The Atkinson's

2012-01-27T14:17:00.001-07:00

San Francisco

Why San Fran? We had to go and get the girls Australian passports and this was the closest place. We drove all day Tuesday and had our appointment on Wednesday at eleven. It was quite the joke trying to find a park. We found one eventually, but as Ben was putting money in the meter, all of a sudden a tow truck pulls up and was getting ready to tow our car, with me and the girls in it!! He kept telling Ben we weren't allowed to park there. Apparently there was a sign somewhere that said Tow Away that we never saw. Thankfully he didn't give us a ticket and let us go find a park that we eventually found under one of the buildings. We did find the Australian consulate and were there for maybe five minutes getting the passports sorted. With all the crazy traffic and parking, Ben and I were so glad we had gotten a hotel in Sacramento for both nights and just drove the two hours to SanFran.

We had the rest of the day to play on Wednesday so after lunch we decided to go to the Jelly Belly Factory. It was a lot of fun. We got a free tour and free JellyBelly samples.

I am so proud of Jovi! We brought her potty and it was a good thing cause it came in handy quite a bit.

She never had an accident our whole trip! I think I am going to say she is officially Potty Trained. Yay!

And this is why you don't eat yellow snow kids.=)

Dad and Jovi taking a break

Another one of our many potty breaks.=)

Overall it was a super quick trip, but fun. We sure are glad to be home though.

2012-01-18T10:08:00.001-07:00

I have been working myself up to potty training Jovi cause the first two attempts didn't go so well. So, I decided on dedicating a whole week (which is this week) to staying home. Jovi loves the color pink so I bought a cheap pink potty, sticker chart and Dora panties. Once she gets her chart filled with stickers, she gets to go to the store and pick out a pink balloon, a pink candy, and a pink toy. Other than Jovi just being ready, I really think the sticker chart and prizes she will get have been a good incentive. The first day she had about four accidents (everyone of them on the carpets of course=) but that's okay cause it's expected. She was happy to help me clean up her messes and try harder the next time. Day two she had about two accidents and now we are on to day three and no accidents yet! She even stayed dry all night. I am one proud mom!!

Jovi loves helping mom make cookies.

And of course I can't leave this little munchkin out of all the fun.

2012-01-04T14:40:00.000-07:00

Christmas and other fun pictures

I can't get over Shae's petrified look on her face and that she is holding on for dear life. Smart girl.

I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas and New Years!

2011-12-23T17:50:00.001-07:00

Shae's Updates...

Well, the Doctor says she's slimmin down. Lol. She's still quite the chunk to me.=)

Weight- 20 lbs. 9 oz. 98%

Height- 27 1/2 Inches Off the charts

Head Circumference- 17 Inches 80%

Shae is such a good baby. She is now eating oatmeal once a day and gets so excited everytime I put her in the high chair. We are going to make our own baby food this time around with our Baby Bullet. I can't wait to try it out.

Shae's first attempt at eating oatmeal.

2011-12-13T13:34:00.000-07:00

I am soo Big!

Really? Jovi is such a great helper. =)

The Girls

2011-12-07T19:12:00.000-07:00

Jovi reading to Shae

Best Sisters!!

2011-11-29T14:25:00.001-07:00

Thanksgiving!!

What a fun Thanksgiving weekend we had. I can't believe we are already home. Time spent with family always goes by too quick. Not only was the food AMAZING, but we had so much fun playing games together and just plain ole catching up. We also managed to get family pics of all 31 of us and 18 of those were grandkids.

Aunt Megan was the Bingo Queen! All the kids loved it.

Jovi playing the piano with her cousins Kayli and Luke.

Shae with her cousin Cole.

Grandma and Grandpa Baker taking their turns with Shae.

Aunt Shirley and cousin Kayli smothering Shae.

On our way home, Jovi kept saying she wanted to go back to Ann's house. Not only did she have fun with all her cousins, but the chickens too. Thanks again Ann and David for letting us stay.

2011-11-09T21:08:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary!!

It's been 4 years today!! We were able to get away for a dinner and movie this evening thanks to Grandma Rae. I love you Ben! Thanks for being the greatest husband there ever could be. I can't wait to start another year together!

2011-11-01T13:30:00.000-06:00

Happy Halloween Yesterday!!!

What can I say? My child is pretty much a natural when it comes to trick-or-treating.=) I will post some cute videos Ben got of Jovi trick-or-treating later.

2011-10-25T15:07:00.001-06:00

4 Months

Weight- 18lbs. 5 oz. (%possibly off the charts)

Height- 25.1 inches (90%)

Head Circumference- 16.2 inches (70%)

She's pretty dang cute if you ask me!=) I'm glad she's mine.

2011-10-20T22:21:00.000-06:00

Sleep...

