INTRODUCING -

POCO LOPEZ!

Newest card holder to the Twin Falls Public Library!
As a card holder, he is welcome to use the computers for ONE HOUR. Let's hope Poco can manage his time and avoid a probation status to his new library card!!

Let's be honest, I love a photo shoot oppor...I mean...er...Poco loves a good photo shoot opportunity so here ya go - more of Poco, proud library card holder!



We went to Chubbuck/Pocatello Idaho last weekend for my nephews baptism. We were also able to stop and see Lance, Bettie, and Calista. Ian has said from the beginning that Calista is a prime example of why he wants a baby girl! Not only is she wrapped around Lances' fingers, she's got Ian's as well!

My brother, ADAM, and his oldest son BRENNAN

I have to give a shout out to those with talents!


left: Ian's Aunt Judy quilted this amazing ballerina quilt. What a wonderful surprise to receive such a beautiful gift from her. She's got mad quilting skills!

middle: We all know one of Ian's passions is Soccer. Ian's observant co-worker, Wendi, was kind enough to have this adorable pink soccer quilt made (by her mother) for our little athlete to be.

right: Amy Christiansen sent us these two receiving blankets with hand-made lace around the edges. Now, I'm not sure that Amy did this herself, but it's what I want to believe so just let me believe it. What a talent!! They are beautiful - and what makes them even more special is that the women in Ian's mission (Micronesian Islands) made him some handkerchiefs with the same kind of lace edging.

We absolutely love these blankies and appreciate the love that has gone into them!

Things I Didn't Expect To Expect While I Was Expecting:
Or in other words, stuff that surprised me!

1. I didn't get morning sickness. I know - LUCKY!
2. I love my maternity clothes!
3. I giggle when my baby kicks and moves.
4. I didn't know constipation could be a 9 month ordeal!
5. Sometimes I forget I'm pregnant - even now at 40 weeks.
6. I thought I could refrain from walking like I was pregnant - no such luck - I'm a waddler!
7. 20 tums a day does not take care of my heartburn.
8. Ian gives good foot rubs.
9. Maybe I get those foot rubs because I craved STEAK and that is his way of saying Thank You for the 5 nights a week at a great steak house!
10. That the day I'd actually have to give birth would really come.

I'M STILL IN DENIAL!!

Is it gonna hurt?

DUE DATE

Today is my official due date and I'm afraid we are going to see it come and go. Nothing is happening. However, I still think it would such a great date to have as a birthday.

04 - 06 - 08

Oh well!

Bragging about my Family!

My brother MILES works for Crate and Barrel. For two years in a row, he has been the MILLION DOLLAR TOP SELLER of the entire store. Last year he was the only one. This year, he shared the title with two other people. http://tomandmiles.blogspot.com/ I guess the early morning of each and every summer out in the beet fields really did teach you something about hard work!

My brother ADAM works for the Chubbuck Idaho Police Department. He has worked his way up from 911 dispatch to SWAT Team to Detective. The Idaho State Journal wrote a very nice article about him in the "Neighborhood Hero's" section of the paper. Nice work! I'm trying to post a link to the article but apparently the City of Pocatello and their Newspaper have put a viewing tax on the Idaho State Journal link. You can't read the paper online unless you pay for it.

My sister MARCI is my local neighborhood hero! Not only is she remodeling her own home and tending to the comings and goings of her 4 active kids, she made time for me. She has helped me make my nursery curtains. Seriously, if it were not for her, I'd still have material all folded up shoved in a closet somewhere. Instead, I have nursery curtains - cute - and complete! Now I just gotta get going on the bumper and crib skirt. Seriously, did I really think I could sew? Thank goodness for Marci!

Getting Ready

I went to Boise with my sister MARCI to pick up our baby furniture. Space wise, she asked if we should take the truck or the mini van. I suggested the mini van. If only I would have had the camera with me! The crib and dresser barely fit, but we managed! We probably should have taken the truck!

