Amanda and Justin Orchard

Well Life Just Got A Little More Interesting!

2012-01-30T16:47:00.009-07:00

So I wanted to take some time to give an Update on the Lives of the Orchards.

Gonna Back Date just a little. Over the past few weeks Justin has been extra sweet in sending me Flowers to work. End of December I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes. And I was stressed out. I had to meet with a Dietitian and Justin wasn't able to go with me. So he sent me flowers.

Then on January 13th. I was at work and received these: He told me it was just cuz he could. How Sweet!

We finally got our Crib and Changing Table / Dresser. So Justin Started putting those together.

So anyways that next day I got this really crazy nesting thing going on. I had to get the quilt for the crib and the pillows and the wall decorations done. It was driving me crazy.

I couldn't believe that I got it all done. I work really hard and was so proud of my finished ( well almost finished ) nursery.

On January 20th. I met with my Doctor - Dr. Klomp for my last bi-weekly appointment. I had hit 36 weeks. Justin had to Work so Mom came with me. Previously I had weighed 148. At this appointment I had lost weight. I was 146.4. Now Since the beginning of my pregnancy ( with the weight loss ) I had at this point only gained 6 lb's. Crazy right? Yeah! The Doctor said not to be concerned. He told me as he did at my previous appointment that the Baby was head down - which was good. During the pelvic he got a funny look on his face. He told me that I was already dilated to 2 cm. I asked if I should be concerned. He told me no. That I could be dilated at a 2 for weeks. Since I had 4 weeks to go I said ok.

After the Appointment I dropped my mom back off at work and went home and did the weekly House cleaning. Justin got home from work and we debated for about an hour on what and where we wanted to go for dinner. We finally settled on Golden Corral - since I could find many things that I would be allowed to eat on the special diet that I was put on for the Gestational Diabetes. We got there and started eating dinner. We joked around with our waitress who was also expecting. We both got up to go get seconds and as I grabbed my new plate I felt a WHOOSH of water. Now me being one of those Ladies that had major bladder issues, I thought "Oh Man - I just wet my pants " but then I freaked out and though there was no way I tinkled that much. So I handed my plate to Justin and told him I'd be right back. I ran to the restroom. Where I continued to feel like I was leaking badly. " OH CRAP - MY WATER JUST BROKE " I cleaned up the best I could and exited the rest room and told Justin we needed to go. He gave me a funny look. I told him my water just broke. He didn't believe me. I said "We NEED to go" So we paid and left. Luckily I had a towel in the car. I laid it on the seat and sat down. I called my doctor's office and they told me to go to the Hospital and check in with Labor and Delivery. I started freaking out. I was too early. I had 4 weeks to go. We get to the hospital and expecting it to be a false alarm the nurse got a hold of my doctor and is told to do a ultrasound and also check to make sure my water did actually break. So she does. Sure enough my water had broken. Only problem - Baby is breech. "Wait WHAT? No that can't be. He was head down this Morning." So I'm told congrats - that I'm having the baby today ( or on the 20th ) bad news it's via C-Section since the baby is breech. By this time it's after 4pm Friday afternoon. So I call my mom and Sommer answer's I tell her that I'm at the hospital and that if they want to be there when little Orchard Arrives they better head there NOW. She doesn't believe me. After several minutes she finally get's my mom. I repeat everything. Dr. Klomp then comes in and tells me that I will be prepped for surgery and the baby should be delivered with in the hour. He tell's me that that morning he had noticed the baby was not head down but breech but didn't want to worry me since I had 4 weeks to go. I was prepped for surgery and . . .

Little Myles J Orchard was born on January 20th at 5:42pm. He weighed 4 lb's and 13 ounces. He was 18½ inches long, and He was definitely a boy!

He is so precious. At 4 weeks early he was doing great. The only thing that was not PERFECT was he had a little jaundice. We were at the Hospital till the following Tuesday where I was able to recover from the C-Section and be there to nurse Little Myles. They sent us home. We had to go in everyday for a blood test to check his jaundice levels. Come Friday they made us rent a bili-blanket for us to put him on at home. He is doing well and is now off the blanket.

So Stewie ( our Jack Russel / Mix ) has taken on the role of Protector. He loves little Myles and wants to be where he is.

Jaz is still unsure of Little Myles. She's starting to warm up and will sniff him but then keeps her distance most the time.

This is Myles at 1 Week old. He's so little.

He's my little Monkey - However the way He likes to curl up makes me call him my little Turtle.

