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An Imprint on Life

2011-03-03T21:38:00.000-07:00

First off.. who even makes New Years resolutions and actually keeps them?! Lol I guess I dont,

anyhow, here I am again for my "yearly" blog post! :)

Today I was working at our little family company, helping out my dad, when he asked me to take care of some papers that had been sitting on his desk for some time. So I picked up the papers, sat down at my desk and began to work. The first thing I noticed was the dates on these so called "papers that have been there awhile." The dates started from 1976 through 1981 and so on, 1976?!!! "Dad these have been sitting on your desk for years.. before the day I was even born!" I had given him a hard time.. talk about "being there awhile", but as I looked further I noticed the handwriting right away, it was my grandmothers. As I sat there looking at it, studying it with everything in me I began to cry. It was the strangest thing the emotions this so called handwriting was causing and then it hit me... Oh how I miss her handwriting, her hands, her laugh, her smile and everything about her! I wanted her here with me again, to just sit and hold her hand and talk about life. It also hit me, how incredible it was that this little company my family had built from the ground up, was still so successful and had been ran by my grandparents and many relatives before them, for years. As I continued working, I also ran across my uncle Franks handwritten invoices he had ordered and wrote before he passed away. I missed them both so much, they had held these papers time and time again. I found myself putting them up to my chest as to give them a big hug. I closed my eyes and thought how amazing it was to me that just their handwriting alone suddenly made me feel so close to them for a moment. These two people in my life were some of the best I will ever know and I was very close to both of them, being home has made me realize how GREATLY I miss them both. I always will, but today I realized that I appreciate this family company of ours just a little bit more and also our handwriting. I guess you could say it's a small "imprint", a piece of life, that you get to leave behind when you go.

Ahhh, its a New Year!

2011-01-05T01:16:00.003-07:00

I made one New Years Resolution this year and it was to blog. I'll start tomorrow.. ;)

Twinkle Twinkle my lil star!

2010-10-26T11:22:00.006-06:00

Ok I know, its been FOREVER since I've posted about all our exciting adventures over the past few months.. we've had so much going on- moved, new home, new town, we both started school and basically rearranged our whole life. Consequently, Ive been so busy I haven't got a second to blog about any of it, heck I havent even got a chance to watch, literally, ONE episode of my favorite TV shows- Greys, Office, Modern Family, Amazin Race.. the list goes on. The only thing I have time for these days regarding a TV is Monsters or Shrek, other than that, Im busy studying and playing mom so theres barely any time to jump on to my computer. Im going to do better though, so in the meantime, here's just a small post of some videos I have to share because my baby is no longer a baby.... shes talking and as smart as can be, she's turning in to my lil' "BF"! She really likes to copy mama right now as well, for instance, yesterday, I found her running from our living room to our kitchen while shouting "oh shoot" as she picked up a bowl from the table and pretended to stir it like crazy with a fork.. Ya, she's just re-inacting mama a couple hours earlier, when I had realized I left the Alfredo sauce burning on the oven burner for almost an hour as we were playing in the living room, I jumped up and ran in to the kitchen while shouting "oh shoot!" as I was rescuing the tasty Alfredo sauce awaiting our dinner that night. But even more, her favorite thing now is when shes being naughty and I say "L, I'm gonna count to 3"... rather, before I can even begin to count, she starts counting it for me and says "1,2,3" then points her finger at me sternly and says, "time out wight now mama!" She's also caught on to being really cute at 1am after she comes running across the kitchen floor to crawl in to bed with me... she knows if shes absolutely adorable at that hour, mama will let her stay up and/or in bed with her all night. So thats our story these days.. shes putting mama in time out, trying to do her own hair and learning how to work me over to get whatever she wants and I think that's how you know your baby is no longer a baby!

"L" singing Twinkle Twinkle lil Star

I found her "washing" and trying to do her own hair...

you ARE my sunshine baby girl!

and such is the story of my life...

2010-08-05T12:22:00.000-06:00

Just as I make up my mind to officially move home & go back to school to get my masters, break it to the baby daddy & call my landlords, I get an email from a company actually seeking me out! So I thought why not? I'll go in & interview, see what they have to say. So I did.. & to make a long story short, an hour after I left they called me to come back tomorrow to meet the CEO of the company. So I did again... & same story about an hour after I left they had emailed me an offer! Well now back to square one on the life changing decision I've been tryin to make for the past month. After some deep thinking, a long list of pros and cons, & friendly advice, I realized that the list was pretty much even across the board except one little thing..... my daughter. All the pros for her consisted of Monticello, family, more time spent w/mom, playing with cousins, aunts, uncles & pa and nana of course! I know she would be so happy down there, my question was... would I? Regardless I felt that my happiness didn't matter that much comparatively speaking to hers, she IS and always will be most important in my life. So I emailed them back, denying their offer. Now, its just a matter of days before the big move & I am actually excited about it, I have big plans for that little town.. & am sure to cause some chaos with all the visitors Im expecting! lol. But once again, just like clock work, I recieved another email from this company asking me what amount would "entice" me to change my mind & stay? Man, they really want me at this point, which I dont blame them because of the things I can offer their 3 different companies they want me over. So, back to square one.. ugh. really? Ok ending result, I shot for the moon & decided if they give it to me I cannot pass it up or the money, could change mine & Londons life.. At the same time, if they deny it then I feel thats finally my answer & Im back to stickin with the "plan" & moving forward & outta here! If Im being honest, I really do want outta here, my friends & I say this all the time, "utah county is not real life." All the men are mostly the same, the girls .. same competitive crazyness for any guys attention, etc. Theres just way too many single mormons in this town if u ask me... lol but it was still my home for the past 10 years so it will be a lil bittersweet for me. I love my friends up here & will miss them very much, & of course, I am finally meeting a few guys who are really great & I m exicted about.. one of them I've seen atleast 3 times this week & its only Wed! He says we'll "take turns" traveling to see each other though.. so that could keep it interesting! :) Ahhh, doesn't life always seems to work this way, but its time for a change of life for London and I. So I've left it up to fate at this point... and now just waiting to see what fate has in store for me! Hopefully I find out today, since I need to start packin! In the meantime this is where London & I like to go when we need a good dose of nature to help us ponder our life decisions, so we spent Sunday up at Cascade Springs...

