The Hacker Family

Hayden Ruth Hacker

2011-08-23T17:10:00.000-07:00

My precious little girl has finally arrived! (Well a little over 2 weeks ago, but who's counting?) Our little Hayden made her grand entrance on August 5th at 4:48am. I was induced on the 4th at Rancho Springs and spent about 21 hours in labor, enjoyed an epidural and felt the effects of it wearing off, spent about 6 hours with an oxygen mask on and finally was dilated to a 9 and they put an internal monitor on her to see how she was reacting to each contraction and within 15 minutes or so we were on our way to the operating room for a c-section! Since my epidural had worn off I felt each poke the dr made and ended up having to fully go under, it was really emotional for me and I just remember the anesthesiologist pulling my arms down because I kept trying to wipe my tears away, I was so sad I wasn't going to see my baby being born...then when I woke up I was hyperventilating and couldn't calm down until they brought her in. It was the most peaceful moment when I finally saw her and knew she was healthy and perfect. Rob got to see her in the nursery but he didn't want to hold her until I did, so sweet!
We had a little scare when we finally got into our recovery room and she started turning blue, Rob was trying to pat her down and I was so drugged up I called the nurse and said "my baby is turning blue" in a very calm voice, I had no idea what was happening until the nurses rushed in and grabbed her to get her breathing....good thing I was drugged up!!
We are enjoying every second (well ok not every second, I'm not the biggest fan of the piercing screaming in my ear!) She is healthy and amazing and we love her more than anything! Rob is an amazing dad already - he can calm her right down and he is the best burper ever!
Today I took off my strips that are holding my incision in place, and I can finally see the GIANT scar that will be there the rest of my life! The recovery of my body will be an interesting process, my stomach is stretched to the max! Yuck!! So hopefully the next few weeks I'll get back to wearing my normal jeans...oh I miss them!!
I am so happy I am able to work from home most of the time, I can't imagine having to leave her EVER! I'm so grateful to my sisters and mom for coming to take care of me over the past couple weeks I can't imagine trying to survive that 1st week on my own!
We are getting back to doing normal things, today I even braved Target on my own and she slept the whole time, so each day I'm trying to get out and just try something new!

My little girlie room and my not so little belly shot....

2011-06-03T14:20:00.001-07:00

I will be 32 weeks tomorrow!! I finally feel like we are getting somewhere and know she will be here faster than we realize!

Here are a few pics of the cutest little room ever (I think it has just the right amount of girly-ness!)

The closet needs a little more organizing, but you can see the oodles of clothes...which most of them are 6 months and under! The rest are now tucked away in drawers!! I also wanted to add the "It's a Freaking Girl" sign from my shower, it makes me smile when I see it, Rob told me we had to take it down before she started reading cause he didn't want her to see it and be sad.....adorable!!

We found this awesome dresser/changing table combo on craigslist and I jumped on it before anyone else could snatch it up....this is the before shot....

And after....isn't it lovely? It matches the crib perfectly now thanks to Traci for doing such an amazing job to revamp it!!

And yes my diaper pail is ready to go, I have diapers and wipes in the box on top of the dresser, I'm holding off on washing the clothes so I will have something to do in July to keep me preoccupied!!

Half Way There!

2011-03-19T19:04:00.001-07:00

I'm actually 21 weeks as of today, but the last pic I took was sometime last week so I'm a bit bigger than shown. I've decided that ruching on the sides of shirts is definitely the most flattering for pregnant peeps...and elastic waistbands, oh how I love thee! (please excuse the giant crack in the mirror, it's a rental and we didn't do it!!)

Last week my friend Vanessa (who's due 4 days later than me) and I went to this awesome warehouse consignment sale all for babies and kids stuff!! We were able to get in the 1st night just for pregnant ladies and it was a madhouse! We snagged up some amazing deals and I got so much fun stuff....every little girl needs at least 10 pairs of shoes, some cute clothes for cheap, I found a brand name baby sling for cheap, and other goodies! It was tons of fun and got me really excited about buying for a little girl!