Ian anxiously put it together. We really like it! Well, now! There's a good reason why it barely fit in the back of a mini van! They included boxes that have NOTHING INSIDE! Funny!

We painted the babies room (without asking the Landlord...oops) and just for the record - Ian is by far the worst painter ever. I can say it publicly because he knows it and will admit to it. "Social Butterfly" looks great for a babies room. It's a very very light yellow. Notice the huge paint mark on my huge hip from my huge rear hitting the wall!
Now all we need is a baby!

I saw the Doctor this morning (actually, he saw me) and it has been determined we can wait another week with no increased chances of risk to the baby. Baby Girl Service seems to be getting enough oxygen and has a great heart rate when she moves, thus qualifying her for a few extra nights in her watery resort.

I don't mind! I like her where she is!

She's...quiet. Inexpensive. Handsfree.

Lately, and mostly in a panic, I've been trying to politely tell Ian the appropriate things to do and say to comfort me while I'm in labor. I've also tried to explain there is a LARGE list of inappropriate things to do and say while I'm in labor, some of which he (and I) may not be aware of until that very moment. One night, we read a chapter out of a book about what the "coach" should expect to do and what to be prepared for. The book was clear and straight forward about some of the unexpected things that might annoy the woman in labor. I was hoping Ian was listening and taking mental notes - because goodness knows I am not the most patient person even when I'm not in pain.

After reading, I asked Ian what he thought was the most important thing he got out of the 7 pages of "coaching". His reply: "The coach should remember to pack some snacks for himself as labor can take a long time."

Wanted: A new birthing coach. Must be available in the next 1 to 7 days. Requirements: Must believe that the suffering, emotional, and screaming woman on the narrow cold bed is more important than snacks!

Today I took Ian back to work after lunch so I could have the car to run a few errands. Before he got out of the car, he leaned over and kissed me. Our noses touched and SHOCKED just a little tiny shock. Ian, looked at me and said in a very whinny voice, "ooouuch!"
I just looked right back and said, "You gotta toughen up!"
He took a long glance down at my bulging baby belly, then looked right back up at me and said, "I'll have to remember that one!"

Oh my gosh! If he even thinks about using that one on me in the delivery room this baby will only know her father from pictures!!!

WARNINGS!

WARNING #1
I had a doctors appointment today to check if I am dialated at all. We are going out of town to my nephews baptism and just wanted to make sure we were in the clear to "travel".

Nurse to Natalie: You know you shouldn't travel past 36 weeks.
Natalie to Nurse: Uuuu...we are only going an hour and a half away.
Nurse with pursed lips and furrowed eyebrows: But you know you shouldn't travel!
Natalie with smug inflections: It's like walking around the grocery store for an hour and a half.

Then I realized that didn't really make sense but I still pretended like I one-uped her.

WARNING #2
After my doctors appointment I decided to go to *The*Public*Library* (say it with a big freaky booming voice with shaking in the back ground and you'll get a better idea of what it's like for me to go there!)
I handed over my library card and asked for a computer. Keep in mind, I've been a very good girl about keeping the "one hour" rule for at least 5 times in a row. I've even left 3 to 5 minutes early as to ensure I don't go over. Don't you understand how much you can get done in 3 to 5 minutes of stalking time?

Librarian to Natalie: I need you to watch the clock. It looks like you've gone over your hour multiple times.
Natalie to Librarian, leaning in to make really good eye contact: I KNOW. I've been warned multiple times.
Librarian to Natalie: Well then, you know you are on probation and if it happens again you will lose your privileges.
Natalie to Librarian: Well, if it happens again, I will just come back in a disguise and apply for a new card under a new name.

I didn't really say that, but I wanted to. It was a great suggestion from my brother Miles. He told me to draw on a mustache and slick my hair. I'm sure they wouldn't recognize me...even though I would still be sporting a huge pregnant belly!!!! Funny! (We think we're really funny...and most times - WE ARE!)
He also suggested I start heavy breathing and fake labor if they tap me on the shoulder again. Seriously, I'm gonna try that one!

