I've Been Tagged!

Thanks, Mandi, for tagging me! :)

Rules:
1- Post the rules.
2- Answer the 6 "8" items.
3- Let each person know that they have been tagged.

8 Favorite T.V. Shows(in no particular order):
1- Grey's Anatomy
2- The Office
3- So You Think You Can Dance
4- CSI's (Las Vegas & Miami)
5- Law & Orders (All)
6- The Bachelor
7- The Biggest Loser
8a- America's Next Top Model
8b- Army Wives

8 Things I did yesterday:
1- Had gel nails done on my toes (glittery red with a silver tip)
2- Played basketball with Mike & Connor
3- My AMAZING hubby let me go shopping for Christmas clothes FOR MYSELF!!! I had no children with me! He babysat the whole time!!!
4- Ate yet another turkey sandwich! The turkey is finally all gone!
5- Gave Rylie a bath to get her ready for Sunday.
6- Made a hair bow to match the dress Rylie wore to church.
7- Ran some errands at Wal-Mart, of course, with Mike and the kids!
8- Made secret-shopper calls for Shelley

8 Favorite Restaurants:
1- Durango's
2- Cafe Sabor
3- Juniper Take-Out
4- Applebee's
5- El Sol
6- Old Grist Mill
7- Chuck-A-Rama
8- Village Inn

8 things I am looking forward to:
1- Christmas
2- Mike being all done with school & done taking the Bar!
3- Seeing Nicky this weekend!
4- Being able to live in our own place again
5- Christmas :)
6- Possibly taking the kids to Disneyland in Feb.
7- Rylie sleeping through the night!
8- Seeing the kids face on Christmas! :)

8 things on my wish list:
1- That we could live in our own place again.
2- That Mike could find a job really fast! A job he enjoys!
3- A new computer
4- No debt of any kind!
5- That Rylie would sleep through the night!
6- That Connor would listen and not purposefully disobey us. That we could figure out a way to connect with him and not have to discipline him so much.
7- That we could have another vehicle.
8- That I could go to and finish school!

8 people I tagged:
1- Alyson
2- Rylie
3- Christie
4- Amy
5- Stacey
6- Chelsey
7- Brittany
8- Amber

Lieto

A neighbor/friend I met, while living here, introduced me to a local choir called, "Lieto"(http://lietovoices.com/). It's an audition-only choir and I was interested. Well, my friend invited me to a practice so I could see what it was like and if it was something I would want to do. They announced that try-outs would be the following week. So, I decided to try out last week! It turns out I made it!!! So, will be singing with Lieto as an Alto! Woo Hoo!

Splash Pad in Downtown St. George

One of the perks of living in a warmer climate is being able to do things outside longer into the year. We love to take Connor to the splash pads. While St. George's splash pads don't compare to the one in Michigan, they are still a lot of fun to go to. Our favorite one is downtown. It's not a typical splash pad. Instead, there is a little stream running through and it even has chlorine in it. It's safe and fun for kids, of any age, to play in. Then, they have one right next to it that has actual water shooting up from the middle. Connor's favorite is the stream and enjoys just running back and forth in the water.

8-Months-Old!!!

Check out the shoes!!!!
Our little munchkin is 8-months-old, as of the 17th! I know I always say how fast time if flying but, it really is!!! She is changing right before our very eyes!!! She still army crawls but, she's so fast and just scoots so fast! She loves and adores Connor! Sometimes I'll just sit her in his room while he's playing and they'll play for the longest time, before she makes her way out to find me. Lately she has picked up waving at people and gets so excited when they wave back at her. My favorite moments is when we lay in bed and cuddle, before she falls asleep for her nap. We are enjoying Rylie very, very much!!!

Grandpa's Helper

When we go to visit my parents, one of Connor's favorite things to do is help my Dad mow the lawn. Their yard is pretty big so my Dad bought a cool riding lawn mower. Whenever my Dad pulls it out, or Connor sees him mowing the lawn, Connor runs over and wants to help out!!!! He's my Dad's little helper!

Good Times with the Call's!!!!

