He's on the road again. Brandon has been crazy busy lately which means he has been gone
ALOT. I am not complaining at all. With the bad economy and many people we are close to losing their jobs, I am more than grateful that we have been blessed with work. So defining what "gone
ALOT" means...we usually don't get to sleep in the same bed for more than one night in a row. He gets home late from a haul and usually has to head back out the next morning. In between all these crazy days and late nights we still have been able to fit in some quality time for each other and our family. I guess
that's why it really doesn't seem all that bad to have a hubby that spends more time sleeping in a truck than with his wife. The time we do spend together and as a family is
quality rather than
quantity. People are always saying to me, "I don't know how you handle him being gone so much." But between all the hours I put in as secretary for Freedom, getting kids up, feeding kids breakfast, taking kids to school, feeding horses, running errands, cleaning the house, doing laundry, picking kids up, taking kids to dance and tumbling, church callings, working at Weight Watchers, helping with homework, feeding kids and horses
again, blogging, going to the gym, etc, etc, etc...he's home before I know it! Thank goodness for cell phones! This is our life for now. I have come to accept that. It won't always be like this. We have such strong goals and dreams for the future and we make an awesome team. I am in awe of the things we can accomplish together. I know that our sacrifices now will pay off in the future for our family. It's been two years since we ventured on our own and started this transport business. We did this together as a team. And we are so proud of what we have accomplished! It's not an easy task to start a trucking business from the ground up. Most people hire companies to help them get all set up in the trucking world. (We didn't know you could even do that until after the fact!) There is so much to know and nobody tells you. It's kind of dog eat dog in this business and there is still so much we are learning. We are always joking that we should write a book entitled "How To Start A Trucking Business For Dummies." In the book, we would compose all the things that nobody wanted to tell us and we had to find out for ourselves. We have been through
alot of trial and error, and ups and downs these past two years. I am proud of a husband who is a go-getter. He can't stand to just sit still and is constantly pushing himself, sometimes just a little too hard. When it comes to a flight or fight personality, we are both fighters. I've learned you have to be in this world if you ever want to accomplish anything. Maybe
that's why we get a long so great. I think one of the only downfalls in our relationship is that he thrives on being a punctual person and I um...well...lets just say that is NOT my strong point. Those of you who know me are probably laughing right now. Enough said. For now I am enjoying our lives. We create our own schedule, as crazy as it is. That is why we named our business Freedom Auto Transport. It was freeing to leave a job where he worked for 7 years, and scary at the same time. No steady paycheck every two weeks, our income was now relying on our workload. At the same time, no 9 to 5 workday, no boss to report to, no having to call in sick. We had Freedom on our part to create our own schedule. We have enjoyed it. It's nice to be able to go to Lagoon or a movie or restaurants in the middle of the day when it's not busy. So keep working hard Honey, as we aspire our dreams and reach our goals together! All those long hours you work are appreciated by your family. We love and miss you when your gone and know that the road can be a long one at times. So keep being the cute trucker that you are and more importantly the hard worker that many wives hope for. One day when we are "
chillin" and doing the things we love
because we worked so hard when we were young we will have each other to thank. Drive safe!!
A few weeks ago, on September 29, Brandon and I took the girls to their very first concert. Miley Cyrus. I think we all remember going to our first concert. Who took you, where you went to dinner, where it was at, the loudness of your favorite music being played live, and of course...the excitement of seeing your idol live and in person. 
It was awesome. I must admit...she has several songs I know all the words to. That just makes me a hip mom...right? 
Half of the fun was getting all dolled up! I bought the girls matching Miley shirts and Aunt Jo bought them each a stylin' Hannah Montana scarf. Yes...that IS a Hannah Montana scarf around my neck. We were rockin' the show!
After some dinner at Chili's we were off to the show. 
Peace out everyone!
You know it's good stuff if your closing your eyes just to enjoy it's deliciousness. We were sitting on the sidelines at Bailie's soccer game last night and EVERY TIME she took a drink of that Strawberry Cream Soda she made this face. Was the sun in her eyes or was it just delicious?
I think this picture answers the question!
