Girls outing in Vegas !!!

This was the girls first time to a Planet Hollywood !!! Hopefully there will be plenty more for them to visit in the future. I remember that every time I traveled with the dance studio or my family, it was always fun to either go to a Planet Hollywood or to a Hard Rock Cafe. So we thought we could start this tradition for the girls (which means that we will have to take a lot of vacations in the years to come !!! ). The reason for this particular trip was I had to take an exam for my job. This exam was to up my licensure to a higher status... I PASSED !!! My job doesn't change, but my pay will increase (no complaints here). So, instead of just driving down and taking the exam, I decided it would be fun for my sister and I to get a way for the night. It started out a little rough... being put into a smoking room... but quickly having our room changed made it all better. I took the exam the next morning and then we went to Ceasar's Palace for lunch.

Miridyan loved all of the water fountains. I think if she were able, she would have jumped in for a swim !!! Paityn was in awe of all the lights.

The girls found their very own little pink Golf Cart. It is a must have since their dads and grandparents are all golfers. They have already put in their request to Grandma and Grandpa.

Puppy for a day !

Isn't he absolutely adorable !!! We named him Dodger. A girl that works with my dad was looking for someone to give the puppy to... the second we saw him we said YES !!! Well... the first night was the longest night we have ever had. We have never been up all night before, even with Miridyan. We tried everything to get him to just relax and sleep. We even let him up on our bed (which he ended up peeing on). We had little tiny poops all over our house. Not a good thing when you have a baby who will soon be crawling. Also, he was teething, and his favorite thing to chew on was Miridyan's feet... and she was not having that. We decided to give the little guy one more chance. The next night was much better, but we came to the conclusion that this wasn't the best time to have a puppy in our home. We ended up giving him back. It was pretty hard to let him go, but our baby is way more important.

6 months old !!!

I can't believe that my little girl is 6 months old !!! It's just crazy how fast they grow and how fast time goes by. I took her to the Dr today. My angel weighs 16 pounds 9 ounces and is 26 inches tall. She recovered much quicker after her shots this time which was nice.

Some of her likes at this time are... drinking from a sippy cup, eating all baby foods, bouncing either while standing or sitting (Grandpa calls her little hopper), chewing her tongue (Grandpa calls this bubble gum because it looks as though she is chewing a big ol piece of it), she loves mommy to sing You are my Sunshine to her, and loves when her daddy tickles her. I am not sure if I mentioned this in a previous post but Miridyan has her 2 bottom teeth !!! They came through almost a month ago (June 27th & 28th to be exact). The Dr said it was a little early but not abnormal. She will be eating my food before we know it.

She is still one of the happiest babies ever. Although... we are starting to see a little bit of a temper at times. Hopefully it is just from teething.

Softly Spoken ;)

This first video is of Grandma stealing Miridyan's binki, and Miridyan asking ever so nicely to get it back.

This one is just to show you what happens almost every time we put her down for a nap or to bed at night. We are not sure if she is telling herself a story or saying her prayers. It is so cute to listen to her though.

Swimming & Ice Cream !!!

This was Miridyan and Paityn's first time in water, other than the bathtub. They both loved it! Miridyan was a little hesitant when we put her on her tummy, but came around within seconds. The water features at this park are perfect for all ages. I highly recommend it to anyone with kids. It is the new park off of Main Street. Their is a splash pad as well as a little stream of water. I am sure we will be visiting frequently.

I finally gave in !!! I let Miridyan taste a popsicle and she loved it.

The $6 balloon

When we went to dinner at my parents house the other night, upon walking through the door, we were greeted with a couple of big mylar balloons with fish inside of them (not real fish, of course). My sister grabbed one and walked it over to Miridyan and said "Look what Grandpa bought for you".

Later that evening as I was talking to my mom, she told me that while they were at the store she saw the balloons that my dad had picked out for the girls and said ...

"Have you ever spent $6 on a balloon before?"

And without hesitation my dad replied...

"I've never had grandkids before."

Just one more reason to add to the list as to why Miridyan has one of the greatest Grandpas in the world. You are doing a remarkable job, dad.

Every Day

Alright... so the other day I turned on CMT so that I could listen to music while I did dishes. You know how there are some songs that you sing along with all the time, but you never really think about what the words are? I love Rascall Flatts... more and more. Their music video Every Day came on and it really caught my attention. This is truly an amazing song. One of those songs that literally leaves you in thought. I cried while listening to the lyrics because I thought about all the people in my life who have been there for me. So many people. It is so easy for us to take "them" for granted. I want to say thank you to all of my friends and family who will forever be in my heart and in my life. Thank you for taking time out of your life to help enrich mine. When I think about the struggles I have been faced with in my life, I have to personally thank two of my best friends, Ashliegh & my mom, for being there for me during the worst of it. Ash, you have know idea how much you mean to me. I can't thank you enough. And mom... I can't tell you how much of a blessing you are in my life. I hope that the loved ones in my life have atleast on person who saves them every day. Here are the words to Rascal Flatts' song Every Day ...

