Ryan, Robyn & Zaney Zoo

FYI:

2011-01-28T18:44:00.000-07:00

I do not believe any one reads this besides TJ, and I tell her everything anyways so I'm going on haiatus...maybe forever. if you want to catch a glimpse of what I'm doing you can refer to http://www.iamagirlytomboy.blogspot.com/ I will have a few personal posts on there but most will be about crafts I make.

I'm Crafty

2011-01-20T22:11:00.000-07:00

I've been making crafts for a while now. I always just give them away, but people are always telling me I should sell them. So I'm doing it. I've opened an etsy shop and I've created a new blog. check them out and let me know what you think!

Blog
http://www.iamagirlytomboy.blogspot.com/

Etsy
http://www.etsy.com/shop/iamagirlytomboy

11 Months

2011-01-19T14:43:00.000-07:00

Little Zane is not so little anymore. He's everywhere. I love it. I love watching him figure things out. I love watching him feed himself. I love when he claps. I love his kisses-that pretty much he only gives me. I lov his hugs. I love his great big smile and even bigger Baby blue eyes. I love his laugh-it's pretty contageous, even his fake one. I love when he wakes up and instead of crying now he will make wierd noises in his bed until I come get him-usually around 8 too! I love playing catch with him. I love that he copies the sounds we make. I love playing peek a boo with him. I love watching him and Ryan play together. I just love this kid.
I had to forgo even attempting to make an 11 month on sign, the last few months have been a joke with it.

Happy Birthday to the man of my dreams

2011-01-10T18:20:00.000-07:00

Ryan turned 27! He says he feels old, but it also makes me feel really old. I'm married to someone in their late twenties!
We celebreated by going to Tepanyaki. It was absolutely delicious, it was followed by a game of bowling, which I won-I don't think I've ever won before. And my score was 111. Then I kicked everyone's trash in air hockey. I am the Queen of air hockey. I challenge any who think they can beat me.
I'm so happy to be married to man as hot, kind, sensitive (don't tell him I said, even though most of you know), smart, and hard working man. I sure do love him. :)

Opening presents from Zane-a sweet new Jazz hat

the chef, Zane had just woken up from a nap and seriously hated the fire

he likes bowling much better

fam pic

Please don't all call me at once to hire me to make all your cakes when you see how good I am at decorating.

Happy Birthday Babe!

New Years-late I know

2011-01-10T18:07:00.000-07:00

I'm actually sad to say I'm sad to see 2010 end. It has been the best year of my life thus far.

Recap:

Baby Zane was born Feb. 9th

Sealed for time and all eternity to my husband and sweet little Zane May 19th

Was able to coach (with my former high school coach and classmate) the

Salem Hills High Girls Soccer Team

Was able to stay home most of the time with Zane because Ryan has a great job and can provide for us

Nuskin has been great to me by letting me choose which days and hours I work

Got a sweet job at a Salon in Spanish Fork with the same situation. I pick my hours and days, however much I want or not want to work is fine.

Got to spend lots of time with family

in 2011, I resolve to:

Bury my Sword, I can't remeber who wrote the book, but look it up and read it. It's great.

study to Sunday School lessons before Sunday

Go to the temple weekly

Eat better-less meat

Spend oodles of time teaching and playing with Zane

Sleep more

Visit Bruce's family in Canada..for real

make more friends

show my appreciation better

Serve more

Buy a house

have at least 3 months savings

Make enough money in the salon I can quit Nuskin

there you have it. If you see my not following through on these--call me out :)

10 months-super late

2011-01-04T17:11:00.000-07:00

This kid of mine is 10 montsh old! I know I do a monthly post about it but it suprises me every month how old he is. He is getting super fun. He's a champ army crawler now. I understand why people say emjoy it while you can while he isn't mobile because this kid has super vision and can spot the tiniest piece of paper, yarn, wrapper, pretty much anything on the floor from across the room and he books it to it and immediately puts it in his mouth. I'm constantly pulling things out of his mouth.
Maybe I should vacuum more.
take a look for yourself how beautiful my babe is

Ryan's favorite

my favorite. click on this so it enlarges. He is so handsome

Before haircut #5

After

Mega Holiday Recap

2011-01-04T17:00:00.000-07:00

This year had to have been my favorite Christmas to date. Ryan and I tried really hard to focus on the true meaning of Christmas and not so much all the spending money on awesome gifts. We gave simple gifts this year and made as many as we could. also- having a new baby this year I thought alot more about baby Jesus and Mary. How incredible have both her and Joseph been? I'll tell you what-if I had to have my baby in a stable and some cow mooed and woke up my newborn baby-I would be pissed. I'm so grateful for my Saviour and for his great sacrifice. I hope to be more like him.

One of my favorite traditions with Ryan's family to see the festival of lights in the "fun bus" it's the bus they use for their care center so we all fit in it. It's so fun. It also isn't ever complete without a song of the 12 days of Christmas with our own lyrics-most of whch are a little inappropriate. Zane LOVED it. it was so much fun to have him there with us

On Christmas Eve Ryan and I decided to stay home. Ryan made us delicious steaks for dinner. we late read the Christmas story in the bible and took Leah and Isiah to look at Christmas Lights. All 3 kids zonked out, but Ryan and I enjoyed them.

Christmas morning I think Zane knew Santa had come because he woke up especially early at 5am. I waited until 6 then I couldn't wait any longer so I woke Ryan up. Zane was much better at unwrapping presents then I expected. He loved to climb on all of his presents. and man-did this kid get spoiled. It is probably the best Christmas he will ever have and he won't even remember it.

Christmas morning is always spent at Ryan's parents. they made a huge gigantic breakfast and invite both set of grandparents over. I love this breakfast. It's like a huge breakfast buffet of everything you could ever dream of for breakfast.

grandma and grandpa Strebel

Great grandma and grandpa Alexander

Then off to my mom's house for dinner. I made my very first pie ever! I honestly at 25 years old have never made a pie. It was a chocolate cream pie, but before you judge at how easy that is I did make it from scratch. it was delicious. I pretty much crave that pie all the time now.

Dinner was amazing, and again we left with a ton of good loot.

see-I told you my pie was awesome :)

Santa

2010-12-17T12:09:00.000-07:00

Zane hates Santa. I was absolutely shocked! Zane will go to anyone and smile and wave at everyone he sees..not santa. We went to the Provo Mall first, and that Santa seemed kind of like a jerk. He acted like he really didn't want to hold Zane at all-then proceded to tell me I didn't take the picture quick enough. I should have taken it within 3 seconds! Plus, he gave Zane a sucker with a long pointy stick. what an idiot!

Still checking him out..

Getting uncomfortable

Done. Get me out of here!

so I couldn't take the fact that Zane was just the same as every other kid..so we tried again. We went to the Riverwoods. That santa was much nicer, and he gave Zane a rubber ducky..much more appropriate. and he was super persistant about getting Zane to like him. More than I was even. It only slightly worked.

Merry Christmas!!

Temple Square

2010-12-13T19:41:00.001-07:00

My birthday never lasts just one day. So on Saturday it was my birthday wish to go to Temple Square. We headed up and stopped to eat at The Olive Garden. We LOVE the one in Salt Lake.

Zane at a ton of spagetti and loved every bite.
I could hardly squeeze him into his snow suit aftwards!

Then we headed to Temple Square. Believe it or not but in the almost 8 Christmas's I've spent with Ryan we've never been to Temple Square together other than when we were sealed. Pathetic, I know. So it was a blast, especially now the the salt lake temple has extra special meaning to us. It was beautiful. Zane had a blast-he loves lights

again..sorry for all the sideways pictures. if you know how to help me fix themn

Quarter of a Century!

2010-12-13T19:41:00.000-07:00

25 Years Young

yup-my pin says #1 Mom-Zane gave it to me.

I had the BEST birthday EVER! Here are the highlights:
Lunch at PF Changs
Ryan suprising me with a Cricut Expression...and it is purple!
Zane suprised me with socks and a super warm fuzzy blanket...and it is purple!
Between Zane and Ryan and I recieved 3 birthday cards
Ryan suprised me with a mini cake from The Chocolate!

the main attraction of the day: Party at Progressive Power Tumbling! It was amazing! I thought it would be a good way to make me feel youthful again but I'm afraid it may have done the exact opposite...the next day I could hardly even move! But it was worth every minute of jumping, tumbling, and rolling!
Afterwards, Cake (not just any cake-bundt cake from April and Clint-best ever!) and Ice Cream at TJ's house-complete with skyping with Bruce, Christine, and Taylor
Jazz game complete with a win!

blogger thought it would be more fun this way

even isiah got in on the action

by far my favorite thing. I LOVED this!

Ginger's turn

I guess we should have taken a picture before we got all sweaty and gross

aftwerwards at TJ's (look how long my hair looks!)

Blowing out my candles...all 25 of them

Thankful

2010-11-25T21:59:00.000-07:00

I have a lot to be thankful for. 2010 has been my best year yet.

