The McCoy Family

Three Months

2010-04-01T12:29:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how time is speeding by. The amount I have been told to "enjoy this time" is countless and lately I have really understood what that means. Everyday is a new milestone and Hudson seems to be changing overnight. In the blink of an eye he has...

Gone from 8lbs 7oz to 14lbs 7oz

1 Month

2 Months

3 Months

Sleeping through the night and in his own room... YES!

Smiling and Interacting

Gained the Yummiest Physique... I Could Squish those Thighs All Day

Loving the Bath

Bonding with Daddy

Meeting Distant Family

Being Blessed

My Darling Hudson:

I never get enough of you. I spend all day, every day with you and can miss you when you're napping. I'm in love with your blue eyes, 4 chins, rubber-band wrists, baby boy voice, gummy smile and how there is never a time where you won't rest your head on my shoulder and let me cuddle you. You have taught me to use ALL of my heart and to love in a new way. There is no denying that being a Mother is hard work and endless, but I wouldn't change a minute of the sleepless nights, poop, spit-up and crying. I'm so fortunate to be your Mom and to say I feel blessed is a vast understatement. You are the thing I am most proud of and most protective over. Never will I be the same and only for the better. I'm overwhelmed that you chose us to be your parents and I thank you for that.

Love,

Mom

My Life in Surround Sound...

2010-01-23T18:33:00.001-08:00

If you want to know why I have bags under my eyes, or why I'm napping in the middle of the day... here is a hint.

Like Father Like Son....

Could you sleep with these boys on either side of you?

Hudson Jay McCoy... Our Blue Moon Baby

2010-01-11T17:10:00.000-08:00

So many prayers of gratitude have been said in our home this past 11 days. We are so in love with this little man and grateful for his safe arrival. We understand that conception, pregnancy and delivery aren't always perfect and that things could be very different. So we take a minute each day to say thank you for our answered prayers.

Hudson was born December 31st, 2009 at 5:47pm. Even after being induced it took him 26 hours to arrive. Because of the history of large babies in the McCoy family, how big he was measuring and the size of my body, the Dr's felt it was important to induce me. They arranged the induction on the 27th and because of actual laboring mothers and medical inductions we were bumped several days, finally being omitted on the 30th. I was given cervidil, pitocin, and some help breaking my water... still it was 26 hours. After 14 hours of labor (but only being dilated 4 centimeters) I was ready for my drugs. It made labor so much easier not only for me, but Colin too. Stubborn as he was Hudson finally came, cone head and all. 8lbs, 7oz and 22 1/2 inches of little boy.

It was so easy to fall in love with Hudson, but never did I know how much more I would fall in love with Colin. Changing diapers, feedings and just being an amazing Dad came so naturally. Watching him this past week reminds me that all the reasons we marry someone may be revealed over time. I had seen him for years with his nieces, nephews and friend's children and have often been told what a great Dad he will be... great doesn't begin to describe it. To say I don't feel worthy of these two boys is an understatement.

Lastly, our hearts are so full from the outpouring of love from friends and family. This little boy may never know or understand how lucky he is to have so many around him who love and care for him. We are continually amazed at how blessed we are and thank you all for your part.

Joy

2009-10-07T09:34:00.000-07:00

Life has layers... like onions and ogres. I love my newest layer of being an Aunt to my sister's new baby.

Scout Amelia Ellis was born two months early on July 2nd, 2009. Weighing only 3lbs 13oz. Being the mini fighter she is, she showed us all that she was here and ready for life. For some reason, when your family members have children they are more beautiful and perfect. I can't get enough of this sweet little girl and watching my sister be such an amazing Mom. You really get to see who people are when they become parents and with no drugs and an early labor, Laura sure showed us what she is made of. It's amazing how much I love this little one who lives so far away -- I wish for baby Scout all the things I wish for her marinating cousin in my belly. I hope they grow up to be "best cousins".

Scout's First Day on Earth

Proud Parents

So Tiny

Laura and Scout on her Blessing Day

Scout and her Cousins Playing in her Bassinet

Baby Boating

I'm Pretty Sure Grandpa Couldn't be Happier

Look, Scout Sleeps with her Mouth Open Just like her Auntie!

First Comes Love, Then Comes Marriage...

2009-07-02T12:10:00.000-07:00

Then on January 3rd, comes the baby in the baby carriage....