Last weekend, Mike had to take the MPRE test in SLC. So, we took advantage of being in SLC and spent a week up north. We stayed up at my parents house for a few days. Then, the morning of the test, we had to be up and gone by 6:30am to get Mike to the UofU on time. So, I dropped him off to take the test then I headed to the Call's house in Holladay (SLC)! We spent the whole day, night, and then slept over at their house! It was GREAT to spend time with them again! We've really missed them and all of our other friends!!! Being in St. George has been nice but, on the other hand, it has been really difficult to transition to not having our friends around. So, it was a blast hanging out like we used to!!!! We first went to Trolley Square for lunch. We lucked out because all of Trolley Square was celebrating it's 100th Anniversary of being around. We went to The Old Spaghetti Factory and their menu items cost the same as it did back in 1908. So, we got a salad, large bowl of pasta, bread, and dessert for only $2.49!!! It was a killer deal!!! Oh, and drinks were included!!!! Then Megan & I shopped while Mike and Justin hung out. Then, we had Papa Murphy's for dinner, played some games, had cookies, while the kids played with each other! The next morning Megan fixed an AMAZING breakfast with eggs, sausage, biscuits, and biscuits & gravy! It was so dang good! It was sad to say goodbye but, we had a great time!!!!

The Attack of the Blue Marker!!!!

When I got home from work tonight, Mike told me to hurry and look at the pictures on the camera. So, I turned on the camera and this is what I saw!!!! I asked Mike what it was and he said it was a Crayola marker that Rylie had found! I automatically panicked and worry she was poisoned! I called the Poison Control line and asked if she was ok. The lady helping me decided to be a brat and said, "If you looked on the marker box it says non-toxic!" I was so mad! Duh! If I had seen that, do you think I would be calling?!?!?!?!? GOSH!!!! We don't even have the box anymore!!!! So, what had happened was a few days ago Connor was coloring with markers. We lost one of them (the blue one) and couldn't find it! Well, it's a good thing Rylie is a scooter and could find it for us! LOL! Look what happens when I leave to go to work! I'm scared to see what happens tomorrow! Hahaha!

Visit from LaDawn!

Connor, Rylie, LaDawn
Rylie & LaDawn

Laura & Rylie

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A little over a week ago, my cousin, LaDawn, came to St. George with a friend. Her friend was taking some classes so, LaDawn and I were able to meet up for a while! I grew up directly next door & around the corner from LaDawn! I really love LaDawn and always enjoy hanging out with her! I think she's beautiful, very sweet, and very talented! So, I was excited when she called me to see if we could hang out. We went and got lunch at Durango's and then took it to the park to eat. It was nicer because Connor could run around and be crazy and I didn't care! After that, I dropped the kids off with Mike. Then LaDawn and I went and had some fun shopping! It was a blast! I am so glad that we were able to get together! It's always fun when family comes!

Army Crawler

This is how Rylie has been getting around these days! She's all over the place! Sometimes it looks like she's trying to swim! It's pretty funny! Looks like crawling is the next step!

Halloween 2008!

Ninja Connor

Bumble Bee Rylie
"I hate this costume, Mom!"
Connor & Rylie

Laura

Mike

Shannon

(yes, that's her real hair)

Grandpa, Connor, Grandma

at the Ward Trunk-Or-Treat

About 15 minutes into the trunk-or-treat, Rylie was all pooped out from all the fun!

We had a great time on Halloween!!!! I have to say that it was so strange not going trick-or-treating in either freezing weather, rain, or snow! It was quite warm all day long! We first went to our Ward Trunk-Or-Treat! That was really fun! Rylie was so tired that she fell asleep about 15 minutes into it! Connor had a blast going from trunk to trunk, getting more candy! After that was over, we all went in our neighborhood trick-or-treating! Connor caught on quickly to what he was supposed to do. After each door he'd say, "Ok! Let's go to the next door, fast!" Sometimes he'd even say, "Trick-or-Treat for my sister, too!" After a little bit of that we met up with Mike's brother, wife, and kids in a different neighborhood for a little while. Connor loved going with his cousin, Ireland! He told me a couple times that he could go on his own and I didn't need to come with. There was one house that was scary for a kid. After that one he decided it was time to go home. It was a great Halloween! I do have to say....I missed defending my title at the awesome Hogge's Halloween Party this year! It's ok though. I have to let someone else win, right?