My beautiful and healthy baby boy

My Husband of almost five years

and that I'm sealed for eternity to both of them and all of our future children

and of course all of our other friends and family, and our loving Savior Jesus Christ.

Happy Thanksgiving

Just a super Cutie

2010-11-24T20:37:00.000-07:00

Look at that tounge!

This is his favorite toy. He goes crazy for it

on of my favorite pictures now, blogger won't let me turn it :(

Check out his bed head, it's this bad or worse every nap

Sweetest Girl I know right now

2010-11-24T20:30:00.000-07:00

Lydia Michelle Knapp. She is adorable and I love her to pieces. Look at how cute she is!

yes-Ryan with a newborn is so attractive..made me a tinsy bit baby hungry again

absolutely rediculous

2010-11-23T14:40:00.000-07:00

I love Prison Break! I can't believe I've lived this long and not watched it. I do realize how rediculous that sounds. I have a major crush on Wentworth Miller. I have given up sleep so I can watch it all night after Zane goes to sleep. It's getting rediculous actually.
But isn't he so good looking?

oh I

How lucky is this kid?

2010-11-13T12:01:00.001-07:00

He got to dance with the bride!

My friend Ashley from hair school got married on Wednesday. I was lucky enough to get to do her hair for her. (all I did was curl it) But she looked beautiful. She has her reception at Noah's and they had a money dance. So Zane got to dance with her. What a lucky kid.

this is the only picture I have of us--Not the best of kels and I , and it is clearly past Zane's bedtime!

Blogger-I hate you for not letting me rotate these pictures

9 months

2010-11-13T11:55:00.000-07:00

Stats
height: 28" 50th percentile
weight:17 lbs. 12 1/2 oz. 25th percentile
Likes: pic-a-boo, baths, dancing, animals, himself in the mirror, blankets, apples, sweet potatoes, soccer, swinging
Dislikes: applesauce, any baby food with apples, tummy time
New tricks: waving, mom, turning off the light, pushing up on his arms, diving...off the couch...twice(sorry)

Zane- you're the cutest, funniest, most lovable baby in the world. Nothing makes me or daddy happier than playing with you and loving you. You still have the most killer eyes, and you're about ready for your 5th hair cut. People love you everywhere we go-I sometimes have to be the mean lady and tell people not to touch you, especially now that it's sick season. I love you so so much, you are the best baby a mommy could ever ask for.

sorry-blogger won't let me turn these

Happy Halloween!

2010-11-02T21:56:00.000-06:00

Ryan had to work on Saturday which was a real bummer since that is the day everyone here went trick or treating so Zane and I went to my mom's house. It was freezing! I took Zane outside and took some pictures then the second I stepped in the house it started hailing like crazy. TJ brought her kids over so we hit up the ward trunk or treat..yes..I took Zane, and my little sister, niece, and nephew ditched me so I really went trunk to trunk saying trick or treat with Zane. I felt like a HUGE idiot after about the 5th car because it was obvious the candy was not for Zane. I had a good time anyways. ha ha

Znae was obviously very interested

Trick or treating

I did everyone's makeup and my mom and Katie's hair. I was so proud of my work on Katie-the pictures don't do her justice

The whole gang on Halloween

Zane and his grandma Strebel

trying to eat his goody bag

this is my favorite picture of him in his costume. he got so into character--ready to pounce :)

he loved the leaves

Family

Look at Zane's expression and try to tell me he isn't the cutest baby boy ever

Happy Halloween!

on a side note: Happy Birthday to my brother Roger-he's in ND. we love and miss you!

it's in his blood

2010-10-20T19:41:00.000-06:00

i have a soccer player!

8 Months

2010-10-20T19:30:00.002-06:00

So he's 8 months old now. Here are his pictures

Now he's a monster. He grabbed the paper the entire time. then he got it.

Then I took it away. Yup-he throws tantrums. and I think he looks cute doing it. (at least for now..while it's still new)

Conference Weekend

2010-10-08T14:21:00.004-06:00

I love Conference weekend. I admit-I didn't always take advantage of it-or love it for that matter but now I do. I'm very anxious for the ensign to come out because I may or may not have fallen asleep during the opening song of the 2nd Saturday Session and and may or may not have woken up during the closing prayer.

As many of you know President Packers talk have caused a lot of talking-and a lot of it is not great. Here are my thoughts:

I believe his talk was based on love. That is what the Plan of Salvation is.

I understand the want for everyone to agree with you-I'm stubborn and always right too-but what I don't understand is why if gays know LDS people do not believe in their practice why they care so much what we think. If someone doesn't agree with me-then screw you..right? I know the church is supporting the fight against legalizing gay marriage and that may offend them but when you think about it, they are fighting so hard for something that they believe in and are so mad that we are doing the same thing. We are fighting hard for something we believe in.

My next thought: There was a protest at temple square. there was a photographer there. they started threatening the photographer to stop taking pictures and to not publish them because they didn't want to be recongnized.

I'm Mormon-and I don't care who knows it.

If your plan (legalizing gay marriage) is making you so happy and it's the best way to live then why are you afraid to let people know how you really feel. why don't you want to be recognized as gay? I know not all gays are still in the closet. I know some may say they are scared of being bullied-but I that happens to everyone-not just gay people.

Plus- how do I explain it to Zane when he comes home from school and one of his friends has two moms and no dad or vice versus?

enough about that. I loved all the other talks as well. I feel a new hope, especially being a mother now-I feel like I CAN be a corageous parent and help bring my family back to Christ.

Dominators!

2010-10-08T14:18:00.003-06:00

Did the Dominators Dominate this season? you bet we did! I love playing with these ladies with all my heart..and it doesn't hurt that we win. We never lost a game this season-we rock!

7 Months

2010-09-22T13:15:00.002-06:00

Yup-he's 7 months. I have a love/hate relationship with Zane getting bigger. But I do love every minute of him getting bigger. He's so much fun now. He loves to play pic-a-boo, and the itsy bitsy spider is by far his favorite thing in the whole world, it's my secret potion when he's sad. His ear infection is FINALLY gone and he is sleeping through the night again! I feel horrible he had one for so long. He sits up like a champ, still has no interest in rolling, well-maybe a little, but I'm sure he will be crawling before he rolls.
He's still got the biggest and bluest eyes I've ever seen and his smile still makes me melt every time he flashes it. I love this little guy.

He really gets so excited when i take his picture

he can hardly contain himself

I think this one is funny how his arms are. he's just playing it cool.

Happy Birthday Mom!

2010-09-22T12:48:00.004-06:00

My mom had a birthday! I love birthday parties with my family. It always includes good food and fun. We had a celebration at April's house a week early in the hopes that Roger would be able to make it...but he didn't. :( We ate yummy food and played some badminton. And my team rocked it! Give it up for Prego Apes, Ginger, and Haley..we ruled! then on her real birthday we had a party at TJ's townhouse and swam. I made my mom's cake. I was pretty nervous because my mom always make such awesome cakes for everyone on their birthdays and I could probably count the number of cakes i've ever made on two hands. Well, it was a success I think. It looked horrible, it tipped over on the way, but I just slid it back together and we ate it. Happy Birthday Momma- I love you and I have a good feeling about this coming year!

(check out Zane's face in the background-56 candles looks pretty awesome!)

look at how adorable my baby is!

Swimming at TJ's Condo

Cute Roxy girl

all the kids showering together... there is a better on in the shower of April-but she forbid me to post it, even though it is actually cute. but....someday I will be pregnany again and I'm sure there will be a time when I don't want a pic of me posted :)

I need this to keep me going

2010-09-17T10:48:00.002-06:00

I'm sick and tired of Braces. I'm grateful for them because I know that my smile is so much better than before but now I'm wearing rubberbands. I don't know how people do it. I only have to wear one on one side. If I had to do more I might have just quit. here are the pics of the progress already....I think I'm getting close :)

Before

now

2010-09-16T12:25:00.008-06:00

We went to St. George with Ryan's family. It was a blast! Zane LOVES swimming! It was so fun to watch him kick and splash. Roger is also getting ready to move to North Dakota so we got there to see him just in time.

Classic Sunblock pic

Splashing away!

Daddy and Zane

This is how Roger relaxes in 90 degree weather. Work boots and all!

Mommy and Zane

Cool dude-he actually wore his sunglasses the whole time and didn't try to eat them

swimming

my boys!

they zonked out. it was cute :)

ulitmate football

some more

while mommy and Zane watched from the side

Roger took us shooting. I loved it. I want a Gun.

Ryan doesn't really know how to look scary. lol

sexy with a gun

double time

That's right-I'm hardcore. or not...I screamed everytime I shot it.

Zoo even like going shooting

family shot

Roger teachign ryan about the guns

Ryan shot a the freaking bullseye! Right after I told him he could get a playstation 3 if he did..that sucks. lol Roger told us there was a T-Rex foot print there..he lied...big time

on our balcony. I love to condos..I didn't want to leave

If you're ever in St. George and you think it would be cool to go to the dinosaur museum...don't. it sucks. everything is a replica and you still can't touch it.

