Our Anniversary

It is our Anniversary today, we have been married for 8 years and I can hardly believe it :) It seems like just yesterday we tied the knot! I have to say that I have married a wonderful man who I love and admire very much. I appreciate the wonderful things he has done for our little family. He is my best friend and I'm grateful for all of the experiences we've shared to make our relationship what it is today. I look forward to what's to come and the memories we'll make as a family. Thank you for all that you are - I love you babe!

Here's a little blast from the past:


Yeah, I know what you're thinking, we look like we're barely 16....

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY BRYAN

Brayden's Headstone

We got home from Colorado last Sunday and found out that Brayden's headstone was put in over the weekend so we went and visited his grave. We never did have a formal ceremony or gathering when he passed - but here's a picture of what it looks like:

Shotgun Shooting in Aurora

Okay, so......my parents live in a pretty good neighborhood in Aurora, CO and I've always enjoyed coming to visit. It's usually a pretty safe place to be and don't have to worry about too much. HOWEVER, Bryan and I pulled up into my parents driveway last night from a long day of traveling and as we were unloading the car we could hear police sirens in the distance. At the same time, there was a group of kids walking the sidewalk by the little ravine next to my parents culdesac. 2 of them came over to us and asked us for a glass of water because their friend was dehydrated. We gave them some bottled water and they were on their way. But something didn't feel right.

Little did we know, the sirens were headed straight to our neighborhood and drove right past our house to get to the local park that is one block over. We didn't know what was going on and pretty soon there was an ambulance, news stations and a firetruck that followed. We figured someone was sick or hurt in their home but not long after the trucks passed there were police walking the streets searching and looking behind bushes, houses, inside cars, etc. We finally found out what happened when we caught the news.

Apparently there was a quarrel between 2 groups of people and one person pulled out a shotgun on the other group hitting a few people involved and innocent bystanders at the park. Now I'm wondering if those kids that asked for some water were actually involved and might have been injured by the shotgun pellets and needed water for an injury. I know, it's speculation, but they had just come from the direction of the park and it just felt a little fishy.

Needless to say, I made sure all the doors were locked and I told my parents to sell their house and move to Idaho :) Hopefully this is just a one time thing!! (It wasn't gang related)

Here's a link to the news video...... http://www.myfoxcolorado.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail?contentId=7203147&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=1.1.1

Baby Food

Okay....just one more for today. Kyleigh's doctor suggested we wait until she was at least 6 months to start her on baby food and it is finally time. Here's a little glimpse of how Kyleigh's first baby food taste test went!

*Getting the Baby here: $(a lot)

*Baby Food: $0.50

*Seeing the look on baby's face the first time she tastes food: PRICELESS

Caramel Popcorn

I have to say....Bobbi, its all your fault ;) (j/k - It's mine for not having any self control!) My wonderful neighbor brought us caramel popcorn a week and a half ago - it was sooo good. I had to get the recipe and since then I have made 3, Yes THREE, batches. Bryan and I gave a little bit away but mostly - we ate it all. It was the worst thing for us but oh so tasty :) Needless to say we have eaten our yearly intake of sugar and fat in such a short while!


Time to hit the gym......

Here's the recipe for your enjoyment - WARNING: Once you start eating it you can't stop.

*1 Cup Corn Syrup

*2 2/3 Cup Brown Sugar

*1 Cube (1/2 Cup) Butter

*1 Can Sweetened Condensed Milk

Mix first 2 ingredients and bring to a boil. Add remaining ingredients and cook for about 5 minutes - stirring constantly (until soft ball stage when dripped into a cup of cold water). Pour over 2 batches of air popped popcorn and mix well. Voila!! Thank you Bobbi :)

Camping at Stoddard Creek

This was Kyleigh's first REAL camping trip (aside from our 1st attempt when Bryan broke his back). She did so well and even slept longer at night than when she's at home!!

Of course the dog Had to be in the picture too...

Bryan just pretends he hates the dog but when no one is looking - They Snuggle!!

Bryan's Accident....

So as everyone knows already about Bryan's little accident on the 4wheeler, I thought I would explain a little more about what happened.....

Here's what Bryan Wished he was doing when he broke his back:

BUT, here's a little something more realistic to what happened ;)

Don't worry honey...I still luv ya!

Getting Started

I'm finally starting one of these since most of our friends have one now! So, where do I start.....

How about the fact that I am so grateful to have such a wonderful family. Bryan and I were blessed with Kyleigh on Jan. 23, 2008 and our lives haven't been the same. For years it was a struggle to try and have children but somewhere inside I felt that the day would eventually come, and it did. I think what kept me going was turning to the Lord for help and guidance....I tried to remain faithful in remembering that it is according to His will (and not mine). The hardest challenge I have ever had to go through was this pregnancy. With the passing of Brayden I had never known such feelings of grief and I didn't even get to know him. However, accompanied with that grief was a feeling of peace and comfort; knowing that I would one day get to know him when I leave this Earth. I also was given by the Lord feelings of hope that I may be able to carry Kyleigh. Additionally, I couldn't have gotten through it without Bryan - he truly is a strength to me. We received that beautiful little girl and now know the feeling I've heard other mothers talk about: It's amazing how much you love your children even when you've just met them! Kyleigh had a rough start but has done very well both in the NICU and at home....infact, you wouldn't know by looking at her today that she was ever 2 1/2 lbs. She has got cheeks galore and I love it!