Holmans

Porter's 2nd Birthday!!

2011-11-12T13:10:00.000-08:00

We had about 8 inches of snow the morning of Porter's Birthday.
So we bundled up and headed outside to play.

Here's our Halloween snow pumpkins.

Larissa had the day off from work and played with us.

It was fun to have her help.

Mommy and Porter by our pumpkins.

I told myself that I wasn't going to do another fancy cake for his birthday since I did the one when the whole family was here for Thomas' blessing.
But then I saw this one and it was too cute, and easy.
So here is Porters second 2nd birthday cake.

Make a wish!

Thomas gift to Porter, some fun dinosaurs. Porter had a hard time understanding that Thomas was giving him the gift and not that the gift was Thomas'.
It was cute when he figure out that the dinosaurs were his.

Yummy Birthday Cake!! He actually ate it this year.

And has asked for it quite a bit since.

Porter loved his gift and plays with it all the time.
He loves the train and the dump truck.

MaGa and PaGa with Thomas making him laugh.

Happy boy!!

It was a very fun day and a great birthday for Porter.

Halloween Sugar Cookies

2011-11-12T13:03:00.000-08:00

We made Halloween Sugar Cookies, YUMMY!!

Porter had so much fun helping roll out the dough.
We kept taking turns and he would announce who's turn it was each time.

Our Pumpkins and Black Cats
Yummy Yummy Cookies!!

Porter helped me arrange a bouquet of fall leaves from our walk that morning.
The leaves were so pretty!

Thankful day 10

2011-11-10T13:30:00.000-08:00

Day 10
Today I'm thankful for forgiveness. Our Savior made repentance possible and taught us all to forgive. I am thankful for a loving family that forgives my mistakes, and short comings. I'm thankful for my husband so loves me even when I'm grouchy. I'm thankful for the Savior and his example and that we can all become better people through forgiveness.
Day 9
Today I'm thankful for fun home videos. Kirsten and I watched old videos and laughed at how funny they are. I'm grateful to be able to look back on my life and see how time changes and how we all grow. I love videos and vow to take more of my boys so someday they can also learn and laugh at their childhoods.
Day 8
Today I'm thankful for nursery. Porter sings songs he learns in nursery all the time. I know his leaders love him and I'm thankful for that. I'm thankful for the fun songs that we get to sing together.
Day 7
Today I'm thankful for fun music to clean and dance to. Porter loves to dance and so while we clean we turn on some tunes and dance while we clean. It makes cleaning so much more fun.

Thankful day 6

2011-11-06T19:52:00.000-08:00

Day 6 Today I am thankful for relaxing Sundays. We all have been sick and so we spent the day relaxing as a family. Even as a bunch of sickies we still bonded while playing dinosaurs and cars.

Day 5 Today I'm thankful for living so close to Denver. I'm not always thankful for that but this past week we were able to go to the Zoo and the Museum of Nature and Science. These were such fun experiences for Porter and James and I. It was fun to watch Porter's mind learn all about our world.

Day 4 Today I am thankful for health. Its funny how you seem to only remember to be thankful for your health when you are sick. We are all passing around a nasty cold and I got it today. Yuck! I love having my healthy body Heavenly Father gave to me. I truly have been blessed with health so far in my life.

Thankful day 3

2011-11-03T20:07:00.001-07:00

I saw this on a few other blogs, and loved the idea of writing something I'm Thankful for for the month of November.

Today James and I took Porter to the Zoo, so today I'm thankful for the animals or the earth and all of Gods creations. We had so much fun, and Porter loved the elephants and frogs!! I am thankful for the excitement and joy elephants and frogs bring to him.

Day2
James has been sick and he went to the Dr. We don't have insurance right now so I was really worried about the cost. The Dr. treated him with so much respect and gave him free samples instead of a prescription. I am thankful for kind hearted Doctors and people in general.

Day1
I am thankful for the chance to stay home with my babies while I can. Even when we do nothing but laundry and clean house.

Cottonwood Farm

2011-11-02T07:17:00.001-07:00

We went to Cottonwood Farms this year. It was really fun! The best part is that its all free, but the hay ride with was 6 dollars for all of us. It was such a cute place. Here is me and the boys in front of a steam engine that they would drive around the place. It was crazy how the steering system worked.

The pumpkin patch, we were late in the year so they didn't have much left.

Daddy and Porter on the Hay ride.

Mommy and Thomas on the Hay ride.

They also had a hay maze for the kids with look out towers on the outside for the parents.
Porter thought that was really cool.

Silly Clown!

They also had a free corn maze, and Porter lead the way.
He marched us straight back to the end of the corn maze not turning once.
We laughed and then made a few turns and were lost for a little bit. :)

They had wagons for you to ride in and haul your pumpkins.
Porter loved the ride.

Porter's Pumpkin! He picked it out of the dollar bin.

He loves it and carries it around with him.

We had a very fun day at the Farm and will make sure to come back next year!!

Look who's almost 2!!

2011-10-10T17:38:00.000-07:00

We decided to celebrate Porter's 2nd Birthday a little early for those who were able to make it down for Thomas' blessing. Even though he isn't 2 yet I can't believe that he is almost 2 and that he has been a blessing in our lives for 2 years.

I had to laugh because of course with family coming into town we woke up to snow Saturday after being so warm for so long.

Porter helped me make his cupcake cake. He was so excited to help.

He loved licking the chocolate mix and wanted to eat all of it.

I made his cake into a number 2 with James' styling help. Porter is loving Mickey Mouse Clubhouse lately so we celebrated with Mickey Mouse. I loved how easy the cupcake cake was to make and serve, I would absolutely make one again.

Kirsten and Tori decorated the house while Porter was taking a nap.
He was so excited when he woke up and said "wow" Over and over again.

Porter was so excited to see Mickey Mouse on his cake.
I love his silly embarrassed grin.

He loved his cake this year, and ate it by the handfuls.

Porter had a fun time playing with his cousins. He loved having kids around to play with.

Porter loved each gift he received and has played with all of them non stop.
Although his favorite toy were the balloons. At the very end of the party James lifted Porter up and told him to say thank you everybody.
He said it so sweetly to everyone, we are very proud parents.

Thank you to all of you who make his birthday so special.

Thomas Baby Blessing

2011-10-10T17:00:00.000-07:00

Thomas Ray Holman
We blessed Thomas on Sunday the 9th. He was blessed by his dad James, and had a big circle of Priesthood holders that loved and supported him. Grandpa Petersen and Holman, as well as his uncles, Ryan Marc, and Aaron. Also our friend Brandon. James gave a beautiful blessing and Thomas was wonderful through it. We took pictures after the meeting. It was a cold morning and everyone was so nice to stand outside and let me take pictures.

This was the whole group that made the trip out to support us and welcome Thomas.
We felt very blessed to have so many people join us.

Here is Grandma and Grandpa Petersen holding little Thomas.

And here is Grandma and Grandpa Holman holding Thomas.

My friend Chantal and her family were able to come out for the Blessing. It was fun to see how much her little boy has grown and to talk about the joys of being a mom.

Porter decided to smile this cheesy smile and started asking for "one more picture."

He also thought he was hilarious in Thomas baby tub.

We were so happy to have Marc and Nicole fly out from Utah. It was sad to say goodbye, and Porter is already going through family withdraws.

Thank you to everyone who made the drive out.
It was such a wonderful day and wouldn't have been complete without you all.
Thank you!!

Thomas Ray Holman

2011-09-28T13:31:00.000-07:00

Welcome Thomas Ray Holman!!

This handsome man was born 1 week late, on August 3rd at 9:25 am.
He was 7lb and 12 oz, and 20.5 inches long.

Thomas getting his footprints done. Cute little feet!

Here is our first family photo! I can't believe we are a family of 4 now. :)

Porter was nervous but excited to hold his baby brother.
He looks like he is going to kiss him in this picture but he didn't kiss Thomas for 2 weeks.
He would pretend to kiss him but would not actually do it. It we pretty funny.

Here is Grandma Petersen holding Thomas.

Grandpa Petersen flew in the next day and visited us in the hospital that night.

Aren't the a handsome pair.

Here's Porter holding Thomas a few days later.

He was adjusting a little bit to the idea of a brother. He did have a great time pushing my bed up and down and the nurses call button was pushed a few times also. We were ready to go home and spend more time with Porter and he had a great time with Grandma and Grandpa but I think he was ready to have us home also.

Daddy snuggling with Thomas in our hospital room.

I just had to laugh at this picture.

He looked so cute with his foot sticking out of the bed.

Here is daddy getting him already to go home!

We were all ready to go home.

I was so excited!

The new mommy of 2, I was feeling really pretty good after the whole crazy ordeal.

We were ready to go home but I'm not sure Thomas was ready

(I think he knew life would change with a big brother)

Birth Story

Like I said earlier Thomas was a week late. On August 2nd I started having contractions, they started getting more intense and closer together. Porter was good to be patient with me, and we played a lot on the ground, because I just wanted to lay down. My mom and I went for a walk to keep my labor going. At 4:30 I had had enough and called James to come home from work. He hurried home and I got packed up. We called the doctor and told her we were coming in. My uncle Dave was in town on business and him and James gave me a blessing before we went into the hospital. We then left at about 6pm and I had to laugh because the entrance into the hospital was packed with cars (rush hour), it only slowed us a few minutes. We checked in and I had the sweetest nurse. They said I was dehydrated and the doctor wondered if that was causing my labor. I had to drink lots lots of water and they poured the IV into me. My labor continued to progress so they decided to go ahead and keep me. My mom was a huge support to me and really worked hard trying to help me labor. It was a bit different because we were trying to do a V-back. We had to be on the monitors at all times but luckily they were wireless so I was able to walk around and try and get my labor to progress. There was a family in the next room that was waiting outside the door and I swear I passed by them 20 times in my robe, I felt kind of dumb. Labor was starting to get intense and I wasn't progressing very fast. So at about 10:30pm I got into the jacuzzi tub. I couldn't use the jets because they had to have numbers from the baby at all times. But the hot water took pressure off of me and it was wonderful. James kept me laughing and just held me when I needed him to. I was so grateful for him! I stayed in that wonderful tub for about 1 hour maybe longer. When I got out the pain was so intense I couldn't stop shaking. And then I got really sick and the nurse handed me that stupid moon shaped container. Ha, I had no control and shot throw up water all over me, the nurse, my mom, and James. They checked me after that and I was at about 4 centimeters and 90% effaced. I was is so much pain but they couldn't give me the epidural yet because I wasn't far enough along. So they gave me a narcotic to try and curb the pain. It worked and I was able to calm down. They checked me around 4:30 in the morning and decided I could have the epidural. It took them two times to get the epidural in. I could have cared less I just wanted the epidural. James was holding me while they put it in and he got light headed and almost passed out. He hadn't had anything to eat or drink and no sleep, I felt bad but he was ok. They also put me on the pit to try and get this labor going. After that we all got a few hours of sleep. Then they checked me and I was 6 centimeters and 99% effaced. They had just moved me to try and move my labor along some more, which worked! But Thomas heart rate dropped fast! James had just left to get him some breakfast. And when he got back my room was swarmed with doctors and nurses. They all kept telling us that its ok they just need me to move positions, and gave me another med to stop my contractions all together. His heart rate stabilized and my contractions began to slow. They all left and James and I commented that this was eerily similar to what happened with Porter at about the same time during labor. That is when the nurse came in and said I was doing good, and that the patient next door was going in for an emergency c-section, so my doctor and midwife would be busy for a little while. The baby heart rate began to drop again my nurse came in. She tried to reposition me and it just got worse. She asked me if I thought I could get on my hands and knees. I said I wasn't sure since I had the epidural my legs felt like they were the size of elephants. But by some miracle I was able to move to my hands and knees. His heart rate didn't get better and then his heart rate dropped to zero. Everyone else was assisting the other women in the emergency c-section so it was just us and my nurse. So my mom and her haul me down as fast as they can to the OR. Me in all my glory on my hands and knees trying not to fall over being hauled down the hall with a sheet hardly covering me. My nurse was yelled at entering the OR because she wasn't sanitized and because I was on my hands and knees. She told them that was the only way to bring the heart beat back. They had to call another doctor because the on call was already in surgery. He showed up and they weren't sure they could wait long enough for another dose of the epidural to kick in before they would have to start the surgery. They told me they might have to knock me out instead. Another miracle and the medicine was in just in time which also meant that James could come into the OR with me! I was so happy to see him. The surgery was quick and before long there was a little boy. He had the cord wrapped around his neck twice and then down through his legs and around his waist. They said the cord was basically a jump rope and no wonder his heart rate dropped. He was moving down and he couldn't with how wrapped up he was, and it put him into distress. After he was out he did amazingly well. He was starving by the time I was released from the recovery room, and he has been doing great ever since.