And today my baby room looks like a tornado hit! It is starting to bother me how much of a disaster everything is, but we have been given SO much stuff already so I just keep piling it in! We just got back from a visit to my siblings and I came home with a huge garbage bag full of clothes, a bumbo and baby bath thanks to my sis-in-law Kelley! She says she's done but we all know there is another Hauck baby just waiting! My family has been busy buying me gifts and they are piling up, thank goodness we are doing a garage sale in a couple weeks and can start clearing out the crap that doesn't need to be stored in that room, then let the painting begin!!

I've come to the conclusion so far that I'm a pretty low key pregnant lady...haven't been sick very much, haven't had many cravings and when I do they don't last long, I still work, still try to keep the house clean, I still stay up late and regret it every morning when I need to wake up, the only thing I am struggling with is the sleeping...my hips hurt SO badly by 4 in the morning that I end up sleeping upright almost every night, but luckily it's at night and I have no one to complain to except I occasionally punch Rob! I hope it continues to be easy going, I realize as I get to be the size of an elephant I probably won't feel this way, but for now I think it's the coolest thing!

And this week my craving is cinnamon rolls...my sister made a batch the other night and I can't get them out of my head...I need, I need!

Ramblings

2011-02-22T21:23:00.001-08:00

I was sitting in church on Sunday when this thought popped into my mind "I am terrified to have a little girl". I immediately realized this is why I had such a hard time adjusting to the idea of it but I'm so happy and grateful for this little life!

And I look at this and I'm not so scared

Then I think of all the stages in her life that I will be a part of....

Will I give my daughter a haircut that makes her look like a boy?

Or support her when she thinks these head shots will get her lots of modeling jobs?

Will she choose good boys to date?

Will she have good friends and be a good friend to others?

I'm trying to be a better example for her already, I realize I'm not the nicest person but in teaching her to be better at everything than I ever will be, it will keep me much more accountable for my choices.

It's a freakin girl!

2011-02-16T15:26:00.000-08:00

We had a very dramatic gender reveal and went in completely convinced it was a boy, had his name all picked out and everything....and I'm sure because we wanted it so badly, it turned out to be a girl. Not that I'm not happy or grateful or excited, just taken by surprise. It's taken a few days to get over the shock but yesterday I went shopping and bought some super cute outfits for her (NOTHING PINK!) and it made me happy. We started talking girl names but the best we've come up with is ChaNaNa, I mean why wouldn't you want to have your girl have the same nickname as your dog? We'll see what we come up with, I think waiting until we meet her sounds good to me that way we can match her name to her little feisty personality! But for now it will give us something to debate over....my sister-in-law gave me a great piece of advice to wait until Rob has seen me go through labor and then he'll just do whatever I ask of him! I like it!

I did decide how I'm going to decorate! I love this wall decal and the purple and with dark wood furniture it will be one sexy room!

16 Weeks!

2011-02-10T17:45:00.000-08:00

I've just about made it to 4 months! Time has started going by faster and that's a good thing cause it means I've been working! I have most of my energy back and my only symptom I have found to be a problem is constipation! And might I say prune juice really does work, like almost too well! TMI???
Here are a couple really silly pics of the belly - can I just say NO ONE looks good like this!

And the view from my eyes!