Wearin' your bells & whistles!

2010-07-27T03:30:00.005-06:00

This past weekend was the "big" 24th of July celebration in my hometown, Monticello. So I packed up & headed down south for the weekend. To explain a little about being from a small town... here's the deal, everyone talks.. everyone looks or watches.. & everyone loves a good rumor! Moving on.. I had promised my BF, Kenneth, that I would come & make an appearance for the 24th with him. He had exclaimed lets show up, "wearin' our bells & whistles!" We love to give them something to talk about, so most often, we dress to the hilt just to "drag main" or whatever other small town events we may be going to.. Lol. If you know me at all, you know, Im never on time, always fashionably late whether I want to be or not, so as always, pulling in to town late, I was throwin on my clothes & make up in the car when my mom looks over at me & says "you're wearing that?!" I reply, "of course I am... you dont like it?" She says, "well everyone will be watching you thats for sure" in her more serious voice. I laughed & said, mom you need to lighten up a bit, youre getting so serious in your old age! ;) We need to laugh & have fun, who cares if we're a bit late, not a big deal & who cares what people think about my outfit, Im not worried about it, so neither should you.." Well just you know, I got that statement from her about 4 more times throughout the weekend.. "your wearing that?!" My response, "I promised Kenneth I'd show up with my bells & whistles on.. & these high heels are my bells!"

I found it quite entertaining, but more seriously just as I explained to my mother.. I realized when it was I began to "not care" what people thought, assumed or said about me, started the day I moved out of my house & temple marriage a few years back. Then more so after I got pregnant with my daughter London & my boyfriend wanted nothing to do with us or marriage any longer. Then a bit more after I started dating a man, many thought was a bad choice given his circumstance, past & "red flags" .. well I wanted to make my own call after getting to know him rather. Then a lil more after I lost my job, my break up & struggles in life had fallen apart all at the same time. I have realized it doesn't matter what people say or think about you honestly. The trick is .. remembering this during those hard times. If you are happy with yourself & who you are & the ones you love, the rest.. doesn't really matter. Going through struggles the past couple years, I've heard many different things being said or assumed & I can't think of one that was really accurate or true. Reality is, most have no clue what they're actually talking about, therefore you cant let it affect or change who you are or feel everyday. I guess I grew a hard, somewhat stubborn skin through my trials over the past few years. Im ok with that because I realized if Im giving life my best right now, today, regardless of mistakes or loss in the past & am happy with who I am, how I look, dress or am living then that's what truly matters. I feel Im a good person with a big heart.. which sometimes gets me in to trouble & often makes me care more than I should or sometimes makes me feel its impossible to let go until I've made things right, but mostly it represents who I am. I am completely ok with who I am & even who Im not. There will always be people making assumptions about you or your choices & what they think youre doing, but that doesn't matter cause more likely than not, they dont really know. We can't live our lives letting others opinions of us bring us down. I believe if you stop watching, assuming or making judgements on others & rather start listening & actually "hearing" what they may or may not be saying, you might understand them better. Lets be better people & stop assuming things about others, stop listening to things being said or making our own judgments. If you really care about someone & the way they may or may not be living their lives, talk to them. Show them that you "care", believe what it is they are saying & if you dont, then pretend to & be thoughtful & supportive regardless. Be more empathetic & observant to friends, family or even strangers. Its not our place to judge or make calls on someones life, & most importantly, keep smiling & dont let it stress or bring you down. What others believe or think, is not important, whats important is YOU & what you feel & know about yourself. Ive learned this the hard way, but always seems the minute I stop letting other people affect me, the happier I am. Like I said to my mom, lets stop being so serious all the time & laugh together more, dont let the lil things bother or discourage you. Our time here is priceless, so enjoy the ones you love, the moments you share & even the heartache without the added worry of others opinions or expectations of you. No one is perfect, but everyone IS important. Dont be the person adding to someone else's pain or problem, be better, even silent at times & learn more by not only listening, but actually "hearing."
That bein' said, I'll share some less serious stuff & the fun I had this weekend. By the end of my trip, my mom was even making more of an effort to not worry so much about others opinions & the things we can't control... she was actually laughing & joking right along side Kenneth & I !

The Touch of Good Music

2010-06-23T01:20:00.008-06:00

I don't know about anyone else, but I LOVE music. It heals me  in some way, defines me & always makes me happy. I can't be  driving in the car without my ipod  turned up full blast & even  better, London is the same way. Oh boy, is she upset if she's in the car  with no music playing in the background. But that started way back in  the womb... the very first time I ever felt her kick was when I was  driving in my car with my music turned up too loud & singing out  of tune. There it was.. kick kick & from that moment on that's  the only time I could get her moving, was to the music! Like mother like  daughter they say.. Anyhow, Im always looking for  new artists,  downloading songs & "shazamming" away on my iphone no  matter  where Im at. I love all types of music & if u get me started  talking about my favorites, next thing you know you'll have a full  playlist copied on to a cd for you to take with you as you go.  Lol, ask  any man who's been over in the past month?! Regardless, I'm pretty sure  they've all left happy about it!  One of my all time favorites is  Brandi Carlile. She's  amazing, I love all her stuff and she's always  the first one playing in my  car and the first one to start off London  and I's day... we turn up the music and  dance away in the  kitchen as we're making breakfast. This is a ritual  for us, something  to get us up and dancin with a smile on our faces to begin the day. Also I get to see Brandi in concert July 11th, I'm stoked and can barely wait  to hear her live!  Another one of my most recent favs is Greg Laswell. His music is awesome, but one song in particular I have been playing over  & over. It is called "It Comes & Goes in Waves."  I love  this song for a number of reasons, mainly because its true, life  does come and go in waves as does love.  Another reason, I adore  this song, is because it touches or speaks to  everyone differently. There is something for  everyone to take,  for instance, to me, this song represents a number  things.. mainly heartbreak and loss or what it feels like to be  lonely in some way. Now let me tell you the great part to this song...   it also represents love and hope. A hope for something better. someone  better, and a hope and comfort in knowing that you are not alone, ever.   Someone is always thinking about you in some way.  Remember  no matter how hard life may seem at times, there is always hope and  love and others who are there too. Dont give up on love and the hope for  better, dont become bitter & tainted, we all go through hard  things, we all have trials and heartbreaks, but at the end of the day,  we're all still here helping one another through and becoming better  people because of it. So enjoy the lyrics  below & before long it'll be  one of ur favs too!  I'll end by saying, I hope all is well in the  world tonight! Enjoy xo.