This is kind of random, but the other morning Jovi comes running into the front room saying, "It's a turtle! Look at the turtle!" She has quite the imagination. =)

2011-10-18T14:10:00.000-06:00

Cornbelly's Corn Maze & Pumpkin Fest

We pretty much paid twenty bucks (for Ben and I) to watch Jovi slide down a few slides for a whole twenty minutes. Not only was it freezing, but we came to realize that Jovi is just too young to appreciate all the fun stuff they had there. So, after leaving with our two year old dragging her feet and crying the whole way back to the car...

brilliant family home evening idea I had. =)

2011-10-11T13:51:00.000-06:00

And then they were gone...= (

Boyd and Papa helping Jovi with her 200 piece puzzle her Aunt Tab got her. Thanks again Tab.= )

We really do miss having Tab, Boyd and Papa around.

I love these girls!

2011-09-29T16:09:00.000-06:00

Shae's Blessing

Dad gave Shae a beautiful blessing and we are so soo grateful to all of our family who were able to make it. It really meant a lot to us to have you all there. It made the day that more special. We really feel blessed to have such a wonderful family! We love you all.

It's been a lot of fun having Ben's family staying with us.

Papa is now a professional bubble blower thanks to Jovi=)

Jovi with her cousin Lottie

Jovi being silly

Jovi eating her ice cream cone with a spoon

She was afraid of the moving helicopter

And on to Shae...

Aunt Tabitha getting Shae to giggle

Shae loves her papa spoiling her

Uncle Boyd multi-tasking

The End

2011-09-12T15:20:00.000-06:00

BEFORE

AFTER

I think Shae may have put on a pound or two since my last post. Just trying to keep ya up to date.=)

2011-09-04T17:52:00.000-06:00

Sisterly Love

Jovi is so good to make sure Shae has enough toys to play with...even when she is sleeping.=)

2011-08-28T18:52:00.002-06:00

Remember this dress, (but in a bigger size) that "someone" spilled pink paint on? Jovi and Shae would have looked pretty cute wearing matching dresses. Oh, well.

CLASSIC

2011-08-24T17:19:00.000-06:00

Shae went to the Doctor today.

Weight-14lbs. 9 oz. 97%

Height- 24 inches 97%

Head Circumference- 15 inches 50%

We got to see Aunt Marie and cute cousin Lottie. Thanks for the visit Marie.

2011-08-22T12:43:00.000-06:00

Yee Haw!

She loves her monkey

She loves her beauty sleep

Chubbalicious!

2011-08-19T22:08:00.002-06:00

Cinderella Cinderella

Our very own Cinderella! Ben's sister came and stayed with us for a whole month and was such a huge help. We can't thank you enough Kristie for all the hard work you did although, it is to be expected. We will miss you dearly. Come back and visit again soon.=)

In all seriousness, it was so nice to have Kristie here. Ben and I were able to go out a few times which was super nice. Also we (the whole family and Kristie) may or may not have gone out for ice cream 3 to 4 times a week. I don't know what I am going to do without her. I know the girls are going to miss her tons. Thanks again Kristie.

Shae being spoiled again by her Aunt Kristie

Jovi helping Kristie take her toe nail polish off

2011-08-10T22:09:00.000-06:00

Monday night we (Aunt Kristie too) decided to go to temple square for FHE and ended up spending all our time touring the conference center. It was really neat. My favorite part was seeing all of the original paintings from the stories in the Book of Mormon. Our guide actually told us that the artist past away a little over a year ago and that they held his funeral in the very room we were in where all of his paintings are on display of The Book of Mormon. I thought that was pretty cool.

Jovi was more than happy to take the sister missionaries hand to take her up the escalator.

Can you believe this is the roof of the conference center?

2011-08-06T13:13:00.001-06:00

Jovi had her friend Korina stayed the night last weekend for a night and they had so much fun playing together.

2011-07-31T17:00:00.000-06:00

8:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m.

Need I say more?

Sunday morning was going absolutely perfect...Jovi had a nice bath, mom painted Jovi's toenails to match her new dress from her grandma, and mom decided she'd even have time to give dad a haircut before church. Well, in the mean time things got a little too quiet. I walked out to find little miss Jovi on the counter as content as her little heart could be playing in my acrylic pink paint! I have always heard that when things like this happen, to just laugh. Well, not me. I cried. Then Jovi cried. Ben came out trying to get me to laugh and of course grabbed the camera. It came right off her skin thankfully, but her dress is ruined. The day could only get better right?

2011-07-25T08:40:00.000-06:00

PURE ENTERTAINMENT

2011-07-22T11:25:00.000-06:00

One Month already!

We took Shae into the Insta Care last sunday cause we were worried about her coughing. They ran some tests for the whooping cough and drained as much mucous as they could out of her nose. Well, she doesn't have the whooping cough, but she may have silent reflux. She is perfectly healthy other than a bit of coughing at times, but even that is getting better.

She is definitely getting enough to eat, she is growing like a weed!

Height-22.2inches 95%

Weight-10lbs.10oz. 95%

Head Circumference-14.5inches 75%

Could these jean shorts be any cuter from her Aunt Rachael?

As for Jovi... she has been putting together her Dora puzzle at least ten times or more everyday.