2011-09-26T18:39:00.000-07:00

This is what we have been up to...
Thomas came home on the 6th of August.
He had a doctors apt at 1 week old and he had gained 1 pound!
He's a great eater and he is a happy baby.

Jim and Linda and Tori came up that weekend to see baby Thomas.
He did what he has done best to all of us, he tagged them peeing through his diaper on to them almost instantly! As the mother I was embarrassed, but what to you do? Take a picture and post it to increase the embarrassment :)

We loved having them visit and take care of me and the baby.
Porter loved having more people to entertain.
Here is Grandma Holman with Thomas.

Grandpa Holman with Thomas

And Tori was brave enough to take the two boys and pose for a picture.
She is a fantastic and fun aunt!

Porter loved helping us change Thomas by holding his hand so he wouldn't fling his arms around. So Cute I'm a proud momma!

Porter had a few adjustments. He made sure to try out all the new baby stuff. It was cute to watch him try to figure out where he fit in. He is a very happy big brother!

Porter loves his dog Scout! He sleeps with him every night and we love it also. It has made putting Porter to bed so easy. We just thought he was so cute cuddling with him.

This cracked me up the other day when I walked in on Porter hanging out with Kirsten's friends, singing Taylor Swift songs. Porter was singing right along with them.

We went to my friend Chantal's baby boys blessing. Her boy Ryan and Thomas are 10 days apart. We laughed when they linked arms, and both of them had just been changed after messing their clothes by peeing and pooing through.

Here's Grandma Petersen holding Thomas after work, they look so cute and comfy.

Porter is into Elephants right now and my sister Larissa gave him this elephant, he loves it and would cry for his elephant at night.

Thomas new towel from our friend back in Logan.
He looks so cute all wrapped up in it.
He is loving his baths now and enjoys a warm snuggle after.

We went to Sanford for Labor day. We had a great time and enjoyed going up to the mountains for a hotdog roast. Grandma Holman watched Thomas for me while we played horseshoes. He was happy to be snugly warm in Grandmas arms.

Here is Porter and Denver his cousin.
They are best friends and love to play together.
Porter loved throwing rocks into the stream that was flowing by.

Great Grandma Holman with Thomas. She was so sweet with him, and he loved being held by her. It was so nice to be able to visit her while we were in Sanford.

Porter loved having Great Grandma Holman read to him especially when its a Dr. Seuss Book. We loved seeing family and spending time with them for labor day.
It was hard to leave and get back to life.

Thomas has grown so much we can't believe it. He has been hitting his toys with his hands and loves to talk to them and smile at the elephants

Cute Cute boy!
Wearing his outfit from Great Grandma Petersen.

Kirsten is a good helper, but in this case she fell asleep and then a few minutes later she almost dropped Thomas while they both were still asleep.
It was actually pretty funny, and she really is a big help to me!

My boys!!

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!!
I came home from a walk with Porter and found James all dressed up,
and he had dressed up Thomas.

Here is the whole family ready for the Bronco's game!! Ya even mom gets into it.

Thomas was wearing an outfit made for one of the Build a Bears,
he looked so cute but he wasn't to thrilled about all the pictures.

Ryan is my best at taking naps with Thomas, he is always willing to hold him while he's asleep and tends to fall asleep himself. :)

Porters favorite food right now is Spaghetti!
He eats so much when we have it for dinner and begs for it when we don't have it.

We just celebrated my dads birthday, we decided to give him money so he could take my mom on a motorcycle ride through the mountains to see the fall leaves. This has always been a dream of his.

Here's a little grin on Thomas' face, he loves to coo at us and that makes everyone smile.

Porter Loves Pudding, I'm sure that's no surprise but how he decided to eat it this time was a surprise. I just had to laugh.

Big Brother and Little Brother update

2011-03-20T13:24:00.000-07:00

As many of you probably know we are going to be having another BOY!!
I am due July 27th and aside from a sinus infection I have been feeling fantastic! Here are a few ultrasound pictures from our apt. I loved this one with his hands in his mouth looking right at us! So cute!!

Here is the proof :)This picture looks just like the one we have of Porter. We laughed so hard, because of his fist right over his nose. Silly little man!

Porter has been doing really well, he loves wrestling and bouncing on whoever is on the floor. He had a Dr. apt, recently and weighted 26 lbs. He is growing fast and is "doing beautifully" according to his Pediatrician. He is saying so many words here are a few;
"Did it!" " Stop It"(he uses this one to yell at the dogs most of the time) "Wee!" "Mom!" "Da!" "Sadie" "Happy" "Jesus Christ" "Mmm Good!" "Hi" "Bye"
He is very good at mimicking what we say.

He loves to give knuckles and pull Grandpa Petersen's finger (for a surprise). He loves to throw balls and food, and loves loves loves going outside. He also loves music and his cowboys boots. He is a very happy boy and seems to bring everyone joy!

Porter enjoying a Super Bowl treat! Yeah go Green Bay!!

Here he is getting ready to go play in the snow, all I had for him were his cowboy boots. He was happy to wear them but they weren't ideal for the snow, oh well.

Porter and Daddy in the snow. I have a great video of Porter going sledding but I haven't figured how to get them on to the blogs yet.Porter loves his dump truck! He has tried and tried to sit in the back and it always dumps him out so he has moved on to a new technique.
Porter loves feeling like a big boy and sitting on the couch with eveyone.

I caught him getting his own snack of fishy crackers the other day and just had to laugh. He was so proud. I also loved the boots!
We had a very fun Valentines day.
Porter loved his little cars, and his stuffed monkey from Daddy.

He also enjoyed a special treat of Strawberry Shortcake for dessert. James surprised me a work by filling my car with a cute Valentines Card and Candy and a beautiful necklace. I work about 30 minutes away from home so my favorite part was the note in the card that read "ps please call so I can get a ride home" my mom had dropped him off at my work. So Sweet!

Porter and I went to the Childrens Museum and had a very fun time. He loved running around and touching everything.

His favorite part was the little table with the play utensils. He was so cute and then...

He just couldn't pretend anymore he had to take a bite!

Anything that looked like a seat his size he tried sitting on, he loves anything his size. I thought this fire truck was really cool, it was a bit to old for him but he humored me by letting me snap a quick picture.

This magnet board was very fun! Like the fridge at home but much bigger! :)

Another one of Porters favorite things is baked beans! He will see them and beg and beg for some. He stuffs his cheeks to the max and wants more.

Here is my latest creation. It's a rainbow cake I made for St. Patrick's Day. It was very fun to make, but unfortunately tasted nasty, so next time I will make some definite changes to the recipe.

Kirstens Birthday is today and this weekend we had a very fun party for her. She had a Kidnapping mystery party and all her friends came dressed.

Here she is blowing out her candles on her mystery cake!
Make a wish

Well thats what we have been up to. James is still working and going to school, and I am still working at the daycare, so I haven't had much time, especially with the computer. I will try and get better at posting.

Santa's Surprise!

2011-01-03T18:12:00.000-08:00

I know its been a while since we've posted.

Here's what we've been up to ;)
Santa brought this shirt for Porter for Christmas.
It was fun to surprise everyone.
More Posts to follow I promise!!

You Scream, I Scream we all WALK??? For Ice Cream

2010-09-23T19:40:00.000-07:00

What we've been up to...

2010-09-20T11:04:00.000-07:00

We are alive!! Sorry it has taken me so long to post what has been happening in our lives. We are now in Colorado living with my Parents so James can finish school and get his accounting degree. James is currently working at a Chevy Dealership and I should be starting my job as a school age teacher at a Kinder Care.
Here are some pictures of what we have been up to the last few months.
We celebrated my Dads birthday early since he is in the Marshal Islands.
Happy Birthday Dad!!
Porter we unhappy until....

He was given more cake!!

Dad making his Birthday wish,

James and Ryan we're in charge of cooking his Birthday Dinner. They made dutch oven pork and grilled ribs with grilled pineapple.
Yummy!!

Porter has been getting into everything! He loves anything paper that he can rip up. He has been standing by himself and laughs at his accomplishments. The other day he grabbed his toy hammer and chased my parents 2 small dogs around trying to bop them on the head with the hammer.

Porter found a microphone to a karaoke machine and had a ball talking into it.

We had the opportunity to go to back to back Rockies games. We took Porter to the second one, and he loved the clapping, music and the POPCORN!!

A few days after we arrived in Denver we headed to Sanford. We had a booth at a neighboring towns Glory Days. Larissa came with us and had a fun time playing with our nephews.

Porter loved all the music and food at the celebrations. We had a fun trip, but we had to leave Diego for James parents to take care of while we live with my parents. It was sad to leave him and I know Porter misses crawling all over him.

Here is our moving trailer all ready for us to unload in Denver.

This was moving all our stuff into the trailer. We really appreciate all the friend and family that offered to help us. We couldn't have done it without you all. We had quite the caravan to Denver. We had our 3 cars, my moms van, and my brother in laws truck and trailer that James parents drove out.

My mom and sisters helping pack up the kitchen.

The weekend we moved we also had Diego fixed, he was like a bull in a china cabinet, with all our moving boxes and people.

I have so much more to update, and I will get more pictures on here over the next couple days. Thank you and we love you all.

Look Who's Talking

2010-07-09T13:40:00.000-07:00

I was Shocked to say the least when Wednesday Porter started saying Dadada!! I could believe it, he is getting so big. James was able to hear it when he got home that night.
He still can't crawl but he can talk :)

Fathers Day and Family Fun

2010-06-29T10:28:00.001-07:00

We enjoyed a really fun Fathers Day. Here is James reading Porters Fathers Day card. It was ridiculous trying to get James out of bed for his Fathers Day breakfast, I know I know I probably should have served him in bed, maybe next year. We had yummy breakfast of french toast and eggs!

A fun Transformers t-shirt for Fathers Day

Porter and Dad in their Father's Day Shirts.
Porters' says "my daddy can fix anything"

Alan made horseshoe golf, or redneck golf (whatever you want to call it) and we went and played it, it is a ton of fun. I was pretty awful but it was still fun.

