Pictures!

Soooo, after the long awaited time, I finally got our camera at Josh's parents with enough time to update! (In between Conference sessions)

He always has the biggest smile on!

O no he's in a bathtub I might get arrested! Stupid people, I think this is such a cute pic of him so i'm posting it anyway!

He loves his food!

Braxton's first harley davidson purchase... He loves it and doesn't take it off!

Gangster

Braxton is growing so fast I can hardly believe it!! Sorry there are no pictures of Josh and I, ever since Braxton was born we don't take pics of us. And I don't think anyone wants to see our fat faces anyway so that's a plus!

With Braxton walking all over the place now it's gotten a lot more fun in the house, and a little bit more difficult, but not much. Yup he's totally walking at just 9 months! He's such an angel and I love him! We can't wait for BOY number 2 to come!! Woo hoo! We found out last monday that it will be a boy and are just as excited as we were with Braxton! Life is good even if we still can't afford anything :)

Love you all!

The Dog Ate My Homework?

I believe any kid who tells me that their dog ate their homework!! Let me explain....

On Monday Braxton and I went into town with Josh at 5am because we had a Dr. appointment that day in Phoenix (I don't have a car). So we spent all day in Phoenix and got home at around 6pm. When I get out of the car and am grabbing stuff out to go inside I hear Josh yelling from inside.... I got inside to find the dogs there.... with a destroyed house. I have no clue how they got the sliding back door open but they did. There was poo and pee in the back room, random stuff chewed up all over the floors, Braxton's room was covered every inch by diapers (we could salvage most of them), a broken build-a-bear that Josh personalized for me before we got married, a bedroom full of chewed up papers and trash dumped from the trash can, and Bama had eaten a whole bar of soap and was throwing it up everywhere. And guess who was the calm one? ME! Surprising I know, but Josh was blowing his head off yelling all over the place so there was no need for me to get upset. In the end nothing too important was damaged... mostly material things and we are grateful for that. What lesson did we learn that night? ALWAYS lock the back door when leaving the house, and never underestimate your sneaky pets! We still love them to death, we just can't trust them alone! They are only puppies still.

So, besides that things are still moving for us. Josh will be starting his 3rd year of school this month (only one more after that!) and is doing really well at work!. Braxton is 8 months now and starting to walk! He'll take 3-4 steps at a time when he lets go of the couch. I'm sure he'll be walking all over the place in another month or so! We just love him to death, and couldn't ask for a more well behaved child.... especially now that I'll have to learn how to take care of 2 of them.
Yup, numero 2 is on the way. I am due March 12. We are excited!

Life is a little slow right now but we are doing well. We miss our family in Texas but will see them at Thanksgiving!

Seven Days and a New Blower Motor later...

WE GOT IT FIXED! About time too. Josh couldn't fix it up, so we had to call our people. LUCKILY, it was under waranty. So after 7 days at the inlaws (not so bad) we finally are able to move back in! We stayed an extra night though so our house could cool down. It was a good constant 95 degrees in our house. I'm just praying we don't have to go through this again anytime soon! I will remember not to take advantage of this luxury ever again, because it really IS a fabulous gift!

And the FUN Continues...

Sooo life with the Darnell's these days. Well guess what happened last night, OUR A/C BROKE! What a tragedy in this 110 degree weather. It was 930 at night and 90 degrees in our house! What a joke! We went outside to cool down! Well, needless to say we didn't stay in our house that night. We went to our friend's house and stayed there so Josh and our friend are in the process of "fixing" it right now. We'll see how it ends up. Man, not the time to live in AZ!
We are doing good besides that and are enjoying our new house!

Been Awhile!

So I guess you're all wondering where we are? We are in our new house!!! And yet again it's back to monthly blogs (if that). We are working towards these luxuries of the internet and a house phone and cable... but these are luxuries we feel we can sacrifice especially in these hard economic times in order to have a house. We actually enjoy the extra time we have to be together instead of always finding ourselves in front of the tv or computer. Our relationship as a family grows much faster it seems when we don't have these distractions. But that doesnt mean we don't enjoy a good night of American Idol!
I look back to when we were in the apartment and wonder how I ever kept everything clean and in order? O wait, I didn't! And if I thought it was hard keeping our tiny apartment organized... you should see how well I do with our house! But I find it better to have a messy kitchen for a night or dirty floors one day than to miss that time with Josh when he is home or to just sit and talk and play with Braxton. I have had so many good memories and wonderful moments with my two loves that I don't get so upset at myself for not being as perfect as my sisters or mom or as i'd like to be at keeping the house clean and in order. I have such a great life and I like enjoying it the best I can! Now don't get me wrong, it's hard to have the Lord's spirit in the house when it's a disaster so I keep it clean the best I can, but that doesn't mean it has to be perfect!
Well life has been good to us and We have been so blessed. I look forward to the new adventures in our home. I will update as often as I can, and most of the time there won't be many pictures but I will try!