2011-07-18T13:52:00.000-06:00

We went to the zoo this past weekend for FREE! Our friends Jessica and Colby had some free passes for us. Thanks guys! Jovi had a blast running around with her friend Korina and seeing all the animals. Shae was there too, but slept pretty much the whole time. Good times!!

2011-07-13T15:27:00.000-06:00

Some Lovin from big sister (and mom trying to loosen Jovi's arms from Shae so she can breathe)

Jovi loves Shae and likes to give her hugs and kisses on the head throughout the day. So, besides the terrible two stage she has been taking things rather well.

Shae on the other hand, isn't too well. She had been pretty conjested and almost choking on all the mucous every time we laid her on her back, so I decided to call the Pediatrician and they told me to bring her in. Well, she has pink eye and getting an ear infection. Thankfully the antibiotics have already started to help being the second day. Other than that, Ben and I are still getting used to having two kids, but loving every minute of it. (okay, not every minute)

2011-07-08T16:08:00.000-06:00

Shae is one tough cookie.

She went in for her two week checkup and didn't cry once. She just buried her head into my shoulder and sucked on her hand while they drew her blood.

Weight- 9lbs. 3oz.

Height- 21 1/2 inches 97th Percentile

Head Circumference- 14 1/4inches

She is growing up way too fast already.

2011-07-05T14:43:00.000-06:00

This girl cracks me up! She usually has them upside down. Thanks to her friend Alice for getting them for her for her Birthday. She wears them everywhere as you can see.=)

2011-07-01T21:48:00.000-06:00

Pictures, pictures, and more pictures...

Happy Birthday Jovi Jane!!

Here are her stats for her two year check up.

Weight-27lbs. 4oz. Percentile 60%

Height-36inches Percentile 97%

Head Circumference-19 1/4inches Percentile ?

Cute jammies she got from Grandma Rae

She got another cute pair of jammies from her Aunt Tabitha in the mail and she went straight to daddy's computer to show Tabitha, but she wasn't on. Thanks Tabitha.

She really loved all of her Birthday cards and money (Grandma and Grandpa Baker=) She wanted me to keep reading all of them to her like they were new books or something.

This little girl definitely tries our patience some days, but we couldn't love her more. Thanks to everyone for all of the fun gifts.

Happy Birthday Jovi!

2011-06-26T13:26:00.000-06:00

Shae Gwyneth Atkinson

Born June 22nd 2011

8lbs. 8oz.

19 inches

Absolutely perfect in every way

Shae could hardly stand how cute her cheeks were that she had to squeeze them herself.

Jovi meeting her new sister for the first time.

I still am having a hard time believing we have two children. It sure was nice having my parents here to help out with feeding us and to entertain Jovi. They left this morning and I am missing them already. Luckly Shae is a really good baby and sleeps 90% of the time, but we will see how long that lasts. Jovi loves giving her lots of kisses. She is going to be a great Big Sister!

2011-06-19T20:55:00.000-06:00

Jovi was loving feeding the ducks yesterday.

2011-06-09T15:41:00.000-06:00

So, we gave potty training a try a couple weeks ago (it was dad's idea) and after three hours and four accidents later...we were done. We would take her every fifteen minutes and after a while she was yelling "No Potty!!" We will see how she goes in a few more months, cause I don't think she's ready. Lately she has been insisting on changing her elephant and monkeys diaper, so I am thinking after a few lessons she'll be a pro at changing her baby sisters diapers. If only.....

Jovi loves to sing and knows her songs. I love it!

2011-04-26T08:30:00.000-06:00

This past Saturday I was able to attend one of my dear friends (from my mission) weddings at the Salt Lake Temple. While I went to that Ben entertained Jovi around temple square. She had a lot of fun with her dad.

Dad says they went up and down the escalators a hundred times.

She got to play with toys.

She loves the water.

We got home and after her nap we hid a few eggs around the house and she got a few toys in her easter basket. The easter bunny of course had to buy extra candy so mom and dad could have some too.=)

Happy late Easter everyone!

2011-04-24T20:44:00.001-06:00

What Ben has been up to lately...

Ben did a fantastic job painting and putting up molding in our front room and kitchen the last few weekends. We love the way it turned out. Ben will be putting up molding around the windows this coming weekend which I am really excited about. It will add a lot to our front room I think.

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

Ben also put up some can-lights and we couldn't be happier with how they look as well. Thanks for working so hard the last few weeks Ben! Oh, and just so you know, Ben only has one class left of school and then he's done after three whole years!! We are super excited. It'll be so nice having him home more, especially having two kids soon.=)

2011-04-21T11:11:00.000-06:00

A, B, C's

2011-04-21T11:03:00.000-06:00

All grown up

Jovi's hair is now long enough to put it all up! Yay! This has always been one of my favorite hair do's for little girls. So fun.

These are her new Dora pjs that she loves. Oh, and her monkey.

2011-04-17T13:11:00.000-06:00

Randomness...

