Darnell's Danger Zone

New Years Resolutions Anyone?

2011-01-17T13:53:00.000-08:00

I really am not a fan of New Year's resolutions. Why?
1. Because I usually don't set realistic goals for myself.
2. Because I don't think I have actually accomplished one of my so called "new years resolutions" in my life.
And 3. Because an entire year is a long time to have for a goal. I'm such a procrastenator that having a year to do something is guaranteed that I wait til December and try to cram it in the last month and fail miserably and then feel really bad about myself.

Sooo, am I giving up on New Year's resolutions you ask? Sort of. I decided to replace New Year's resolutions with a new form of goals. I am starting a 12 month calendar of goals. I got this idea from my relief society President so don't think I am creative enough to think of this myself. It seems so much easier to me to have a goal for each month. Or even 2 goals each month, provided they're reachable. Some are goals for our home, and others are spiritual goals. Some are personal goals I want to change about myself, and others may be physical goals.

I just think they are much more reachable and realistic for me. So, January starts out with a couple goals.
First, we want to clean our backyard. Sad news, we had to re-home our beloved dogs Alabama and Crimson. Honesty the saddest day of last year, even more sad to me then when Josh lost his job (I know it sounds stupid). But these were my babies and they loved us and we loved them. We put so much time and love into raising them, not to mention money. But it was the best decision for them and our family and we are doing ok. So to start the new year I wanted to clean the backyard of all rocks and poop and get it looking more managable to put a brand new backyard in. We won't be getting that project done for awhile seeing how it costs money, but we just want to get the backyard ready for when we decide to start it.
Our other goals of getting the front and back room rearranged after the dogs left has already been done and it looks great!

Anyway, enough with my January goals. January is almost over, and I can't believe it! Braxton turned 2 last month and we enjoyed having friends and family over for food and games. It was Toy Story themed, since that's Braxton's favorite. We did all of Braxton's favorite foods (hot dogs, mac n cheese, and chicken nuggets) and played pin the badge on Sheriff Woody or pin the space ranger sign on Buzz. The kids had a lot of fun and we really enjoyed having all our friends and family there. Braxton really had a great time. He's at that stage in his toddler life that's he's really starting to have "friends" and play with other kids really well. I love it! It has especially been sooo fun having all his cousins back from Texas. He's been able to play with them more and get to know them! It's been so much fun! Braxton is talking so much more everyday. He's putting more phrases together and sometimes I actually think I can understand him! He loves his brother so much and all babies really. He is so good with him and is such a love bug. He has a problem sharing sometimes but most of the time he lets Nixon play with him. But These last 2 months have been especially hard for us since he woke up one morning and decided tantrums were the only way to get what he wants! So frustrating! But aside from his tantrums and late night screaming we love him to pieces.

Some of Braxton's favorite things:
Word- Woody or "woobies"
Food- depends on the day, this kid is picky! But to be safe i'll just say Cheese
Toy- His Buzz and Woody dolls. Or just any Ball
Game- Playing Basketball with his buzz and woody hoop

Nixon. I don't even know where to begin with this child. He will be 1 in February, and it feels like he's still my little 2 month old baby! He's much slower with his mobility than Braxton was, maybe that's why I feel like he's not old enough to be 1 yet! Braxton was running around by the time he was 1 and Nixon I doubt will be walking yet. But that's just fine with me, Braxton does enough running for him. I was worried that as Nixon got older he would grow out of his sweet easy going personality... and thankfully I have been wrong so far! He is still just as much of an angel as ever! He has so much love to go around it's incredible. I didn't think I could learn as much from a baby as I have from Nixon. But this kid is the opitome of unconditional love. Talk about a true example of Christ. I know he's only a baby, but Braxton was never like this. From the time he was about 2 months old he was very selective of who could hold him or who he shared his smiles with. Not this kid. He is as giving of his love as Christ was. Not a single person I know of has yet to make him upset for no reason. Obviously he gets upset if he's hungry or poopy, or extra tired. But even then, you can always manage a smile out of him. He is something special and I just pray that he doesn't lose it as he gets older.
Aside from that, my Nixon can sure eat! His pediatrician to me he should be off all baby food now so I took him off baby food and ever since he has been a non-stop eating machine! I mean it is all day long. He'll have a whole bowl of oatmeal for breakfast, then a handful of cheerios, then a whole banana, then some crackers, then a whole hot dog for lunch, with some more fruit and more crackers and another bowl of cheerios if I let him. Then a whole bowl of ravioli for dinner with some green beans and more fruit. Non stop i'm telling you! He eats more than I do!
Anyways, I love my boys more than anything. They bring so much character to our family and we have been so blessed!