Alan was by far the best, although James might challenge that statement.

Porter cheered us on while playing on the sidelines.

We went up the canyon later that night and had tinfoil dinners and roasted marshmallows, it was a lot of fun. I love this picture of my two boys!

Uncle Alan feeding the garbage can that Porter has become, he will eat and eat and eat.

Smore, smores please!! It was a long but fun Fathers Day.

Alan spent his Birthday with us, and got the full treatment, candles and singing and picking your birthday dinner. He chose tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. Yummy

Alan's Birthday cake

Porter has learned to clap and loves to clap. He spends his day clapping and trying to see who he can get to clap with him.

Porter has been a big support to me through out the World Cup!! He is a huge fan and loves to clap during the games. We were both very upset that the USA team lost.

Ryan and his friend Troy visited for the weekend, obviously we wern't boring at all, they were just very tired.

Uncle Ryan and Porter after a trip to the Dog Park

Don't mess with Casi, that girl can shoot!

Shooting Mayhem

Checking out the destruction

Sunday we headed down to Brigham City and enjoyed baby Amelia's Baby blessing. Josh and Elise were so cute with their new baby.
Porter and his second cousin Ambree, they had fun making baby noises at each other.

Sweet Baby Amelia in her Beautiful Blessing Dress

A Proud Grandma and Great Grandma, what a lucky baby, she has been born into a Wonderful Family!

Rolling, Studying, and Escaping

2010-06-19T20:42:00.000-07:00

Sorry its been a while, I have been pretty unsocial for the last 2 weeks, while I have been studying for my Social Work Licensing exam. Porter has been a good boy and has gotten another tooth the past couple weeks. He now has 2 bottom teeth. Well, Porter is a bit of a late bloomer and has finally started rolling all around. Because of this he keeps getting stuck under and in things.

In all his rolling he keeps getting stuck under our couches.

Our Little escape artist in the making.

Porter and Mom

While in Denver Larissa and I went to a garage sale and found this cute drum, that sings and lights you. Porter loves rhythm and bouncing to the music. He is getting really good and beating the drum. He also started clapping the other day, its so cute he's so happy. I'll try and get a picture, he oped one hand completely and the other he leaves his fingers bent in half. Silly boy :)

We went to Provo this weekend and stayed with Marc and Nicole in their new place. It was very cute and a lot of fun. Nicole had a yummy cake made for us. Unfortunately we had to leave early this morning for Sandy so I could take my Social Work Licensing Exam. I was freaking out nervous (and that's an understatement). After a 3 hour long stressful exam I finished and PASSED!!!! So now I'm a licensed Social Worker, Watch Out :)
After my test today we ran to our friends Sam and Chelsie's and enjoyed their little girl Shaylie's 1st Birthday Party. It was a lot of fun to see them and celebrate.

Wedding Trip to Colorado

2010-06-10T17:17:00.001-07:00

We just got back from a fun vacation to Colorado for Nicole and Marc's Wedding. Porter and I flew out a week before the wedding and than James joined us early Thursday morning. This is us at the airport saying goodbye. James and I have never been apart since we were married almost 5 years ago, so this was pretty hard on us. It was especially hard on James to let me take Porter. It didn't help that our flight was about 2 hours late. Porter did great on the flight and didn't seem to mind the pressure changes.
Trying to kill time waiting for our plane by taking pictures.

YEA Our Plane is finally here!!

Kirsten loved playing with Porter and was a great babysitter for me!

One morning Nicole had a practice hair and makeup run with Delia. We took advantage of that and went out and took some bridal shots. It was me my mom and Larissa and Nicole. We had 4 digital cameras there and ended up with 400 beautiful pictures!

Here's Nicole all squished in the car.

We did everything we had to get the perfect picture. Yes that is Larissa on my moms shoulders taking a picture above Nicole. The one they ended up taking was absolutely beautiful!

CUTE YELLOW SHOES!!

Nicole feeding Porter, he loved sitting at the table like a big boy.

You would never be able to tell, but while I was in Colorado Porter got really really sick! We had to take him to the urgent care center and they gave him an antibiotic, steroids, and breathing treatments. The doctor told us that if he got any worse we needed to take him to the ER without hesitation. Luckily he improved everyday.
Cool Dude

One night, me and my friends in Colorado got together. It had been a long time since we had been together.

Thursday Evening we fixed a small dinner for Nicole and Marc's families, before we all headed off to the temple for Nicole's Endowment. It was very fun getting to know everyone.

Nicole and Marc on their way to the temple to get Nicole's Endowment.

I didn't get many pictures of the actual wedding because I was running around like a crazy person, so here are the few I have.
Porter with my Bouquet.

Cutting the Cake AWE!!!

First Dance
(some how every picture I have they are kissing hummm)

Their get away car, was decorated so cute by his family.

Larissa and Jackie it was so good to see Nanc and Jackie!!

James and Porter. James and I had been so busy running around and trying to fix problems that porter was just passed around all night. He was an amazing baby.

Nicole and Marc Leaving the Reception
Bubbles Everywhere!!

At the end of the night we had to clean up the reception, and man what a mess. Porter had enough and after stripping him down he fell asleep on the way home. What a day phew!

The next day we all were running on no sleep and Marc and Nicole came back to open their wedding gifts. My favorite was this red bag with none other than Ryan in it.

Congratulations!!

This is a baby bird in my parents tree. They were very cute.

Oh yea, through out all the chaos of a wedding, Porter bit down on my finger the next morning and I felt something sharp. Teeth!!!
Apparently he was cutting teeth on Nicole wedding day. Humm he was such a happy baby, I never would have guessed
He loves to hear his teeth with a spoon.

Sunday we were bummed because we never got to go swimming, so we set up the baby pool for Porter. He also had a sore bum so we thought it might help him.

My dad dumped Kirsten in the pool, because she kept splashing him. So she got to swim with Porter.

That is one white naked boy. :)

Monday we headed back to Utah, but we stopped in Laramie Wy to see James brother Alan.

Oh it was good to be home, but we had a great time!!

Porters Check up

2010-05-26T10:24:00.000-07:00

I forgot to mention in my last post that Porter had a check up Monday to make sure he wasn't losing more weight and that he was gaining.
He did great and had gained 2 lbs in 3 weeks, he now weights 17 lbs 11 oz.
The doctor was very pleased and we are glad that we figured out that I had been unintentionally starving the poor kid!
He is a very good eater and will eat anything we give him.

What a Weekend!!

2010-05-25T15:51:00.001-07:00

We had a crazy weekend! Saturday we took my grandpas truck to their house in Ogden and then went and visited my Grandma Petersen. Porter had a fun time playing with his Great Grandma and enjoyed all her fun toys, especially the puppy. I thought these pictures were so cute!!

After visiting for a while we continued our trek down to Springville for my friend Chantal's Bridal Shower. It was a lot of fun and it was great to see so many old friends. Aren't we so grown up. I think we look like we could still be in highschool.

After such a busy day we drove back that night and were exhausted! Sunday we woke up and had church and then went to a birthday party for little Izzy, she turned 1year old. During all the crazyness I had to remain calm, because about a month ago I began planning a surprise birthday party for James 30th birthday. It was going to do it the sunday before his birthday but a lot of our friends were going to be out of town. So I moved it to this weekend. Saturday evening James realized that throughout all the driving he had done the day before he had an expired license! So I drove all day sunday which worked out for the best when it came to his surprise party. At 6pm James brother Jason called and said his car battery died and him and Casi were stranded at the park. SO we hopped in the car and I drove us to the park, (where everyone was waiting). James pointed out Jasons car, and was confused when I parked across the street from his car. I then was able to say the word that I have waited a long time to say, (since my surprise baby shower, when James had said them to me). "Have you ever felt that someone has pulled the wool over your eyes!!" It was a lovely moment for me and a confused moment for James.

We all hung out and chatted for a bit and cooked a hamburger and hotdog barbecue. Of course the weather was rainy and freezing. We all stayed and ate and had presents and then went home to get warm. It was so much fun, and I owe so much to my friends for helping me pull this off. With out them it would no have happened. For those of you that know James you'll understand what an accomplishment this was. I also have a special thanks for Jason for his fantastic lie that got James to the park!

Chelsie made the cupcakes for James and they were not only cute but delicious! I love the cupcake kabob idea!

These last pictures are of Porter (of course) He was being so silly the other night with his pacifier I snapped a few shots of him. It looks like he has a funny nose.

Crazy boy

He has been so tired from the long weekend we had that he fell asleep while eating last night.
To cute

What a happy kid! We were told the other day that he is happiest baby they had ever seen. (We actually get told that a lot) But then they said that we should look out because that means our second should be a holy terror. :) I guess we'll just have to wait and see about that. He is such a happy boy though.

Our Wild Man

2010-05-19T09:45:00.000-07:00

This is the Porter we know and love! He is a wild man that screams for joy and sticks his tongue out and puts on a show for everyone to see. He is hilarious and we love every bit of him.

Porter has always loved his baths, and he still does. He is crazy in the tub and will get me completely wet kicking and splashing.

He loves his bath toys, all of his rubber duckies!!

This is the end..... Hahaha
such a cute bum!

Happy 30th Birthday James

2010-05-17T21:13:00.000-07:00

My sweet James turned 30 today!! He has been so funny about not wanting anyone at work to know it his birthday. So...... I didn't tell them but my actions did!! I decorated James car while he was working. I filled it completely with balloons and wrote on the outside. The back said "Honk to Wish Me a Happy 30th B-Day"

Porter was really patient with me, he feed himself a bottle while I ran around like a crazy person trying to get the car decorated.

After I had finished and found my spying spot in the parking lot, I received a phone call from James asking me if I had called his work and told them it was his Birthday. I answered honestly and said "no". (while I was decorating, his co worker saw me and saw what I was doing, so he went up to James and said Happy Birthday). I then asked James if he was coming home for lunch which would mean he would have to come out and see his car. He said no, so then I told him to just come out back and see me because I had a surprise for lunch for him. He said ok and then I got the camera out. He wasn't the first one around the corner, it was two other co workers.

Then James came around and he was shocked and surprised. It was a lot of fun to watch!!

I gave him cupcakes I had made and he took them into work to share. Everyone at his work takes their Birthdays off, but because they had no idea when James was they told him to take the rest of the day off. So we went and had a picnic lunch at first dam. It was a lot of fun! Later we had t-bone steaks and cake and ice cream and presents.

James blowing out his candles

Porter wishing his daddy a Happy Birthday

YEA!! HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY JAMES
I love you

Silly Pictures of Porter

2010-05-12T08:48:00.000-07:00

Porter loves his jumper as you all know. Recently he has been curious about the contraption that holds him in. So he grabs the straps and looks up at it. It kind of looks a bit creepy but he loves it, he also just loves being upside down in general.
Last weekend we went to the first Demolition Derby of the summer, it was fun but still a bit cold. Our friends Beaver and Jeanine came with us.

Here's Jeanine with Porter, he loved the fur on the hood of her coat. It's like pulling on my hair but it doesn't hurt me. :)

Porter and Diego have become such good friends! Diego still makes me a bit nervous because he doesn't realize how big and strong he is. Also on a side note Porter decided yesterday that he was going to roll over all day and any which way he wanted. He has finally figured it out!!

Porters recent crazy thing is his tongue! Every time he sticks it out I laugh, he does it with such a smirk on his face like he knows how funny he is.

Here's a video of the crazy tongue, enjoy.