So, you know how people share the funny things their kids say? Don't get me wrong, little miss Jovi is pretty funny, but not quite old enough to pull off some of those funny lines, so in the mean time I thought I would share some funny things my husband says. Seriously, I don't know where or how he comes up with some of the things he does, but it makes me laugh. Example: "He is as useless as a fart in an elevator!" Did he really just say what I thought he said? Yup!

To be continued...

2011-03-26T18:44:00.000-06:00

Before

Don't mind the hearts hanging from the ceiling. It was Valentine's Day.=)

After

We finally decided to paint our room after hating the color we had previously for only over three years. We really like the new color (but then again probably any color would have looked better than what we had) and Ben did a great job. It's amazing how a new paint color can change the feel of the room. It feels so fresh and clean. We were going for a smokey gray, but it ended up having a blueish tint to it which we ended up still liking thankfully. We decided to paint the bathroom the same color which also looks nice, but I don't have any before and after pics of that. I am thinking to put curtains up (yes after three years) maybe white shear ones? I haven't quite decided. Any advise or opinions would be great.

Our next project is painting our front room.

Oh, and this post wouldn't be complete with out a picture of Jovi. She seriously can fall asleep anywhere.

2011-03-12T17:07:00.000-07:00

Jovi modeling the hooded towel I made for the new baby.

So, I had already done letters for Jovi before she was born that were in her old room, but with her new bedding the letters didn't match so I had to make her new ones of course.

2011-03-11T16:25:00.000-07:00

Cross your fingers that we won't be seeing too many scrapes and bruises on Jovi's cute little head in the near future. She is getting way too tall!

So, I decided to post the car seat cover and diaper case I have made so far for the new little one. I don't know when I will be getting around to making the hooded towel and nursing cover. Hopefully sooner than later, otherwise I might not ever get around to it. For some reason, I haven't been in the mood to do anything lately.

2011-03-05T18:26:00.000-07:00

Aussie! Aussie! Aussie! Oi! Oi! Oi!

2011-02-27T20:49:00.001-07:00

Jovi loves her new pillows from her new bed set.

She also loves her stickers. Every night for the past few weeks I've been finding stickers either all over the couches, the bottom of my feet, or all over Jovi. She finally demolished the whole set that it was time to say goodbye to them. They were fun while they lasted.

This is the first belly shot I've taken this pregnancy. I am kinda slacking with the photos this pregnancy. It's crazy to think we are over half way there. I am in the middle of making some new things for the baby. So far I have made a new car seat cover and a diaper case to match. I still want to make a nursing cover and a hooded towel. I will post pics when I am done with them all.

2011-02-21T20:38:00.002-07:00

Jovi is now officially in her big bed, naps and all. She loves it. She hasn't tried going back into her crib in her old room even once. She is growing up way too fast.

And then there has been a lot of this going on around here. I once read in a book about these parents that had a bench in their home that was called "The Repentence Bench." Well, the parents were moving later on in life and decided to let their kids go through their house and pick out what they wanted to keep and one of their kids wanted "The Repentence Bench." The reason he/she gave of wanting it, was because they had spent the majority of their life sitting on it.

I wonder if I should save this lovely rug for Jovi...just for memories. (I do have to admit, she looks pretty stinkin cute sitting there even though she can be naughty sometimes.)

2011-02-09T21:56:00.001-07:00

Glitter Graphics, It's A Girl Glitter Graphics

2011-02-05T21:06:00.001-07:00

Thank you Grandma Baker for the balloons. Jovi loves them. She also loves her Nemo book. I wish I would have got her on camera when I first showed it to her. Her eyes got really big and she said Meeno! It was priceless. Ben says thanks for his Birthday gift as well. You are the best Grandma, Mother-in-law, Mom anyone could ever have!! We love you!

2011-02-02T08:03:00.000-07:00

Now if that's not talent, I don't know what is.

Seriously, the things that make me smile.

2011-01-29T18:35:00.000-07:00

I seriously want a pair...

I got the cutest sunglasses for Jovi since she's been doing a lot of complaining in the back seat with the sun in her eyes. I thought she'd appreciate some new sunnies, but nope. She won't leave them on for more than a few seconds. If they would have had a matching pair for mom I so would have bought some. They are pretty stylin.=)

2011-01-19T10:06:00.000-07:00

Nemmo

This little girl is obsessed with Nemmo (that's what she calls it). Seriously if I have to watch this movie one more time I am going to lose it. We watch it at least 2-3 times a day. She constantly says Nemmo all day long. Oh, the joys of parenthood. I know it has only begun too. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

2011-01-10T08:29:00.000-07:00

Like Father Like Daughter

Sorry if you are offended by this photo, but I just had to post it. She's been trying to take her clothes off lately. Actually, I think she just had a really wet diaper that needed a change. Anyway, I thought it was funny, especially cause she was dancing around to Itsy Bitsy Spider.

