Brandon, Elise, Andrew, Maddex and Dane

Finally An Update!!

2012-01-14T16:56:00.000-08:00

I really wish I were better at blogging...but obviously not enough to do something about it!
Here is a quick update on my family:
Andy is loving Kindergarten! He loves books and he loves to be challenged.
Maddex loves preschool and thinks all the little girls in his class are cute!
Both boys have taken a growth spurt! Pants that fit them at the first of the school year are now floody! Both boys received nintedo 3DS system for christmas. Seriously, I don't know what Santa was thinking!
Dane is full of it! This kid has strong emotions! He laughs his head off when he's happy, makes his super sad face when he's sad. Loves to have fun! Is talking like crazy, new words every day! I seriously can't look at him without smiling. He has Brandon and I wrapped aroung his little finger!
Brandon had his ACL replaced in October. He is feeling better but the doc said it will take about a year for it to feel normal again. Having him home has been wonderful! I've been so spoiled! He helps out with the kids so much. He will most likely be returning to work the first of Februrary. It will be a hard adjustment for me and the kids. We've had so much family time it's been so awesome to spent this much time together, I'm sad for it to come to an end.

Right before they rolled him into surgery. Does he look a little nervous?

I know Halloween was a long time ago, but I couldn't not post my kids in their costumes.

Something you NEVER Thought You'd See!!!!!

2011-09-17T12:32:00.000-07:00

ME AS A BRUNETTE!!!! Don't get to use to this. My hair is going into hybernation this winter, taking a break from bleach to restore health, but by next spring, I will be a blonde again....if I can wait that long

Bailey News

2011-09-11T11:19:00.000-07:00

Update on Andy: He started KINDERGARTEN a couple weeks ago! It was so hard for me that first day, but after seeing how much he enjoys it, it makes it easier letting him grow up. He loves learning, reading, riding his bike, watching Boston Redsox games, playing "mario brothers", playing with his brothers, fourwheeling, camping, fishing, and basically anything to do with going in the mountains. He is so smart, he always catches me off gaurd, correcting me and surprising me with how observant he is. He is EXTREMELY observant. Seriously, you can't put anything past this kid! He loves to laugh and have fun. He is my "ray of sunshine".

Update on Maddex: He started his second year of preschool this past week. It has been really hard for him previous weeks watching Andy come to and from school, when he wanted to go to school so bad. He was estatic his first day. I was worried he would have a hard time without Andy there, but he did just fine. He LOVES playing the Wii, going in the mountains, doing absolutely anything with his dad, tormenting his baby brother, making people laugh, playing in the yard, bugs, and getting dirty! He is a very sweet spirited little boy.

Update on Dane: Just when I think his personality couldn't get any bigger, it grows. He is a full of energy, happy 15 month old. When I'm having a off day, this kid's smile completely turns it around. He loves playing with balls. Throwing balls, chasing balls, kicking balls, catching balls. He is also at a tough age, pulling EVERYTHING out, and scattering. Keeping my house picked up is near impossible. He loves going "bye bye", the outside, animals, and his "Da Da".

Brandon and I are doing well. Though it's been kind of a sad, softball-free summer. He misses playing, and I miss watching. His knee has improved since the accident, but he will be undergoing surgery to replace his ACL at the first of November. So I'm sure we will have a lot of card games to play together, and Redsox games to watch!

Well, I guess thats about it for now. Hope everyone is doing well!

Lots of changes!

2011-07-12T11:36:00.000-07:00

So lots has happened since my last post. This is Brandon's leg in a hardcast from thigh to ankle. I'll get to that story momentarily.

Things I've missed blogging about:

*Maddex turned 4 yrs in Februrary. He loves being a big brother and loves being "in charge" of Dane.

* Brandon and I celebrated our 7th anniversary in April.(wow!)

*Brandon turned the big 30 April 5th. Ironically, he aquired a cane on the day of his birthday. He was involved in an accident at work. I received "the phone call", the thing I dread most, being the wife of a coalminer, early in the morning. He was struck by a miner cable. Don't feel bad if you don't know what that is. (I didn't know either) It's basically the same thing as a normal power cord, except about 6 inches in diameter. I'm so lucky I'm not a widow. Lucky that he took the hit in the knee and not the face. It "exploded" his MCL, partially tore his ACL and caused excessive bone bruising and internal bleeding. He Just returned to work this week and has come a long way as far as healing, but still has a long way to go.

His cake.

Dane is the funnest baby EVER. This picture was taken today. As you can see he is growing up fast. He celebrated his 1st birthday in May and is now walking all over the place. He has brought more joy to this family than I ever thought possible. He completes our family. I'm so sad that he is growing up too fast!

Andy and Maddex graduated preschool in May.

Andy and Maddex have been having lots of fun playing tee ball this year.

Andy will be starting kindergarten in the fall. He is soooo ready. He is so smart and loves to learn.

This post will have to do as a quicky update of our family! Hope everyone is doing well!

Family Pictures, 2010

2010-12-06T16:09:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I finally got these to upload! We got family pictures taken with my side of the family. Jammie Hansen took them and, not supriseingly, did a great job.
the grandkids

All of us

My Boys.

My AWESOME mom and dad.

Andy Turns FIVE!

2010-12-06T15:12:00.000-08:00

My first born had a birthday last week and is officially a FIVE YEAR OLD! Where time has gone, I really don't know.

I don't know why, but every year, Andy picks an un-popular theme for his birthday party, thus making it more work for me and more difficult to pull off. Super man party supplies are nowhere to be found in sanpete county! This superman doll you see next to his cake was once "Havoc", a popular wrestler, I believe, which came from the dollar store. He was naked, except for black panties and black boots. I painted his super man clothing on and made his cape and super glued it on! It turned out to be much funner than I had anticipated... Then I made this cake. Bought red, yellow and blue balloons, and WALLAH! A Super man party!

My SUPER 5 Yr. old!!
Had to get a pic of the cousins. Don't you just love the Bell dress Savanna is sporting?!

And this picture is just to make you smile.....you're smiling, aren't you!

Oh, and one more thing. We had family pictures taken, one of them being on the top of our blog. I really wanted to post them all, but for some reason I can't get them to upload on a post...or on facebook. It says it's uploading...for hours, but just doesn't do it. So if anyone has any idea what the problem could be, or has any idea how I could get it to work, I would really appreciate any advice!

When we lose our humanity......

2010-11-27T14:22:00.000-08:00

...........it's a sad thing.

12:00 midnight, walmart. Chaos is exploding around me. Everywhere there's movment. I'm the only one standing still, trying to obsorb what's happening, with eyes wide, mouth hanging open. I see people getting hit in the head, shoved to the ground, and still I stand, starring, absorbing.I can't help but think of a starving pride of lions, fighting over a carcuss. That's when I decide, there is no "good deal" or "great savings" that would be worth acting like a wild animal. I must escape, and somehow I do.

I have promised myself never to return. My humanity is far to precious to me....

Craft Fair

2010-11-11T09:52:00.001-08:00

I'm a little late at announcing this, but I'm selling my jewelry again this year at the Candy Cane Village boutique in Spring City at the city hall This Friday(the 12th) from 10:00-6:00 and Saturday from 10:00-5:00. I have a ton of stuff...a lot more than I was willing to spend hours taking pictures of and posting, but I have pictures up on facebook also. Lots of variety and AWESOME prices! It's a way cute craft fair too, so come and check it out!

Halloween & School Pictures 2010

2010-11-04T18:48:00.001-07:00

Preschool and Elk Hunt

2010-10-07T19:15:00.000-07:00

I'm a little behind, but here is Andy and Maddex on their first day of preschool, which was Sept. 8th. They both LOVE school. This is Maddex's first year. I asked him the other day if he liked the kids at school. His reply was "Nope. I just like Andy, he's my favorite."

I've been so nervous to send them to school together, cause even though they do play together and are with eachother 24/7, they still get in some pretty bad fights, and I didn't want them to give their teacher grief, but so far, she claims they haven't fought, and Andy loves helping Maddex with everything.

Brandon drew out for the big bull hunt this year and got a nice one. Unfortunately, though, he shot from quite a long distance and couldn't see that his one horn was broke off right above the second tine. It's big on one side though! Looks like we'll be having a lot of elk stake this winter.

Photo Shoot

2010-08-31T14:32:00.000-07:00

When Andy was a baby, Brandon and I took him to kiddie Candids and got a cute picture of him in a baseball outfit at 3 months of age. When Maddex was born, we decided to get a matching picture of him, also at 3 months of age. Well, of course I wanted a matching picture of Dane at three months, so my awesome sis-in-law, Tosha, took his picture to match my other boys. Thanks Tosh! They turned out darling! It's fun to see all three boys, side by side, to see all the similarities and differences.

ANDREW AT 3 Months

MADDEX AT 3 MONTHS
DANE AT 3 MONTHS

And of course Andy and Maddex had to get in on the action!

Growing Boys

2010-08-26T12:51:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd post some new pictures my mom took with her camera.

