The Richardson's

The rumors are true... we will be moving

2012-01-27T21:55:00.000-08:00

We are moving. I'm so impatient...I really should be waiting to blog about this in a week or two, but I've been so excited planning. Last May Joe applied to Fidelity Investments in Salt Lake City, UT. This was right after I told him I would be happy anywhere on the west coast. (not that I didn't love east coast...it's just with the baby coming and family. It's my 1st choice) He heard from them sometime in Oct/Nov. Set up a phone interview, then they scheduled a 2nd then I believe an in person interview for Dec. He flew up there for 24hours and had the interview. He was so excited about the company and the opportunity this would give him. He was beyond happy when they called him the next day to offer the job! We have been so thrilled and anxious to move forward, the only problem was they train new employees every 3 months or so and Feb. was already filled. That put us back to May!

Wait....Baby Brinley comes beginning of June (give or take a few weeks).

Last we heard he may be able to start in April, and in the next few week we will hopefully know an exact date! With my brother getting married sometime around then, my sister leaving for Thailand for a study of board for summer, I have to say I'm trying to do as much planning as now as possible.
Starting with where we want to live?

Joe will be up in SLC next gateway mall, basketball arena, and Temple Square. Our first thought was in the city. Keep us close enough, then when we looked at whats most important to us we want to be near trails, places to take champ and the baby hiking. I guess we want to be near other families (not hard to do in Utah really though). close enough to my siblings to have them over whenever, but most import we don't want to pay what we paid to live in Virginia or what CA would be like. We want simple and easy, no fancy stuff.
So, if anyone has the answer or advice..I'll take it. For right now...we are leaving towards West Jordan area.

P.S. Jan. 29- That night Joe expressed to me that he doesn't want a communte at all now and wants to live as close as possible to work. Thats fine by me....back to looking and researching out. Thanks for all the tips everyone!!!! I've looked into them all.

Beach day in January

2012-01-15T15:16:00.000-08:00

20 Weeks pregant

We took the dogs to the beach on Saturday and we were all in for a treat! It was so nice and hardly anyone around.

We hiked down at Trails

Champ found a stick and seemed to be more interested in the stick then anything else on the beach.

I have started doing a lot more sewing. My mom has taken it upon herself to do the baby quilt (at least the first one) for the baby girl. It's been fun seeing what other fun sewing things I can do for a girl!

Joe starts his new career tomorrow in Foothill Ranch, CA. He's really excited to have a full time job and be away from my mother and me all day. I'm still working along (just one client a day now because of my pregnancy complications)

3 years of Marriage

2012-01-06T21:40:00.000-08:00

Every January 2 we celebrate another year of together. We had so much fun up in Big Bear that Monday night we unpacked and took it easy. We went out to dinner and saw MI:4 the next night. This past year of marriage we have grown a lot. We went through a lot during infertility and Joe was just amazing to me during the hardest and darkest days. I have so much to be grateful for in my husband. He is really my better half and is the perfect husband for me!!!

Here's a look back on our dream wedding day...

(p.s. I really wasn't planning on putting this many pictures in but it made me so happy again to see them all)

Off we went to Mexico... What a wonderful life together we have share together and many many more!!!!
xoxo

New Years Trip to Big Bear

2012-01-06T21:18:00.000-08:00

We had such a great New Years! Our good friends have a family cabin up there that we were able to stay with. We drove up Friday night and came home Monday. We of course brought the dogs! (Champ and their dog, Mason) We went on hikes, played games, ate a whole bunch of junk food, and slept!

New Years Eve we went to the best steak house up there...

Everyone stayed up until 5am having a good time, but baby girl and I only made it to 3am.
Farewell to Big Bear, until next time..

No one even tried to go snowboarding because it was so hot in California almost 80 degrees some days! We walked around the Village and ate some ice cream! It was so relaxing and fun!
Thanks James, Amanda, Lauren and Jason for a great weekend!

From Job to Career

2012-01-06T21:07:00.000-08:00

Since Joe graduating May 2011 he has been on the job hunt trying to find that perfect opportunity that also keeps me happy. He has taken 3 jobs to keep him busy and build his resume and help pay off our debt.
Right before Christmas he flew up to Utah for an interview for a "dream job". They ended up calling him the next day and telling him how impressed they were with him and his skills that they wanted to offer him a job right away starting next spring.
At the same time another company in Foothill Ranch, CA about 10 mins from both of our parents had Joe in for multiple interviews and just today offered him a job starting in 10 days! He is so excited for both of these opportunities and will take it as it comes. He will start the job in CA and if things go really really well we will stay here, but on paper the job in utah seems more long lasting where he can really build and grow with the company so we are leaning towards that job when spring comes. Right before baby girl comes!!
I'm just loving 2012 already, I feel so blessed and enjoying everyday!

Christmas 2011

2012-01-06T20:55:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Christmas with both sides of the family. I feel truly blessed that my parents and in-laws only live 10 mins from each other. It makes it so easy to get from one family to the other.
We spent Christmas Eve with my Grandma...

Christmas Morning we woke up and gave the Dogs their stockings full of toys....

We went on to unwrapping our gifts
and surprising our parents with the little girl dress!!!
We hurried over to Joe's parents to surprise them with another grand-daughter.

Then off to church we went with Melanie's boys; Dan, Cody and Tanner. We had brunch after and enjoyed opening gifts with each other. It was such a great day!

Later that night we went back to my parents where a lot of my aunts & uncles and cousins were. The highlight of the night was giving my uncle Jim his Yosemite shirt we got for him when we were camping with his family back in August.

The shirt reads: This Body almost climb Half Dome

We had a wonderful Christmas season and I'm so grateful to celebrate the birth of our Savior.

Merry Christmas to all!!!

Joe, Aubrey and a little......

2011-12-25T21:28:00.000-08:00

We decided to go find out the gender of our baby early to surprise our parents for Christmas. So at almost 17 weeks (usually you have to wait between 18-20 weeks to find out) we went to an ultrasound place in Costa Mesa. It was great and we loved our experience. We were both SHOCKED when they said they were 99% sure it's a GIRL!! Luckily we had a few days to let it sink in before we told everyone else. It was such a fun secret to have with Joe. We bought 2 girl dresses and wrapped it up in a box and waited for our parents to open it! They were both soo excited! We quote Friends often saying we are having a "little baby Ruth" that is what we will call her until we give her a name at the hospital. Speaking of names....we will not decided on a name until we see her so until then we will make a list and wait till we hold her to decided.

So far....I am just loving pregnancy and so happy, Joe is very excited to have a daddy's girl and teach her about sports.

It's been the BEST Christmas so far!

Christmas Morning- My new diaper bag!!! so in love with it, but may try to get it in red. Either way red or blue...I'm so happy!!!! Thanks mom and dad!

My Baby Bullet!!! so excited to use this!!!

Joe and his socks...he also got a cute little book on how to raise a girl! It's sooo cute!

