Kiley, Ben, & Logan

Happy Birthday Logan

2011-10-20T00:05:00.000-07:00

So two years ago, today, I was so blessed to bring little Logan into this world. The past two years have been the greatest (and fastest) two years of my life. I seriously love this little chub and could never imagine my life without him. I am so grateful to have in my life and am so in love with watching him grow up and learn new things, everyday. He is my world and I hope that I can become the mom that he deserves.

So this year we decided to have 2 different birthday celebrations (at the last minute). Because I found out that Jade had her Ragnar race on Friday the 21st. So she and her family wouldn't have been able to attend Logan's party, if I had it on his actual birthday. So last Sunday we decided to have a party for Logan, with just Ben's side of the family, and today (later on today, it just turned October 20th, it's actually 1:10 am right now) we are going to have his party with my side of the family.

Last Sunday we celebrated his party at Sam and Jodie's house. Jodie made yummy pizza and Ben made an awesome Lightning McQueen cake for the party. Logan didn't fully understand what was going on, but I know that he loves spending time with his cousins and he always has so much fun when they all come over. On top of having all his cousins over to play with, he got full attention from everybody plus presents. I know he had a really fun time and am so glad they were all able to come. It really turned out to be a great night.

So for his bday party tonight, we are going to Wheeler Farm's pumpkin patch, so Logan can pick out a pumpkin. Then we are going back to my parents house and we are going to carve pumpkins. My mom said she wants to try to carve a watermelon, so she has decided not to get a pumpkin, just a watermelon, lol. Anyways, we decided that we are going to order pizza, and my mom, who is a health food nut, is going to bake a healthy cake and find some healthy ice cream at the health food store (I can always count on my mom, to make us yummy healthy food). After dinner and pumpkins, we plan to have Logan open his presents. I know it's going to be a blast and so fun for Logan. He's going to be so cute, running through the pumpkin patch, I can't wait!

Because Ben and I are still living with Sam and Jodie, and we don't have a house of our own, I decided not to invite friends to either party. Last year I invited friends, and we had the party over at Sam and Jodie's and I have to say, at times, it was awkward having that many people crammed into such a small space.

So this year, I wanted to keep it simple and just invite the family. But I actually kind of liked doing it this way, by keeping the party small and only inviting family, it really alleviated a lot of the anxiety that I felt when I was planning last years party. I was so worried about inviting too many people, and having to feel like I had to entertain them. Or I remember feeling anxious, and wondering if they were bored or if they were having a good time, etc.....

I definitely worry too much, LOL.

Happy 4 year Anniversary

2011-09-01T15:26:00.000-07:00

Today is our 4 year anniversary. I am holding my breath right now. I seriously can't believe we've been married for 4 years!!! Time really does fly.

So, yesterday, after realizing that some of our anniversary money, was (carelessly) put towards our, spur of the moment tattoo's. Our plans shifted from a weekend getaway, to just dinner and a movie :(

But even though my visions of a romantic filled weekend getaway, is no longer a reality, I am still excited for our Sushi and movie date, tonight. I mean c'mon, what could be better than spending a fun night with Ben, with great food, and not having to worry about chasing after Logan. Sometimes, it's nice to have a little break from children, lol.

Even though Ben and I have our ups and downs, I do appreciate having him in my life. When I am able to let my guard down (and he isn't being too loud or annoying, j/k) we have a great time together. Love you, baby!

Debbie Henriksen Morrison

2011-08-29T16:00:00.000-07:00

2 weeks ago, my dad found one of my mom's (Debbie) journals. Since we (KLB) all live far from each other, my dad decided he would email us a copy of the journal. It's so wonderful, because every Sunday, I can look forward to receiving an email from my dad. He only sends us 1 page at a time. Which I like even more, because that means I will be getting Sunday emails, for awhile.

Email from my dad:

Dear Girls: I recently discovered a handwritten journal that your Mom Debbie kept from mid-1978 through mid-1986. If I knew about it before, I had completely forgotten. It's 60 pages long, 12" high by 9" wide. The piece I transcribed here is 2 1/2 pages, , or roughly 4% of the total. She doesn't write every day, but from time to time. I thought you might like to see what was on her mind as a young married, then a young mother. I haven't read it, so I will discover her thoughts along with you. As you can see, the time frame covers your early years with us. She turned 24 in the summer of 1978 and was 32 at the time of her last entry here, a year before her death. My plan is to transcribe a little bit each Sunday and send it to you via email. The other journal she mentions in the first paragraph here is undoubtedly her Day Planner. That one I knew about. All the pages are gathered in one fat green binder. Those entries are more of a day-to-day nature. After I have transcribed all of this first one, I will look the other one over as well and transcribe the parts I think would be of greatest interest to you. My editorial touch is very light--anything I add is by way of explanation &/or clarification. My comments will be marked by brackets [ ].

Love, Dad

Every time I read the emails, I cry. I wish that she hadn't died, and I wish that my dad, or someone would have talked to us about her. After she died, my dad remarried, and just lost contact with her family. So I barely even remember them. It's sad, but we never talked about her, I never really knew what kinds of things she liked, or what kind of a personality she had. The only memory I have of her, are very fast blurry images, mostly of light blonde hair. When I look at pictures of her, I recognize her face, smile, and eyes. But it makes me wonder how much of what I recognize, is because I have been shown those images, over and over throughout my life. Or if somewhere deep down, I can truly remember her. I don't know. I look at my son, Logan, and all my nieces and nephews and wonder what if I was gone? Would they be able to remember me?