So, the day is still long. I'm going to see what other kinds of WARNINGS I can pick up today!

Making his mark where ever he goes!

Ian decided to take down his blog. He hadn't updated for over a year. He informed me my blog should be turned into the "family blog". Hmmm, that will be weird. Sharing the attention with someone else? Please! I was expecting our baby to get her own blog as well!
I guess I can make a few selfish sacrifices and do my best to report on everyone in my family.

For starters:
Ian has lived in Twin Falls for only 3 months and he's already in the paper!!!http://www.magicvalley.com/articles/2008/03/23/news/local_state/133389.txt
Makes me laugh.

He loves his job and has already found a golfing buddy. I think he thinks that what "work" is for. To find your next golfing partner. He went golfing on Saturday which was an absolutely beautiful spring day here in Idaho.

And today...it's snowing! What the...do we still live in Lansing?

Happy Easter!

We had the Easter Bunny visit our house this year! I think that's a first...and bound to be the first of many from now on! My sisters kids, Kayla, Alecia, Alex, and Karl, found their chocolaty loot in our back yard on Saturday. And we even had Easter Dinner at our house on Sunday.
I have two weeks left until my due date, but was telling everyone I was sure I would go another three weeks because she measures so small. WELL, I had a doctors appointment on Monday. The good Doctor informed me because she is so small...they will take her sooner. Thus, according to the doctor, I will be having our baby next week.

"Three weeks" didn't sound so scary.

"Next week" sounds VERY scary!

38 weeks pregnant

LOL!

My brother Miles' post is funny!

Check it out!

http://www.tomandmiles.blogspot.com/

Exception to the rule...

I've mentioned it before, but I'll say it again: It's hard not having the Internet at home. We've discovered it to be a luxury and not a necessity at home. It's wise for the budget but in all reality, I think it's crap! So, to use the Internet, I have to go to the Twin Falls Public Library where there are 20 computers for public use. Because I live in the Twin Falls city limits, it's free. Sweet!

Happily I signed up for my very own Library Card so I could have access to a computer. I immediately asked to "check out" a computer. The attendant took my card, scanned it, gave me a computer #3, and told me I had an hour. At the end of my hour, they would give me back my library card.

"AN HOUR??? " I asked in dismay.

"Yes, an hour. You are limited to one hour of computer time a day."

"ONE HOUR, PER DAY??" That's weird. Honestly, I wasn't so sure I could honor this absurd rule. Besides, there are 20 computers and only about 3 of them were currently being used.

A day later, I told Ian about this "hour" rule. Then I joked, "What are they going to do, tap me on my shoulder when my hour is up and kick me off?" We laughed because, seriously, would they do that?

YES, THEY WOULD DO THAT!!

The next day, I went to the library, "checked out" a computer, handed over my card, they scanned it, and gave me computer #11. Yes, I was watching the clock, but I was sure this crazy "hour" rule didn't apply to me today since there were only 5 other people in the entire library. I think I was the only one even using the computers!

An hour and 20 minutes into my computer time, sure enough, I got a tap on my shoulder.

"You need to finish up. Your hour is long gone."

Taken by surprise, I looked at the attendant with a half grin, thinking he was only doing his job, but that he would let me finish my blog stalking, which perhaps would take at least another hour. He stood there...waiting for me to log off. Hmmm, I guess this rule does applies to me today. I'll have to try again tomorrow, I thought

A few days later, I went to the library, handed over my card, they scanned it, and gave me computer #9. I made a conscious mental note to count how many computers were being used. I counted 3 others. So, as another conscious mental note, I told myself the "hour" rule definitely did NOT apply to me today!

1 hour and 30 minutes later - TAP! TAP! TAP! What the...

"Please finish up. Your hour is over."

"Hello - do you see a line of people needing to use this particular computer or any of the other available 16 computers? I'm a freaking city tax payer, I can use this computer as long as I want!" Don't worry, I only thought that, I actually didn't say it.