He is going to be sooo good with our little girl!

Every parent needs this in their home. You spin the wheel and it either lands on mom or dad and you decided if its a change a diaper or feed the baby. Thank you Auntie Deb and Uncle Scott!!!!:)

Oh December

2011-12-21T21:45:00.000-08:00

We are so excited right now with career opportunities that Joe has at this time. In the next few weeks we will knowing a lot more. He has interviewed with 2 great companies, one here in CA and the other up in SLC, Utah. He is excited about both and I'm excited for him.
I'm busy working away doing hair. I myself have been in a hair funk and I think that will about to change....tomorrow.

Right now, We are looking forward to a few things:

1. New Years with friends up at a cabin in Big Bear
2. Celebrating our 3rd Wedding Anniversary (we are very low key)
3. We have our appt. to know the gender of our baby on Jan 4. (I'm just happy I'm having a baby... I don't care either way, Joe wants to know because he says if it's a girl he is going to need all the time to read every book about how to raise a girl. haha)
4. Our goal of moving out sometime from Jan-June will happen and I can wait to have our own place again, even though we are so glad my parents have taken us in, we wouldn't have been able to make the move back to CA and get fertility treatments all at once. or even at all without their help.

new update...

2011-12-05T18:23:00.000-08:00

For a while I had my pregnancy blog to keep my mouth quite, then when the word came out I stopped blogging, but now I'm back on and going to keep it up.
of course I named it www.pregoaubs.blogspot.com
enjoy...
and if you hate pregnancy blog maybe you'll enjoy my infertility blog.

Kakao Talk-

2011-12-05T18:06:00.000-08:00

Smart phone app
get it to text to anyone for free. While Shannon was in Korea and Kristen is in Paris this is a great way to still text them throughout the day. It will add anyone on your phone that has it.

She's Home.....Shannon Johnson that is

2011-12-05T18:02:00.000-08:00

So...You grow up
move away
get an education
and sometime never get the chance to be neighbors with one of your best friends ever again.
Well....
not for us....Shannon has been living and teaching English in south Korea for a year! She is back and we are both bumming at our parents, of course I'm married so it's more embarrassing (haha).
I went to LAX with her mom to pick up and of course we were late, the poor girl is jet lag...but when she comes to it will be fun days again.

Here she is...Jen, Shannon and Audrey

Welcome home and anyone that wants to play with Shannon and I please let us know!

My first weekend out

2011-12-04T21:38:00.000-08:00

It feels like forever since I've been out on the weekend. Those first 3 months being pregnant just made me really grandma like and I was going to bed after dinner.
This weekend we had our ward Christmas dinner with Santa and Follow the Star. It was such a great turn out and I really enjoy every min I get to spend in the Christmas spirit.
I realized I didn't get my picture with Santa and I was bonding with my new best friend, Audrey (age 3) at follow the star.
I laugh now thinking I wanted to get a bigger camera for Christmas when I already carry around my iphone camera and digital camera and STILL do not take any pictures. Maybe I'll make that a new goal.
Saturday I took the day off work to go to OCMCO (Orange County Mormon Choral Organization) perform their Christmas program. My mother in law is part of the great choir so the whole family went to support and we had a great time!

Come on down.....

2011-12-02T15:29:00.000-08:00

To the Price is Right!

Baby Shower Style

Meredith Duffy and I went to the Price is right. She is 7 months along with a girl and I'm 3 months. I was pushing my stomach out as much as possible to try to get called up. Now I just have a bloated stomach!

We never got called down :( but we were 3 rows from the stage and had great conversation with Drew.

Of course we all left home with a little goodie bag which was so great. One girl one a mini van and some great things which was so fun!!

After we headed to The Grove in LA for some food, and ran into Extra doing a taping.

Oh...AC Slater...still have a crush on you

A tall beautiful lady coming .....
She gave away Lauren Merkin clutch, and I was lucky enough to get one!

The Grove was all set up for Christmas and I loved it!!! So much fun.

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-12-02T15:10:00.000-08:00

So this year we had two wonderful Thanksgiving back to back! It was so great!
Of course I have sooo much to be Thankful for!!! I'm always so grateful for the gospel in my life for my belief and standards, I'm so grateful for family and such a wonderful husband that really knows how to make me laugh and cry at the same time, but like you all know I can not express my gratitude enough for how lucky and blessed I feel to be pregnant and having this baby. Still not showing, but I know he/she is in there and I am just so blessed for this miracle in our life.
Happy Thanksgiving to you all....


Richardson's Thanksgiving 2011 (minus Joe running late from work)

Add caption

next 10 years of Sports

2011-11-12T22:42:00.000-08:00

Tonight we watched a great BYU Football game.
I have to say I have come a long way since 1999.
It all started when I was a high school cheerleader. I remember people telling us we were cheering for the wrong thing. We knew nothing about football, we were all just trying to look good in front of the players.

Things didn't get any better soon.
In 2008 almost a decade later I started dating Joe and going to his baseball games. I remember one game where my grandma and mom came with me and they both knew a ton more then I did. I didn't even realize pitchers had different throws!
After we got married I work at SportsClip and Joe was in heaven. I would come home from work everyday and fill him in on everything going on Sport Center. But...this didn't last long either. I still believe it gave me the basic knowledge I needed. I've had some slip ups here and there, but for the most part I love watching a good game with Joe. Tonight was just awesome!! The cougars just looked great out on the field.

Lets see what I can learn in the next 10 years.....

1999-2000 (me and my 2 cousins, Kendra & Brittany)

Happy Halloween!

2011-11-01T11:59:00.000-07:00

We went trunk or treating with our nephew, Kaden and niece Sadie. Although Champ may look depressed, he really loved his robin costume. We had a great time but no costumes this year or carving pumpkins. I am looking forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas!!! So much to be grateful for!

Long lost photos

2011-11-01T10:59:00.000-07:00

I've been uploading photos and I went to look on my camera for more and realized I took pictures without my SIM card inside. This was Joe's last baseball game at GW.
He got to pitch
and they won!
ps. I miss those days

Joe and I (what a stud!)

Joe and his good friend Luke on the team.

Champ was so happy at the games.

Team huddle after the end of the game.

Oh GW and friends we sure do miss you....but not the snow or humidity!

Birthday updates and utah trip

2011-10-20T22:33:00.000-07:00

In September we celebrated Joe's 25th BIRTHDAY!!!

He had a eventful day. He went to basketball at the crack of dawn, then I took him out to Ihop. Then we headed to the beach. He ended up gashing his check and I rushed him to urgent care. He got super glue and checked out. We had a great dinner at buffalo wings.

We got to go up to Utah for a lot of different reasons.
1. We finally made it to our mission reunions!!!
Here's the MIM quilt of all the missionaries that served under President and Sister Hacking.

South Chicago Mission reunion. Joe with other missionaries that served and some spouses. We had a great time in one night.