"It Comes & Goes in Waves" by Greg Laswell:

This one's for the lonely
The ones that seek and find
Only to be  let down
Time after time
 
This one's for the torn down
The  experts at the fall
Come on friends get up now
You're not alone at  all

 And this part was for her
 This part was for her
 This  part was for her
 Does she remember?
 
It comes and goes in  waves, i....

This one's for the faithless
The ones that are  surprised
They are only where they are now
Regardless of their  fight

This one's for believing
If only for it's sake
Come  on friends get up now
Love is to be made

And this part was for  him

This part was for him
This part was for him

Does he  remember?

It comes and goes in waves,
I am only led to wonder  why
It comes and goes in waves
I am only led to wonder why
Why I  try

This is for the ones who stand
For the ones who try again
For  the ones who need a hand
For the ones who think they can

It  comes and goes in waves,
I am only led to wonder why
It comes and  goes in waves
I am only led to wonder why
while I try

More of "The Crazy Life," starring Kim & London..

2010-06-15T01:20:00.007-06:00

Gosh, I really need to be better at this blogging stuff! But it seems in our crazy life, I can't keep up with it and many of you are probably thinking.. busy? ur unemployed?! haha but the truth is I seem to be busier than I've ever been, running around trying to keep up with my little toddler. She is no longer a baby.. its sad and fun all at the same time! We have so much to share recently, our trip to Vancouver, BC, Londons surgery, a recent purchase and our new future plans, but tonight I only have a few moments, so I'll just share a few pics and pieces of our recent adventures in "The crazy life of Kim and London!"

I took London to the zoo the day before her surgery to help with "the pain".. and when I say pain, I mean mama's pain of course! This is her & her cousin Cache sharing the bench

London loved the monkeys.. and they are secretly my favorite too

Riding the choo choo train! Doesn't she have the best smile?!

Hangin w/the elephant that blows water all over & makes some loud sound London was petrified of..

This is how Ness found us, after she lost us.. oh just hangin out being silly in our elephant hats.

Camping out in our living room in "L's" new princess tent. Yes, we've done this atleast 3 times since!

And of course.. getting to the swimming pool as much as we can!

My baby is no longer a baby.. her new bed..

This is what I did while London was gone to CA with her dad for a week, "redid" her bedroom & she LOVED it. "cuuutttee mama cute.." all she could say when she first saw it, it was adorable to say the least.

London reading her book on her new bed, she is obsessed with it & all the owls mama "whoo whoot" she says. Cant believe how big she is getting!

"Smile"

2010-04-26T03:34:00.004-06:00

I started out my day on the rd driving, feeling so content & happy. I rolled the window down & let the wind blow through my fingers as I sang at the top of my lungs (something I only do when I'm alone, I can't carry a tune!) I had a new direction, a new goal & I was excited! I looked in my rear view mirror at my beautiful daughter sleeping peacefully & I smiled. As I drove on, a thought kept coming to my mind... always "smile". It hit me so strongly- no matter the situation, how sad, disappointed or mad I might be, whether at her or someone & something else in life, it was important to always end with a smile for her to see. And right then & there in my car, I dedicated myself- when she wakes up or goes to sleep, I will be there smiling, when one of us walks through or out the door I will smile, when she trys my patience or makes a wrong decision, yes I will be upset (not claiming to be mary poppins here) but I will make sure the end result is a smile, with all the love in the world. I realized it doesn't matter how mad I may be, why, what or how hard... I want her to remember, regardless, her mother still smiled. Lets face it, its a hard world these days, our kids need to know they are loved & the one thing that makes us smile everyday. They need to feel they matter & make the world a better place. Smile to show them our strength. Smile so they always know someone loves them no matter what, when or where! As they say, a smile can go a long way, even coming from a stranger when your having a bad day, it makes a difference. I decided today to teach my children its important to smile even when they dont feel like it, by showing them. One day, I want London to remember her mothers smile & know how happy she made me, no matter what life threw at us.
I wish the ending to this story was as bright as it began, but unfortunatley after I arrived home, unpacked & put London to bed, I opened up my laptop & received this email. My heart instantly broke & the tears started to fall as sadness came over me. I can't even begin to imagine what my friend & mother to this beautiful little boy, must be feeling & I found myself saying a prayer. As I said amen, the feeling came over me again & I remembered Bek's smile. He was always, always smiling & no matter how bad a day I was having, whenever Chelsea brought him in to the office, I couldn't help but just smile & light up around him. I believe he taught & inspired me today. Bek's smile & glow touched my heart & is the one thing I remember most. He truly touched everyone around him with his "smile."

Beck J Rippy

2007 - 2010

In memory of Beckster, the sweetest soul we've known.

OBITUARY
Beck Rippy was born on November 12, 2007 to Tyler and Chelsea Rippy of American Fork, Utah. He rejoined his Heavenly Father on April 23, 2010, due to complications with pneumonia.