Here is little Dane. He's growing like a weed! It kinda makes me sad.

Since Dane is most likely our last, I am obsessed about enjoying every moment of him being a baby, cause they aren't babies for very long. I hold him probably more than I should. But I LOVE babies. Even in the middle of the night!

When I saw a picture my mom had taken in this particular chair, I had to post this picture taken in december of 2008 in the same chair. They are on opposite sides, but its fun to look at and see just how much they have changed in the last year and a half.

Maddex is getting so tall and looking so much older. He will deffinately be a heart braker with those beautiful brown eyes.

When these three get together....well, lets just say they never have a dull moment.

It's hard to get A picture of Maddex without his tongue sticking out. You have to take it without him knowing, the little stinker!

I had to post a picture of my darling little Nephew, Dakson. You seriously can't look at this kid and not have a smile come to your lips.

Andy and his little "Lady".

I have no idea what Maddex is trying to do here, but I think modeling may be in his future :)

Summer has flown by too quickly. It's so true that time goes by faster the older you get. so I'm feeling very old. In July I hit 25. The middle of my twenties. Didn't I just get my driver's liscense???? Could it be that I'm really a mother of three??? At the rate things are going, I'll be a grandma before I can blink my eyes.

Quick Pic!

2010-08-18T15:55:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Tosha, I can now post a pic from Danes blessing day, which was the fourth of July. This was taken by Kevin after the blessing at the luncheon. By the looks of things, do I look outnumbered? haha

Summer 2010-Lots of pictures!

2010-08-10T11:36:00.000-07:00

Lots has been going on since my last post. I'll try to remember everything, but I'm not making any promises;) First off, back in May, my sweet little Maddex took my memory card out of my camera and flushed it down the toilet. Then dropped my camera in the toilet. Let's just say it's good he's so dang cute, cause that's all that saved his life that day....

So, all these recent pics have been taken with our video camera, which doesn't have a flash so all the pics are pretty dull. But it will have to do until I can get me a new camera.

The first of June, Andy graduated from preschool. I took pictures but they are now floating somewhere in a sewer pond....

Towards the end of June, Brandon took Andrew and when to Colorado to a rockies/redsox game. My regret: They planned this trip when I was very pregnant, and I told Brandon I didn't want to go. I didn't want to go on vacation that soon after having the baby. Well, I missed one heck of a game! Our family are HUGE Redsox fans, so naturally, Brandon has taught Andy all the players. He has most of the team memorized by name, face, and position they play. Andy had all the people aroung him at the game laughing with his cheering and shocking redsox knowlege from a four year old! They went into extra innings and the Sox ended up winning the game. I'm so sad I missed it.

Here is Andy at the Colorado airport. Behind him is the little plane they flew on.

Andy's first plane ride. He beat his momma! Yes, sadly I've still never been on an airplane:(
Adrien Beltre and Big Poppy having conversation before the game.

Dustin Pedroia. He hit 3 homeruns in this one game. He's one heck of a baseball player!

Kevin Youkollis.
Jason Veritek. Brandon snuck Andy down to the sox duggout just as Veritek came out and he turn around and waved & smiled at Andy. Brandon was then escorted back to his seat by security. (he he)

Papelbon doing his signature pucker.

During Brandon's two week vacation we went camping up Spring City canyon with my family. We attempted a steep hike to the falls. Not a good hike for small children!

Maddex, Andy & Savanna

Also during Brandon's vacation we took the boys to the zoo, to the swimming pool, and on a few date nights. Nothing too big but it was so nice to be together for two weeks straight.

Our little Dane is now 3 months old! He is so dang cute and a super good baby! So happy and smiley all the time. The crazy thing is, he's been smiling at us ever since he was only 5 weeks old. So crazy! His last check-up was at 2 1/2months. He weighed in at 12 lbs even, the 52 percentile. His blessing was on July 4th and Brandon did an excellent job.

Brandon with his third baby boy. I think they look a lot alike.
Me with my liitle man. Love being a mom!

Our middle boy. Maddex is changing so much. He's caught up to Andy in height but not weight. He's our lurpy boy! He's so sweet and loving, but tempermental sometimes. I now know what people mean saying it's hard to be the middle child. Andy's had tee ball and pre-school to keep him busy and everyone's always fussing over the baby, and then there's Maddex. I try so hard to give him extra attention cause I know he's felt left out. But the good news is he'll be starting preschool next month so he will have more to do than flush my memory card down the toilet;)
Andy LOVES holding Dane. He's very protective and has lots of love for him.

Here's Andy's Tee-Ball team. Brandon was the coach, so they where the Boston Redsox of course!

Here are a couple of pics of me and Brandon on one of our nights out. I have to hand it to Brandon. It isn't easy having three kids under the age of four, and he has helped out so much. He seriously has more patience than I do and I could not do this without him. I love him more today than I ever have. Watching him be a good father, and being my best friend. I'm thankful we have eachothers' backs.

In July I started waking up in the night with horrible pains in my abdomen and chest, until one night I had an attack so intense I thought I must be having a heart attack. I couldn't breath and it felt like my chest was being crushed. Brandon working graveyard shift, I was affraid I would die leaving my kids alone for hours, so I crawled to the phone and called my mom at 3 in the morning telling her i needed her to come stay with the kids. Ya, it was that bad. Worse pain than giving birth with an epidural that didn't work and forceps! The verdict: GALLSTONES. I had no idea that gallstones could be so painful. So on the 15th of July I had my gallbladder removed. I'm so thankful for the help of my family through it. Taking care of the boys and the baby so Brandon could be by my side. I now feel better but certain foods still give me pain. So hopefully this can be a start of healthier eating.

Well, I guess that's all for now. I'll try to be better at posting so my posts don't have to be so long.

Update on Dane

2010-06-08T08:22:00.000-07:00

So this time around, they had us do things a little differently than with our other boys. Instead of cercumsizing(i know i spelled that wrong) Dane at the hospital, they now have you make a separate appointment with the doc a few days later. So at five days old, Dane had his first check-up. And guess what, in his five short days of life, he had already gained a half a pound! From 7 lbs 8 oz to 8 lbs even! Whoa! Now, he just had his second checkup at 3 wks and five days, and is already a whopping 9 lbs 6 oz! He is getting so big and growing so fast! I wish I could slow time down a little. He also grew one and a fourth inch longer! He is already making goo sounds, already gave us a few "real" smiles, and is so alert. Andy and Maddex are loving him, and Dane seems to be loving them right back. I love looking at his face when Andy's talking to him, like he's filing it all away in his brain and hanging on every word. We are just loving this little guy!

PICTURES....

2010-06-06T22:03:00.001-07:00

We had Jammie Hansen take our boys' pictures and they turned out so cute! She did an amazing job! My kids are so gorgeous it hurts! Dane was only nine days old when they were taken.

Things don't always turn out the way you think they will.....

2010-05-22T10:39:00.001-07:00

......like when you think, well, my last labor went so quikly & smoothly, so this time it will go quicker and more smoothly. Or like, of course my grandma will make it to see my baby born! I mean, if she didn't, that would mean she would have to pass away within the next couple of weeks, and that's not possible. She can't die, she's a fighter.....

It's kind of ironic that I would be blogging about a birth and a funeral in the same post. Things don't always turn out the way you think they will. Life throws you curve balls at unexpected times. These past few weeks have been bitter sweet and filled with a whole variety of emotions. But we made it.

On the evening of April 29th, the day after my grandma's funeral, I went into labor. After about eight hours of regular and painful contractions, I had not dialated so the doctor gave me some shots to stop labor and sent me home dialated to a four. UGH! For the next couple of weeks I was in "pre-labor". If you don't know what that is, it's more like real labor. Regular contractions that are more painful and intense than braxton hicks, but they just don't get the job done! On Monday, May 10th, my doctor decided to save me from my misery and sent me to the hospital to be induced. By eight o'clock tueday night, after HOURS OF PAINFUL CONTRACTIONS TWO MINUTES APART I HAD NOT DIALATED WHATSOEVER. The option: C-section. I asked my doc to let me go for another hour or two on the pitocin, desparate for some dialation. He agreed. My dad and Brandon gave me a blessing. 45 minutes later, I started to dialate. My doc had to leave town then. I would have to have a stranger deliver my baby. Luckily, that stranger was an amazing person, and at 1:32 a.m. on wednesday morning, May 12th, Dane was born, weighing in at 7 lbs 8 oz and 20 inches long.

We named him Dane, after the brother I never got to meet. A name that has always been sacred to me, and held a special place in my heart.

A big thanks to my mom, for giving me permission to use that name. And a big thanks to Brandon, for never leaving my side through this experience!

Maddex holding Dane for the first time.......

Ugh! I look horrid. But I guess thats what a long labor will do to ya. Having an I.V. in for three days can make one VERY swollen! ( you can also tell Brandon is in need of a nap as well :)

Andy giving his brother love.