Sorry all you Moms out there.....

2010-05-07T10:20:00.000-07:00

I just thought I better let you all know that I have the cutest boy ever!! Here's the proof...

Poor kid today I decided to have an at home photo shot. He was a trooper.

The other night Porter was in such a wild mood! I had given him some peaches and some mashed potatoes. Then decided he needed a bath, after him splashing for 30 minutes in the tub and my bathroom no longer being dry. I thought for sure he would be tired, ha. He was even more of a ham, so I gave him the mohawk to go with the attitude.

Here's a side profile to show how long his hair is but the shadow makes it hard to see so oh well. His hair isn't as long as the shadow makes it out to be.

"WHAT MOM"

I hope you've all enjoyed his cuteness, like I said it can't be beat so don't even worry about trying. :) Last here's another video of Porter in his jumper, I never thought he could beat the last video but he sure hams it up in this one. Sorry its sideways I forget I can't turn it around.

6 Months Old

2010-04-30T14:12:00.000-07:00

Wow, I can't believe how fast the time flies. 6 months ago we welcomed the love of our lives into this world. Porter had his 6 month doctor appointment today and he is doing great. His stats are:

Weight: 15 lbs 63 oz (16%)
Length: 27 inches (69%)
Head: 17.7 inches (82%)

He has actually lost weight since his last appointment, and the Doctor was a bit worried so we made another appointment in a month so make sure it doesn't go down any more. I'm not to concerned this last week he has eaten like crazy so I'm sure he'll get some more baby fat on him. Other than that he did great even with the shots. He only screamed for a little bit :)

As you an see he is sitting very good, we still put pillows by him for the occasional nose dive. He loves food!! He hasn't had one thing yet that he doesn't love. He begs for our food every time James or I have any. The only thing he has shown a bit of indifference to was the lamb and gravy baby food that his crazy aunt Nicole gave him. He cried after the 4th or 5th bite. (I don't blame him at all!!) He was given the cute farm book at the doctors office today. He loves it and has almost destroyed it with slobber already.

Porter and Dad at the Doctors Office

Here's some fun pictures of Porter enjoying some corn. Yummy!!

I love his folded ear, poor kid his ear is always folding in half.

Nicole's Family Bridal Shower

2010-04-29T09:40:00.000-07:00

We had a bridal shower for my sister Nicole last weekend. It was so much fun, and it was great how many people were able to make it! Us sisters threw the shower and each of us had a game. Kirsten had a toilet paper game where each group made a piece of Nicole's "wedding dress" out of toilet paper. We were in awe at the creativity of all the groups. This is the veil and Bouquet group.

Here's Nicole in the finishes product. So beautiful!! The only materials used were toilet paper and tape, oh and a few dandelions for color ;)

We also played a memory game and learned more about Marc and Nicole and their courtship.

This was just a cute picture I had to put in. Porter with Aunt Nicole

Here's Nicole with all her gifts, everyone was so kind and generous, she got lots of great stuff!

This was another picture I had to throw in. We were out in the sun for quite a while so my aunt suggested a hat for Porter. I hadn't even thought about anything like that, I'm defiantly still a first time mom. He looked so cute!

This is Nicole with the yummy dessert she picked out. It was Pink Lemonade Pie and it was delicious!

Porter resorted to eating the table after he ate all my pie.

After the party we went to my Grandma Petersen's house and spent the night. Porter spent his time trying to eat this toy dogs tail.

Porter and his Grandpa Petersen playing.

Porter and his Great Grandma Petersen, she was trying to help me get him to sleep.

Sunday we stopped by my other grandparents. This picture was so sweet, Porter with his Great Grandpa Larsen.

Happy Birthday to Me !!

2010-04-23T17:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my 25th birthday!! I can't believe I have lived a quarter of a century. I have to say though this birthday wasn't as traumatizing as when I turned 20 so that was good. James was a sweet husband and he took work off so we could spend the day together. We went to Denny's for breakfast/lunch and then headed off to Antelope Island. It has been a while since I have been to Antelope Island and James has never been. We had a lot of fun looking at the museum and the looking at all the animals. We saw lots of Buffalo and James spotted some right off the road. We saw some deer and I saw a badger. We watched a Porcupine run across the road. I was thrilled to get this picture of him.

Heres some of the Buffalo in the corals.

We got to look at the Fielding Garr Ranch. It was a Ranch that was built in 1848 and they stopped ranching in 1981. It was really fun!

James showed some people from NY how to lasso a cow. They had tried and were impressed when James did it.

Later that night we went to a new restaurant in town called Smokin Blues Barbecue. It was yummy food! I had a great Birthday and felt so loved by both my boys!

Here are some random pictures I haven't posted.

Porter almost always sleeps snuggling his blanket.

We gave him some baby crackers the other day and he loves them!!

He loves pulling cheesy faces that make me laugh, this kid is a crack up!

Ryan spent some time with us, while he was in between semesters. One evening we went fishing with him up Logan canyon.

Uncle Ryan and Porter, awe so cute

Birthdays and Family Road Trip

2010-04-08T15:43:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago my family came out for their spring break. We had so much fun being together and celebrating Kirsten and Marc's Birthdays!! Marc was able to experience and I might add enjoy our family tradition of singing individually to the birthday boy or girl. He was a trooper! We spent a lot of time looking at wedding dresses. It was hard to help Nicole pick just one because she looked so beautiful in everything she tried on. This is Larissa and Porter in one of the Wedding Shops.

Grandma Petersen feeding Porter some cereal. Yummy

Kirsten putting Porter to sleep for me. What a big helper!

A few days later it was time to head to Sanford Colorado for my nephew Alec's Baptism. Porter did great during the drive. We left at about 7pm and arrive in Sanford at 5am. It was a long night but it was much easier with Porter that way. Here is Uncle Alan holding Porter.

Grandpa Holman with a happy naked Porter. Porter is always happiest when he is naked. Silly kid.

We were able to go to Alamosa to see James Great Grandma and get a 5 generation picture!! It is so nice to have so many generations of loving family members.

Saturday was Alec's Baptism. James I and had the privilege to talk on Baptism and the Holy Ghost. Alec was so handsome and he beamed with happiness. Here he is with his new scriptures!

Here is the family after the baptism. Alec was such a proud big brother.

Here is Porter with his great grandma Holman.

Here he is with his great grandma and grandpa Price.

This was the morning we were leaving and Porter was so comfy snuggling with his Grandma Holman. Its so hard living so far apart.

A while ago our dog Diego and our landlords dog had puppies. James brother Aaron took one, so we were able to see it, she is so cute and just as crazy as Diego. I was proud puppy mommy!

Last week Nicole and Marc and Ryan came down for Easter. The day before was Nicole's birthday so we made a delicious dinner while the men went to priesthood. We had a yummy birthday cake with 20 candles.

Easter morning, everyone was surprised to see the Easter bunny found us all, even though we all live so far apart.

Porter loved his giant frog and all his Easter eggs.

We ate a big breakfast of waffles and strawberry's and sausages, and watched general conference. After we headed down to my Grandma Larsen's Birthday party! We had so much fun seeing everyone.

Phew that was another long post! We have been staying very busy. Last week we went under contract to buy the home we are renters in. We are very excited and hope everything goes as planned and we will have bought our first home by the middle of may.

Bouncy Boy and TOES!!!

2010-03-13T18:33:00.000-08:00

Porter has found his toes, and he loves them! He actually had his big toe in his mouth the other day. He is such a silly kid. Porter also rolled over for the first time this week! He is getting so big I can't believe it. I have been putting him in his jumper lately and he is loving it. He hangs out and jabbers and jumps like a little leprechaun. So in honor of St. Patrick's Day here is a video of our little leprechaun!

4 Months!!! (Well a week ago)

2010-03-06T20:00:00.000-08:00

We can't believe our sweet little Porter has reached the 4 month mark already! He is getting so grown up. He still isn't rolling but he loves hanging out on his side watching basketball with his daddy. At his apt. he was 15 lbs. 6 oz and 26 inches long. He is so long and skinny! We are trying rice cereal a little at a time. He hasn't quite figured out how to swallow while being spoon feed. We love him so much and are so grateful for him in our lives.
It has finally been warm enough to head outside for walks!! We have been waiting so long for the weather to warm up, and by warm I mean 40 degrees.
We went to another USU game the other night. The camera battery was dying so we only got one picture, he looks a bit freaked out but he had a blast watching the game.
Church Basketball................... Need I say more!!!!

Porter in his GO USA Hockey outfit. To bad they lost. We loved watching the Olympics and were sad when they were over.

YUMMY!!

I just had to put this picture in because everyone sees all his happy pictures. This is what I see! He is usually a happy baby but I couldn't help but take a picture.
Diego is doing well, he is still feel a bit neglected since Porter had joined the family. He looked to funny here I had to get his picture.
I watched our friends little girl a few weeks ago. Porter and Izzy had a fun time playing. The reason they are both naked is because I had feed Izzy then feed Porter then changed Izzy and she had a blow out, so then I changed Porter and he had peed through! I was exhausted after the craziness so they both stayed in diapers for a little bit.

Well, that's what we have been up to.

Valentines Weekend

2010-02-17T14:29:00.000-08:00

We had a fun Valentines Weekend. Ryan came and stayed with us Friday to Sunday. Friday night we went and saw Avatar in 3-D with Ryan. It was soooo good! I loved it and highly recommend seeing it especially in 3-D. Saturday we went to lunch at Texas Roadhouse. Yumm it was delicious, and we had so many left overs we ate our left overs for the next couple meals. It was so much fun hanging out with Ryan.
Porter and Ryan had a fun time having staring contests.

Handsome Boys

Silly Family PhotoHappy Valentines Day!! Porter had a fun package from Grandma Petersen, and Auntie Larissa and Kirsten. He Loved it!
These are Porters valentines from Mom and Dad
This is James Valentines
And this is mine. I have to say I was quite spoiled! I have wanted the sign "Always Kiss me goodnight" for a long time, and James made met this one for Valentines!! It looked so good I asked him where he bought it from.
Here are just some fun pictures of Porter
Our Bathroom is no longer a splash free zone! Porter loves his baths and his cute hooded towel

More flower chompin'
This is a little video of Porter and James. Porter's new thing is to touch our faces and try and grab our noses. I think he really wants to suck on our noses but he can't seem to get our noses in his mouth. This video was so sweet I just had to share.

The Daily Happenings

2010-02-09T21:19:00.000-08:00

We have been pretty busy these past few weeks. Porter is growing like a weed, and we are loving every minute! Here is a rare shot of Porter and myself. And then Porter taught me to stop and smell the roses, or stop and chew on the roses.
We got quite a bit of snow two Sundays ago, and we decided to take Porter out for just a little bit. He wasn't to sure about his outfit I put him in to stay warm.
He looked like the kid on A Christmas Story!
Nothing is stronger than the bond between a boy and his Zebra... right? This is Porters favorite toy!

Awe!

Here he is in his jumper, he's not to sure about it but he likes being able to look around.
A few days ago my dear friend Hannah happened to be in town, so we were able to get some lunch together. It was the first time I had seen her since our wedding reception. It was so much fun catching up!
Friday night we went with some friends to the Nuggets vs. Jazz game in Salt Lake. James dressed up like the Bird Man! We had a ton of fun. It was the first time leaving Porter for a long period of time. Thankfully I did alright and Porter did well without me.