I took another 10 minutes to "finish up" and log off. I went up to the front desk to retrieve my card and was informed,

"Your card is currently put on "probation status" because of your lack of observance to the "hour" rule. If you go over one more time, your computer privileges will be taken away."

You know me, laughter comes easily. I almost laughed in her face. Well, actually, if you KNOW me, I almost cackled in her face. But luckily, I was able to refrain. I nodded politely, put my card in my purse and walked away. Seriously! Cant they see I'm a 33 year old, 9 month pregnant women! THE RULES DON'T APPLY TO ME!!!

I guess I'll just have to see if this "probation status" really effects me. I'm going to see if I can get up to an hour and 45 minutes tomorrow!

VACATION TIME

I'm just throwing this out there...
Ian and I have a TIMESHARE that will allow you to go just about anywhere in the world. We want to SHARE it with all of you. Lansing winter has been brutal this year and April's break is coming soon! (Good luck on finals, everyone!).

You could be spending your April break in Florida...or anywhere else for that matter? Or just when you are planning your next vacation, contact us and we will see what is available for you to use. You can use our timeshare.

Example: 7 days in Florida at the end of April for 4 people is $325 total. That's only about $82 per person to stay in a 5 star resort for 7 days. All 7 days!

Ian's parents visited us for a week and we stayed in a five star resort in Belaire Michigan for 3 days. We took a day trips to Mackinac Island, Traverse City, and enjoyed the Northern beauty of Michigan. (Personal opinion: Michigan is beautiful, Lansing is not.)

There are a few ways to use our timeshare. You can use "last minute vacations" and buy your vacation outright. Or you can use the "points" that are allocated under mine and Ian's account. (Points are associated with a dollar amount that is calculated based on your destination of choice.)

If you're interested, feel free to email me and I will help you search for your vacation. natalie.service@gmail.com

Or check out some destinations at RCI.com, and click on the RESORT DIRECTORY across the top.

I've been dreaming of the beach in Mexico lately...but I might be mistaken as a beached whale in my current condition!

THE COUNTDOWN HAS BEGUN!!

THREE WEEKS AND COUNTING!!
For those of you who were otherwise offended or grossed out by my previously posted "bare belly" picture, I have this completely covered picture of my 37 week belly.

And for those of you who didn't mind...

I think I'm so funny!

TOP 6 REASONS I MISS HAVING THE INTERNET AT HOME:
1. Blog-stalking
2. Blog-stalking
3. Blog-stalking
4. Chatting
5. Checking the 10 day forecast
6. Blog-stalking

BACK TO LIFE, BACK TO REALITY!!

Ian finished the bar on Wednesday!!! He came back to the hotel room and said, "My brain hurts! I think I need a band-aid!" I'm not sure where he would put it but, like a good wife, I pretended to look for one any way.

Now that we are "back to life" I have reintroduced myself to him and filled him in on the fact that we are pregnant. (I think he had a hunch). But I think he was surprised to know we only have 5 weeks left until SHE arrives! "Back to reality!"
If any of you have seen Ian's baby pictures you will agree that our little girl is going to look JUST LIKE HER DADDY!! Look at those heavy, chubby cheeks!! Yup! That's Ian Jr. in there!

A Monday you don't look forward to!

What's wrong with Monday? Tuesday and Wednesday?

IAN TAKES THE IDAHO STATE BAR!!!!

Just a simple three day test that his life depends on.

That's all!

POOOOOOR IAN!!

We are not afraid to ask for all the well wishes, slaps on the rear, prayers, and cheers, you can offer this way. We will take anything we can get from anyone! Jasmine can even bark for Ian and I won't even try to kick her!

Ian's typical schedule:

5:55am - wake up cuz his bladder is full (that's what he told me)

7:00am - go to work to study.

9:00am - attend court to put the criminals back on the street (he's a public defender).

3:00pm - client meetings.

5:00 - 10:00pm - study for the bar.

Natalie's perspective: Studying for the BAR is easy!

Truthfully, I haven't been around much to really know.