The dino leg was kind of cool

I'm not scared of the dino

Ryan is compating vertabrea's...you can't really see the dino one because of the glare

roger touched all the things they said not to.

Of course on our way home we had to stop in Beaver and sit in the chair and get some sqeaky cheese!

This might be my favorite pic. Everyone is always telling me how big zane is and it kind of makes me sad he is getting so big so fast. So this chair makes him look tiny...so I love it!

and I wish I would have bought this hat

ps-yes-you do see a tattoo on Zane's arm. We got him some ink while we were down there.

Manti

2010-08-26T13:31:00.003-06:00

We took a short trip to Manti to see my Aunt and Uncle. It was a blast. I'm so sad they live farther away now, but it does make for a fun trip to go stay with them.

Dave, Ryan, Zane, and I went for a walk around the temple. It's beautiful!

Dave and Lulu

Together Forever :)

yup, that's my big boy!

Zane loves to be outside

Ryan kept making me take pictures while he was holding Zane up and telling me he wanted it to look like Zane was flying. He is nuts..did he think we wouldn't see his arms and hands? lol

Zane and his Great Aunt Judy. She is great.

Family Home Evening

2010-08-26T13:19:00.003-06:00

Once a month the Alexander side of Ryan's family gets together and we have a family home evening. I love it. It always includes, great food, company, and spirit.

The Fam

Zane and Ella

Zaney Zoo

Grandpa Alexander playing Lasso Golf

Zane has the most wild hair....and I love it. I wish I didn't cut it off.

isn't he the cutest :)

Lastly, look how adorable this little body is!

Bath Time!

2010-08-26T13:16:00.002-06:00

This kid loves to be naked and loves water

L & I

2010-08-26T13:10:00.002-06:00

These two are hilarious together...and sometimes a pain. lol

Leah with a beard! lol

The Vernal/Rosevelt Face

Lioness! I wish her hair was always like this

Happy Birthday to My Sis

2010-08-17T10:04:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday TJ. I hope it's a good one. Thanks for being such a Kick A sister and for inspiring me to be more creative. I love ya!

6 MONTHS!

2010-08-11T21:08:00.002-06:00

I can't even believe it's beem six months since Zane was born! I can't imagine my life without him but I also can't believe he's so big already. He is getting more and more fun. I love it!
currently he loves:
sweet potatoes
itsy bitsy spider
giggling
mom and dad making a fool out of ourselves to make him giggle
his keys
sucking his thumb(this just started happening)
yelling
mom and dad helping him roll over
breastmilk -he still hates formula and refuses to drink it

new tricks:
sitting up on his own
sitting in the high chair
switching his toys from hand to hand
putting his soother in his mouth by himself
hodling his own bottle

i wish so bad this pic would turn...i think it's hilarious!

just the cutest boy ever

2010-07-29T11:19:00.003-06:00

Loves to stand and yell out the window

Love his cousin Tyson

Loves his rice cereal

I think he looks so huge in this picture. it makes me sad and happy at the same time, which I never knew could happen until i had him.

5 Months

2010-07-15T12:29:00.005-06:00

My baby is 5 months old? Could this be? It seems like I just brought him home and had no idea what to do with him. I love the fact that he is growing up and developing such a cute personality, but I am terrified for him to not be a baby anymore. I know at 5 months he still has a while before he's not a baby anymore but time is going so fast.
On another note: I'm been breast feeding for 5 whole months! For a while I didn't think I would last, but I wanted that so bad for Zane, so I just kept trying and trying, and now I feel like it's on the downward slope and it will get easier and easier..(not that it's hard, just a commitment)
I love this little kid with all my heart.

Currently he weighs around 14 lbs.
LOVES: being swaddled, when Mommy sings to him-poor guy is tone deaf already, flying on his dragon, eating his hands, standing, and his mommy and daddy of course :)

Look at the eyes on this kid!

He loves to eat his hands

My new all time favorite of Zane. He looks terrified, but really he is trying so hard to eat his hands.

Daddy helping him fly on his dragon, if at any point Zane is crying he will stop instantly when he gets to fly

But he also loves to eat his dragon. Look how hard he is trying! lol

He started to like his first teddy bear

Zane was a little hot one day so we put a cool wet wipe on his forehead. Look how adorable he is!

Old Friends

2010-07-15T12:19:00.002-06:00

Last weekend my friend Janis who I haven't seen for months called and was going to be in the area for a wedding so she wanted to stop and see Zane. While at the wedding she ran into Heather, who was my very first friend in the United States, so she came over too. I haven't seen Heather since she moved when I was in 6th grade. It was fun to catch up with them. We used to have so much fun playing with trolls, barbies, jumping on the trampoline, making house of pvc pipes, watch Now and Then. It's crazy now because we are all grown up and I've got one kid and Janis has 2!

me, Janis, Heather

the Kids: troy and Jade are Janis's kids.

side note: Ryan plays with kids so much better than adults. The entire time he played with his cars and ramps with Troy, then brought out the nerf guns..Ryan was sad Troy had to go home. lol

4th of July!

2010-07-06T11:53:00.010-06:00

This was the BEST 4th of July Weekend EVER! the only thing that would have made it better is if the Stadium of Fire was on Monday so I could have gone with my family.

We went to Gooseberry with Ryan's family to his grandpa's cabin. I love that cabin. His grandpa built it himself too. Zane had many firsts this weekend; 1st fishing trip, 1st 4 wheeler ride, 1st campfire, 1st experience at a movie theater.

I'm so proud to say I'm American. I'm so grateful for the many men and women that have died to make this country great.

Zane, his daddy, and his grandpa all fishing

Daddy and Son

he's calling in the fish

Zane catching some fishes!

Zane was memorized by the fire

Ruthless Robyn

Mr. Sexy

Benny

Allie

Kyle

Rambo aka ryan's dad. He killed about 12 potguts and was so proud of himself. He walked around everywhere with the gun. It was hilarious

Another first: Zane's First Dr. Pepper (yes..Ryan DID get in trouble for this...but it is cute)

Zane and Daddy relaxing in the sun room

Ryan carving his walking stick. We took home a whole bunch of sticks so we are make them with the Webelos

Monday we went to the parade with my family. Here are some pics from there

Isiah

Cute Roxy girl..ps-see what's she's wearing? TJ made the American flag on it. Both of us made things for our kids to wear and both of us thought the other one crapped out and bought things from the store..nope, we are just that good. who wants to buy our creations?

Uncle Roger protecting Zane's ears from the sirens. He HATES them!

The gang

another one of the gang

It looks like he likes the parade as much as his daddy! lol

Grandma and Zane (ps-she's lost 25 lbs recently, how cool is that?!?)

The Lovebirds!

Aunt TJ and Zane

Ryan wins the best daddy award. Zane and Isiah both fell asleep on him at the parade

Now Ryan has an idea of what I did for 9 months.

We Hope you had a GREAT 4th of JULY!

The Great BENbino!

2010-06-29T12:16:00.003-06:00

My nephew Ben is a baseball player. He looks so handsome in his uniform. I went to two of his games last week and I love them! I get so into the games and have to check myself to make sure I'm not the crazy person in the stands taking a recreation baseball game too seriously. Here are a few pictures I got. He was able to pitch one game but I failed to take pictures :(

Happy Father's Day

2010-06-29T12:02:00.002-06:00

For most of my life Father's day has been my second least favorite day of the year. I've had my Uncle Dave to celebrate and he really is like a Dad to me, but it wasn't the same not having a read dad. It got a little better when i married Ryan because the men in his family are pretty amazing so I felt like I had a reason to celebrate again. This year has been the best Father's Day I can remember. Ryan is such a good daddy and it was so fun to be able to be excited for Father's Day in this way again. Zane is one lucky kid to have a dad like Ryan.

Daddy and Son

he loves his daddy

he also loves to yell

and eat his fingers

In the afternoon, Zane and I did this...

while daddy did this

Ryan, Zane, Great Grandpa Alexander, and Grandpa Strebel

Great Grandpa Strebel, and Grandpa Strebel

And she's Married!

2010-06-29T10:43:00.005-06:00

my BFF Kelsey got married! Then she MOVED to Portland! Not only do I have to share her with her husband now, but then she moves for the summer! Not cool...Just kidding. I wasn't able to go to her actual wedding in San Diego :( but luckily for me she had a reception in Midway as well.
Congrats Mrs. Clark!

The Mr. and Mrs

i don't know why this pictues is sideways but it's the only one I have of both of us

Beware..I took a a million pictures of Ryan and Zane

Zane LOVES to play airplane

My Family :)

SOCCER!