Man in the Mirror

2009-03-01T16:00:00.000-08:00

Look at the talent of my darling husband. I showed him the below picture and said I wanted these Mirrors for our entry way...

and this is what he made...

Pretty darn close and pretty darn cute in my opinion. What a talent - maybe I could get him on one of those remodeling shows - you know, like those cute carpenters they always have. I think he is pretty hot in his tool belt!

He is also pretty cute in a bow tie...

Happy Birthday Colin

2009-02-24T17:30:00.000-08:00

29 years ago today he was born and the world hasn't been the same since...

Growing up little girls dream of their future spouse - I was no different, but never in my dreams did I imagine someone quite as amazing as Colin. He has changed me for the better, is an example to all who know him, and I love and appreciate all he does for me. There are more than 29 reasons I love this boy, but I thought I would start with just that....

1. FUNNY - Nobody can make me laugh harder

2. Imaginative - The Scenarios that play out in his head are incredible

3. Friendly - I gave him the nickname "Coli-spaniel" early on

4. Talented - If I can dream it, he can build it

5. Ambitious - Maybe because he is so talented he feels comfortable with having big dreams

6. Big Hearted - He will always ask how I am feeling if, or if someone is okay when he knows things haven't been going so well.

7. Excited about Life

8. Compassionate - He is always offering to help those less fortunate

9. Honest - He can be blunt, or embarrass his wife, but never tells a lie

10. He plays my games

11. Generous - Except with his cupcakes

12. Smells Amazing

13. Can say he is Sorry

14. Knows how to have a good time - Karaoke!

15. Silly - Ask him to make up a song on the spot... you will see what I mean

16. Brave - He always checks out the bumps in the night

17. Loyal

18. He loves songs you get to yell when you sing

19. Smart - Still remembers how to do every math equation

20. Athletic - He can still bust out back-handsprings and flips with no problem

21. Curious - He MUST know how it works and why

22. He lets me be me - Never once has he asked me to be different than I am

23. Hard Working - Even on his days off he is working on something

24. Authentic - I don't think he could be fake if he wanted to

25. Supportive

26. Loving

27. Gentle - I love to see him with kids, he is so sweet

28. So Cute - I never get jealous when girls check him out... how could I blame them?

29. FUN - Never a dull moment in the last 3 years, or I'm sure the 29 of his life

Happy Birthday Babe!

Here are some of my favorite Colin Videos....

Not Gone... Just Away

2009-01-26T18:44:00.000-08:00

(That title is for you A)

We're here. So so busy, but still here. This last weekend Colin and I tried to find out exactly how much you could fit into 72 hours. The outcome? Quite a bit. First we started in the Dunes, with boys and their toys. Yep, I was the only girl. Then Friday night we made our way to San Diego to see the Campbell's and the ocean. Sunday we headed back to Mesa, but not without stopping in Quartzsite to see my Grandparents on another one of their motor home adventures.

Studly Dune Cody

Colin's Idea of Romance = Mary & the Dunes

Colin's idea of Sand

Dune Sunset

Mary and Grandpa

Grandma and Aunt Lola

Mary's idea of Sand

Mary and Adrianne - Squinty, but Happy

Festive Lunch - Ole!

Hannah treating Colin and I to a story - Yes, 3 year old Hannah can read!

La Salsa

2009-01-02T19:29:00.000-08:00

Let me please express to you... the wonder that is... Rebecca Dent's salsa.

In talking one day, my friend Rebecca explained to me that she makes and sells salsa out of her house. This was all new news to me, and Ms. Le Cordon Bleu chef mentioned it so modestly that I didn't really think anything of it, but I gladly placed an order. Once we received the salsa it only took us 3 DAYS to finish 3 containers. I couldn't get it in my mouth fast enough. Colin and I would do that "okay, just one more chip" game until we would finish an entire bag and were forced to finish. I have to admit that my stomach didn't feel very well from the massive amounts of tomato acid and tortilla chips... Really, I just couldn't stop!

There are 3 amazing flavors -- Red (like you would have at a Mexican restaurant with chips before your meal), Green (This is Colin and his families favorite), and Chunky (which doesn't taste like chemicals and preservatives like at the store). I understand this is a lot to say about a little salsa, but I feel like when you come across a little gem like this you need to share. If you're interested, I am happy to pass on the Chef's information.

There's No Place Like Home

2008-12-29T17:27:00.000-08:00

I don't think there is anything more comforting than Christmas with your family. Christmas is magical and fun - add your family and it's all the better. Every time we go home (Christmas or not) my parent's don't hold back on the fun (and food), and there really isn't much resistance from us girls. I guess it's their tactic - leaving us always wanting more.