Crimson Tide

One of the reasons we were so busy this last weekend was we got to pick up our little Crimson Tide (we just call her Crimson). She is such a sweet little girl! She is still working on potty training but has done really well so far. Only one or two accidents a day. She loves to chew on plastic and metal (watches, necklaces). She loves Braxton but has learned that he is not a puppy to play with... she still tries to play with him sometimes but knows better. Between her and Braxton I hardly have any other time during the day... but I love it! I have been waiting for her for a long time... now we will see how I do with two puppies and a baby!

She love love loves her naps! They last like an hour at a time.

Our 2 babies sleeping.

What's going on?

This morning I was doing something with Braxton and when I came out of the room I found her like this.... snoring and all. It was just too cute I couldn't get myself to move her!

Cereal Galore!

Braxton had his first cereal last week. It was a crazy weekend so I didn't get a chance to put the pictures up until just now.

His first bite!!



Hmmmm how do I eat this? (Longhorns Bib... tribute to my family in Texas!)



I like it!

Day two.... Feed myself.

Just Kidding!
So Braxton Likes to try and feed himself.
I can never get the food to him soon enough. He will throw his face towards the spoon and get it all over him! He's such a porker! But at least he likes it!

Braxton is such a blessing in Josh and my life! He is such a happy baby and always makes everything seem ok. It was a rough start with nursing and feeding but once we got that down it has been such a joy since then. He's almost never upset about anything! Even when our new puppy Crimson jumps on him. I couldn't ask for a more special and awesome son!

Darnell/Parks Campout!

So let me relay the story to you...
We get out to the campsite and start setting up. First of all, it was windy as all get out! Braxton doesn't like the wind... He must have had some tragic experience with it that I don't remember because he's been like this since I can remember! So Braxton isn't having a good time. Second... because of the wind Rachel and Bobby's tent kept trying to make a getaway! It was kind of funny trying to watch Rachel hold the tent from flying away while Bobby and Josh come to her rescue. Third... it started raining at 8:30 that night and didn't stop until... well it just never stopped! We were packing up in mud... and the inside of our car is caked in it! I still haven't cleaned it out!

All in all it was still a fun trip! We did get some games in before the rain started up that night. And since we couldn't make our breakfast the next morning we went and had breakfast in the closest city (Cave Creek). Braxton likes to grab anything in his reach and somehow I let him get in reach of my hot chocolate.... yup... all over me!! But we really enjoyed being able to spend time with Bobby and Rachel. It will definately be a trip we remember!


How do I set this thing up?



Finally! We are in business.... just for the record, we got our tent first!



Braxton and aunt Rachel

Braxton and uncle Bobby

Having a good time

This was Braxton before all the Rain and Wind

This is Braxton after the rain started... wet and tired and not happy!

So on our way home we made a little detour. Josh wanted to show me the place where he wrecked in car playing in the mud over a year ago.

Yup, that's the ditch that he drove his car into.. it's bigger than it looks!

1,000 dollars, 2 rental cars, and a month later we had the car back.

4 Months old!

Braxton will turn 4 months old on Friday, so yesterday he had his doctor appointment. He is now 14lbs 2 oz. (36%) and is 24 3/4 in. long (47%) and this is the one that I laugh at... his head is 40 cm (6%) Small head apparently for his age... but who wants a kid with a giant head anyway?! I think it fits him great!


Braxton just waiting for the doctor... he seemed to know that something bad was going to happen.


He just loves his feet now!



All smiles... this place isn't so bad afterall...



Just Kidding! It's terrible! They shoved 5 needles in my legs! Cruel people!



Things you probably didn't know about Braxton....

1.- Braxton has stinky feet! Whenever he wears socks and gets sweaty... they are pretty smelly!
2.- He loves icecream! His dad sneaks it to him when i'm not around! Sneaky Josh
3.- He gets his dad and uncle confused sometimes... Josh and his brother look a lot a like, and his brother Seth is always around during the day and plays with Braxton while Josh is around more during the later afternoon/evening. When they are both around Braxton just stares at both of them and doesn't really know what to do! But he loves his daddy lots! And he doesn't get confused too often.
4.- Braxton loves colors and patterns! He will literally sit for 5 minutes straight staring at Josh's ties on Sunday! He loves them! And he loves his books. I can read him book after book for hours and he will sit there quietly the whole time!
5.- Braxton has a birth mark on the Right Shoulder blade about the size of a grape. It was so light at first we didn't see it until he was about a month old.