It's crazy to think that it's been 10 days since Myles joined our Family. It feels like he's been here longer than that. And While I am still recovering from the C-Section and not allowed to do too much - he is such a joy. We love him so very much. It's true - you just take one look at him and are instantly in love.

Justin/Daddy just loves his little guy. I love watching him hold Myles.

Our Lives have been changed forever. But it has been changed for the good.

Just for if you are intersted. This is a Video that Justin took of our first night home from the Hospital. Forgive My indecency - I'm wearing a Nursing Tank top under the blanket I promise. But it's so sweet to see how it's been with Baby Myles and the puppies.

Yup That's Right!

2011-11-23T10:24:00.008-07:00

So We Are EXPECTING!

Our First Little Baby! We are so excited.

Our Little Myles J Orchard will be Arriving February 2012.

So Now that time is ticking away way to fast I have started working on the Nursery.

One of My Friends - Becca, threatened me that she had to be the one to help me paint. So of Course I let her. We've have the room picked out for quite some time but the color scheme I couldn't figure out.

I thought let's go Brown. No - How about Red. No - How about blue. No. I really really really like brown. Then I Saw this!

I was Instantly In Love. So precious. How I would love it.

However Not to Be. Mom and Dad gave Justin and I a Congrats "It's A Boy!" After our Ultrasound.

I started thinking OOHH I like that.

My Friend Paige and Family were over for a BSU FootBall Game and of course we were talking Baby and we got on the internet and started browsing. OH MY GOODNESS I couldn't believe the things out there. But we ran across these Photo's and I was done. I knew what I wanted to do.

SOCK MONKEYS!!! I could do Brown Wall's with some of the Red Justin liked and Cream. I got so Excited. I had to Show Mom at first Opportunity.

A few days Later I ordered the Material so I could make my own Crib Quilt. I honestly Hope It fit's. I have it mostly done just needs the finishing Touches.

So The Painting on the Room needed to be started. I decided to go 2 shades of brown. So Here is the Before.

So I Taped off the Windows, Ceiling, and Baseboards

We Started Painting. We went with a Lighter Brown on the Walls with the Windows and Closet. and Went with the Darker Brown on the Full walls.

Well I'll Update with more once the Room is Finished and Assembeled.

Happy 7th Anniversary

2011-04-18T08:27:00.010-07:00

So . . . It's been 7 years. Time has flown by so fast. Now I know that I said that last year was the Best Anniversary so far. And at that point it had been.

This year Justin decided to do something Romantic for our Anniversary and totally botched it. He left some information up on MY computer and I saw it. So to make up for spoiling this romantic idea he did something else.

" The Anniversary Fairy"

Who is that you ask? Well he is a Fairy that brings us Deserving Wife's little gifts. Monday 4/11 - Justin and I were getting ready for bed. When I pulled back the sheets inside my pillow was this.

" 7 years down, eternity to go . . . you can do it!!! " With some Candy - Can't go wrong with Candy for me and then a Movie.

So I asked him abotu it and said he had no clue.

Next day ( 4/12 ) I had to work the late shift at work. When I got off on the driver side seat was this:

A Card and a Coupon. The coupon is good for one week free of Chores around the house.

On Wednesday ( 4/13 ) I was going to hang out with one of my good friends and once again on the driver side seat was this:

Another Card and Coupon that is good for "My Husband" taking me on a Chick Flick Movie date and having to keep his "Mouth Shut" before and During the movie.

On Thurday ( 4/14 ) I saw late evening sitting on my computer desk this:

Once again Another Card and this Cd Case. Inside the Cd Case was a Itunes gift card.

Now if that wasn't an awesome Anniversary gift this next part was.

The Surprise - Romantic Idea Justin had for our Anniversary was . . .

A Weekend Getaway in McCall Idaho.

We stayed at The Shore Lodge - and sadly this picture is one I got off the internet cuz I forgot to take a picture of the Lodge. It was not green like that. It was covered in snow.

Our Room was Magnificent. Large and Spacious.

There even was a Separate Room with the TV and 2 Couches.

The Bathroom was Huge and beautiful.

We Even had our own Private Balcony.

It had started to snow when we got up there.

After getting checked in and slightly settled - We were both starving since neither one of us had really eatin that day so we headed out to go eat dinner.

On Our Way out we saw these:

YES! DEER! They were right in the hotel area and just hanging our there.

It was Absolutely Amazing. I have never ever been that close to deer before.

So Anyway - after checking out the deer we headed to "Lardo's Grill and Saloon" They were very very Delicious.

After Dinner we headed to the little market to pick up something deserty and something to drink to celebrate 7 years. After wards we headed back to the hotel to relax.