I think I was 5 or 6 when my mom died. 5 or 6 and I can't vividly remember anything about her. You would think by that age, I would be able to recall at least 1 moment, that I spent with her; and know for sure, that moment wasn't some figment of my imagination. That it was real. But I can't. I know what the Psyche community would say, they would say that I have just repressed the memories I had with her, and that I have repressed everything about her. Because subconsciously I feel too sad and angry, that she's gone. And if I hadn't repressed those memories, I wouldn't have been able to move on with my life. I wouldn't have been able to figure out how to go on living and function "normally".

But I wish I could remember, even if I would have been so hurt and damaged, I wish I could remember.

1st Ink

2011-08-29T14:30:00.000-07:00

So this past Saturday (8.27.11), Ben and I went downtown, to attend SLC's 2nd Annual Beer Festival. Much to our dismay, when we arrived at the festival, we found that all of the tickets had already been sold out (and they weren't going to sell anymore).

I was completely bummed out. I had my heart set on going to this for a couple weeks, at this point. Luckily Ben was with me and tried to cheer me up. So we walked over the Jackelope Bar, had a few drinks, and on a whim, decided to get a tattoo.

Ben googled tattoo parlors, and there happened to be one a few doors down from the bar. Ben and I decided to get Logan's name tattoo'd. This was Ben's 3rd, but my 1st.

I have to say that I wasn't really too nervous, because I had been planning on getting a tattoo, for a few months now. But I wasn't sure where or how big I wanted to go. The tattoo artist, drew up a sick design for me, which I loved, so I decided to go ahead with it. Ben sat with me the whole time, and tried to keep my mind off the needle. To my surprise, it didn't hurt as bad as I thought it would. Don't get me wrong, it did hurt, but I did fine.

My tattoo

Ben's tattoo

Forget Regret Or Life Is Yours To Miss

2011-08-17T22:29:00.000-07:00

Celebrated 4 birthdays this month, Landon, Piper, Anna, & Isaac, Happy Birthday, I love you all so much and am so grateful to have you all in my life.

August 17, 2011.

I have been doing a lot of self reflection lately and unfortunately do not like what I have found. It's sad, really. I have been trying to think of ways to better myself, so I started drinking more water, eating better, and trying to get out of my comfort zone, every once in awhile. Of course none of those are really working and now that I am 30 (soon to be 31), I am coming to grips with some very hard truths:

1. I am not going to be a famous celebrity

2. Will never win the Lottery and become a millionaire

3. Will never have the perfect body

4. Will never be completely happy with the body I do have

5. I've stopped growing and will always be this short

6. Realizing that I do get anxiety a lot when I am put on the spot, even just in a casual conversation situation

7. Am more of an introvert that I want or claim to be

8. Because of my anxiety, I have a hard time fitting in with other people

9. Care way too much about what other people think (especially of me)

10. Wish that I could be more outgoing, the life of the party, so to speak

11. Have so many emotional detachment issues, it's unreal (and so not fair)!

12. Am sad or frustrated most of the time

13. Wish I could sing, even just a little

14. Patience is a virtue (that I just don't have)

15. Finding that I get annoyed, way too easily (and it has got to stop! LOL)

Anyways, the list could really go on and on, but it's making me depressed just writing it; I know this list is very dismal and hopeless. But there is light at the end of the tunnel and his name is Logan. I love Logan more than anything and would do anything for him. I am so grateful that I had him, because he is the light of my life and the reason I get up in the morning. Also, he is the reason I can live with my imperfections and regrets.

Life is so strange. It never works out the way you plan. In my case, if Life did go according to plans, I would never know what it's like to feel the greatest joy and love, that can happen to a person.

At my age (lol) I think it's normal for people to look back at their life and evaluate it, in some way. They want to know that it hasn't been a waste and that some of their dreams have come true.

I certainly never thought my life would end up the way it has. As a little girl I never played house, or wanted to grow up to get married, and have a family. In my little girl daydreams, I always saw myself as kind of the next Mother Teresa. Or saw myself as a world traveler of some sort out to discover strange and wonderful places. Of course, none of this has come true.

But, because of Logan, I have gotten to a place in my heart, where I am okay with that. I have put all my regrets behind me, that is to say that I haven't forgotten them, but I no longer dwell on those regrets. Which has allowed me to be able to move on and hopefully be happy with the life that I do have.

In a way Logan saved me from me. This is going to sound so cheesy, but, the love that I have for Logan is the strongest feeling and bond that I have ever had. Before I would have never thought that could be possible (and the reasons for that I am not ready to talk about, publicly). Which is probably why I never wanted to have children. But am so thankful that I did.

I love this line: forget regret or life is yours to miss. It's taken from one of the songs in RENT. It really speaks to me, because I tend to hold on to my regrets; and have realized that in doing so, I have missed out on everything and let life just pass me by. I have made a conscience decision, that I am not going to let the next 30 years of my life pass me by. I am going to live and learn to love every moment. Because life is way too short.

I'm Still Here

2011-06-29T02:46:00.000-07:00

Ok, so my last post was almost a year ago, no I did not fall off the planet, just took a sabbatical, LOL. Ya know, blogging is the last thing on my mind, at the end of the day. From running errands to chasing after Logan, I am seriously exhausted.

But I am going to try to get back into it because, originally, when I set this up. I wanted to use this blog as a sort of e-journal. Essentially a place for me to jot down my thoughts on anything and everything, share pictures and ideas, stories (personal or of other people), thoughts on life, love, and the meaning of it all.