Josh passed his first semester of his 4th year in elevator school and he starts up school again this week. LAST SEMSTER! WOO HOO! His final semester before he can take his mechanic test. Then it's over! Let's just pray a miracle happens and he can keep his job that long or find one at another company. This last year was a real tough one for everyone I talk to. I know we have been so blessed. Somehow we made it through with only a few bumps and bruises. If you would've asked me a year ago how I would've handled the trials we went through this last year I would've said I couldn't. It's funny how much better the Lord knows us than we even do ourselves. Because he knew how much I could handle. And somehow I survived. We survived and we are still moving forward.
So a new year has started and we have filled up our tanks (went to the temple) and are ready for the next year of whatever trials or joys the Lord sees fit to give us!

P.S- we couldn't make it through anything without going to the temple EVERY month. The one or two times we missed a month were actually when we struggled the most with our own trials. Funny how something so simple can make such an impact on our lives.

Christmas anyone?

2010-12-07T13:16:00.000-08:00

Blessing #4- I don't know about you, but anytime I think of the holidays it just gets me so excited! The feeling I get when I think of traditions, food, games, family, friends, and my savior is one that almost nothing can spoil. And believe me, the devil has tried to spoil my holiday spirit! But there really is so much to be grateful for!

I am so grateful for this time of year that everyone, even those you least expect it from, is giving and thoughtful. If only the holidays were year round, I think we would see so much change in this world. If everyone acted and thought as selflessly as they do around Christmas time and Thanksgiving, it would be so much happier! But alas, it doesn't happen that way, so I must enjoy this time while it lasts!

I get to see ALL my family this year for Christmas! I haven't been with my entire family in 3 years. We get to do all the old traditions, and make new ones.

We get to bake!!! O how I've missed baking with my sisters and mom!

We get to have our "mall" night together, where we play our traditional game, eat, and shop.

We get to hear the Christmas Story about Christ being born.

We get to see the joy on others faces when we share our gifts with them. Big, small, and even homemade ones!

We get to sing joyful christmas songs together! We may not sound pretty, but this is one of my favorites!

The holidays bring so much joy into my life. Not only because it is a fun joyful time to spend with family and friends or because I get to bake, and eat yummy food, and sing beautiful songs, and play lots of games. But because it humbles me to think of my savior Jesus Christ coming to this earth as a little baby. So willing to BE our savior and follow our Heavenly Fathers plan. Everything I do it meaningful all because of this action, of the sacrifice he made for us. I am so grateful to be reminded of that every year. I should remember it EVERY SECOND of every day, but being the selfish human that I am, I don't. But I trully am grateful for this.

We love you ALL!

Gentle Giants

2010-12-02T13:41:00.000-08:00

Blessing #3 - Our beautiful Great Danes Alabama and Crimson Tide

Alabama... our big boy Crimson, our baby girl (when she was small)

Our babies now... so full of mischief

I have been very blessed with the awesome dogs which we have. They have their little annoyances about them but over all I couldn't have asked for a better pair for our family. I often compare Crimson's personality to a teenage cheerleader. She is SO peppy and happy about EVERYTHING! She is in your face at the slightest hint of attention and she is just joyful and excited about anything and everything. She can be a bit of a ditz, like running into the wall for no reason, or sliding into the door. But she is so amazing with our boys. She lets Braxton crawl all over her and pull her cheeks and ears without moving or getting up. It amazes me how much patience they have! Braxton hasn't done anything yet that has made them upset enough to move from their chair.

Alabama has such a different personality, but one that we quite enjoy! We like to compare him to a surfer dude! He is so chill and relaxed, and nothing worries him! If he's getting attention he doesn't even get too excited like Crimson, he just lets you pet him. He does tend to do the "Dane Lean" when he's getting pet (they lean against your body pretty much making you almost fall over). If we get upset at him and yell or swat his butt, he just waves it off and slowly does what we want him to. In his own slow time. Better than not listening at all! He is also our watch dog, he has saved me from a few scary door salesmen that didn't feel quite right opening the door, but he was right there to scare them away. As you can imagine just the sight of him scares people off, so he doesn't even have to growl or bark. He too is just as amazing with our boys. Doesn't move a muscle when Braxton is climbing on him. He does like to lick the leftovers off of Nixons fingers and face.. but who wouldn't?