This is what we decided on. Orange Cream Soda and a MarionBerry type cake. It was good. Silly but fun.

Now since we don't drink coffee we had decided to grab some hot cocoa while at the store. We made up a couple mugs of the cocoa and bundled up and headed out to the balcony where we sat and observed the beauty of the frozen lake and and the snow.

Saturday morning we went to the Pancake House for breakfast.

After eating we went back to the hotel and relaxed almost all day. Watching Tv, ( me ) reading, (Justin) playing computer. It was very relaxing and we just had fun.

For Dinner we Went to "The Mill." We dressed up in to our nice Church clothes and went out.

We decided to Spoil our Selves and both got the Prime Rib. However - Mine was the Small size and Justin's was the Large.

After Eating we went back to the hotel and got on our Bathing Suits and went to the hot tub. It was raining and the hot tub was outside. It was a cold run to the Hot tub but soooo nice once in there. We sat there looking at the Amazing view of the lake.

It was an Amazing Trip. The Best we have taking. It was Fun to just get out of Boise and relax and enjoy each others company. I hope the Next 7 years are as great or even better.

I love my Husband so very very Much.

Happy Anniversary 2010

2010-12-06T23:07:00.006-07:00

This Year Justin and I reached our 6th Anniversary

This year's anniversary was the best so far.

As you can see from my last post . . . we found a House and successfully purchased it.

OUR first HOUSE.

After going thru all the paper work and recieving the keys,

Justin and I decided to spend a Friday night and saturday

at the house to try to get some things fixed up before we started moving stuff in.

Friday April 17th, Our Anniversary.

So we borrowed a Blowup Mattress and brought our tv and dvd player to watch a movie.

If only we knew what awaited us at our first night in our house. We had spent some time going back and forth to get stuff we kept forgetting at the apartment. We went and got some 5 Guy's burgers and fry's and some Sparkling Cider. We get back to the house and go to watch the movie that we had selected "2012", we were excited to see it cuz it looked good. Get the Dvd player set up to the Tv and . . . it doesn't work. So we start trying to find the cable box remote to the dvd, remembering that was the only way to get it to work. So we drive across town to get the dvd remote and come back home. STILL NOT WORKING. Ohh yeah we're missing a cable. WE ARE NOT DRIVING across town again. So we run to Walmart to buy a new cable. Get home and still not working. By this time it is going on 930pm. We then remember that the tv was only useable with the tv remote not the cable box remote. Determined not to let this all ruin our Anniversary and plan's we drive back across town to our Apartment and get the remote. Come back . . . our Food is cold, so we heat it up in our brand new oven. TV WORKS! YEA! So we put in the movie and crawl into bed ( or the camping mattress ) and start the movie and start the movie.

WORST MOVIE EVER! It was sooooo long and boring and like half way thru we're like . . . it's gotta be almost over. OH nooo . . . it keeps going and going and going. Justin and I are moaning just begging for the movie to end, but of course we torture ourselves and just had to Finish the whole thing. We did . . . and it took forever.

We had a fun time.

I will post some more on what has been going on in the Orchard Home,

hopefully in the near Future.

The Next Step!

2010-03-13T18:01:00.010-07:00

Justin and I started looking for OUR First home in February. After not getting 2 homes that we REALLY REALLY liked. We came across this one that we REALLY REALLY liked. So we put in our offer and it was accepted. WOOT WOOT. So as long as inspection goes well we will be First Time HomeOwners. Don't have a whole lot to say. But have some pictures I'd like to share.

The Pictures Below are of the Outside of the house. It was nighttime when we went and looked so it's kinda dark. and I didn't get a good picture of the whole house. It's a 3 bedroom with an office. 3 car garage.

The first picture is of the Living Room right as you walk in the door. The other is of the Living Room from the Dining Room. The Living Room sports a nice gas Fireplace and a ceiling Fan. All the paint in the house is in GREAT condition so that's one thing we wont have to do.

This is a picture from the Living Room into the Dining Room. We want to remove the carpet and have Hardwood Floors installed thru the Dining Room and Kitchen.

The kitchen was missing the Fidge and Stove - oh well we were going to buy those anyways. But WAIT the bank is replacing the kitchen appliances. Now we dont know what that intails. We think maybe the stove and possible the dishwasher. We wont know that till the inspection. We dont really like the Counter Tops so we will replace those as well. And a few other minor changes. There is a pantry as well.

The Office is a good size. and the guest bathroom is a good size. The office will be our computer room.