We got to see Taylor and Courtney's kitty that they are sharing. He is so little and so cute!!

We all got ready for the night we came up for. The BYU management society dinner, where they awarded my dad.

Courtney, me and Meredith

The beautiful Sunday, Utah

Here's the Bill Chapman fan club. (nate had to stay in CA for work)

We also were lucky to make it to a few sessions. It was Joe's first time at the conference center.

We had a fabulous time and glad it was the weekend before the 40 degree weather.

We just celebrated my 26th Birthday with a new pair of TOMS!!! I love them and they get worn everyday at work!

We kind of like our pets

2011-10-08T11:14:00.000-07:00

I love sewing and quilting but I never thought I would make my dog a quilt until I saw this bow wow kit and had to do it. Champ is sleeping under it.

Champ and Charlie have become best friends. They have both grown into great personalities. My brother and his gf just got a kitten. Someday we will get all of these guys together.

My parents have been traveling a lot lately, and leaving us Charlie to watch. Although they take over our bed sometimes its hard not to snuggle up with these guys.

today was bff day

2011-10-05T22:22:00.000-07:00

two of my closest friends are living aboard right now. They are travelling the world and doing amazing things. I got to do hair for one of their mom and brother and had some good quality bff mom time. It made me miss my friend a lot. It made me think of my other bff and all my high school friends. I can really say high school was some of the great days of my life. I had the best friends ever!! I was so shocked when my other friend who is in korea called me tonight. We both had that feeling that we just wanted to talk to each other. Sometimes it 10mins sometimes its an hour, but all in all we just need to hear from each other. The comfort of a friend is something so special to me. I need that today.
Just wanted to go through some great memories:

My favorite vacation

2011-08-30T21:42:00.000-07:00

I had the privileged of planning out our family vacation this year. I knew I wanted to go to one place, my favorite place in the world.
Yosemite National Park
Their is NOTHING like this place and no picture could ever do it justice.
Well, my bothers dropped out and my in-laws came for a few days and then our cousins got to come and spend some one and one time that we never get in large family get together's.
I'll let the pictures share our story there...

We had 5 adults and 2 dogs for a 10 hour drive up, we had to stop in fresno to pick up my mom's RV.

This is the pictures why Yosemite is just amazing! After you come out the tunnel this is what you see. El Capitan, and half Dome and Bridal Vile Falls and Glacier point....ahhh you get it all here!! ( my mom is the photographer)

This is Glacier Point (it was my 1st time ever, and I don't know how I waited this long!!)

We rented bikes a few times (next time bikes are a must for our camping trips here)

Half Dome in the background

My Father and Mother in Law, we had so much fun with family all around!

Champ was GREAT! He wouldn't even let me peddle, he had to run the whole time.


Us at Glacier Point

The Best was our floats down the river! It was cold, but it was definitely a vacation!

My uncle Jim sure liked being out of the office a little to much. Good thing we woke him up!

We just LOVE Yosemite so much I would love it if we could go every year. For those that don't know, getting a campsite in Yosemite Valley is like getting tickets to a sold out show. You have to plan 4-5 months in advance and right at 7am they open the sites (beware you have to already registered on recreation.gov) We were lucky enough to get 2 campsites. Their are still sites that are first come first serve base.

nothing can follow

2011-08-30T20:54:00.000-07:00

It's been 2 weeks, and I have gone on my blog many times to post about anything going on in our life but as soon as I get to my blog and see the post of Dear Sweet Ruby Jane's Celebration I can't help but to click out. To me, nothing seems important. To me, I want everyone to see this everyday and remember how simple and great life is. To me, I want to remember Ruby. In remembering Ruby I am still doing Haircuts for $20- all for the Taylor Family. So, in not forgetting Ruby and her wonderful family here I want to keep up her photo on my blog in memory of Ruby and let us not forget to be inspired by her.

It's all about Eternal Families today

2011-08-16T16:25:00.000-07:00

Today we gathered together at the LDS Chapel in honor of Ruby's life and to show our support and love.

For those that could not make it, I want to recount my experience for you and pray that it will comfort you and give you the thanks that the Taylor Family gives to all. I'm not a great writer, but even in my plainness I hope you know what I'm trying to say.
Today was Ruby's Celebration, August 16, 2011
My cousin Emileah made plans to come down and go with my mom and I. My mother and Emileah had not personally met Ruby but they wanted to share their support.
It was just over a year ago Emileah was in the hospital donating part of her own liver to her little 9 month old daughter, Kenna. She and Ani had never met but had talked on the phone and sending messages back and forth supporting each other through their trials. Emileah knows exactly what it is like to have a daughter in need, pleading with her Heavenly Father for her daughters health.

We pulled up to the church, at first it seemed empty, but then I remembered how early we left because we knew how many people would be coming. I thought I could hold myself together. I first remember seeing the car that carries the casket and suddenly breaking down. It was happening. I was hoping it was all a bad dream. When we walked in the church foyer it was so pretty. Pink was everywhere. Pictures of beautiful Ruby and her family. Little girl toys on the table. They also had a framed post with a tree in the middle of it with long branches. Everyone that came through those doors put ink on their index finger and wrote there name next to it, showing that Ruby has touched their lives. It will be a positive reminder in the Taylor house that Ruby did so much good in the short time she was with us. When we walked into the chapel we were given a picture of Ruby and a program of the celebration.
We sat down and waited, listening to Victoria McDaniel play the most beautiful music to calm our hearts. It felt like a piece of Heaven on earth. Pink flowers were arranged everywhere (most I'm sure we're donated by friends and people that wanted to show their love to the Taylor Family.)
We all stood up when they brought in Ruby. Placed in such a beautiful, yet so tiny, casket.
I lost it.
These strong, amazing men (brothers of Ani and Matt) carried such a small casket. It broke my heart. Matt and Ani followed with tears in their eyes.
We heard the cousin's of Ruby and some Primary kids sing "I am like a star shining brightly"
Ani's wonderful dad got up to share a spiritual message. He asked all the family of Ruby to stand up. Then asked all the people that came today that never met Ruby to stand up. The room was filled with people that were there out of love, the pure love of Christ. He shared his testimony of the Gospel and how families can be together again. One thing I wanted to share to you about Ani's wonderful amazing dad is something Ani told me just a few weeks ago. She told me how her dad has been going through hard times with his own health issues and challenges. He said some nights he was in so much pain with his legs he could not sleep. He stayed at the hospital many times so Ani could sleep in a real bed, while he watched over Ruby and held her. She had her problems also with her health, but the two of them shared a special bond. What an amazing grandpa!
Next was the Eulogy, and the most spiritual and emotional one given by Ani's older brother, Mike. He shared his weekend with his adorable niece, Kate. Took her to the movies, talked about Princesses, jumped on the bed and when he tried to put her down for a nap she just kept saying Ruby's name over and over again. He asked her then, "Where is Ruby?" and she answered saying "with Heavenly Father"
Matt and Ani have taught their daughter at such a young age that she will see her sister again and she is safe with someone who loves Ruby just as much as the Taylor family. Mike went on sharing his feeling towards his sister and what a strong example she is. He shared with us a conversation between Ruby and our Heavenly Father, of what must have been said before she came down to earth saying "Heavenly Father waited and waited for parents like Matt and Ani to place Ruby in".