Ian's perspective: Pregnancy is easy!

Truthfully, he hasn't been around much to really know. It's not his fault lest you point the finger and feel inclined to call him a dead beat gestational dad.

I think we figured out that Ian was definitely there for the beginning of our pregnancy...the very beginning. And after that, we've been together a total of about 9 weeks. And now he only has two more days before he takes the bar. See! EASY! And I only have 6 more weeks of being prego! SEE! EASY!!! Perspectives are a funny thing!

After Wednesday, our life together will start anew. I will reintroduce myself to him...I may even start brushing my teeth again for him.

WISH HIM WELL!!!!

SURPRISE BABY SHOWER and GRADUATION PARTY!!!

My AMAZING family put together a surprise 

BABY SHOWER and GRADUATION PARTY 

for us while we were in Arizona for the weekend! 

We were able to celebrate IAN and all of his hard work for the past seven years of school. Three of which are classified as "satisfyingly painful"!!! Now he just has the simple task of studing for the bar!!! Believe me, it's never too soon to start praying for success on the bar!

THANKS FOR THE PARTY!!!! 

We had a great time and appreciate (more than you'll know) all we recieved!!!

Only 10 more weeks to go!

She's a kicker...and I love it!

It makes me happy to think...

...of the reunion President Hinckley is having with his sweet Marjorie.
...of the people he gets to shake hands with, throw his arms around, and meet face to face.
...of the legacy he left for all of us to remember - and act upon.

I have always had a special place in my heart for President Hinckley. 

He is the one who performed the marriage sealing of my Mom and Dad 

in the Salt Lake Temple in 1968.

He is the one who signed my missionary card in 1995.

He personally called my Grandmother after my Grandfather McAllister died in 1997.

And when he publicly announced his love for his wife Marjorie in conference in 2004 just days before her death, my husband grabbed my hand and looked at me with tears in his eyes. And at that moment I FELT the love my husband has for me. 

I will never forget!

Feeling Thankful!

I set one New Years Resolution this year.   It went something like this: Become a better friend by nourishing the friendships I already have.

It's still January and I feel I've been taught a great lesson from those of you I gratefully and gladly call my friends.  Your examples have taught me how to be a better friend, a real friend.  It was me who wanted to do the nourishing, but in turn, it was you who nourished me.

Brittni S. has a quote on her blog that says, "Tell me your friends and I'll tell you who you are".  I have to say THANK YOU to my friends who have helped me become a better person, to my friends who have shown expressions of kindness not only to me but my family members.   Your words, your actions, your spirits have helped lift mine and my families, and for that I feel so blessed.  

My NEW New Years Resolution now goes something like this: Become the friend that my friends are to me.  THANK YOU FOR YOUR EXAMPLES!

HANG'N with HANNAH

UNCLE IAN AND HANNAH just haning out, watching the game. Hannah is a way better sport than I am. She will actually watch Sports Center with her Dad and Ian.

AUNT NAT AND HANNAH getting ready for her "big day" in front of the adoption judge. Hannah loves to find my fingers to help her stand up. But even more that that, she loves to use my fingers to WALK. She loves to walk and knows exactly where she wants to go - anywhere the Mattie and Monty, the dogs, run to.

And... I got a hair cut. I really hate to brag about myself but let's be honest, I am one hot sexy momma!
(come one, every pregnant woman needs a pick-me-up every once in a while - even if the complement comes from herself)

Baby Bellys

I am due the first part in April with a little baby girl.

My sister, Lindsay, is due the end of April with a little baby boy!

Christmas in Arizona with Keith and Lindsay

I'll be honest, I love a 60 degree Christmas!!!

So....

We are having a.........

6 months preggy

I'm spending the Holidays in Arizona with my sister's famliy, Lindsay, Keith, and Hannah. 

Hannah can't stop staring at my growing belly in hopes for a little GIRL cousin...

or a little BOY cousin.

Who knows!

That appointment is on Thursday. 

STAY TUNED!