DANE ROGER BAILEY :)

Just home from the hospital.
Our three boys. Andy doesn't look too thrilled in this pic, but he's actually the one that is the most crazy over baby Dane. He always want to hold him and give him hugs and kisses. Maddex has to be in a certain mood. Sometimes he just loves the baby, while other times he gets a little jealous, and pretends he's not there. It may take some getting use to.

Cryin' baby=sleepy daddy. (and mommy too)

Dane has been such a blessing! He is such a good and sweet baby, and we are SO IN LOVE. I feel so blessed that things worked out the way they did, even if it's not how I thought it would. It's good the decisions are in gods hands and not ours, or we wouldn't have trials to learn from and to grow stronger from. I know my grandma is watching over us and loving this little guy as much as we are.

My boys the morning of the funeral.

So much more than a loving memory....

2010-04-23T15:32:00.000-07:00

For those of you that know me very well, know that I grew up in a sort of haven. A child's paradise. Living in two very large yards, separated by a flowing creek, and more trees and flowers found in any other Spring city yard. My great grandma & grandpa of course lived in the larger yard, in one of Spring City's largest & most beautiful historic rock houses. My parents owned the other yard. If you could count the times I've crossed that bridge that separates the two, the number would be next to an infinate amount.

When my mother was only four yrs. old, her sister, three, and her brother, one, their mother passed away at a young age of cancer. My mom's father's parents took my mother and her sister in & raised them as their own, just after being empty-nesters from raising their three own children.

My great grandpa was an incredible man, with a yearning of knowlege and learning, which he did, always. Wether it be reading, listening to classical music, or babying his beautiful rose gardens, he was always busy, making more than good use out of his time. When I was in the eighth grade, he passed away of mesothelioma. It was such a hard time.

Now, my great grandmother has passed away. A woman who was a mother to my mom. Who spent everyday of my childhood life with me. She was my second mother. I think it's safe to say I spent more time at her house than I did my own. She was a woman who went above and beyond the calling of a grandmother. She was a mother to everyone in her family. I don't think I've ever met a grandma who was closer to her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. I'm so thankful for the opportunity my boys had to be able to know her. Their great-great grandma. Their "little grandma". It's always been so hard for me to imagine life without my grandma. The lively, spunky 88 yr. old lady who I surely thought would outlive us all.

I feel so lost. When I go home, I won't be able to cross that bridge and find my gandma. Of course I can cross that bridge, walk into the yard and around the house, but she won't be there. Nothing will hold me there. The fire's gone. My chilodhood is gone. I don't have that home to go to anymore. It's all too much to comprehend now. It will take much time to mend my heart. A huge chunk of my life is lost.

But how thankful I am to have the knowledge I do about gospel, god's plan and the after-life. I know my grandma is with grandpa now. Surrounded by a loving family. And I can't even imagine, how much my mom's mother must be thanking her right now. And to think that she is with my brother Dane. I'm almost jealous when I think of the people she gets to spend her time with now.

Grandma, if you even knew the impact you've had on your family. How proud you must feel. You will be in my heart every minute of every day. It will be so hard for me to let go. I haven't simply lost a grandma. You've been so much more than that to me. May you be wrapped in the love of our heavenly father. I will be anxiously awaiting the day when we will meet again. I know how you so wanted to live to see my third son. Well, you'll get your chance. Maybe you'll get to before me even. I love you grandma. I'll miss you, more than I could ever tell.

Eva Mae Downard Pedersen. May 21st, 1921-April 23rd, 2010.

Catching up....lots of new posts!

2010-04-14T12:25:00.000-07:00

The baby's room: I finally got around to getting the baby room put together. Painted the walls, put up the new crib & dresser. My mom made the crib skirt and window valance. With my other boys, I did everything sports. This time I wanted to do something different, so I went with airplanes, hellicopters, cars, trucks & tracters!!
I made these wall hangings with a bunch of scrap paper, two-dollar frames & ribbon. Very inexpensive, and they turned out pretty cute. If you look at the pictures and compare it to the bedding, you'll see I copied the design.And here is something I never thought I would do...take pics of myself at 36 weeks pregnant!! So far during this pregnancy, I've avoided cameras at all costs. Seeing my pregnant body is not pleasant for me, but I started feeling guilty. You see, I have pictures of my belly during my last two pregnancies, and I started feeling bad that this new little guy wouldn't be able to see me pregnant with him. (my boys love the pics I can show them with "them" in my belly) And since I am horrible at keeping a journal, this blog is sort of it. So, whether I like it or not, I've gotta put this "history" on here. As you can see, I don't think I could get much bigger! I'm getting really anxious to meet this baby boy!!! And so are his big brothers!

Easter 2010

2010-04-14T11:06:00.001-07:00

Easter this year was extra exciting for my boys. My mom had her annual easter egg hunt. My in-laws had their easter egg hunt. But the most exciting thing....Aunt Tosh & Uncle Kevin surprised the boys with BUNNIES!!! Andy named his Youkollis.(you know your husband is a big redsox fan when he has taught his 4 yr. old the team player's names) and Maddex named his bunnie "Spuddie". They've had too much fun with these cute little bunnies!

Vegas Trip

2010-04-14T10:27:00.001-07:00

A few weeks back, Brandon had a softball tournament with Thunder Bay in Vegas. The fields they played on were so AWESOME. Called the "Big League Dreams" fields. Every field is the exact replica of the major league fields. They had stadium seating and everything. Sadly, I was too busy chasing my boys everywhere to get pics of the fields, or Brandon playing, which I will regret forever, but Luckily, Tosha got lots of excellent pics and has posted them on the Thunder Bay team blog(thunderbaysoftball.blogspot.com) If you scroll down far enough, there are also some pretty cute pics of my kids. I did manage to take a pic of the boys at the entrance of the fields in front of the giant baseball.

Brandon was sad that they didn't ever get a chance to play on "Fenway Park" but he did get to play on "Yankee's Stadium". Maybe next year, Brandon. Thunder Bay ended up taking THIRD PLACE!!!

On our way home we stayed at Brandon's Aunt & uncles condo for a night & as you can see, the boys had SO MUCH FUN in the pool!! Awesome weather to escape to!

Happy Late 29th to Brandon!!

2010-04-14T09:58:00.001-07:00

On April 5th, Brandon had his 29th birthday!! We celebrated by leaving the kiddo's with grandparents the previous weekend and going up north for some husband/wife time! We went to Clash of the Titans, which by the way, surprised me. I have tried to watch the old one, which makes me just laugh. I honestly can't make it through it. But to my surprise, I actually enjoyed the new movie! We stayed the night in a suit.(the jacuzzi felt especially wonderful on my aching pregnant body) and we did a little shopping. Happy 29th, Brandon!!! Enjoy your last year in your twenties!!! Haha

Here is the gift I got Brandon: A new softball glove. I had a heck of a time finding this exact glove. I must say, it's the sexiest glove I've ever seen :)

It's Official...I Am A Horrible Blogger!!!

2010-03-10T08:14:00.000-08:00

I've been a total slacker when it comes to keeping up on my posts. I'd like to make it a goal to post more often, but to be honest, I don't think I actually will;)

On February 14th, we celebrated Maddex's 3rd birthday. This being a day I'll NEVER forget, I just want to tell the story. I'll shorten it....On the morning of Feb. 13th, 2007, one week before my due date, I began having contractions. It got my hopes up, I thought for sure THIS would be the day. As the day went on, the contractions became irregular, more spaced out, and eventually disapeared all together by evening. Disapointed and pessimistic, I sent Brandon to work(Graveyard shift) Assuring him over and over that I wouldn't go into labor. My mother, however, was not convinced. She insisted on staying over at our house, just in case, because she just "knew" I would go into labor in the night. So she bedded down on our livingroom couch. Andy(only a year old) fell to sleep quickly, as did I. At about 11:30, I awoke with some contractions, but forced myself back to sleep, telling myself that it was just braxton hicks. At 12:30, I awoke again and couldn't quite force myself back to sleep. I woke my mom up, told her it might just be gas pains, and that I would wait before calling a doctor, calling up to the mine to have Brandon sent home, etc. By 1:30 My contractions were only about ONE MINTUTE APART. My dad got off swing shift and made it over to my house about 2:00, after taking an Ambien(sleeping pill)My doctor was in Orem, and orem was to be the hospital where i would deliver. My mom stayed at our house with Andy, while my sleepy father drove me up to the hospital. I called up to the mine & had them deliver the message to Brandon. My contractions were a minute to only 30 seconds apart the whole ride up!! On the freeway, I had the horrible feeling to "bear down"! Oh for the love of Lyza, I feared if I stood up to get out of the truck, the baby might come out right then and there! Nurses got me settled in my room, checked how far dilated I was and I was dilated to a SIX! They gave me my epidural, which slowed down my contractions and the whole labor proccess a lot, so Brandon was able to make it for the birth. Maddex was born at 9:43a.m., valentines day, face up instead of face down. 7 lbs. 3 oz. 20 inches long. Black hair, dark eyes, and absolutly beautiful. The best valentines gift I could have ever recieved. Maddex, we LOVE you so much! You weren't planned. I cried when I got that positive pregnancy test, and sadly, they weren't tears of joy. But our heavenly father knew better. He knew we needed you, right then. He knew your brother needed you, and now I thank my lucky stars for our little unplanned "mistake". I wouldn't have it any other way.