Beck was, in every sense of the word, a blessing. The perpetual light he carried with him could find its way into even the hardest of hearts. Despite a few developmental challenges, this small boy was able to communicate the love and courage his soul contained.

Beck's happiness, his playful spirit, his angelic countenance, and his teasing smile were contagious to every person who came in contact with him. To see his face would be to look into something greater than all of us-- a peek into heaven.

Beck is survived by his proud parents, his adoring brother Evan (9) and his doting sister Kate (7). He is also survived by his grandparents Jim and Sue Rippy and Randy and Kerry Stenson. His great-grandparents, his many aunts, uncles, and cousins will greatly miss him, and will forever be affected by the short but powerful role Beck played in their lives. We love our Beckster.

Funeral services for Beck will be held Tuesday, April 27, 2010 at 11:00 am at the Hillcrest 2nd LDS Ward Chapel located at 1120 North 150 West, American Fork, Utah. Family and friends may call Monday evening from 6-8 pm at the Hillcrest 2nd Ward Chapel and also on Tuesday morning from 10:00 to 10:45 am prior to services. Funeral Directors - Warenski Funeral Home.

Another past funny favorite titled, my sweet barf baby!

2010-03-29T11:17:00.000-06:00

A lil' look back at London & some of my all time fav videos- this ones titled I hate that Binki!

2010-03-29T10:29:00.000-06:00

This describes my week perfectly...

2010-03-28T21:00:00.001-06:00

I started out the morning pretty normal with giving London her daily bath etc.. but I had let her walk around in the living room strutting her bare bum & all for around two minutes or so before getting her dressed. Nothing too suspicious or out of the ordinary happened and we went about our day. Then later, I kept smelling poop so I decided to retrace her steps from earlier, just in case. Nothing was found... well that afternoon as she was napping, I decided to clean up my closet and this is what I found...

I thought... that lil' stinker!! Literally.

The moral of the story is:

No matter how "crappy" your week is, all you can do is laugh it off and keep on smiling!

Cause lets be honest, we all know it's usually out of our control anyway. I'm just secretly hoping this week isn't as full of as many suprises as last week! :)

Boy am I glad this weeks over!

2010-03-26T12:48:00.000-06:00

Ok so this is our latest week of adventures..

London came home looking like this after a few hours with her dad at Chuckie Cheese! Black eye, swollen bleeding forhead and possibly a good scar now to prove it. :( It was honestly the saddest thing I've witnessed yet in her short life .. and now I get it. How sad it is as a parent to see your kids hurt or hurting! I thought .. gosh how did my parents survive us growing up? haha I dont think I will do very well seeing her hurt or sick or heaven forbid anything bad should ever happen to my baby! I m pretty sure it hurt momma just as bad if not more than her.. lol. But there is a happy ending to this sad story and through it all she is a lil trooper, happy and smiling now! I gave her a big cookie and as you can see below I think it cured the bumps and bruises from Chuckie freakin Cheese!

After the cookie with a big smile! :) just like her momma.. nothin like yummy sugar obsessions to make you feel better!

Of course the next day we just had to go out and buy her the cutest pink fourwheeler for all of our upcoming easter and summer festivities. She loves it and to say the least, that makes mom happy, nothin like seeing your child smile and laugh to cure any bad day!

A day in the sun!

2010-03-15T22:23:00.000-06:00

Okay so I've officially decided.. I post more pics of my daughter than anyone I know.. facebook, blog etc. So Im sorry people maybe Im a lil obsessed but I just can't help it, she's my first and only and is getting more adorable everyday, do you blame me?!
We went to Moab this weekend and had a blast, even got sunburnt! How great is that? I am so ready to go camping I can taste it. Bring on the summer already, I mean honestly I am so tired of winter at this point. I need a lil sunshine in my life besides London everyday ;) I can hardly wait for this summer, its going to be a fun one.. camping, fourwheeling, jeeping, fishing, hiking, lake powell, swimming and some vacations.. possibly even to British Columbia! I CANNOT wait. So lets do it already Mother Nature, bring it on! Here's a few of London loving life outside.. this is a first for her you know.. let the exploring begin!

Need I say anymore? I mean really....

2010-03-11T22:49:00.000-07:00

"Uh, ya mom I'm that cute!"

"I'm soo big"

"my funny face"

"cheese!"

"eyeeee..."

"I love to hear myself scream sometimes.. its ok & perfectly normal momma!"

This is why I adore Audrey Hepburn...

2010-03-09T23:16:00.000-07:00

If I could be one icon from back in the day, it would be Audrey Hepburn, matter of fact, I even wanted to name London Audrey.. but no one else seemed to love the name as much I did... I still may some day if I ever have another daughter! I think it & she is beautiful, classy & elegant in a whole new class all her own. Plus she loved her yorkie as much as I did mine! Thought I'd share a few of my favorite "Audrey quotes"

“For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.”

“I was born with an enormous need for affection, and a terrible need to give it.”

I love people who make me laugh. I honestly think it's the thing I like most, to laugh. It cures a multitude of ills. It's probably the most important thing in a person.

“You can always tell what kind of a person a man really thinks you are by the earrings he gives you”

“Your heart just breaks, that's all. But you can't judge, or point fingers. You just have to be lucky enough to find someone who appreciates you.”

Pick the day. Enjoy it - to the hilt. The day as it comes. People as they come... The past, I think, has helped me appreciate the present - and I don't want to spoil any of it by fretting about the future.

“The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.”

London & Mama Time..

2010-03-07T14:35:00.000-07:00

I had to post these because A) London is the biggest tease around, for those of you who dont believe it which is so funny at her age.. B) She's getting so big so fast I can hardly believe it! C) she just learned her name, when asked she replies "L?!" and of course D) could she get any cuter?! All in all, we had a really fun time rolling around on my floor while she tried to sit on my face... she was too funny and very determined to pin me down on the ground! Hope you get a good laugh out of her like I did!