But it somehow turned into another place for me to dump all my pictures into (which is not a bad thing, I mean pictures can say a thousand words) and the writing just became descriptive of the correlating picture. Again not a bad thing, it's just not what I had in mind, when I started this whole thing.

Anyways, so, hopefully, I am going to be able to start writing at least once a month. Oh and don't worry, I am going to continue to post pictures.

Peace and Love.

Logan, Logan, Logan (and then some)!

2010-07-14T21:43:00.000-07:00

Ok so it's been months since I have posted anything. Logan keeps me very busy, to say the least, but I love every minute of it. Anyways, so much has happened since my last post and Logan has gotten so big; I don't know where I should begin. So I have decided to just post some of my favorite random pictures, of him and the fam.

Miss Kennedy in Vegas, standing by the Shark tank. Don't you just love that smile, really she is such a beautiful girl.

Miss Kennedy in St. George, getting ready for another day at the pool. She loves to go swimming, she is such a little fish.

This picture is so small, I don't know why it turned out so little, but me and Logan at the Spaghetti Factory in Trolley Square.

Fourth of July was spent driving back from Bear Lake, and doing our own Fireworks. You can't tell because the picture is so small, but I have sparklers in each hand, and the tree behind me, looks like it's on fire. And it looks like I was the one who lit it on fire! LOL! (I guess you had to be there)

Me on the Jet Ski. The water was so cold, but it was hella fun. Ben had never been on a Jet Ski before (weird), but he loved it. He got the Jet ski up to 66 mph. He's reckless sometimes.

Camping at Beaver Mountain, love it. I wish this picture turned out to be bigger, because Amanda's face is so funny. I love my little sister, because she makes funny faces whenever her picture is taken, hilarious!

My little boy, is not so little anymore. i love his chubby cheeks!

These pictures turned out so awesome, with the sunset in the background. I love Bear Lake, it's so pretty there. I wish I had a cabin, or condo there. If I did I would spend the whole summer up there.

One of the nights that we spent up at Bear Lake, we went to this pizza place and Logan, was obsessed with this little racing car. I put him in it to take some pictures of him, and when i tried to get him out - he freaked! Oh he was pissed. He looked so cute in the little car, so i let him play in it for awhile. I guess I am a bit of a softie.

Waiting for my pizza!

Logan climbs all over the place and on top of everything. This was so funny, because I told him "no, don't climb on that" and while I wasn't looking he sneakily climbed on top of this little chair (even after I said no) and then looked at me and smiled. I couldn't get mad at him, his face was so funny, and he was so happy that he did it.

For Spencer's birthday, we went swimming at Dimple Dell, and then went to Smokey Mountain for Pizza, Cake and Ice Cream. It was a fun birthday party, and it was Logan's first time going swimming. I think he liked it, Dimple Dell is a great place to take little kids, because they have such a great kid area.

Ben just couldn't resist.

Amanda and I put Logan in a pair of my high heels. He looked so cute, but he hated it. His expression in this picture, is priceless.

My parents have a condo in Park City, so Ben, Logan, and I, stayed up there for a couple of nights. We decided to walk around Main Street and found this coffee place that had this gigantic cow. So of course we had to get a picture of Logan on it (I don't think he really cared much for the cow)

Logan is getting so big and he has 2 front bottom teeth. I think he liked staying up at the condo, because he had a lot of room to crawl around, which he is doing a lot of.

Ok, so on June 12th, Ben and I went to Mandi and Tom's wedding. It was so much fun, and Brooke came in from England, to be a bridesmaid, her and Mandi looked so gorgeous. Ben was so excited because the lead singer of Royal Bliss came to the wedding, and Ben was so happy that he (Neil) let him take a picture with him. Ben was seriously like a kid in a candy store, it was so funny!

Me and my beautiful sister Brooke at the wedding

Oh Ben can look so cute,when he gets all dressed up.

I love this picture.

Chubby Chubb Chubb!

For Easter we went down with Ben's parents to St. George, UT. It was Logan's first road trip, and he did pretty well. He did get a little fussy, until he found his sock.

Logan and the Thomsen kids.

Miss Gracie, she is getting so big and walks all over the place now.

Owen was so cute with Logan, when we were in St. George. He is such a sweet little cousin.

Logan Loves Rice Cereal

2010-04-22T17:13:00.000-07:00

So now that Logan is 6 months old, we have started him on Rice cereal. Now that he has gotten the hang of it, he LOVES it! I think he is going to be a really good eater. I know that his dad and his mom were both really good at that, LOL.
The pictures of him were so cute, I think I took like 50 of them, but have spared everybody and only posted a few.

A Day at the Park

2010-04-11T14:24:00.001-07:00

A couple weeks ago we took Logan to the park for the first time. I think I enjoyed it more than he did. But we got some cute little pics of Logan. We also got him new flips and shades, so of course we had to try them out. The pictures of him and Ben are cute, because Logan looks like a mini Ben, especially with the sunglasses.

Chubby, Chub, Chub

2010-03-27T18:28:00.000-07:00

Ok so I haven't posted anything forever and Logan has become so big. He is growing up so fast, it's amazing. He reaches for things, smiles, laughs, talks (well makes noises), and he definitely has a little personality already.

Ride 'em Duck! Whoo Hoo!

I have Chubby cheeks

Logan is just getting used to sitting up on his own. LOL, he is giving Amanda a funny look in this picture.

I look like Buddha, LOL!

3 months old

2010-01-20T20:16:00.000-08:00

He hates having things on his head, but I was lucky to get a few pictures of him in this hat before he started fussing.

Cute little picture of Logan, that I found on Ben's phone

A video of Logan Laughing

Go Logan Go!