The Pictures below are the first and Second Bedrooms. They aren't HUGE but a good size. The 1st bedroom with all the windows will by my craft room untill we start having kids. We will then convert it into the baby room. The Second Bedroom with be our Workout room, at least untill we have more than 1 kid.

I love the Laundry Room. It had storage space and looks really nice.

The garage is a 3 car garage. We'd like to convert the 3rd port into storage. Not that this house needs any more storage. It has a nice little storage room built into the garage. Perfect for Food storage and eventually a deep freezer.

Like I said we looked at the house in the dark so the pictures of the back yard may be hard to see. But it is fully fenced so great for the dogs. and has some nice landscaping. Ton's of space for my eventual garden. Has a good size patio that we'd like to build a wood deck over. As far as we know it comes with a jacuzzi. It could be gone by the time we move in. If not we'll have it looked at and if it's in good condition we might keep it. Who know's we'll have to wait and see.

NOW to my favorit part. MY ROOM . . . I mean OUR room. Yes the Master Bedroom It's big and has lot's of light. It was 3 windows. One being a sliding door that leads to a little patio. That will be our little personal spot. It has a walk in closet so we'll have plenty of space.

The Master bathroom is nice. It has a standing shower and a separate jetted soaker tub. And of course a toilet. The bathroom is carpeted which we will change to tile or something else quickly.

We are very EXCITED for this house. It will be my FIRST house and it's beautiful. I can't wait to get the inspection done so we can be sure that when we move in everything will be perfect. Wish us Luck and Can't wait till we have the key's so that Everyone can come see.

Easter

2009-04-21T20:02:00.007-07:00

So, I have never really liked "Peeps"

Marshmello sugar coated candies "YUCK"

As we all know Peep's are huge with Easter.

So since I hate them why am I bringing them up - ?

Well I got "PEEPED" on Easter.

What is getting "PEEPED" mean?

As I said I got "Peeped"

So Just imagine - it's 5:30 am. The dogs wake me to take them outside

and here are these Sugary Coated marshmellos everywhere - the door, the railing, the wall and yes even the Ground.

I'm half asleep and trying to pull them back into the house befor they get there Snouts all over these sugary confections.

So I finally get the dogs back into the house successfully without them getting any "yummies" sneak back out and pick all the ones on the ground up.

I get the dogs out let them do their thing and go back to bed.

We being the sinners that we are - skipped church and headed over to the In-Laws.

We ate some very yummy Chicken and salad and well, all the yummy making that Linda cooked.

Below are the Pictures that I was able to get my Sweet Niece Emma to take for me.

Chloe - the youngest of the Harts. Unfortunately I held Calvin almost the whole time and those pictures did NOT turn out so I'm not showing them.

Ruby Hart - She loves the Camera.

Gracy Hart - She kept standing in the Corner of the fence.

She was chatting with the little girl who lives behind Linda and Dennis's Home. Ruby Joined her.

Jack is just like Unkle Justin and Grampa Dennis

He prefers the Computer.

Emma Hart - She's looking so Grown UP!

Justin, Heather and Dennis - watching Heather play a game on the Laptop.

Linda, Posing cuz I made her! HAHAHA

We had a lot of Fun and I did finally get a few Pictures. So Hope you enjoyed it.

The New DO (I mean Hair DO)

2009-02-21T21:35:00.014-07:00

So Just So you know I started this Post in February

and am Now Just getting to it

Yes it is April

My Last Hair Color
Yes That's Right I went Blond
Not on PURPOSE - It was supposed to be Highlights
But Because I still had Some Highlights From Before
this was the Turnout!

So It had been months
(and I mean Months)
since I last had my Hair colored.
And As you can See Below
It has Grown out (really Really Bad)

I Can't Help It - The Funny Face I mean.

It's February 21st 2009

And

Because I'm Cheap (or frugal)I didn't want to spend $90 to get my hair recolored for it to end in Disaster.

So I went and bought a $7 box of color

from Albertsons I thought to get a base color
so next time I get highlights

I don't end up blond again

I noticed right away it was really dark.

So I knew it was Senior Year All over again.

When I was 16 or 17 I dyed my hair for the

first time to a pretty light brown/auburn color
I really Liked it. I kept it that color for a long time.

Till Senior Year. Mom wanted my natural

Color back for my Pictures.

So we went and bought a Dark Brown Hair Color

Cause that was what I was Naturally.
It came Out Black.
So we went and Bought a Lighter Brown - Still Black.
So then We tried Hydrogen peroxide to bleach my Hair
It DID NOT WORK - Next we had to buy a Color Stripper
Hair Turned ORANGE.
One Last Shot - A medium Brown
It was Better - Had some Reddish Highlights. So we Left it Alone.