Maddex LOVES Mickey Mouse. He insisted on a Mickey party. And what Maddex wan'ts, he gets! The flash on my camera wouldn't work for his party! GRRR! So this is the only pic I got of his Mickey party, and it's so dark.

My handsome valentines boy.

The Mickey Mouse cake I made for him, which he still talks about every day.

Catching up...Christmas '09

2010-01-24T17:05:00.000-08:00

So I've been slacking big time in the blogging department. So here are a few new posts. I've kept them short 'n sweet. We had a wonderful Christmas(considering the boys tipped over our christmas tree. Twice.). The boys were so fun this year, now that they're older.

Some very random pics of my boys.......

2010-01-24T16:53:00.000-08:00

Andy is full of it. Enough said.

Sledding

2010-01-24T16:20:00.000-08:00

Me, Brandon, Dev & Amy took the kids sledding a couple weeks ago. Very fun!

A little copying & pasting!!

2009-12-29T18:45:00.000-08:00

Some of you may or may not know my sister in law Amy. She's married to my brother Devin. She has an exraordinary talent. Writing. Putting her thoughts and feeling into words, beautifully on paper. Something I've Always struggled with, expressing my feelings, Pulling words from the jumbled mess in my mind, and having it in order & actually make sense.. If you're one that enjoys delightful, funny, heartfelt posts, I encourage you to visit her blog. It will keep you thoroghly entertained! She recently posted and I love what she wrote. It's truely how I feel too, and I'm sure how mos parents feel. So I just have to copy & post it on my blog to share with you. I just love it! Hope you don't mind, Amy!

All Worthwhile

I thought I knew what happiness was supposed to be; a sandy beach-front cabin, coconut drinks, no tan lines. A hefty savings account, an immaculate house surrounded by acres of perfectly manicured lawn. Vacations in Europe, walking sandal-footed across ancient cobblestone pathways in Tuscany, quietly absorbing a sinking sun while holding my sweetheart's hand. Maybe a cruise or three while we bask in the glow of our responsibility-free existence...
Then my first child arrived and I looked into her infant face and saw what was to be the remainder of my life...my new happiness; being a mother.
By the time my son came along, I had already realized the silly list of things that were supposed
to be the most happy in some one's life didn't hold a match light to the moments I had experienced or was bound to experience with my children.
Its the little things.
The big things.
The things that don't matter to anyone else.
The things that you will forever kick yourself for.
The things you don't ever want to forget.
Most often, it is just...things. Flickers of life that tattoo a part of your being into the eternities.
I know I'm never going to remember everything. I curse the human capacity to retain large amounts of information, especially when bits and pieces of my children's lives flit in and out of retention all day long.
Savanna said this...
Dakson did that...
Before long they'll be fiercely independent and I'll long for the days when my worst frustration was getting Daks to hold still long enough to get him diapered.
Its all just a series of moments, I suppose. Remembering what we can and enjoying what we're given.
I may not be in New Zealand free-falling with a parachute, but I know the feeling. I feel it a little more everyday as my babies grow into children and that gust of life hits me in the face with every sunrise.

Andy turns FOUR!!!

2009-11-30T08:26:00.000-08:00

Andy turns 4 today!! I can't believe how fast the time has gone! We had a little party for him last night & he was SPOILED!! Grandma & Grandpa Shepherd gave him a BYU uniform, complete with pads and helmet. Grandma & grandpa Bailey gave him new camo for hunting. He looks SO dang cute in them!!! Brandon & I gave him a new bike. And everyone else gave him cute stuff & spoiled him!! Thanks to everyone for coming & supporting our little guy!

And last, but certainly not least, Maddex is potty trained.(well, sort of) We made him a "potty chart" which works really well. Every time he went potty he got to put a sticker on the chart. He filled it up completely, so he got a surprise! The downfall: he will only go #1 in the potty and NOT # 2. Any suggestions on how to get him to go #2 ??? I would appreciate some advice!!!

IT"S A........

2009-11-19T06:56:00.000-08:00

BOY!!!!!!!!

Ok, no surprise there. We found out yesterday that we are indeed having another boy, as I had suspected. This pregnancy has been just like my previous ones. Horrible sickness & vomiting( who says "you don't experience morning sickness with boys"???!!!). Same food adversions and cravings.
As soon as the ultrasound tech pulled up the side view image of our little one, I spotted a little something sticking up! I said "It's a boy", and she said " you've seen this before, havent you!" Yes, I've seen it before!
We are so grateful for this opportunity heavenly father has given us, by sending us another sweet little spirit. Our house will be even more wild and crazy(if that is possible) and we are deffinately in for an adventure!
Anywho, we can't wait to meet him & see what he looks like! At least we know that we make em' cute!

Sneek Peek Craft Fair Jewelry

2009-11-11T16:49:00.000-08:00

Here are just a few pics of some of the jewelry I have made for the CandyCane Village boutique craft fair in Spring City this friday(10:00-6:00) and Saturday(10:00-5:00) These pics DO NOT do my jewelry justice. SO much more beautiful in person! As of now I have 60+necklaces made of all legths, colors, styles, etc. I have earrings, bracelets, baby bracelets, toddler bracelets & little girl bracelets. So if you are a jewelry lover, come take a look. It's located at Spring City hall. And even if you're not a jewelry lover, come anyway. There will be a wide range of fun stuff too see! Home decor, crafts and more, so come and have fun!

One more thing: AWESOME prices on my jewelry! NOTHING over $20!!! It's a steal!

HALLOWEEN 2009

2009-11-08T07:46:00.000-08:00

This year for halloween Andy was a "cowboy sheriff", Maddex was his favorite character "Mickey Mouse", Brandon was Satan & I was Satan's mistress(it's safe to say,we were a weird bunch). This was the first time I've ever dressed up as something evil, and I must admit, it was kinda fun to be the bad guy for once. We bought some freaky contacts. Brandon's were the freakiest. It took me a while before I could look at him for more than an instant of a second. We had our annual pumkin carving party at my parents house the night before halloween. On halloween, we took our kids trick or treating, and afterwards we went to a halloween party that Kev & Tosh threw. It was way fun. Sadly, I didn't take pics, but my sis-in-law Amy did, so if you would like to see some cool couples costumes, you can visit her & Dev's blog.

ummmm....................ya

2009-10-25T17:31:00.000-07:00

The craziest thing about it, this was actually planned.............ya, we are crazy.

I'm 11 weeks. Due the 17th of May. I've been quite sick with this one. Swine flu + morning sickness= pure hell. I wouldn't recommend trying it.

Bailey Update...

2009-10-19T15:56:00.000-07:00

I realize that I haven't been too great lately on updating the ol' blog, so I thought I'd better get it done.

These past couple months have been super busy! Here are a few things we've been up to:

Brandon: Softball, hunting, softball, hunting, softball...well, you get the jist! Oh, and of course working to support his family!

We've had fun spending time with each other in the mountains! Fall, being my fave season, has been very enjoyable & BEAUTIFUL, though the last couple weeks, I've missed it. We (the kids & I) had the unpleasant opportunity to experience the dreaded "swine flu". Yes, of course we would have to get it.....but the good news is that we lived and have almost fully recovered(after tamiflu & breathing treatments)

Andy: He has been thoroughly enjoying preschool, and LOVES learning! My smart & bright first-born will turn FOUR next month! He loves his younger brother, and watches over him. Oh, and he has also become a professional tattle-tell!

Maddex: What can I say about my baby..he's not a baby anymore. Infact, he is almost as tall as Andy. He has the cutest personality & he is SO LOVING! He can also talk your ear off!

Me: the usual...following my family around! I've been a total slacker on the jewelry making, but I've started to do more & I will have a jewelry booth set up at "The Candy Cane Village" craft fair in Spring City on Nov. 13th & 14th. So come take a look! I will post another reminder when It gets closer!

And here are the kids school pictures. I thought they turned out way cute. If you can't tell, Maddex is on the left and Andrew on the right!

Josie's Wedding

2009-09-13T07:17:00.000-07:00

My very good friend Josie(which also happens to be Brandon's cousin) got married in the Manti Temple this weekend. Brandon & I were able to attend the ceremony & it was amazing. It was such a good feeling & we are SO HAPPY for josie & her new husband Mark!!!

Here is the BEAUTIFUL bride with our roommate from snow college days, Tricia. Tricia caught the bouquet!