I'm glad to say that I assisted in Colin's first white Christmas. Seattle was so white and full of snow we we're actually worried we would never make it. While cabin fever did set in around day 3 we still loved every minute. I can regret the extra lbs later...

Lets Start it off with double of the girl who

has never shied away from the camera!!!

She takes so many pictures it drives her husband to drink!

(J/K - it's one of the many root beers consumed)

Dad and his girlfriend Lilly

Hey Mom, I know about this party....

Colin's first snow man (well, Hockey Man)

Adam, the snow native, showed him how it is done.

Mama getting ready for WhirlyBall.

WhirlyBall involves electric carts, plastic scoops, a wiffle ball,

and apparently when you play with competitive boys, lots of bruises.

We were all still friends in the end.

Dad making his famous pancakes

Snow from the Car

It's tradition to all get pedicures together while we're home...

Yep, even the boys!

Sisterly Love

Bro-Mance

(they were sharing the blanket before I took the picture)

Girls doing a little shopping

Laura couldn't pass up another photo-Op

All that fun was exhausting...

Close your mouth Mary!

Thanks Mom and Dad for a Great Christmas!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2008-12-20T07:01:00.000-08:00

This really is my favorite time of the year. Even in Arizona when our winter lows are at 50 degrees I still love Christmas music, dressing in fuzzy sweaters and making festive gifts. I hope each year that I will gain new Holiday Inspiration for something creative to make or yummy bake. This year, I was thinking more on the "Budget Friendly" side of things. I can't quite let go of giving holiday cheer altogether, but I was sure I could be a little more thrifty in my finds. Admittedly, I have a tendency to go over-the-top and spend much of my days scouring the Internet for the latest in all things holiday. I'm constantly getting sidetracked by the beautiful things I have found. I need to remind myself that delight does not reside in things, but the real gift that Christmas brings...hey, I can rhyme!

Nothing says Happy Holidays like Homemade Treats and Ugly Sweaters.....

Sugar Cookies Made with Love

Red and Blue was my theme this year

Ugly Sweater Party - I think we won!

Someone couldn't get enough of the photos...

Lloyd Christmas was the hit of the Party

Now tilt your head to the left - Yeah, that looks good

Wow, That Was Swell!

I feel so warm and Fuzzy in my Poinsettia Ensemble

Love is in the Air

2008-11-29T14:31:00.001-08:00

Something about this time of year brings out the love in everyone.... well at least a big handful of couples I know. So here is a little tribute to all of those celebrating their anniversaries right now. Congratulations, you're a great example to Love's Possibilities...

Happy 10th Anniversary Tami and Devin!

Happy 5th Anniversary Chad and Ashley!

Happy 1st Anniversary Kelli and Doug!

Happy 2nd Anniversary Jenny and Skyler!

Happy 5th Anniversary Laura and D-Dally!

Happy 6th Anniversary Rebecca and Jared!

Happy 2nd Anniversary Sarah and Tom!

(sorry guys, I don't have a wedding picture of you)

Happy 2nd Anniversary Sissy and Adam!

Tagged

2008-11-24T19:15:00.000-08:00

I was tagged by my friend Aimee... thanks Aim!

You are suppose to just copy and paste this to your blog and bold the ones that you HAVE done.

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland ... and Disneyworld!
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

Now I tag Kelli and Terina!!!!!!!!!!

The Proof is in the Pudding...

2008-11-17T11:15:00.000-08:00

Our dear friend and my Young Women's president Heather Gunnell was gracious enough to take pictures of Colin and I. Well, we did pay her, but it was well worth it-- now that I think about it she deserved so much more for such uncontrollable customers. I have only seen a sneak peak at some of the photos, but she has an enormous talent and along with that talent is a great deal of patience. Colin and I, as I am sure you know, aren't super focused and can get distracted. Heather fought through it all and kept clicking away. She even laughed at all of Colin's Zoolander poses... thanks for humoring us Heather! If you are feeling like you would like your beautiful, or in our case, silly-mugs captured in time you should contact her at Heather Gunnell Photography

100% Chance of Showers

2008-11-15T11:40:00.000-08:00

This weekend was busy and fun. Part of the fun was getting to throw a shower for my friend at work. Angela is the funniest and feistiest person you will ever meet - she had us all laughing uncontrollably when she opened her gifts. Angela does all of the accounting for my weddings... poor girl. This spunky New-Yorker will be such a great Mom even though her little boy wont be able to get away with much. We love you Angela and will try not to screw up our accounts while you're gone.