Knowing that Ani and Matt would be able to give a lifetime of love to Ruby while she was here on earth.

And in response, Ruby still came to earth to receive a body and fulfill her time here. She was matured beyond her years. As Mike spoke I couldn't help be see the Christ like attribute in him. The way he looked at his younger sister, I felt like he was wishing he could take away all her pain. It broke my heart watching Ani's mom sitting next to hear, stroking her hair. Her eyes, were so memorable in the way her heart broke not for only losing a grandchild, but watching her daughter suffer from her loss. It was emotional. They were all together though, and with the knowledge of eternal families, they know that they will be all together with Ruby one day.
Ani's sister got up and with their youngest brother, Dave, by her side she read a beautiful poem.
Ani's Sister in law, Megan and other family friends gave a wonderful musical number on the violins to " I know that my Redeemer Lives" A calmness was felt throughout the whole church that Ruby is living with her Heavenly Father.
A dear family friend of the Bewsey Family spoke, President Bunker. He shared The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe on our purpose of life and what will happen after. He read off of The Family: A Proclamation to the World. His powerful testimony was one that made me realize that at the beginning of the service I was crying for the reasons of losing Ruby. The lost of a young girl, but during his talk I realized that I feel so blessed to know and believe of these truths. I cried more throughout the remainder of the service but I felt different, more uplifted for knowing these great people. To know all the lives that Ruby touched while she was here on earth.
As we sung the closing song "I am a Child of God" They changed the 3rd verse:

I am a child of God

My days on earth were few

But Heavenly Father placed me there

To spend that time with you

He'll lead you, guide you, walk beside you

Help you so you'll see

I'm in God's arms and loving you

Till you are HOME with me

During the third verse you could barely hear the words because everyone in the room was so touched that it brought them to tears. We all love Ruby and miss her dearly, and we know she is smiling down on us all.

Ani did get up after her sister read the poem (this was not on the program or even expected). She looked beautiful. She wore a simple black dress with a matching pink rose on one side of her hair (Kate wore the headband that matched). She spoke slowly but with much confidence. She told us her dad forgot to ask one more question, "Who's life was touched because of Ruby?" the whole room stood up and I could tell the love and support Ani must have felt at that time. To look out over the pulpit and know that everyone was there for her baby girl. She talked about her last day with Ruby here on earth. She recalled getting in the fetal position near the window of the room and begged and pleaded in prayer to save her little Ruby. Not only did she say she got this answer once, but twice that day a whisper saying her work on earth is done. Although Ani said she tried to deny it and hope for the best, she looks back in gratitude knowing that Heavenly Father knew that is what Ani needed. Although still hard, she has so much faith and shared her testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She told us she will be with her Ruby again if she stays faithful to the end, and with that knowledge she promised Ruby that she would.

I was so deeply touched by all I saw there. We are all lucky to have known the story of Ruby, but before Ani sat down she pleaded with all of us that were there to take the picture we got today of Ruby and put it in a frame in our homes to remember how she has touched our life and that we will never forget her.

"Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer" Romans 12:12

Bows for Ruby and auction

2011-08-12T11:33:00.000-07:00

It's been an emotional day.
I found out this morning that my dear friend Ani and husband Matt lost little Ruby. I can't describe the ache this causes so many family and friends. We all LOVE the Taylor family so much, and so many people have step forward to help easy the finance burden they will have to carry out, but we need to rally all together.

How to help:

1. PRAY, with all your might that they will feel the love and support they need
2. you can go to her fundraiser page and donate $ through paypal. Ruby Jane's Blog
3. Add their name in the nearest LDS temple to you
4. Get ready for this amazing auction going on starting Aug. 15(see flyer below)
5. You can offer up your skills, service, items you make for the auction...by contacting Sarah Parson
e-mail: inthemiddleofthis@gmail.com
6. Go to Facebook and like the Bows for Ruby and Buy, Buy, Buy......these young mothers have great talent...have young babies at home? buy them a bow! Have a baby shower to go to soon? buy them a bow! A little will go a long way, and thank you again for caring!
7. Also, I will be doing Haircuts for as long as we need to for $20. all will go to the Taylor Family, so get your whole family and friends ready for the school year and cut off those summer dead ends and it will greatly bless this family!check out my Hair-blog

Please Pray for Little Ruby Jane

2011-08-10T10:53:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke up
My friend Ani probably doesn't remember when she slept last. Her newest little baby girl, Ruby Jane has been fighting since she was born in January to get a better liver.
In and out of hospitals, sleepless nights and still being the best mom to 1st daughter, Kate and great wife to Matt.
This family is an extension of my family.
Ani and I grew up together, had sleepless nights at sleepovers, spent our first year of high school as 2 of 3 Mormon girls.
She is now doing everything she can to help save her little girl.
Last night Ruby Jane went into "pre-cardiac arrest"
this scares me to death. This girl is a fighter and soooo many many people are pulling together to uplift and strength the Taylor family at this time. I ask please please pray for them all, and pray that a liver will come through today to give Ruby a break from fighting.

Made it to CA early June

2011-07-27T22:03:00.000-07:00

This picture of Champ and Charlie (my parents dog) sums up about how we felt when we finally got here. It was a fun adventure, and I would do it all again in a heart beat to stop at many more great and exciting things in our country.

Here's to our new chapter of our life in California...

Just feels so right to be here

Whatever day...whereever we are....on our way to Utah

2011-07-27T22:01:00.000-07:00

Some day later on our trip we were leaving Mt. Rushmore and heard about snowfall in Yellowstone (our next destination) So we decided to forgo the 20degree temperature at night and drive straight to Utah. Upon discovering we would be getting to Utah the day before we told everyone we decided to scare/surprise my sister. Not just a phone call...or door knock, but actually surprise. I got in touch with Aubrey the Great, and she was my little spy. We got lucky, that night my sister was over at a boys house she was interested in. Before we made it to his we managed to scare another couple that we thought was her. Not a great idea with a lose dog at 10:40 on a school night.

We drove and drove....and saw some great sights

Driving puts Champ to sleep.

We were just on our way to Utah when we saw Martin's Cove. We decided to pull off and check it all out.

This is devil's gate.

Champ can really sleep sitting up...its hilarious!

Day 4....Mt. Rushmore!!!