By the Way this was all in one DAY!

My head was blistered and Sore.
So from this little story you can see

why I'm a little reluctant to do this my self -
From a Box and and Home.

But I figured no big deal

and Went with it

This is what I get!

BLACK - AGAIN - or at Least very CLOSE

After a Few days I bought a Medium Brown

to try and Lighten it
That didn't work this time Either!

(oops - history Repeats it's self again)

This Time though I will not keep going.

I'll let the color fade a little.
Maybe try again a few weeks down the road.
OR not - Who knows - I will be able to get Highlights

and not look super Goofy.

It's Now April 2009 and I still haven't tried again.
I'm getting used to the color and

Justin isn't telling me he doesn't like it anymore.
So . . . Who know's really - I need a good cheap Hair dresser
I might Have found one - but what can I say

I'm frugal and Hate spending the money
on my hair so We'll see when I'll get it done next.

Playing Catch Up! ( Month of December/Up to Date)

2009-01-10T18:52:00.006-07:00

December 2 2008

Giving the Dogs a Bath!

Jaz and Stewie HATE, and I mean Hate Baths. I told the puppies "It's time for a bath!" and they both started to freak. Jaz as you can see was cowering as I was trying to get her, since she wouldn't come to me.

After (struggling hard) to get both dog's into the bathroom, Stewie wedged himself in between the toilet and the cupboard, while Jaz jumped up ontop of the toilet.

Finally I get them both into the bathtub with some warm water already in it. I don't have a retractable shower head so I have to use an old 1 gallon platic pitcher to scoop up water to wet the dogs. Neither of them like it.

After getting them both fully soaked, I soup'em up.

After getting them completely rinsed off I rinse off somemore. Now I'm only one person and I can only dry off one dog at a time so I generally have to make one stay in the bathtub while I dry off the other.

I usually dry Stewie off first. I start with the head, the neck, then the front arms. After that I help him out of the Bathtub and dry him as best as I can with a towel that I have warmed up in the dryer.

Then it's Jazz's turn. Repeat of the drying process.

My Puppies's are now mostly dry. But I'll rewrap them both in a Third warmed towel.

And WAHLA! They are now non stinky and clean. They even smell good. They are dry while I am now in need of a change of dry clothes!

HE Love's ME

2008-10-28T09:10:00.004-07:00

I don't Remember the exact reason (other than he Loves Me) I know sad. And I don't remember the Exact date. I know it was in May. (YEA Yea yeah I know, I know, that was like 5 months ago) I had forgotten I had taken these pictures and it reminded me that HE LOVES ME. Not that I ever Forgot that he does but it's nice for the little reminders.

He even bought me some Cherry Cordial Filled Hershey Kisses. (He knows I like my Chocolate, but then again what Woman Doesn't)

They Were beautiful PINK Roses. My Favorite.

With in a few days they had Bloomed to perfection. They were very Lovely.

And THEN after about a week they were Dead. I was so sad. I think i kept the dead flowers on my table for an additional week . . . but then again it might have been 2 weeks. SO pathetic I know. Flowers are always a nice surprise and are always Welcome. Even though they never last as long as I would like.

Final Trailer

2008-10-04T23:09:00.002-07:00

The Hart Twins Have Arrived

2008-08-01T18:32:00.008-07:00

The Newest Editions to the Family

The Hart Twins

Thats right Twins!

One Boy and One Girl!!!

Now Introducing

The First born Twin Calvin Sean Hart - born at July 27th 2008 at 12:35 am and weighing in at 6lb's and 11 oz. Calvin is sporting the lovly hand woven blue beaning with a unisex baby blanket. You will notice that up in the middle picture the green ribbon blanket that I made for him. I was soo excited that my Sister inLaw Holly took them to the hospital with her so the babies could have them with them.

Now introducing Baby Number Two

Second born Twin is Chloe Jane Hart - born July 27th 2008 at 12:36 am and weighing in at 5lb's and 9oz. Chloe is sporting the lovely unisex blanked as well with a very cute NICU knitted cap. Also as you can see the pink ribbon blanket (I made :) Chloe had to spend the first 3 to 4 days in the NICU for breathing problems but is doing well now.

Now of course Calvin and Chloe are not the only children. They are the Youngest of 6. My Nieces and Nephew were excited to welcome the new editions into their home.

Pictured above My Nieces and Nephew's From the Hart Family:

Grace (6yrs old) holding a very doll like Chloe, Jackson (9yrs old) sitting and grinning (cuz he's soo excited to have a little brother, Ruby (3yrs old) wanting to hold "baby girl, not baby boy!" and Emma (11yrs old) who's really excited to be Mom's big helper and holding Calvin.