2010-01-06T14:54:00.000-08:00

So today, I put Logan on his tummy, for his tummy excersises, and he decided today that he didn't want to do tummy excersises, and rolled onto his back. He is getting so big and it was so cute, that I had to get a video of it.

Christmas 2009

2009-12-29T11:28:00.001-08:00

This year was our first Christmas with little Logan. Although he is too young to get excited about Santa, it was still a very Merry Christmas. Brittany, Randy and Kristin came in from Colorado and New York. It was great to spend time with them and see them. Wish they lived here or we lived there, so that we could hang out more. Below are pictures of this Christmas season.

Cute little Roxie

Cute little Duck

Christmas day, watching Spencer, Amanda, and Brittany open their stockings.

Gorilla Boy got Amanda a life size picture of Edward, which she loves, and creeps me out every time I walk by it.

Ha, ha, Ling is pissed!

Cute little Logan, he loves this position.

Grandma and Logan at my Grandma Di's house on Christmas Eve.

Randy and Logan.

Randy and Kristin, for some reason Brittany decided that she had to be in the picture as well. I don't know what she was doing, but it's hilarious.

Spencer, Randy, Me, Brittany, Amanda, and Logan. Just missing Lindsey and Brooke to make the family complete.

Oh, don't we make a cute couple?
They look like proud parents, LOL.

Oh our cute little family, minus our dogs.

Oh, ha, ha. All I wanted was a happy picture, in his cute little outfit. But he was pissed and just cried the whole time.

Amanda, Brittany, and Logan. Amanda always makes that goofy face when I take her picture.

Logan, enjoying the Christmas lights on the Christmas trees.

Logan loves his Aunt Amanda.

Oh, our little family at Willow Creek Country Club, for the annual Christmas Dinner. Ha, ha, Logan's cheeks look so chubby in this picture.

Me and my little guy.

Benjamin. He's either flipping off the camera, or pulling a funny face. It's hard for him to be serious.

My little Christmas bear.

New Hairdo

2009-12-03T19:41:00.000-08:00

So I finally got the guts to cut my hair. It turned out really cute, thanks to Sierra, who is awesome. I cut about 17 inches off, and I am still getting used to it. Ben is still getting used to it and surprisingly seems to like the new do.

2009-11-12T14:10:00.000-08:00

More pics of little Logan. He loves to put his hands up by his face, especially when he has his binky. It's so cute!

His head looks so small compared to his binky. I wish he would stay little forever.

Bath Time

2009-10-29T15:52:00.000-07:00

BATH TIME

Grandma Pew gave Logan his first bath, because I was a little nervous.

2nd Bath, with the help of Amanda and Lindsey.

I love this picture of him. He looks like a little Eskimo.

Full Frontal. For some reason his little stomach looks so big and fat, lol.

Little Logan

2009-10-29T13:02:00.001-07:00

He's here!!! Our little Logan decided that he wanted to come early, and he decided that he wanted to come really fast. We arrived at the hospital at 6:08 pm, and I found out I was dilated to a 5. So they put me in the birthing room. The anesthesiologist took his time in getting to the birthing room, and by the time he gave me the epidural, Logan was already coming out. So I ended up basically having a "natural" birth. Which was not the way I planned it to be. But am so grateful that everything went ok and he is healthy and perfect!

He was born around 7:00pm on October 20, 2009. He weighed 5 Pounds and 12.9 Ounces.

Our first family photo. We are such proud parents. And are so happy that he has come into our lives finally!

First photo with my little guy. I was so exhausted in this picture. Whoo!

Proud Great Grandma.

Proud Aunt Amy

Proud Uncle Brent

Proud Grandma

Going home from the hospital. The hoodie we bought him was a little too big. We didn't anticipate that he would be wearing preemie clothes.

He is so little, he almost gets lost in his car seat.

Karma is a Bitch

2009-10-17T07:09:00.000-07:00

So it's 6:30 am today Saturday October 17th, 2009. I am just barely drifting back to sleep, after seeing my husband off to work. When my phone starts to ring. It's Ben's ring so I am thinking to myself how sweet, he's probably calling to either tell me something funny or to have a good day.

NOPE! Instead he's calling to tell me he is standing outside in the freezing cold looking at a vacant spot by the curb where our car was parked the night before. But mysteriously our car is not there, it's just gone.

Right off I am thinking to myself, self, Ben is just kidding. So I kind of brush it off, but then I hear the tone of his voice and realize this is not a joke. Someone stole our car!!!!!

And right after we just put about $1200 into fixing the car, it gets stolen. This one is seriously going to push me over the edge, I don't even know what to do or think at this point. I am trying to stay calm, and not freak out; I did pretty well this morning, perhaps it was because I was still in shock, that something like this could actually be happening to us.

All I know is that I must have been a complete asshole in another life to have Karma come back at me like this!! Or we just have incredibly bad luck!!

8 Months Prego

2009-09-25T16:48:00.001-07:00

Ok so I am now 8 months Prego, and I really saw a growth spurt this month. As you will be able to tell in the pics.

For some reason I look like I am crying in this picture, but I really was happy that day, LOL.

Here are a couple of pics of me at the Hospital, right after my check up.

Here I am at a baby shower that my grandmother threw for me. I thought i looked cute in this dress, when I was getting ready, but all the pictures of me at the baby shower, were not flattering.

Yea, I am so glad Ben was there. It's nice for him to be apart of the whole prego process.