I've been especially more grateful and appreciative of these gentle beasts lately because of our circumstances. Alabama has a skin problem and we are going back and forth with having to give him up. His treatments are too expensive and he needs to be neutered as well (the extra hormones make his condition worse I guess, us girls should know about that!). He is so much a part of our family that it is breaking my heart! But we want whats best for him and if he doesn't get treated it could cause permanent damage or infection.

I know God wants us to be happy and I know he has a plan for each of us that doesn't always go with what we want, but if this is a test of our faith I hope I'm doing the right thing because if I give him up it will be the hardest thing I have EVER had to do in my life, hands down.

I'm not trying to be pessimistic. I really have been so blessed having these creatures from God in our home. I love them, and am grateful for their spirits.

Just to get an idea of their size :)

My Angel

2010-11-30T07:07:00.000-08:00

Blessing #2- Nixon.

I don't even have words for to describe how I feel about my youngest son Nixon. He is 9 months now, and just an amazing spirit. When I was pregnant with him I was so worried that I couldn't love any child more or the same as I love my first born Braxton. But God knew just what I needed. This sweet intuitive boy who is independant enough to play by himself nearly all day long, but when I need it he is a love bug and snuggler. He loves EVERYONE. I thought he might grow out of that as he got older but I think his love for everyone just grew as he did. I swear he can read my emotions like he was my twin or something. If I need extra sleep one morning he will play in his playpen for nearly an hour without making much noise. If I have lots to do that day he will take extra long naps and play around me when he's awake. If I need someone to lift me up, he snuggles with me on the couch ALL day long (thats what we did yesterday) when he wasn't even tired or anything. He just KNOWS when I need something. He is amazing and I couldn't love another child more. The rest of our family may favor Braxton because he is loud and needy and can walk and talk and play. But Nixon is my jewel, he sits in the background quietly waiting his turn for attention, and I try to give him as much as I can because to me, he deserves every bit of it! Don't get me wrong, I love Braxton just as much, in different ways of course. But Nixon is my special blessing from our Heavenly Father.

Mr. Smiley... his personality EXACTLY

Thank you for the amazing child! He has saved me from my own insanity many times!

Starting New

2010-11-29T17:54:00.000-08:00

It's time for me to start new, refresh myself, and refocus.

I have been trying really hard to focus on the things we are blessed with and the things we have. But it seems like no matter how hard I try those selfish thoughts like 'How are we going to get out of this?' and 'Why is this happening to us' keep coming back again and again into my head. It seems like the theme in church lately has been Gratitude. And not just because of Thanksgiving, it started a few months back. I know everyone is struggling, we all are in our own ways. I feel so selfish feeling this way because I know we aren't alone in this.

Today was one of those days. I haven't been this unproductive in a long time. When I have a lot of stress on my mind I tend to shut down and in order to not think about whatever is happening I sleep. Yes I know it's lazy and cowardly but I sleep as much as I can to keep the stress from my mind.

So this is me trying to reboot myself and get going again. I'm going to start again by COUNTING MY BLESSINGS. I KNOW I have many to be thankful for but I am going to do this every day that I can remember, so I don't allow myself to FORGET and have days like today.

Blessing 1. I am SO grateful for the best husband in the world. He loves me. He is a worthy priesthood holder. He is a great dad. He provides for us the best he can. He is patient with me. He ALWAYS apologizes even if he didn't do something wrong. We are perfect for eachother in everyway. He is my eternal companion.

New Adventure

2010-11-20T10:02:00.001-08:00

So I'm starting a new adventure with something called ASEA. I've only been taking it a few days but O MAN what a difference!! PLEASE follow my blog on this new adventure and learn about it too!

http://www.myaseajd.blogspot.com/

Life is still going great! We still have our ups and downs but that's just how life is sometimes I guess... well now that I think about it, that's just how life is all the time!

Love to you all!!