2011-01-03T08:39:00.000-07:00

This is one of Jovi's new places to sit when I am in the kitchen. She loves getting the lemon juice out. She always pretends to take a swig of it. Maybe I should give her a taste of it for real.=)

2010-12-27T12:00:00.000-07:00

I can't believe Christmas has already come and gone. We had a pretty good Christmas besides the fact we were all sick. Ben came home Wednesday with the chills and ended up getting the stomach flu. Then Jovi got a cough and then I got it as well. Not fun, but we are all recovering at least. Jovi was still as happy as could be opening all of her presents. She sure got spoiled. Thanks to all of those out there who got her such nice gifts.

This is her beautiful Christmas dress Grandma Howes got her.

I hope everyone out there had a wonderful Christmas!

2010-12-22T14:34:00.001-07:00

This little girl is sure lucky she is so cute cause she has been the biggest pill today. She fought me all morning to take a nap and sure enough...

2010-12-13T13:41:00.000-07:00

Jovi's first encounter with Santa.

She did stop crying once we got the candy open.=) Love her!

2010-12-07T11:51:00.000-07:00

2010-11-30T10:27:00.000-07:00

What's been going on at the Atkinson's?

Jovi insisted on sitting right next to me under the blanket and had to look through a magazine just like her momma. It was pretty cute. She sat there for at least five minutes straight.

2010-11-24T08:46:00.000-07:00

St. George

So, we did go to St. George this past weekend even though this is the only photo I have as proof. We had a good time being away. It was good to catch up with our friends we hadn't seen in three years. We never can get enough of wind bagging and relaxing. If only it could have been a longer weekend.

As for this little girl...this is now how she smiles for the camera. I can't believe how big she is getting. She is starting to get her molars. It seems four shot up all at once. They don't seem to be bothering her at least.

2010-11-09T08:12:00.000-07:00

Happy 3rd Anniversary

I love this man! He is the best of the best out there. Not only does he crack me up, he goes to work everyday so I can be a stay at home mom, he loves me no matter what and is always there! Thanks for all you do for me and our family Ben. I love you to pieces!

2010-11-02T09:00:00.000-06:00

These two crack me up! They sat in this basket just like this for at least ten minutes watching the My Baby Can Read video. They kept pointing to eachothers eyes, nose, and toes. I couldn't help but laugh. Too cute.

2010-10-25T14:30:00.000-06:00

Jovi's 2nd Halloween

We went to Grandma Rae's work today for a little Halloween Party. We first had some lunch and then went around to Trick or Treat and got a ton of candy! In fact, we got so much that Jovi had to take breaks on the elevator after the first floor. So fun!

2010-10-23T20:00:00.001-06:00

2010-10-20T13:11:00.002-06:00

Daddy and Daughter time

2010-10-18T17:43:00.000-06:00

2010-10-17T21:14:00.000-06:00

Jovi loves to color.

It's been a while since I've gotten my sewing machine out, but thanks to my sister Shirley having a baby boy, I had an excuse to make him something.

2010-10-11T15:50:00.002-06:00

Just for Fun

We all know Jovi is a mini-Ben already, and Ben and I aren't exactly the same age as Jovi here, but I thought it would be fun to compare. I don't know if I see any of her in me. I sometimes find myself wondering what she will end up looking like when she is grown (not that I want that day to come anytime soon=)

I couldn't resist posting a few more of Ben...

Ben in the 3rd Grade with his favorite blue shorts (I always tease him about that) (oh, and Ben will probably kill me for putting these on, but it's not like he reads my blog ever.=) Oh, and those who may be family reading this, ya probably should just regard this post. The other one is on his 5th Birthday I believe. Pretty handsome boy if I do say so myself. Oh, and you're welcome Ann. You asked me to post more, so three posts right in a row should tie ya over for a while right?

2010-10-11T14:36:00.000-06:00

Post for Hannah

I have been meaning to post these of Jovi's adorable dress my cousin Hannah made her. She is wearing the matching bloomers under even though you can't see them. I love the hair clip you made too. Super super cute. You are so talented.

Here she is putting on not mom's, but dad's shoes before church. I guess Dad's are bigger.=)

2010-10-10T22:00:00.000-06:00

I absolutely love this Girl!

I find myself watching her quite a bit throughout the day playing, reading, singing, and exploring. So, I thought I'd share a few things that she's been doing lately that make me smile.

1. When she sways her hips and spins in circles.

2. When she laughs her head off and dances her heart out while listening to her favorite song Deana Carter "I'm Just a Girl"

3. When I find her sippy cup or remote in the garbage.

4. When I come home and she runs to me with her hands stretched up in the air (like in the picture) while giggling and sqealing.

5. How she has to always carry the keys when we go outside.

6. Her hugs and kisses.

7. When she plays with my hair while oooing oh so very gently.

8. When she brings me a book and gets so excited to sit on my lap and have me read to her.

9. When she talks gibberish like I should know exactly what she is saying.

10. When she folds her arms for prayer time.

11. When she snuggles in tight when she's tired.

12. When she says "no" to every question I ask. For example, "Do you want a bath?" No. (which are her absolute favorite.) Pretty funny. I know I won't be liking it as much when she actually understands what it means.

I could go on and on. I love her so much and am so grateful to be her mom. I thank my Heavenly Father every day for such a sweet and beautiful little girl.