7 Months Prego

2009-08-18T17:40:00.000-07:00

Ok so this past month has been really hectic for Ben and I, and I didn't get around to taking any belly pictures for the 6 month update. But I have been able to take a few pictures and I am now 28 weeks, which is about 7 months prego.

Here I am getting ready to work out. For some reason the expression on my face is weird looking. But I decided to post it because it's a good belly picture.

Next is a picture of Ben. I don't have very many pictures of him, so I thought that I would post the one picture that I do have.

Up close picture of the belly bulge.

I am excited because we were getting ready to go to Baskin Robbins.

I really look huge in this picture, LOL.

Tiffany came with us to go to Baskin Robbins.

IT'S A BOY!!

2009-07-05T17:09:00.000-07:00

Well much to Ben's delight we are proud to announce that we are going to be having a little baby boy. Here are the pictures of the Ultrasound.

He's trying to suck his thumb in this picture.

And here is the "boy" confirmation picture. The picture angle is from the bottom looking up, literally, it is like he is sitting on the camera.

5 Months Prego

2009-06-26T22:06:00.001-07:00

I have decided to document the pregnancy with belly pictures. So those of you who live far away can see how big my belly gets. Here I am at 5 months.

This is a better belly picture

World Refugee Day

2009-06-18T19:00:00.000-07:00

Hey this Saturday, June 20th, is World Refugee Day and to celebrate this day, there will be a huge even in which different cultures and groups will be honored.
Tiffany and I will be volunteering at the Darfur booth and we would love for anyone who wants to come, to stop by our booth and pick up some literature that will be available. Or just come by and chat. There will be alot of other booths to check out as well, so if you have time, stop by.

It's a great way to honor and support these different groups and cultures in one stop.

We will be at the booth from 4:00 pm on. The venue is located at 3300 S and 5oo East. We hope that everyone can make it, and look forward to seeing you there.

Gay Pride 2009

2009-06-08T18:56:00.000-07:00

This last weekend was Gay Pride 2009. There was a two day festival on Saturday and Sunday at the City and County Building. I had the opportunity to volunteer at the HRC (Human Rights Campaign) booth on Saturday, and on Sunday I was able to walk in the Parade with HRC. The only downer on Sunday was the rain and that Tiffany was M.I.A. But my wonderful husband made up for Tiffany's absence. He woke up with me at 8:00 am on Sunday morning, and took me to the parade. Then he sat in the pouring rain, cheered me on and took pictures of the parade. It was really such a sweet thing to do, because I know that is the last thing that he wanted to do on a Sunday morning.
But it wasn't all a loss for Ben. He got interviewed by Channel 2 News (even though they edited his interview out of the evening broadcast) and he was able to get into an argument with one of the stupid protesters.
I have posted some of the more reserved pictures of the parade below:

I look really prego in this picture, lol.

It was so rainy, that my glasses kept fogging up, it was like trying to look out of a car window in the rain without having the convience of wipers.

Here is one of the protesters. This little Chub-lidite was the one that Ben got in an argument with. Ben said this guy was an idiot, and when Ben asked him to explain why "Gay's are a threat to national security" (which was on one of his many signs) he couldn't give him an answer.

Even Roxie and Duck had their little Pride lays on.

Brooke and Kim's - English Digs

2009-05-25T12:50:00.001-07:00

Brooke and Kim recently moved to England, with the Airforce. Although they just recently moved. Their kids are growing up so fast. Brooke with Baylee. Brooke looks so skinny in this picture. Notice how young Baylee looks, that is how I remember her when she left.

Now she looks like a little girl, not a baby anymore.

Landon, still looks the same to me.

Here is Kayden in a football outfit, which is obviously, extremely too big for him. It's too bad that English Futbol is nothing like American football.

And here is their cute little English house.

Lindsey and Alex's New Pad

2009-05-25T12:35:00.001-07:00

Lindsey and Alex recently moved to Huntington Beach, CA. Lucky! Here they are at the Beach, enjoying themselves, while I am stuck in Utah getting more Prego by the minute.

Lindsey and Alex roasting Marshmallows on their back patio

The newest edition to the family. Their little puppy Butters.
Although very cute, Roxie and Duck still think they are the cutest in the family.

MISS SAIGON TONIGHT!

2009-05-12T16:16:00.000-07:00

Tonight I am going to see Miss Saigon with my mom, Amanda, and Sara. Even though I have already seen it, I am still just as excited, if not more, as the first time.

It's Britney Bitch

2009-04-18T14:40:00.000-07:00

Lauren, Tiffany, and Lindsey getting some snacky - snacks.

The stage before Britney came on

Me and Tiff

PCD was the opening show for Britney. I took lots of pictures of them for Ben (he likes the main singer)

Some of the pictures are really fuzzy and hard to see. Because the lighting wasn't very good, or my arms weren't stable. But the concert was visually stunning. It was fabulous. The only thing that disappointed me was that she did not sing more songs off her new album. That was a bummer for sure.

About Me

2009-04-03T16:36:00.000-07:00

Ok so I love reading these little "About Me" posts that people put on their blog. I read Jade's a little while ago and it inspired me to write one too, so here goes:

#1 I love my family so much, extended and all.

#2 I love my husband, what can I say opposites attract.

#3 I am embarrassed to admit it, but I get anxiety so much and sometimes I worry about things or people for months and months, it's definitely not healthy.

#4 When I am sad Roxie will come over and try to cheer me up. Or when I am crying for whatever reason, she will cuddle with me and stay by my side until I let her know I am OK. I love that about her.

#5 I wish I was more intelligent.

