Post overload!!

Sorry!! I got really behind on my posts and decided to get them all caught up in one shot!!! Hopefully I don't bore you to death! I just wanted to warn you in advance!LOL Renee

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas! We are a little late but we hope that you all had a Merry Christmas! I have been so bogged down and stressed that I didn't get my Christmas Cards or Christmas goodie plates out. So I am sorry, I hope you can all understand!! We had a wonderful Christmas. I was just happy to have Wayne home for a few days. Here are some pictures from our christmas.

As you can see Santa was nice to us this year. He got Apri a table with chairs, and (her favorite) sleeping beauty. Wayne got a computer chair. I got a new camera(don't the pictures look great?), and a Chi(hair straitener). We also recived many other great things! Hope you enjoyed your holiday as much as we did!

Look at what I made!

Here are some of the tiles that I made at my party a few weeks back. We had a fun time! It was great to see those of you that made it.

Another project I have been working on the past few months is a Quiet book for Apri. Usually they are done on file folders with velcro but I did my book a little differently. I used magnets and card stock. They turned out really cute. There is 24 different sets in all. Thank goodness I didn't have to color all 24 sets by myself. I got together with some friends and we all colored a few then made color copies for eachother. It worked out great!! So far they have come in handy for Church lessons, family home evening, and of course entertaining Apri during sacrament meeting. Here are a few samples.

Family Pictures!!

Last month our friends Josh and Bethany were here visiting. It was so great to see them and their adorable little Madelynn! Bethany was nice enough to take our family pictures again! She does such a great job. Here are some of my favorites! Thanks again Bethany!!!

APRI'S A BIG GIRL NOW!!

The Friday after Apri's Birthday we changed her crib into a toddler bed. I was sad to make the change. I was also little worried that it would be hard to keep her in bud. Turns out there was no reason to worry. The first few days after the switch she would just lay in bed and yell for us even though she could climb out herself. So far she has only snuck out 3 or 4 times. Usually she just wants a drink of water and she goes right back to bed. She just keeps growing up!! She had her 2yr appointment with the doctor. He told us she is still tall and skinny. (90% for height and 26% for weight) I don't know if any of you have heard that if you measure your child when they are two and double it, that is how tall they will be. I have no idea if it really works but if it is true Apri will be 6 feet tall when she is done growing. We will have to see!! It is so fun to watch her learn and grow! Here is Apri in her big bed!! You can barely see her!


I don't know if you can see all the pillows on the floor? Wayne was so cute, he was so worried about her falling off the bed so he stacked about 6 pillows to protect his baby! He is such a sweet dad!!

Apri's 2nd and 3rd Birthday!!

Apri had several party's this year. First we had the party at the Larson's then on her actual birthday I took her to the Festival of Trees. She enjoyed looking at all the trees especially the pink princess ones. When Wayne got home we took her out to eat for pizza, one of her favorites. Then to finish the day off she got to see Bolt in the Theater. She loved the movie!! She had a fun day. Then the Friday after her Birthday we had a party with my side of the family and some close friends. I made her a Sleeping Beauty cake, her favorite princess. The cake turned out pretty cute. Here are some pictures of the fun!!

Apri blowing out the candles on her birthday pancakes!

Apri playing with one of her presents, a cleaning caddy.

Apri blowing out the candles on the cake.

Sleeping Beauty Cake

Apri and Madelynn

Thanksgiving

Yea, I know thanksgiving was a month ago!! I am a little behind! Okay alot!! Christmas is over and I finally have some time to update you all on what we have been up too. We had a very nice Thanksgiving with the Larson's this year. We went out to Neola and all of Wayne's immediate family came. It was great to see everyone. While we were there we had a Birthday party for Apri. She got lots of fun new things (thanks again). She also had fun playing with her cousins Ansley and Jordan. I wanted to share one funny thing that happened while we were there. Ansley (4yrs old) was coloring a picture for Apri to give to her as a gift for her birthday. Well when she finished she held up the picture and asked Apri very sweetly " What do you think Apri?" Apri made a discusted face and said "Eeewww, Yuck, Eeewww, Yucky." several times. Of course all the adults are dieing trying not to laugh so we won't hurt Ansley's feelings. Then Ansley repied "It's okay Apri, you'll get used to it." Oh, it was hilarious!! Ashlee couldn't stop laughing she was bright red and crying!! While we were there Apri also got her very first haircut! I was sad to have her baby curls cut off, but she really needed a trim. So Taylor was nice enough to cut it for her. Thanks again Taylor!!! Unfortunately Wayne had to work the day after thanksgiving so we didn't get to stay long. We did have a nice time though, it was a great Thanksgiving: lots of food and great company!!