A few weeks ago, Josie asked me if I would make her wedding cake. I knew it would be a challenge, but I accepted. Her colors were Black & white & her flowers were calla lilies.(which made an absolutly beautiful and classy wedding by the way) I was so afraid I'd mess it up, and That would be unacceptable cause Josie deserves a pretty wedding cake. But, with a few prayers and much determination, it turned out quite well. So here it is...my first wedding cake:

First Day of Preschool

2009-09-04T21:48:00.000-07:00

Andy Started preschool this week! Yes, thats right, my baby boy is in school!!! I can't believe how fast time has gone! It doesn't seem that long ago that the nurse handed me this beautiful( though very beat-up looking) baby boy & said " Here, meet your son". He has brought so much joy to his family with his bright smile and outgoing personality, and we're so proud of him & love himSSO MUCH!! He loved his first day, even through the disappointment of preschool being held in a "regular house" with "no school bus".

Had to fit a few pics of my darling little Maddex in here too!! Next year, they'll both be in preschool!

8 THINGS TAG

2009-08-31T16:19:00.000-07:00

I haven't been very good at keeping the posts coming, so hopefully this will get things started again. Thanks Jenni!

8 Things I look forward to:

1. Fall (my favorite season)
2. vacation
3. Christmas
4. Maddex potty trained
5. Having a daughter(maybe someday?)
6. Not having to worry about getting pregnant
7.bedtime
8. remodeling

8 Things I did this weekend:

1 Went shopping
2 Girl's night!(buncos)
3. Watched brandon play ball
4. paintd my toe nails
5. loved on my boys
6. church
7. read books
8. held my CUTE nephew

8 Things I wish I could do:

1. Cook amazing dinners
2. Make poop disapear with a magic wand!
3. Get paid cash for being a mom!
4. Lose 30 lbs in one day
5. Silence stupid people
6. erase tatoos( just to clear things up, I don't have one)
7.buy Brandon a truck
8. afford a maid

8 shows I watch:

1. Everybody loves Raymond
2. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
3. Handy Manny
4. Special Agent Oso
5. Dora the explorer
6 Wonder Pets
7. Imagination movers
8. The Backyardegins

(yes, I am a loser)

8 Places I'd like to travel:

1. Alaska
2. Northern Cali
3. The east coast
4. Italy
5 Africa
6. Germany
7. Paris
8. the moon

8 Things I'm grateful for:

!. Andy
2. Maddex
3. Brandon
4. Gospel
5. Family & friends
6. good health
7. magic erasers
8. hairspray

8 people I tag: Tosha, Amy, Steph, Sarah, Sha, Kristi, Kellie, Julia

I need your help!

2009-08-24T16:31:00.000-07:00

So, this is kind of a random post, but I need help...with my hair. Those of you that know me know that I have long hair, and that I highlight it every 6-8 weeks.(just the roots) Well it is in WAY bad condition. It's been thinning, breaking etc, and is VERY dry. I also refuse to stop highlighting it...it's how I want it, so that's not an option. Cutting it off isn't an option either( though I am willing to take a few inches off). So, I guess what I need from you is suggestions on how I can help it get healthy, without going my natural color or chopping it all off.I use Aussie DEEEEP conditioner, and have realized that without it, it would probably all be broken off. Does anyone know of any miracle treatments, conditioners, oils, etc. that would really make a difference? I need to reverse this damaging procces before I end up bald!!! Please help by giving me suggestions if you can! Thanks.

My funny three year old...

2009-08-10T15:06:00.000-07:00

Andy has a bad habit of waiting last minute to go potty. When he's just about unable to hold it, he'll start dancing. Well, I was at my moms house today making jam, and we could tell Andy needed to pee. My mom said "Andy, you better hurry & go to the bathroom. Somebody's dancing." So Andy runs to the bathroom, comes back out & says" Grandma, there's nobody dancing in that bathroom!!"

OUR EXTREMELY BUSY JULY

2009-07-23T18:22:00.000-07:00

This month has been crazy busy! But before I get into

what we've been up to this month, I thought I'd post some pics of our house & yard. When we bought this house 3 yrs ago, we really didn't know quite what to do with the extra large, weed-infested flower beds. Knowing it would cost too much to fill with flowers & shrubs, we found a way to fill them, low cost. The front of our home, we planted pumpkins & squash. (the flowerbeds are MUCH larger than this pic shows!

We already have pumpkins growing like crazy....

This year I tried something new with the little flower bed by the driveway. I bought a box of wild flower seeds. I watered them like crazy, and for the longest time, they just looked like weeds. When they started blooming, I was over-joyed! So if anyone has a flower bed that they don't know what to do with, I highly recommend trying this wild flower mix. I think it gives a yard a nice "country cottage" look. I got them at walmart...

Brandon took 3 wks off work, starting the end of June. We went on two camping trips during that time. From june 29-July 2nd, Brandon and I took a mini vacation to Park City. It was so much fun & nice to get away without kids for a few days. Sadly, I forgot the camera :(

We had a wonderful 4th of July celebration with family. Again....I didn't take picures:(

We also went to a Bee's game. Grandpa Bailey bought Andy a Bee's hat & he got it signed by bumble.(the mascot) And, you guessed it. I yet again....forgot the camera:(

Brandon played in the Lamb Days mens softball tourny, and won the tournament!

We also went to the Ute Stampede. Brandon won these large, unattractive stuffed animals by making baskets...

We Celebrated my 24th Birthday on the 11th.

Brandon surprised me with this AWESOME gift!!!! It extends larger than the pic shows( leaf) and I have two more chairs coming.......it will be so great to have six chairs!! This table fits up to eight chairs.......I think I know what I'm going to ask for, for christmas;)

These pics are in my living room. My other table & chairs were still in my kitchen when these photos were taken.

The leaf..........

To celebrate my B-day, we went up the mountain & had bb-q turkey & dutch oven with my family.

CUTE baby Dakson..

my mom & her grand-kiddles(minus Dakson)

My dad & Dakson

Devin cookin turkey..

And there it is! JULY IN A NUT SHELL!

Camping & a cool discovery!

2009-06-26T10:55:00.000-07:00

Brandon is on his vacation, so we decided to go camping with the kids. We went up fairview canyon.

Here are pics of us on the drive up.....

My Gorgeous little boys.............
This is my "oh crap, what have I got myself into, camping with a two & three year old" look.

Just after we arrived at our beautiful & quite secluded camping spot, Maddex & I ventured off to find wood for a fire and discovered this sweet little guy about 30 yards from our tent. Maddex screams "OOOHHHH BAAAMMMBBIIEEEE, SOOOO CUUUUTE!! The sweet little guy let us get right up to him & I let the kids pet him with sticks(if human sent is on them, mama deer will reject them) We could tell he was only hours old. Baby deer are unsented so preditors are unable to find them. Mother deer leave them in bushes and take off for six to eight hours at a time, only returning to feed them, then leave again. Mama deer moved him during the night. He was gone in the morning. It was pretty cool, and I'm glad the kids were able to see a baby deer!
Andy's catch of the day.

My lovely catch...
The albino fish I caught. They've got RED EYES. Pretty cool.

Brandons trophy fish.......haha.
We found this tree up by fairview lakes. We carved it one month after we were married, over 5 years ago....crazy!!

The boys chillin in the tent....

Note to self: Bring foam pad next time.

Softball Tourny & the Zoo

2009-06-15T20:02:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was busy! Tosha had her company party at the zoo & got us tickets to go too! Thanks Tosh! It was way fun! Then Brandon & Kevin played with Thunder Bay on Saturday in West Jordan, so we just got a hotel room & stayed. Brandon & Kev played awesome. Grandma & Grandpa Bailey were there too, which was wonderful!(they help out so much with the kids)
Grandma & Grandpa Bailey, Maddex & Kelby. Kelby is my cousin Shandon's girlfriend Nicole's little girl. She is so dang cute. Her & Andy had fun together. My cousin Shandon & Brandon's cousin Landon both play with Thunder Bay too. Softball tournaments are almost like family reunions!

My hot hubby at the plate.

He hit it over the fence with this swing. He hit two homeruns in the first game!

Sadly, the tournament got rained out when there was only four teams left. But I think they would have gone all the way:)

Andy & Kelby...

Happy Maddex.

Brandon & Maddex on the carousel at the zoo.

My first born & I.

This is a total Brandon look. he definately looks a lot like his daddy.

The famous lion drinking fountain. If you think about it, it's pretty gross.....is the water suppose to represent the lion's saliva? Am I the only one who has thought of this...?

Andy got his face painted like a gorilla. So CUTE!!!

My cute boys...

HO, HO, HO...?

2009-06-06T12:51:00.000-07:00

I was going through a big bin of baby clothes, trying to find Andy & Maddex's blessing outfits to lend out, and of course, Andy & Maddex had to help. Andy was born the last day of November, so naturally I had bought him a tiny Santa outfit for Christmas time.(keep in mind this is a NEWBORN outfit) Well, Andy saw it and just HAD to put it on, even though I had told him over and over that it was TOO LITTLE and there was NO WAY he would be able to fit into it.( It barely fit him at only three weeks old) The next thing I know, I turn around and I'll be darned, he had squeezed it on!! If he wants to do something, there isn't ANYTHING that can stop him! That kid has more determination than any one person I've ever come accross!!

A change of plans...