#6 I would rather be living in Africa, and building communities for adults and children who have been left to live in Refugee camps, because of the Genocide in Darfur; than have to be stuck in Utah.

#7 I wish that everyone I meet would like me

#8 I have mixed feelings about becoming a parent.

#9 I am not looking forward to being Prego - I get so fat. It's really sad and embarrassing.

#10 I am excited for Duck to become old enough for us to breed her so we can have happy little puppies

#11 I want to move out of Utah.

#12 I love my friends, they keep me sane, without them I would go crazy.

#13 My favorite things to watch on T.V. are: Flight of the Conchords, Arrested Development, HGTV, Sex and the City, MSNBC, CNN, Seinfeld, Scrubs, Family Guy, The Office, Law & Order: SVU, The Hills/The City, The Biggest Loser, and the Travel Channel.

#14 I have made a concious decision to become proactive in doing what I can to help the North Korean refugees escape from North Korea into South Korea.
It is one of my goals to go the North Korean/Chinese border and help with the Underground Railroad there

#15 I am excited for June, because I will be participating in my first Gay Pride Parade (as in I am going to be walking in the parade, fabulous)

#16 I am hopeful that my child, boy or girl, will become an activist and a humanitarian, like me.

#17 I wish that I had better fashion sense. I try and be concious about it, but then my mind starts to think about other things, like, human rights issues, world issues and then fashion becomes one of the last things on my list.
But I would really love to be a fabulous person all the time.

#18 I wish I could see myself the way Ben sees me. He always thinks I am beautiful, even though I am not. He's a good guy.

#19 I have the best Nieces and Nephews in the whole world, not to mention the cutest too.

#20 I miss Kim, Brooke, Kayden, Landon, and Baylee so much. I cry everytime I think about them.

#21 I am seriously bummed that almost all my sisters (w/the exception of Amanda) will NOT be around for my pregnancy, baby shower, and birth. It makes me really sad, to not have them around. It also makes it harder for me to go through this whole thing.

#22 I hate being such a shy person. I wish I was naturally more outgoing.

#23 Closed minded or racist people really annoy me and I don't have a tolerance for them at all.

#24 I try not to take life or myself too seriously. I am not ready to grow up.

#25 My ideal job would be to travel around the world, and help out with Human Rights issues, forever. My heroes, after all, are Mother Teresa and Ghandi.

Chris and Constance's Wedding Pics

2009-03-25T16:11:00.000-07:00

Excited for Next Wednesday 3/25/09

2009-03-19T16:32:00.000-07:00

The Hinckley Institute of Politics has partnered with STAND to bring Dr. Samuel Totten to the U. Dr. Totten is a professor at The University of Arkansas and is a member of the Center for Genocide Studies. His work with the refugees in Darfur as a member of the U.S. State Department's Atrocities Documentation Project lead to the classification of the situation in Darfur as a genocide. He has compiled histories of refugees from Rwanda and, most recently, from Sudan where he was gathering oral histories. Dr Totten will be speaking on Wednesday, March 25th at 2:00pm in the OSH Caucus Room. This is another incredible opportunity to learn about what we're fighting for, and at no cost to yourself.
*** I hope to see everyone there ***

Arizona Bound

2009-03-03T16:41:00.002-08:00

So this weekend Ben and I are going to Arizona for Chris and Constance's wedding. I am so excited! Not only for Chris and Constance to get married, but for this mini vacation for Ben and I. Both of us have been under alot of stress lately (especially Ben, with the new business venture). So it will be nice to get away for a few days, just the 2 of us. Our dogs aren't even coming with us, GASP, I don't know what I will do with myself. Anyways, a shout out to LTG, thanks to you, my dogs are saved from a weekend of loneliness, and neglect. I will post pictures of the wedding when we get back. PEACE!

This Saturday

2009-02-26T07:54:00.000-08:00

Butters-Palooze (Pass It On!)
Utahns are fair and just people who strive for a better society. We believe “in life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”. We also believe in free speech.

However, State Senator Chris Buttars crossed the line drawn by a fair and just people by stepping on a minority with offensive and demeaning language. Through his defense of the Senator from West Jordan, Senate President Michael Waddoups is equally complicit in this defense of the Senator. By their actions, Senators Buttars and Waddoups do not value or respect that sense of fairness and justice of the majority of Utahns.

Senators Buttars and Waddoups did not just demean the LGBT community. They demeaned all Utahns striving for a fair and just society. By recently claiming the "the gays" as the ""biggest threat to America", the Senator ignored climate change, economic disparity, racial inequity and xenophobia, and the other big challenges faced by America, Utah, and our cities and towns.

All Utahns are invited to come the Capitol on Saturday, February 28th at 1pm to party for truth and justice. The event will be a lively and fun celebration of our diversity and inclusion of all in a fair and just society. The event will be MC’d by Troy Williams of KRCL and there will be great speakers, music, and other fun. Come celebrate with us!!!

Here is an article from the SL Tribune, that I found amuzing

Kirby: Sorry Sen. Buttars, gay rights won't destroy us

By Tribune Columnist Robert Kirby at rkirby@sltrib.com
Posted: 02/24/2009 11:57:35 AM MST

Last week, Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan, reportedly announced proof that the gay rights movement posed "the greatest threat to America."

According to Buttars, homosexuals lack morals, engage in abominable behavior, are as dangerous as radical Islam, and -- I apologize in advance for saying this, but it's time someone in the media did -- actually fail to floss after every meal.

I consider myself one of the most intolerant people I know, but gays aren't even on my "Top 500 People Whose Guts I Hate" list. I checked it this morning.