Porter had his first real bath in a tub Sunday before the Superbowl. Auntie Nicole was there and took some fun pictures.
Porter got so many rubber duckies it was fun to put them in the tub with him even though he didn't seem to care about them. He loved kicking and splashing!!
We had a superbowl party at our house and had lots of friend and family show up. As you can see we had two tv's which was a bit silly but hey its the superbowl.

Phew that was a lot I hope you enjoyed a glimpse of our everyday life!

3 Months!!

2010-01-26T20:40:00.000-08:00

We can't believe it has been 3 months since our little Porter came into our lives! He is such a joy. Porter is smiling a lot now and is giggling. We just discovered he is getting ticklish, and we can get a few giggles. He loves his saucer which is great for me so I can get stuff done around the house. Here are a few random pictures to celebrate 3 months of fun!

To start off naked fun!!

Porter had RSV last week and we had to give him the nebulizer every 4-6 hours! Not fun for either of us especially at night. He is finally feeling much better :)

This is the onesie James bought the day we found out we were going to have a boy. He has been dying to put him in it. Its still a little big but he'll fit it in no time.

Sunday Nap time

These next 2 pictures are for Great Grandma and Grandpa Larsen. They gave him this cute Sunday outfit complete with the boots! We loved how much he really looks like a little man.

He loves his bear blanket! He chews and chews it

Auntie Kirsten gave him this spider-man outfit. Porter liked it a lot!

Deep in thought, ""hum......whats for dinner tonight?" ;P

Porter was thankful for no more pictures and gave thanks in prayer, while sleeping.
We are so grateful for our little angel!

Lastly here is a video. Again sorry about the quality. Its hard to hold it to the side of me and make him giggle. As soon as he sees the camera he stops smiling and stares. I think he gets that from a few of his Uncles.

Porter's Baby Blessing

2010-01-25T20:24:00.000-08:00

We had Porters baby blessing on the third of January. It was a crazy busy weekend, but we had a lot of fun. He looked so handsome and was so good through the blessing. I wish I could say the morning went that peaceful. I had heard the horror stories of blessing day, but I had no idea. I woke him up and fed him in only his diaper so we wouldn't ruin his clothes. As I changed his diaper he peed and peed and peed all over me, himself, and our bed !!! He never pees on me! After that I cleaned up the mess and then he spit up all over me, himself and again the bed. We have never had such a difficult time. I finally got him dressed and myself dressed and we were safe.....for now. We took pictures of my family before the meeting because my dad had to leave right after the meeting for the airport, so he could go back to the Marshall Islands. After the meeting we took more pictures and then went to our apt and served fruit and bagels. It was yummy! My Aunt Brenda took Porter and was feeding him when all of the sudden she felt warm. Yup it had only been 2 hrs. and he had peed though his diaper all over his clothes and my aunt. Aside from later realizing James and I never got a picture with Porter the blessing day horrors were over. James and I dressed back up a week later and took pictures at our house. I couldn't believe we had forgotten! Here are some fun pictures of the day...
He was a bit tired and defiantly done with taking pictures! I had to get one with the afghan my Great grandma Ruth made for my Blessing. My mom made the blue one for Porter, it is so cute!

Here's our family photo (a week later ugh!!)

Great Grandpa and Grandma Larsen

Great Grandma Petersen

My Family (Grandma and Grandpa Petersen, Auntie Nicole, Larissa, and Kirsten, and Uncle Ryan)

James Family (Grandpa and Grandma Holman, Uncle Alan, Aaron, and Jason, Auntie Tori, and Cara, and soon to be Casi :) Along with cousins Alec, Baron, Chaz, and Denver)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
We had everyone over for the new years celebrations, we ate tons of yummy food and played games. At midnight we blew horns and popped poppers, and blew air horns, and screamed in the new year! It was so much fun.

Chaz and his "mohawk" he was a trooper to let me take the picture. It will be good black mail someday.

Here is a little video of Porter kind of giggling. He's so funny as soon as he sees the camera he gets a serious face and just stares at it. Typical boy right?!

2 Months Old (and much much more)

2009-12-28T14:51:00.000-08:00

Porter had his 2 month appointment today. He was such a trooper through those shots, and really has been good all day. He weight's 12 lbs. 15 oz and is 24 3/4inches long. The Dr. laughed and called him "a little 6 month old". Its crazy to think about how much he has grown and to realize with such a difficult start at life Porter is doing amazingly well. These are some pictures of today to show you how much he has grown.

We had a Wonderful Christmas and Christmas Eve!! Porter and I made stained glass sugar cookies Christmas eve. They are sugar cookies with a hole cut out that you put candy cane pieces and they melt to make a stain glass window. They were fun!
We spent Christmas Eve with our friends Sam and Chelsie and their 2 girls, and James brother Jason and his girlfriend Casi. We ate a delicious dinner and put on our christmas pj's and watched the movie a child is born. We checked where Santa was all night long on the Santa tracker by NORAD.
Christmas Morning was fun with my little family! Porter wasn't to happy when i put his Santa hat on.
Here's the Christmas Tree with all the goodies Santa brought.
James and I made our stocking together our first Christmas so I made Porters Stocking for his first Christmas. I thought it turned out so cute.
After mom and dad opened his presents Porter was a bit tired and became our Christmas Present. Which is the best present EVER!
I have been meaning to post pictures of Diegos Puppies for quite sometime now. There were 6 and we lost 3 in the first few days. So there are only 3 left, but they all all very healthy girls. They are so cute, and are starting to play with each other and bite their ears. They are 3/4boxer and 1/4 chocolate lab. If you know anyone who would like a puppy let me know. They will be ready to go to their homes the middle to end of January.

Like Father, Like Son

2009-12-19T16:38:00.000-08:00

We had a little photo shoot and put Porter in some of James outfits from when he was a baby. James said they were the outfits that he wore to his dads basketball games. So now Porter gets to wear them to cheer on his daddy. That first picture makes me laugh because he looks like superman off to save the day!!

Such a happy face!

I had to get the Holman written on the back of the shirt, and his cute little legs.

This is the second outfit. It looks like he was talking to me during this picture.

Another cute leg shot :)

This video is cute, Porter's tired and you can see his sad lip he puts out to break moms heart.

Oh Christmas Tree?!?!?!

2009-12-18T07:40:00.001-08:00

This is our Beautiful Christmas Tree this year!! But how it came to be and how we made it our own is a story worth telling.... James and I had wanted to cut down our own tree, and found out you can't do that in the Cache Valley so we needed to go to Idaho. Well we woke up on a Saturday and we had a snow storm , and then our pipes were frozen the next time James had the day off so we hung around the house until our landlords we able to thaw them out and have water. So we didn't go that day either. I was getting frustrated and realized we can't go cut down a tree in the snowy mountains with a 6 week old baby. What were we thinking?! So we decided to buy one at the grocery store. I met James there on his way home from work and we went to pick our tree. Well we had been so cold that the trees were all frozen with their branches together, so you had no idea if you were picking a good tree. Heres our tree. There is no neting on it its just frozen in that shape!
So we bring it home and our tree stand is broken. So poor James had to run back out to get a new stand which he had to go to 3 stores because everyone was out of stands. When he was putting the new one on, our "lovely" dog Diego walks over and hikes his leg and marks his territory!!! AHHH After all that we still can't decorate the tree until it thaws out.
Our tree finally thaws out the following day and James puts lights on it. Than we have a battle over tinsel or no tinsel. I vote NO! So James has the idea to compromise and get beads. Well that means we have to go buy some, so the tree is still not decorated. I go the next day and get blue beads and we don't like them so we go back and get red ones and finally come home and decorate our tree. whew!! I know long story but I had to post it, its the story of our lives and its just plain funny! Merry Christmas

All Smiles

2009-12-11T19:51:00.002-08:00

I finally succeeded with getting a couple pictures of Porter smiling. I hope you enjoy! He's a bit cheesy, but what can I say he has cheesy parents.

Here's a video of smiles and coos. The end is the best part so if you have a little bit, it will make your day.

6 WEEKS!!

2009-12-07T17:13:00.000-08:00

I can't believe Porter is 6 weeks today! Time is already flying by and I can't seem to find a way to slow it down. He is so much fun and so much work. He sometimes lets us sleep for 5 or 6 hours and then the next night wakes us up every 2. He is starting to grab things, but that's pretty much only when he is mad. He has a tight grip, that my hair can testify of. He is smiling a lot more and their not just the newborn smiles. He is a bit ticklish, and is staring to coo a lot more. He is growing like a weed, and doesn't fit into his newborn outfits any more. We love him dearly. I thought this picture was funny. Porter and the monkey have the same big eyes looking at me.

Heres a little video, everytime he starts to smile and coo I got the camera out and as soon as I did he would stop and start to whine. I tried to catch those smiles, but I'll keep trying.

Sleeping little angel.

I was trying to get a picture of his mohawk after his bath. It didn't work very well.

We went to the Utah State vs. BYU Basketball game. It was a lot of fun. The stadium was so loud I held Porter the entire time with his ears plugged. He eventually got use to the buzzer and bursts of screaming applause. He wore his Aggie outfit that Great Aunt Carol gave him. Thanks Aunt Carol!!

Oh and the Aggies Won!!

Thanksgiving pictures

2009-12-04T11:10:00.000-08:00

My cousin Seri took these fun pictures of my family over the Thanksgiving weekend. They were a lot of fun to take and I think we all look great. Porter wasn't to sure about it as you can see in the pictures but he survived. :) This is my favorite of the whole family!
Here James and I and Porter. Porter isn't looking but at least he's not crying.
All of us kids
Mom and Dad or now Grandma and Grandpa. So cute!
What can he say, Porter just didn't want to be kissed. poor kid kisses everywhere.
Thanks Seri!!

3 Thanksgivings & 2 Christmas

2009-12-02T13:33:00.001-08:00

This picture makes me so happy, and makes me want Christmas all the time. We had a really fun Thanksgiving weekend. My family all came up to Logan. We were all together for the first time in 2 years, since my brother left on his mission. It was so good to see Ryan and to hear him speak German. We also had Jason and Casi over for Thanksgiving. Thursday we decided to have a different Thanksgiving dinner because we know we had 2 more that weekend, so we had pulled pork sandwiches. They were delicious!! We had a fun relaxing day, and Porter was able to be loved and snuggled all weekend long, by his Grandma and Grandpa and Aunts and Uncle. I have to say he is definitely spoiled now, and thinks he needs to be held all the time still.
Auntie Roo sleeping with Porter, Aww so cute
Aunt Kirsten, loved holding Porter so much. She was often the one that we had to pull him from to allow others a turn holding him.
Porter with Kirstens bunnies, we thought it was to cute.
Friday afternoon we went to the cabin for the Larsens Thanksgiving. This is the last one we will have, our family is just getting to big. We had about 86 people there, and not everyone was able to make it. We had so much fun seeing all of our family. This is Nicole's roommate Eunjin who spent the weekend with us. She was so fun to get to know and was a trooper putting up with all our family.

To cute sisters, it was so fun to be with everyone!!
Great Grandma Larsen with Porter.
James and I were chosen, because of having the youngest baby boy to be Joseph and Mary in the Nativity we had after dinner.
This is everyone in the Nativity, all the little kids were so cute wanting to be animals. One wanted to be a puppy and another wanted to be a frog. It was a good opening into Christmas.
Santa arrived after the Nativity, and he was FANTASTIC!! We loved him so much. He had the best entrance ever, and we will always remember this Christmas, because of him.