That a girl Marilyn Monroe!

2010-03-07T14:23:00.000-07:00

I really like this quote I think its true in life and sometimes we just need a reminder that everything happens for a reason, you learn the most from hard times and your mistakes and in the end, eventually .... one day, IT WILL WORK OUT just as it is supposed to. Always does and I think she's right, the only person you can rely on and trust is yourself at the end of the day, because no matter how hard you try or what you do you can't ever control anyone or anything but yourself. You are your own best friend, you create your life and your destiny.

A Tribute To My "Harley Mar": January 8, 2004 - February 06, 2010.

2010-02-16T22:42:00.000-07:00

Tonight I have to pay tribute to a very important little guy in my life. If any of you know me.. you know that there was at one time, before little London came along, another great love in my life. Harley Marley. Yes, he was my dog.. but that didn't stop me from treating him like my baby boy! Ohh how I loved him from the moment I met him. One of the happiest days ever! My ex husband, Dave, after only a few weeks of dating, had surprised me with him at work one day. I had told Dave, on one of our first dates, that when I was having a bad day I would go to the pet store because the puppies made me happy & they never failed to brighten my day. I had wanted a yorkie for as long as I could remember & that is how the story of Harley begins.. One morning I received a mysterious card that was delivered to my office, which read "it doesn't happen very often, but every once in awhile you meet a person who never deserves to be sad in life & always deserves to smile. That person is you. Hope he will always brighten your days.." along with the card, was a tiny dog bone. I remember jumping up as quick as I could & ran to the front desk & there he was.. this tiny little ball of fur with great big brown eyes & a tiny green bow tied in his hair.. need I say more?! It was love at first sight, & Dave was right, from that day forward, Harley always brightened my day. You see, he was not just any yorkie, Harley loved everyone.. especially kids.. & smart, he understood everything you said to him. One of my favorite things Har would do, every time I would reach for my purse or any bag for that matter, he would jump right in or hang on to it for dear life as you were walking out the door. He even understood & loved his car seat, he'd jump right in & sit there happy as could be. (yes, he had a car seat..) But probably my favorite quality, it never failed, he was always happy to see you walk through the door. If only everyone greeted us as happy as a dog! Harley really was like a little person, maybe cause I always treated him that way, who knows, but he understood everything you were saying, & you better believe, he had more clothes than any dog on the block! I have to share one of my cutest memories of Harley. Like I said, he really "got it," & one day I was packing my suitcase to head down south, well Harley sat right in the middle of the suitcase watching everything I did, he was NOT getting left out on this trip. Lol.. anyways I had left the room for a bit & when I came back in I saw him digging around in there with his nose, sniffing or burying something inside... well I didn't think too much of it at the time, packed up the car & left. When we finally arrived at our destination while I was unpacking, sure enough, buried in the bottom of my suitcase under all my clothes, was Harley's FAVORITE BONE! Lol, he knew we were leaving town & he sure as heck was not gonna leave his bone behind! Can't say I blame him, not really fair we get to pack all the neccessities we need on a trip, he should too, right?! Just the thought of him makes me smile, he was the best. Harley was always there, by my side, helping me smile through any challenge that I faced for the coming years, he never let me down. I can honestly say that lil dog, literally saved me during a really hard time in my marriage & getting me through my divorce. I wouldn't have survived it without him, by my side, sleeping next to me every night & letting me cry on his shoulder.. literally lol. He would lick up all my tears & bring my smile back again as fast as he could. And then again, during a very lonely time in life while I was pregnant with London, as always, there was Harley & I laying on my bed together, but instead of by my side this time, he would lay right on top of my belly, no where else. So you see.. he was more than "just a dog" to me. He was my lil' Angel & that is how I will always remember him.

I have to thank Jason & Strawberri for taking him in for me, after London was born & I wasn't allowed pets in our new apartment. They loved him & he loved them so much! I think he was possibly even happier with them than with me, cause of all the love & attention he received daily from their family. I know its safe to say, that they know & feel exactly what I'm talking about when I say Harley wasn't just any dog & we were all very fortunate to have him in our lives as long as we did. So here is in remembrance to Harley Marley.

We love you "Har" & you will be missed & loved forever!

Harley laying on my preg belly..

I have to end my post with this song I heard the day he passed away & thought of Harley. I know this is the song he'd play for all of us if he could! :)

"Think of me" by Rosi Golan:

When you hear it but you just don't listen
When you're looking but you just don't see
When you're thinking there's no rhyme or reason
Think of me

When you're getting to the end of a hard day
And you're thinking it's a long way home
When you're thinking that you're just plain crazy
Because you're on your own
Think of me

I will find you, I promise
I will make you believe, oh
That I'm in this crazy love for the long haul
So think of me
Think of me

When you're laying on my favorite pillow
All you want to do is fall asleep
When you're gazing out the bedroom window
Please think of me
Think of me

When you're driving down an empty highway
You're surrounded by the sky and sea
When you're seeing such a thing of beauty
Do you think of me?
Think of me

I will find you, I promise
I will make you believe, oh
That I'm in this crazy love for the long haul
So think of me
Think of me

'Cause if I make you a promise
That's a promise that I'll keep
And I'm in this crazy love for the long haul
So think of me
Think of me

And I'll be home soon
I'll be home soon
I'll be home soon
Home to you
'Cause if I make you a promise
That's a promise that I'll keep
So think of me
Think of me.

We will continue to think of you & the joy you brought to all of our lives. Love you Harley!

I believe this to be true...

2009-11-09T00:29:00.000-07:00

"You come to love not by finding the perfect person, but by seeing an imperfect person perfectly."

And isn't this statement so true when it comes to the way we love our children? We think they are the most precious, perfect lil people and we love them more than anything. Maybe we should learn to love the "other important people" in our lives with that same vision... just a thought. And a cute pic of my perfect puppy, whom I do love more than anything in this world. :)

Everything happens for a reason...