Other things happening in our little household:
- Staying busy with my new calling - I have never been to so many meetings and have taken so many notes since my last class in college! I really do need an ipad now because I could just type up everything on the spot instead of having to write it down and then type it out...so time consuming! But it's been great so far and our next task will be feeding about 500 people breakfast on Saturday morning! If I was my sister I would be baking 500 cinnamon rolls but screw that, Costco muffins work just dandy!
- I found my earring I thought I lost on our way to Chicago almost 4 months ago! It was such a great moment to find them, I have felt bad about losing it ever since!
- Rob is super busy with work, I really just am so proud of him for doing it all on his own, he really is an amazing property manager and has been selling houses here and there - just so glad he is doing what he loves and it gives us so much freedom to spend tons of time together! Life wouldn't be as fun if he had to get up and do the 9-5 work day, we wouldn't have lunch dates almost every day, I couldn't go bug him in his office when I need some attention...and I just love the idea of throwing our kid in his lap when I need a break or a shower or something! He is the bomb!
- And my sweet Chanel - I just love her! I was having a rough day yesterday and she stayed by my side every second, we snuggled for hours on the floor, she's the best!

We're Having A Baby!

2010-12-25T15:10:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's official! We are finally expecting our very 1st kid! After 4 long and difficult years of trying we can now experience the joy of having our own child. I am now 10 weeks along (give or take a few days) and my expected due date will be the end of July 2011 (you didn't think I'd really give you all the details did you?)! We are so excited and so blessed to finally be experiencing this little miracle in our lives.
So far I haven't been too sick, only thrown up a couple of times but food in general is not very appetizing to me!! The only few things I have been enjoying are ruffles and cheese and crackers and lots and lots of water! I'm grateful to feel slightly sick all the time, while it's not ideal, I think I'd be worrying too much otherwise! The last couple days I've started getting my appetite back and have noticed a slight bump where there was none before! (I know it's mostly due to the amount of water I'm drinking and food I'm stuffing in, but I still like it and rub it!)

Next July can not come soon enough for us! I CAN'T wait to finally hold my baby in my arms and never let go!

Here's what I never want to hear from ANYONE:
"Enjoy it now" - seriously like when I talk about sleeping all the time, people say enjoy it now...I've enjoyed it long enough, I'm ready for sleepless nights with a crazy baby!
"bla bla bla mucus plug bla bla blah" - I DON'T want to hear about all the nasty birthing stories, and about all the things that can go wrong! I already worry enough as it is and I will enjoy every second of this - don't bring me down with your nasty stories!! (thank you in advance!) If you feel like I need to really know something, email me, don't tell me in the hall at church or at my baby shower!!
"you look so good" - ha ha I just thought I'd throw that in there, please don't lie to my face and tell me I look good even if I don't - I'm again totally looking forward to gaining 25 pounds in order to sustain this little life in me! I'm not usually self conscious (I realize hormones do crazy things) and I don't plan on being a fatty, but if that's what baby requires, then baby will get.

I'm already completely in love with Baby Hacker and Rob and I couldn't be happier! This definitely happened at the right time in our lives and I've always tried to stay positive and know that things would all work out!

Thank you for all your prayers and thoughts on our behalf, I know I've been a freak of nature in the Mormon world, but now I can officially join the ranks and talk baby non-stop! (JK, please slap me in the face if I ever act like that!)

Toodles

A Little Gift

2010-11-17T14:35:00.000-08:00

My sweet husband got all sentimental on me and surprised me with the cutest necklace! It's from this company called Vintage Pearl and now I have this sweet little necklace with our initials! And as the family grows I can order our kids initials so I will always have a little piece of them with me!

Ha ha! Did I fool anyone?? I made that story up, Rob didn't buy it and surprise me, I just bought it for myself! I found this necklace from a blog I read and I thought it was super cute and I must have been feeling really sentimental that day and it arrived in the mail yesterday! It's actually a little strange to wear it because I'm bascially the opposite of sentimental, but oh well it's cute and dainty and I like it!

Chicago Day 5

2010-10-22T14:20:00.001-07:00

This is the last of them I promise! This was the BIG day of the Bears and Packers game! We had big plans to do lots of activities but kinda didn't work out the timing very well...

We started the day with a trip to the Sears Tower, Rob had to coerce me out on this 4ft skydeck thingy, I was brave and did 1 pic with him.

