Just a quick note!

I'm taking a quick minute to say hi to everyone and let you all know that I have not given up on blogging. It's totally crazy right now and I've only had time to browse all your blogs every so often. I'm getting ready for a dance competition this weekend and then on to the Recital May 15Th. After that things will slow down. Hopefully I'll get some pics up and update you all on all the goings on in my life. Here are a few fun things that have happened.

*Tatum has her two bottom teeth! The Easter Bunny brought them to her.

*She went swimming for the first time.

*She has started eating solids. We started her on veggies (I don't think that she needs all the carbs with the cereals, she does have my genes running around in her:)

*Jared's work schedule is awesome right now so the house is cleaner.

*I'm going crazy with dance stuff!

Well, there you go. Sorry there is no fun stories or pics but maybe Sarah can post some for me!

Happy Birthday Jared!! Today Jared turns 27! He is "my favorite and my best". (Charlie and Lola) Did you know that we had the same nurse deliver us? Yep, says so on our birth certificates. His phone number is my birth date, has been since before we ever dated. Destiny has popped me to him. So in honor of his special day here are some cool things about Jared...


He has amazing eyesight. He can see things miles away and can spot the white bum of a deer in a blizzard at night! Jared taught the 12 yr. old boys in Primary in Wellington when he was only 19 and they loved him! He also would go to church by himself. He loves speed! NASCAR, Drag Racing...well anything racing, in the winter it's snowmobiles. He rubs his feet together to help him fall asleep. Jared loves to run his hands through hair, Sarah's hair temps him but that's weird. Tatum has him wrapped around her finger, he's such a softy and a push over! He can drink pepsi and still be out for the night, he has to brush his teeth though. He's passed out twice in his life. Once when he stubbed his hit his knee on the corner of a shelf at a gas station and the emergency room with me. Jared loves to joke around and tease, he is a really funny guy even when I'm mad and don't want to laugh he's still funny. He is a great handy man, fixes cars, houses, anything. Sports of course are apart of his life. NFL and college basketball are on the top, but he loves it all even golf. Jared hates scary movies, I love 'em but can't watch them alone. He snores. I could go on but I won't because it might get to mushy for you. here are some pictures of the birthday party we had on Wednesday. (he's working today"

I've been Tagged!

Sarah Bradly has tagged me, this tag is a purse tag. Take a picture of you purse and the contents without taking anything away. I'm excited because I just bought a new purse that I absolutely Love!! It is a MICHI bag. There is a kiosk in the University Mall. This bag is great because it is one bag that can match everything, it's like having tons of purses without having to switch the contents.

It is a basic black or brown bag that has tons of "shells" that magnetize to the outside. I love deciding what shell to "wear". It's sturdy and structured so you can see the bottom of you purse and see what your looking for. You can have a long strap or a short strap, it's so versatile!! I just love it!! My sister and I are having a party soon so if your interested just leave a comment and we'll be sure to invite you!! Oh, ya, the contents part!

I have my keys, pocket calender, wallet, studio checkbook, phone, perfume (Heavenly from Vitoria Secret, the best), lotion samples from Body Works, chocolate egg, lipstick and my card holder. Nothing really crazy or anything but really, the best part is this bag!! Come on, I know you LOVE IT!!

So now I'm Tagging Lynae, Kristi and Sarah R. Show us what you've got!!

A Life of Firsts

I know everything Tatum experiences this year will be her first, but here are some pictures of the really cute firsts so far...

Tatum's first pop.( pop is bad, I know...she just likes the bottle)

First Build-A-Bear.(thanks Sarah & Kids, she loves it, it's so soft!)

First time folding socks.

First boyfriend. Not really, she's not aloud to date ever! This is Ty, he loves to hold Tatum and kiss her hands.

Just some cute pics I had to post. Tatum napping with dad and being babysat by dance videos. ( She loves them and I can take a shower)

Happy Valentines Day!!

This is Tatum in her Valentines outfit from grandma Heather. (thanks grandma!) I took the pictures with my camera so they are not the greatest but she is still the cutest!!

Jared had to work last night and tonight so he is sleeping and Tatum and I are just hanging out today. I have class so today is pretty much just another day with lots more chocolate! Yum! I hope you all have a great day filled with lots of "I love you"!

4 Months Old!!

Tatum is getting so big, not only in days but also in size! Here is an update of Tatum Marie at 4 Months.

(this is her with cousin Calvin)

*She smiles tons! She will smile at anyone who smiles at her and she loves her dad and aunt Sarah to make her laugh. ( which is a little grunt and a couple of Ha's)

*She never lets her legs touch the ground when she is on her back and is always trying to sit up. abs of steel!

*she weighs 17 pounds!!

*She's rolling over!! YEA! She rolls from her back to her stomach, we're so proud!

*She loves to talk and play with her keys at grandma's house.

My Word of the Year

I've been reading some blogs about choosing a word for the year. I liked my cousin Kristy's idea about using Stretch, Laurie's word Focus it's a really good way to sum up all the things I would need to do to improve myself this year.

So I've been thinking, and lately I've had trouble sleeping because during the day I am focused on Tatum and church callings and dance and house work and fiances and the list goes on. I just don't seem to have time in the day to concentrate on all those things that it seems to carry on into the night. Like right now, it's 12:03 a.m. and I'm blogging. So after much thought I've decided that my word is Balance. I need to balance being a mom, wife and teacher, so that I can get some sleep! ( but who really gets enough sleep?)