We are all excited for the safe birth of Calvin and Chloe and that Momma Hart is doing well.

Wedding from MARCH

2008-06-15T08:31:00.014-07:00

So I'm back dating just a little. I've been wanting to post this but was waiting for the pictures to come my way.

On March 29th, 2008 Justin's Best buddy Loren got married to a wonderfull girl, Paige.

Paige had 1 Maid of Honor and 2 Bridesmaides : Loren had 1 Best Man and 2 Groomsmen

Paige had her best friend from Highschool as her Maid of Honor and her two sisters as the BridesMaids. Loren asked Justin to be his Best Man (Loren was Justin's best man at our wedding" and his Brother and Father be the Groomsmen.

Matt (on right) is best buds with Loren since childhood - he did all the photography with the help of his GirlFriend Christina. The Gentelman on the left was the Dj. He did a fabulous job.

Now as Maid of Honor and Best Man they gave toasts.

But being Best Man had it's responsibilities as well. Justin was interrogated by the Dj. As well as the grooms men and Paiges brother in law. They were then required to each wear a hat.

And Dance!

And like good men they did

Now back to the Bride and Groom. I skipped over it just a little but we can't forget the First dance . . .

And the cutting of the Cake and Feeding it to each other . . .

And the Drinking from the Glasses.

We Danced and Danced . . . and Danced

The Train for the years of prosperity - their marraige should last a long time.

We then did the tossing of the bouquet

And the Garter band.

The two lucky catchers:

Paige's Neice and Loren's Buddy/Photographer.

Now Matt (the catcher of the garter) was to place the garter on the catcher of the bouquet's leg. Now this didnt' happen . . . instead blindfolded he placed in on The father of the grooms leg.

Last but definately not least.

I finally got my dance.

In Memory Of Grampa Ray

2008-05-11T16:05:00.013-07:00

Ray J. BRANT Ray passed away on April 15th, 2008, at the age of 76. He was an electronics industry manager in the Kirkland area. He is survived by Alice, his wife of 53 years; 5 children and their spouses; 13 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; and Ty, the dog. He was a devoted family man and friend. His wit and wisdom will be missed. A Memorial Mass will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church in Kirkland, WA, on May 3rd, 2008. In lieu of flowers, any remembrances may be sent to Evergreen Health care Foundation, Hospice Services, 12910 Totem Lake Blvd NE #200, Kirkland, WA, 98034.

My Grampa was an avid World of Warcraft player along with several of us family members. These beautiful flowers were sent from a family that we have gotten to know thru the game.

I included other pictures of several other flowers that were givin to Grandma Alice below.

The Week of Grampa's passing most of the family gathered at Grandma's house in Kirkland Washington to celebrate Grandpa's life. Justin and I were happy to be able to Drive up on Thursday - April 17th (yes our anniversary of 4 years) to spend the weekend with the family.

This is a picture with my whole family in it.

(from left to right)

Adrienne, Me, Justin, Jeff, Kyah, Kaitlin, Kathy (mom), Sommer, Tim (dad) and Kayden.

This picture is Of Grandma and Her kids.

(left to Right)

Sue, Karen, Theresa, Grandma Alice, Tim (Dad), and Mike.

In My family we like to Laugh, Be loud, and play cards . . .

So We did. We played lots and lots of cards and at one point we even pulled out Pictionary and played in teams of 3 to 4 people.

Aren't my Niece and Nephew just adorable.

(sorry had to throw them in here)

Unfortunately we all had to travel back home that same weekend. Grampa's service was held on May 3rd. So unfortunately not every one was able to return for the services. The only ones who weren't able to make it were Justin, and my uncle Mike's family.

Mom and Dad on the way to the Grampa's service.

The day of the service was cool and rainy - it reminded me of all the movies you see were someone dies and there is a funeral and its yucky and gloomy outside with rain and umbrellas.

We all huddled under a canopy over grampa's grave site and those who didn't fit held large umbrellas.

Grampa was Cremated so there was no casket but we did have a burial site for the ashes.

After the blessing of the Burial site we attended a Catholic Mass service for Grampa. The service was very nice. Afterwards there was a reception that took place in honor of Grampa.

One thing Grampa had wanted was an open bar for the attendees. Instead Grandma Alice just had shots of Crown Royal and shots of Sparkling Cider for a toast.

One of my cousins kids Michael was double fisting sparkling cider and we thought it was Hilarius.