Such a crazy shot.

This is also where I swear I spotted a man and his 2 wives...I tried to get a discreet picture but it didn't come out, bummer!

We got to the planitarium 5 minutes before it closed so we had some time to fill...

The only thing I regret not doing was the segway tour! It was super cold so I would have been miserable, but I would have some awesome pictures!

This was my favorite spot of the trip...right on the water, fresh air, you can look out to Lake Michigan and never see where it ends, and best of all I didn't feel cramped, I guess I really don't belong in a city!

And then off to the Bears game! I like this pic of us finally!!!

I wish I had a picture that showed just how steep the incline to our seats were, it was exhuasting! It was so much fun to be completely surrounded with Bears fans, you immediately become good friends with everyone around you and high five on big plays! It really was the best ending to a great trip!

And they won!!!

The next morning we packed up and flew home, drove from Ontario to OC to pick up the doggy (found out she went into heat when we were gone :(( We then realized we didn't have my laptop! Oh no! Luckily it was back at the car lot where we parked the car, so we drove back to Ontario and finally got home that night!

We will definitely be heading back there when we have some kids to take along with us!

Chicago Day 4

2010-10-22T14:10:00.001-07:00

Day 4 -

2nd trip to Wrigley Field...coldest day EVER!! We just happened to get there 3 hours before the game....3 HOURS! We had to stand in line outside the stadium, that's how early we were. Needless to say I wasn't a happy camper...

During their warmup some coach threw me a ball and Rob got it signed by their pitcher Ryan Dempster! I had to convince him to go do it (cause he's not that into autographs...), and was so cute and excited when he actually got it. Such a little boy sometimes

I was so cold I had to buy a $20 pair of gloves that were too big! This is our search for hot chocolate, not happening unfortunately!

How do you say no to this cute face???

Such a beautiful field and glad we got to experience it all!

And like the Cubs normally do, they lost both games we went to!

Chicago Day 3

2010-09-30T14:00:00.001-07:00

I bet you thought I forgot about the rest of my trip!! Oh no I didn't!

Day 3 was spent wandering....

And a Blackhawks game! This was the 1 and only time Rob was mad at me the entire trip! And the best part is I was laughing inside the whole time cause he was really only upset over tickets...really Rob? Really? But then we found a scalper guy and got some good seats and he was magically happy once again!

We tend to get to games extremely early....

And our quest for a good pic of the 2 of us...not so much this time...

After the game we popped over to dunkin donuts and had an old nasty late night snack, and we found this park. This is "The Bean" it is a giant bean shaped piece of art?? I don't get it, but it's really only good in the day light when you can get cool pics of it.

And another form of artwork...these giant tv type screens play images of random people and when the picture starts to open their mouth water starts spraying out...apparently it's nice when it's hot out and the kids like to play in the water, I just thought it was creepy.

Chicago Day 2

2010-09-29T17:47:00.001-07:00

I told you it was going to be a long one!

Day 2 began a little chilly and windy, yep the Windy City really does fit...our first stop was at the giant McDonalds - seriously isn't it huge?

Me with my egg mcmuffin in one hand and the gps in the other!

And then we started our trek to the Cubs game...this was Rob's 1st time being at a real Cubs game so he couldn't wait to get there. We arrived 2 hours before the game (did you know baseball games last 2.5 to 3 hours?), yeah LONG day! It was the coolest thing to see the look of excitement on Rob's face when we finally arrived, he bascially ran around the field taking pictures of anything and everything, it was awesome to be there with him for that!

We got seats in the bleachers and the whole atmosphere was just so fun. The people there are really sweet and fun and Rob had a great time heckling the Cardinals fans!

Trying to hold up the sign....we don't have the artistic vision that some do!

My poor hair was a tangled mess the whole time

After the game I took one look at the thousands of people trying to get back on the train and we decided to go sight see a bit until the crowd died down..
This was in front of a Jewish something or other...