2011-07-26T22:29:00.000-07:00

1st I have to tell you the true story of why we wanted to stop in Mt. Rushmore.
When we first moved to Arlington , VA I didn't know exactly what was around us, I just knew it was filled with history. So, on our first Sunday we found out church didn't start until 3pm (yes, I know....crazy). We didn't have any of our belongings so we made due with keeping ourselves busy. We were driving around and I saw a sign that said Mt. Vernon 8.2 miles so I told Joe we should spend some time there before church. He did not seem excited at all. He ask well...what is at mt. Vernon? my reply, The mountain with the presidents faces cut out. I'm sure I knew right as I was saying that, I was wrong...very wrong.
Still to this day its a laughing joke.
I have since been to Mt. Vernon many times showing visitors where President George Washington LIVED. He has a beautiful house and land you can tour around and it's just a great view over the Potomac.

So, when we were planning our trip back west, I insisted stopping at Mt. Rushmore (even though their is nothing else close by but Yellowstone....it is worth the drive if you ever have the chance....GO!)

We found another camp ground to stay at and it was amazing. I want to keep coming back to this place. Joe and I were very surprise how cool Mt. Rushmore is. We spent only a few mins there since Champ wasn't allow ( not cool).

The coolest camp site ever!

Champ played in the river often

Our Family Picture...everyone is looking happy!

Day 3, from Nauvoo to Hays, Kansas

2011-07-26T22:06:00.000-07:00

On our 3rd day we drove through my mission. I got home from my mission 3 years ago from April, so I was excited to see "my people"

On the way I decided we would take a detour to see the up and coming Kansas City, MO Temple. Just an exit away from Liberty Jail. I'm just hoping to go back for the dedication.

It was on beautiful land.

Here's my dear dear friends The Paz's and Fetcher (minus Miranda, and Bro. Paz) both had to work. The kids loved playing with Joe and Champ. They were my Topeka family for a whole 6 months and helped me through my shingles on my mission. Just being in the home makes me feel so happy. They will always put a smile on your face. While I was there I was lucky to teach Brad (the dad to those happy 5 children) the gospel. He was a stubborn man, but the night before I left to recover from Shingles he was baptized and it was such a wonderful night. My mission President and his wife came out (partly because they had to take me to the airport the next day). The spirit was so strong and he made some life changing habits.

Next, I served in Manhattan Kansas...the home of K-State!! I was in the singles branch for 6 months and knew that so many of the singles that I taught with or taught were gone, married, school, army..etc.. So I wasn't sure who was still around the area. I made plans to meet up with Steve (man on the far right) He was a golden contact on a blizzard day with no one out walking around and me and my greenie companion were pushing our shoulder to the wheel and praying to find someone to teach. We ran into him and he wasn't interested until the next day, he felt prompted to call us and meet up with us. By then I was getting transferred to another area and wasn't able to stay in contact until after my mission. He is now serving in many callings including ward missionary. Doug( far left) was taught and baptized by some sisters before me and was a GREAT missionary. We taught and baptized his roommate and his deaf girlfriend (they are so happily married still) Lee (the right of me) is a fabulous ward missionary and just happened to be home visiting and going on a run to the institute building when I saw him. It was great seeing all these members. Wish I had more time in Manhattan.

And then, their is Hays, Kansas. Their is no "real" mall, or even a target, but I could seriously move here and be happy because the people in this ward. I made some long lasting friendships here and I come over thinking of when I can go back. Gracie feel in love with Champ and didn't want to see him go.

She got every last "pet" in

Kristen and I both marry the two BEST Joe's in the world. One is behind the camera and the other had to get to work. They are two awesome men and they both have taught me so much. Joe Sloan grew up in the church, and married Kristen. I and many many many missionaries had the chance to teach her the lessons over and over again. It wasn't until Jan. 2010 I was in the grocery store shopping when I got her phone call telling me she is getting baptized, and a year later they were sealed in the temple. They are awesome!

The Bernal Family does not live in Kansas anymore, but they were a huge part of my missionary experience there. They were both from AZ and when they were sealed Joe and I drove out to AZ to attend their sealing.
I am so grateful I got to have this amazing experience to visit my mission. The spirit is still strong in the promise land. I feel sooo blessed and lucky to have been called there at that time, still to this day I know I was sent their to have these people in my life forever!! (as well as my MIMissionaries)

After we were off to see Mt. Rushmore....

Day 3 From Chicago to Nauvoo, IL

2011-07-26T20:13:00.000-07:00

We are flexible people so a few days before we decided to make changes in our road trip. Our 3rd night we decided to stop in Nauvoo, IL (a historical Mormon site). This is were the Prophet Joseph Smith is buried and a beautiful town was built for the early Mormon pioneers.
Here are our pictures at Carthage's Jail:

I couldn't take Champ with us on the tour (even though at the same time their was a guide dog that got to go and it made me jealous champ isn't that cool). So I stayed outside while Joe took the tour. (he had never been, hence me staying outside)

Road trip clothes and unflattering (enough said)

Nauvoo Temple on a beautiful Monday evening.

Joe in front of Joseph Smith, and Hyrum Smith. and then we have Joseph Hyrum Richardson (parents are big church history fans)

I was so stoked when I found this camp site for $3 per person a night. whoo hoo! to bad it was next to the mississippi and bug and sweat was EVERYWHERE and I don't think either one of us got a good night sleep.

Here's our camp spot. We were the only ones brave enough to camp in June.

Next morning we were off to drive through KANSAS!!! I was sooooo excited..

our Vegas trip

2011-07-20T19:11:00.000-07:00

For the 4th we drove up to Vegas and spent and nice and relaxing weekend with my in-laws.
We had a great time, going to different shows and eating our hearts out!

Here's our recap of the weekend:

Happy 4th Of July

2011-07-04T09:43:00.000-07:00

Joe and I are melting right now in Vegas....with 111 degrees of heat!
whoo hoo!

Here's a fun recap of the Richardson's 4th of July's

2008

Wild Rivers with these lovely people

Ashleigh. Erin. Me. Joe. Jr. Jason. Andrea

2009

Our 1st as a married couple

We joined the Johnsons on their Sail boat in Dana Point Harbor and got towed at the end of the night because Joe thought we got lucky with a parking spot. Ha!

2010

Is probably going to be the famous 4th of July's in our book because we were at the National Mall in Washington DC

It was an all event day after church of course!

Sat in front of the Capitol for a concert later that night ft. Gladys Knight & David Archie (shorten up)

Gladys practicing her songs

our DC 4th of July Picture

Firework Time!

and then trying to get home! woo...what a crowd!

Kyle and Janae with Joe

and this year we are in Vegas with Joe's Dad and step mom, Melanie...

Pictures will come later

A shot out to the land and the free....so proud to be an American

a big thank you to all of our troops and their amazing families...I have never seen a special bond between wives as you do as army wives. May God Bless them all!

DAY 1 and 2 from DC to Chicago

2011-07-03T09:23:00.000-07:00

It would have been better if I wrote this on the road or something, but I didn't so you'll get the short version, the one you wanted anyways.

