Letter To Santa...

Dear Santa,
Bailey has been a pretty good girl this year. She has been a great big sister. Please disregard those jealous, not sharing a single toy, a little shove cuz your in her way moments that happen every now and again. Please forget about the time she threw a fit in Wal-Mart because mommy wouldn't hold her because she is a big girl that could walk on her own. She really has been good! She has been so good about going to school everyday. Even on the days she doesn't feel like going. All in all she has been a great little gal. Mommy and Daddy think she deserves everything she wants for Christmas. Here are a few things on her list so far:

Princess bike
baby doll
Kitchen to cook and wear her "aprn" (apron).

Thanks Santa!

From,
Bailey's Mommy & Daddy

Back In Business...

I got my Christmas present early... a new CAMERA! I know,finally right? You can expect some much more regular and exciting posting from here on out (haha... I hope)!!

The B-I-G 27...

This sweet guys birthday was on Thanksgiving Day. Aaron, I hope you had a great day. I love you SO very much, and can't wait for many more birthdays to come!!

New Favorite Thing...

BABYLEGS
These are all the rage in our house for a certain so sweet, a little to "round" for most pants, 9.5 month old.

Off To School She Goes...

Bailey started school on Tuesday. As some of you know she doesn't talk very much, so she has been lucky enough to get into a preschool program to get her caught up. She is loving it, and loving riding the bus like a big girl. I am so proud of her for going so easily. She should fit right in!

Bailey Turns 3

Bailey,
I cannot believe that you are 3 years old. There are so many things I love about you. I love the way you say " I get her" ,and are so excited when Gracie wakes from a nap. I love that you can make be so furious and so happy all in the same breath. I love your energy, courage, and cute crooked smile. You are always keeping me on my toes, but I wouldn't have you any other way. You have taught me so much in your few short years of life, and I love you for it. Happy 3 years to you my sweet little darling.

Halloween 2008

We had a fun Halloween this year. The girls were both VERY cute little fairies. We went to our ward "Trunk or Treat" on Wednesday, and then the girls and I went to Show Low for Halloween because Aaron had to work. We had fun in Show Low going house to house doing the good old traditional trick or treating.
Bailey had it down this year. She just walked right up to the house, knocked, held out her bucket, gave a very quiet "tickateat", got her candy and off she went to the next house. It was fun to watch her. Here are some pictures of our festivities...

TAGGED

Andrea tagged me... it's a quick, fun one....
post the 4th picture in your 4th file on your computer and say something about it... then tag 4 people...

This picture was of Bailey in October of 2006. She was only 11 months old. It is crazy how much she has grown. In some ways it is hard to believe she was ever this small. So crazy! That was kinda fun... thanks Ann!

I tag Taralee, Katy, Jes W., Addie, and whoever else wants to give it a whirl. It was fun and easy!

Politics Shmolitics

Okay, so I have considered writing this post for some time. I have continued to put it off. However, after hearing even more of the insanity from both sides of the party lines and as I sit down to cast my "early ballot" vote I am feeling more inclined than ever.
Now, I considered myself to be one pretty well versed in politics. I don't know it all. Pretty far from actually, but I am usually up to speed. I did major in justice studies, and minor in political science for heavens sake. So in some ways I feel it my duty to stay up with current events in order to "get my money's worth" so to speak. I am a devoted fan of talk radio (Glen Beck anyone). I have long ago made up my mind about who I would cast my 1 and only vote for. While I am not a huge fan of either side, and actually feel like we have a choice between the lesser of two evils in this election. I do feel there is a better choice. A much safer choice.
No other elction has hit closer to home than this one. I fear for my future and for that of my children. Have you REALLY, I mean really listened to the words spoken by the candidate from the other side (meaning that of the left)? I am truly afraid. We are talking the United States at the doorstep of Socialism. That is a thought that scares the heeby jeebies out of me. "He" is so smooth in his talk that it is hard to catch some of the frightful things he says most of the time, and his close associations of the past scare me even more.
So, I write this post not only because it is my blog and I need to vent a little, but to call attention to this election. It is important. Listen closely to what these candidates want for our future. You would be surprised what is in store when you lend a VERY close listening ear.

