" /></a>Poppy got Gabe a fandangled swim vest. It was hard for him to walk around with it on, but it'll definitely keep him floating when we go to the pool! </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="left">At a year old, Gabe continues to amaze us with his intelligence and personality. Here are a few fun facts about our little dude: </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="center">- He took his first steps two weeks before turning one, and by his first birthday he was a well-seasoned walker!</div><div align="center">- He points at EVERYTHING. He used to point with his entire hand with the palm up, but now he points with his pointer finger. </div><div align="center">- He can say a few words, including Mama, Dada, Papa (which he uses for both Poppy and Grandpa), bah (ball), beebee (baby), uh-oh, and dah (dog). Most of his vocabulary consists of NON-STOP baby babble (that we love to hear). He also makes an elephant sound when he sees anything having to do with an elephant or when he wants to read his elephant books, and he'll bark when sees a dog. Smart kid:)</div><div align="center">- He loves anything with wheels, and he gets mad if one of his cars turns on it's side and he can't push it as easily. </div><div align="center">- He's a pro at climbing the stairs. I can turn my back for a minute and he'll already be at the top of the stairs. He also likes being chased up the stairs, which is fun for me because he has a cute, high-pitched squeal whenever he's being chased. </div><div align="center">- He loves babies, but we don't give him full access yet because he's still working on being "soft". He gets so excited when he gets close to a baby that he waves his arms up and down, and it's not too baby-friendly. </div><div align="center">-He loves being outside and he's a champ when we take him for hikes. He'll sit in the baby backpack for hours without complaining, and he'll usually fall asleep before the hike is over. </div><div align="center">- He's transitioned perfectly from formula to regular milk. </div><div align="center">- He's the least-picky eater I know. He'll eat just about anything and is always willing to try new things. Some of his favorites are bananas, chicken, Cheerios, green beans, and rice cereal. </div><div align="center">- The only thing he'll sit down and watch is Baby Mozart. Other than that, TV doesn't really interest him. </div><div align="center">- He'll "conduct" whenever he hears music, whether it's on the radio or in church. He'll stand on our laps when we sing the hymns at church and conduct right along with the chorister. He'll also sing along to ANY music (hymns, ringtones, commercial jingles, Ross's opera, etc), and he sings while he plays the piano. And when it's all over, he claps :)</div><div align="center">- His favorite 'toys' include phone chargers, computers, remotes, and anything that shreds easily (newspaper, toilet paper, paper towels, dryer sheets, etc.). </div><div align="center">- He sleeps about 10 hours at night and takes a 2-3 hour nap during the day. </div><div align="center">- He LOVES books! He'll put a book in his lap and run his fingers over the words and babble away like he's actually reading it. And I can sit with him for 30 minutes at a time and just read to him. I think he'll be an early reader :)</div><div align="center">- He loves bathtime. He'll splash with his feet and will stick his head under the running water. </div><div align="center">- He's the sweetest little cuddle bug. He gives awesome hugs and is now giving kisses. He'll also lay his head on my shoulder and pat my arm whenever I pick him up. Melt my heart!</div><div align="center">- Gabe has no fear of animals. See my last post for examples :)</div><div align="center">- It's hard to get angry with him because he gives us the cutest little scrunch face if he's doing something naughty. He listens well and knows what "NO" means, but it's hard not to smile when we scold him. He's just too cute!</div><div align="center">- He's the ultimate charmer. Most who've met him are smitten by his sweet face and good-natured attitude. </div><div align="center">- He's got a pretty sweet mohawk :) It's actually the only thing we can do with his hair that'll stay. Anything else just doesn't cut it. </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">We love Gabe so much. I feel very blessed to be his mommy and spend my days with him. He's always making me smile and he teaches me the importance of not sweating the small stuff. When it comes to amazing kids, Gabe is definitely at the top of the list! We love you, Bug!