We woke up at 5am and got on the road. Here are things I remember or saw the first day;

saw a horse and buggy in Pennsylvania
It's really really green in Pennsylvania
I may have slept a lot more then I remember

Then we arrived in Chicago around 6 and hit traffic, and the best part was Joe had to pee really bad. I find it funny because he can drink sooo much and be fine for hours. We were almost there, just 20 mins from our hotel and he had to stop and get out of traffic. He couldn't find anything so he stopped in a dark alley and took care of business. Luckily we made it out alive.
After we checked in and got Champ all settled in (our room was across the hall from the pool and spa, bonus!)
we went to go have dinner with a family Joe was close with on his mission. (p.s. Joe served Spanish Speaking in Chicago for 2 years)
This family was wonder and spoke english very well...except they never spoke it because Joe wanted to brush up on his spanish. I sat in outer darkness, guess what topic they were speaking about. I smiled and nodded a lot.

Here's their beautiful family!

Next morning was Sunday! We were doing sunday, missionary style....hit as many wards as you can! (oh, did you guess they were all in spanish haha) I think many people noticed this white girl (and yes, I was very white and had not seen the sun) and I'm sure I had that look on my face, but soon noticed a bit taller, fuller Elder Richardson standing next to me. It never failed for them to be so excited and come running over to hug him. He seemed very very loved by "his people"

After our first ward we went out to lunch with this wonderful family. The man was a bit less active when Joe was there and Joe and his companion taught his wife the gospel and baptized her. They had 3 kids when Joe was there and added two more since. They were such a delight to be with.

P.s. one day I'll have Joe go through and add names so we don't forget for our sake.

Then we hit up ward #2. It was a great ward with a lot more people there that Joe had no idea would still be in the ward. The family above were always helping out with missionary work. The couple above are engaged and we would love to go back for their wedding. She was always helping out the elders teaching, rides, food. Joe said she was an awesome member missionary.

And then we had dinner. Joe had no problem asking her to cook a great Mexican meal. When we. were dating Joe went to visit his mission and stayed with them. They were so kind and wonderful to talk to. This was one meal we all spoke in English. (thank goodness, Joe said he was getting a headache from all the translation going on in his head).

So we stayed 2 nights and then packed up for Day 3 on the road....

From DC to OC and how we got here...

2011-07-02T09:06:00.000-07:00

The Night before day 1, We went out to dinner with our great friends, Ashlee & Nate, Janae & Kyle. We have loved going to Clare & Don's Beach Shack in Falls Church, VA (recommend it, along with Rey's Hell Burger, Old Ebbits Grill, Dariy God Mother, and Elevation Burger)

We laughed so hard that night I just remember my stomach hurting. It was a great time in DC with these guys.

I already miss you!

These two have a special bond, at first they were opposites, but shorty we realized nate was like me and ashlee is a lot like joe. We all still have our differences but we stayed up hours playing clue and it will never be the same.

late bloomer

2011-07-01T09:01:00.000-07:00

So I have a little more free time on my hands these days since I'm working for myself and my work is right downstairs!! (love it!!!!) Joe sometimes tries to call it getting lazier, but I don't see it that way since I'm getting other things done.
I'm trying to figure out a lot more on blogger, and tonight I found something really really cool. That you all probably know about. If you go into stats you can see what countries people are in that look at your page and other cool things like that. It's helped me to reconnect with people I haven't been able to find again.
Thanks blogger for helping out a late bloomer.

love for Ruby Jane

2011-06-30T16:12:00.000-07:00

I have some post I need to write about but I haven't felt like sitting down and typing them.
So today I decided to write about a little girl I haven't met yet that and her family.

Many of you know Ruby Jane Taylor.

I grew up with her mother, Ani Bewsey (now Taylor). Ruby was born Jan. 5, 2011. She probably has spent more nights in a hospital then her home. She is struggling with her liver and desperately needs a new one from a donor. When you want to do more but can't, the best thing we all can do is to hand it over to the Lord. The Taylors have asked all who can to Fast and Pray for Ruby this Sunday July 3. She is back in the hospital and dr. now say she might not go home until she gets a donor.

No parent should ever have to go through this and I feel deeply sad for them both. Please remember them all in your prayers.

visit ani at her blog at Ani & Matt Taylor
photo taken from her blog.

Bye Bye D.C. and Arlington, VA

2011-05-26T20:18:00.000-07:00

I was just realizing it was only 8 months after we got married we moved out here. It seems like we just got here, yet we have been married forever!
We have lived in the D.C area for almost 2 years. This place has become a special place to us. Although politics doesn't interested me at all...the people here do!

I had some great times working in the house of Representative.

but have enjoyed my second salon job so much better just because of the people I work with!!

Michelle, Anna, Annette, Ashley & husband jon, Reagen, me, Chris and Linda!

my dad coming to visit and going to the Pentagon Memorial

Joe starting school

Friends visiting, Kristen at Arlington Cemetery where her grandfather is buried

Spending the hottest day to watch the fireworks on the National Mall

Learning to ride the Metro, even when crowded.

Enjoying Cherry Blossom season

Camping in the Shenandoah Mt.

GETTING A DOG!!!

we love our champ

Going to Mt. Vernon with Shannon

Taking my in laws on a Capitol Tour and many others that came to visit.

Surviving the worst winter in DC since the 40's

Hosting our 1st Thanksgiving

Spending Valentines Day in NYC

Taking Champ on hikes to Great Falls

Walk on Roosevelt Island.

Taking my mom to D.C. cupcakes which is really called Georgetown Cupcakes

Taking Joe to President Washington's Home on Mt. Vernon

Enjoying time away from the busy city at the Washington DC Temple

xoxo,
Newlywed adventures

Joe did graduate

2011-05-26T18:14:00.000-07:00

I was looking back in my post and realized I never showed off my proud wifey pictures of my husband graduating. It's a great accomplishment and we brought the whole family out to support.

I had my last day of work and that night my parents came into town.
The next night I picked up my mother in law and came back to stay with me.
The next night I had to drive an hour in the rain to pick up Joe at Baltimore airport (he was away for baseball games and had to fly home early to make graduation) and I was not a happy camper. His dad and step mother and my aunt and uncle flew in earlier that day.
We woke up at 6:30, with just 5 hours of sleep to get ready and head over to my parents hotel to eat free breakfast for all.
We all embraced the public transportation system and took the metro into DC.
Then the rest are in the pictures!
Joe graduated in economics, in the 15% of his class and made it on Deans Honor Roll and award Student Athlete.

Joe with his Mom

His Dad and Melanie

Mr. & Mrs. Richardson

Ceremony was in front of the Capitol on the National Mall

MIL, Joe and his mom

My dad tried taking a jumping picture

A very important building I forget the name to where we saw the Declaration of Independence and more...

The White House, just 4 blocks from campus

This lady has been here since the 80's..trying to stop war

Fluffy Cakes made his graduation cake.