2009-10-11T19:00:00.000-06:00

As I was sitting in church today.. I realized I haven't posted for awhile on my blog, so I thought I'd take a moment tonight and post some recent thoughts and feelings. I wish I could start by saying the last few months have been extremely happy and easy but unfortunately, that's not the complete truth.. they have actually been a bit difficult and a major trial for me in my life. Some things that I loved and that were once "constants" for me, changed without warning and out of my control. Sometimes I think there is no worse feeling than your whole life changing all around you and there's nothing you can do to stop it! All you can do at that point is hold on and hope for the best! So here I am doing just that. I realized something this week.. that no matter how tightly you hold on to a hand that you think will make you happy, sometimes you have to let it go in order to find the happiness you've been looking for and deserve! I have lost my job of four years and someone I thought I loved very much this month, and like I said, it was all out of my control. I was counting on these things in my life to make me happy and be here for good. I couldn't have done anything to change those things, and if I could have, I probably would have, but sometimes you dont have that choice, its not your decision to make. But the one thing you can control is yourself and how you will react to the situation placed before you. Gosh, if anything in my life, I have learned that! There is one thing I know right now, I may not have a job, I may not have a man to share my life with anymore, but I do have the most amazing little girl that I get to spend everyday with and am so lucky to be her mom! I also have an amazing family and amazing friends. No one is as fortunate as me in that department, and just when you need them, they always seem to surface! For instance, tonight I received a suprise phone call from a long lost friend who I haven't spoken to in forever. . and it oddly enough it was exactly what I needed. He said all the right things I needed to hear, and reminded me of what I deserve, have to offer and to look forward to! He gave me the strength I was needing to find in that moment. It seems that God always knows what and who we need, when we need them.. and besides that, its always nice to have a little reminder that brings a big smile to your face! So my point is this, no matter what it is we have or are facing in life, we always have many around us loving and supporting and soo much to be happy and thankful for! I know I do. These are the things that help us all at the end of a long hard day, or month or year or whatever it may be. Life is uncertain and people are going to disappoint you, but all you can do is move forward looking at the bright side, learning from your mistakes and experiences and do the things you can do now to work towards the things you want to be happy in the future. Stop focusing on the negative, so you can see the positives standing right before you! One of my all time favorite quotes is "REJECTION IS OF THE LORD'S PROTECTION." Silly I know, but I can't tell you how many times in my life this has proven to be true.. and when the storms come pooring down, I remember these words and find comfort in knowing this. Everything happens for a reason and I truly believe what's meant to be.. will. We will all get our happy ending one day, whether thats today, tomorrow or whenever it may be, it will happen! Remember what you deserve and be confident and strong in who you are and where you're going and for anyone or thing in your life, that don't see it or the things you have to offer, that will be their misfortune. In the meantime, smile and be happy with the people who do and are in your life now and be thankful for what you have today. :)

2009-08-19T22:33:00.001-06:00

When we risk, we often feel good- more fulfilled than when we don't. Take a leap into the unknown today. U may just find yourself!

oh and by the way.. being a mom is the greatest joy there is.

London in the drivers seat, literally!

2009-07-29T16:43:00.000-06:00

What a fun weekend we had in Cello for the 24th! Here's a few pics of London in the drivers seat playin around! I forgot how much fun I have getting out my nice camera and practicing my photography!

Here's a few of her in the moment.. I love these pics because they show so much of her personality! ahh, my baby is getting so big, she cracks me up here!

These are the Moments.

2009-07-20T22:47:00.001-06:00

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. "

“Life gives us brief moments with another...but sometimes in those brief moment we get memories that last a life time...”

“Kiss your life. Accept it, just as it is. Today. Now. So that those moments of happiness you're waiting for don't pass you b y.”

Here are some of my favorite "moments" of the summer thus far....

ahh boating with Aunt Shellee! London's first boat ride...what a great moment.

playin with London while watching Dave play baseball, does it get any better? perfect moment.

Swimmin in Idaho without our suits! London's first diaper swim! fun moment.

takin' London to the pool, this was her first time... lovin the moment.

Her first fly fishin trip in colorado! amazing outdoor moment.

Four wheelin' in CO with my sis! always the funnest moments.

London was soo tired she fell over sitting down and was out cold, a completey priceless moment. haha.

Four wheelin' with my BF! crazy and a very fun moment.

Hangin with Dave and his kids at Bear world, so much fun, these are "the" moments.

Posing with Lily, after a game of mini golf, love that girl moment!

London's first Rodeo with mama Kay! what a great moment.

The "uncle dad" swimmin with London in the lake, what an adorable moment.

Ahhh, Moab car show and hikin the arches, the co river... an unforgettable moment.

Boatin with London, perfect moment.

Hangin with my boy, what a great moment in idaho.

Jackson hole with Dave, kids and London, so much fun, this was a moose moment.

London's first Lagoon trip with the fam! Fun Fun moments!

Her first ride, classic moment at lagoon!

Hangin with NaNa.. love those moments the most!

Hangin at the pool, London had to have some mommy cuddle time.. always my very favorite moments.

Concert time with Dave... caught in the moment.

Good times with good friends, I adore all these moments with my Girlfriends.

Her and I, again my favorite moments.

Just lovin time spent with my daughter.. these moments are truly priceless.

tribute to my boy!

2009-06-23T12:15:00.000-06:00

when i think of Dave, these are the words that describe him. thank you for making me so happy baby.

I thought this was a cool little site! you can make your own about someone or something you love at http://www.wordle.net/.

It's official....

2009-06-17T14:05:00.000-06:00

I found my logo today online... ha.

London Claps for Food!

2009-06-10T22:57:00.000-06:00

My baby girl is getting so big! She is now clapping, which I have been working on for awhile now, but it hasn't happened until today when she discovered clapping will get her more of her favorite "puffs!" So here she is.. clapping for food, isn't she adorable?! Enjoy.