2010-09-20T10:37:00.000-06:00

And then there were three...

I now watch two sweet girls. Alice and Taya. Jovi loves having friends come over to play everyday.

Our super nice neighbors let us borrow this play kitchen and the girls absolutely love it. Can ya tell Jovi does?

Jovi loves playing with the bark out on the patio. We haven't been up to too much lately. Just staying busy with our everyday lives. We really are blessed for all that we have and especially for Jovi. She is growing up way too fast.

2010-09-02T16:35:00.001-06:00

A little bit of this and a little bit of that...

Jovi is loving having her friend Alice come and play everyday. It's fun watching them together.

Jovi just being her silly self.

This is what happens when you ask Jovi if you can take a picture of her before going outside. She seriously would play outside all day if her mom would let her.

She has to carry the keys everytime we go outside.

2010-08-23T20:46:00.000-06:00

2010-08-23T20:19:00.000-06:00

I absolutely love this girl, even when she gets a bit whiny.

2010-08-15T08:10:00.000-06:00

Asthma

So, I think Jovi might have Asthma. Poor thing. I hate hearing her cough. I've noticed that she only coughs at night or in the mornings and it isn't like a cold cough though. It's really flemy and it's been going on for at least a month now. Also, Ben had it when he was younger too, so I am thinking that is another big sign. I'm pretty sure I will be taking her in as soon as I can, but any suggestions on what to do in the mean time, or is medication the only answer?

2010-08-07T09:33:00.000-06:00

Flaming Gorge

Talk about a great weekend! We had a lot of fun. Ben's mum was nice enough to watch Jovi for us all day Friday while we went down the river a couple times. It was so much fun.

Rose Ellen Hillam Budden

My Dear Grandma Budden passed away on July 30th. I will miss her a lot, but I am grateful for the knowledge I have in knowing that I will be able to see her again. She was a great example in all that she did. She loved the Savior and it showed with how she lived her life.

I remember singing in Sacrament meeting a few times growing up and she would always be there and then would slip me a dollar bill after the meeting. This is a picture of Jovi and her last December. She really was the perfect Grandma.

I got a few pics while in K-Falls. I wish I would have gotten more cause it's not very often the whole entire family is together.

My cousin Hannah. She made Jovi's dress. Isn't it darling.

Mini Lottie and me

It was a quick trip, but I was so glad to be able to be there to celebrate my Grandma's life and to see all of my family.

2010-07-25T19:55:00.003-06:00

Family Fun

Cousin Luke and Jovi

Jovi had to kiss every page

Let me just say we were a bit spoiled while in Idaho this weekend thanks to Megan and Tad.=) We had our own little theater, batting cage, pool table, and a little play area with a slide for the kids and it didn't cost us a dime thanks to a buddy Tad knows. It was so much fun!!

Idaho Falls Air Show!! Another fun and exciting day!

Aunt Tabitha got this cute outfit for Jovi and dad got a little confused which way it was supposed to go. I couldn't help but laugh, oh and take a picture. Cute Ben.

That pretty much sums up our weekend! It was so nice to spend time with family! We love you all so much! Thanks again Tad and Megan for letting us crash your house and for all the delicious food!

2010-07-18T22:09:00.001-06:00

Lottie Ann

I got to meet my newest niece Lottie today! She is just darling. I still can't get over how teeny she is. Jovi is seriously a giant compared to her. I was glad to finally be able to give her kisses and cuddles. I miss her already.

It was good seeing you too Marie. You are a great mom!

Jovi wouldn't go to her at first, but it didn't take her long to warm up.

Love Love Love being a mom to this little cutie pie!

2010-07-12T21:43:00.001-06:00

We had a nice family home evening tonight. We talked about the importance of temples and after reading a talk given by Richard D. Scott, we decided we need to take advantage of having temples so close and go more often. We are hoping we can go together at least once a month and then by ourself at least once a month as well. I hope we can do it cause I really feel we can be better in that area. We then drove up to the Draper temple and walked around the temple grounds. I love that you can even feel the spirit being on the outside of the temple. We are so blessed to have as many temples as we do in Utah.

We got home and found a Birthday package for Jovi in the mail. Thank you Old's Family! That was super sweet of you. She got a monkey card, a monkey book, a monkey harness, a cute dress and cute skirt with a matching shirt (which I can't wait for her to wear on Sunday. So cute!) She kept giving the monkey harness kisses. She loves everything. The box included.=)

Spoiled little monkey!

2010-07-09T17:08:00.000-06:00

Funny story...Jovi loves stickers so I stuck all of these stickers on her. Well, when I took the ones off her face she wasn't too happy with me. Not that she wanted to keep them on, (honestly I think she forgot they were there) but, I guess it hurt. The poor thing still has a mark on her forehead from the sticker after three days. Whoops. Sorry Jovi.

If only she knew Dad was putting child proof locks on the cabinet drawers. Sorry to ruin all your fun Jovi.

2010-06-29T21:25:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Jovi Girl!

We love our little monkey!