Lisa and Pat (my Co-party-planners)

Hey, how did that boy get in here? Oh, it's okay, it's just Ken !

(Angela's buddy at work. He takes most of the beatings)

Mama Miele

(she is so funny and only speaks Italian,.We now know where Angela gets it from)

Eating and Chatting... ladies are so good at this.

Hali and her E-Harmony shot.

Do you think this one will work Hali?

Angela

Can you tell she is annoyed I made her pose in front of the pots I made?

Lisa, Angela and Mary

Hey Alexis! Where are you going?!

Humble Thanks...

2008-11-12T19:33:00.000-08:00

I want to say just a quick and humble thank you to all that made my birthday so special. I can't believe the outpouring of love I received, almost like you were a little worried about me. I'm thinking a few of you thought I might be standing on a ledge ready to jump. No worries, I proudly embrace my 30's with excitement for what lies ahead. I can't believe what amazing family and friends I have collected in the last 30 years -- it makes me so proud of me!

Mostly, I owe my sweet husband a thank you for doing all in his power to make me feel like princess for a day/weekend. It didn't take all of my 30 years to find him, but I gladly would turn them in to make sure I did. Since my birthday I have had this quote swimming around in my head...

"Marriage is perhaps the most vital of all the decisions and has the most far-reaching effects, for it has to do not only with immediate happiness, but eternal joys as well"

-Spencer W. Kimball

Thanks Colin, I wouldn't have changed a thing.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!!!!

2008-11-02T08:23:00.000-08:00

I am secretly writing this while Mary is getting ready for her big day. Today is Mary's 30th birthday! I literally married up ( I'm only 28). When she does read this, I want her to know that I am so proud of her and all the things she does for me, her friends, family and for her young women. Most people don't know how much time she spends working on her lessons, but I can assure you that she pulls out all the stops. She has paper everywhere when she cuts out all her hand-outs -- not to mention that her girls always get freshly baked treats. I am so thankful to have met my wife, she makes me want to be a better man. I can't say what we are going to be doing today because I want it to be a surprise, maybe she will write something up about it. Colin

Halloween

2008-11-01T12:42:00.000-07:00

Halloween was so fun this year. At work we ALL got to dress up - this is the first time in the history of our resort. It was great seeing Halloween characters walking around property.

And, it is always a good time when you get to hang out with the Bell's. We loved getting to play with baby Brooklyn, also known as Happy Feet. We started off with some dinner (yes, in our costumes), then back to the Bell's for a little guitar hero.

So, you know how you have those friends and you don't realize their secret talents until random times? Well Mrs. Bell is a guitar hero freak! I am going to make money off of her and enter her in contests to battle zitty little teenagers. Those little fingers on that plastic guitar were unbelievable. Nice job Ash!

Lisa on Halloween... get it? She is a bride and we plan weddings. I thought it was very creative.

(what is up with your office Lisa?)

Whole Foods Hanna, Angel V, Little Red Riding Hood and Cowgirl Maryann

Cookies from Tami. If you've had them, then you know they taste just as good as they look.

Thanks Tam!

Happy Feet

Colin in Character

Kitty Cat Ashley and Black-Eyed-Pea Cameron

I was better at the face than at the game.

Those are the fingers that will make me millions

Reuniting...

2008-10-31T17:08:00.000-07:00

This last weekend was a time for reuniting. Well, not so much for me, but for Colin and his high school buddies. His ten year reunion was on Saturday. I got to meet a few people who's names I have heard a few times and even an ex-girlfriend that I couldn't help but adore.

The weekend started off with Dinner and Karaoke on Friday night. For the first time ever, I feel pretty confident in saying that Colin has met his match. Joe and Tiffany came in to town from Idaho and gave him a run-for-his-money. I secretly loved it. Joe was not only up for singing any song, he would also add a few of his famous dance moves for extra performance points.

Saturday we headed over to the Reunion, had dinner, lots of chatting and of course catching up. Luckily I had the company of Laura and Tiffany when Colin would run off to give another football buddy a hard time. I did start calling him Uncle Rico at the end of the night.

Friday Night Fun...

These boys couldn't get enough of each other!