You could've bowed out gracefully

But you didn't

You knew enough to know

To leave well enough alone

But you wouldn't

I drive myself crazy

Tryin' to stay out of my own way

The messes that I make

But my secrets are so safe

The only one who gets me

Yeah, you get me

It's amazing to me

.

CHORUS

How every day

Every day, every day

You save my life

.

I come around all broken down and

crowded out

And you're comfort

Sometimes the place I go

Is so deep and dark and desperate

I don't know, I don't know

.

Repeat Chorus

.

Sometimes I swear, I don't know if

I'm comin' or goin'

But you always say something

without even knowin'

That I'm hangin' on to your words

With all of my might and it's alright

Yeah, I'm alright for one more night-

every day

Every day, every day, every day

Every day, every day

You save me, you save me, oh, oh, oh

Every dayEvery, every, every day-

.

Every day you save my life

.

.

Here is a link to watch their music video !!!

.

http://www.cmt.com/videos/rascal-flatts/225517/every-day.jhtml

Is it dark in here?

I put Miridyan down for a nap this afternoon, which she is really good about. I went into my room and turned on the monitor. Some times it takes her a bit to remember that she truly was tired and fussy. So... at this point she is babbling happily, kicking off her blanket, doing 360's in her crib. I would go in every now and then to readjust her blanket and turn on her mobile. After about 15 minutes there was complete silence. Success !!! (not that this hasn't happened before, she really is good about taking naps) When I went into check on her and make sure that she hadn't tangled herself all up in the blanket, this is how I found her. I had to laugh because she has done this so many times before and didn't like it at all. I have been trying to decide on the best way to create darkness in her room (without covering the windows in foil). Perhaps she is on to something !!! I just need to buy her a little eye mask !!! Why didn't I think of that in the first place? She truly was out when this picture was taken (and I did take it off of her eyes when I was finished).

What a blessing

Today Miridyan and Paityn were both blessed. Donny was privileged to be able to bless both of them. We were all so thankful that so many of our family members were able to witness this special moment. Donny did an amazing job. I am very proud of him. Thank you to those of you who drove long distances to come and join us. Grandma and Grandpa Perry, Grandma Jarrad, Tjaden, Uncle Mel & Aunt Vanessa Sevy, cousin Sariah and Cody... Thank You !!! Also a special thanks to Cathy and Ted, Auntie Jan, Uncle Morgan & Aunt Michelle, and Marshall. We are so blessed to have such wonderful support. Our lives wouldn't be the same without you. Also, I wish you could see their dresses in person... they are so beautiful. They were hand made by their Great Grandma Perry. Miridyan's dress is made out of the left-over material that was used to make the flower girl dresses at my wedding. Grandma... You are the best !!!

Miridyan, Donny, me, Grandma, & Grandpa

Miridyan with Auntie Jan

Morgan, Cody, & Paityn

Donny with Paityn

Happy Birthday Dad !!!

Well... today was my dad's turn to take his trip OVER THE HILL !!! What a guy !!! Lucky for him though, my mom was already there (he makes sure everyone is aware of that). Again, we were glad to have our relatives down from Salt Lake to celebrate this momentous time. Grandma & Grandpa Perry, Grandma Jarrad, and Tjaden... thank you for everything. We love being able to spend as much time with you as possible. We love you DAD !!!
Miridyan helping Grandpa open up his present.

Miridyan & Paityn

I told Tjaden to smell the frosting... and he obviously fell for it ;)

Happy 4th of July !!!

The 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays. Everyone always seems so relaxed and calm... I love it. This was the first time Miridyan & Paityn got to see fireworks. They surprisingly loved them.

Grandpa Perry enjoying his down time... not enjoying the heat as much.

We are so grateful that our grandparents came down to celebrate with us. We love them so much. This is Grandma Perry watching the fireworks.

We were also blessed with the presence of my Great Grandma Jarrad. It was a pleasure to have her spend the weekend with us. She is still as witty as ever. We love you Grandma !!!

Seattle !!!

Congratulations Lindsey & Mike !!!

So... we just got back from a very memorable trip to Seattle, WA. Our agenda was pretty much full every day. The number one reason as to why we traveled here was to attend my cousin's wedding. Let me just tell you how remarkable her wedding was. I have never seen someone so organized. She pretty much planned the entire event herself, including a 1970's theme rehearsal dinner. It was awesome !!! Although, I must say... it was pretty difficult to find a 70's outfit that really stood out. It's blows me away to see us wearing the same clothing our parents wore on a daily basis, as if it's "normal" !!! Anyhow... the wedding was perfect. Lindsey was a gorgeous bride, and I still can't believe that she did her own hair, as well as all of her bridesmaids' hair (she is a phenomenal hair dresser). Donny and I were asked to be the photographers which we were more than pleased to do. Lindsey and Mike were great to work with. Thank you to both of them... We love you guys !!!