2010-06-29T10:31:00.003-06:00

This season I played on 2 soccer teams. I felt bad for both teams because I was so incredibly out of shape it wasn't even funny. In fact, 2 of the refs that ref our game commented about how I was so out of shape..come on! I had a baby 3 months ago when I started the season! By the end of the season I think I improved quite a bit, but I'm hoping by the end of the fall season I'll be back in tip top soccer shape.
The Dominators did not dominate this season. In fact, I don't even have any pictures this year. Ryan could only make it to a couple games this year and he is my normal picture taker.
The new team I played on this year is called Willow. They are a ward that got a team together and we played in the lower division. I'm not going to lie....Sometimes I felt like Robinho, instead of Robyn against some of the teams in the lower league. lol. And, we won the championship!! I hope they let me play with them again next season!

and a BIG THANK YOU TO MY MOM, who without her help I could not have even played. She came to every game and babysat Zane for me. And during our tournament I had 2 games everyday for a week. She also was always there for me when I needed extra water, gum, food, she was my lifesaver that week.

Willow-Champs!

my little family. Maybe I should have taken the picture before the game :)

Sometimes Zane yells, ok-he yells ALOT! I loved when I could hear him on the sideline

My mom, katie and Zane- my biggest fans this season! Thanks

Summerfest...

2010-06-18T13:25:00.004-06:00

was FREEZING this year. I almost didn't go, and I LOVE parades, and fireworks even more! ryan had to work so he missed out. the parade was not the most fun because it was so cold but it was cute to watch the kids. Zane hated the cars that would rev their engines and the guns. But he is indeed my child...he LOVED fireworks! We weren't really close to them so they weren't too loud, but you could tell he was watching them and his big blue eyes would get even bigger.

yup, Tyson is in a Winter Coat..I wasn't kidding. It was cold

I actually think Zane and I look alot alike in this picture

the kids...(including Ben and Roxy ..there you go TJ)

2010-06-02T14:05:00.000-06:00

I uploaded a few posts..keep scrolling down so you don't miss them :)

My Zaney

2010-06-02T14:02:00.002-06:00

Zane hates kitties...I questioned if he was even my kid

But he loves his swing

and his chair..isn't he the cutest?

Canyon

2010-06-02T13:57:00.002-06:00

I've been running up Provo Canyon lately..I suck at it and I push Zane which almost kills me, but I know I need it. The other day Ryan was home but didn't want to run with me, or even walk. So he dropped me off at Harman's and I ran to Timpanogos park where they were waiting for me. Ryan, Zane and I love to go up there and listen to the scriptures on his ipod..(I know..give us a break, we just went to the temple..We're still on the high from it.) We play catch or soccer, we could really play up there all day long

Birthdays!

2010-06-02T13:14:00.005-06:00

We celebrated 2 of my nieces birthdays on Sunday. Roxy is 7 and Haley is 9. I can't believe how big they are! I feel old...

The birthday girls

Haley's sweet new ride

TJ, Blaine and my cutest baby

Ginger and Troy

Cutest family ever

my favorite picture

Mommy and Zane. I made him wear his hate like this..I think it's cute. Ryan however thought he looked like a doofus

Grant-who desperately needs a haircut...but is opting for dreads instead..pics to come

Aunt Judy and her baby Lulu

Ben the Baseball Star

Aunt Judy and Mom

Benny Graduated!

2010-06-02T13:10:00.002-06:00

Ryan's little brother graduated from Salem High. I can't believe it! When I met Ryan he was so small and thought I was the coolest girlfriend Ryan had ever had. Now he is big and makes fun of me all the time :) Congrats Benny Bob!

Time and All Eternity

2010-05-20T17:59:00.007-06:00

The Strebels, together forever

Yesterday was the big day! We were sealed together as a family forever. There's not much I can say to give justice to how wonderful it feels be know we are together for eternity. I held it together really well until during our sealing when they brought Zane in. It was the sweetest and most precious moment of my life thus far.

Ashlee and April. This is one of my most precious pictures of all time. Both of them had a huge influence on me to make me even want to go to the temple someday

Most of the people that came to the sealing. A few stepped out and dodged pictures.

April and TJ

My mom and I

2010-05-17T13:47:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday Zay Zay! We can't believe how big you are getting! Ginger celebrated with a birtdhay bbq in her back yard. Ryan and I learned how uncorrodinated on the trampoline we are now. We used to jump on the trampoline for at least an hour a day and now we lasted about 5 minutes and were pretty beat up..jeez.

Isiah's 2nd family

Zay Zay was nice enough to give Zane a ride on his sweet new toy

Ginger and Zay Zay

Tyson..he is getting huge. Good thing Apes is having another little one soon!

he's still unsure about blowing out birthday candles. I appreciate this though because most little kids spit all over the cake..not Isiah though!

I have a new favorite holiday

2010-05-13T12:50:00.006-06:00

yup, it's Mother's Day. Ryan and Zane treated me to the best day I could have imagined. I'm so grateful to be a mom to Zane, even though Ryan technically guilted me into getting pregnant. It was the best guilt trip I've ever had. :)

Becoming a mom has changed me so much. I'm so much more grateful to my mom. I think about all the things I do for Zane and then I imagine my mom doing them for me and it makes me love her even more.

I always said, even until the day I had Zane that I didn't ever want to be a stay at home mom. I would rather work and have Ryan be a stay at home dad. That all changed the second I met Zane. I didn't even know I could love a little kid this much. I love the time I get to spend with him and am so grateful for Ryan and how hard he works so that I can stay home more with Zane.

I'm so grateful to my Heavenly Father for allowing me this priviledge of being a mom. I truly do think it's the most important calling I will ever have. Zane makes me want to be a better person. I'm so glad he chose me for a mom. I have a lot to live up to. I love you little guy.

my mother-in-law Teri. I'm one of the lucky ones that doesn't have terrible in-laws. I'm so grateful for her everyday

The "Moms" on the Alexander side

My mom. There aren't enough words to express how much I love her. I always know that she will do everything she can to help me. so many times I have called her for advice or just comfort and she's always there for me. I love you mama.

Tyson does Tickle Tickle to Zane. It's about the cutest thing ever

kids rockin out of their guitars

TJ and Zaney

Ginger and Kiersten. (the littlest mom in our family)

This was adorable. Isiah pusing Tyson on the train

The mom's in my family. minus Christine...just move here already!

Grandma and the boys..minus Ben who is too big for one of these outfits.

I can't write a Mother's Day post without mentioning my Aunt Judy. She's basically a mom to me. Especially when I was in high school and right after when I was still a brat and fought with my mom a lot. She was always the one I went to . I love you Aunt Judy!

Another great thing that happened on mother's day is that Zane turned 3 months old! Can you believe it? I've been a mom for 3 whole months! he only had 1 more pound until he has doubled his birthweight!

One more suprise (to everyone but me of course) on Mother's day was that April announced she's pregnant!!! I'm so excited for her. She's due Nov. 20th. Congrats!

Finally!

2010-05-07T09:19:00.002-06:00

he's getting so big

2010-04-24T20:08:00.001-06:00

These require no words

2 months

2010-04-20T17:35:00.004-06:00

Zane turned two months old on the 9th. He is so fun. He's started to smile and slobber a lot! He did so well at his check up. I was so sick to my stomach before going because he was so happy and he had no idea what was coming for him...shots. But he did great. He cried just a little then he was fine as soon as his daddy picked him up.Although twice after that he was sitting so content and he was flipping us the bird...twice he did. Ryan took a picture one time but it breaks my heart to look at it so I won't post it. ha ha.
stats:
Height: 23' 1/2" 50th percentile
Weight: 11 lbs. 4 1/2 oz. 70th percentile

Zane's first park adventure

2010-04-20T17:06:00.008-06:00

Since the weather has been so nice it's too hard to stay indoors. So we picked up Ginger's kids and went to our favorite park

all the girls on the big swing

LOVE

Kiersten helping Leah

Pretty Leah

Haley only started to throw it hard when she saw me with the camera. lol

Ryan and Haley playing catch

Zane's first swing ride

Easter

2010-04-20T16:47:00.004-06:00

We had a great Easter. It was so fun to wake up and see that the Easter bunny had come and remembered Zane! I can't get enough of the little guy. Ryan and I are lucky enough that both of our parents live close by so we went to my mom's first, then to Ryan's parents. I'm not so great at taking pictures with Ryan's side we mostly video, but I can't ever upload video so I hope you aren't sick of just my family :)

odds and ends

2010-03-28T16:54:00.004-06:00

1 month..... He's now almost 2 months. I'm incredibly happy that he is growing so big and strong but at the same time I long for my newborn already. I'm pretty sure I'm going to end up having 10 kids because I already want another one.

I amost can't believe I'm blogging this....