That would be my adorable, sweet, but oh so sassy, little carefree four year old. She is tall and skinny and seems to encounter this problem often. This particular day we had taken the girls to the golf course to hit a bucket of balls and after an argument between sisters, Cambrie decided she was done and started running back to the car. Here's how this little scenario played out: After getting in her final words of "fine, I'm going to sit in the Tahoe!" she turned around and started running. In a slow motion movement, down came the pants. I knew she wasn't going to stop until she reached the Tahoe, she's kind of stubborn like that. So with pants down around her ankles, she just kept going. As we passed the windows of the clubhouse, I could only imagine how hard I would be laughing if I was a bystander in all of this. So independent four year old keeps running while a hysterically laughing mommy is chasing after her. But wait, is that the camera around my neck? Oh what the heck, lets just snap a picture while we're at it!
This was definitely the calm before the storm. 
Thank goodness for Daddies. She was able to get in a couple of good shots.
Our Easter weekend of course started out with an egg hunt. For the past few years we have been going to the local hunt that West Point City puts on. It is held at a park close by so it's a convenient tradition. It started at 10:00 and when we got home the kitchen clock read 10:13. Short and sweet! Once they said "GO" it was only about two minutes of running and chaos and the girls each got plenty of eggs. 
Cambrie would have gotten a few more but she kept picking the eggs up and if they felt empty she would throw them back on the grass. It turns out that the ones that felt empty had folded up gift certificates in them. Bailie ended up with 6 free kids meals! 
Later that afternoon we went to the party with Brandon's family. Each year they gather on Easter and have lunch, let the kids gather eggs, play games, and go "fishing."
Cambrie's present from the "fish pond' was a collection of bubble making toys. When we got home that afternoon it was raining. She was really wanting to play with her bubbles and because in our household bubbles are an outside toy we had to come up with an alternative. 
I had the brilliant idea of putting them in my shower! It kept the bubbles contained, and all the bubbles that spilled were an easy rinse. So next time it's raining and the kids complain they're bored I might just throw them in the shower again! That night we took the girls to see the much anticipated Hannah Montana, The Movie. I must admit that I am a Hannah Montana viewer, but not by choice. It is the one show that ALWAYS seems to be on whenever Bailie is home. On an occasion or two I have caught myself watching it even after she has left the room. (only once or twice really...) The movie was cute and for us worth seeing. 
Sunday morning the hunt was on once again. The girls raced through the house to find all the eggs in all the crazy places they were hidden. Some were real and some were plastic. We still make it a tradition to dye Easter eggs and leave them out for the Easter Bunny to hide. After the egg hunt the girls give me all their real eggs and I make creamed eggs and biscuits for our Easter breakfast. A yummy tradition we look forward to every year. 
After the rush of the egg hunt, it was time to inspect what they received this Easter. Bailie got some much needed summer gear and a basket full of goodies.
Cambrie's basket was full of what she loves most right now...Little Pet Shops and CANDY!! I've said it before, but this girl would eat candy for breakfast, lunch, and dinner if she could. She got some really cute PJ's for Easter that appropriately say "CANDY MAKES ME HAPPY!"
And that marked the end of a great Easter weekend. Great fun, great memories and good times!
This past Friday Bailie had the opportunity to perform in the half time show at the Jazz game. She had a blast and we had just as much fun watching her. She was so cute before hand, whispering to me, "mommy, I am kind of nervous." I tried the best I could to help calm her nerves and it must have worked because she did great! It is kind of fun to see what goes on behind the scenes at the game. This picture was taken at the dress rehearsal a few hours before the game. Thank goodness I was able to film the rehearsal and take pictures because our seats were in the upper bowl for the game. 
This picture is WAY zoomed in, we were in the upper bowl, but this is during their performance. The camera zoomed in on her and her face was on the "big" screen a couple of times, which she thought was way cool when she found out afterwards. The game was pretty intense and the Jazz lost during the last few seconds. Besides seeing Bailie dance, one of the other highlights of the night was watching Cambrie yell "DEFENSE." It was so hilarious!! Who knew she loved basketball so much! 
Great job Bailie! We love you and are proud of all your hard work!
It has been three long years since I have heard the sound of his voice, the way he laughed, and the silly things he did that would make us laugh at him (like wearing socks with sandals...) I miss his phone calls, his hugs, his homemade lemonade, Sunday dinners and movie nights with peach cobbler. I miss his drive and passion and hard headedness. Most of all, I miss how much he loved my kids. Cambrie was still just a baby when he passed away, but Bailie was his Best Friend. He would always call and ask if he could take Bailie with him for the day. It didn't matter what he was doing, he just liked the company. I recall one day that he took her with him, I was potty training Bailie and he was really worried about what would happen if she had an accident, or worse yet...had to go poop. I never will forget the look on his face when I reassured him that she would tell him if she had to go, and worse case scenario he would just have to help her wipe. The fear was real, he never was any good with the diaper thing and having to help a toddler wipe her little tush was kind of stretching it, but he took her anyway. They were buddies, that's for sure. 