</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">*T</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /></div>Triest and Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017946381813487846noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967567126868023121.post-92080238207671839152010-06-08T08:56:00.000-06:002010-06-08T09:33:54.593-06:00Animal Adventures<div align="center">I think it's safe to say that my son is <em>obsessed</em> with animals. No matter the size or species, Gabe loves them all. My parents have a yellow lab, and Gabe will be the first to crawl to him and yank on his ear or pat his head. My grandparents live next door, and they have two cats. Gabe has watched them sprawl out on the ground and roll onto their backs, so whenever Gabe sees the cats, he'll crawl over to them and try to roll over them. He doesn't do it do be mean (obviously... he's not even a year old), but those cats usually run when they see him... which he then thinks is an invitation to play:) Lately, we've been trying to indulge his love for animals. In the last month, we've gone to Hogle Zoo, the Dino museum, and Farm Country at Thanksgiving Point. I was unsure how he'd react at the zoo because I wasn't sure he'd understand it, but he proved me wrong! He was very alert and loved seeing all the new animals. His favorite animal/animal sound lately has been the elephant. He'll walk around puffing air through his lips and he laughs out loud whenever I read him his elephant books. It amazes me how smart he is and how quickly he picks up on things! Here are a few pictures from our recent animal adventures:<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYk_ShmyBC4rXU8wRWAFF8pWkCvcsPoRgHVJtM3eFvA6AJr6iYziv_hEzde8ejdcs9JZfxp_CrWOT4-_PURMFOrj5zHyKly2qSovU9sfUo0m23ViXc4VkMN8cqmQPdODdzohzs-57vo2yj/s1600/5_18-Elephant%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480418991938765170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYk_ShmyBC4rXU8wRWAFF8pWkCvcsPoRgHVJtM3eFvA6AJr6iYziv_hEzde8ejdcs9JZfxp_CrWOT4-_PURMFOrj5zHyKly2qSovU9sfUo0m23ViXc4VkMN8cqmQPdODdzohzs-57vo2yj/s320/5_18-Elephant%5B2%5D.jpg" /></a> Gabe saw his first real elephant when we went to Hogle Zoo. He made elephant sounds the whole time we were at the exhibit. </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xTcLfXCHN6n-AWrpowfPUGd0UJK7nENsmT8FlKAPUEry6KO7UHqUXfIS0Mv0BReFTNcwiSmaVvPzfZ4wSk_P-sY5Ler5GPM_VGhfee4VcC6So39vvNMJGUqO-MyZVKiY5_q-6OJStLh5/s1600/5_18-All_on_tigers-Zoo%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480418984014774450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xTcLfXCHN6n-AWrpowfPUGd0UJK7nENsmT8FlKAPUEry6KO7UHqUXfIS0Mv0BReFTNcwiSmaVvPzfZ4wSk_P-sY5Ler5GPM_VGhfee4VcC6So39vvNMJGUqO-MyZVKiY5_q-6OJStLh5/s320/5_18-All_on_tigers-Zoo%5B1%5D.jpg" /> <p align="center"></a>We met at the zoo with our friends Brady and Chelse, and their son Logan is 3 months younger than Gabe. Logan didn't quite get it, but Gabe loved it!<br /></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXmTCpc_tTzLij-QnccY3kdJRfcmSvAJjA3MZSygYX_6HNBbx-nxlFWokdTjvsdSpWDoKqZg7dV6L9_2OQ3VqiEf8evs6mbRyYT4b0IjcKOZJIADoAunnXpINDjmzvqSw4jSR_cdS7SOfb/s1600/5_29_Gabe_with_cow%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480418981678115282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXmTCpc_tTzLij-QnccY3kdJRfcmSvAJjA3MZSygYX_6HNBbx-nxlFWokdTjvsdSpWDoKqZg7dV6L9_2OQ3VqiEf8evs6mbRyYT4b0IjcKOZJIADoAunnXpINDjmzvqSw4jSR_cdS7SOfb/s320/5_29_Gabe_with_cow%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a>This is a perfect example of how fearless Gabe is with animals, no matter how big. This cow would stick it's head through the bars right where Gabe was, and Gabe never even flinched! We actually had to catch him a couple times because the cow would get so close that it almost knocked him over. Maybe Gabe will be a veterinarian... </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlCbRaWX5XEf-_VMYtLICJFIe4sPGH2FbKsy1wwCFJ40wZ2khytqEkUNcUEUM1BppjsZZLWlk9bqAKxcfBAq8NpcAgx7V-OOm5K9Vmjp3c3YVIUtkgSLV6Uu8u4upjPsm17uvGzlgV7h05/s1600/5_22_Gabe_w_baby_dino%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480418973529368146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlCbRaWX5XEf-_VMYtLICJFIe4sPGH2FbKsy1wwCFJ40wZ2khytqEkUNcUEUM1BppjsZZLWlk9bqAKxcfBAq8NpcAgx7V-OOm5K9Vmjp3c3YVIUtkgSLV6Uu8u4upjPsm17uvGzlgV7h05/s320/5_22_Gabe_w_baby_dino%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a>Gabe found a baby dino at the dino exhibit, and they were fast friends:)</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div></div><div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHC4rR6k-782U3ixhwopbOWItE98tVdoJYunzTtOTVwkFokzsg0snm0Hmgr-epaaJf3-f-YyLcl2KlJtKM4OVCO6afCYDT38b73Nw_FmCzVQy1yT6yZD56C1i5MobSrppvsyeGeHju1NwE/s1600/5_9-Gabe_and_Metro%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480418972919068978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHC4rR6k-782U3ixhwopbOWItE98tVdoJYunzTtOTVwkFokzsg0snm0Hmgr-epaaJf3-f-YyLcl2KlJtKM4OVCO6afCYDT38b73Nw_FmCzVQy1yT6yZD56C1i5MobSrppvsyeGeHju1NwE/s320/5_9-Gabe_and_Metro%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a>My Aunt Tammy has a HUGE bloodhound named Metro, and Gabe was amazed by him when she brought him over to visit. Gabe's a really big kid, but you can tell by this picture that Metro is one massive dog!