Merry Christmas To All

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Prepare to Laugh!!

My dad is going through all of our old family slides and came across these! I just had to share the memories! Enjoy!!!

Me and Michelle Noel(Kelly), look how little and cute we were. I am kind of surprised that our outfits don't match in this picture. For some strange reason we always wanted to be twins.

Don't you love the 80's bangs, oh and clothes!!


I loved playing with these blocks at Grandma Dyers, this is just one of my masterpieces.

Going Private!

I have debated back and forth for months! The winner is private, you can never be too safe, right? Please let me know if you would like an invite! LOL

All on my own!!

Many of you already know but Wayne is going to be out of town for the next four weeks. He will be in Denver for work. It is a great opportunity for him. Like Wayne said when the regional manager calls you and asks you to do something you say "Yes, Sir". (Never hurts to kiss butt) He does get to come home on the weekends and he will be home for Christmas so it isn't too bad. We were pretty bummed about the timing though. He just finished finals last week and we were finally going to get to spend some time together. Thank goodness he only has one more semester left! My mom is going to sleepover so I don't get scared or lonely! So I guess I won't really be all on my own. Poor Wayne is all alone! I miss him already, and it is only day one! I just have to remind myself to be grateful that he has a job. Wish us luck!

What Happened to Our Baby?

Well today is the big day!! Apri is officially 2 years old!! No one really seems shocked that she is two. More often the reaction is "Really, she is only two? Wow she is tall!". It is hard for me to accept that my little baby is two years old! It seems like yesterday I was rocking her to sleep, teaching her to sign, to crawl, and to walk. Now she runs, and sings, and jumps, and chatters away.

Apri has been such a blessing and joy in our lives. She has such a kind personality. She is always saying Hello to strangers, and loves her family very much. She is very curious, and she loves to learn. We just love her to pieces!! We are so grateful that Apri is part of our family!! I just want to thank everyone who has given me the advice to enjoy every moment with her. I have often taken this advice and put off doing the dishes or cleaning the house so that I could play with her or read her a book. Now looking back at the past two years I feel like because of that advice I have many precious memories and fewer regrets. So, Thank You!! Also thank you for all the love you have shown to Apri!! She has been loved by many people. Even before she was born she was loved. Wayne and I appreciate all the love, kindness, and concern you have shown to her.

Happy Birthday Apri!! You will always be our baby!

4 Wonderful Years!!

Yesterday, November 19th was our 4 year anniversary!! I love celebrating our anniversary, it helps me remember all the reasons I fell in love! We have had a great first four years filled with great memories. It is so nice to know that you always have someone to share your experiences with. I have been so blessed, Wayne is such a great man. He is a wonderful father and a caring husband. He is always so forgiving and patient with me. Yesterday Wayne had to work and then he had school, so we didn't get to spend much time together. We did get to eat a nice dinner together, I made a honey roasted ham for us. We really celebrated last weekend. Wayne's parents were nice enough to come out and watch Apri for us for a night. Wayne planed what he called "A night of remembrance". I was very impressed with his plans!! First we went to Applebee's because that is where we went on our first date, it is also where we ate the night he proposed to me. Next we went to a movie because that is what we did the first night we hung out. Then we spent the night at the Hilton, which is where we spent our honeymoon night. We had a nice time!! It was the first time we had spent a night alone since Apri was born!! We missed her but it was really great to just spend some time alone. All in all it was a great anniversary!!! I am so grateful to be married to such a great guy!! Here's to four more wonderful years!!