This picture shows it a little better. What is wrong with people? I mean honestly, what gives someone the right to take what is not theirs? The truck was parked in back of our shop where we have always kept it and where it is well lit at night. This wasn't no one man job, it had to take at least 3 or 4 guys to be able to disassemble the hood and load it on a trailer. I have been driving myself crazy all day as to who would do such a thing. It is so upsetting. This truck is our livelihood and income and to have someone mess with it just makes my stomach drop. It's not like it's an easy fix, you can't just run to your local parts store and pick up an entire hood assembly for a 379 Peterbilt. Brandon should have been on his way to Denver today. Instead he has been trying to recover from the shock of pulling into the shop and seeing his "baby' torn all apart. I know you're probably thinking...no big deal, it's just the hood. The reality is that we received an estimate to have it replaced and it will be in the area if $15,000. The headlights alone are $1,000 EACH to replace! These trucks are ridiculously expensive to work on. The parts will have to be shipped in from out of state, and it will need to be painted to match. The most maddening part is that we have filed a police report, knowing that we will never know who did this. They'll get away with it without even as much as a slap on the wrist. They obviously knew the value of what they were taking but will never know the rippling effect of their actions. Because of these idiots, we are now stuck with the expense of getting the truck repaired, and the loss of at least a weeks worth of income, maybe more. We are just good people in the world trying to do our best, trying to make a living by working hard and living right, and who are they to mess with that? I feel so violated. I don't understand people and the need to feel that they are entitled to something that is in no way, shape, or form theirs. This has been an opportunity for us to talk to our kids about stealing and theft and about their feelings. When I told Cambrie what had happened she smiled and said, "you're joking Mama." I don't think she fully understands. Bailie on the other hand was pretty upset. She loves her Daddies truck and seeing it like this made her sad. She asked the question, "but why would someone do this to Daddies truck?" With sadness all I could say is that there are not very nice people in this world. It's sad that events like this have to take place. It's even sadder that events like this open our childrens eyes to the realities and evils of this world. The need to protect what is mine is quite fierce in me at this very moment. I know things happen for a reason. So I keep asking myself..."Just what are we supposed to be learning from this???" I let you know if I ever figure that one out.
(I just had to throw in a pic of the truck on one of it's better days.) 
We wrapped everything 
Ta 
On to Valentines Day...I love this holiday! A special day dedicated to let the sweeties in our 
We have given up going out to dinner on Valentines Day because of the crowds. I would much rather have a quiet evening at home with the family. So the last few years we have engaged in a dinner tradition of our own. We have heart shaped pizza and sparkling apple cider complete with candle light, heart plates and decor. The girls love it! 
And this was Bailie's. We packed up our movies and popcorn, the brand new 
Happy be-lated Valentines Day to all of those we love! I hope you had just as much fun with your little Valentines as I did with mine!
Oh my heavens, she's seven! It seems like only yesterday she was my little toddler carrying around her Winnie the Pooh bear (complete with his own diaper bag and blanket)EVERYWHERE we went. This picture was taken about two months before she turned 3 years old. Yesterday she turned 7...holy smokes I don't feel old enough to have a 7 year old. No matter how old she gets, she'll always be my baby through and through. A first born holds a special place in your soul. From the very first time you ever feel your baby move inside you to the very first time you find your self wiping a runny nose with your own sleeve...yes, I've been that desperate! The point being these first born babes are special. They introduce us to a whole other meaning of life and feelings of love and devotion so deep it almost hurts. I remember the first time I held her in my arms thinking to myself that this was one of the greatest moments ever. I love both my babies fiercely and have learned to really love and cherish the moments we're living. Brandon and I often have the conversation of "remember when." I love to take those few minutes and reflect upon the past. So my sweet Bailie, I remember the moment I found out I was pregnant with you, I remember the night I went into labor with you and I remember the nurse saying that you were born at 1:12 on 02/12. That really is the only reason why I can remember exactly what time you were born, because she made a rhyme of it. I remember laying in a hospital bed and watching your Daddy change both his and yours first poopy diaper and laughing at him even though it hurt to do so. I remember when it was just the three of us and even though I didn't think so at the time, how simple that really was. One of my favorite songs says it best, "you're going to miss this, you're going to want this back, you're going to wish these days hadn't gone quite so fast." Life is ever changing and it is wonderful! But it does go by so fast. Sometimes I panic that as the years go by I will forget you as a baby and as a toddler and even what you are like at the ripe old age of seven. I also panic at the thought of the next seven years going by just as fast and you as a teenager in her prime. (And I think I pray alot now...) You introduced me to motherhood and for that I will forever be grateful. You are such a sweet part of our family. I love how you can go from being sweet to sassy in about 2 seconds. You are such a sweet big sister to little Cambrie and she loves you dearly. You are my little social butterfly and can make friends wherever you are. I love that we are alike in so many ways that our personalities sometimes struggle to get along. Like Daddy ALWAYS says..."she's her mothers daughter." I'm still trying to figure that one out but I'm pretty sure he means that as a compliment to us both. I love that you are so tender hearted and strong headed all in the same breath. Happy Birthday sweet baby girl, I hope you had a wonderful day!