</div><div></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><br />I love how adventurous my son is. He loves climbing, rolling around on the ground, and he LOVES playing outside. I'm so glad the weather in Utah is finally warm enough to allow us some outdoor playtime! Gabe may have a handful of bruises across his forehead, but nothing stops this little tank! He is ALL BOY. Believe me, I'm constantly chasing him and keeping him from further injury, but I love being his mommy. He keeps me smiling all day long =)</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">*T<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div></div>Triest and Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017946381813487846noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967567126868023121.post-9632155408718193342010-05-18T09:44:00.000-06:002010-05-18T09:48:33.649-06:00Buehler? Buehler?I've felt a complete lack of motivation to update my blog lately (can you tell? It's been a month!). Does anybody even read this thing?Triest and Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017946381813487846noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967567126868023121.post-24223469355674657612010-04-18T23:11:00.000-06:002010-04-19T12:21:49.436-06:00he/she<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="color:#000000;">*he*</span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:small;">1. Sitting in front of the TV, what's on the screen? </span><span style="font-size:small;color:#666666;">dirty jobs, history channel, castle, the office, glee</span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:small;">2. You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad? </span><span style="font-size:small;color:#666666;">blue cheese</span></span></div><span style="font-size:small;color:#666666;"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:small;">3. What's one food he doesn't like? </span><span style="font-size:small;color:#666666;">are you kidding?</span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:small;">4. You go out to a restaurant, what does he get to drink? </span><span style="font-size:small;color:#666666;">water, root beer, diet pepsi</span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:small;">5. Where did he go to high school? </span><span style="font-size:small;color:#666666;">lee davis high school, mechanicsville, va</span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:small;">6. What is one phrase he says all the time? </span><span style="font-size:small;color:#666666;">"take it easy!", "no worries" </span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="color:#000000;">7. If he was to collect anything, what would it be? <span style="color:#c0c0c0;"><span style="color:#666666;">TIES</span>.</span> </span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:small;">8. What is his favorite type of sandwich? </span><span style="font-size:small;color:#666666;">reuben.</span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="color:#000000;">9. What would this person eat everyday if he could? <span style="color:#666666;">a big, juicy steak.</span> </span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:small;">10. What is his favorite cereal? </span><span style="font-size:small;color:#666666;">cinnamon toast crunch.</span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:small;">11. What would he never wear? </span><span style="font-size:small;color:#666666;">a bra.</span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:small;">12. What is his favorite sports team? </span><span style="font-size:small;color:#666666;">byu cougars. </span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="color:#000000;">13. Who is his best friend? me.</span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:small;">14. How many states has he lived in? </span><span style="font-size:small;color:#666666;">6- VA, UT, ID, IN, NM, AZ</span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:small;">15. Does he have any nervous habits? </span><span style="font-size:small;color:#666666;">fake laughing, </span><span style="font-size:small;"></span><span style="font-size:small;"></span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:small;">16. What could he spend hours doing? </span><span style="font-size:small;color:#666666;">playing his computer/phone games</span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="color:#000000;">17. Who would he vote for? <span style="color:#333333;">Mitt Romney</span> </span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="color:#000000;">18. He is: </span><span style="color:#333333;">an awesome tenor, a great daddy and hubby, a teacher, a chef, very kind, PATIENT.</span></span><span style="font-size:small;color:#666666;"> </span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="color:#000000;">*she*</span><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:small;">1. Sitting in front of the TV, what's on the screen? </span><span style="font-size:small;color:#666666;">ellen, the biggest loser, the office, glee</span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:small;">2. You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does she get on her salad? <span style="color:#333333;">ranch.