The next morning Mom, Dad, Kaitlin and I departed to head back to good O' Boise. However we had to make a slight detour in taking Kaitlin back to Rexburg UT. We left at 7am pacific time.

Everyone took turns sleeping.

Except ME. Well that's not true. I slept for maybe an 30 minutes during the day and then I slept about an hour on the drive back from Rexburg to Boise. I was the front seat passenger who kept the driver awake.

Kaitlin Drove most of the way. Dad drove for the first 4 hours then Kaitlin took over and drove the rest of the way home and to Rexburg. Dad took over driving for 2 hours and then Mom took over and I kept Mom awake.

Over all both trips were wonderful. I was so excited to beable to see family and to tell stories of Grampa that make us all laugh and cry and things we'll always remember and keep in our hearts. We will miss Grampa - but we know he is in a better place and that he is waiting for our return with arms wide open. Grampa WE ALL LOVE YOU!

GOD BE WITH YOU TILL WE MEET AGAIN

LIFE Is Crazy and Unpredictable

2008-04-22T20:33:00.002-07:00

We've always heard that Bad things come in Three's. I'm a firm believer in this, although it should be corrected to Three's or MORE! I'd like to list the craziness of life and this theory but at the same time give you the blessings behind them.

April 12,

Justin's parents were in a nasty car accident that left their car totalled (a new car). The police officer at the scene stated they were lucky to be alive. Justin's father Dennis was fine not a scratch. However Mom - Linda suffered from a whacked head on the side window, whiplash and lots of bumps and bruises. We are blessed that they are alright. I couldn't help but laugh when Linda told me that when they get a new car she can get new window stickers (family with the soon to be Twins grand babies).

April 14,

We have a wonderful family in our Ward. The Bruce's. Justin and I Sunday school taught the eldest daughter Kanisha. I have recently been called to be the Secretary of Young Women's in our ward and now have the pleasure of getting to know Kanisha's younger sister. Anywhoo . . . on Sunday their father Paul (who was a wonderful adult Sunday school teacher) was driving home from work the night before when he was hit by a car. He passed away early Monday (the 14th) morning. Justin and I we sad for we loved Bro. Bruce and his family. However we know that he has a higher calling and we hope that we can become closer to the Bruce girls.

April 15,

I received a call while at work on the work phone from Kaitlin (for those of you who don't know my little sister) stating that my Grandpa Brant was in the hospital and not expected to live thru the evening. This was totally unexpected. And as foretold passed away that evening. Grampa Brant had a blood clot that caused a heart attack and led to him receiving massive brain damage. We will miss grampa so much. I was glad to get to know him better over the last couple years. Justin and I traveled to Seattle Washington to spend sometime with the family and to help comfort Grandma. The services wont be until May 3rd, so hopefully i can update you all with some pictures.

April 16,

Justin's Mom Linda has been taking care of an elderly lady named Marjorie for many years. She was in her 90's and passed away late in the evening here in Meridian Idaho just 1 hour after of her sister who passed away in Utah. Marjorie is a wonderful lady and has so much waiting for her.

As I said life is CRAZY and Unpredictable. All we can do is count our Blessing and remember that there is something bigger out there and that Heavenly Father has plan's for us that sometimes we don't understand. I LOVE you ALL and am praying for you all. Especially all the families and friends of the above mentioned.

I will update this with more as I know and hopefully be able to show some pictures.

Kayden Turns 2

2008-03-23T12:41:00.010-07:00

So March 10th was Kayden Brant's 2nd Birthday.

We celebrated his birthday on March 14th over at Jeff and Adrienne's Home out in Nampa. Kayden is growing up so fast!!

So we piled the gifts on top of the table and sat Kayden on top

His first gift was "WRESTLING HEADGEAR" Thats right! Kayden was soo excited he was running around yelling and squealing about his HEADGEAR! I got a small video after he had calmed down.

I can't even believe He's already 2 years old.

! ! ! ! HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAYDEN ! ! ! !

So News on the Hart "TWINS"

2008-03-23T12:32:00.007-07:00

So you know how last post I made a joke about Expecting Twins!?! Well I also told you I'd keep you updated as well. We have recieved some more Ultrasounds from Holly (Justins sister).

Well we have found out that Holly is having a BOY!

And She is also having a Bo . . .

I mean GRIL!

We are soo excited for Holly and Sean!

The DEW, Exciting News and My Puppies!