Under "H," the list goes from "Happy Birthday Songs in Restaurants" to "Hitler, Adolf" without any mention of "Homosexuals." Nothing under "F" or "Q" either.

Perhaps I fail to appreciate what makes gays so dangerous. Tell me. Is there something else I should be adding to my 72-hour emergency kit? If society collapses -- and it's gays who caused it -- I want to be prepared.

Then again, maybe this is just another of those phony "America is doomed" scares, like giving women the vote. Nearly 90 years ago, people hollered that suffrage was an utter calamity to the American family. When the 19th Amendment passed, just look what happened.

Well, OK, there's really nothing to see except that the lines at the polls got longer. That's pretty bad but it didn't exactly ruin us.

And what about the dreaded Negro? Back when it was all white, didn't America once court disaster by giving blacks the vote, property rights, civil rights and anything else?

People -- idiots mainly -- absolutely guaranteed that doing away with racial barriers would destroy the country. Today, nobody's even wearing a hard hat over it.

It could be that gays are more insidiously evil. The ones I know don't look it, but I've been wrong about appearances before. I was about Bigfoot. Still, let's see what happens when we're nice or even just grudgingly fair to gays.

In 1998, the federal government made it illegal to fire federal employees just for being gay. It's tough to fire federal employees anyway, but this was different. We held our breath and the Dow immediately stayed where it was.

There's always some horrible threat poised to destroy America, something we're doing that reactionaries say will cause God to unleash his wrath upon us. My grandfather thought it was tampon commercials.

Maybe it takes a long time for America's "greatest threats" to destroy it. It could be that we're actually being destroyed as we sit here talking about it. I'm not sure that's a bad thing.

With even a casual glance at our history, it's easy to see that the America people feared seeing destroyed has always been an outdated version that catered almost entirely to them.

Ode To My Valentine

2009-02-05T16:44:00.000-08:00

To get in the spirit of Valentines Day I thought I would just like to give a shout out to my Valentine, and let him know how much I love and appreciate him.
Thanks for always listening to me when I need to cry, laugh, or just talk about nothing. Especially when I repeat myself and didn’t realize that I had already mentioned the exact same thing 4 minutes prior.
I love that you respect me even when I have my “Jessica” moments, because I know they are often. I am grateful that you are patient, and try to help me when I get anxiety (which is ALL the time).
You have a good heart, I know you joke around a lot, but you’re not a mean person, and you say you are a “bad ass”, but deep down we all know you are a sweetheart. You don’t judge people, you don’t hold grudges and are willing to set your pride aside and be the bigger person in certain situations. I respect that about you. I love your honesty and optimism, and I feel we complement each other well.

You really are the cheese to my macaroni.

and lastly I love that you still think I am beautiful and your eyes light up when I come into a room. It makes me feel special and I love you for it.
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

New Business

2009-01-29T11:17:00.000-08:00

I am pleased to announce that our business, Mantra, LLC, is officially open for business! Recent events have provided Ben the opportunity to become partners, in a new business venture. Needless, to say, Ben is now going to be a business owner.
I am so excited for Ben to take on this great and wonderful opportunity. He has definitely come along way from the first time I met him and he is an amazing person who can accomplish anything, if he puts his mind to it.
As Ben said: “this is his baby”, and I know he will treat it with the utmost care and responsibility needed to succeed.
I am excited to see what happens in the future, and hope that prosperity is just around the corner.
Good Luck Baby!

Inauguration Day 2009

2009-01-20T11:16:00.000-08:00

Today Barack Obama became the 44th President of the United States of America. I am so proud to be alive today and am humbled to have witnessed this historic and monumental event for our country. I am proud to live in the greatest country in the world, and to be able to have all the freedoms that we have, even if, we take them for granted everyday. I am proud to be an American and I look towards the future with hope and optimism.

New Year's Eve Pics

2009-01-17T14:14:00.000-08:00

Here are some New Year's pictures. Most of my pictures I archive in Facebook and Myspace, so posting them a 3rd time, here on the blog, gets a little tedious at times. So I am only going to post some here, and I guess if you really want to view all of them, then check out my myspace or facebook.

New Years Resolution

2009-01-15T11:06:00.000-08:00

So we are already in the new year 15 days, and I haven't even gotten around to posting my New Year's Eve pictures (I promise they are coming). I don't have the internet at my house, so that means I have to go to my parents house, if I want to do anything on the Web. That is why it takes me forever to post things.
Anyways, I have decided to write down my New Years resolutions (so maybe they will get resolved this year).

NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS
1. Stop procrastinating
2. Get into shape, and keep a healthy weight
3. Play with my dogs each day
4. Get to know friends and family members better
5. Have more patience with Ben and all the things he does that drives me crazy
6. Be less sensitive to what others say and/or do
7. Learn to love myself
8. Find time to meditate everyday
9. Don't take life so seriously and have more fun
10. Read more books
11. Don't care so much about what others think
12. Tell my hubby that I love him, everyday!
13. Remember these words of wisdom: Forget regret or life is yours to miss.

Christmas Day

2009-01-04T13:22:00.000-08:00

Christmas Day traditions: Go to the Pews for Christmas breakfast, and then open presents with Ben's side of the family. Afterwards we go over to my parents house to open presents and then we have Christmas dinner. This year Christmas at my house was crazy and crowded. But the more the merrier, right? It was a great Christmas.

Jade Kennedy and Chris

Grandpa Sam and Kennedy

Kennedy opening our present for her

Grandma Jodie and Kennedy

Sam and Jodie, the best Parents in law, ever!