6 weeks after baby. I don't feel like I look horrible but I still have a good 10 pounds, 15 if I'm lucky to lose. so this is my incentive. I've started excersicing now and I LOVE it! my first run I ran a mile and a half to my suprise. the whole time I had a huge smile on my face. I feel so lucky to have a body that can run and work hard.

and here is the cutest little bum in the world

Zane & Isiah's Blessing

2010-03-28T16:37:00.004-06:00

Last week Ryan got to bless both Zane and Isiah. It was awesome. He did such a great job despite how incredibly nervous he was and that the microphone in the church sounded like it had fireworks going off. I feel so blessed to have a priesthood holder in my home that is my husband. :) I love you Rhyno.
Zane was such a happy baby that morning. He never made one peep during the blessing :)

Ryan and his boys

all the grandkids..+Katie
all my side of the famiy that was there minus Roger. he had to go back home right after the blessing (I do not have a pic of all Ryan's family...sorry)

Dave. I just had to go up to him and practically drop zane in his arms or he would never hold him. but he did great

Zane, Ryan, his dad and his grandpa

5 generations. I think this might be one of my favorite pictures

just a few

2010-03-05T13:59:00.001-07:00

sorry

2010-03-03T17:03:00.002-07:00

sorry i haven't posted in a while. My stolen internet isn't working. ;) i've been having so much fun with Zane, and he gets cuter everyday, but until my internet works again you'll just have to take my word for it :)

cutest baby ever born

2010-02-16T10:54:00.012-07:00

Introducing...

2010-02-13T16:56:00.008-07:00

ZANE RYAN STREBEL!
6lbs 14oz and 20 perfect inches long
He was born at exactly 1:38 pm on Tuesday February 9th 2010He is the sweetest little baby in the whole wide world. We love everything about him, especially his cry. It's so soft and sweet, sometimes I just want to let him cry because it's so cute.
The C-Section went really well. I started to get nervous when they put the IV in me and about 5 mintues later I was starting to get really hot and nauseous. Then I puked and the nurse had to come adust my IV. They had me walk to the operating room, which is not an homey or inviting looking place at all by the way and I started to shake like crazy! they put these super warm blankets on me and Ryan just held my hand and then they gave me the spinal and then all was good! It didn't take them very long to get him out of me, then when he was out they took him straight back to get him cleaned. I could hear him crying, but it seemed so weird that it was my baby. By the time they brought him to see me I was so relaxed I was almost asleep! The spinal really was doing it's job well. I instantly fell a million times more in love with him than I already was. They took him down to the nursery for his bath and it took them a little while longer to sew me back up so I didn't get to see him for a little while longer. Ryan went everywhere with Zane to make sure he was ok. Ryan is the best daddy in the world. He is so cute with him, and you can tell Zane loves him too.
Ryan was also such an incredible husband. I like to think that I have kept a little bit of mystery about me from ryan but after all of that there was no mystery to me anymore. He saw me puke multiple times, fart really loud, and several other things that I will keep a mystery from you. :) He never once made me feel self conscious, and he kept telling me I looked beautiful and was doing so well. He was so worried about me too. He had gone down with Zane to the nursery and he came right back up to make sure that I was ok. And the whole day and my whole stay at the hospital he was the sweetest husband I could even imagine. I can't even tell people about how much I appreciate him and how much more love I have for him now without bawling. it's getting rediculous, I'm even teary eyed typing this. lol
We like to call Zane our miracle baby because with all the complications both him and I were having he is so incredibly healthy and didn't have to spend one second of his life in the NICU. Ryan and I strongly believe that it's because of all the prayers we and our friends and family have said. There is no doubt in our minds how powerful prayer is. This has been such an incredible experience for us both. And we are truly grateful for all of you that kept us in your prayers.
I am doing great as well. I can walk around great and I feel like I could run a marathon most of the time. Granted, about once a day I feel horrible, but it usually doesn't last for too long. :)
I've made a slide show with pictures, we have a ton of video that is so cute but it takes way to long to upload. Zane's first hour and a half of his life is all caught on video. plus-here's my 37 week picture right before we went to the hospital. and yes, I'm a dork who got all ready for a C-Section. ha ha

Last Day

2010-02-08T20:03:00.005-07:00

Tomorrow I'm going to have a baby! I can't even believe that it's already time. I feel like even with all the emotional stress I've had lwith this pregnancy time has flown by. I'm pretty lucky I have felt great physically pretty much the entire time.

Today has felt so wierd. Most people don't know that it's their last day without a child to care for, and everyday is just a waiting game. But not me..I knew tomorrow at 1pm. I will have a child. I felt like I needed to do things today that I wouldn't be able to do as easily with a child. Sad thing, the only thing I really wanted to do was play soccer. So I played on the xbox. :)

I'm so excited to be able to hold my little baby boy and to see Ryan hold him. Ryan is going to be such a great dad. I don't think I would be so excited and calm about tomorrow if it weren't for him. Although I am a little nervous about Ryan passing out in the operating room! seriously..he is a really tough guy in a lot of ways but a huge pansy when it comes to that sort of thing! ha ha.

I also can't even believe how much I already love this baby. I can't even imagine my life without him and I haven't even seem him in color yet. I worry about him so much already and everyone only tells me it's going to get so much worse. But I'm constantly thinking about him-and worrying if he's ok. I feel pretty good that he's been able to stay in for 37 weeks, but I still have the worry that it's too early. I'm so grateful for modern technology though and that if there are any problems that they will know how to help him. It's so reassuring. that being said, please keep us in your prayers and get excited to see some cute baby Zane pictures soon!

this is right after we found out I was pregnant, notice that you can see my jaw bone. lol

Longest post ever

2010-01-29T21:02:00.007-07:00

So Ryan and I have had a lot going on lately. Obviously the most exciting news is about our baby so here it is. As you know I've been on partial bed rest since the end of December; the perinatologist at the hospital prescribed it. Well, last week I went to my regular doctor's appointment and she had told me that the doctor did not write that is the notes that she faxes to her. it only said I need to get more rest and drink more water. The doctor then told me that the perinatologist I saw was a bit of an extremist. She did not think it was necessary for me to be on any kid of bed rest and was confident that they would not schedule my C-Section until 39 weeks, and that was only if he was still breeched. She told me that I would most likely be seeing a different perinatologist the next day and I should just double check with them that I could go back to work full time and get off bed rest. I was on cloud 9! Ryan had his Jr. Jazz basketball practice that night and I went and I almost played a little but thought I should still just follow the rules to be safe.

the next day I went to the Perinatologist and she did a thorough ultra sound and then told me that the baby's belly had not grown much since the last ultra sound a month ago and it was already a little small then. She then said, "So I would recommend delivery at 36, no later than 37 weeks." I think I just stared at her blankly for a whole minute then said, "like...next week?"

yup, that's right. I go back to the hospital on tuesday for a Doppler test- this monitors the cord blood to see how well it's going all the way through the baby. there is a good chance they will schedule my c-section, because the little guy is still breeched for next week! However, I am very excited to meet my little boy but am very nervous for him to come that early. There is a chance his lungs will not be all the way developed, and they can test that with an amniocentesis but they have recommended not doing that test because I'm already low on my amniotic fluid. So the chances that he will have to spend a couple of days in the NICU are pretty good. Which plain sucks. But I've learned to be so incredible thankful for modern technology. So, everyone keep us in your prayers. :)

*ps- I just got a new phone that I can go on the internet with so I'll update with a picture from the hospital if you're all lucky :)

*pps- I'm sorry but i boycotted my 35 week picture. I could not get a good picture and I had to keep a little pride and not post them. in fact, I completely deleted them from my camera. Maybe next week. ha ha

Next item of Business:
Ryan and I celebrated our 4 year anniversary, which also happens to be our 8 year anniversary of being together. I can't even believe how lucky I am to have him. He has been so supportive this entire pregnancy, especially since we found out about our complications and has been so reassuring that things will fall into place and we'll be ok. I'm so excited for next year together and the exciting things that will happen for us. Many of you know Ryan and I did not get married in the temple, but are on the path to be sealed shortly, and now we will have a sweet little baby to be sealed to for all eternity as well. I'm certainly a lucky girl :)

Now just a little bit of bragging.
I have the cutest nieces and nephews. I may be biased. but I really think that my family is so good looking. I went on the carpool drive with my sister the other day and we got to the school a little early so we could watch my nephew play intermural basketball. he got so excited when he saw me it completely made my day. In fact, I still feel cool that he thought it was cool I was there. ha ha. here are some pics I got of him

and lastly, even though I am graduated from Paul Mitchell I still feel connected to them. Every year they do a FUNraiser for a few different foundations and this year to raise money they had a fashion show. It was pretty intense. It made me miss school even more than I do most the time. I'm absolutely dying to be able to do hair again. I went with my BFF Kelsey and sis-in-law Riley. I miss having girls night with them everynight.

34 WEEKS

2010-01-20T13:07:00.002-07:00

the time is very quickly approaching that I will have a little baby at home with me. it feels so surreal. I've only been working part time so I'm home in the mornings now and I often watch the baby shows on TLC and I can't even imagine having the baby at home with me and Ry. I'm so excited though!

so here's he 34 week pic

Does this mean I'm becoming domestic?