The Answer to the Question is.....

I've had a lot of people emailing me to find out where it is I'm working at. Haha, I totally forgot to put that info. down, didn't I? Anyway, I was hoping to get a job doing hair but, it just didn't work out. So, I found a job at a place called CS Call Center. I've worked for a Call Center before and it's pretty easy work. They have lots of opportunities for raises and bonuses. I also get a $200 sign-on bonus. So, yeah....that's where I'll be working.

My Weekend, In A Nutshell!

I've been trying to post pictures from our recent trip to Cedar Mountain/Duck Creek. However, my computer is flipping out so that post will have to happen another day. So, now you're getting a boring post about our weekend. Here goes.....Saturday I went to the "What Women Want" expo. at the Dixie Center! It was BUSY, BUSY, BUSY! Tons of vendors and tons of women! Not exactly what this woman wanted but, still had fun! My bows didn't sell very good but, that's ok. There were a TON of people selling them. Sunday was very busy for me. Mike and I had to speak in Sacrament Meeting. I spoke on how prayer has influenced my life. Mike spoke on personal revelation. Then, I had to substitute for our neighbor who had knee replacement. So, I conducted the music in Sacrament Meeting, conducted for choir practice. Then, I sang in our Stake Fireside that night. Today has been a frustrating and downer of a day, if downer is even a word? I ended up having to get a job! I'm so sad by it and really didn't want to have to go back to work. As much as my kids can frustrate me, I love being home with them and seeing the new things they do every day. However, there's no choice in the matter. One of us had to get a job. Mike needs to study for the Bar exam. so the logical thing is for me to work. Luckily, I was blessed enough to find a job working at nights. So, I won't have to put the kids in daycare, which is a HUGE relief and blessing! It will be strange working again. Although its only been 3 1/2 years, it feels a lot longer than that! I just hope it will help our current situation! I'm so sick of living the life of a poor student!!!! Ok....done with that little rant! On a better note, we're going up to see my family a week from tomorrow!!!! Mike has to take a test in SLC next weekend so we're heading up North! That will be fun for a change!

7-Months-Old

On Friday, October 17th, Rylie turned 7-months-old! Holy smokes! She has really grown this last month! We took her to the Dr. and she weighs 17 lbs. 6 oz. and is 26 1/2 inches long. She is in the 61% for her weight and 62% for her length. Her pediatrician said that she is growing and developing so well and quick beyond her age that, unless she is sick, he doesn't need to see her until she is 1-year-old!

Rylie is at such a fun stage right now! She is so smiley, happy, and just funny! Her personality is really shining through! She loves to play with my keys, rip the earrings out of my ears, eat veggies, scooting around on her stomach, being tickled, playing peek-a-boo, being sung to, playing with Connor, and the list goes on and on! One of my favorite things is when she's laying in her bed, I'm cleaning or whatever, and turn and see her little eye-balls popping up over the edge of her bed!

One of the reasons I am so grateful to be back in UT is for Rylie & Connor's pediatrician. We had the same one when we left for Michigan and we were able to stay with him when we got back. He really cares and wants what is best for our children! He doesn't act like he's just doing it to get money. He really loves his job and loves his patients! He even remembered us from last time!

Shave and a Haircut, Two Bits!

The "What-Did-I-Do?" look!
Connor's way of trying to cover up the evidence of what he had done!

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Mike and I were relaxing when we could hear Connor goofing around. We weren't sure what he was up to. Mike decided to go check on him. I hear Mike say, "Laura! Come see what Connor's been doing!" I was afraid! So, I go in the bathroom and we've discovered that Connor has found Mike's shaving cream, a razor, a mirror, and kleenex. Not to mention, he has a couple holes in his hair where he said he tried to comb his hair with the razor! Kids do the darndest things!

Connor's Pumpkin!!!

VIDEO OF CONNOR TELLING HIS PUMPKIN TO SAY CHEESE! CONNOR IS THE ONE TAKING THE VIDEO!

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On Saturday, amongst all the other things we did, we met up with Mike's brother and wife and ate at Cracker Barrell. Then, we went to Wal-Mart. They had a ton of pumpkins for sale so, we let Connor pick out his own pumpkin, took him home, and let him decorate it his own way. He chose to decorate it with marker and then foam stickers that were either a football, basketball, baseball, tennis ball, or soccer ball! He absolutely LOVED it!!! After he came home from church he took off all the stickers and started the process all over again.