</span></span></span></div><span style="font-size:small;color:#666666;"><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:small;">3. What's one food she doesn't like? </span><span style="font-size:small;color:#666666;">mushrooms, peppers, </span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:small;">4. You go out to a restaurant, what does she get to drink? </span><span style="font-size:small;color:#666666;">water with lime, lemonade</span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:small;">5. Where did she go to high school? </span><span style="font-size:small;color:#666666;">atlee high school, mechanicsville, va</span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:small;">6. What is one phrase she says all the time? </span><span style="font-size:small;color:#666666;">{i love you} in sign language.</span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:small;">7. If she was to collect anything, what would it be? </span><span style="font-size:small;color:#666666;">shoes, jewelry.</span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:small;">8. What is her favorite type of sandwich? </span><span style="font-size:small;color:#666666;">peanut butter and honey.</span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:small;">9. What would this person eat everyday if she could? </span><span style="font-size:small;color:#666666;">otter pops</span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:small;">10. What is her favorite cereal? </span><span style="font-size:small;color:#666666;">raisin nut bran.</span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:small;">11. What would she never wear? </span><span style="font-size:small;color:#666666;">a bikini.</span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:small;">12. What is her favorite sports team? </span><span style="font-size:small;color:#666666;">byu cougars.</span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:small;">13. Who is her best friend? </span><span style="font-size:small;color:#666666;">my hubs, vi, chelse.</span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:small;">14. How many states has she lived in? </span><span style="font-size:small;color:#666666;">7- VA, IN, NM, AZ, UT, ID, CA.</span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:small;">15. Does she have any nervous habits? </span><span style="font-size:small;color:#666666;">biting nails, cracking knuckles.</span><span style="font-size:small;"> </span><span style="font-size:small;"></span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:small;">16. What could she spend hours doing? </span><span style="font-size:small;color:#666666;">reading, computer stuff, talking with friends.</span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:small;color:#666666;"><span style="color:#000000;">17</span>. <span style="color:#000000;">Who would she vote for? </span><span style="color:#999999;"><span style="color:#666666;">Mitt Romney</span>. </span></span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:small;">18. She is: </span><span style="font-size:small;color:#666666;">a mommy, a wifey, tall, a strawberry-blonde, fair-skinned with freckles, a sister.</span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="color:#000000;">i tag: Jess Harwood, Angela Zeyer, Melissa Nielsen, Sue Gilchrist... </span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="color:#000000;">and anyone else who reads my blog. :)</span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="color:#000000;"></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="color:#000000;">*T</span></div></span></span>Triest and Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017946381813487846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967567126868023121.post-82228506581321136132010-04-14T19:04:00.000-06:002010-04-14T20:58:16.941-06:00time's a flyin'<div align="left">Holy moly, these past few weeks have FLOWN BY! After a long-awaited arrival, my in-laws flew into Salt Lake on General Conference Sunday. Gabey and I met them at the airport (surprising my mother-in-law), and then joined them in Park City the next day. We didn't plan on staying in Park City, but I-80 ended up being CLOSED that night because 18 stinkin' inches of snow fell. 18 INCHES! It started when I was driving up the canyon to get to Diana's (my MIL's sister), and it didn't stop until later on the next day. Luckily, Diana is a grandma and had a pack'n'play that Gabe could sleep in. It was fun spending the extra time with my extended family, but it was stressful nontheless... I had no idea when I would get outta there! It took Bruce, my father-in-law, an hour to clear a path to my car when I had to leave, but we got off the mountain safely and finally got