God Works In Mysterious Ways

2010-10-08T13:06:00.000-07:00

So as of 1 1/2 weeks ago Josh got his job back!! By some miracle his boss convinced the big bosses to hire him back. There are lots of little details but all that matters now is he is again a working man! And thank goodness! We had kept our faith going pretty strong until that last week we both nearly broke to pieces (mostly me) from the stress of not paying any bills for a month. We didn't know what would happen and were still trying to stay positive and trust the Lord. And he came through just as we knew he would. I don't really know what the Lord was trying to teach us those 4 weeks of unemployment but I do know that we have grown stronger as a family and as individuals. We saw first hand the power of charity and selflessness as so many helped us in so many ways. President Monson's talk this last weekend on Gratitude hit the mark for us. For our hearts have been filled to the brim with gratitude. I am so grateful to know that our Heavenly Father loves us and would never let us handle more than he knows we can. I love you all and thank you for your prayers and love!

Braxton is in this phase of closing his eyes every time I want to take his pictures. Frustrating! But still cute :)

I just LOVE this picture of my 3 handsome boys!

Braxton Loves his hats!

He was trying to ride his Handy Manny motorcycle. It was quite commical!!

He loves spaghetti!

The Month of Bad News

2010-09-20T15:31:00.000-07:00

So I don't really know how to start this. I guess I will start with the day that I backed our truck into my friends brand new car. Yes that was one fun day. I have never been in an accident before and for some reason it just really got to me that day. We were on our way out to the grocery store, and my friend had parked right behind the truck on the other side of the street. I was busy talking and making sure I didnt hit my brothers car next to the truck that I didnt even remember her car was behind ours. (The truck is so tall I couldn't see it in the rearview mirror) So I drilled a nice big dent into the back side of her car. She had just got it the week before, brand new. I was a wreck. I was crying and just completely beside myself. I was so embarrassed and upset with myself. We had no extra money and I was afraid it would make our insurance go up. Luckily I have accident forgivness so it made no difference on our insurance. When Josh got home from work he took me out to dinner to get my mind off of it. Thankfully it worked and by the time we went to bed my mind was car crash free.

That next morning I woke up and instatly remembered what had happened the day before and starting stressing again.... at least until I saw that I had 4 missed calls from Josh. I called him back and got his answer right away. He had just been laid off of work. Needless to say the car crash was the LAST thing on my mind anymore. I couldn't believe it. We had been worried off and on the last year about him losing his job due to the slow economy. But this was the one time we were pretty confident that his job wasn't in danger. Boy were we wrong! I didn't really know what to think. Thankfully I have a next door neighbor that was there to keep me sane and rational. I couldn't understand why it happened now. I know that the Lord has his own reasons and I'm not questioning his judgement. But we were finally back to going to the temple every month after 2 pregnancies and getting better and better at the daily things like reading our scriptures and saying family and personal prayers. And we were doing our VT and Home Teaching for the first time ever! I thought that we would be blessed more. But after talking to my Dad I realised that it wasn't a matter of if Josh was going to get laid off his job or not, it was a matter of when he got laid off. And I knew that if he would've been laid off any earlier we would not have been spiritually prepared for it. I don't think we would have fallen from the church or anything drastic like that. But I think the Lord waited until we were strong enough to get through it with a positive attitude and could make decisions with the Lord instead of irrational and desparate actions. We have been so blessed ever since his unemployment. And even though it is stressful to think about and to worry where the money for our bills will be coming from... if it comes... we also have a calm reassuring feeling that everything will work out and is happening to test our trust and faith in the Lord.

Josh has enjoyed every minute he has had home with us these last few weeks and the boys are loving it! We have really become much closer and been able to do a lot of things in the meantime while he looks for work. I don't know what the future holds for us. I'm not even certain any of our bills will get paid this month, but I am certain that we will survive this and I am certain that we have never had more faith in the Lord our whole marriage as we do now.

Thank you to everyone who has helped us and been here for us already! We love you all and will NOT forget all the help we've received.

What Do You Think?

2010-08-17T10:39:00.000-07:00

I decided to copy Kimberly and put of pics of Braxton and Nixon at the same age and see if you see what everyone else aparently sees...

People tell me that they look so much a like. And while they have some similarities I think they look almost nothing alike! They are so different, and yet I get the same comments all the time.

So what do you think?

Braxton Nixon

Bragging Rights!

2010-08-10T22:53:00.000-07:00

So, thanks to my awesome neighbor we now have the internet! I don't know for how long but I am taking FULL advantage of this luxury and will be blogging LOTS.