The kids in her class made her a birthday poster complete with everyones signature. It is of course her favorite color, purple.
Inspecting the loot! They really loved the Valentines bag full of love and surprises. And Bailie especially loved her birthday jewelery. 
She's doing what this girl does best, putting sugar in her mouth! It doesn't matter what the form, although this is a piece of chocolate, she takes it any way she can get it!
She loves Little Pet Shops. This year I thought it would be fun to make her cake. I bought her some new pets that had a park theme and went from there. It's not award winning but it was a fun project and she loved that fact that "mommy" made it. 
It was torture for her all day. Because the Pet Shops were new ones it was extremely hard for her to leave them on her cake. All day long she kept asking if she could take them off. When the time finally came, which is forever in 4 year old time, all she wanted of her cake was the pet shops and to eat one of the trees. 
Sugar usually makes her pretty wired but I couldn't say no, after all it was her birthday! So against my better judgement all I could do was watch her bite into that big mess of a marshmallow covered with green frosting! That is a look of pure enjoyment. If you know this girl at all, you know she loves sugar! Is there such thing as sugar addiction? 
We kept asking her what she wanted for her birthday. It always varied depending on her mood that day or what commercial she had seen on TV or what her sister told her she should ask for. So it settled onto us deciding on what we thought she would really like. Of course she got a few new Pet Shops and a few other girly things. 
The grand slam was her iPod shuffle. It is pink and fully loaded with Hannah Montana and the soundtrack from "Mama Mia." Bailie got a shuffle for Christmas and car rides have been heavenly ever since. No more arguing in the back seat! Having two has been double the pleasure. Now instead of arguing we are fully entertained with the sound of their singing. It is so funny because they sing like me, and let's be honest, we just aren't that good. It's amazing how an iPod and a little Hannah Montana singing in your ear can suddenly make you sound like a rock star! I really have to record them singing, it is so funny!
We took her out to breakfast that morning which consisted of a Mickey Mouse pancake complete with cherries for eyes and whip cream for a smile. She took her usual 5 bites if we're lucky and was done but it was fun anyhow. Then we took her to Snipit's to get her hair cut and nails painted. She loved this place. It is designed just for kids so she felt pretty special.
All of their stations are complete with a computer so the kids can either play games, listen to stories, or watch a movie. It was good for keeping Brandon entertained as well!
Awe...isn't she just the most adorable birthday girl you have ever seen?
She received a little manicure and of course the nails had to be pink! Cute little hands!
That night we took her and her cousins to a place called Kangaroo Zoo in North Salt Lake. The kids had a blast and it was nice because you could let them just "run wild" and have a good time.
They have inflatables that are 3 stories high. Adults can even go on them too. So of course I had to take a turn with the birthday girl!
The kids were here there and everywhere. This is about the only decent shot I had when I got home. It was tiring just trying to keep up with them to get pictures so I think I kind of gave up!
The cousins! Trent, Deric, Bailie, Peyton, Cambrie, and Kyson. Good times!
The day ended at a restaurant of her choice. Red Robin is our all time family favorite so that's where we ended up. When we were in the car on the way home she was out within about 3 minutes. Her special day had come to an end and she was officially 4 years old when I carried her to bed that night. Happy Birthday Sweetheart! We love you!