2009-06-01T13:20:00.000-07:00

Concerning my jewelry... I have decided NOT to sell off my jewelry blog. At least for now. I have, however, put my jewelry for sale in "The Next Chapter", A cute craft & home decor store located on main street in Moroni. As of now, there are only six of my necklaces there. The store owner wanted to see how well they would sell before putting all my jewelry in there, so I wouldn't end up losing money. Hopefully it will sell well & I can have a whole bunch in there! I am also putting jewelry in Tosha's mom's(Teresa Larsen's) salon in Ft. Green. I will keep my jewelry blog though, so I can keep posting pic's of my jewelry. I have plans to find more stores in Sanpete to put my jewelry in. I will keep you posted!

A Small Business Attempt...

2009-05-05T12:47:00.000-07:00

A few years ago, I took up jewelry-making as a hobby. I've done a few craft fairs, but mostly just made jewelry for friends & family. Well, I've been thinking of doing this for a long time, and I've finally decided to do it. I've set up a blog for the selling of my jewelry. I haven't decided exactly how I'm going to go about the ordering/buying system, but in a few weeks when I have everything figured out, I will start putting pieces up for sale.I am not taking personal orders...my reasoning: I have the rare & wonderful opportunity to be a stay-at-home-mom. I enjoy making jewelry...but I enjoy spending time with my children more. I want to do jewelry making on my time, at my pace. And I know some people can be very specific about what they want, and I don't want to spend my days online, looking for that exact color, gemsone, etc. Another reason is, as styles change throughout the seasons, so do the beads & pendants...therefore, a lot of my necklaces are a one time offer. I may only be able to get certain beads for so long. So when I post Pictures of my jewelry, I will let you know how many I have available. When they are gone...they are gone. If a certain piece sells well, and the materials are still available to order, I will try to make more. The good thing about this though, is you can wear your jewelry knowing you most likely won't run into someone else with the same exact neclace on!! You'll have a one-of-a-kind piece on! I Very much enjoy making jewelry & making new creations! If anyone has any styles, colors, ideas, etc., that you think would sell well, let me know! I have just a few sneek peek pictures up on this new blog if you would like to check them out....jewelrybyelise.blogspot.com

Tending Days & Jumping Bean

2009-04-22T08:14:00.000-07:00

For the past year, I've been tending my friend's little girl a couple days out of the week. Her name is Lindsey Elise. (Yes, I like to believe she was named after me;) )Her mother works as a fourth grade teacher, and since the end of the school year is quicky inching it's way here, I thought I'd better take pictures of the kids together before it gets here.

Those of you that know our family well, know that Maddex is a jumper. I'm not talking little bounces, I mean he JUMPS HIGH! In this pic, he's not jumping from the tile, he's jumping from the carpet. Oh ya, he can get some air! At only 9 months old, he began this jumping fetish. Yes, he jumped long before he ever took his first steps. He would pull himself up on furniture and start jumping, until eventually he began letting go and making big jumps accross the room. He didn't even walk until he was nearly 14 months old. Why walk when you can jump to where you want to go & make it there in half the time? I keep thinking he's got to soon grow out of it, but at 2 years of age, he continues to jump. I think that's why he's such a skinny kid...that has to burn mega calories! Maddex, I hope you NEVER stop jumping. I have a feeling you'll be the #1 rebounder on the basketball team.....

Our Anniversary Getaway

2009-04-19T07:41:00.000-07:00

For our 5th Anniversary, Brandon surprised me with reservations to the Anniversary Inn in Salt Lake. We stayed in the Romeo & Juliet suite.....the same exact room we stayed in one of the nights on our honeymoon! The room was so beautiful, and it brought back memories.

Brandon had these GORGIOUS dozen roses delivered to our room....what a romantic!

I LOVED the Jacuzzi tub!!!

The bed is located on the balcony & you watch this big flatscreen while laying down & relaxing.

These pictures of us were taken just after we arrived. If I'm in a car for more than an hour, I look like I've been hit by a bus.....

I wanted to steal the bed set.....I LOVE red!!

In the morning, they bring breakfast to your room. I was a dork & forgot to take pictures of it, but it was delicious! It was a Giant ooowy goowy cinnimon roll, a huge ham & cheese croissant, and yogart parfeits! YUMMMM!

This was a much needed getaway & it was sooo fun to spend it down memory lane! Thanks Brandon!

***I will be setting my blog to private on Tuesday, the 21st. If you haven't left me your email, please hurry & do so!(I know there are still a few of you) If you don't feel comfortable leaving your email here, you can email it to me at brandonbailey5 at yahoo dot com. Thanks!

FIVE YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!!

2009-04-14T20:26:00.000-07:00

On the 17th, brandon & I will be celebrating our 5th wedding anniversary!!! The above picture is us on the eventful day.(obviously) The pictures below are us now:

Physical changes:

Elise: I pretty much still do my hair the same. I'm carrying extra, never lost pregnancy/baby weight. F.Y.I.: If your body image is important to you, wait more than six months after giving birth before becoming preggo again!! Ha Ha!

Brandon: He's just become more distinguished! (not fair!!)

Mental changes: The picture says it all! (Just kidding) ha ha

In the past five years we have learned so much, not just about eachother, but about life.

We've had 4 moves, 2 children. We've experienced happy times, sad times,good laughs, good crys, hardships, family deaths, and witnessed new lives being born into this world. We've learned how to become less selfish, and more understanding. We've learned how to put others before ourselves, and that sacrifices aren't always easy, but always worth it in the end. We've become closer than I ever thought possible. We've learned that perfection is not possible, but to always keep it our goal. As long as we're moving forward & not standing still, we are succeeding. I've experienced love so strong, that I never thought it could exist. I've learned that motherhood can be very hard, but so worth it. I know that this marriage has been blessed beyond belief, that we've been given extra help from a higher sorce. I thank my heavenly father every day for this beautiful family he has given me. Happy five years, Brandon! Thankyou for your love and friendship. I'm so happy to spend the rest of eternity with you! FIVE YEARS DOWN, FOREVER TO GO!!

JUST A REMINDER: I will be setting my blog to private next week, so if you would like to & haven't done so, please leave me your email address so I can add you to my invite list! ;)

We are NOT Patriots fans!!

2009-04-13T10:05:00.000-07:00

This is my fourth post of the day & I promise, it's my last. In previous posts, you may have noticed that my boys are wearing Tom Brady Patriots jerseys, and I just need to clearify that we are NOT Patriots fans! These were grandpa & grandma Bailey's easter gifts to the kids(grandpa Rog is a HUGE Patriots fan). I'm a Broncos fan, Brandon is a Raiders fan. Brandon says he would rather see our kids in Broncos jerseys....ya, that's how much he hates the Patriots!! But it just so happens that our boys look SO CUTE in these jerseys, so thats why they are wearing them. And I have to admit that I do like their colors!

Dorito faces

2009-04-13T09:27:00.001-07:00

My kids are dorito lovers. They were pigging out at my mom's, just before dinner......lets just say they didn't eat much of their dinner!

Easter Morning

2009-04-13T09:06:00.000-07:00

Holidays just get funner & funner, now that the kids are getting older! Andy has loved dressing up in his pirate costume lately, so the easter bunny brought him a new outfit...a police officer!!

.............they ate way too much candy...

Easter egg hunt

2009-04-13T08:33:00.001-07:00

My mom held her annual Easter egg hunt yesterday, and the kids had too much fun!

Even grandpa got in on the action!

Maddex is very intrigued by the creek that runs between my parents house & my great grandma's house.

Andy LOVES the swing set!

Thanks mom for the fun!!

Welcome Baby Dakson!!!

2009-04-09T13:16:00.000-07:00

My brother Devin & his wife Amy had their baby boy last night at 11:14 p.m. , weighing in at 6 lbs 8 oz. and 20 inches long! We went to see him this morning & he is SOOOO CUTE!!! They named him Dakson Blake Shepherd. Here's my mom holding her fourth grandchild.

Here's Savanna, a very proud big sister!

..........and the proud daddy.

SOOOOOOOOOOOOO CUTE & PRECIOUS!!!

My FIRST NEPHEW!!! Congrats Dev & Amy!!

GOING PRIVATE!!

2009-04-04T19:21:00.000-07:00

For the safety of my family, I have decided to set my blog to "private". PLEASE DO NOT BE SHY. If you view my blog regularly and would like to continue doing so, please leave me your email & I will add you to my list! I will only leave it open for a couple of weeks, so please don't procrastinate! I want everyone who likes to check out our blog to be invited!Thanks!!

Brandon's Early B-Day Present

2009-04-03T10:29:00.000-07:00

Brandon has been wanting a bowflex for sometime now, and I was lucky enough to find this one. I found it on KSL Classifieds. It's a "Bowflex Xtreme". The previous owner only used it a handful of times before moving into a new place & didn't have room to set it up again. It's like BRAND NEW!!! I got an $1800 dollar machine for only $500!! Brandon's parents, my parents and Kev & Tosh all went in on it. THANKS GUYS!! And thanks dad for helping me go pick it up! Brandon & I used it last night & boy are we SORE today!! We have turned one of our extra bedrooms into our excercise room. Now we just need to keep using it!!