My baby boy is growing so fast!

Dog Show

So neither Josh or I had been to a dog show, but it was so worth it! We got to see all sorts of cool things. It was in the Cardinals stadium. We watched some of the show and then we got a tour of the show. We got to go down on the floor and meet lots of different champion dogs. I know it might sound boring to you but we had so much fun! We learned a lot about dogs and got to see some really pretty ones.

Our favorite part though was going outside and watching the agility part! (that's where the dogs race through obstacle courses and see who gets the best time)

All in all it was a well spent 7 dollars!!

Braxton and Josh enjoying the cool stadium.

One of the top Saint Bernards (Braxton was so tired he just passed out in Josh's arms)

ALL the dogs absolutely loved Braxton! They wanted nothing to do with us, and just adored him!

Some random cute pics of Braxton!

He loves his hands!

One of those Days...

So today started out as any other day....

Then we decided to go to the post office to send some stuff. Braxton hates the car, but was actually good until we got there. As soon as we got there I pulled him out (still in his carseat), got the package I was sending (it was big and awkward shaped) and started for the door. Braxton started whining and getting angry, while the package was slipping out of my hand ever 3 steps I took and the more steps I took the more frustrated I was becoming. Then when we got in the building I needed to ask a quick question. No one was in line and there were 3 people behind the counter. I went up to the first lady to ask a quick and simple question (awkward package and crying child still in hands) and before I even finished the question without even looking up she yelled "Go get in line I'm busy right now". How rude and inconsiderate can some people be? Well I was quite frustrated and upset by that point.

We made it home finally and not even 30 min later I get a phone call from Josh saying he rear ended someone and would call me later. All I could think of is great, i don't even need this right now. What happended was it was stop and go traffic and he saw the car next to him move so he just let off the brake and barely bumped the car in front of him. There was nothing wrong with the car, but there was a mother and 2 day old child in the car who were insistant that something could be wrong with their child!! Talk about paranoia. So they demanded to call the cops. Everything ended up being fine and the cop was annoyed saying there is nothing to report, nothing was wrong.

It has just been one of those days where I want to sit in our room turn on the tv, turn off the lights, grab a bar of chocolate and end the day hoping tomorrow would be better.

Then when I'm about to start crying, My handsome little Braxton just looks up at me with a concerned look, and then just starts laughing! He was just too darn cute that I couldn't help but feel lighter. No matter what happens to make your day bad, you just have to realize that there is so much more to be happy about. Don't let grumpy people rub off on you!

And then there were FIVE!

For those of you who know me well enough, know how much I LOVE animals!! Well this year for my Anniversary, birthday, and christmas present.... Josh finally said we could get me my puppy!!! He said as soon as we got our house we could get a puppy so as soon as we knew we were getting our house I set out on my mission to find my puppy....

We found the perfect one!!! I wanted a dog that would be great with kids and all people and animals alike. Josh and I both enjoy bigger dogs as well so after long research this is what we came up with... Great danes!! Contrary to most beliefs... they are almost a better family dog than Golden Retrievers! The only downside is their size. But not for us! Danes are known as the most patient dogs there are... perfect for children!!! They love all types of animals and people.

So after I started looking I realized that I couldn't choose just one... so we are getting 2!!! I know, you all think I'm crazy, but it's a passion of mine that i've had my whole life, and another dream of mine is to breed some. So meet the two new members of our family!!


This is Alabama (or Bama). He is our little man who will become quite a big guy!

This is our sweet girl Crimson Tide (Crimson). She won't get quite as big as Bama, but close enough!

We don't have them yet because they aren't quite old enough to leave their mom... about 2 1/2 weeks and they will be here!!! I will let you know when they are officially here!

Things they DON'T tell you!

So, for all you mom's out there, you will understand and appreciate this.
And for anyone thinking of becoming a mom, I am not trying to scare you off by any means, I am just trying to prepare you for the things NO ONE told me!!

(This could get a little too detailed for some people)

Number ONE: No one told me that birth control didn't really work when you're on antibiotics. (hint- thats how I got pregnant)

Number TWO: When getting ready to deliver your baby, your face, arms, legs and feet can swell like balloons!

I looked like I was having an allergic reaction! (I really was trying so hard to open my eyes)






Number THREE: Don't let your baby fool you the first week, they can change their minds in an instant! They call it your baby "wakes up" after the first week of it's life. So don't expect your baby to always be that perfect angel it is the first few days!