This is all the Great Grandkids that were there, they all exchanged a little gift.
This is Porter in his Reindeer hat (cute Aunt Jan gave it to us, Thanks :) with his gift from the exchange. He didn't seem to be to into it. :)
Proud Daddy with a tired little Reindeer
Great Aunt Carol with Porter, she was so cute with him.
Saturday we had a baby shower and a bridal shower for two of my cousins, and then headed to the Petersen's Thanksgiving. Heres Great Grandma Petersen with Porter.
My Great Uncle Willie loved Porter so much, he loves those little babies.
This is Julie my cousin, with Porter. He looks so comfy.
Porters gift from the cousin exchange with the Petersen's.
This was James gift, All the guys freaked out over it and had a fun time shooting everyone. We had a fun time and enjoyed playing 7 on the line with everyone!
Heres Uncle Ryan thinking he's hot. jk He was a cute Uncle to Porter.
Doggie pile on Porter!! I took a cute picture of this but it didn't turn out and then when James did it again it made Porter mad, but I promise he was happy the first time.
Heres a fun video of Porter just hanging out. Love you all and we had such a wonderful Thanksgiving with all our family!!

4 Weeks Old

2009-11-23T13:53:00.000-08:00

Man it's amazing how time can fly by! I can't believe Porter is 4 weeks old today. We marked the date with a Dr. apt this morning. Porter has been really congested with a little cough and I was getting worried, so we took a trip to the Doctors office. We weren't able to get into our pediatrician, so we saw an associate, and I am very thankful for the pediatrician we have! The Doctor was nice but we missed Dr. Visick. Porter checked out alright and just has a nasty cold. We should be past the worst of it so hopefully in the next few days he will start to feel better. I will be very grateful for a happier baby, right now he sleeps, eats and mostly cries because he just doesn't feel good and has a hard time breathing with all that mucus. We did weight him and he weighed in at 10 lbs. 5 oz but that was with a full diaper, so we reweighed with a clean diaper and he was 10 lbs. 3 oz!! He is a growing boy, with growing diapers :P

Aside from being sick, Porter is doing great. He is so strong it amazes me. He loves to look around and lift his head high. He thinks Daddy's hat is a fascinating thing to stare at. He's not to sure about his swing, but loves his bouncer. He still is a big fan of bath time, but doesn't like to be cold and naked (who can blame him). He still enjoys waking me up in the night to be fed, but sometimes sleeps for 4 hour blocks! He likes his feet rubbed and thinks our dog is a huge but interesting to watch monster, which is very true! Over all 4 weeks has flown by and we have loved every minute. We are so thankful to have Porter in our lives and we can't wait to share him with Family this Thanksgiving weekend, (even with me freaked out about all the potential illnesses) :-) We love you Porter!!This picture was actually taken today, 4weeks old!

First Real Bath

2009-11-13T15:59:00.000-08:00

I just had to show off Porter's "I heart my Mommy" T-shirt. He looks so cute in it and it makes me happy, so I thought I would share the joy.

We gave Porter his first real bath last night. He absolutely loved it! We both felt bad getting him out, because as happy as he was in the bath he was that unhappy when it was over. It was probably a little flash back of the good old days in Mommy's tummy. :) Here's a little video of his fun.

Today we tried out the swing and he really liked that as well. He looked so small in it and I felt like I was strapping him in for a roller coaster ride with all the seat belts. It didn't take long after his exploration of the swing and he was asleep.This is another video, I thought it was cute and that our families would enjoy it, since they don't get to see him everyday. Oh and we wanted to thank Stickbug Nicole for the inherited hiccups. ;)

Welcome Porter James Holman

2009-11-11T14:36:00.000-08:00

We are so excited to welcome Porter James Holman into our family! He arrived in a way we wern't expecting but we are so glad he is here healthy and happy. He is such a happy boy, he gives us smiles all the time. I know they say they are gas smiles but if that's the case he has gas all the time. He has both his dad and I wrapped around his finger. We couldn't be any happier and are so grateful for the blessing Porter is in our lives. Porter had his 2 week apt today and he is doing great. He is now 9lbs 6 oz and 22 inches long. I also had a Dr. apt and my C-section incision is healing well. I'm feeling much better day after day and feel almost back to my normal self. Enjoy some cute pictures of Porter and below is Porters birth story in case you haven't heard.
I was able to hold him for a few minutes before they took him to the NICU after the C-Section. I was so happy!!
Our little Froggy for Halloween, with a little froggy smile.
Monday night football, Broncos vs. Stealers. Even though the Broncos lost my men looked great all suited up for the game.
After Porters 2 Week apt. He's changed so much already I can't believe it!!

Porters Birth Story

We were scheduled to go to the hospital Monday the 26th for an induction. We had to call the hospital at 5 am to find out what time to head into the hospital. So after a short sleepless night James called the hospital and they told us to come in at 7:30am. We took some deep breaths and a few last pictures before we headed to the Hospital. I was dilated to a 3 I think and was 60% effaced. They put me on the pit right away, and come to find out I had been feeling some contractions for a few weeks I just thought they were Porter moving around. My nurse is in our ward and is one of our scouts moms, that was kind of fun to have her even though we didn't know her that well. Nicole came up from Provo and arrived a few minutes after they broke my water, around 1pm. Because of the H1N1 flu throughout our entire hospital stay I was only allowed James and Nicole in my room. (Nicole wasn't allowed in the NICU, and went back to Provo without holding her nephew. We were so grateful for Nicole for coming out she saved us from a lot of stress and worry.) With my water broken my contractions slowly got worse, and after calling for the epidural I had a phone call from my parents and Ryan saying they were back in the states. They really wanted to talk and I just wanted to cry waiting for the epidural. Lets just say the phone call was bad timing, but it was good to hear from them. :) The epidural was easier then I thought it would be and man that stuff works!! I thought after words, why was I trying to be so tough, I should have had the epidural a long time ago. After the epidural I took a nap and James and Nicole played sudoku, and other games. I did finally dilate to a 6, but stayed at a 6 for 4 hours. They had me rotate to another side to lay on and after that Porter went into distress, so they hurried and had me go back to the other side. The Dr. came in at about 10pm and expressed his concerns about my lack of progress. He checked me with a contraction to see if Porter moved down at all with a contraction. He didn't move at all and the Dr. said his head was swelling a bit and it concerned him that there just wasn't enough room for him to continue to move into the birthing canal. We decided to go ahead with the C-Section. As soon as we gave our ok, the room was swarmed with nurses preparing me and James for this next step. We were both extremely nervous but knew this was the best option. We called our parents and let them all know what was happening. Nicole went down to the NICU to await Porters arrival through the glass windows. The C-Section was crazy!! James watched the entire thing. I have never felt so exposed in my life laying on that table. It was funny to listen to the surgeons talk about their lives. They talked about potato launchers and their kids. They had to use a vacuum on Porters head to help get him out, and he didn't cry right away. He was born at 11:08 and he weighted 9lbs 1 oz and was 21 inches long. It took him a minute to cry and I could tell he wasn't crying very good. I knew that with C-Sections they often end up with fluid left in their lungs so I did expect a little bit of trouble. I was thrilled when they let me hold him on my chest for a few minuted before they had to take him. The surgeons laughed about how long the umbilical cord was, they called it a jump rope. I thought that was funny. James went with Porter and I was left while they cleaned me up. In the recovery room, the nurse went and got James and he brought the camera with pictures of my angel. He was worried because I was shaking so badly, but was reassured that I would be fine in about an hour. James then left and went to be with Porter and Nicole was allowed back with me. After about an hour in recovery they moved me to a regular room. My nurse told me if I could stand on my own at 4am they would let me go see Porter in the NICU, so I worked my toes like crazy to be able to stand. She came in at 4 and when I asked to go see him she told me I couldn't because it was shift change, oh man was I mad. James came up shortly after because of shift change he had spent the night in the NICU with Porter. I was finally able to go down at about 6:30am. He was hooked up to so many tubes and wires, but I was so happy to see him I didn't care. That started our next journey navigating the NICU and all the different nurses. Porter stayed in the NICU until Friday afternoon. He was on oxygen and an antibiotic for a infection found in the placenta. But he is now doing wonderfully and we love him so much!! It was a long week filled with joy and tears, and we couldn't be happier!!

Baby Update

2009-10-22T14:05:00.000-07:00

We had a Dr. Apt this morning and everything looks good. I have only dilated to a 2.5!! He is still very high and for that reason the Dr. again couldn't strip my membranes. We did an ultrasound to make sure he is developed and see how big he is. The tech estimated that he is 8lbs 14 oz, give or take .5lb!! So a nice chubby baby. We have an induction set for Monday, unless he decides to come this weekend. I hope he does, I really don't want to go on the pit but what do you do?! I asked the Dr. if we could break my water and see if I go into labor that way but he said the baby is still to high, so its the pit first and then either my water will break or they will break if for me. Wahoo Right?! I'll keep you all updated on anything new. Until then we just get to keep waiting. At least there is an end in sight!Here are some more belly shots. This is 40 weeks and 3 days! Could he sit any higher?
whew!
I'm ready to have this kid :)

2 Days!! And, Sending a Little Piggy to the Dr.

2009-10-18T10:10:00.000-07:00

We're down to 2 days!! I never thought it would come, but here we are just biding our time until our little guy wants to come. We are down to 2 links on our chain, crazy considering it once was 118 links. I'm still feeling good just uncomfortable and everything takes way to much effort! :)I just got back from dropping James (Little Piggy) off at the Insta Care Clinic. He had a sore throat yesterday and it has just gotten worse with a fever and a cough. Of course we're both wondering if its the H1N1 flu, so we decide we'd rather be safe than sorry so he's chilling at the clinic. When I dropped him off there was probably at least 30 people there in masks and they told us it would be a 2 hr. wait! He told me to get out of there since I'm feeling fine thankfully. I just can't think of a worse time to get sick let alone with the flu.

Dr. Apt Update

2009-10-15T21:10:00.001-07:00

Well, we had another Dr. Apt today. Everything looks great other than the Dr. always asking me what I had for breakfast because I always have sugar in my urine sample. To much information I know but its embarrassing to have him ask. I have tried different cereals and the best one is Total so far. What can I say I love cereal and especially sugary cereal. :) Anyway I have progressed by half a centimeter, crazy slow if you ask me but what can you do. So I am now dilated to a 2. He tried to strip my membranes but wasn't able to because the baby is still sitting to high. When he told me that I just laughed and said, " I could have told you he's still sitting high" He just hangs out in my ribs most of the time. We have another apt in a week, and I'm going to get out and start walking in the mornings to see if I can get this stubborn baby boy down. I really can't complain to much, I'm feeling really good and in a way use to the awkwardness of pregnancy. Its just the norm now. I'll keep you all posted if anything drastic happens.

Car Seat Tent

2009-10-09T18:56:00.001-07:00

I finished my last project I was wanting to get done!! I thought I would share the pictures of the car seat tent. It does the same thing as a blanket but it stays with the car seat. Tomorrow James and I are cleaning and getting the house the rest of the way ready for the baby. After that we're just biding our time.