on the road to head back to Rexburg. Julia, Ross's youngest sister, came with me to help me prepare for the festivities (and to help with Gabe). We were able to get the house cleaned by the time everyone else showed up Wednesday, which was just in time for Ross's senior recital. My mom and Aunt Vilate made a Costco run before heading up to Idaho, which SAVED ME! We ended up having around 30-40 people stay for refreshments after his recital, so I was very happy and VERY grateful to have their help with the food. Thanks Mom and Vilate! As for Ross's recital, he was awesome. He's such a ham (as most of you know), but it made for a very entertaining evening. His voice stayed strong for the whole recital, and he really made me proud. His voice teacher only had good things to say about his performance, and for all of you who know Kris, her compliments mean a lot more than most. She's as professional as they come, so we take what she says to heart. Good job babes! </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">The day after Ross's recital was another big day, as Ross had a few finals and Catherine (my other sister-in-law) had her recital. Ross and I both sang duets with her, so it was another big night filled with more singing, more friends, and more food. She did a great job, and it was fun to have a Jazzy touch to a recital (which are usually more Classical/Romantic/Baroque). Friday was Ross's last day of finals, and Saturday was graduation! We all joined together for Commencement, and then each college met to celebrate the graduates from each of the different colleges (i.e. College of Performing and Visual Arts, College of Business and Communication, etc). I was so proud as Ross walked across that stage! He had a huge smile across his face, as did I. He has worked so hard and music is NOT an easy degree. Okay, so he technically doesn't graduate until December when he finishes student teaching, but he walked because his entire family would be here and it was his final semester of classes. Either way, it was a great day to celebrate! Here are the pics... </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZDJgIWdu2G1JMNgWh3Cyt2cnBtPwxUnqe5lALYBRdxt90oW2rE4ks13Ej_pTPk_k-7ccg6CI2EOyic4ZZjHU28oyMTQErVkmPU3_E_May3JOtLp1amA0CbENo4q1z0grrmxIaKFqTlAl/s1600/164.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460175753507557362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUZDJgIWdu2G1JMNgWh3Cyt2cnBtPwxUnqe5lALYBRdxt90oW2rE4ks13Ej_pTPk_k-7ccg6CI2EOyic4ZZjHU28oyMTQErVkmPU3_E_May3JOtLp1amA0CbENo4q1z0grrmxIaKFqTlAl/s320/164.JPG" /></a>FINALLY! He's got a degree to go along with all that hard work! Good job baby!</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnC5TtIU_Tc9E9PY3jDD8aDsF5dtYZZFvnn67H_-BIGNYwFEdCpm94QHaQFyT5ML9hcXTQwxWEjpD_FwOpTB_2rScvw9MJu7C1ttS4T7yq90rmldH3qozU7t5g54D6rp6-yio7wHIxCrS5/s1600/117.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460175744923503458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnC5TtIU_Tc9E9PY3jDD8aDsF5dtYZZFvnn67H_-BIGNYwFEdCpm94QHaQFyT5ML9hcXTQwxWEjpD_FwOpTB_2rScvw9MJu7C1ttS4T7yq90rmldH3qozU7t5g54D6rp6-yio7wHIxCrS5/s320/117.JPG" /></a> Shaking hands with our friend, President Kim B. Clark.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsn-yydXPAU5NqUJRdER8HQrAMhJAZiNj8P1ofQNAcSLfI8FX441BJWqOg9J296_gQx3Slaw4lWARIfw3lix54M8h840MZcZxgMtkeGaVq-59D4JAdGulHpuwV6iNK4K8fwe0c6vrGFNtI/s1600/128.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460175737148651010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsn-yydXPAU5NqUJRdER8HQrAMhJAZiNj8P1ofQNAcSLfI8FX441BJWqOg9J296_gQx3Slaw4lWARIfw3lix54M8h840MZcZxgMtkeGaVq-59D4JAdGulHpuwV6iNK4K8fwe0c6vrGFNtI/s320/128.JPG" /></a>Ross, Alan, Bro.Linford, Brady, and Katelynd. These people are fantastic and SO talented!</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHdvxLiulb92PVcU72hYIdiu3gcuh_HiA9D4TyRl8w-_f04SHuZaNYG71uWbn1MHI_11peBXE4SxL8pmMrAPM10yC2nvVqTS29n9OMd5MPMwVkUFADBwldTC8he7_xwfanIC_wHCxEs9In/s1600/156.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460175728818163970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHdvxLiulb92PVcU72hYIdiu3gcuh_HiA9D4TyRl8w-_f04SHuZaNYG71uWbn1MHI_11peBXE4SxL8pmMrAPM10yC2nvVqTS29n9OMd5MPMwVkUFADBwldTC8he7_xwfanIC_wHCxEs9In/s320/156.JPG" /></a> Ross and Gabey after the convocation ceremony.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUETLYhxzCMTyrD2Hi-jNFuhkIDb57LdfKEeXiRHDcosCoiPnTLvDZDx0RKnFJ7_Bb6971lE_7giAVoDH9eHl5caVljllRf5uUZVo2OH0ihZO8NrF7HLvy9PQEn4V3updcFaivmBbyIHL/s1600/161.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460166864877331602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUETLYhxzCMTyrD2Hi-jNFuhkIDb57LdfKEeXiRHDcosCoiPnTLvDZDx0RKnFJ7_Bb6971lE_7giAVoDH9eHl5caVljllRf5uUZVo2OH0ihZO8NrF7HLvy9PQEn4V3updcFaivmBbyIHL/s320/161.JPG" /></a>The whole Graham fam (minus Yours Truly... but somebody had to take the picture).<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-HNjoflQRiCVc9Yo4KDsPNtkBrR_oXXh_hrwZMAoOSxexoDMEmt7GSA31FWABaaLPIIZvZ_55H6KBLyTm3uIzYlK6WE7RxjaPcsy1ljpiW9QA9iYyA2pEubgs2kdK50ul6UOMO8a1wjr/s1600/006.