2008-02-17T11:00:00.006-07:00

So a week before Valentines day Justin and I were talking . . . ABOUT ME! LOL! We came to the conclusion that I shouldn't worry about the money of getting my Hair Done!! I hate spending money on it. Especially since I was spoiled for 10 years. My Hair dresser who would wash(the best apart, cut, color, easy style and wax my brows for $45 QUIT after moving. I was so distraught that i did nothing (literally nothing) with my hair. It grew and grew and those of you who saw me know it was getting kinda nasty stringy long. And the last highlights i had put in had grown out by about 6 or 7 inches! Yeah I know bad!

Anyways, so I broke down and finally went and had 7 inches of my hair chopped off and "streaks" put in. Of course to my surprise it wasn't just streaks! It was Highlights, which we all know are 2 different things! So alas I am now mostly Blond with some Brown highlights! lol Here are the pictures I took and in all honesty I do really like my hair! These pictures were taken the day I cut it and OF COURSE I can't get it to do the same thing! lol Oh well, i have been able to play with it and have tried a few different hair styles!

So Justin and I are Expecting . . . Twins!

LOL . . . Just Kidding.

Although twins will soon be joining our family.

Justin's older sister Holly is expecting twins. We are all super excited for her.

She has four kids currently Emma, Jack, Gracie, and Ruby.

We don't know if she's having two boy's, two girl's or one of each yet! But I'll keep you updated!

My Little girl JAZ has become a showoff - not that she wasn't already!

With my camera any time I turn it one she perks up and runs towards me and either sit's there or jumps on my lap and puts her face right in the camera like

"HEY here I am go ahead take a picture" (Kinda like me I guess) You'd think that she is the only thing i take pictures of (i guess in a way she is)

Then you have Stewie who is the most content dog i've ever met. He longs for belly rubs as you can see. He loves to Snuggle and would be non the happier if he could cuddle next to you or on your lap all day long.

As you know i love torturing my do . . . I mean teaching my dogs new tricks. Jaz already new this one but we decided to teach Stewie to hold a dog cookie on his nose. Unlike Jaz (who acts like if she doesn't strech her nose out as far as it can go that it will fall off) Stewie kinda looks like the snob who looks down his nose at you (like how dare you make me do this)

WINTER IN BOISE!

2008-02-12T16:55:00.000-07:00

So this winter has been a record breaking year here in Boise. This is the most snow we have recieved in years! We recieved sooo much snow this year. I want to show you some pictures of Our Lovely Boise Winter!

The 2 pictures below are of our Pool! The top has covered in ice and the snow covered the ice. We could have our own little skating ring right here in the Apartments.

I haven't tested the theory but it could be interesting.

CHRISTMAS

2007-12-28T19:46:00.000-07:00

So for Christmas Justin got me a Digital Camera.

So I wanted to show you some Video's of my Puppies!

So my sister in Law came over and was playing with Jaz and Stewie.

We noticed that she could get Stewie to Laydown.

I had just gotten home from work and the puppies were hungry. But Before the Puppies can eat they need to show me how much they love me!

So after the puppies showed me how much they loved me,

I took them out side to go potty. After coming back inside I got them ready for dinner.

The last two video's just show the two playing together.

I hope you enjoyed. As Soon as I get more pictures I will update.

Welcome To The Family

2007-11-10T20:20:00.001-07:00

On Septeber 25th! We added to our Family of 3

So Meet Stewie! We adopted him on September 23rd, but were not able to bring him home till the 25th due to him needing his Vacinations.

We Adopted him from the Emmette Idaho Pet Adoption League! Justin and I had been looking for another puppy to add to the Family as a brother/sister and friend to Jaz. So I had been put on a list for future Jack Russel Terriers that came in. I recieved a call on Tuesday afternoon letting us know that they had a 1½ year J.R.T that had been picked up off the streets and was being put up for adoption. $75 to cover vet fee's (including vaccination and getting him Neutered)

We decided to bring Jaz with us, so we could see how they would get along. Jaz and Stewie hit it off right away. We just couldn't say no. So we payed the Adoption fee of $75 and were told we could come pick him up after 9am on Thursday. The lady was even nice enough to come and unlock the doors after hours so we could bring him home.

Stewie, we were told, was a playfull and high energy dog and didn't like to be cuddled much. WRONG! He is a big cuddler. The first night we brought him home he made his place in the bed under the covers before I even had the time to sit down on the bed. And there he sleeps every night just like Jaz.

Stewie is a very sweet dog who loves nothing more than to sit in your lap and lick you! He just wants to be loved all the time. Jaz and Stewie love playing together and will occasionally cuddle together. Isn't he just adorable! (by the way for those who don't know Stewie is the all black and white and larger one, Jaz is the smaller and has a black and brown face with a black and white body)