First off I think I should have the right to brag about my AMAZING and ADORABLE little boys! (as should all moms) Braxton is 19 months now and just taking full advantage of his independance and maturity! He is still a mamas boys, but he sure has a mind of his own. He thinks that if there's anything I don't want him to do, he should see how many times he can do it before he gets in trouble. He loves to problem solve things like how do I get the baseball on top of the tv.... maybe I should throw something else up there to knock it down! (and everything else on the tv comes down with it!) He is such a joy to have in our family even with his mischievous ways! His favorite things to do these days are to find as many hats as he can and wear them. He most specifically likes to take off his shorts and put them on his head, and then proceed to play as if there's nothing out of the norm! And just yesterday he started taking off his shirt as well. What a goof! He is the BEST big brother a little brother could ask for. He rarely causes any harm to Nixon and smothers him with hugs and kisses anytime he sees him. We just love Braxton so much! He has been such a joy in our family.

Braxton was excited to learn that we were going to Mama and Papa D's House.

Nixon is now 5 months and growing like a weed! He is such a big boy... well compared to what Braxton was. And I thought Braxton was a good baby... but Nixon makes him look like an awful baby! He is the happiest sweetest baby ever! Anyone could make him smile in a second! Even Uncle Justin! (it took Braxton a whole Year to like him) He is so mellow and I never have to hold him. He was caulicy at first until I realized what he wanted.... He had to go to sleep on his own. Wierd huh? But it was sooo nice! He wouldn't nurse to sleep, or be rocked to sleep. He just wanted to be laid down in his crib to fall asleep on his own, and he doesn't even hardly cry. Best baby ever right?!!! I must confess I do miss him falling asleep in my arms and snuggling with him, but luckily he likes to snuggle when he's awake as well. Anyway, he's my little angel and anyone who meets him can't help but fall in love with him and his adorable smile!

Close up!

The boys in their first matching outfits. Love it!

Braxton LOVES kissing his brother! And Nixon takes his slobber and poking quite well.

Braxton was trying soo hard to do the puffy cheeks... and did pretty well!

Loves any hat he can get his hands on... but if you try to put it on yourself he has to throw it off!

My smiley guy! Uncle Bobby calls him baby Yoda, and I guess his ears do make him look kind of like it!

Braxton and Nixon getting ready for the pool!

Again, happiest baby I know! Love him!

O ya, on a side note... Braxton got into my brand new bottle of lotion the other day. He was covered from head to toe in it.. and it was all over our bed! I don't know how I stayed so calm but I did. I took a picture but it was on my phone so I can't put it up. But man this boy sure can drive me crazy sometimes!

Anyway I hope you enjoy and we will definately be updating much more often!

Nixon James Darnell

2010-04-15T13:19:00.000-07:00

Nixon James on his blessing day. It was so cool to have my dad there that weekend for it! I was lucky.

Laura Troy and the kids came to visit after he was born for their spring break. It was so fun having them there!

Braxton especially enjoyed having Jared there to follow around.

Such handsome boys! Nixon wasn't too happy.

Braxton loves helping mommy with his brother!

Nixon and his cousin Hank... just 6 weeks apart

Ok ok finally here are the pictures of my new little one!

Nixon was born February 26 at 12:01 PM (exactly 2 weeks early). And isn't Laura just so lucky to share her birthday with my son?! :) He weighed 8lbs 1oz 20 1/2 in long. It's a good thing I didn't go full term holy moly! I had such an easy labor compared to Braxtons! I had him out 30 minutes after I started pushing. Yay! He had troubles breathing because he still had fetal lung fluid stuck in his lungs. So he spent the first day in the nursery to be watched. He also had a little jaundice. But he got to go home with me when i left the hospital so it all worked out.

He is a handful I must say. He is pretty fussy compared to Braxton. But he's already gotten much better. He is starting to sleep through the night so that's all that matters! He is such a chunky boy! He's growing much faster than Braxton did...he loves his food!

Braxton and My friend Erika on Nixon blessing day. He likes to throw gang signs apartently!

Braxton, Nixon and Grandma Darnell

Braxton LOVES kissing his brother! Thats all he wants to do, especially when he's crying.

This is by FAR my favorite picture of Nixon! He was doing a half smile. He's just so loveable!