As of 5:00 today

IAN N. SERVICE

will be a

LAW SCHOOL GRADUATE!

Ring out wild bells!

Let us sing praises!

God Bless America!

Yippie-Ki-A!

Sweet Sassy Molassy!

Holy Crap!

HE DID IT!!

Same story. Different family.

http://nataliekidd.blogspot.com/

I have been completely entertained by the recent stories of this new generation of defunct Tooth Fairies. While blogstocking, I came across this one. I thought all you other "forgetful fairies" would appreciate it.

You deserve a raise!!

I love having a Personal Assistant!

All I have to do is tell her my likes and dislikes, and she finds exactly what I want! Seriously, I think I'm the new KIMORA, the new KARDASHIAN, the new KATHY GRIFFIN. Oh wait, she's not all that cool. Well, anyway - my P.A. set me up with this cool blog template because I'm totally retarded and can't do it myself!

THANKS P.A. B.J.!

Now, if she could just find me a job!

Summer Lovin'

It looks like there were more than just fireworks going off on the 4th of July!!

I wish someone would have warned me about

the dangerous side effect of a

FIBER ONE granola bar as a mid morning snack,

and TACO BELL for lunch!!

Consider yourselves warned!

Seriously, what's wrong with me?

Every time I brush my teeth,

I almost throw up!!!

Seriously, what's wrong with me?

Every time I brush my teeth,

I almost throw up!!!

So, before reaching our final destination of Boise, we stopped in Chubbuck to stay with my brother ADAM and his family. Adam and Jenny have three cute kids and a new cute house. We went to church with them on Sunday even though it's our family tradition to try to avoid such things while on vacation.

I ate a nice healthy breakfast that morning, put on my Sunday best, and made it through the first meeting. I volunteered to take care of Kimball, Adams newest, during Sunday School hour, and of course, it would be best to take care of him in the hallway. So, while sitting on the floral foyer couch with Kimball I suddenly became very hungry. I looked through Kimball's diaper bag hoping to happen upon some crackers or cheerios or something of the like. I found an empty ziplock bag just as my sudden hunger turned into ravaging hunger!!!! With wide eyes I looked up at Ian and said, "You gotta find me some snacks, NOW! I'm starving!"

Ian chuckled, thinking I was just being my normal bossy self.

With daggers in my eyes, I reiterated to Ian the urgency of my starvation! I strongly demanded he had better go rob the nursery of it's Nilla Waffers RIGHT NOW!! "Did you not hear me?!?!, NOW!!!"

Fearing for his life, Ian returned with 2 fruit snack bags, a box of raisins, and a cup full of animal crackers. And, in typical Ian style, he also grabbed equal portions for himself as well. MY HERO!!!

Before I could even get a THANK YOU out, I polished off the first bag of fruit snacks. I handed Kimball off to Ian to insure I didn't have to share one morsel with him. Moments later the entire meal provided by the nursery was devoured!

After feeling the relief of my nagging hunger, I layed my head on the arm of the floral foyer sofa. I cannot confirm or deny what happened for the next 30 minutes...BECAUSE I WAS ASLEEP!!!

Yes, I fell asleep on the couch at the church while the next ward was filing in to start their meeting. I'm not sure how many people saw me...sleeping...with my mouth gapping open...drooling...in a skirt...sitting like a Trucker...but I'm sure both Ian and Adam were so proud!

Let sleeping dogs...alone

PICTURES TO COME LATER.

(OR MAYBE NEVER)

At least one of the two will happen!

We successfully made it to Utah for Grandpa Services funeral after some wonderful friends helped us pack up our house that wasn't ready. YES, we ended up being "one of those people". We owe a HUGE THANK YOU to those who helped us...all day long...all sweaty day long...all gross and humiditily sweaty day long! That's right - THANK YOU!



It took three days to get to Utah - pulling our trailer. It felt like 30 days. In fact, on the third day of driving, Ian FIRED me as his co-pilot! I'll admit, I was complaining. I woke up from my 4th nap of the day in the passenger seat and said, in my famously whinny voice, "Why? Why is this taking so long?? How come we're not there yet?!?!?" He told me I was welcome to get out and walk but that he was going to keep on driving.



