Happy Halloween…

Because Bryden is STILL not walking, I wasn’t sure what to dress him up as this year. However when buying Wade’s flashing Granny costume online I came across this cute little bear! What a perfect costume it was for Bryden. I wish I had a picture of him crawling in it because it seriously looked like a little cub.

It was so much fun being able to take Bryden around trick or treating this year… even though I still don’t think he even got what we were doing. We made it to a total of 2 houses before he was done. LOL

Daddy’s Little Fireman

A lot of the time when Wade is working weekends, Bryden and I like to take trips to see him. Now that B is getting a little bit older he is actually more interested in all the things there are to see and do at daddy’s work. The last time we visited he just kept pointing to the engine saying “this, this.” Which basically means he wants something. Below are a few pictures of Wade and Bryden playing in the fire truck! ☺

NYC- Remembering 9-11

Because it was the 10 year anniversary on 9-11, the fire department was sending one firefighter and one police officer to NYC to represent the service men and women of Orem. Well the sad news is that Wade’s name was not drawn for the completely free trip, but the good news was we still got to go!!! We joined 3 Police Officers and 2 other Firefighters from Orem and headed to NYC. The purpose of this trip was to honor the lives lost and families still grieving at the ceremonies that took place. But because of the heightened security due to terror attack rumors, the government decided last minute that the first responders would not be able to attend the ceremony. Lucky for us however, we had an inside connection with the head of security with US Port Authority. We headed downtown to where the ceremonies were taking place and were escorted 5 blocks south, and 5 blocks west on NY city streets that were completely blocked off to public.

Then escorted into the Freedom Tower where we were able to look down into the memorial pools.



After we were done taking pictures from that location, we were escorted to the memorial grounds where we were able to take a few pictures, listen to names being read and admire the beauty of what was a place of tragedy 10 years prior. What an amazing and humbling experience it was. Words cannot describe what a peaceful feeling and yet a gut wrenching feeling I had standing in that location at that very time. I don’t think all 7 of us said a word to each other for the entire time we were in those gardens. I feel truly blessed to have been there and for the opportunity I had to participate in a world mark event.


After the event we were able to explore the NYC streets and meet many men and woman from all over the world who had just enjoyed everything we did. I hope the pictures share at least a little bit of the beauty we experienced!

My Hero…

I have always admired what Wade does for a living and the difference he make in people’s lives, but I guess I just never realized how profound of an effect he has on those people. Back in September, Wade was invited to attend a ground breaking ceremony for a new pedestrian crossing light on the UVU Campus. This was significant because a year prior Wade and his partner saved the life of a man who was crossing the road in that same exact spot. Oddly enough I remember Wade coming off his shift the day after that accident occurred. The call really affected Wade, because of its nature, and he talked about it openly with me about it, which he very rarely does. With out going into details the man in the picture never should have lived, but because of Wade’s quick actions he was able to recover from his injuries and lobby to have the crosswalk put in. What an amazing and beautiful day it was and I was so glad to be able to attend the ceremony. I couldn’t be more proud of my amazing and sexy hero!

Bryden’s 1 year Birthday!

Seeing that the last time I updated the blog, Bryden was 6 months old, time has flown by. My baby boy is now 14 months old and so much fun. He is talking like crazy and has the cutest, but naughtiest personalities around. He likes to push the limits on everything and has not a fear in the world. He is also a very stubborn little guy. He pulls himself up, can stand on his own and walk around the furniture, but he absolutely refuses to walk. And don’t even try to make him, unless your patience is ready to be tested.

Bryden LOVES applesauce and crackers and would probably be happy if that was all he ever ate. He also loves to play with his LEGOS and read books. He will bring you every book we own to have you read it to him multiple times a day.
Because we have family in Evanston and Utah, Bryden had 2 birthday parties. The Evanston was a little more low key, due to a sick birthday boy, but still consisted of plenty of cake and Ice Cream. Our Utah party was more of a bash. We rented a big blow up slide for all of the kids and had a taco bar for dinner. Bryden loved all of the attention from everyone. Of course our little man was spoiled and we have more toys than we know how to handle. Posted are pictures from both birthday bashes!







Dear Bryden,

Words cannot even begin to explain how much you have changed my life over the last year. I never could have imagined how complete you would make my life. I enjoy being your mommy and the time that we share together. You are such a talented and smart little man and I know that you are going to achieve so many things in your life. You are probably the most handsome little guy I have ever seen and your personality is contagious. Thank you for always keeping me on my toes, even though sometime it is exhausting. I am glad that you are so determined! I love you sweet Bryden and look forward to watching you grow more and more every single day!
Love Mommy

New School Year= New Drill Team

I’ve often said that I feel like the luckiest girl in the world, but I don’t say it without reason. Part of that reason is due to the opportunity I have to coach and teach dance. For the last 4 years I have been coaching the drill team at Rockwell Charter High School. We’ve been UHSAA approved to compete on a High School level for the last two years but this year we are finally where we belong, in 1A division. I am so excited for this year not just because we will be competing, but because I have an AMAZING group of girls on my team this year. I’ve never met so many girls with dedication and such a great work ethic. I have been floored by their growth as individuals and as a team. I can honestly say that they bring me so much happiness and meaning to my life. I love these girls with all of my heart and can’t wait to see them kick butt this year. Below are few pictures from camp (we won the hardest working team award) and team pictures (minus 2 girls). I will post more updates and pictures as the season continues.

Bryden's 6 Month Pictures

One of my best friends, Rachelle Rausch Olmos, was advertising a mini-valentine shoot for the month of February for only $20.00. I decided to jump on this fantastic deal seeing that Bryden will be 6 months old this month and it was time for updated pics. I have to say Rachelle did an amazing job and Bryden just LOVED her! She got some of the most adorable pictures of our little guy. If you are looking for a fantastic photographer or even some free drawings you have to check her out. Lareephotography.blogspot.com

Here is a sneak peak of what she did with Bryden:







Bryden,

I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love you. You are the most amazing little man and I can’t ever imagine life with out you. You are the sparkle in your mommy and daddy’s eyes and are the most handsome baby boy I have ever seen. Your smile lights up the room and can change anyone’s mood and melt their heart all in a matter of seconds.

I love your outgoing personality and even your stubborn behavior. Your beautiful Blue eyes are to die for and your big smile is contagious! I cherish the times that we get to spend together and hope those times never change as you get older.

I love it when you sing along with me. I love the BIG smiles I get from you in the morning when I get you out of your bed. I love feeding, bathing and cuddling you every night before you go to sleep. I love the screams you give out while we are out in public and the way that you demand attention from everyone around you. You are such a flirt with the girls but you know just how to draw them in!

You are so much fun BB and I know your just going to get even more fun! I look forward to watching you grow up over the years and am so excited to see the man you will one day become. However, I will cherish every day, every minute and every second I have with you now because I know those memories and times can never be replaced.

I love you Bryden with all of my heart! You are the most amazing blessing and I am so proud and happy to be your mother!!!

Love,

Mommy