Some Breathing Room...

It's been one of those days. I have let me littlest one put herself to sleep because there was nothing more I could do to help sooth her. I have made a very comfy bed on the floor of my bedroom and placed my Bailey down to watch a movie. I am now taking a breather. I love my little beauties with every little bit, but I needed a break for a moment or two. OK so I am not mother of the year, but at least I am sitting for a while. I can live with that!

(sorry my blog has been so dull lately. I am hoping for a new camera today. That may help liven things up)!

Until then...

Have a good day!

Gotta Love a Good Giveaway...

Go HERE to see the cuteness.

Disneyland 2008

Last weekend we went to Disneyland. We left for Yuma on Wednesday night, and got up early Thursday morning to make the rest of the Drive to the "Magical World of Disney". My mother-in-law, and Aaron's brother and sis-in-law went with us as well. We had tons of fun! Thursday we checked into our hotel, and then hurried off to the park to spend the rest of the night. Friday we woke up early to get to the park for our scavenger hunt (which out team won by the way, and the reason for the matching black and pink shirts)! That lasted until about noon. We then spent the rest of the day riding rides, and checking out the cute shops. Saturday was our day at California Adventure. We had tons of fun there. We then ended our trip with a little shopping trip in Disneyland, loaded the car, and arrived back in Yuma at 2 am. Spent the morning in Yuma, and very hesitantly headed back to Surprise. We had SO much fun! The girls were angels and amazed by it all. Bailey asks to go back EVERY day! It had been years since either Aaron or I had been, and now we are hooked. We decided it will be a yearly thing. Ok... there are TONS of pictures, but I don't want to forget anything. So, here you go:
Bailey rode the Carousel at least 3 times!
Bailey anxiously awaiting the parade!
Waiting for the parade to start.
Parade was worth the wait. To say she loved it is an understatement.
Tired, sweaty family after first day at Disneyland!
Gracie being cute and SO good!
Bailey got a Halloween face paint!
Waiting for Mom to finish a ride (Dad doesn't do roller coasters)!
Bailey and Woody.
Bailey on Pooh's honey.
Bailey loved Winnie the Pooh.
Minnie Mouse Gracie!
Grandma bought Bailey a princess whose skirt twirled. The girls thought it was so funny!

We cannot wait until next year!

And... We Are Back!

September has been a crazy month. We have been to show Low and back for a wedding reception. To Utah and back for a wedding. And to California and back for a little Disneyland family vacation. Whew! It was a whirlwind, but so much fun. I was able to get my hands on a camera for our Disneyland adventure, so as soon as get Aaron to remember to bring the USB cable home from work I will get to posting those ASAP. Until then... I am on the hunt for another Camera of my own (remember mine bit the dust. See post below). Any recommendations??

Park, Airplanes, and a Bid Farewell

Gotta love that classic "happy to be here" smile of Aarons!

She was starting to glisten with sweat. The tell-tell sign to pack it in!


I haven't posted in a while, but there has not been a whole lot going on. It has actually been cool enough in the mornings and evenings for us to take a trip to the park. We have been trying to take advantage of it before beads of sweat start rolling down Gracie's face. That is how we always know it is time to head home.


Bailey LOVES to watch airplanes, and lucky for her the fighter jets from Luke fly over our house all the time. She wanted to show Gracie the "airplate" over the park. Gracie wasn't that impressed.

As for our bid farewell... our camera bit the dust. My curious Bailey got a hold of it today while I was out of the room and that was all it took. One quick press to the lens with that little 2 year old finger and it was done for. I should have ran faster when I heard her say "picture... CHEEEEESE". This may be an extremely boring blog until I can get a hold of a new one.

Love This Baby!