Amy

Owen

Zac

Ben and Avery

Me and Avery

Avery playing with her dog

Dad

Brooke and Baylee

Amanda

Landon

Kayden

Spence

Sara

Nanny and Charlotte

Brittany

Hilary

Me and Ben

Roxie

Duck

Roxie and Duck, loved the little cows we found for them

Christmas Eve

2009-01-02T16:21:00.000-08:00

We always spend Christmas Eve at my Grandma Di's house. This year was so much fun because my whole (immediate) family was here for Christmas and my uncle Mike came in from Minnesota with his 2 girls. There were so many people there, it was really crazy, but I think it was the funnest Christmas I've had.

Me and Baylee

Brittany and Amanda, Amanda is taller than Brittany now.

Ben and Baylee

Me, Ben, and Baylee

Lindsey and Alex

Madison and Lexi

Lexi and Hayden

Madison with her Dad Mike

Randy and Kristin

Brooke and Kim

Me and Ben, obviously Ben's mind is somewhere else. He's not focusing on the camera.

Me, Amanda, and Brittany, can't you see the family resemblance?

Sara, Amanda, and Brittany

Being silly.

Cute Sisters

Willow Creek

2009-01-02T16:07:00.001-08:00

Baylee, Kayden, and Landon w/Santa Claus

Baylee's first visit with Santa

Hayden

Randy and Kristin

Me and Ben

Lindsey and Alex

Me and Ben again

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

2008-12-19T06:09:00.000-08:00

Pew Family Picture - how cute are we!

Christmas - Getting To Know You

2008-12-15T15:54:00.000-08:00

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Gift Bags
2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial
3. When do you put up the tree? Usually after Thanksgiving
4. When do you take the tree down? After New Years day
5. Do you like eggnog? Not Really
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Probably a Barbie
7. Hardest person to buy for? Ben's side of the family
8. Easiest person to buy for? Ben
9. Do you have a nativity scene? No
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Prefer mail, but I don't have the time
11.Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I can't recall, I always give people a list of things that I would like, and most always get me something from the list.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Bad Santa, Love Actually, Mickey's Christmas Carol, Charlie Brown Christmas, or any Disney Christmas special thing
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Usually after Thanksgiving
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? The treats that neighbors bring to my Parents house
16. Favorite Christmas song? The Love Actually Soundtrack
17. Travel at Christmas or stay home? I like being home for Christmas, but it's fun to change things up every now and then.
19. Angel on the tree top or a star? star
20. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? I like waiting until the morning.
21. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? The traffic, black ice, cold weather, and the stress of trying to figure out what to get everybody.
22. Favorite ornament theme or color? I like too many themes/colors to pick just one. My favorite color is red, so I really like Red, White, and Silver. But I also like blue, and green. As long as it's done up cute, then it doesn't matter to me.
23. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Red wine, Prime Rib, Cheesy Potatoes and a yummy green salad, I like the kinds that Brittany makes
24. What do you want for Christmas this year? I would like everybody to get along with each other. I would like it if there were no arguing or dis respectfulness amongst siblings.

More Thanksgiving Day Pictures

2008-12-15T15:11:00.000-08:00

1. Lindsey
2. Kim and Ben playing Chess
3. Ben and Duck
4. Me and Roxie

Thanksgiving Day Pictures

2008-12-15T14:59:00.001-08:00

Ok I am really lame, and this took me way too long to post. But I was having camera/computer difficulties.
Here are some pictures of us in AZ. We went down there for Thanksgiving, and spent the weekend with Brooke and Kim.
1. Brittany and Mike
2. Kayden
3. Ben with Baylee
4. Me with Landon
5. Me with Baylee.

Excited for Turkey Day

2008-11-26T06:26:00.000-08:00

Ok so I have to say that I think Thanksgiving is kind of a ridiculous holiday, in my opinion, only because I don't need a holiday to remind myself of everything that I am thankful for. And it's not like you sit around and count your blessings all day long or reflect on those things in life that you are thankful for, honestly, who really does that?

Instead the focus of Thanksgiving has been shifted to eating and not just eating but stuffing your face with thousands of calories, it's gross. But I do enjoy being with family on Turkey Day and usually everyone comes together at some point, which, makes it nice.
Really the only thing I like about Thanksgiving, to me, it's the official start of the Christmas season :)

But this year I am way stoked and looking forward to the grandness, that is, Thanksgiving. Because we are going to AZ (dogs and all), to spend the holiday with Brooke and Kim and family. Also Brittany, Mike, and Lindsey will be joining us. The only people we are missing, out of the "older kids" are Randy, Kristin, and Alex. You guys will be missed :(

Anyways, this will be the first time for Ben and I to see Baylee, the newest niece. I am so excited to meet her. We are also excited to be able to visit family and friends while we are down there. It's going to be a short trip but much needed. I will post pics when I get back.

HAPPY TURKEY DAY, EVERYONE!

New Little Niece - Coming Soon

2008-11-25T09:12:00.001-08:00

I am excited to announce that Amy is having another little girl!! She is expected to arrive in the latter part of March 2009.
This is exciting news, and will soon bring the total of nieces to 4, for Ben and I. And that will make the total of nieces & nephews to 8 (4 boys and 4 girls).
Seriously, it's amazing how big our families have grown in the past year.
I am excited, for the new arrival, it's so wonderful to have nieces and nephews (it certainly takes the pressure off of Ben and I to start having kids).

Me and Ben

2008-11-24T12:45:00.000-08:00

Me and Ben at Greenstreet a few weeks ago. LOL ha, ha, my arm looks really pale in this picture.