2010-01-09T22:15:00.004-07:00

I've been sewing. these are all gifts I made for a friend but I intend to do similar ones for my little guy.

TJ- are you so proud of this one?

reversible nursing cover

necklace onesie

26 Sure looks good on you

2010-01-09T20:15:00.005-07:00

My hubs had a birthday.. and I honestly believe he got hotter! i love this man so much and I can't even imagine my life without him. There is absolutely no other person who will be a better daddy than him. I'm almost more excited to see ryan hold our little boy for the first time than for me to actually hold him. Ryan does so many things to always let me know he loves me. I honestly believe he would do anything for me (sometimes I may have to nag a little-but you get the point! lol)

lame I know..I took him dinner while he was at work and we ate in the car for his birthday dinner.

32 weeks and baby update

2010-01-06T20:08:00.007-07:00

here's the bump at 32 weeks

I had my ultra sound with the perinatologist today and there's good and bad news: first the good: our little boy is measuring right on. he's 4 1/2 lbs. and everything with him looks to be working perfectly. bad news: my amniotic fluid is still low. they have put me on partial bedrest meaning I can only work part time and then have to go straight home and lay on either my left or right side..the doctor would not take any of my pleading. I felt like I was arguing with my mom. lol I also have to have 2 non stress tests and ultra sounds just to measure the fluid every week at least for the next 3 weeks until I have another real ultrasound to check his growth. The doctor seemed confident that we will be able to keep him in there for a while longer. he is still breeched and with low fluid she won't try to turn him which means an c-section unless a miracle happens. So there's the update.

ry and I at the hospital. with Ryan, nothing seems bad. he's the best :)

overload

2010-01-04T13:37:00.003-07:00

I updated a ton today, so scroll down so you don't miss them!

31 weeks

2010-01-04T13:24:00.003-07:00

I have been really bad at these belly updates, and tomorrow it's already time for a new one.. here's me at 31 weeks. We got to have another ultra sound on the 29th, and there's good news and bad news:

first the good: our little boy has hair already, just a tiny bit, but it's there. He also has really chubby cheeks! We could see them so good in the ultra sound. it was awesome.

Bad news: my fluid is really low and he's measuring about 2 weeks smaller than before, our last ultra sound he was measuring about a week bigger. so they are worried since my fluid is low he isn't growing enough. I have another ultra sound on wednesday with the perinatologist and then we will be able to know a little more what's going on. Hopefully everything is fine, but for now I've sort of been a freak if I haven't felt him move for a while, luckily he's been a good boy and has been moving lots for me so I don't die of anxiety :)

Here is our crib. I am boycotting crib sets because i think they are rediculous, and the baby can't even use the blanet in them until he's older, plus- I dont' ever think they are that cozy so I'm going to make him a nice blanket..unless TJ gets to it first..hint hint :) I have started to make receiving blankets. I've only made 2 so far but I learned that I actually really love sewing.. I just hate sewing clothes. But give me straight lines and I'll be a happy camper :)

new year, new life

2010-01-04T13:03:00.006-07:00

This is a big year for Ryand I. We can actually say now that we am going to have a baby THIS year!
Ryan and I spent New Years eve with Ryan's family. It also is Ryan's parents anniversary so they took everyone out to dinner at Outback first then we went back to their house to play games. they celebrated 28 years this year! So congrats to them.
We got to spend the night with Isiah, so I was a lucky girl and got to kiss not one cute boy, but two! :)
Also, I sort of sucked at taking pictures. My brother Roger gave us a camcorder for Christmas this year (I know, he totally went out of the budget) it is an awesome one too. So we have lots of videos from the night, as soon as I have internet at home then I will upload videos, but until then, you just might have to deal with less pictures.

he has turned into such a poser lately..I love it

It wouldn't be Christmas without Ice Skating

2010-01-04T12:13:00.009-07:00

Every year my family goes ice skating together. This year was no different other than TJ and her family were in Arizona so we missed them, and of course, Bruce, Christine, and Taylor were missed as well.
I didn't skate this year because of my ever growing belly so I have lots and lots of pictures.

How do I know Ryan is going to be an awesome dad? He skated with Leah almost the whole night. It was so cute

April and Tyson

Play

Roger and Grant breaking the rules

and now Roger and April breaking the rules

How graceful are my siblings? they probably did this past my mom and I about 2o times. it was funny

and my not so graceful brother. ha ha. I asked him to show me a trick and this is what he did

my brothers can't just let me have a pic with the hubs, they had to be in it too

The Diva

I love this. they are besties

poor zay zay hated the skates :(

Merry Christmas!

2010-01-04T11:08:00.005-07:00

This year I did something pretty amazing for Christmas. I actually kept all of Ryan's presents a secret from him. I didn't tell him any! this is the first time I have done this ever, and it was harder than it could have ever been because I got an extra bonus from work this year so I didn't even tell Ryan and I bought him a new TV with it. He has been wanting a new tv for so long and I just felt like he deserved it and it probably isn't something I'd be willing to spend money on after our baby comes. He was so shocked. It was the best I have ever suprised him. Now I want to do it all the time!
We slept at his parents house this year because we have started a new tradition of taking the bus from the care center, get into our pajamas, and go to the festival of lights. This year Ryan I went early and decorated the bus to make it a little more festive. It was so fun. I love that tradition. Then, every year on Christmas Ryan's parents make a big huge breakfast and have both sets of grandparents come over so we usually spend christmas morning there so we can see the grandparents there instead of spending most of our day driving from place to place. We spent the rest of the day at my mom's, then went home a little earlier than normal because Ryan was so anxious to set up his new TV! :)

at the festival of lights on Christmas Eve

Ella LOVES to open presents. it was so fun to watch her help everyone open their gifts

Allie and Ella in the headbands I made them.

Christmas Morning...Ryan does not normally wake up that early but I knew he was getting a huge suprise so I made him get up!

Ryan had so much fun shopping for Isiah this year. He had to buy him cars, he loves playing him.

Bruce on skype. It sucks they live so far away, but this is proof I was in Canada..right Bruce?

Hello 3rd Trimester!

2009-12-08T11:55:00.003-07:00

Today I'm 28 weeks and officially in the last trimester! Although when I think about that I still have 12 weeks left I sort of want to die because most of the time I am so uncomfortable and I feel like a whale and can't imagine getting any bigger...some of me still thinks time is going by too fast. We still have LOTS to do in the next 12 weeks.

I had a birthday Shout Hooray!

2009-12-08T11:47:00.004-07:00

So I now have to use an entire box of candles for my birthday cake. 24 baby. I'm feeling old. This year I lucked out and Ryan had the day off so got to spend all day together. He was such a sweetheart. I've been sick so I didn't really want to do too much and he just did whatever I wanted and was so sweet all day.
Ryan baked me a cake and frosted it. It was his first time to ever make a round cake. if you didn't see the back it actually didn't look too bad. But..he did use 2 cans of frosting. ha ha

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-30T10:00:00.004-07:00

I didn't give Thanksgiving too much thought this year because we've been so busy trying to get everything packed up. But on Thanksgiving morning I was waiting for Ryan to wake up and to try to be quiet and not wake him I made a collage of things I am grateful for. I suggest everyone do this. Lots of the time I feel like I don't have this, or I need this..but really..I've got everything I need. Ryan and I are blessed to both have lots of brothers and sisters. I love it. I myself do not want to have 8 kids like my mom but I would like to have a few kids so they can all play ;)

anyways, my list is long..I hope all of yours is too

This year we ate Thanksgiving dinner with Ryan's family and then headed straight to Manti to my Aunt Judy and Uncle Dave's house. Unfortunately Dave was sick so we didn't get to see too much of him. But we were lucky enough to have my cousin Donna and her family there. I haven't seen them (with the exception of facebook) for years. Donna is also a hairstylist and she is kind enough to listen to all my questions about everything and gives me her opions and advice.
We had a family talent show one night. it was interesting. But one of the highlights.
I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving..Here are pictures from mine.

Twins

2009-11-25T11:49:00.003-07:00

My sister Ginger and Brother in law Blaine have birthdays just a little apart and they are the same age so every year they have a joint birthday party. We make them pose for a picture like this every year. I think it's cool. they think it's dumb. lol

So even though I think Ginger hardly ever reads my blog this is a shout out to her

*When I was 18 and just graduated I was soooo ready to get out of my mom's house and Ginger let me move in with her during the summer while her kids were with their dad...I have lots of memories from that summer..

*Ginger let's me do pretty much anything I want with her hair as long as it's not short. and sometimes she thinks I cut it too short but she still let's me do it the next time :)

*During school whenever I needed to sell product for a contest Ginger would always hook me up. She would call everyone she knew and ask them to buy shampoo from me. There wasn't ever a time when I didn't sell enough.

*She refers her friends to come get their hair done by me

*If I have to talk to someone late at night I know I can call Ginger. Chances are she might still be awake, if not..she would get up so she could talk to me.