Happy Birthday to the puppies! They were One year old on Feb 23rd, and March 2nd. Granted they don't look like babies still but they aren't done growing yet! Next time i'll get a pic of them standing next to Braxton... then you'll really get the picture :) WE love them!!

Who do you think won.. Braxton or the Food?

2010-04-15T12:58:00.000-07:00

Braxton licking the left over beater. (He gets this from me!)

Braxton's first PBand J (it was awhile ago)

Spaghetti... it's on his forhead. And what you don't see is the clump in his hair that I had to scrape off in the bath!

And last but not least... Ravioli... It's the winner by far!

Catching Up

2010-04-15T09:15:00.001-07:00

Ok, So I guess i need to catch up... ALOT! First of all we had a great end to 2009. Nothing special but we enjoyed our Thanksgiving and Christmas and Braxton's Birthday. This year has been a little rough so far, but we are getting through it with hopes that it will continue to get better.

Josh and I are still cub scout leaders and enjoy teaching our 8 year olds what little knowledge we know! Work is going pretty good for Josh. You know the elevator business... it has it's ups and downs. :) We are just so thankful he still has a job in this rough economy right now. He is just finishing up his 3rd year of school and will be starting his 4th and final year in the fall... YAY!!! Besides that Josh is just enjoying his new truck. We finally got rid of the 4 seater Element and traded it in for a much smarter choice for our family of 2 kids and 2 VERY large dogs. It's a Dodge Ram Mega Cam. And it is Josh's new baby (and hobby).

I am just trying to get back into a routine after having Nixon James Darnell about 7 weeks ago. He is a more difficult child then Braxton was. But he's getting much less fussy the older he gets and we are enjoying his sweet spirit in our home! Braxton is such a great big brother. He loves giving him kisses and holding him (only for a second before he pushes him away). He does have his moments though, mostly when he's mad at me, that he will throw things at Nixon or smack him. He even pulled him off the couch the other day when I was trying to make myself some lunch. But i think he mostly just wanted to hold him. He thinks he can do everything by himself!
Braxton is such a crazy boy these days... you can tell he is just gearing up for those terrible 2's! He is almost 16 months now, and even more energetic and talkitive as ever! He doesn't make much sense to us, but he still tries to have full on conversations with us. It's quite hilarious and entertaining! We just love him to death.. he brings so much character into our family!

We are trying to enjoy life and do the best we can these days and hope you all are doing well!

Braxton's first halloween

Unfortunately he LOVES motorcycles like his daddy.

Braxton and his Grandma Parks in Texas

Dogpile!

Pictures!

2009-10-04T12:26:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-09-04T20:40:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-07-11T08:16:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-07-04T11:07:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-05-31T15:42:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-21T11:53:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-04-21T11:32:00.001-07:00

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!

2009-04-15T09:30:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-04-15T09:04:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-06T09:03:00.001-07:00

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...

2009-04-03T15:47:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-04-02T15:58:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-04-02T14:02:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-04-02T13:49:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-17T19:36:00.000-07:00

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

2009-02-18T08:47:00.000-08:00

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

Cutest Pictures of the Year!!

2009-02-18T08:32:00.000-08:00

Braxton just loves to smile now!!! Especially for his daddy.

I dont think i've ever seen him asleep on someone without holding on to something! He ALWAYS has to be holding something. From the time he was a week or two old everytime I picked him up he automatically would find my necklace and hold on to it like his life depended on it. It's so cute to me, and my necklace just happens to hold his baby ring with his birthstone on it that Laura gave me in the hospital.

By FAR the best baby picture I have ever seen!!!! He is such a happy baby. I didn't even know he put his arms up until after I took the picture.

I love watching them sleep together!

One Year Anniversary!

2009-02-18T08:10:00.000-08:00

We spent our Anniversary back in Flagstaff where we went after we got married. Believe it or not we got the exact same suite as we did our wedding night! That just made the weekend that much more special. We had a fun time just relaxing in the cold and even got to visit some of our friends that go to NAU. Even Braxton seemed to enjoy getting out of Phoenix's wintery heat!

On our way to Flagstaff!!

Josh and Braxton at Olive Garden where we went for dinner. Our favorite place!

While we were in Flag we visited our friends Kate and Peter who go to NAU

Seriously, I cant get enough of his adorable face!

This is his adorable Pumpkin Patch outfit we got specifically for this cold event!

Our New Life

2009-01-23T10:06:00.000-08:00

So now with the little one my life has changed drastically! (big shocker!)