The streets are so cool, tall brownstone buildings with shady tree lined streets

That night we walked to Navy Pier and ate carmel corn and rode the ferris wheel, (we got so sun burned at the Cubs game!)

Rob performed for me in this empty auditorium we found

We discovered the key to long skinny legs....

Next up Day 3....

Chicago Day 1

2010-09-29T17:28:00.001-07:00

This is going to take multiple posts...we ended up with over 400 pictures (mostly Rob taking random pictures of buildings...so I'll only do the fun ones!)

We have been talking about going to Chicago for 5 years now and finally made it happen! Rob is a huge Cubs (baseball) and Bears (football) fan so we had to go on a specific week where we could attend games for both teams! Turns out we did 4 games in 4 days....crazy! So the start of the trip got off to a rocky one - I realized when we were getting settled into our seats on the plane that I was missing an earring :(((( I was upset the entire plane ride and felt so dumb that I lost it, I mean who loses diamonds, well me apparently, Rob just told me he'd get me bigger and better ones someday and to not let it ruin the trip...so I let it go and let the vacation begin!

Our first fun experience was getting from the airport to the hotel - we decided to try out the "el" train which takes you all over the city for super cheap...we flew in at rush hour (NOT a good thing when you have major personal space issues) so I was feeling a little grossed out by the time it was our stop. Of course the day we arrive the temp is 90 degrees - what the what?? So we got all settled in at the Allerton Hotel
and went to find some food - we went to a pizza place and ended up eating THIN crust pizza....this is NOT normal - Chicago is famous for DEEP DISH pizza, but because I am such a good wife I didn't make a fuss and went with the flow. Are you just overwhelmed with the all the excitement and adventure yet???

We went out for a late night McDonalds run for some ice cream, we are so crazy!!

We took a lovely romantic carriage ride around the lake around midnight - did I mention how romantic it was? Oh wait that's cause IT WASN'T! We had a talkative driver and she spent the whole time talking to Rob about the mayor, the police dept, where the horses were kept at night, if the buses freak them out, and other random things - let's just say I envisioned a much different ride!

And then we slept in our king sized bed - oh this was one of the highlights of the trip for shizzle!

Stay tuned for Day 2.....

August Fun

2010-09-02T11:23:00.000-07:00

Ok so all of this fun time was smooshed into 3 of some crazy days! Kyra came down for a visit, well to see Brian Regan so it was a good excuse for a fun filled girls weekend! I picked her up from the airport on Wednesday and then we did something extreme! We went kayaking in Long Beach! It was super cheap and super fun, I was told that if I were ugly or manish looking in any way this would not be happening....apparently 2 friends can't just go kayaking together!

Then we ran across the street to the beach and drew our names in the sand and took random shots of each other....we are super wierd, I am well aware of this!

Thursday was the longest day ever!! Started off with a gnarly class at the gym, I think I might have literally lost 5 pounds just during the class....then a big brunch with all the girls to welcome kyra home....which was super yummy! Then I got sick and threw it all up (wierd...I never like to voluntarily give my food away to the toilet!) Then we were off to Ikea with Vanessa and Heather :))))

And then it was Cafe Rio time....luckily this time it was actually tasty and I quite enjoyed it!

And then BULL RIDING!!! We don't have much here in Lake Elsinore, but we have a bull! This is at the bowling alley/vegas casino/6 restaurants/bakery/arcade...oh yeah Trevi is a one stop shop for all your entertainment needs!

Vanessa and I made it safely....and then there was Kyra....

Oh yeah the day wasn't over yet....then there were pedicures, frozen yogurt, and then a movie....and then a dance party in the parking lot....got home about 2am.

Friday was much more mello....gym, pool (where we created a synchronized swimming routine)

And then it was time for Brian Regan..I am glad I got to participate in this...due to Matt's being in the CHP and all, I felt bad that I had to take his place, but I got over it!