Chill Time w/ Grandpa & Grandma

Grandma, Grandpa, Rylie, Connor, and the 3 poodles!

On Saturday, after we got home from the Apple Festival, we were all hangin out and trying to thaw out. I could hear Connor in Grandma's room laughing and talking. So, I went in to see what they were doing and the above pictures is what I found! I thought it was priceless and so funny to see 7 warm bodies, which includes the 3 poodles, hanging out on the bed!

Apple Festival!!!

Connor riding the train at the Apple Festival
We were trying to get Connor's attention here!

On Saturday we went to the Apple Festival in New Harmony. New Harmony is a tiny town, about 40 minutes north of St. George. For weeks we've been hearing about a storm that was going to hit. Well, Saturday was the day. When we got to New Harmony it was 32 DEGREES!!!! On top of that, it was SNOWING!!!! I think we were crazy to go but, we went anyway. Mike's parents picked up a couple boxes of yummy apples. Shannon (Mike's sister) and I got a couple butterfinger caramel apples that were HEAVENLY!!! Then, we wandered around and froze ourselves. Connor rode the train a few times but, his favorite thing to do was to walk one of Grandma McGinnis's poodles around! After a little bit we went into the fire departments garage and ate navajo taco's, hamburgers, and apple pie a la mode! Although we were cold it was a lot of fun!

Our 7th Wedding Anniversary

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Our 7th Anniversary was on October 4th. However, it was a bad weekend to be able to do anything. So, Mike's parents took care of the kids and Mike and I went to Vegas for a couple days to spend some time together!!!! It was great to get away from everything and just be the two of us! It was awesome! We just took our time and enjoyed ourselves. We walked up and down the strip, checked out the cool shops, tasted yummy food, and ate at a FABULOUS restaurant! We also were fortunate enough to get tickets to see Phantom of the Opera. My sister-in-law's brother works for the Bellagio and got us AMAZING seats, by the orchestra! We got to stay in the Luxor hotel, which is the pyramid. They have inclinators, instead of elevators, because of it being shaped like a pyramid. That was a weird feeling! Anyway, it was a blast and it was nice to be together and remember how much fun we can have together!

Families Are Forever!!!!

On October 8, 2003 (5 years ago to the date)I delivered our precious, perfect, sweet baby girl. She was born stillborn at 9:15pm, was 5 inches long, and 2.8 ounces. We named her Brenna Selma McGinnis. Her first name is Irish, of course. Her middle name came from my Grandma Jeppesen. Her face had the same features that Connor & Rylie have.

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We were devastated when we found out that Brenna had died while in the womb, when I was nearly 6 months along. It's hard to put into words how we felt! However, I also remember feeling the love our Heavenly Father more than I had ever felt in my entire life. Mike and I were being taken care of; spiritually, physically, and mentally. I will never forget how we felt and everything that happened. It's amazing the way that things happen. This all occurred on Conference weekend. So, while preparing for delivery and the burial we were able to watch Conference and receive some much-needed spiritual strength. It's awesome how many talks focused on peace, comfort, and love! Then, the choir sang the most BEAUTIFUL arrangement of "A Child's Prayer" that I have ever heard!!!! I know that Heavenly Father was taking care of us and mourning with us as well. Looking back, there are more good things that came out of that experience than bad. I am grateful for how we grew and for the things we learned.

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For Brenna's 5-year-birthday, we're going to release 5 baby pink balloons into the air.

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I know that we will see Brenna again someday! It gives me much motivation, when I ponder what happened with Brenna, to make sure that I get myself and our family to the Celestial Kingdom. I am so grateful for the Plan of Salvation. I am grateful for the Atonement, that provides us the way to return to our Heavenly Father. I know that Heavenly Father loves me so much and I am so grateful for the peace I have received by knowing that.

Cowgirls Are the Cutest!!!

Rylie was hanging out in the living room one day so, I decided to put Connor's cowboy hat on her!!! So dang cute, don't you think? Looks like another cowboy in the family!!!