Number FOUR: Breastfeeding is NOT as easy as most women let it on to be! Get a lactation specialist no matter how good you think you are at it! My nipples were as cut and cracked as the grand canyon!
And it felt like he was gnawing on open sores... NOT a pleasant experience. And when everyone says it should only last 2 weeks about... my sores didn't close for a month and a half! Not to mention they were still quite tender for a while after that still.



Number FIVE: The doctors say that you are healed in about 6 weeks and can go back to full activity. This is true, but what they don't tell you is that you are still HURTING after that. Your body may be healed but that doesn't mean that you feel completely healed! So take it easy when you get back into certain activities :)

And Number SIX: No one explains to you the AGONY of trying to wheen your child! It feels like you're carrying around hard boulders on your chest that are about to burst! So not fun!

Like I said, this is just to prepare you for what is to come. It is all everybit worth it because of the wonderful gift you receive and joy your child will bring to you.

First Time for Everything!

So, this past saturday one of my dearest friends Katrina finally got to go through the temple. I used to work with her and was there for her baptism, and now for her endowments! It was such a special experience, not only to be able to be there for her but also because it was the FIRST time I left Braxton for more than an hour. I hadn't been to the temple since before Braxton was born (like 5 months) so needless to say, it was much needed!

Josh and I both had such wonderful experiences and got answers to our prayers and questions that we have been asking for weeks now. I knew we needed to go, but it was hard leaving my little one! Now that we got the first time out of the way I have no problem leaving him! Well at least not as much.

I am so grateful for the temple and the peace and comfort that I feel in it! In sacrament on Sunday our bishop bore his testimony and said that this is a time that we need not fear! As long as we have the gospel there is nothing to fear! That is what I felt at the temple. This time that we struggle with finances, jobs, and satan's evergrowing temptations, I had never felt such peace and comfort as I did that day in the temple. I know that the Lord loves us and is there to lift us up in this time of need.

What's happening

So here I am, wondering if I will ever get used to going shopping by myself every week, hauling my child in and out of the car while he screams (he hates the car) and not having anyone else to talk to but myself. Needless to say I have had a rough few months with my last sister leaving for Texas. Don't get me wrong, I am excited for them all, but I still can't fight the feeling of loneliness and depression that eats at me. Each day is different. Some days I can keep busy with Braxton and running errands, but even then I have a hard time. Everyone says change is good, but I couldn't believe it. I miss everyone so much. Sometimes I felt like there was no purpose in even getting out of my pjs and ready for the day. I am so grateful for my son Braxton because if it weren't for him I would still be in bed I'm sure :)

I decided a few weeks ago that I needed to turn to the Lord for help. I knew I was just being selfish and sinking in my own self pitty. The Lord has blessed our family so much and I wasn't even acknowleging it because I couldn't see past my depressed state. I started to dive into the scriptures and just start to read for long periods of time... and I had lots of it! I have grown an even deeper love for my savior and for his servants who risked all they had just so we could have these scriptures to read. I even read to Braxton and he just loves it, as if he knows exactly who and what I was reading about!

As much as I still miss my family and have moments where I just cry, I am so grateful for this experience. It has brought me so much closer to my heavenly father and my wonderful husband. We have grown as a family from this hard period in my life and I will always be grateful to have had this time to reflect on my savior and his sacrifice for us.

On a lighter note..... WE GOT OUR OFFER ACCEPTED ON A HOUSE! We should be closing mid-late April. We are so excited! It is in Buckeye so a little further from town than most would like but we love it and know it is the place we are supposed to be. We are so ready for our new home and are just waiting like little children for it!

Thank you all for such love and support!
By the way I lost the charger for our camera so have no updated photos! I will work on that :)

Braxton's Blessing

I wanted to thank everyone for being at Braxton's Blessing! We are so grateful for such supportive friends and family. We love you all so much! I'm so glad Laura and Troy got to see Braxton blessed before they left, and a special thanks to Katrina who made it to the blessing even though she was sick from getting her wisdom teeth out just a couple days before! You rock! Josh's grandparents and aunt also were able to come from New Mexico. It was fun having them there the whole weekend. We missed all of you who couldn't come and were thinking of you (the majority of my family). It was such a wonderful day for us and we will never forget it!



Even with the little spit up on his lip I think He's pretty dang handsome!


Braxton in his mini tux!



Bow Tie included! Sooo cute!




Proud Dad!

We don't have many family photos but I made sure I got one on that day!

He looks like a duck!! haha but a very cute duck!

4 Generations