*Ginger has a kid with my husband...Yup, ask anyone in my family who Isiah's dad is and they will tell you Ryan. She always let's us take him

*She's funny. Which in turns makes her fun to be around

*She used to come to my soccer games and bring a barbeque and make a whole sha-bang out of it

25 weeks

2009-11-17T20:09:00.003-07:00

25 weeks! I can't even believe it! I've only got 15 more to go! That makes me soo soo excited and terrified at the same time. Our little boys moves like crazy now. I thought he was moving a lot before but now it is non stop. Sometimes he moves so much it makes me nauseas. But I won't complain because I'd rather be sick as a dog and know he's still in there than have to wonder. 15 more weeks! ahh!

oh- and by the way...I hate teenage boys. Both mine and Ryan's little brothers who are the same age can't resist telling me, "woah! you're fat." everytime I see them. literally. it's rediculous

Weekend with Zay Zay

2009-11-16T09:05:00.003-07:00

This weekend we have Isiah the whole weekend. We normally don't let him sleep over anymore because he would wake up in the middle of the night and not recognize where he was and would freak out and not go back to sleep. However, I had the idea that if he slept in our bed if he woke up and he could see us he wouldn't be scared and he would go back to sleep..and it worked! However, even though he is tiny, he is a major bed hog!

One of my fears of being a mom is that my kids will think I'm boring. Ryan can play with little kids for a long time and not get bored. I however, get bored. This weekend Ryan had to work so I had Isiah by myself, with no tv. So we played. And I had fun the whole time!

After Ryan left for work I thought Isiah would need a nap, I did. Isiah did not. I fell asleep and he played until he got bored then he started to pester me so I got up. Isiah and I went to walmart. About 5 minutes in the cart and he was completely zonked out!

I couldn't wake him up for anything! We got to the car and he then he was wide awake again. I took the groceries home and then we went to the mall. I thought for sure he would fall asleep in the stroller but he loved the mall. He was so happy playing with his cars and looking at everything.

Then we went home and made a fort. I don't think I have ever seen him so excited. He loved it so much, we were playing in it and I got out and then went to go back in and he wouldn't let me in anymore, he just kept pushing me out! And he wouldn't get out! It was fun. I took some pictures of him in the fort and he was smiling so good for the camera and then the light would get him so all the pictures he is squinting so much. It was funny.

I'm so excited to be able to play with my little boy and to watch him and Isiah play. Isiah has the funniest personality I hope it rubs off on my kid.

24 weeks

2009-11-10T21:34:00.003-07:00

Only 16 more to Go! To celebrate my 24 weeks I woke up at 3:30 this morning..yup, 3:30. I never fell back asleep either. So I got up and 5am and did yoga before work. And I actually felt pretty good all day! I think I will do yoga more often. So here's the picture

ps-this week my uterus is the size of a soccer ball..AYKM?

Isiah

2009-11-10T21:26:00.002-07:00

I can only hope my little boy will be as cute as this one

Happy Halloween

2009-11-10T21:16:00.003-07:00

This year on Halloween I had no holiday spirit. Ryan had to work and I had a great idea to be a mummy and I got everything i needed and printed out a big picture of one of the ultrasound pics and was going to stick it on my belly so i was a "mummy" As I was getting ready for work I realized I would have to take the whole thing off to pee. and since i pee every half an hour I opted to go as a dead soccer player instead. On actual Halloween day I didn't even dress up. I went to my mom's and did my little sister's and nieces hair for their costumes and that was the extent of it. I did have a good time with my mom that night though :) Also, it was my brother Roger's birthday. He has moved to St. George and hates birthday parties for him and hates cake so his birthday party isn't ever a huge event but it was wierd that he was gone. Nothing felt normal this year.

TJ, Blaine, Ben and Roxy came over later.

Katie..the spider woman. ps. my mom made her dress! and Haley..the dead cheerleader

This is the only picture I have of Ryan and I on Halloween. I took him dinner. Cute..I know

23 weeks

2009-11-03T13:49:00.003-07:00

23 weeks! Today we got to go to the doctor and hear the heartbeat again. Even though I have the surety the baby is ok because I feel him move I still love to hear his heartbeat. On another good note last night I slept the entire night without waking up! it's a miracle. I have to get up at least once everynight to pee and then I have a hard time falling back asleep so it's a huge pain the the butt! The only other preggo system I have it a lot of pressure on my pelvis. The doctor says it's pretty normal. it could end up being something not great but for now I just have to deal with it..so if you see me and I am walking wierd..that's why :)

Yay!

2009-11-03T08:10:00.004-07:00

Life has been going soooo slow lately! I expected time to slow down once I was done with school but it has gotten bad. I just can't wait to have this baby home with me to cuddle with! Also, a week and a half ago they shut off our free comcast. Seriously? free tv for 11 months, we have 1 more month in our apartment and and we have no tv. So the nights Ryan is at work I have been getting alot done to prepare for our move. The Good new:

Ryan finally got hired on at Nestle! It's been just over a year since he has been a temp. And the best part is that his insurance will be the same as NuSkin's but the better program...no deductable! Hopefully that will help with the cost of this baby :)

Other good news is I am officially official! I got my license in the mail the other day. Unfortunately I have no where to use it. I'm going crazy not doing hair every night. I miss it sooo bad. so if you want your hair done I'll come to your house :)

ps-we are still looking for an apartment anywhere from Orem-Springville so if you know anywhere let us know!

22 weeks

2009-10-28T08:05:00.004-06:00

I really suck at blogging lately. and I feel like I have nothing to blog about except the growing size of my belly. Last weekend Ryan and I bought things for our baby. We already have a bit of boy things because we have bought stuff for our house for Isiah, but it was really it was really fun to be buying things with our baby in mind.

So, here it is..22 weeks

The other exciting thing is that we are moving.. the unexciting thing is we don't know where to yet :( we don't know if we should just buckle down and buy or keep renting. so if you know of either a good buy or rent, let me know :)

21 Weeks!

2009-10-20T09:14:00.004-06:00

21 weeks

I realize I missed the biggest picture in pregnancy history..the 20 week-halfway! So here are some highlights from the first half of my pregnancy.

-didn't throw up much, but felt really crappy alot.

-was so tired but didn't realize it until after I got done with school. I pretty much slept for a week after

-gained 10lbs-been called fat 3 times. all by family...thanks guys :)

-my feet always swell and hurt by the end of the night

-can feel the baby move like crazy!

-was able to hear the heatbeat twice, and see my little baby in an ultra sound!

-found out he's a boy!

-fell way more in love with Ryan because he is so cute and excited

-have bought 1 pair of maternity pants. they are starting to fit

I'm sure there's more monumental things but those are all I can think of right now. I'm getting more and more excited and just as I suspected, now that I'm done with school time is slowing down drastically. I get so bored at night while Ryan is gone and the TV drives me crazy now. I'm going to start making baby things now that I know he's a boy.

yup..my husband works on Friday nights

2009-10-17T00:43:00.001-06:00

so this is what my sis and I do.
http://knappshot.blogspot.com/

19 weeks

2009-10-08T12:19:00.000-06:00

Here it is. 19 weeks.

It's a BOY!

2009-10-07T15:51:00.005-06:00

I'm soo excited! It was so fun to be able to see the little guy all curled up in my belly. He had one foot up by his head and the other just normal so we had a good shot of his outdoor plumbing ;)
Ryan was right the whole time. He knew it was a boy the whole time. I was spilt; but I think I thought it was a girl more. I wish I had an ultra sound machine so I could watch him everyday. Now I can hardly even wait until I get to hold him. They said everything looks good and he's healthy..maybe too healthy. His belly was a little big they said. lol

this is his face. it's sideways so tilt your head to the left

it's a boy

this is his rigth foot. his other foot was by his head. lol

BOY or GIRL?

2009-10-05T11:17:00.004-06:00

Tomorrow is the big day and I'll get to find out if I'm having a boy or girl. What do you think?
These might help:

It is said that if you get acne while pregnant you are having a girl because she takes your beauty: luckily according to this I'm having a BOY

There is a theory about the baby's heart rate and the gender. Even some doctors actually believed this one. Maybe a few still do. The belief is that girls have a faster heart rate than boys. A heart rate of under 140 beats per minute is said to be a boy. A faster heart rate is thought to be a girl: according to this I'm having a GIRL

Chinese Gender Prediction calendar: I'm having a BOY

Another theory links the baby's movement to the gender. This theory says that a more active fetus is a boy. This is linked to the belief that boys are rowdy and boisterous. Since girls are believed to be more quiet and reserved, a quieter baby is thought to be a girl. my baby moves like crazy: so this would be a BOY

There's a myth that if the dad squeezes his chin and it makes a butt you will have a girl first, if not a boy: according to this we will have a BOY

If the hair on your legs grows faster during pregnancy it's a boy; if it grows slower, it's a girl. according to this: it's a BOY

If you crave sour or salty foods, it's a boy; sweets, it's a girl. according to this it's a GIRL

The Father's Weight Gain Myth – According to this myth, if the father gains weight during the pregnancy, it's a girl; if the father's weight remains stable or decreases, it's a baby boy. according to this it's a BOY

So most things point to a BOY, and Ryan is convinced it a boy. but for some reason, everytime I feel it move I think it's a GIRL. all the other times I think it's a boy though.

