Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Good Luck Swearingen Family


Just wanted to wish the Swearingen Family good luck in Nebraska and let them know that they will be missed! Tatum already misses Aiden terribly. Anyone wanting to keep in touch with them can visit their blog at: http://waynenriss.blogspot.com/

Offically Californian

Okay, it has been nearly a year... but we have finally transitioned into legal Californians. It was quite the ordeal getting our cars registered, we had to make several trips to the DMV (not one of my favorite places) get smog tests, sign additional forms, donate our right kidney, etc. But, it is now finished and we have our California Licence plate. It was somewhat sad taking off the Arizona ones (even if they did expire last August)... chances are we will be putting Arizona plates on again one day.

Saturday, November 10, 2007

I've been tagged!

So, my friend Niki tagged me... which has nothing to do with spray paint... I am suppose to share 6 things about myself so here I go:
1. I am both a perfectionist and a procrastinator...two traits that often work against each other to make my life just a little crazier than it needs to be.
2. I absolutely love being a mother! It has been one of the greatest blessings I have ever received. It has taught me to love selflessly and has expanded my heart in unimaginable ways. It is one of the hardest jobs in the world but the compensation and benefits are some of God's sweetest gifts. I have two precious little children who have so much love for me, and an endless supply of slobbery kisses and tender hugs.
3. I have a secret dream of one day practicing medicine. I realize chances are slim to none that this will ever happen, but I figure that statistically, I have two thirds of my life ahead of me and who knows what can happen. Maybe it is time to lay off Discovery Health Channel and E.R.
4. I love reading! I am always interested in a good suggestion and haven't quite grown out of the youth genre. I love Holes, Gathering Blue, The Giver, Because of Winn Dixie, Tuck Everlasting, Matilda, and so many more... I can't wait to start sharing these books with my kids! I also love anything by or about Jane Austen. The Vampire series were great too (I even got my husband into them).
5. I miss all of my favorite Arizona restrants: Gecko Grill, Costa Vida, Cafe Rio, Joe's BBQ, Crackers & Co., Oregano's, Texas Roadhouse, The Farmhouse, (did I get them all???). Every time we come back to visit I coerce my family friends into helping me feed my cravings... can you tell I am pregnant?
6. I am a pretty lucky lady! I have an awesome husband, some truly wonderful friends, two mostly sweet children (and one on the way), wonderful supportive parents/inlaws and so many blessings I couldn't possibly name them all.

Kate, Marissa, and Kati... I am now tagging you.

How to make your own blog template...


So, sorry to toot my horn, but I am quite proud of myself... I finally learned how to create my own blog template!! It took me about six hours, which a normal person could probably do in half the time, but computer programming totally confuses me. I thought I would pass on a website with a great tutorial- step by step on how to create your own. If you are interested, the website is:

I found cute (and free!!) digital paper designs at:

You just download and extract the files, then uplaod them onto photo bucket. See template tutorial website for further instructions.

I made my header in Adobe Photoshop... I have had it for almost two years and am finally able to do some basic things on it. Again, very confusing for me.

Hope this helps anyone interested!

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Halloween 2007

The kids prior to their trick-or-treat induced sugar rush.


Tatum aka "Madeline" (Not to be confused with Little Bo Peep, Matilda, or any other random costumes one might assume she is).
Davis as Thomas the Train... just as a side note- don't knock him over... he won't be able to get up.