The wedding took place at a beautiful lodge just outside of Seattle. It was truly amazing!

The picture on the left is Lindsey's hair, and the one on the right was one of my favorites (all were great).

Nothing beats a child's laughter

We can always count on Miridyan to entertain us. This was taken just after we finished dinner at my parents house. My mom started to share chips with the dogs... and this was the result. Miridyan loves to watch the dogs, especially when they are focused on food. We tell people all the time how much she laughs, but of course not when they see her. So... this one is for the ladies at Zion Eye.

Sign of the future ???

Paityn came to lunch with the cutest little cowgirl hat on. We wanted to see what Miridyan would look like in it, so we took it off of Paityn and innocently placed it on top of Miridyan's head. Paityn didn't like that at all, and wanted it back for herself !!! Could this be a sign of what's to come ??? We all hope not !!! We love you Paityn !!!

50th Birthday !!!

Today was my mom's 50th birthday !!! I must say that she has aged beautifully. To celebrate, we had a pasta bar for dinner and a delicious black cake (thanks to our personal baker, Cody) for desert. Everything went pretty smooth, even though half of the party guests were our foster kids and their friends. Even Drake and Travis stopped by to wish her Happy Birthday (we still miss them tons). My mom enjoyed herself, despite the fact that she had laser eye surgery that very morning. What a woman. I love you mom.

Happy Father's Day !!!

Let me just start by saying that Donny is truly an amazing father. I have not only been blessed with a loving husband, but someone who loves and adores our daughter with his whole heart. What more could a mother want for her child. This Father's Day was not exactly Donny's first. Last year not only was I pregnant but we also had 4 foster kids living in our home. I hope and pray that the kids that get to temporarily be a part of our family realize how blessed they are to have Donny in their lives. He is the one who makes sure that these kids live life to the fullest. Playing air soft guns, playstation, volleyball, swimming, movies, laser tag, ect, are just a few of the things that Donny will do with our foster kids. I can't wait for our own daughter to be old enough to participate in all the fun activities and to see how blessed she is to have him as her very own. We love you !!!

This year we had three girls staying with us temporarily. Nicole, Angela, and Chelsey... thank you for helping make this Father's Day a memorable one!!! You three are all amazing young ladies. We are so glad we have the opportunity to get to know you.

I definitely cannot leave out the one person who has helped make me who I am today... my very own Dad. I can't tell you enough just how much I love this guy. Not only is he the greatest dad in the world, but he treats all of the kids that come in our home as if they were his own grandchildren, and that means the world to me. I know that he is proud of each of his three children, and for that I say... It's all because of you !!! I want my dad to be proud of me because I am more than proud to have him as my father. Dad... you are the most loving, caring, supportive, and sweetest guy ever... and lucky for me... I get to call you Dad.

Garage Sale

These pictures were taken at the end of our garage sale that we had. As we were cleaning up the unsold items, my mom packed up this little bag that was the perfect size for carrying a baby!!! Unfortunately for Paityn (my niece) I was the one holding her when this thought crossed my mind. So... here it is... a thought put into action. As you can see... it was the perfect size !!! I love you Paityn !!!

Cousins for life !!!

Miridyan and Paityn were born only 6 days apart. They have know idea how lucky they are to be able to grow up with one another. We are just hoping that they become the best of friends.

Time goes on

Well, I haven't posted too many updates on Miridyan lately, so I thought I would dedicate this one just for her. At her last doctor appointment, May 19th, she weighed 14 pounds and was 25 inches long. Oh, and she still doesn't like the shots. Go figure! That very night we fed her rice cereal for the first time. It was great. She would just let it sit on her tongueas she would just stare at us. As Donny, Drake, and I began laughing at her, she would get a huge smile on her face and out came the cereal. She is a real entertainer!!! Eventually she got the hang of it, even though she would pull a face after every spoonful. She rolled over for the first time on Thursday May 29th. I was so excited that I was able to witness this milestone. Again, I can't wait to see what she does next. Some of the things she like right now are: grabbing onto her toes, laughing hysterically at the dogs, laughing at mom shaking a plastic bag in front of her, taking baths, watching baby Einstein, and laughing at daddy barking like a dog. She doesn't like the sound of people sneezing, however. When she hears it she gets a blank look on her face for a couple of seconds, then comes the pouty lip, and out comes the cry. It is the cutest yet saddest thing to see. I have a feeling that she is going to be our little sensitive girl. Guess we better prepare ourselves now. We love you sweetheart !!!