Call me crazy, but I gave Jovi a pedicure last night after she had gone to bed. The picture doesn't do it justice, but they are white with sparkles and then I put a little pink flower sticker on her toes. They turned out super cute! I love having a girl. It is so much fun!!

I seriously can't believe Jovi is 1 already!

2010-06-26T08:06:00.000-06:00

Black Liquorice is Good

2010-06-20T22:34:00.000-06:00

Happy Father's Day!!

I was pretty happy how my cake turned out.=) It was delicious! I think my Father-in-law and Ben liked it. We played a little bit of golf after we ate, as you can see... I got Gary a little magnet golf game for Father's Day. We had some good laughs. Oh, and in case you didn't see in the picture...I got a hole-in-one! Ok, so everyone got a hole-in-one at some point, but if I remember right I got the most points. =)

Anyways, it was a good day. Ben said he had a great Father's Day and I am glad cause he deserved it. He is the best dad and I am grateful for all he does for our family.

2010-06-18T15:02:00.000-06:00

Splash Pad!!

We had a lot of fun today. We met up with my sister Shirley and her kids at the splash pad down in Highland. It was the perfect day for it and Jovi loved it! The water was a bit cold, but she didn't care. She loves the water. So much fun! I love summer when it's summer!

2010-06-09T14:25:00.000-06:00

The day has finally come! Jovi's first ponytail. She looks like a totally different baby to me. I believe this will be her new do for a while. =) It's pretty stinkin cute!

2010-06-03T19:24:00.000-06:00

Silly Girl

Jovi and I had quite the eventful day today. We are still getting used to it only being the two of us at home while dad goes to work. I almost forgot what it was like. I have to admit I did miss it, but I do miss hanging out with the family everyday as well. There is nothing better than being around the ones you love and care about. I wish I could be in three or four places all at the same time, but that's just life I guess.

I have been enjoying my time with my sweet Jovi. Dad and I witnessed her first steps this evening in fact. I can't believe she is almost a year old. She just keeps getting cuter and cuter everyday too. We really are blessed to be her parents. She is quite the little character.

2010-06-01T18:14:00.000-06:00

SO BIG

"Look at me mom! I climbed up here all by myself."

I'm sure this is nothing new to most parents out there, but I was pretty impressed with my little Jovi. She is growing up too fast dang it!

2010-05-30T08:51:00.000-06:00

Jovi loves to take baths. Thanks Aunt Tabitha for her new bath toys. She loves them and was talking to them the whole time in the bath this morning. Don't you just want to pinch her little bum? I do!

2010-05-29T00:14:00.000-06:00

Our Trip Home

The flight home went quite well. Ben and I were so happy that we didn't have anyone sitting next to us from Brisbane to LA. Jovi got her own seat for part of the flight. She loved sitting in her own chair like mum and dad. She had a hard time staying asleep and therefore was a bit cranky though (thank you baby benadryl) The little bed they had above our seats was just a bit too small. She must have grown over the last two weeks cause I don't remember it being that tight of a squeeze.

It's sure weird being home. Our house is too quiet. We miss the family already and of course the warm weather. Hopefully it will warm up soon here. It is summer after all.

Thanks again to all the family who put up with us for two weeks. We had such a good time and miss you all already. Until next time...

2010-05-26T23:14:00.000-06:00

AUSTRALIA DAY #13

I can't believe we go home tomorrow. I am not ready to leave. We have been having so much fun hanging out with the family. We will have to come back to stay one day (Maybe) Ben's family have been teasing me about moving over here. It definitely is a beautiful country.=)

2010-05-26T16:21:00.000-06:00

AUSTRALIA DAY #12

We had a great day at the beach today followed by a wonderful lunch at Twin Waters (which is a buffet restaurant) It was super good. Then we went up to the Aunties house and cooked damper (bread dough) on the fire. We did a little bit of Sing Star too and then watched the big Rugby game on their big flat screen t.v. Their yard is so beautiful. It was so much fun!

2010-05-25T17:29:00.000-06:00

AUSTRALIA DAY #11

AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK SPECTACULAR

We had so much fun at the Australian Outback Spectacular. It was the coolest thing ever. It was an hour and a half show and they feed you a full on course meal during it. We had really good seats. Jovi fell asleep and I'm surprised she didn't wake up with all the loud noises. Ben fed me my dinner while I held Jovi pretty much the whole time. Papa bought Jovi a little (Well, Big) Emu stuffed animal at the little shop they had there which she loves to cuddle with. It was a blast!!

2010-05-24T19:57:00.002-06:00

AUSTRALIA DAY #10

I can't believe we have been here for 10 days already. Kinda sad. It is going by way too fast. It was a very relaxing day today. We basically hung out at the house. The boys decided to make some cookies in between playing some cards. We didn't have all the ingredients for them, so they improvised, like nutmeg in place of cinimmon and instead of raisins, strawberries and apples. Let's just say they were interesting tasting. It was quite funny watching them stir things together with salad spoons. =) Good times.