Husband tag & Happy B-Day

2009-04-01T17:44:00.000-07:00

My rediculously good-looking husband turns 28 on the 5th! Brandon, how is it that you get better looking with age?(not that I mind or anything!)Happy Birthday! We love you!--Elise, Andy, and Maddex.

I've been tagged by Tosh to do a hubby tag, so I thought I'd just squish these two posts into one. They kinda fit together anyway!

1. Where did you meet your husband? Well, I kind of new who he was because I would go watch my brother play baseball & they played together, but I would say that we officially met on our first date! Brandon saw me in wheelers, and called me up!

2. How long did you date before you got married? 3 days shy of 2 years.

3.How long have you been married? 5 years on the 17th of April.

4.What does he do that surprises you? Well he always suprises me with random things like, "honey, get in the car, we're going to get a puppy!" He comes up with random things and has to do them.

5.What is your favorite feature of his? His big beautiful eyes & his sexy fat lips!

6.What is his best quality? He's friendly, outgoing, has a BIG heart & is a GREAT father. (ok, that was more than one!)

7.Does he have a nickname for you? Leesie or babe

8.What is his favorite food? Prime rib & crab

9.What is his favorite sport? BASEBALL!!!

10.When & where did you first kiss? 2nd date. My driveway.

11. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? Fishing, camping, & softball. (He plays, I watch!)

12. Do you have any children? Yes! Two boys!

13. Does he have any hidden talents? He can blow bubbles...from his mouth. yes you read that correctly. He is a human bubble blower. Real bubbles...it's something you just have to see.

14. How old is he? 28 in 3 days!

15. Who said "I love you" first? He did!

16. What is his favorite music? Rock

17. What do you most admire about him? He's just a truely GOOD PERSON with a GOOD HEART.

18. What is his favorite color? Black

19. Will he read this? Yes!!!

20. Who do you tag? Steph. (You've got to do it Steph!!)

Tie me up, tie me down....

2009-03-31T11:35:00.000-07:00

So I ran into Andy's primary teacher today and she told me a story about my son and what he did last Sunday... She said he was being very good, quiet & reverent, He was sitting right next to her, while she was holding another sunbeam child on her lap. Well, she was wearing one of those shirts that have string ties on the sleeves, and when she tried to stand up...well she couldn't. Yeah, Andy had tied her to her chair....what do I do with this kid....?

Good Daddy....

2009-03-25T19:39:00.001-07:00

So, my camera broke a while ago, and so Brandon bought me a new one....and I've gone a little picture crazy, following my family around and snapping pictures at them. Here is My AMAZING husband reading to Maddex...He is such a GREAT DAD, and I'm so thankful we have him. Every extra minute he has to spare, he is spending time with us, and I'm so grateful he has his priorities in order. So THANK YOU Brandon, for being you. Your BIG HEART and love for children is what drew me to you in the first place. (along with your good looks of course!:)) So, I'm not at all surprised you are the way you are with our kids.....I picked a GOOD ONE!!!

Tagged..letter A

2009-03-25T18:17:00.000-07:00

Tosha tagged me with the letter A. I have to list ten of my favorite things that start with the letter A.....

1. Andrew (my intelligent & funny 3 yr. old)
2. April ( the month Brandon & I were married)
3. Apostles ( the men who give us the greatest examples)
4. Anti-bacterial hand soap ( a mommy-must-have)
5. All in the Family ( the old TV show) (gotta love Archie Bunker!)
6. Automobiles (nice ones!)
7. American Idol
8. Alone time (what all mommies crave) ( alone time includes the hubby!)
9. After shave( Brandon's smells super sexy!!)
10. Aerobics (this is a love/hate relationship!)

Well, that wasn't too bad. I now have my chance to get back at you Trista--I give you the letter P, Kelli the letter M, and Lacey the letter X....just kidding...the letter R! ENJOY!!

I've Been Tagged...

2009-03-20T08:56:00.000-07:00

Ok. Here are the rules:
List 10 honest things about yourself--and make it interesting--even if you have
to dig deep. Then pass this tag onto 7 other bloggers.
Ok, here goes.

1. I've never been horse back riding.(unless you count the one minute pony ride at the state fair, you know the one were they walk around in a circle. I don't think that counts)
2. If I laugh too hard, cough too hard, sneeze too hard or jump on a trampoline, I WILL PEE MY PANTS. (thanks to giving birth with the help of forcepts, then giving birth AGAIN only 14 Months after that!)
3. I've never flown on an airplane. ( Hope this will change in the near fututre)
4. Growing up, you would very, VERY seldom hear any form of cuss word cross my lips...until I got a husband & children. (they have the tendancy to bring the worst, along with the best, out of you. ( Don't worry, it's not the worst swearwords out there, and it's only on occasion one slips through my mouth. I am working to overcome this bad habit!)
5. I am TERRIFIED OF CLOWNS OR ANY PERSON DRESSED UP TO WHERE YOU CANT SEE THEIR FACE. Take me to Disney land, and I'll be dodging the toon characters like they've got a chain saw in one hand & a machette in the other.
6. I always have a song in my head. ALWAYS. The current tune bouncing between my ears: "Hello" by Lionel Richie.
7. I can be EXTREMELY EMOTIONAL. You tell me one "sort of" sad story and I may break down in tears(depending on the day). Anyone ever seen the movie "P.S. I Love You"? Ya, I did. I cried for three days. Every time my husband came within arms reach of me, I would cling to him and make him promise me he wouldn't die. ( I know...very irrational...we all will die someday)
8. I CAN'T STAND IT WHEN PEOPLE BRAG ON THEMSELVES. This just shows that you really don't feel good enough about yourself, and you are actually accomplishiing the opposite of what your trying to achieve. Have you ever noticed that those who receive the most compliments are those who are the most humble? (f.y.i. it's okay to brag on others...thats a different story)
9. I am a sucker for 80's rock bands.
10. I have a tendency to be shy or backward to those I don't know well. But once you break through my shell, I'm not at all. It's something I need to work on....be more outgoing and friendly.

I Tag: Tosh, Amber, Jenni, Julia, Kali, Judy & Kristi. Have fun girls!

Just because they're cute!

2009-03-04T20:10:00.000-08:00

My kids have been changing so much lately! Andy just turned 3 a few months ago & he looks like a 5 yr old! And my Baby Maddex...well, he doesn't look like a baby anymore. So, I've been trying to take more pictures of them lately, because I swear, every month they look so much older! These pictures were taken at grandma Shepherd's house.(my mother's)They have dirty faces and are in desperate need of haircuts & they are still way cute!

Eating makes Maddex....tired.

2009-02-26T14:43:00.000-08:00

If only I could fall to sleep this easily......

Update on Andy's accident...

2009-02-26T07:59:00.000-08:00

Just a quick update on Andy :
First I must ask you to accept my apology over the negativity of the last post. I wasn't in the right frame of mind. (I was freaked out!) The dentist told me I would be amazed at how fast the healing process would take place. ( Mouth sores always heal faster than sores any place else on the body)....well he was right. It has only been three days since the inccident, and I am blown away by the recovery Andrew has made.The cut on his bottom lip has fused back together. (it was sooo deep) They said if it were on the outside of his lip, they would have done stitches, but since it was on the inside, they left it alone. Day two Andy looked like a who from who-ville. (very swollen & puffy above the upper lip) He was extremely bruised(his nose was even bruised). And, as I mentioned in the last post, his gums were HAMBURGER....sorry, there's just no other way to put it(they were also the color of the rainbow). But now he looks SOOOO much better. His tooth hasn't turned black yet(not sure how long that takes) The swelling is completely gone, bruising is almost gone & his tooth has moved closer back to where it was in the first place. I highly doubt it will go back all the way. His front teeth were perfectly straight with no gaps. Now there is a gap between his two front teeth & of course the injured tooth is further back & slightly crooked....which makes me a bit sad. But I can deal with it. He's such a hansome boy, he can pull it off! He has been so good this whole time, although he is sick & tired of pudding, jello, yogart & popsicles. He keeps asking "mom, I wan't some hard food, PLEASE." Poor kid. He still has a couple days to go before he can have solids. I'm just so gratedfull that he is no longer in pain!( the pictures were taken this morning...he looks like himself again!)