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460166837382682674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-HNjoflQRiCVc9Yo4KDsPNtkBrR_oXXh_hrwZMAoOSxexoDMEmt7GSA31FWABaaLPIIZvZ_55H6KBLyTm3uIzYlK6WE7RxjaPcsy1ljpiW9QA9iYyA2pEubgs2kdK50ul6UOMO8a1wjr/s320/006.JPG" /></a>I couldn't help but post this. He's such a goofball!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left">This next set of pictures is from a FFFN (Fun Formal Family Night) we had with some friends of ours. Brady and Chelse Hodgson are some of our best friends here in the 'Burg, and Chelse had the grand idea that we needed to put our wedding dresses to use one more time. We invited some other good friends, Katelynd and Ben Blake, to join us at the local bowling alley for our FFFN. We got some looks from most of the people there, and a few even asked us if we were just married (which was funny because our babies were with us...). It is NOT easy bowling in a wedding dress, lemme tell ya! My petticoat that fluffs it up underneath is in Utah, so it was kinda droopy and really long. Chelse and I had to be creative when it came to the actual throwing of the bowling ball since we didn't want to rip our dresses, but it was still a lot of fun. Ross wore his tails and Brady bought a groovy cream-and-brown tux from D.I. for $4. I don't know what got more looks that night, the dresses or that tux. We took lots of pictures, and we'll have fun memories to look back on when Chelse and Brady are at Florida State. We love you guys!<br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrHU2_Ph8t-nXiHCQAlr38mT68OV52gvkqt426i8W73w8zf186XrWHc0FNDM2Gn1FribxEB9FjA8da3MuU9H5TO0F8uCCxhLyp9HfPvg5VvNLyk4r1XA0ll85jVTQX_ZWvdqXMnQsQ7Qwf/s1600/219.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460166828756524530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrHU2_Ph8t-nXiHCQAlr38mT68OV52gvkqt426i8W73w8zf186XrWHc0FNDM2Gn1FribxEB9FjA8da3MuU9H5TO0F8uCCxhLyp9HfPvg5VvNLyk4r1XA0ll85jVTQX_ZWvdqXMnQsQ7Qwf/s320/219.JPG" /></a> Can't you just tell it's a bowling alley by the gorgeous wall in the background?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Wg0rR8O5C9yf5zGJUir0AWY-Peg0TVw03C3n5ZYJNs-t-LXA5NaWgac0qVpaXUAeWRJ4B_KTNSbiW3fND8s3EWuZK0ofGQPIQAAYUa33zc0GweHLg1l1aH6eyf686iM3Hc7HUtl0qYvv/s1600/216.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460166819804103330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Wg0rR8O5C9yf5zGJUir0AWY-Peg0TVw03C3n5ZYJNs-t-LXA5NaWgac0qVpaXUAeWRJ4B_KTNSbiW3fND8s3EWuZK0ofGQPIQAAYUa33zc0GweHLg1l1aH6eyf686iM3Hc7HUtl0qYvv/s320/216.JPG" /></a> Chelse and I sportin' the wedding dress 'n' bowling shoes look. Very fashion-forward.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbg8PONP3V2Oo5nLtooDkeetiGeHF9KcBYAU1lSfnjn7mddt9vqFm76EeXy5dCA16YcUSex92o8lryFri1SBz12NUNctAXXk0lm0DlR_QlvuipKX7Dcj4Ofjo8Jjp0dO6rA_sBPWYX6kra/s1600/210.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460166815571276754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbg8PONP3V2Oo5nLtooDkeetiGeHF9KcBYAU1lSfnjn7mddt9vqFm76EeXy5dCA16YcUSex92o8lryFri1SBz12NUNctAXXk0lm0DlR_QlvuipKX7Dcj4Ofjo8Jjp0dO6rA_sBPWYX6kra/s320/210.JPG" /></a>And the tux and multi-colored shoes are quite the statement. Look at that form! </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Ross is now out of school and we're packing for our move to Utah on Friday. I wish I had a magic wand or some Mary Poppin magic to get my house in order! Packing is my least favorite past-time, so it's always slow-moving getting things ready to go. I love unpacking though (it's much less A.D.D. for me), so I'm chomping at the bit to settle in down in Alpine! Check back soon for pictures of our new home!</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">*T<br /></div></div><br /></div>Triest and Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017946381813487846noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967567126868023121.post-90129960791402949272010-03-28T22:39:00.000-06:002010-03-29T00:21:24.471-06:00my sweetnessIt's taken me just a few months to figure out how to upload more than 5 pics at a time, but now that I've got the hang of it, ya'll have to suffer through my picture overload:) I LOVE this boy. He has stolen my heart time and time again, and his smile makes my day (as I'm sure you'll understand when you see these pictures). I recently read a blog written by a mom I don't know. Her 3rd son was diagnosed with cancer when he was 6 months old. They noticed that he wouldn't move in certain ways, and he always got fussy during tummy time. They found out that he had a tumor growing on his spine, and it had branched out into the nerves around his vertebrae. During the last weeks of his life, all they could do was make him comfortable. They decided to take him home to spend time together as a family, and he gently passed away in their arms soon after. As I read this mom's