2009-06-10T17:01:00.001-06:00

Well its official. My biggest vice is on its way out the door! Here's the deal. I HEART DIET COKE more than most things in this life, besides my daughter and all of the rest of you of course.. but back to my other passion.. its the one thing that wakes me up in the morning and keeps me going and calms me down on a stressful day! Well that wonderful refreshing habit is out the door! I am a very determined person and have "bet" if you will, my one and only, that I would not drink the big DC until Sept 1. wow! Here's the deal, No DC.. equals $1000 vacate and avoids the embarrassment of me having to wear teva's for two months! If you know me at all, you'll know teva's in and of itself motivated me to NEVER lose. So Mr. Dave .. here's to you and the very sad riddance of my DIET COKE passion! So I'm saying good bye to one of my favorites thing in this world.. DC you will be MISSED.... but dont worry, I'll see you again soon, just this time on an Island in Hawaii! :)

Mom, I hate that BINKI!

2009-06-08T16:44:00.000-06:00

Bringing my hopes "UP!"

2009-06-04T14:14:00.000-06:00

Krista and I went to the Disney movie UP last night and can I just say... adorable! We fell in love with it. It's about an old man who is trying to fulfill his wife's childhood dream.. and

Ok.. yes... we were crying in the first five mintues of the movie.. mind you , its a cartoon... and then again and again through out! I literally teared "UP" four different times. It reminded me of my grandma and grandpa. I know my grandpa loved my grandma like this. I want that... I want a love like Carl and Ellie... I want someone to grow old with. It truly was a great movie and one that should bring all our hopes "UP" in finding true love in this life. And for those of you who have found that person already, I hope you love them like Carl loves Ellie.

dreaming of a trailer

2009-06-02T12:08:00.000-06:00

So lately, I've had an "itch" to go camping, which of course means, I would need to buy a trailer, so I can easily load up London and take her along with me.... and possibly even 3 other little ones I've been wanting to get to know a bit better as well!

Anyhow.. I'm thinking this is the one I want.. can't you just see me now?!

Easter Weekend!

2009-04-16T10:23:00.000-06:00

London's first easter! We had a blast.. we decided to take the long trip home to Monticello for the weekend for a little easter egg hunt in Moab and good times with the family! We had a great time although the weather was FREEZIN, to say the least! But Moab turned out nice on Saturday for the most part and we were able to take in some sight seeing at Potatoe Salad with the all the jeeps, play a little football with the boys, a little golfing and an easter egg hunt at the park! London had a great time, she just wanted to eat the eggs or suck on them the whole time.. haha too cute. Here's a few photos from our fun filled easter weekend!

Catch up real quick!

2009-04-15T16:52:00.001-06:00

Okay Okay, I officially suck at this blogging on my own site.. I get it! I have been in charge of Shade's new blog h ttp://blog.shadeclothing.com/ so it has been taking away from my time here on my own! I apologize, but good things have been happening in mine and London's life. We are happy and healthy and that s all that really matters, right?! :) However it is snowing here today on April 15th so not only is it tax day, its snowing! c mon is that supposed to be a reward on getting our taxes done on time?! I dont think so... maybe its punishment cause I didn't get my taxes done today period.
Here's a few of our latest pics and adventures!

London got her first Wings! on our San Fran trip with aunt Marianna!

We had such a good time, here's a few of the "behind the scenes" pics you haven't all already seen! She gave mama loves the entire trip! I loved it as you can see below, we had a lot of mommy daughter time!

Her first hair clip! Her hair is getting longer, I swear! lol.

Happy New Year

2009-01-09T17:15:00.000-07:00

"Indeed, the end of the year is a good time to look back and reflect upon the events of the year. It is a time to evaluate what can be improved upon and what can be learned. It is also a time of resolution, a time to begin anew our efforts to become our best selves and reach out more fully to others in love and service. We have our problems and our worries, but all things will work together for our good if we hold on to hope, stay with the Savior, and strive to be humble and obedient."

Well another year has come and gone and I would have to say this has been the most life changing year of my life yet! I am so blessed to have a beautiful daughter this past year and we are looking forward to an AMAZING year in 09! The beginning of a new year is always a great time to reflect and look back and take what you learned and focus on doing better the coming year. I have so many things to be thankful for and look forward to. I would like to express my gratitude to my amazing friends and family in my life. Thank you for all you do for me and London and for sticking out this past year with us! We have met and made some new amazing friends this past year and grown amazing closer to family as well. I couldn't have done it without all of you in my life. I am sooo blessed with good friends and family and a beautiful daughter. Here's to an amazing year for all of us!

London and I had a fantastic New years, we just hung out at home with friends. Marianne and Drew, daddy, came over and it was so much fun to just be together with London hanging out and laughing. I think we started out the New Year right and just as it should be. There is nothing better than hanging out with London!

Christmas Fun!

2009-01-09T16:50:00.000-07:00

Okay well as all of you are getting the "jist of" by now, I am not a great blogger yet! But I'm making a New's Year's Resolution to do better! Here's a small update on Christmas and New Years.

Well I have to say that Christmas with a child is soo much more fun! We had a blast with London this year and did a lot of fun things. First we took her to see Santa at the mall and got the cutest pictures of her and had a great time christmas shopping.

Then on Christmas Eve, Drew and I took her up to Temple Square to see the lights and she loved it! It was a bit cold, but she enjoyed every moment with big wide eyes looking every where we went. It was adorable.. but she did get a little runny nose after the next few days. Fortunatley that was all and I think to her.. it was worth it! Then we went out to dinner and she got to spend some time with us together and that was nice she loved it.