So Proud, (mushy mushy stuff here)

Congrats all graduates!

Shellac part 2

2011-05-26T17:44:00.000-07:00

okay, it's been one week since my last shellac. Here are they now....

remind you that we have been doing nothing but pack and moving things around. I've scratched and bump these beauties into EVERYTHING and they have last!!! I'll try to take a picture again in a week.

Shellac update:
I only paid $20. but I saw other places for more. I would say they are worth the $20, but I wouldn't pay more.
p.s. I am obsess!

Shellac

2011-05-20T19:27:00.000-07:00

Have you heard about the 2 week manicure???
I'm going to miss being in a salon environment where sometimes you hear the same thing over and over again, but then good days when you hear some very good news!!
SHELLAC
is a new nail polish that is a polish and gel combined to seal your nails for 14 days!
I didn't believe it myself, first.
Doing hair my hands are always in water, color and products so I never thought about a manicure, until my co-worker started getting her nails done every 2 weeks and they look the same from the last day to the first.
So I took a new friend today to have our nails done and found out my local beauty store (for license hair-dressers) carry everything you need for shellac! So I invested in a UVray lamb and will get the colors in CA so my mom, sister and I can have a Shellac Summer!!!
I've never been the one to do nails...but I'm so sold on this product that I might just offer a simple color shellac service.
It's also great for toes!!

I'm retired!

2011-05-20T19:16:00.000-07:00

Yeah! Joe graduated this last weekend and I finished up my last day of work last thursday before all the craziness of family coming started.
I've been telling Joe for over a year that I'm ready to retire.
I guess I'm not really retiring we just want a job change, for a full time hairstylist to a full time mom.
I guess one good thing has happen from not getting pregnant, Joe has finally accepted that I can retire from a full time salon job. I will always love to do hair and will continue to do referrals at home. Now with this move coming in a week, we will be back in california with my parents.
It will be a perfect time to start that relationship with an infertility specialist and schedule any dr. visits on my time, not when I can get work off. I am so excited to figure out what is going on with my body.
Every month I have Hope, you have to have hope with infertility.
We are lucky enough to be able to stay with my parents until we figure out what we need to do, weather we save money for ivf or even adoption, it will be such a blessing to us to be around so much family (I hope I remember this when I want to get out)
Back to my retirement, I'm proud to say we have saved good money and I'm proud of that. It's been one week and I'm already anxious to cut someones hair. So while I'm "retired" I hope to be able to keep myself busy enough doing hair at home to keep my mind off of what our life will become.

Happily Ever After...

2011-04-29T16:16:00.001-07:00

The Royal Wedding
William and Catherine April 29,2011
I did not realized how excited I could be. All the talk and speical shows on TV didn't get me hooked. Last night I thought that I would never wake up early enough to watch it so I'll just tape it and just check out her dress. I made sure to tape CNN and the Today show.
Joe and I got to bed late, midnight is way past our bed times. To my surprise champ woke me up a little after 6am, I thought about watching it but then tried to go back asleep, then I tried checking on my cell phone to see a picture but by 6:20 I was out of bed glued to the tv and so excited to see the wedding. I just about died when I saw her come out of the car, and then her sister, wow! Just beautiful girls! Then I started doing the "I wish I did that.." game. I was and still am in love with her dress!!! Can I do my wedding over again? Just have 1 bridesmaid (not to say I didn't love the other 4, but so simply and gorgeous) I LOVED her earrings!!!! Her hair was timeless too! Sometimes I wish I wore my hair down but I then again I loved my romantic updo I had.
All in all...
I am going to watch it again!
Not to mention when Joe got up and came out his first words were "dang she looks hot!" I Thought well yes she is beautiful!
My favorite was Harry looking over Williams shoulder and just beaming because he is so happy for his brother.
I loved when she came out for the kiss and saw the crowds and just said "wow!"
What a great wedding to see. I can't believe it's been almost 2. 1/2 years since our wedding!

Summer Nights

2011-04-27T15:52:00.000-07:00

I love the new country song Summer Nights...it's a good song for the car. Joe and I have really enjoyed two new stations on the radio. The first is the country station, yes..I sing along to country songs now and the second is a Christian radio station. At first I felt like I was cheating on Mormon music, but these songs are very uplifting and center around Christ. So it's been a real big help during my depressing months struggling with my infertility.

Also tonight we are getting a huge thunderstorm. I was just reading a friend of mine's blog and she recently got married and moved for Kansas to Colorado and was talking about mission her Kansas thunderstorms. Today has really felt like a Kansas day and it makes me miss all of my mission companions and Kansas friends soooo much!!!! When I finish working on May 12, I will start contacting you all to let you know when Joe and Champ and I will be stopping through!!! I can not wait to see everyone again and show Joe how cool Kansas really is!!!! I would move there anytime!
So on my mission we had some crazy thunderstorms and one was in Manhattan, Kansas and my companion, Sister Durrant and I were out with a member when the storm hit. and I got these cool pictures!

I really took this picture! I'm very proud that I caught the lightning.

This was another day the storm coming in.

With all that rain, you get the best sunflowers!!

Sun time

2011-04-27T12:35:00.001-07:00

I guess champ has picked up on my habits. He likes to enjoy his time in the sun. This is what I have caught him doing the last few days.

I am so excited to take him to the dog beach when we move back to CA. He will really enjoy that, maybe catch a few waves too!
Joes last day of classes are today and now he will just have baseball and a few finals.
I have just two weeks left at work!

People think I'm crazy....

2011-04-22T16:47:00.000-07:00

and I love it!
I have since told my work I am leaving and 99% sure we are moving to CA in June.
Many clients are very supportive and understanding, most of our family is there, we want to raise a family there, and we need the beach (I told Joe last night that I felt like a fish out out water and he needs to take me back)
The best part is when they ask me if Joe and I have found jobs yet or secured housing (that doesn't included parents). I just smile back and say nope, we are taking a leap of faith and going with it.
I think East coast people think we are crazy!!!
maybe most people think we are crazy, but that is what makes us the Richardson's...we are just crazy.

Joe is once again gone playing baseball in another state and I'm left to try to feed myself and go to work :(

3 week countdown until graduation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! whoo hoo

Our full weekend

2011-04-12T11:04:00.001-07:00

Joe is doing good, just waiting to hear back from the cardiologist! Hopefully he will get cleared to play baseball again before they head up to NY this weekend.
I had an exciting weekend with my mom in town!!! I was getting so home sick for some family so she came out to do a little bit of shopping and eating out. We had such a blast!!! We found a new national park about 20 mins west of DC that has a sweet water fall. Champ loved it and Joe was even skipping around. Just being outside was sooo nice!!! I also took my mom to a cupcake store, they happen to have a show on TLC called DC cupcakes. It was way good.
Here's me with my red velvet.