No Change : (

2009-10-08T16:41:00.001-07:00

Well we had our 38 week apt today. Everything looks great and the baby is doing well. The only problem is that nothing has changed at all! I am still dilated to 1.5 and 50% effaced as well as measuring at 39 weeks. (exactly the same as last week) The only change is my weight, which needless to say has gone up of course. Oh well what do you do?! For now we'll just keep moving along day to day and keep getting ready for our little guy. Our next apt is in exactly a week, and we'll keep you posted. :)

Dr. Apt / Tsunami

2009-09-30T15:53:00.000-07:00

We had another Dr. Apt today! Everything looks good he is head down and just hanging out until the big day. I am dilated 1.5cm and 50 % effaced. (I think that's how you spell that.) I hope I'm not crossing a line sharing that information but it made me very excited so I decided to share. I'm also measuring at 39 weeks, so we're still measuring ahead. Our next apt. is Thursday the 8th!

I also wanted to mention that my dad is working in the Marshall Islands right now, and gave us quite a scare with the tsunami warning they had yesterday. Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims of the tsunami that happened in Samoa. We are very grateful that my dad was safe on his little island.

Baby's Room and My Projects

2009-09-28T16:46:00.001-07:00

Many of you know I have been working on a lot of projects to get ready for our little baby. Here's some pictures of my sewing projects. First one is the crib blanket. We decided to have a John Deere themed room which is fun but you can't really find many nursery decorations. Those of you who knew me in high school know that I always would design my dance dresses and then take the picture to my mom and ask her to make it for me. After much stress and frustration my mom would work her magic and I would have a beautiful dress, so why change now? So I did what I do best and I drew a picture of the crib blanket I wanted to make and when my mom came to visit this summer we made it. I love it so much!! My mom was great to help me and put up with me trying to learn how to make a blanket. She was so patient and helpful. Thanks Mom!! It's still not totally finished I still need to tie it, but I love it. It has different fabrics that are textured and is a fun little farming tractor scene. I also used the left over John Deere fabric we bought and made bumper pads to match. So Cute!! This is the Baby's room, its not completely finished but as close as it will get for now. I would still like to put up pictures of tractors and farm animals and I need blinds but we wont be using the room for a while, so its been placed on hold for now. The other thing I really wanted to make was a nursing cover. I had seen these all over and contemplated buying one and then found a pattern and decided I could make it for less. It cost $7 to make and I think I will love having it instead of a blanket. I have a few more projects I want to finish so hopefully I can get them done soon! :)

Kitty Sitting

2009-09-28T16:40:00.000-07:00

This weekend we watched my brother in law Jason and his girlfriend Casi's Kitten. She was so much fun to have around and kept us on our toes! Diego and Roma did not get along so she had to spend the night at their apartment but spend the days with us. She was a lot of fun even though she enjoys attacking you when your not expecting it. :)

Prego Picts

2009-09-25T10:00:00.000-07:00

I have been bad at taking pictures of my pregnant belly, so I decided I better get over my vanity and take some or I'll regret it. So here they are...
We also had our 36 week apt yesterday. Our next apt is Wednesday. (apts. every week now!) Everything looks great and now we just wait for our little guy to decide to come into the world!! I am measuring at 38 weeks so who knows what that will mean, either a big baby or who knows. I have been working on a lot of projects and I'll get those posted soon as well as pictures of the babies room!! Its getting so exciting and nerve racking how close we are. Thanks for all the love you all keep sending our way.

35 Weeks and 35 Days to go!!

2009-09-14T10:39:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone~ We are still alive. I have been bad at posting, but I kind of have a reason. I like posting with pictures and I don't have many of our recent events. James has been very sweet to me during this pregnancy and I just have to brag about him a little. I was having a poor me couple of days where I wondered if with my expanding stomach and mood swings if James still wanted me around yet alone loved me still. It was nothing he had done that made me wonder but you know how you have those days. Well, after talking with James about it and his reassuring me that he still loves me and always will I felt much better. After work he came home and surprised me with a beautiful yellow rose and a sweet card, and yummy ice cream!! I was so touched by how thoughtful he was that I cried as usual. We have had 2 more baby showers that we are so thankful for! It was so wonderful to see everyone that came and wished us well. One of the baby showers I know about and the other was an absolute surprise! My mom threw another shower for me while she was in Utah taking Nicole to school. It was a family shower and we had so much fun!! I forgot my camera, and I know my mom took pictures but I don't have any. The night before the family baby shower James and I had talked with our friends Sam and Chelsie and had decided to get dressed up and go out to a nice dinner. James called and said he would probably be late so I should eat a little before we go out to dinner so I'm not starving. (Can you tell he knows me) So I ate a little and then he came home on time and we got ready. He called Sam and Chelsie to see if they were ready and to have us come pick them up. As we were driving to their house James asked me if I have ever felt that the wool had been pulled over my eyes. I though the question was weird and answered "no". As we turned the corner in front of Sam and Chelsie's house were a ton of my friends and my mom and sisters!! I was so shocked and of course being hormonal I started crying. It turns out my friend Chelsie and Melissa decided to throw a surprise shower for our little guy! I was so shocked and felt very loved and blessed. I was amazed that they were able to put it together during a time when my mom and sisters were there. Thank you so much Chelsie and Melissa!!! Thanks also to my mom for the showers she threw for us!! And Thank you to all of you that made it out to the parties!

We have been very busy getting everything ready for our little guy. We set up the crib a few days ago and now it is full of baby stuff. We still have a lot to do but it is getting so exciting! Labor day James has off and we went fishing in the morning and then set up the crib that night. Heres a few pictures of the day. We also invited Tyson and Cade to fish with us. It was hard for Cade to understand that he couldn't stand right next to James to fish. How can you say we're fishing with James and yet he's 10 ft away? I love the mind of a 3 year old!This last weekend we went to a labor and delivery class at the hospital. It was very informative and kin of fun to be around other couples going through the same things. All of our friends have been having girls and in this class out of the 10 couples only 2 were having girls. It was kind of funny. Anyway it was just exciting to take that next step. I know it's a long post and not a lot of pictures but I figured I better get caught up on what we have been up to pictures or not.

Our Last Trip as 2

2009-08-20T14:00:00.000-07:00

We just got back from a trip to Colorado to see my family. I really wanted to go out one more time before we have our baby. So it was our last trip being just the 2 of us. My mom was very sweet and threw a baby shower for us! Friday we got all ready, even the dogs. They all got baths and then had bows put in their hair the said "It's a boy". They were very cute. Here's Sadie with her bow.
That afternoon we ran to some last minute store, and stopped to eat lunch at a really fun hamburger place called 5 guys and fries. It was really good! After mom mom, James and I and Larissa and Kirsten all hoped in the van to hit one more store. As we were backing up we we stopped suddenly and heard a huge popping. We all freaked out and realized we had just been hit! Another lady was backing out and my mom and her backed right into each other. The popping noise was the back window of the van shattering.
These are pictures of the van at the house later. The tow truck came and took it to the body shop. The insurance said that we couldn't drive it down there without a window, so it got towed. It was pretty smashed! No one was hurt and my mom should have the van back by Friday.
After all the excitement, we still had a baby shower that night. James family all came up from Sanford. James and the guys and the boys all went swimming at their hotel, during the shower. We had a great turn out at the shower. It was so much fun to see everyone that I haven't seen in a while. We played a lot of fun games, the best one was a diaper game with melted chocolate bars as fake baby poo. :)
These are everyone sniffing the diapers, they all looked so funny.
This is Nicole's friend she was into the game she even ate some of the fake poo.
Here;s Nicole holding my niece Denver eating ice cream. Denver was so cute her legs kicked and kicked waiting for her next bite.
This is another picture of Denver, she was army crawling around and then would stop and look at us a pose. She was so cute looking like a model, pointed toes and all. Saturday everyone went to Eliches except for my mom and I and Jim and Linda. We kept Denver and played with her all day.
Late that night they all got home and James family had to leave. They had a 4 hour dive home that night. We were so happy they came and that we were able to see them and see Denver and the boys. James had fun being the fun uncle throwing Denver in the air and making her giggle, and swimming with the boys.
My sisters also had a very fun time making her giggle.
She's quite the diva, she loved Larissa's necklaces.
Sunday we went to the War Memorial Rose Garden. The roses were beautiful!! This is one of the parks that Nicole has worked at this summer.
I was very proud of this picture! :) Of course I have to give the credit to the rose, they were just so beautiful.
I decided to take picture of everyone at the rose garden, so there are a lot of pictures, and believe me I didn't post them all. This one is of Nicole and her boyfriend Marc. He flew in from Arizona to hang out with our family, well really to hang out with Nicole :P Awwww So Cute!!
Heres Jame and I in front of a sundial they had. If you look you can get a pretty good belly shot! :)
Heres Nicole and Marc again.
Kirsten and my mom in front of the fountain they had. So pretty and relaxing.
Next to the rose garden they have a community garden. Larissa's young women have a portion of the garden that they grew pumpkins. So this is Larissa with her pumpkin.
More posing by pretty flowers.

2 crazy monkeys sitting in a tree!
Monday we got the girls ready for school, and Tuesday morning they had their first day. Kirsten is starting 5th grade and Larissa is a Junior! They were both excited. We had so much fun visiting. I wish we could have stayed longer.

4 year Anniversary

2009-08-11T15:37:00.000-07:00

On Thursday July 30th James and I celebrated our 4 year anniversary!! We have had a wonderful 4 years so far. We have had our challenges and our triumphs, and through it all we have grown closer together. We had a really fun day, we decided to go to Salt Lake and go through all the church sites, that we haven't been to or haven't been to in years. We got to look at the new Church Library and go through the Beehive House. We had a great time and in a way continued with pioneer day with all the historic sites. That evening we went out to dinner and then went to Harry Potter. It was really fun and relaxing. I love James so much and I am so thankful that we are sealed together for all eternity! Its weird to think about this being our last anniversary with just us before our little one joins the family.

By the way we had another Dr. apt I got to take the fun glucose test. The nurse the drew my blood had to poke both arms because the first one wouldn't give any blood. I looked pretty beat up with two arms wraps. But it was all worth it, they tests came back normal and everything looks great. We are getting so excited!!

PIONEER DAY

2009-08-11T15:19:00.001-07:00

We had a really fun 24th of July!! My mom came up to pick up Kirsten, and to bring us all of our baby stuff! It was really exciting. We went down to Ogden to their Pioneer Celebrations. They had a patriotic display at the fair grounds. I think that had 5,000 flags on display representing the number of Military men and women that have been killed in Operation Iraq Freedom. They had them laid out in the shape of the united states. They also had a yellow ribbon on the flags with a deceased soldiers name and hometown on it. It was an amazing site!! When we got there they weren't quite all set up yet. They were there for 2 weeks I think.

Later that day James met up with us and Kirsten and my mom went to the Ogden Pioneer Day Rodeo. Kirsten hadn't ever been to a rodeo so she was really excited. I didn't take any pictures of the Rodeo, because my camera battery died on me, but we had a lot of fun. I did take this video of the motorcycles they had right before the fireworks. Of course I took a video of the less dangerous of the rides, but I still thought it was really fun.

Overall the weekend was very very fun!! I gained a renewed respect for the pioneers and what they sacrificed for their freedom of religion and their belief in Zion.

Kirsten and Ducks and National Lampoons Camping Vacation

2009-07-21T15:07:00.000-07:00

We picked up my little sister Kirsten last Sunday. She came out to visit because my parents and Nicole and Larissa were gone this past week on the Stake Trek. We had a fun week, we feed a lot of ducks. She called it Duck week.We also went swimming and to a movie and painted our nails. Everything sisters like to do together. Thursday through Sunday she stayed with her cousins in Layton. She had a lot of fun, and came back exhausted as you can see in the bottom picture.