Colin ...10 years ago

Uncle Rico and the Boys

My Posse for the Night

I tried to get them all... it was too hard battling the professional photographer.

Side Note: Colin and Dallas are ALWAYS next to each other in every picture...

now and growing up.

Be Our Guest...

2008-10-12T17:21:00.000-07:00

Where are you? I have been waiting so patiently! I really thought you would be here by now. I promise to make the meals you request, the bed how you like and always have fresh towels. I was thinking we could do some shopping, of course a craft, and maybe a nap? You decide, your the guest. I got your room all ready. Can't wait to see you...

I Have a Problem

2008-10-09T20:22:00.000-07:00

I have an addiction I must come clean about. I can't stop. Even when money is tight and it is the obvious thing to let go, I can always justify getting "one more". I have now noticed they are popping up all over the house. I seem to find ways to store them, as if to tell myself "look there is always room for this little guy".

I can not take all the blame for this addiction, it was inherited you know? My mom has the same problem... don't let her tell you otherwise. I don't know if she is at the same stage of acceptance as I am, so be kind to her.

Yes, I love magazines! While I only subscribe to three; Martha Stewart Living, The Ensign and Lucky -- I buy almost every months issue of House Beautiful, Beautiful Homes, Bon Appetit, Real Simple, In-Style and a few others. I'm glad to say that I don't buy gossip magazines -- unless I am in an airport and then for some reason it's okay. Oh, or those horrible themed recipe ones at the check-out stand, I stay away from those too...

After going through them all and only keeping the wedding issues I need for my job, tearing out the pages of ideas, recipes, and crafts I want to try, and filing them so neatly away; I am now vowing to do my best to not buy and store magazines like a crazy-cat-lady-hoarder anymore! Feel free to hold me to it. You can check my house, closets, and the famous magazine basket if you wish. This should keep me on my toes knowing the "magazine police" could be around the corner.

Little Side Note: You have to admit that you like them too. You know that when there is a neat idea on how to frame pressed flowers you want to try it!!

Here is some evidence of my offences...

"Conference Corn"

2008-10-05T11:21:00.001-07:00

Twice a year we have the opportunity to receive guidance and assurance from General Authorities during General Conference. This also means that twice a year I use all of my saved Trader Joe's bags, get out the Air-Popper and prepare to make loads of "Conference Corn". It is the perfect treat to be physically fed while also being spiritually fed. Conference Corn can also be substituted for "Halloween Treat Corn", "Road Trip Corn" or "Sit Around and Watch a Movie Corn".

Please be warned that Conference Corn is addictive and the hand-to-mouth-muscles can become overly exhausted.

I use to just give out the bags to friends in the ward, but the amount of phone calls I receive asking for the recipe following conference changed the tradition - you now receive the corn along with the recipe. Please see below....

“Conference Corn”

½ Cup Popping Corn

½ Cup Butter

1 Cup Brown Sugar

¼ Cup Corn Syrup

¼ tsp Salt

½ tsp Vanilla

½ tsp Baking Soda

Pop the corn and put in paper bag
Bring butter, brown sugar, corn syrup and salt to a boil
Once you have reached 234 degrees, remove from heat, add the vanilla and baking soda.
Pour over popcorn and stir until well combined

Were still cool... right?

2008-09-28T12:43:00.000-07:00

What happens when you mix a little Youth Conference, some crazy overly confident leaders, and a dash of Kelly Clarkson? A file of blackmail pictures and embarrassed youth is what! I don't know if I thought that we were being helpful by dancing in the middle of all the kids, but I think it was more like spastic bugs in a light zapper than helpful. In the moment we sure were having fun, and I guess, giving our girls a little glimpse into their future. I think this officially ends my days of being cool. Colin of course was right their to capture it all, knowing this could be evidence that he could some day use against me.

Do you think I need to stretch first?

Serina and Mary so happy to be in a church cultural-hall.

This was before she saw my moves.

Just getting warmed up.

Where did you come from?

Where did you Go?

Where did you come from Cotton-Eyed Joe?

Lets pose while everyone around us runs away!

Heather and Mary so happy to have their favorite Kelly Clarkson song played.

Look, even the Bishop got in to it!

Please also note the crazy girl doing arm pumps on the far left.

Martha Stewart

2008-08-30T18:49:00.000-07:00

I have only shared with Colin my concerns with Ms. Martha. I feel that this is some sort of Wife/Motherly sin to have feelings of angst towards her. While I can't get enough of her crafting, meals and overall domestic wonders, I feel she is rough, unmannerly and a really bad "Me-Monster". Continually she interrupts her guests and is one-upping them... SO RUDE! Is this acceptable because she is so good at what she does? Am I the only one who feels this way?