It seems like i hardly ever have time to even shower anymore... let alone actually get ready for the day. But somehow I manage! We have officially moved in with Josh's parents and are in the process of looking for a house. The market is great right now for buying, but unfortunately anyone who can afford to buy a house can see that as well so we keep getting outbid on houses. But we know that when the right house comes it will work out.

Being a stay at home mom now doesn't seem to slow me down at all. There's always another load of laundry to do, or another errand i have to make for Josh, and now another mouth to feed... a mouth that never seems to close!

Braxton is such a busy little guy! If he isn't sleeping or eating then he is constantly in on the action. He has to see everything that is going on and will cry until he has the best view. If he's awake then he is constantly moving as well. He squirms when you hold him and he squirms while he's eating. He is so much fun and we cant get enough of him!

I love his cheeks!!

Such an angel when he's asleep!

Daddy just loves his little man!

What are they looking at?

He's just so cute!

Our first family date at cheesecake factory. Braxton is upset he didn't get any cheesecake!(yes we are matching on purpose!)

I love this picture! He's so funny!

My Little Baby B.A.D :)

2009-01-20T10:32:00.000-08:00

Grandma Darnell's first grandbaby!! Needless to say they spoil him like crazy!
Braxton only a day old.

He definately got his mom's cheeks!!! But they have gone down alot since then... not so swollen anymore!

He's smiling at me!!! sooo adorable!

His first scratch right next to his nose... I can never trim his nails enough!

Welcome Braxton Andrew Darnell!

2009-01-12T11:50:00.000-08:00

Braxton Andrew Darnell was born Dec. 17 at 11:02 P.M. We went in that morning around 2 AM to be induced because of high blood pressure problems. At around 8:3o PM they had me start pushing. A very long 2 and a half hours later, he was here! We absolutely love our little guy, he is such a mellow and loveable boy. He loves to snuggle and absolutely loves his daddy! We enjoy being parents so much, and can't wait to see what our little Braxton will do in these years to come!

Here's your brand new daddy!!! He insisted on having a beard for these pictures... and wouldn't shave until i let him go snowboarding. Needless to say he went snowboarding shortly after.

I just love this picture of my two favorite boys!

New Years Eve, Two weeks old and he's already folding his arms!!

My little munchkin! He looked so much like me when he was born, but now he's starting to look more like his daddy.

Our little football player.

Baby Boy!

2008-08-18T13:02:00.000-07:00

So Josh and I have some new news. First of all, we have decided on our little boys name! His name is officially Braxton Andrew Darnell (and yes Josh made sure that the initials were B.A.D) I sure hope he doesn't live up to it! And also now that we know for sure... we are moving to Texas as well. It will be a big change in our life but one we strongly feel will benefit our family in the end. We love you all and hope to see you soon!

P.S- I can't ever get on to anyone's blogs (Annie, Kass, Becca and everyone else) because they haven't invited me! I would really like to enjoy seeing other peoples blogs besides just my sisters! :)

Who Guessed Right?

2008-08-05T10:35:00.000-07:00

So Friday morning (Aug. 1st) Josh and I had the amazing and beautiful experience of our big ultrasound to see our growing child!! The baby is growing so fast! I can hardly believe I'm already over half way through my pregnancy. We took a poll a few days before and the majority of family and friends were just so certain it was going to be a girl. But to Josh and my great surprise and joy... we are having a baby boy!! I told everyone i was happy with either boy or girl, but i have always wanted a boy to be our first child so I am very pleased! The nurse doing our ultrasound was very surprised at his big hands and wide feet, so I am going to make an educated guess saying he will look a lot like his daddy! He moves quite often these days, and I am sure he will become even more active the bigger he gets. I feel so blessed to have this opportunity to become and mother to this innocent child of God. Josh and I know without a doubt that this was how God wanted our family to start and we are pumped and ready to become fun loving righteous parents! (or at least try to be! )

A Dream Come True!

2008-07-25T12:44:00.000-07:00

Wow he must be strong!

In front of the Mesa Temple...

I just loved my bouquet and all the pretty colors!

The boys weren't too happy about this picture.

Just block out my face and you'll find a cute bunch of girls!

Everyone having a good time dancing. Tyler only wishes he was that tall!

Me and the girls with, believe it or not, my Mom's old wedding umbrella!