blog, I cried. Hard. There are days when I get frustrated with my son, especially as he's teething and going through a "mommy" phase. Yet as this mom talked about her baby boy teaching lessons of love and blessing everyone who knew him, I realized that I need to truly cherish this time I have with my son. Once he hits a certain age, he'll never have another "mommy" phase again. He won't let me squeeze his little cheeks or tickle his chubby legs. I won't be able to hold him as he falls asleep in my arms. These are things that I do every day now, and I don't want to take them for granted. He loves his mommy and daddy, and we love him with everything we've got. He gives the best hugs, he's crawling EVERYWHERE, he's got a goofy personality, and his smile is contagious. See for yourself...<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjbPN4bM4brPsq6YrhCLdXAoBrew25WfL8bTWd-jAmUdEtlO7oc2TbqGy5BqmlbAFzzSkfhRcz-MPSIPBdR1fUEJ_06InSJGkgHIn5ZMiZTziEpDQGRUSUIuTzY5GNU1acDWOYiuAyy74l/s1600/078.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453918866941388066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjbPN4bM4brPsq6YrhCLdXAoBrew25WfL8bTWd-jAmUdEtlO7oc2TbqGy5BqmlbAFzzSkfhRcz-MPSIPBdR1fUEJ_06InSJGkgHIn5ZMiZTziEpDQGRUSUIuTzY5GNU1acDWOYiuAyy74l/s400/078.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnhDY30ogLsN4Tc5pvnKg_jMCGOr0f1d1AtwoP8mUbRbjQU9pMMc74sH2w3cwcW-dAYzR4v333G-LT_3xGObdE2SGzDB_30Vns7urybby_UJp1Bj95Irx1fRH_50zw6kPcbbwhRcDDCkXG/s1600/077.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453918861425036626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnhDY30ogLsN4Tc5pvnKg_jMCGOr0f1d1AtwoP8mUbRbjQU9pMMc74sH2w3cwcW-dAYzR4v333G-LT_3xGObdE2SGzDB_30Vns7urybby_UJp1Bj95Irx1fRH_50zw6kPcbbwhRcDDCkXG/s400/077.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlBeL6lFYeKlmdU2_nuzZ-M_sR-rr6vEirBf-k0mjk_uHygdctQGJfTSDkvpGOKmAooGjmjaEf4BX-DRLhouraByBLv-PSU-Shgu6wuOmklUP_VELQwCpojRU4r02Tqjcw_Y3vAzkJV3dg/s1600/073.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453918850316439218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlBeL6lFYeKlmdU2_nuzZ-M_sR-rr6vEirBf-k0mjk_uHygdctQGJfTSDkvpGOKmAooGjmjaEf4BX-DRLhouraByBLv-PSU-Shgu6wuOmklUP_VELQwCpojRU4r02Tqjcw_Y3vAzkJV3dg/s400/073.JPG" /></a> He seems worried for some reason... I'm not sure why. </div><div align="center"><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiByySFaY4wOPewcNUO01EHJUCqfVlawwsSR0GiXCp6pwEjNGVUALs6t2OtdvA0l1xI6dKSjt8Ehd33AOE9L489pwycU2RyPumzfXfwSlC7SU1q2p2kfJn895RmlAJb34zcQ4XYrzsgzRwR/s1600/065.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453918843911724258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiByySFaY4wOPewcNUO01EHJUCqfVlawwsSR0GiXCp6pwEjNGVUALs6t2OtdvA0l1xI6dKSjt8Ehd33AOE9L489pwycU2RyPumzfXfwSlC7SU1q2p2kfJn895RmlAJb34zcQ4XYrzsgzRwR/s400/065.JPG" /></a> CHUB!<br /><br /><br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTmeh-T5YGL9bEqAaORiZK9NZtndNxa2zZJgL7l2BFaR7vzD1NF4DykBMgNyWVxmFPRB3wM67BOXFHiKkwDz2x8KqUA_DuwxG9hXuGME5gFNHbIeNqBUq4WokkQbi0xS7GCk60KIiUEo_N/s1600/063.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453918835976861378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTmeh-T5YGL9bEqAaORiZK9NZtndNxa2zZJgL7l2BFaR7vzD1NF4DykBMgNyWVxmFPRB3wM67BOXFHiKkwDz2x8KqUA_DuwxG9hXuGME5gFNHbIeNqBUq4WokkQbi0xS7GCk60KIiUEo_N/s400/063.JPG" /></a><em> </em>He puts <em>everything</em> in his mouth.<br /><br /><br /></div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwdRYVVd_8TqgLZL7bATBBo87w-dljVRm9b7ukblFFqpDVkQ-_JmJezdmTqs23moArrDo3aJOpIi-waB1k0yvNkTPwwM4bUXGD4ufpB2VMN1zi8bVOZEcJjcEufnPbTljZWcHN4ciGx7sh/s1600/044.JPG"><em><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453913636187560482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwdRYVVd_8TqgLZL7bATBBo87w-dljVRm9b7ukblFFqpDVkQ-_JmJezdmTqs23moArrDo3aJOpIi-waB1k0yvNkTPwwM4bUXGD4ufpB2VMN1zi8bVOZEcJjcEufnPbTljZWcHN4ciGx7sh/s400/044.JPG" /></em></a><em> </em>This is Mr.Bedhead. I LOVE this face!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCQUV0zwQ5Zaqw6y-uLgYTOardk7KL_0rFtZkPKv4g8_MIdUkuFD-YFKXTzd0uIeqYuS8VjsCs54bRqwdymS7pvkIAcEBGfJR5BFhS7xUqtjnOhfTTdvSEksUMuFkAzmJJ0WMe5Y1KCR7/s1600/040.JPG"><em><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453913627662555298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCQUV0zwQ5Zaqw6y-uLgYTOardk7KL_0rFtZkPKv4g8_MIdUkuFD-YFKXTzd0uIeqYuS8VjsCs54bRqwdymS7pvkIAcEBGfJR5BFhS7xUqtjnOhfTTdvSEksUMuFkAzmJJ0WMe5Y1KCR7/s400/040.JPG" /></em></a><em> </em>Bonding time for Daddy and Gabey.<br /></div><div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQdD6eWGmr6cjkwg6YhIKe-I1mlSJAweW5tueGa9cQ_TYx7qu2DA-vyfUi5X5LGBg4NDZhv8s9nIplGySaqpz6iOAP1YycfczqJdeBRtbP6e4sUQjLTYw4STKS_Rj7Xhyj6Bc4mCCfg956/s1600/013.JPG"><em><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453913619792442722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQdD6eWGmr6cjkwg6YhIKe-I1mlSJAweW5tueGa9cQ_TYx7qu2DA-vyfUi5X5LGBg4NDZhv8s9nIplGySaqpz6iOAP1YycfczqJdeBRtbP6e4sUQjLTYw4STKS_Rj7Xhyj6Bc4mCCfg956/s400/013.JPG" /></em></a> Another face I love.