Saturday Kim and I went to a delicious lunch at Wood Ranch...oh those rolls!!! And we went shopping all afternoon, she is my personal shopper and finds the very best deals! So awesome!

And then I slept.

P.S. I am NOT pregnant! I did a super intense workout and then ate waffles, quiche, muffins, and an orange and drank chocolate milk....wow I really did eat a lot, kinda gross when you put it all together!

Pool Table for Sale!!!

2010-08-29T21:22:00.001-07:00

We are selling our 8' pool table! We just don't have the room for it anymore, if you know of anyone looking for one, please send them our way, it's a great deal!
Comes with all accessories and rack

Rafting Trip 2010

2010-07-11T13:52:00.000-07:00

We got to go on another adventurous rafting trip this past weekend! We were accompanied by many other awesome couples who we love! Our trip got off to a bumpy start when both Rob and Kyra started feeling carsick before we even got on the freeway, so we made a car change and everything was great! We got FREE chicken at chick-filet which was totally exciting. We got to sing karoke on the way, and I got to sit extremely close to Kyra the whole way!!
Friday 2 groups went out rafting so we just hung out at the little beach and played around taking random pics
....then we made the grueling hike to the waterslides!

My favorite pic of the day....Susie's first ride down the slide!!

Rob & Seth so cheery!

Saturday morning was our trip down the river and we were guided by our oh so wise friend Josh, then we have Susie & Brandon who I enjoyed getting to know better and seriously they are the nicest couple I've ever met!! Then Matt & Kyra, oh I just think they are awesome and they constantly keep us all entertained!

Rob was with me so I felt much safer with him around. We had an awesome time, I have definitely come to the realization that I am a big chicken! I don't like feeling like I'm going to get hurt, so I just don't do things, like going down the waterslides, jumping off the jump rock and even floating down the river....

We had an awesome trip, we are truly grateful for such amazing friends to get to go do these fun things with!

And as we were driving home I realized that I will miss Matt & Kyra SOOOO much over the next 6 months! They have become such great friends to both Rob and I and I just am sad to see them go....even if it is only for a short time!!!

I'm starting a Charity....

2010-05-12T15:12:00.000-07:00

Have I got your attention????? Now read carefully, this is a very important matter I will be dealing with.

The charity will be called "Meagan is tired of driving a sedan where she can't see traffic in front of her and therefore needs a much larger car Fund"

This fund has been started because I get serious road rage (well I yell at other cars and shake my fist at them, then continue singing Lady GaGa). Driving a car that is higher off the ground is the ultimate goal, like a giant Yukon where I can really just run people off the road and get to my destination faster

I accept cash, check or even paypal because I'm just totally accomodating like that.

Yes I really did just write a post about people giving me money so I can buy a new car......how awesome am I?

This has caused me to actually reflect and think I should actually really start a charity....now I just have to come up with a cause that people will actually give money for....any thoughts?

I have HOT friends!

2010-04-18T12:18:00.000-07:00

Kyra planned this awesome photo shoot night here in downtown L.E....thanks to Kati, Heather and Vanessa we all turned out quite attractive I must say. I'm so blessed to have such amazing and different friends, I can't imagine living anywhere else!

We were missing lots more of our awesome friends and wished everyone could have been there!!

Here's a little peek at my beautiful friends:

Lining Up...

My Favorite Shot of the Night, how amazing right?

The Whole Group!!

Amy

Carly

Heather

Kati

Kim

Kyra

Me

Niki

Tara

and then the night got a little crazier.....

Thanks Kyra for your super planning skills and you are an amazing photographer!!!

So Long Max.....:(

2010-04-16T14:23:00.000-07:00

Today my dog went away. I'm like 1/4 sad and 3/4 happy. I can't decide which to be right now. A family came to see him while I was out running errands and by the time I got home he was gone! I did say goodbye before I left just in case, but it was such a shock that he was actually gone so quickly. We have been planning to find him a new home for a while now, he's been getting pretty crazy and I just can't control a 110 pound dog jumping on me when it's time to eat, or howling every morning outside my window to let him inside or any of his other strange behaviors.