Luckly, we had a great break in Colorado! We were able to spend the night in Longmont Colorado with our favorite family in the world - The Robinsons! It was awesome to visit with them even though it was for just one night! I can't believe Luke, Isaac and Audry are growing up without us! I've gotta find a way to move to Colorado!



Utah was fun. Lot's of family. Lot's of soda. Those Services are never without their fix of soda. Someone caught me drinking water and I swear I almost got kicked out of the family. We had a GREAT visited with Coby, Tiffany, Corbin and new baby Jackson. I'm sure more was happening in Utah for the two weeks we spent there, but once again...I was napping most of the time.

Finally on our way to Boise, we stopped in Pocatello so Ian and I could run a 1/2 marathon. Well, we both signed up for it, but only Ian ran it. I was busy napping! In fact, my nap was so long, I actually didn't show up to see him cross the finish line. Oops! However, Lance, Bettie, and Calista were there to cheer for him as he crossed the line! I think that kicks me out of the running for Supportive Wife of the Year for 2007. Oh well.

HOWDY

HOWDY

HOWDY

A Blessed Life!

We are so lucky! Ian and I have the best friends in the world! Before Ian and I even met, we both surrounded ourselves with AMAZING PEOPLE. Friends for life. And now our seven years together has brought another round of GREAT FRIENDS! Seriously, we are so lucky!

Good thing too...because we need help loading our moving truck!!!

By noon on Wednesday, we would be driving away from our little home in Lansing, Michigan.
Destination: Idaho, the Gem State.
State flower: the saringa. FYI

I've been preparing and packing for months now, only to find out it was all in my head. I was only "mentally" preparing and packing. As I look around, I wonder why all the things I've "packed up" are not all taped up in their "boxes" I put them in months ago? Seriously, where is the Fairy Godmother, or Samantha Stephens when I need them? I'll even take a Rumpelstiltskin of sorts at this point!

To be honest, we've had a rough go of it this past week. And that's one big reason we are so thankful for our friendships...and for our FAMILIES! Just as Ian was preparing for finals, his last final of his law school career, I decided I needed some attention and scheduled myself for some emergency surgery. My recovery time has lasted a bit longer than expected which has left Ian to take over my job of cleaning and packing up the entire house...and we all know how far I got on that!

In the last week, Ian has studied as much as he could for his final, sold a bunch of our belongs at an all-day yard sale, waited for me while I had surgery, took his 3 hour final, nursed his loving wife back to health, passed up a (few) game(s) of golf with his buddies, packed up the house, cleaned the house, found renters for the house, and by 4 o'clock today...found out his Grandpa Service passed away.

We cried. We are both so mentally and emotionally exhausted!

We were originally going to leave Lansing on Thursday, and take about 10 days to cross the country. However, we need to get to Utah by Friday night so we can attend a funeral service for Grandpa Service on Saturday. So let me tell you, our friends have already really come in handy!!! Kim, Craig, and Addy helped us pack up today, and tomorrow the gang will be here to load up our moving truck!! We are so lucky to have the friends and family we do. Honestly, there is no way we could accomplish this move without them. Lansing has provided us with some incredible friendships! All three years worth!!

But most especially, my life is so blessed because my sweet husband is both my family and my friend!

I had a proud wife moment

I would like to start out by saying that if ever there is a "discussion" amongst the both of us, I always have the better argument (mostly because I never allow him to present his side) but I want to make it clear that I always win. It's my roll as Wife in this family. With that being said...

I am proud to announce my sweet husband IAN is
one of the TOP 10 ADVOCATES in his Trail Skills class of 100 students and 3 different campuses! That means he's got some mad arguing skills! I was able to attend the semi-finals and watch him in action! He is good I tell ya. Real good! Still not good enough to win at home...
but good enough to be one of the TOP 10 !!
Congratulations Sweetie! I'm so proud of you!