The next day we headed to Monticello to spend Christmas with the family and had such a great time. Ness and I were anxious to take pictures of "E" and "L" and set up our own little photoshoot! "E" is sooo adorable and loving towards his lil cousin "L" and it was so much fun taking pics with them and spending time together! Of course London got spoiled by Santa and as always by Nana and Pa! All together it was such a great Holiday Season and we couldn't have asked for more.

London's 1st Halloween!

2008-11-02T22:17:00.000-07:00

Well looks like another Halloween has come and gone, but this year was especially fun because I had a beautiful daughter to dress up as a pumpkin and mini cupid with her mama! We had a lot of fun.. NaNa came up and we took her trick or treating! London was a cute lil pumpkin during the day and at night she was a cupid with all us girls! Holidays are a lot more fun when you have someone to share them with... especially when its the love of my life! Hope everyone had a HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

London Brooke Young

2008-10-30T23:08:00.000-06:00

Well it has been 8 short weeks since my beautiful daughter was born. London Brooke Young was born Sept 6, 2008 at 12:43 am. Wow. What an amazing blessing and little spirit she is. I couldn't have asked for a better baby! And what an adventure we've started out on already! Here are a few pics of her life so far.. We've had lots of support and love from friends and family. I can't express my gratitude and love to the close people in our life. I couldn't have done this without you and all your love! Thank you so much all of you for your love of me and my little girl.

London's Baby Shower! It was so much fun and decorated sooo adorable. Thank you to all my Aunts! We love you so much and dont know what we would do without you!

The Crazy Life!

2008-06-26T09:34:00.001-06:00

As you can see I've been busy busy since my last post.. So here are a few updates on the crazy life!
I have finally moved! Yay! I m in a new place and ready to start a nursery and making a home for my baby. My family was amazing and all came up and helped me move everything in, down to unpacking the dish towels! What would I do without my family? I love them to death! THANK YOU FAMILY.
Here's a few pics of my current belly bump! I am taking lamaz classes as well now, and that has been interesting and pretty humorous.. I seem to laugh a lot in class, but its been good to prepare me for what's in store in the next couple months! I am 7 months along now.. and its coming fast!

I have also signed up for a photography class and bought a really nice camera. It has been fun because a bunch of my friends are in the class with me.. Krista, Torrey, Kristen and Rachel. I am not that great yet, still trying to get the hang of things, but its been fun and I thought it would come in handy with my new little girl on the way! Here's a few of the assignments we've done..

Baby's first trip and plane ride... We also recently went to San Fransisco for work and had a blast, it was my first time there and I loved it! The food was awesome and I can't wait to go back!

Beautiful baby girl..

2008-05-09T16:19:00.000-06:00

I thought I would share my latest pics of my precious baby.
She is growing like crazy everyday and my tummy's getting bigger and bigger! I can feel her moving a lot now and its so fun to know she's actually in there with me all the time. My constant companion .. on this road we call life. :) Here's to you my beautiful baby girl.

Life Changes

2008-04-16T10:00:00.001-06:00

Isn't it funny how life works? One minute your going along doing "your thing" and suddenly things change and you have to re-route your path with changes you never expected to make so soon. Now change can be a wonderful thing or you can drag your feet and struggle with it.. its only up to you how you react to life, but one thing is for sure.. life is always changing whether we're ready for it or not! All we can do is enjoy the ride and make the best of changes in our lives because most likely the Lord knows a lot better than we do, exactly what we need and when we need it.

So for those of you who dont know, my life path has changed a lot in the past couple months, and I have been blessed with a beautiful baby girl growing inside me! Looks like her and I have lots of changes to make and things to do in our future! So here's to this wonderful little spirit I have been blessed to have in my "path" of life.

Happy Holidays!

2007-12-18T22:43:00.000-07:00

Well its that time of year again and if you can believe it.. i haven't even began my christmas shopping! I guess that's ok, I just save the best for last! On sunday we had our holiday party and Krista, can I just say.. you did an awesome job as host! It was really fun to all get together and spend some time celebrating the holiday. Just a reminder that the holiday season is about celebrating our friends and family and the ones who mean the most to us in our lives. Here's to all my the ones who mean the most to me.. I LOVE YOU ALL and am very thankful for you in my life. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

So You Think You Can Dance?

2007-12-11T16:10:00.001-07:00

Last week me and some of my friends from work went to Reno to watch the So you think you can dance tour! It was so much fun! We stayed at the same hotel as the dancers and we got to see Posha.. Cha Cha and Auna and at the airport we met Lauren. She was awesome and talked to us for a little bit, filled us in and gave us the scoop on all the dancers..who was dating.. who wasn't. . etc. She was great and I was super excited cause she is my favorite! We also went to Lake Tahoe while we were there. I loved Tahoe and the shops downtown.. we found an amazing antique store and I bought an old book with all of William Shakespeares collections. Its awesome. Dad you would have loved it! :) Any how we had tons of fun and we laughed the entire time and came home with big smiles on our faces. We made lots of memories, such as "why do you think I'm ugly and why do you hate me?" jokes.. and now everyone at the office thinks we're crazy! But anyhow here's to good times with good girls!

My first blog & Jazz games!

2007-11-20T10:37:00.001-07:00

Well here goes, my very first blog. I'm clueless as to how this works, but I am going to take a stab at it! Last night I went to the Jazz Game with a couple of my new found girlfriends.. It was a lot of fun! I love Jazz games and wouldn't mind going to all of them this season. I have recently found a new love of sports for some reason. I've even been watching football on TV and actually enjoying it.. crazy, I know! Anyhow, we had a good time and I really enjoyed the girls they are super nice and fun. It's so refreshing to me to meet beautiful fun girls who actually like other girls and have some things in common with me! Yay, there's always room in life for new fun friends, right KK?!! Speaking of fun friends and Jazz games.. I've added a couple more of my favorite people and fun times! The real KK, the other KK and the posse.. we had such a blast that night!! We were definitely JAZZ SUPER FANS! What would I do without my friends? I am always thankful for them and the good times we have. Enjoy!