18 weeks

2009-10-03T21:39:00.003-06:00

Ha. ha. ok..maybe I'm at motherhood trying on the belly. But I did buy my first pair of maternity pants. it was awkward and the elastic around the belly is wierd. But..since I only have 2 pairs of pants I can still breath in; it was time :) Oh, and I feel our little poppy move all the time now. and on Tuesday we will find out what poppy is!
But here are the stats of my baby:
Head to rump, your baby is about 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a bell pepper) and he weighs almost 7 ounces. He's busy flexing his arms and legs — movements that you'll start noticing more and more in the weeks ahead. His blood vessels are visible through his thin skin, and his ears are now in their final position, although they're still standing out from his head a bit. A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around his nerves, a process that will continue for a year after he's born. If you're having a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If you're having a boy, his genitals are noticeable now, but he may hide them from you during an ultrasound.

isn't that huge?

I'm Free!

2009-10-02T14:25:00.003-06:00

I Finally did it! I'm done with my 2000 hours! I have taken my practical test and passed, and I'll take my written test next week and then I'll have my licsence. It feels so weird to be done. I started school in March of 2007 and every mon-thurs sense then I've left my house around 7am and gotten home around 10:30pm. The funny thing is I thought I would have all this free time but I guess I was a lot more tired than I thought because every night now I go to bed around 9. I literally cannot stay awake later than that.lol
I had my school graduation last friday. Here are some pics

17 weeks

2009-09-23T12:01:00.004-06:00

Here is my 17 week picture. This week has been H-E Double Hockey sticks for me. ;) I'm finishing up my last hours at school and am getting ready to take my state boards so I'm super stressed and not sleeping well. I can't wait until I'm done. So in the meantime..don't judge me for not doing my hair or makeup :)

This is how big Poppy is now..definitely not a Poppyseed anymore

Mom's Birthday

2009-09-23T11:44:00.006-06:00

It was my mom's birthday on Monday so of course we had to party with the whole fam on Sunday. We ate at April's new house, and all the food was yummy.

On Monday- her actual birthday I took my mom to eat at the mall then we each got a big turk..best candy ever made. Later that night all the girls in the fam (minus Christine) went to Costa Vida then bowled at Fat Cats. It was a blast. We all pretty much suck at bowling. Ginger was a shark. the first game she really sucked, then the 2nd game she did awesome.

There were these people next to us that were absolutely disgusting. 3 young boys and an old women. 2 of the boys kissed the old lady..it was sick. All of them wore their pants so low, we don't even think they could have pulled their pants past their butts. so of course i took pictures

I took this picture because I thought it was funny to take one of the kid and his lack of pants, but Ginger is still the funniest thing in this picture. lol

The absolute funniest thing that happened was when we had got to our lane and were reading the Names April had picked for us all there was the name Potty. Then it turned out to be April's. We asked her why and she had told the guy to write Hottie, instead, he heard Potty. So for 2 games April was Potty. So here's to Potty.

The good and the bad

2009-09-21T11:17:00.003-06:00

THE GOOD: I now can go to St. George for free anytime I want

THE BAD: it's because my brother Roger moved thereIt's true..Roger moved. I'm pretty sad about it. Roger is my big bro who used to buy me new school clothes, bought my cleats, basketball shoes, prom dress...and I know that if I ever needed anything he would help out as much as he could. But..as it goes, I'll probably end up in St. George soon, don't you think Rog? lol

4 Months!

2009-09-16T09:22:00.005-06:00

Yesterday I was officially 4 months! Time is just flying by! I've been feeling pretty great lately. I have turned into a freak about not doing anything that could harm our little poppy. I crave an extreme chocolate blizzard at least once a week, but that is all the cravings I have. Ryan has realized pregnant women aren't exaggerating about how much smell effects them, because I make him take out the garbage about 3 times a day. lol We are getting more and more excited everyday. We get to find out what we are having on the 6th of October..about the same time I am done with school! yay!

{I'm not great at taking these pics, and when I'm standing up really straight like in this one it doesn't do my bump justice. normally it looks HUGE!}

2nd Trimester!

2009-09-01T15:04:00.002-06:00

Can you believe it?!? Today I enter my 2nd trimester and it's the 1st day I haven't taken my nausea medicine. So far so good. I feel kinda gross..but not nauseas. I also eat like crazy. I've always been kinda wierd in the sense that one minute I'm fine and then the next I am absolutely starving, and it has intensified. And when I am starving I have to eat quick or I get sick..it's fairly annoying. But thank goodness to fast food restaurants. I don't know what I would do without them!
I've only gained about 4 lbs so far. One time I wieghed 7 lbs more but it was after a weekend..and they don't count. ha ha. So I'm feeling good. But I notice my thickening belly for sure. it definitely doesn't look normal to me anymore but Ryan always says he can't tell a difference yet..but he is nice :) I'm going to start taking preggo pics and I might be brave enough to post them.

What a great weekend!

2009-08-30T19:51:00.003-06:00

We just got back from St. George. Ryan's little brother had a football game there so his parents planned a trip to the condo. It was so fun..even though the football team lost. I also have to say I feel so awkward cheering for Salem. I used to bleed green so it's still a little hard for me to cheer for teams they rival. We spend a lot of time at the pool and we took the longest ride ever to Brian Head to ride the ski lift. Thanks for the fun weekend Strebels!

click on the pics of the guys jumping in to enlarge them and look at their facial expressions..hilarious!}

Any Help?

2009-08-28T08:48:00.003-06:00

So I'm going to be a major taker today.. .

First thing-My school is having a Special Class with the artistic director for Paul Mitchell. her name is Stephaie Kocielski. It's kind of a big deal. BUT.. to be able to go I have to sell more shampoo and conditioner. I know many of you that read this have already bought shampoo from me before {Thank you} but come on..I bet you need more :) So here are the deals
These are all 1 liter bottles {which we only sell once a year}
All of them are sets {1 shampoo, 1 conditoner}
$26- Super Strong, Super Skinny, Moisture, and Extra Body
$36-Tea Trea Special, Lemon Sage Tea Tree, and Lavendar Mint Tea Tree
My favs. are Lemon Sage Tea Tree and Extra Body- they smell awesome. So if you are interested, I only have a few more days to sell them and I only need to sell 10 more! If you don't know which one would be best for you hair leave me a comment telling me about your hair or you can call me (801) 921-0779. again..thanks for everyone that has helped me through this..only a little bit left!

Second- remember I'm having a baby? It's still incredibly wierd to me and I feel like time in going by sooo FAST! Well, last weekend I went to a glitter toe party and the other mom's there let me know I knew NOTHING about having a kid. So I decided I should start reading. So my question is..What are your favorite pregnancy books and why?

Sad Day

2009-08-26T15:46:00.003-06:00

I've been neglecting this post..My bff Kelsey graduated from school. I am so happy and excited for her but in the back of my mind I keep thinking school is going to suck a big one without her (sorry, it's that bad) To be honest..Kels was my rebound. ha ha My friend Sarah had just decided she didn't want to do hair anymore and quite and she was suppossed to be my partner for life at school, so there I was..all by myself. I had heard about this "Kelsey" girl, she had been on leave and when she came back I wasn't that excited about her. It didn't take long for us to figure out we were meant to be besties. Kels- I love ya and thanks for making the transition easy by visiting sometimes :)

sorry kels..we really need to practice on getting good pics of us..and my perm? haha

Come Party!

2009-08-12T10:48:00.002-06:00

Gooseberry

2009-08-12T10:39:00.004-06:00

Ryan's grandparents have a cabin in Gooseberry. I LOVE it there. We went this last weekend, just the 2 of us and had so much fun. We borrowed Ryan's dad's 4 wheeler and rode all day Sunday. We tried to on Saturday but it was FREEZING! Here are some pics

Dean Banowetz

2009-07-31T10:01:00.003-06:00

We have a "fun" raiser every year at school and this year out of all the schools we raised the 12th most money. As our prize we got to have Dean Banowetz come and speak to us. He does Ryan Seacrest's hair, and he did hair on American Idol for 6 years..{he gave Sanjaya the pony hawk} He told us lots of funny stories about the contestants. He was hilarious. It's exactly what I needed, I'm getting close to graduating and have been getting less and less motivated, and now I have all my dreams of doing celebrities hair and making bank so Ryan can stay home with our kids. ha ha. seriously though. I would love that.
He also does the commercial for the instyler. Have you seen it? It really does work! I saw it with my own eyes. I want one. BAD. anyways, after class we got a picture with him. yup, I feel cool.