Happy Birthday Stella

Diva! Princess! Comedian!
Stella is 3!

Moving Sale!!!

We sold our couch. I dont' even think we've had it for a full year. It's real cute and all...but...uncomfortable as heck! Seriously, I don't think anyone was ever caught Jana Pecking it! That's how bad it was! I'm happy to see it go. So...ADIODS COUCH!

Part-time Job on the Side

My Husband, Ian!
The Neighborhood Hero!While doing yard work last night, we noticed some kids trying to carry their broken scooter home. Ian went over to have a look and invited them over to our driveway for a quick fix. Soon, Ian had a line-up of neighborhood toys to repair!

Who wants to buy my house??

http://www.visualtour.com/show.asp?T=1141447

Good! I'm not the only one!

http://thebindrups.blogspot.com

"Hey Jeanetty, what are you going to do with that gas can and box of matches?" - - Marc

This might not be the same way Extreme Makeover: Home Edition demolishes an old house, but this is the way a few rednecks from Weiser do it! Dump the gas, throw the match, raw hide! Light'em up, burn'em down, raw hide!

Now, lets see what Extreme Makeover: Anderson Edition can do with this plot of land!!!

STAY TUNED!

This episode brought to you by Kings! (Not Sears. Kings!)

RIVERDOCK ROAD, WEISER IDAHO

LITTLE YELLOW HOUSE

THE PLACE WHERE MY PARENTS:
brought me home from the hospital. Where my parents planted a garden and raised their kids. Seven kids. The place where my parents disciplined me, taught me, and loved me.

THE PLACE WHERE I LEARNED TO:
say my prayers, say please and thank you, and how to fart with my armpit. Where I learned to do back flips on the tramp and kart wheels on the lawn. Where I learned to work hard...when Dad was looking. Where I learned you cant stand still for a long time around an ant pile. The place where I was supposed to learn to play the piano but was way too stubborn to practice.

THE PLACE I PLAYED:
kick the can, Wonder Twins, Freeze Tag. Where I played multiple ZQXF Update News Anchors. Where I played in cardboard boxes for hours! Where I played with blocks and barbies, and rode bikes on the boards in the onion shed.

THE PLACE IT TRIED TO:
dig to China, to get away with rolling my eyes at my mother, and tried to make mud pies out of real cow pies. The place where I tried to become an entrepreneur by inventing my own chocolate drink named "fordamill". Where I tried to tell my mom, "please, no! Not another perm!" and she gave me another one anyway.

Lindsay, Adam, Jeff, Miles, Me

My last visit to the Little Yellow House with my siblings.
August 2005

It's gone. The LITTLE YELLOW HOUSE is gone.

But that little house has given me many memories.
Memories I'll hold forever.

Actually, those memories will be gone with my encroaching old age and for the fact I'm going senile. It's inherited...but I'm not sure from which side!

Gone. Gone. Gone.

Lil' baby Maya Pousson

Me & Maya

Ian & Maya

Our good friends, Dan and Janee Pousson are the proud parents of little baby Maya. Back in May, we had a siese de mayo party in the park with our friends. Dan and Janee walked to the park from their house, which was just over 2 miles round trip. The next day Janee went to the hospital, and in the early early morning of May 8th, little MAYA was born. And two days later...Janee was right back to her little tiny hottie body! Seriously, I think she weights as much as my left leg...from the knee down. It's fun to watch Dan and Janee enjoy parenthood! They are both awesome parents! Maya is very lucky!

Under a bushel

Schroeder & Service
Custom Window Treatment Specialists

Who knew Brittni and I had such great
creativity, style, and talent?!?!
Ok, well, we all know Brittni already had it!
(Obviously, I am very proud of our final product)

GREAT NEWS!

I'm an AUNT...again!

(click on Steve and Sage on the right)

First Kimball

Then Hannah

and now MAYA!

Well, it's about time!!!

MILES and TOM updated!
Let us all rejoice!!!