Remeber When??

About a week ago my sister put this post on her blog. I did one similar to it in the past but I liked her original idea better! She is so creative! So here it goes....
Remember when... Remember when I didn't post anything for a week and Samantha assumed I was pregnant?
Remember when Shawn and Abram finally let me play Nintendo with them, and it took me about a week to realize I was just the computer.
Remember when my siblings fed me sour cream and told me it was ice cream?
Remember when Jackson had the worst week ever?
Remember when we made Krista smell the plunger?
Remember when Sheldon threw up all those skittles?
Remember when we toilet papered Shawn's house while I was living in his basement?
Remember when Tyler and Brandon threw that dummy in front of a car and we thought that man was going to kill us all?
Remember when I jumped on the trampoline in the rain with Aaron's kids?
Remember when we had all nieces and nephews over for a sleepover?
Remember when I would sleep over at Bri and Leslie's house all the time?
Remember when we would put makeup on Brian and curlers in his hair while he slept?
Remember when we would make all those silly home videos?
Remember when Josh drew a sink while playing Pictonary and Bethany was sure it was a picture of a breast exam?
Remember when mom would pay us to dance with her at Pismo?
Remember the penguin song? (Ya dada, orange nostrils...)
Remember when I told Shawn and Kim that there was something living in their laundry room and they didn't believe me until they found a birds nest in the dryer vent?
Remember when Shawn would sing songs to ants while he killed them?
Remember when I hit dad in his privates with a bat on accident and I thought he was going to kill me?
Remember when we got J.D.?
Remember when we tried to get rid of Smokey?
Remember when we were at Bryce and we were swimming and that man from Europe took his swimsuit off in front of us all!!??
Remember when Janessa fell down the stairs while I was watching her and I was so afraid that Aaron and Stacy would hate me forever?
Remember when we went camping at Lava?
Remember the first time I went to Neola and I suggested we grab something from Wendy's?
Remember when the cows woke me up in Neola and no one believed me?
Remember when Shawn called Neola, Areola?
Remember when Shawn cheated at clue?
Remember when Shawn would swear at Wayne if he messed up while playing hearts?
Remember when we would stay up until 2:00am playing Settlers or Lord of the Rings Risk?
Remember when mom had surgery and I thought the cord to the electric blanket was her leg?
Remember when Abram would call me Naaaaeee and Nae like a horse and I would get so mad?
Remember when we had to shovel the roof?
Remember when Apri had black hair?
Remember when Wayne woke up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom and ran into the door at full speed? You won't remember but it was hilarious he hit it so hard the bang woke me up!
Remember when......???? Feel free to add your own remember when!!

Happy Halloween!!

We had a great Halloween, but it was a really busy weekend. We carved pumpkins with my family on Wednesday. It was great to get together! I must say it wasn't quite the same this year. We missed Shawn's family they have hosted the Halloween carving party for...well I don't know how long? Seems like forever!! So we really missed them. Apri was totally disgusted by the pumpkin guts! Kayla and Megan would pretend to put some on her and she would freak out! The pumpkins turned out pretty good if you ask me. On Friday Apri and I were Trick-or-Treating all day long. We went with our ward play group all morning then after quick nap we rushed to the ward trunk-or-treat. Then when Wayne got home we continued trick-or-treating all night. I just loved watching her reaction when she received a sucker. Her whole face would light up and she would immediately try to rip the wrapper off. I can't belive she didn't get sick she ate so much candy! It was fun but exhausting...I couldn't believe how tiered I was when we got home. Now we have more candy than we can eat! The thought of candy makes me sick right now...even chocolate!! Then on Saturday we hosted a party at our house with just a few friends. We had a murder mystery dinner party. It was so much fun!! I am so mad that I forgot to take pictures that night. All and all we had a spooktacular Halloween!!

Check out this Funny Face!!

I thought you might get a kick out of this!! We did!