We brought some home for Joe but they didn't make it through the 85 degree day we had (back to more rain today)

I also bit out of the wrong cupcake, oops!
My mom is coming back out in 4 weeks from Thursday for joes graduation!!!! I seriously can not wait!!!! Family, fun and then the trek back to CA!!!

Here's Joe and champ after the games at the BBQ, poor champ wants some hamburgers.

24 isn't young anymore

2011-04-05T12:34:00.001-07:00

Joe is only 24, but is dealing with old people stuff (at least we thought). Last week he started having more frequent heart palpitation. Where is heart beats normal then skips a beat and then it races. It can be scary at times. He feels it at all different time after pitching, watching a movie, driving, walking, taking a bath you name it. After the last few days of test and lab work they decided to do a 24 hr EKG so they can see everything he is feeling. It could all be just from stress and we are hoping that's all. Here's a Joe pic showing off his wires.

APRIL 4

2011-04-04T20:47:00.000-07:00

Today is one of those days I will never forget where I was in 2008.

I was still a missionary just ending 18 months of service in the Missouri Independence Mission.

The start, here at the MTC in Provo, UT

Where Preach my Gospel was just the beginning.

I served in Olathe, KS and Topeka first

I loved serving in manhattan, KS with Sister Durrant for 6 months!!! We still love each other, after our mission we went to Hawaii together where we both went sky diving for the first time.

Enjoyed Hays, KS at the end of my mission. So many people I have missed and will always be thinking of.

Leaving the mission you never know what to do or think.....so glad I had these other Sisters going home with me, plus 4 more not in the picture.

and my WONDERFUL mission president and his wife! The Hackings

There has been a lot of things in my life since then, but I would never become the person I am today without my mission and the people who changed my life for the better. I am so grateful for every single person I met on my mission.

Rain Rain GO aWAY!

2011-03-31T20:27:00.000-07:00

It's been so cloudy and raining the last week or so. They (Doug from channel 4, who everyone in the DC area has a crush on) says it will be rainning for a while now, but Sunday we will get a beautiful break!! whoo hoo! General Conference then baseball games, can't wait! If you didn't see this beauty on facebook, here it is...your next American Idol!!

In case you didn't know I get embarrass when Joe dances. So we have a rule that he can't dance using his hands in the car. It now makes it a very eventful joyride to the metro every morning.

Amazon is great

2011-03-29T13:17:00.001-07:00

Joe and I found a new tent, since the last one was no good to us during a rain storm (because it was bought at walmart in 2003 in Provo Ut around 3am because I was bored). We wanted to invest in something great without breaking the bank. We did tons of research and came down to this one and a Coleman. Then I read a blog that said coleman's are no made in china and the quality has lowered. So we got the Columbia bugaboo ii tome. I'll set it up later since I'm not in the mood to do anything but lay here, but I'm seriously so excited to have this!!!

And amazon is great because I just purchased it yesterday morning and it arrived before 3 today, with free shipping!! Sweet!

TMI- too much info

2011-03-29T13:10:00.001-07:00

Almost once a month I come home to heal my aches and pains of being a women. It comes every 25 days for me (a blessing and a curse).
Today I hurried and took the pain meds at the first feelings of aches and threw on my sweats, grabbed a good book (If life were easy, it wouldn't be hard, by Sheri Dew) and laid down to rest.
Thank goodness Joe taught champ to snuggle. Curling up with me is my little pup, champ.

I love his personality and faces he gives me. He loves me no matter what.

And he doesn't care that i didn't fold the clean clothes yesterday and left them on the bed haha. At least I still like to make my bed.

Newpaper worthy

2011-03-28T19:04:00.001-07:00

Joe and I have now both been fetured in different DC newpapers, and we aren't even important people.

If you recall my first job out here was in Tides Salon that was in the Capitol Building. We had just gone under a renovation and got nice media coverage.

This past weekend Joe had a great game and it got a great article. Check it out at www.gwhatchet.com under sports.

just to darn cold for me

2011-03-28T15:52:00.000-07:00

No cherry blossoms for me this year.
I had such a good time last year that I doubt I could top it, plus it is still freeeezing here in Virginia. Where was spring?
It was just two 60 degree weekends
then gone.:(

So here is to last years picture of the Cherry Blossoms.

P.S. have I mention I'm ready to be warm??? and at the beach?

can't wait to do this...

2011-03-27T14:42:00.000-07:00

View Directions to 20 Prestwick Ct, Trabuco Canyon, CA 92679 in a larger map

After graduation in may we will wrap up baseball season in June and start the move/vacation back to California.
Thats right, we are going to stop in Joe's Mission (Chicago) and mine (Kansas) then visit Mount Rushmore (all because I thought Mt. Vernon was Mt. Rushmore (haha, blonde moment), then Yellostone since we are that close and camping, then Provo to see Mersy and other friends and then home.

Joe had his first win this season during yesterdays game.
GW had this to say about his portion at the game "Senior Joe Richardson then entered the game with GW holding a 6-5 lead and was dominant over the final four and two-third innings, allowing just three hits while striking out three on the way to earning his first victory of the year."
And he came home with the MVP helmet.

Tis the season for hairdressers

2011-03-18T10:43:00.000-07:00

March, April and may are like Christmas around here. Spring is here and everyones hair is getting bigger and frizzy.
So what's the solution?
Brazilian keratin treatment
I know what your thinking? What about all the bad press it's getting?
Nope, not here.
Not only are we using the best products with no formahyded and even have an organic forumal.
For my hair it's not so magical, but it has given my hair strength back.
For all you thick hair people out there it's cuts your blow-dry in half.
So that's what I'm doing these days.
Making beautiful hair.

camping across America

2011-03-11T17:25:00.000-08:00

Joe and I have been talking for a while what we should do when we leave here and want to transport back to CA.
Do we sell almost everything and go?
Do we take it all and put it in storage?
Whats the best price to move?
Do we stop in both of our missions for days? How long will it take to get home?
Does Champ come with us or do I fly back with him and let Joe drive alone.

I told him tonight...I think we should just get a small Uhaul for the back and take champ with us and stop at great places and camp. I couldn't be more excited to get more camping in for the summer. best of all it will be in all new places across America.
I'm so excited!! I'm going to plan it out now.

My new toy

The roamer leash for Champ

I've been here before

2011-03-10T20:58:00.000-08:00

Why am I jumping into the blogging world?
I have NO IDEA. (maybe my 2 best friends living around the world, Shannon and Kristen, that need to know what is going on in my life even though we are worlds apart!)

but I'm doing it.
Since going private on my last one, then deleting it, I decided to take the blog name back and run with it.
This is my life, and most of it will be positive, because I have another blog that goes into my detail struggle with starting, of lack of, a family. Many women that don't dare talk about having trouble trying to conceive.
So, we have started baseball season and going into busy work season for me.
It rained all day today which means
SPRING TIME!!!


	$26.75


We are able to take walks/runs together hands free. I love it and he loves it. Can't wait to go hiking!!!