Rylea and Kane

Jovi was waving to Papa every time he would ride past, so Papa gave her a ride and she was loving it. It was pretty cute.

2010-05-23T05:45:00.000-06:00

AUSTRALIA DAY #9

Well, we finally got family photos taken. It's been a while since everyone has been all together. I think they turned out great, thanks to Curtis (Ben's cousin just up the road) It's been a lot of fun hanging out and just enjoying each other's company.

I had to post this photo of Jovi. She thought it was pretty neat to sit up all by herself on this little toy car. Pretty stinkin cute I thought.

2010-05-23T01:37:00.000-06:00

AUSTRALIA DAY #8

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!! I couldn't be in a cooler place than Australia to celebrate my Birthday. It was such a great day! My wonderful, amazing husband had surprises for me all day long. He went and got me some yummy breakfast at the bakery that is just down the road and then gave me a nice card with some shopping money in it and told me to be ready by 10:30am. Tabitha took me out shopping and she had recieved orders from Ben to go and get a pedicure and then to go buy myself a dress and whatever else I wanted. It was a fun day to shop. I ended up getting a skirt, a couple shirts, and a cute pair of sandals. Ben met us down by the beach and Tabitha dropped me off while Ben and I went got some lunch. Then we had Tacos for dinner and some yummy cheesecake! Thanks Tabitha=) I also got a cool toe ring from Tabitha that I've been wanting.

We then partied and did some more Sing Star! So much fun! Thanks to my wonderful husband for making my day so special. =)

2010-05-21T14:55:00.000-06:00

AUSTRALIA DAY #7

Another fun day! We went bowling at Ten Pins and let's just say Aunt Rachael and Aunt Tabitha kicked all of our butts. We then went out to Sizzlers for dinner. I like the Sizzlers here better than back home. I think it's cause there is a better variety to choose from. Anyways, it was super good and it was fun to be together.

2010-05-20T00:22:00.000-06:00

AUSTRALIA DAY #6

We had a very nice time at the Brisbane Temple. It was Rachael's first time and we were glad we were able to be here for it.

Uncle Boyd, Papa Atkinson, Adrian, Rachael, Ben, and me

Kristie met up with us after our temple session and we went and had lunch together down at South Bank and it was so beautiful!! Thanks to Aunt Tabitha for watching all the kids, well, the three of them anyway=)

2010-05-18T22:33:00.000-06:00

AUSTRALIA DAY #5

2010-05-18T16:19:00.000-06:00

I just had to post these photos. I have never seen anything like this. This is a mother's lounge in one of the shopping centers in Australia. I couldn't believe it. They had like five stalls with a door and everything each with a nursing chair and changing table. Jovi loved the little play area they had in there. Talk about genius.

2010-05-18T16:07:00.000-06:00

AUSTRALIA DAY #4

It was Jovi's first day on the beach and Jovi absolutely loved the water and the sand. Dad was pretty happy. We went and had fish and chips after so we didn't stay long. She also had fun swinging in the swing for the first time.

2010-05-18T05:26:00.000-06:00

AUSTRALIA DAY 2 AND 3

So, Sunday we went to church and had a brunch with the Aunts and Uncles (who live just up the road) after. It was a lot of fun. Jovi slept most of the afternoon. Then Monday we had to get a few things at the stores, so Tabitha drove us around. Thanks Aunt Tab. Then we decided to bust out the Sing Star that night which was a lot of fun.

2010-05-15T15:08:00.000-06:00

AUSTRALIA DAY ONE

We made it! We already are having so much fun. Jovi did awesome on the plane. She obviously had her moments, for instance...at the airport in LA, she was so tired and was crying pretty hard, but it wasn't long after the Benodryl kicked in that she was pretty much out until 5 A.M. It was a pretty snug fit in the bed (that they have for infants) cause she is so tall, but I was so grateful that she did. She woke up to eat at five and maybe a half hour later she went back to bed for a couple more hours. She was then up for a while after that, but she was good to sit on my lap and look through her new book that she loved. Also, at one point we just sat her in the bed and she just played with the finger puppets I brought. She was quite the show off sitting there looking out at all the people trying to get them to wave to her. Needless to say, we are very pleased with how well she did. We got several comments on how well she did (oh and how cute she is and that she could be a gerber baby...etc..=) Our response on how well she did, was of course, we will see how she does on the way home. We may have just lucked out.

She has warmed up to her Aunts and Uncles and Grandpa pretty quick. She was happy to be able to crawl all over the place and laugh her head off at her cousins.

I wanted to go to a Rugby game while we were here and there happened to be a game (the same day we got here) so we went to that and it was a lot of fun. It got pretty loud with all of the fans screaming and cheering and Jovi would start crying everytime they would be extra loud, so Ben ended up having to take her up away from all of the noise towards the last half of the game. She is sure a trooper. We had to take a bus back to our car after the game and Grandpa Atkinson was more than happy to carry sleeping Jovi all the way back. It was a fun day and we are looking forward to many more in the next two weeks. To be continued...

2010-04-23T20:34:00.000-06:00

CAUGHT YA!!