Halloween Fun

One of my favorite holidays is Halloween!! I have always loved it but having a kid makes it even better!! Apri has loved her costume and halloween decor. She points out every pumpkin she sees. This past week Apri and I went on a Pumpkin Walk. It was really fun! Apri loved looking at all the pumpkins. When we got home I asked her what her favorite pumpkin was. She said "A Temple". It was a proud parenting moment for me. It made me feel like Wayne and I are doing something right. We also went to BOO at the Zoo with my friend Val from work and her son Cohen. It was really fun but extreamly busy!! It was unbelivable how many peope were there!! I had to park about 1/2 mile away from the Zoo because the parking lot was full! Here are some pictures of our fun!

Play Group!

After Shawn's family left to England I decided it was time to find Apri some new playmates. I had signed up for a play group in my ward, but I never heard any details about what the group was doing. I decided to ask the Relief Society Presidency what was going on. To make a long story short I am now in charge of the Play Group!! At first I was a little overwhelmed, and thought "Why did I say I would do this??!!!" After the first week things calmed down and I was able to get everything organised. I set up a rotating schedule so I don't always have to be the one who is planing the activies. The other women have been so friendly and willing to help!! It has been really great for me and Apri!! We have done so many fun things. We have gone to the park several times. We have been to story time at the library. We have painted pumpkins, made macaroni necklace's, made sock puppets, and much more. It has been great!! Apri loves it and I have made several new friends. Now I am convinced that every ward should have a playgroup!! I just love it!! Here is a picture of the kids feeding the ducks at the park.

Here is Apri proudly showing me the pumpkin she painted.

(Sorry I don't have more pictures to share!! I always seem to forget my camera!)

Treehouse

Last Saturday we went to the Children's Treehouse Museum for some Halloween fun. Apri didn't enjoy it as much as we had hoped she would. It was geared toward older kids so she got a little restless. She did enjoy the candy she got though! I caught this photo of her checking out her loot!!

She also got some vampire teeth while we were there. When we got home she wanted to try them out. I didn't think they would fit in her mouth but she shoved them in!!! Wayne and I just cracked up!! Apri had a good laugh too when she saw herself in the mirror.

My Best Friend!

Well of course Wayne is my best friend! After him comes my sister!! I just love my sister! No offence to my brothers but Samantha and I can talk for hours about anything and or nothing. Last week Wayne had a business trip in Vegas. He is such a sweetheart! He took Apri and I along so we could spend a week with my sister and her family. Apri loved the airplane ride!! She was so dang cute!! Before the plane took off she sat down and said "I READY!!" Then as we took off she said "A REALLY REALLY LOUD!!"as she covered her ears. She was so excited and curious about the entire experience. The funniest is when we landed she asked very seriously "A one more time". She just loved the airplane ride!! The first night Apri and I stayed with Wayne at the Flamingo. When we woke up Apri and I ate breakfast while we watched the Flamingos they have at the hotel. Apri loved the Flamingos!!


Wayne was busy with work, so we just walked around and explored while we waited for Samantha to come pick us up. We went to the MGM and the M&M factory. We also went to my favorite, the Bilagio Gardens. They had it decorated for fall it was beautiful.




Samantha came and picked us up and we spent the rest of the week at her house. The highlights of the week were first her NEW POOL!! It turned out great!! I wanted to take some pictures of her pool but I was just too busy relaxing in the hot tub!!!

Next was Shopping! Shopping is always fun, but we had a really successful day! We both needed a new dress, so that was our goal. To our surprise we both found a new dress! We also found some great high heels for me and some cute shirts for Samantha. We were very pleased with our spoils!

The last highlight was just spending time with her family!! I got to watch Erika play volleyball at the high school. I played video games with the boys. Matt and I rocked out to Guitar Hero. We watched some movies. Most of all I loved the heart to heart talks me and my sister had. She is such a great example to me and I just think the world of her!! Thanks for the great visit Samantha!!

Our Cute Flower!

For Halloween this year Apri is going to be a flower. I just love her costume, and so does she. When I put it on her for the first time I had her look in the miorror. She looked at herself and got a huge smile and shouted "Apri a flower!!!". Here are some of the photos we had taken at target.