My sign is also a Libra so I thought it would be fitting.

I hope that this word will help me stay on Life's Balance Beam so that I don't fall off and go crazy or something. I'm going to stay centered and enjoy each activity and job at the appropriate times. I think that I'm also going to use the word idea in my studio. I think if the girls pick one word that they can use to improve their dancing it might keep them centered and focused. It would also be fun to put on shirts or leo's or something. So thanks for the idea, I hope I can balance my life and get some sleep!!

3 Years of Bliss!

Yesterday was our 3 Year Anniversary. We have been Married for 3 short years, it's gone by so fast!

3 years ago, we had snow like we do now. It snowed so much, I got my winter wonder land for my wedding! Loved it!

We have been going to Bed and Breakfast's around Utah, but with Tatum this year we didn't plan anything. Jared and I both had to work. Well, I married the most amazing man ever! He is always surprising me. He showed up at the studio with a dozen yellow roses, my favorite, and stole me away for dinner! My assistant ran class and I was able to have a quick, but sweet dinner with my prince charming. He really does make me feel like his princess! I'm so lucky!

Thanks Spencer for the great photos!

The New Year

Well, it's a new year and time for Resolutions...or procrastination.

Resolution #1: No procrastinating!


Resolution#2: Make my bed every day. ( I got a new bed set for Christmas and I have done this one everyday since I put it on the bed! GO ME!)


Resolution #3: Fit into my yellow tutu for the recital in May


Resolution#4: Visit teach every month!


Resolution#5: Save more money!

I can do this stuff, I know I can!

Christmas and New Years was a blast, Here are some pics for you to enjoy!!

Christmas Limo Lights Tour, The limo was awesome!

Christmas Eve Pajamas...Grandma Heather bought Tatum two, good thing because...

Tatum had a blow out within the hour and had to wear the other pj's. (thanks grandma Heather!)

Tatum and Daddy sledding at the cabin. She loved the Snowmobile!

Marcus's sweet snow goggles...I love the ears!

Ali and Madison Sledding, The kids were Die Hard this year when it came to sledding, they only quit when we made them come in to eat!

Mom making won tons.

Fondue, Won Ton Extravaganza!

The cutest little love bug! She just turned 3 month on the 4th!

Christmas Shopping Extravagaza!

My Parents and I went to Provo to do our Christmas shopping. Crazy packed stores and high prices. This little boy made it all worth it. He was 5 or 6 and playing Christmas songs. He wasn't like this gifted kid (maybe in guts) he just played like a well practiced kid with talent would. He was so cute! He had to have made a ton of money because tons of people, even me, were pouring in the change and cash into the box. I loved listening to him, he played religious and commercial Christmas songs. With this and my parents good spirits this shopping experience was great! We had fun and spent lots of money on people we love. I love the Holidays!!

We finally blessed Tatum on Saturday. I say finally because we were suppose to bless her on fast Sunday but she got RSV and was in the hospital for three days. (expensive!) So we had to wait. Thanks to the family on both sides because it turned out really great! Everyone helped set up and take care of food, so it was pretty easy for me. Jared on the other had was just a little stressed. He doesn't like speaking if public...in fact he hates it. He was pretty nervous but did an amazing job! During the opening prayer Tatum got this strained look on her face, I just knew it was gas! Oh, no she was going to be one of those babies that cry through the whole blessing. (sorry if Any one's did) When Jared picked her up she calmed right down and my grandpa said that she just sat there, looked at every one's eyes and smiled. I defiantly think the veil is thin for children. I'm so proud of both Jared and Tatum and fell in love with everyone all over again! I am so grateful for a wonderful man that is worthy to hold the priesthood. It's so comforting to know that I can count on him to perform these ordinances. I'm so blessed.

Elisa has all the pics of the blessing so sorry I'll post 'em later

Life lessons

So, I get this email from one of my dancer's mom. She writes to me telling me that her 5 yr old puts up a fight to go to dancing and she doesn't know what to do. She wants to pull her out but is concerned about having to pay for the costume I just ordered.

The thing is the dancer is completely fine, I had no idea there was a problem, she laughs, works hard and is really talented. She seems to enjoy class when she is there. I am strongly against quiting something in the middle of the year or season. I believe that if you let them quit something they have started your teaching them that they don't have to be responsible, dependable or work hard. Commitment is important to me and I don't think a 5 yr old should be calling the shots with her tantrums. I know it's tiring to fight with them but really, whose the boss? One of the reason's I feel so strongly about this is because once they perform, it's a different story. They want the performance without the hard work, and dancing is work and fun. I'm a new mom and haven't' had to experience these things with my kids yet, but I hope I can have enough energy to not give in, isn't it easier in the end? Not only do I want to teach my students how to dance but also how to be good people and quiting is something that will prevent them from great experiences when they are adults. What do you think, and how do I go about confronting the mom without offending her?

Cousins

Over Thanksgiving we went to Grand Junction to get the cousin's pictures taken at Sears. This is pretty much what happened...

Calvin was hungry so Jared's brother was feeding him gram crackers on the side.

Ellah was distracted by Calvin and Hadlee and would not smile.

Tatum just hung out (literally)

Maybe when there are like 20 we'll get descent pictures.

"Good Times"