SO SAD

2009-02-23T09:04:00.000-08:00

So last night , just after getting home from having Sunday dinner at my parent's house, Andy was running to the front steps & fell face first into a concrete step. It was pitch black outside, so I didn't know how much damage had been done until I cupped my hand over his mouth and it filled with blood. You can imagine what is going through my head.....does my baby still have his teeth? All I can say is that it was good that Brandon was there to help, because I was a wreck. I bawled much harder than Andy. I Have always been interested in the nursing program.....I know now that that is not the profession for me. So we get him into the house & he's bleeding so bad that we can't see if his teeth are still there or not. Im hyperventilating. He starts screeming "MY TEETH, MY TEETH!" More hyperventilation. Brandon can finally see that his teeth are still intact, but one of his front teeth is pushed back, he has a deep cut in his bottom lip and his top gums are hamburger. We rushed him to the emergency room. He was so good. He didn't cry the entire time. The doctor said that his tooth felt pretty solid, but to take him to the dentist first thing in the morning. I just got back from the dentist. The verdict...there's enough nerve damage that his tooth will most likely turn black. If he gets an infection in his gums, which the dentist said could very well happen, they will have to pull his tooth. My feelings.....I'm completely devastated. My baby's perfectly beautiful white smile is damaged. It will be about five years before he can have it back again. (when his adult teeth come in) I am, however, very grateful he's going to be ok. It could always be worse. I will just have to hope and pray things will all work out. As of now, I'm living in a nightmare. Just one look into his mouth and I'm on the verge of passing out. It's bad.....way bad. So no, I will not be posting any pictures of his injuries. It's not something I want in the photo album either. I hope to forget the horror. The pain and heartache I feel for my little boy runs deep. All you mothers out there know exactly what I'm talking about. You wish that you could take their pain away. You wish it would have happened to you instead of them...that somehow you could take their place. I hope he will heal fast....

An Experience....

2009-02-19T09:54:00.000-08:00

So I had something unique happen to me about a week ago that has definately been a testimony strengthener, so I thought that I would share.
I was flipping though some random photos of the family when Andy says "mom, go back to that picture!" so i flip back through until I reach a wedding pic of Brandon and I in front of the Temple doors, and Andy yells "STOP, right there!".

Andy: "That's where I was born"
Me: oh, really?(I didn't even know he knew the word "born")
Andy: 'Yea, I was born there"
Me: 'do you know where that is?'
Andy: "Yes, it's the Temple."
Me: "Yes it is the Temple, but thats not where you were born"
Andy:" Yes, it is where I was born. And you and daddy got down and prayed"
(at this point I have a massive case of the chills)
Me: "Andy, were you there when Daddy and I were married?"
Andy: "Yes. There was lots of people there"

I was immediately reminded of something our sealer( the temple president at the time) said to us just before he sealed us. From the expression on his face, he was clearly filled with the spirit. I remember him gazing around the room trying to hold in the emotion he was feeling when he said in a choked voice "you two are very lucky. You have lots of family here today to support you. But I want you to know that there are a lot more people here that you may not be able to see."
So is it possible that our future children were there to witness the sealing of their parents, as we knelt in front of eachother accross the alter? I sure would like to think so. Maybe they felt joy and comfort to know they would be born under the covenant. Maybe that's the day they chose us to be their earthly parents.
This experience has reminded me what is important in life, and that there is a lot of things I need to work on to better myself and my family.
I need to attend the temple more often, make it to church EVERY week., Pay a full tithe, say family prayers & study scriptures more often. Strive to be a better person, because this life is only temparary, and I wan't to be with my family for ETERNITY.

Happy 2nd B-Day Maddex!

2009-02-15T15:41:00.000-08:00

My Valentines baby turned 2 yesterday! The Mickey Mouse party was a hit! A big thanks to everyone who was there to share his special day. We appreciate your caring & support!

Why we celebrate Valentines Day.

2009-01-17T09:59:00.000-08:00

For most, "Valentines Day" is a celebration of one's love for his/her sweet heart, and though we celebrate this too, we also celebrate it for another reason. You've prabably already guessed.(the pictures are obviously a dead give away) Our second son Maddex was born on Valentines Day of 2007. I've never received a better Valentines gift, nor will I ever. Besides, what on earth is more intimate and full of love than bringing a child into the world, that together husband & wife have made? So thankyou Brandon, for my Valentines gift. It's one that will last forever. Andrew thanks you too, for giving him his best friend. He's been the best big brother in the world. So this Valentines, we will be celebrating the love of a family.

PIPE BREAK!

2009-01-11T19:44:00.001-08:00

So we had a pipe freeze & break in the night, which I discoverd at about 6 o'clock in the morning. Standing at the top of my stairway, I could hear the sound of gushing water, and at that moment, I new exactly what had happened. My husband, father, & father- in-law all working graveyard shifts were all unavailable & unreachable, so I ended up calling my savior of a brother in law, Kevin to come & help me. (bless his heart).
Note to women : Know where & how to turn your house water off. It may be very helpful in times of need.
So now I get to do what I've been wanting to do for some time now: remodel my downstairs!(and we only had to pay a $500 deductable)
Bye-bye ugly wall paper & hidious forest green carpet, hello freshly painted walls & the glorious aroma of new carpet.

Fun In The Snow!

2009-01-01T14:03:00.001-08:00

Andrew, Savanna & Maddex Built an awsome snowman

on New Years Day. They had a blast, but Maddex was so ready

to go back in the house after about 15 minutes.(as you can tell)

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas & a Happy New Year!!

2009, here we come!!!

Boys...

2008-12-10T17:47:00.001-08:00

So I tried to get my boys to pose for a greeting card. One of these three will have to do. They refuse to sit still for a picture for more that ten seconds. Boys....what can you do?

Andy Turned 3!!!

2008-12-03T16:51:00.001-08:00

Happy 3rd Birthday to Andy. I can't believe how the time has flown! Andy insisted that he have a "Handy Manny" Birthday party.(In case any of you don't know what that is, It's a children's cartoon on Disney channel) Well we couldn't find any Handy Manny decor whatsoever, so my mom bought a coloring book of the cartoon and colored and cut out all the characters. (Thanks mom)A big thanks to everyone for the presents. (He was spoiled!!)

Thanksgiving

2008-12-03T16:34:00.000-08:00

This picture was taken Thanksgiving Day.

How thankful I am for my family! Thankyou Brandon for being a wonderful Husband and father. I couldn't ask for more. Thankyou Andy & Maddex, for bringing joy to every day, and for making our lives complete.

I'm so thankful for our Lord and Savior. For the life he led, and for what he has done to make it possible for me to be with my family forever. Thankyou to all of my friends and family for the happiness you bring to us. We are truely blessed to have you in our lives! May everyone feel joy this holiday season!!!

Bailey Look-alike Meter

2008-11-28T15:31:00.001-08:00

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Historical pictures - Free family tree

Bailey Look-alike Meter

2008-11-28T15:29:00.001-08:00

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebs - Collage - Morph

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

2008-11-02T16:32:00.000-08:00

Brandon makes a dang good lookin' Jack Sparrow!!

Savvy?

Andy and Maddex had a lot of fun this Halloween. We took them to a trunk-or-treat, and also trick-or-treating to a few houses. We even dressed our dog up as a pirate and took her with us! Has anyone else ever noticed that Halloween is a whole lot funner when you've got little kids to dress up?

Awesome Halloween costumes

2008-11-02T16:02:00.000-08:00

Goodnight Ned!!!!! This is my adorable little niece, Savanna Joy.

I'm Dusty Bottoms. I'm Lucky Day. I'm Ned Needlender. And together we are.......

the Three Amigos!!! My brother, Devin, his wife Amy, And Savanna. Amy made these costumes from scratch. I know, she is Wonder Woman!!

Kev and Tosh......uninvited and thirsty. My brother in law, Kevin & his wife Tosha. Freaky contacts, Huh?

Pics of our Family

2008-11-02T07:40:00.000-08:00

My Handsome husband holding baby Maddex. (He just got done playing in league basketball, so thats why he has matted sweaty hair & a weird jersey on)
My two handsome boys, all ready for church. This picture was taken Oct. of 2008.They have changed A LOT in the past few months. Maddex is old enough now that they can play together, and are more on the same level. Maddex has almost caught up to Andrew in height.

Andrew is very fond of his little brother. (Most of the time)

Me and My Andy. He is an extremely bright little boy. He has Known his abc's, all his colors & shapes, and has been able to count to ten since he was only 18 months old!! So you can only imagine how smart he is now. He will turn 3 on Nov. 30, 2008.

Brandon and our boys at the 2007 Bailey Christmas Party at Dof's house.

4th of July,2007 (can you tell they're brothers?)

Our Team History

2008-11-01T23:23:00.001-07:00

Me, Brandon& my Mom and Dad.

It was beautiful outside the day we were married!

"The dip & Kiss"

This picture was taken just after we came through the door outside the temple, just after being sealed.

We first "Teamed Up" on April 17, 2004 when we were married in the Manti Temple. About one year later we found out were expecting. Andrew(Andy), our little ray of sunshine, was born on November 30, 2005. In June of 2006, We found out a second was on the way. (AAAAHHHHH!!) Though definitly not planned, We were so grateful when our second beautiful boy, Maddex Evin, was was born to us on Valentines Day, 2007. Having two boys only 14 months apart is a handful, but very much worth the adventure.We live in Moroni in a house which we bought in 2006. (I've had lots of fun remodeling) Keeping close to family is very important to Brandon and I. (we live only 1 1/2 blocks away from Brandon's parents, and brother & sister-in-law) All in all, life is good. Time passes by quickly,(much too quickly at times) and we're just happy to be along for the ride.