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLisO8b3EasoGStr53zVV29ryLT0A-2VswvoCaeoppbyul9xSp7LSsFV2Opybz6WCei7UxEooGet3WGO8VO2AwOFYs4QQQRNXBk3pb16cD7bIGrAXa5cGe5VodDEBInilSpJbBbbQLVl_/s1600/008.JPG"><em><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453913610092395698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLisO8b3EasoGStr53zVV29ryLT0A-2VswvoCaeoppbyul9xSp7LSsFV2Opybz6WCei7UxEooGet3WGO8VO2AwOFYs4QQQRNXBk3pb16cD7bIGrAXa5cGe5VodDEBInilSpJbBbbQLVl_/s400/008.JPG" /></em></a> Gabey loves chewing on wrappers. Is this normal?<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjukLwXu2ReejZ3fstd3aM8sid1KAUbZtEcuyYBjEvZExmxz4t3Vhz0aRysukFSDgc5D8tmWAAhnbW0dZA5GLlFfHMdou-zZXSfazglHZBXAQ0ARq_B-algyn3TNcwQKxEV2vKfrQHfrIZ/s1600/003.JPG"><em><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453913601593576258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjukLwXu2ReejZ3fstd3aM8sid1KAUbZtEcuyYBjEvZExmxz4t3Vhz0aRysukFSDgc5D8tmWAAhnbW0dZA5GLlFfHMdou-zZXSfazglHZBXAQ0ARq_B-algyn3TNcwQKxEV2vKfrQHfrIZ/s400/003.JPG" /></em></a>I don't even know what this face is, but it's funny! </div><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">I love Gabriel. He gives me purpose in this life and he helps me to be a better person. I don't take him for granted, and I love being his mommy. He is one of the greatest blessings in my life, and I thank Heavenly Father every day that I have a strong, healthy, goofy son. Life is good:)</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">*T </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Triest and Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017946381813487846noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-967567126868023121.post-23454041311223151622010-03-22T22:13:00.000-06:002010-03-22T22:33:42.148-06:00CaboAs you can tell, we're back from Cabo and missing the sunshine. It snowed off and on today here in Rexburg, and the once-visible grass now has a light dusting of the cold white stuff. Thankfully, my skin is holding on to it's sunkissed glow and I'm still feeling my vitamin D boost from the week. Although it got a little chaotic at times with the 3 boys and houseful of people, it was a much needed vacation. Our Idaho winter has been long and cold, and we're REALLY looking forward to springtime! My mom will be making me a picture CD of all the pictures we took during our South of the Border vacay, but here's a little sneak peek for what's to come:<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxWdEmpGI39YnEtezQLTdWxmi8gX2kRiN9rQbOoj6fdo3AkqIXzVvJQz4f3Ogbe2TSR4gAPnoTaFOPC7PMrLRznQg7UBeooCV5xcBlo3CVhQr6Kfkh-jnbbl6KWXneU_KZGNRV8ZhDYWP/s1600-h/IMG_4904_copy_2%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451678021974469874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxWdEmpGI39YnEtezQLTdWxmi8gX2kRiN9rQbOoj6fdo3AkqIXzVvJQz4f3Ogbe2TSR4gAPnoTaFOPC7PMrLRznQg7UBeooCV5xcBlo3CVhQr6Kfkh-jnbbl6KWXneU_KZGNRV8ZhDYWP/s400/IMG_4904_copy_2%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"> This is Gabe's first pool experience. He absolutely LOVED it!</span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZew8ZuAo2hJkJ7cWP2cy8dJrhY1vIuRfljPxtmfXBXB7GQyvE3bUvStxukX5rM4W4os0Sq-wHN7hL7bB31fRr47PxtKfOciyO_J-72kH-r4nA1YystmBOBR6OFxqlFMK1aHkQwtTPm2i/s1600-h/IMG_5205_copy_2%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451678012451050834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZew8ZuAo2hJkJ7cWP2cy8dJrhY1vIuRfljPxtmfXBXB7GQyvE3bUvStxukX5rM4W4os0Sq-wHN7hL7bB31fRr47PxtKfOciyO_J-72kH-r4nA1YystmBOBR6OFxqlFMK1aHkQwtTPm2i/s400/IMG_5205_copy_2%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"> This was our last night at the house, and I was soaking in as much pool time as possible. Gabe even enjoyed the hot tub! </span><br /><p><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></p><p></p><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:100%;">As soon as I get more pictures, I'll post them. Gabe is now an international traveler AND a crawler! He just up and crawled the day before we left, which was a total shock to me. He'd been rolling around like crazy up until the night we got to Utah, and when he was sitting on the carpet and saw something he wanted to play with, he just started crawling! He sometimes forgets that he's mobile and will get upset if I walk away while he's on the floor (which I think has to do in part with his recent separation anxiety), but he sure is fast once he starts moving! We've already moved a lot of our stuff down to Utah, which has helped us with baby-proofing our house until we move next month. Why must babies grow up so fast?! I don't know if I'm ready for this!</span></div><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span><div align="left"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:100%;">*T</span><br /><br /></div></span></div>Triest and Rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02017946381813487846noreply@blogger.com3