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