Caught In the Act

I walk into Bailey's room after her and Gracie had baths to put pj's on Gracie, and this is what I find. Bailey ready to SLATHER Gracie in lotion. No, not just with the flip top open, but the entire cap OFF. Sure glad I caught that disaster in time. We came out unscathed... this time!

Blog Header

10LBS... GONE!

Thank you Weight Watchers.
More to go, but it is a start!

Gracie at 6 Months

* Rolls EVERYWHERE. From back to tummy, tummy to back.
* Has 2 bottom teeth.
* Screams when Mommy is not in sight.
* Started eating "real" food (her veggies).
* Loves to play with anything that is in reach.
* Puts everything in her mouth.
* Wheres size 3 diapers.

STATS
Weight: 17lb 12oz (75%)
Height: 27 1/2" (95%)
Head Cir.: 16 3/4" (50%)

4 Years

Today is my sweet husband and I's 4 year Anniversary. Here are my top 4 favorite things about being married to this guy:

1.) Always (even when I don't want to) can make me laugh out loud.
2.) The hardest working man I have yet to know.
3.) LOVES the girls. He seriously can't get enough of them.
4.) What more is there to say... He loves me! And that can be hard sometimes!!

I love you Aaron. Thanks for the best 4 years, and so many more to come!

Gracie's 1st Tooth

Dear Teething Monster,
We are so happy that our little Gracie now has her very first tooth. However, now you have sent another one on its way. Your stay at our house has been far to long and extremely unpleaseant. Everyone involved (most especially the sweet baby in pain) would appreciate it if you would please allow this next tooth to come through rather quickly, so that you might make your exit. Atleast for a little while.

PS Don't let the picture fool you. These smiles are coming few and far between these days. PLEASE GO AWAY!!

Sincerely,
The "fed-up with your stay" Umphress'

Princess Bailey:Dressing The Part

This girl LOVES to play dress-up and she LOVES anything princess. She changes into a new outfit at least 5 times a day complete with a crown and heels. She then gathers her baby,bottle,blankie,purse,and heads for her motorized VW Beetle. She proceeds to load up the car, and then drives off waving frantically saying, "Bye Gracie, Bye mommy, Bye daddy", only to return and repeat the process about 5 more times before the day is out. I can't get enough of this girl.

The Time Has Come...

So, I am finally going to set my blog to private. I have been feeling kind of funny lately about the fact that any random person can take a peek at my little family. Aaron has been asking me since I started blogging to set it to private, and I have resisted. However, with his new job and some of the "crazies" that come with it I think it is a smart idea, as much as I hate to admit it. So, could everyone please give me your e-mail address? You can either leave it as a comment and I will delete it after I read it, or you can e-mail it to me at ashlaryn_810@hotmail.com. Those of you who may be "Secret" checkers of my blog, just leave me a comment and I would be more than happy to give ya an invite. Don't worry, I probably look at yours secretly too!!!

MEMORIES

Everyone seems to have this on their blogs, and it seems fun. I will give it a try too!

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, if it is recent or years old, silly or serious--anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

Take a stroll down memory lane....

My Girls: Sisters

I love these girls so much. As crazy as they make me at times. With Bailey's "she was mean" reports in nursery (which I am stressing about by the way), and Gracie's recent extreme attachment I would not trade these two for the world. I still think sometimes what it would be like without either of these two and I know life would not be near as good. Lately Bailey has taken much more interest in Gracie and it is so fun to watch. I think Bailey can make Gracie laugh more than any of us. I feel so blessed to have the family that I do. It is amazing how two little lives can change you so much.
I am so happy they have each other as sisters. With four sisters myself the greatest wish I could have wished for my girls would be to have a sister. I know my life would not be the same if I didn't have the sisters I have. I am looking forward to the many "dress ups", "tea parties", "House", and all that sisters have to offer.
I love you my sweet girls!




PS And if anyone has tips about how to get through a hitting/pushing/pulling hair for no real reason phase, they would be much appreciated:)