While she was gone James and I took my Granparents Camper and went camping. He wanted to go to a new area, in a new canyon we haven't been up before. Well we left really late and to make a long story short we didn't find a camp site until 1am and by that time we had been driving for 4 hours!! You know what its like looking for the perfect camp spot, until you realize your lost and can't turn around. We finally found a map and discovered we had gone completely through the Cache National Forest!!! It was terrible but what do you do. We woke up the next morning nice and early because of cows in our camp ground and our dog Diego went crazy. So we got about 4 hours of sleep. I got up and fixed us pancakes and while cooking Diego had wraped his chain around behind me and when some more cows showed up he took off after them and my poor ankles caught the full brunt of his chain. They were bruised pretty bad and had the skin torn off. Luckly I didn't fall like you see in the movies when someone gets wrapped up in a chain. The worst part is that they got really swollen. They are much better not but man it hurt! Well, we decided to drive somemore and to head back to Logan Canyon so we would know where we were. So we drove to the nearest town and headed for Bear Lake to get back to Loagn. We found another site and had a good day camping. Theres so much more to the story but I think we're going to save it to make the movie National Lampoons Camping Vacation. I think it will sell like crazy! :PThis was looking out at the top of a mountain. We got so high up I'm amazed we didn't die with that trailer on the back of James truck!! I guess thats one good thing about driving through the mountains at midnight, you can't see anything, good or bad. This is the camper and our happy camping spot we finally found. It was really pretty and had a little stream that ran through it. Heres Kirsten passed out at about 1pm monday. She was tired and so was Diego after our camping adventure.

On a side note when my Family got back from the Trek Yesterday they found their basement had flooded. They have been trying to salvage and clean up everything. Luckily my Dad was able to postpone his flight from today to Thursday, so he can stay and help with the clean up. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

HAPPY 4th Of JULY and General Good News!

2009-07-06T16:43:00.001-07:00

I hope everyone had a great 4th of July!! We are finally finished with our week of Fireworks sales! I'm not sure if I've ever been happier to get a week over in my life. We did really well, we even had about 3 hours on the 4th that we had all three windows packed with people and the lines went about 20 ft out. To give you an idea of our sales Monday the 29th through Friday the 3rd we had sold about $8,000. On Saturday the 4th we sold another $8,000. It was crazy! We sold out of almost everything. I think if we would have had more product we could have made even more. We make a little under 20% of our sales to split between us and our friends we did it with. They just had their second child and with us having one on the way, the money is going to doctor bills.
Here's James looking like a regular salesman! So handsome. He had the top 2 sales. One of $320 and another of $290! It was always amazing how much some people spent.
James and I borrowed my Grandma and Grandpa Larsen's camper to have behind the booth. We had to have someone there the whole time in case people tried to steal the fireworks. We would be held financially accountable if that were to happen. So we slept there every night! I frogot to get a picture of it, but it had to be 50 ft behind the booth. Oh what fun!
We did get a little break Saturday morning, an we were able to go check out the cars at the Cache Valley Crusin'. I found my new car, let me know what you think? :) They had so many cars this year, I think it was the most I have seen in a few years. The weather was nice, and it wasn't to hot, but later that night I saw my sunburns comming and I was shocked. I got fried!
This car was amazing, I had to take a picture of the sign on the window! Of course I frogot to take a picture of what it is and what year it was. OOops.

We had a fun busy 4th, and ironically we didn't shoot of any fireworks. We just didn't have time. We hope everyone had a great time!!

The good news is that I received my diploma in the mail today, so I'm an official USU graduate.

We had our Dr. apt last Monday, and everything looks good. I am 25 weeks and, he's a growing healthy boy!

Also James has been at Midas just over a year and he is now being considered a head mechanic so he will work everyother Saturdays as the other head mechanic. I'm so proud of him and all his hard work. He absolutely deserves this little promotion!

TRANSFORMERS!!!

2009-06-26T10:24:00.001-07:00

Last night we went and saw Transformers II . I was amazed at how packed it still was, at 9 pm on a Thursday. The movie was pretty good, of course its nothing compared to the first one unless your a die hard fan. (Like James is) It was funny and entertaining, I just wish they would leave out some of the sexual innuendos. Those always get just awkward laughs out of the audience instead of the good old belly laughs. It was really fun and as you can see James dressed up in his shirt hat and belt buckle. Oh and the old school basketball shoes, he wore because they are red. I love my kid of a husband!!
This weekend we are starting our fireworks stand with some friends. Its through TNT, so hopefully we can make a little extra cash this next week. Wish us luck and we hope everyone has a fun and safe 4th of JULY!!!

Happy Fathers Day

2009-06-25T14:49:00.000-07:00

I know it's a bit late but Happy Fathers Day to all Fathers out there! I'm so grateful for all the dads in my life. I'm especially grateful for the priesthood they hold and how they honor that power. This Fathers Day was really fun, because it was James first Fathers Day. He has been so supportive and understanding through this pregnancy I couldn't be more lucky and blessed. He knows what to do when I burst into tears for no reason (like over pizza) and he is understanding when I yell and give him the silent treatment for the smallest things. He is going to be such a wonderful daddy!
Fathers Day morning I made a yummy breakfast of French Toast and bacon. (Little side note, when making really sugary french toast, salty bacon becomes that much more salty) It was quite the contrast. Anyway James has been wanting a croquet set so that's what I got him for fathers day. We haven't played it yet but we are excited to.

On another side note, what is 118 links and 22 ft. long ?
ANY IDEAS???????????????
Well now its only 116 chains and a little shorter.......................

Its our baby chain. I was board one day and decided it would be fun to have a visual count down to our due date. About half way through I was getting discouraged because it is really long and it took a lot of paper. I'm not sure now if a visual of how much longer we have was a good idea, but the days keep going by so I know we'll get to the end eventually. The baby is doing good, I can feel kicks pretty strong now, James still hasn't felt them yet but it wont be long. We have our 24 week appointment Monday so I'll let you all know how it goes.

Holman Reunion

2009-06-16T10:08:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Holman Reunion! Grandma Holman or also known as Grandma Ruth had her 90th Birthday on April 9th this year. Her family wanted to get everyone together for a big bash and reunion. We went to Colorado and had the reunion on the 6th. Everyone got together and ate lunch and took millions and millions of pictures. :) They had put together books of genealogy for everyone to look at and a video of pictures of each person and family. It was fun to see all those pictures from so long ago.

This is a picture of James and all of his cousins except for 2 who couldn't make it. I'm sure you've noticed the shirts. They have a kid swinging off Grandma Ruths tree that she has in her front yard. It was fun to have everyone in the same shirts, they were very cute.

We had a great time just visiting with everyone, we played a lot of games and as always ate a ton of yummy food. Here's Baron riding their 4 wheeler. They also had their motorcycle, but I didn't get any pictures them riding it. This one is of Chaz, being a wild man. He's hard to get a picture of, he kept running away so I had to be sneeky. He was playing with an air soft gun, pretending to shoot his brothers and James as they drove the 4 wheelers by.
Here's Alec and Baron, they had so much fun riding that 4 wheeler. By the end of the day Alec was able to ride the motorcycle all by his self without any help turing or anything. James and Aaron were pretty excited to not have to help him turn anymore. :)
Tori got a sno cone maker for her birthday. We bought her some fun flavors and she became an excellent sno cone chef. She kept me nice a cool with sno cones galor. I was very thankful for the ice.
As you'll be able to tell from the next pictures, little Denver was the star of the camera. She was such a doll and her brothers love her like crazy. Anytime we held her and they ran by they always stopped to maker her smile or to give her a loving brother kiss.
This is Casey, she is Jasons cute and wonderful girlfriend. They recently moved out to Logan so we get a chance to hang out with them quite a bit. We enjoy having them around!
This is Jason its not a very good picture, but it was to cute to see her snuggling her uncle Jason.
We had a great time, but as always it went way to fast. I just want to thank Jim and Linda for giving us a place to sleep and feeding us. We love you all and miss you.

Little White Lie

2009-06-04T22:00:00.000-07:00

Well, we have a confession to make. James really wanted to surprise his family in person about the sex of our baby. So we told everyone that our doctor apt. wasn't until June 9th (when we got back from our family reunion) In all actuality we had our apt. Monday the 1st! So what that means is that we know what were having!!! I was able to tell my family because we won't be seeing them for a while, so they got a phone call right after we found out.

After all the votes.............. It's a BOY!! We are so excited for our little man to join our family. The ultrasound went great, everything looked good, and he's a growing healthy boy. I have been able to feel him moving around and James was even able to feel him. It was so exciting to see every little part of him. We did the 3-d images and although they aren't that great they are still fun to look at. He kept putting his hand on his nose and eyes so we had a hard time getting a good picture. But I still thinks he's adorable. :) Our Ultrasound tech was wonderful, except for the fact that he started at the head and worked down, so it took quite a while to get to the gender. I think he had a fun time making us wait. I was worried that he would have to point out the boy or girl parts but our little guy was very proud. :) Just in case you can't tell the Tech put 3 arrows around.James had to go back to work after and when he got home that night, he noticed that I had gone shopping. He was really concerned and asked me if I had bought a outfit without him. I told him no and that I was waiting for him to go with me. He said "good cause I bought one". I couldn't believe it, but what should I expect from James hes so excited!!

Thanks to everyone that voted, it was fun for us to see what you all thought!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMES !!!

2009-05-28T17:15:00.000-07:00

If I was good at this blog thing, this would have been posted over a week ago! Oh well right ;)
James had his 29th birthday on May 17!! It was a Sunday, so he was able to sleep in, our church doesn't start until 12:30. We had a lazy morning, I woke up and decorated the house, and made breakfast and his very favorite cake. He loves Chocolate cake with Hersheys melted as the frosting, and chocolate ice cream. He was surprisedwith it all, and actually was woken up by a phone call from his sister Tori who happens to share the same birthday. She was so excited to wish him a Happy Birthday. Later that day he got his presents, and he got the Retro version of Monopoly and a Spiderman Kite, and the new Eminem cd. That night we cooked up some stakes with our friends and then went up to campus and flew kites. The boys had a great time!! That night was played a realy game of Monopoly. None of us had ever played a real game before. James absolutly dominated us all in only 2 hours. I think it was Birthday luck. James later commented that he never expected to spend his 29th Birthday flying a kite and playing Monopoly. It was a really fun day. I'm so greatful to have James in my life. He really is a wonderful husband, and above all he is my best friend! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY JAMES!!

I also wanted to mention that Saturday we had gone down south for my cousin Julies Endowment! She had it at the Bountiful Temple, and it was a beautiful session!! I am so proud of her and the choices she is makeing. I was so greatful that we were able to be there. There is no better feeling than being in the Celestial Room with family! While we were down there we took advantage of Applebees (James favorite) and had his Birthday dinner. Beign stuffed with food, and being pregnant made for a eventful time in my temple dress. It is awefully snug :)

Let's go Fly a Kite!!

Boy or Girl?

2009-05-20T13:52:00.000-07:00

I have other things I need to post about but I don't have time right now, so check back later for those. For now I just wanted to add a poll on our page to see what everyone thinks we are going to have. I have taken those old wives tests and each one comes out 50%, 50% (Big help right ;) So we decided to see what you all think. We will officially find out on the 9th of June, so get your votes in!