Beside these disturbances I will continue to look at her website everyday, attempt her crafts and make her recipes. Below are photos of the latest attempted recipe... Strawberry Tart. Also, the after pictures of our side-tables done in the re-painting Martha style. Such a double-edged sword!

Extreme Room Makeover

2008-07-30T18:48:00.000-07:00

I love that show Extreme Home Makeover (even though I can't manage to watch without bawling). I only wish I had the skills to apply to be on the show and be on that design team. I love when they all run out of the house and hug the family. Below are photos of our room makeover. I wish I had before pictures... it was pretty crusty.

Karaoke FREAK!

2008-07-25T18:47:00.000-07:00

Many of you know that Colin has an obsession. No, not with just ATV's, video games, food, or with his darling wife! It is with Karaoke. Any excuse to get out the microphones and he will. Every couple we have for dinner, friend that we talk to, and every person that stops by, usually gets an invitation. Please note: the invitation will sound like he wants you to sing, but really it is just an opportunity for him to show you his skills. We have SEVEN games and apparently there is a new one coming out that is better than all the rest. If I took a picture of every person that was conned into singing I could easily fill this blog. While he continues to make me laugh, and is totally entertaining, I think it might have gone too far. Consider yourself warned!

Look at the passion.... just try and stop him!

Me-Monster

2008-05-25T18:50:00.000-07:00

I use this term quite a bit. I realize that not everyone understands what I am talking about. I think that Brian Regan described it best. But, like all monsters, there are good ones and bad ones. For Example....

Good Me-Monsters

Alexis - Couldn't be more fun and more "my type". I can always count on a good laugh and entertainment when I'm with her. What qualifies her as a me-monster, she LOVES to talk about herself, loves to discuss her likes and dislikes, loves to share her opinion and feelings on any subject and wants credit for doing just about anything. The thing is she is totally aware of it and doesn't need to be a brat about it.

Laura - The little Sis is a perfect example. There aren't enough pictures or videos in the world to make her happy. Case in point: One Thanksgiving my parents and grandparents came to Arizona and we all stayed in my parents time-share together. The first night my grandpa left his new digital camera out on the counter. Laura couldn't get enough of taking pictures of herself and looking at them (this was when digital cameras were new). The bad thing was that she couldn't figure out how to erase them. The next morning explaining 150 random pictures to my grandpa was pretty funny. This is only one story from the girl who never runs from cameras.

Side Note: They are both going to love having their pictures on the blog... I love you girls!

Bad Me-Monsters... Need I say more?

Maui

2008-05-10T18:44:00.000-07:00

Hawaii was a blast! Neither Colin or I had been before, so it was even more fun and amazing for us first-timers. The trip and scale of fun wouldn't have been possible if it weren't for my job. The benefits of working for a high-end chain are: Cheap room nights at 5 diamond resorts, 50% off food and beverage at the resort outlets, and 30% discount on spa treatments. The not so good things: I have to work to get the benefits, which doesn't leave much time for all the traveling I want to do!

It was so nice to be taken care of and to have someone come clean our room twice a day, to hang up Colin's wet swim suit, to refer to us as Mr. & Mrs. McCoy, to bring us cool towels and pineapple skewers at the pool, and pretty much pretend that we don't work like dogs to have 10 days of fun and relaxation. There wasn't much we didn't get to do. It was also great to have Dallas and Laura there to share in the fun. Below are some pics...

I Surrender!!!!

2008-04-20T18:52:00.000-07:00

I have been hesitant to start a blog for a while. I had a laundry list of reasons why I shouldn't start one including...

"We don't have any kids to post!"
"Everyone has one, and I won't be a follower!"
"I won't keep it current and intern look like a dork!"

The list goes on and on. I even started this blog 6 months ago and never did anything with it still trying to stay "Blog-free" and continue my happy life being a "Blog-Stalker", but the power was too great and I now SURRENDER!!

If you must know, the thing that finally convinced me was seeing another friends blog (Thank You Laura), and her showing off her darling "Blog-Book"... I thought this was perfect for someone like me who doesn't do any type of scrap-booking, and keeps all of our photos saved on our computer. So, even if it's just for Colin and I to help keep a family journal it is reason enough for me!