So so long Max and be good to your new owners because they really have no idea what they are getting themselves into!!! HA! SUCKAS!

The Gift of Sight

2010-03-28T12:16:00.000-07:00

I had my LASIK done on Thursday and it was definitely a life changing experience for me! I've worn contacts all my life except for the last 2 months of wearing glasses to prep my eyes before the surgery. I wasn't nervous at all before and during, I actually didn't even consider the thought of something going wrong, just totally at peace.
Nobody prepared me for the drive home though! I was in serious pain and I couldn't get comfortable and I just remember ending up in the backseat and Rob going to Panda Express...but I got home and in bed and slept it off and work up with near perfect sight!!!!!
My close up sight is still a little hazy but the rest of my vision is perfect and colors and things are just so sharp and bright now, it's just amazing!

I do keep having major anxiety at night before bed because I just have this feeling like I'm supposed to take my contacts out, like I shouldn't be going to bed being able to see, so that has been an adjustment and I'm sure will go away in a few days, at least I hope so!

It's awesome to be able to look in the mirror at myself and finally see me! I love my eyes, they are one of my favorite features about myself and now I can fully appreciate all they do for me. I can't even put into words how blessed I am do be a part of a technology that can restore people's sight. It truly is a miracle and I will be grateful each and every day for this gift! I can travel so light now, no more contact cases, multiple cleaning solutions, glass cases, my life is forever changed!

I know that in the next couple weeks my night vision will be restored and this haze will start to go away, so I can't wait for it to just get better.

Life is wonderful, we have had so many blessings already this year and we know that when we work hard and do our part that we are blessed that much more.....

ummmmm

2010-03-06T17:30:00.000-08:00

I have nothing to say but I was tired of looking at Rob shoving his face into mine so I'll just throw up a super cute pic of my sweet nephew who is growing up so fast! I forced him to wear this outfit, so freakin cute and had to shove his fat feet into his uggs, so much fun to dress him up!!!

I Love.

2010-02-12T17:23:00.000-08:00

I love this picture, it looks like he's attacking my face!!! Yes this was the feeding of the cake, or in our case the cake fight - explains our marriage perfectly!

In no particular order....

Pajamas

Sleeping

Reading

Eating

Pizza

Robert Brian Greer Hacker

My full married name....Meagan Hauck Hacker (makes me smile everytime I see it or hear it)

Work

Running

My hair (on my head, the rest can all go)

Internet

google

pasta

lucky charms

when someone washes my hair

my dogs

my nieces and nephews

my adopted nieces and nephews

being regular

laughing

making Rob laugh

kissing

getting a hug when I come home from a couple days away

my family

movies

tv - Community, Better off Ted, Biggest Loser, The Office, 30 Rock, Project Runway, Castle just to name a few

Girls nights

my special lunches with Sara

Dr. Pepper and Coke

good friends

church

cuddling, but not for too long

being ready, not getting ready but just being ready and looking good

Maui

my wedding rings

my bed

uggs

sweatshirts

flipflops

best of all I loved knowing that I'm loved!!!

Happy Valentine's Day to all my favorite people!

2010

2010-01-03T14:04:00.001-08:00

I'm so glad that 2010 is finally here! 2009 was a good year, much much better than 2008 and 2007, but I'm expecting 2010 to be even better! Rob and I each have "dream books" where we've written down our plans for life both now and for the future and we have very specific goals for this year and are excited to make them happen!

First and foremost we would like to start our freakin' family! Most people do not need to plan out their family but since we like to make everything difficult we now officially need the help of doctors. YUCK! Oh well maybe if I finally admit it to the world it will magically happen, right??? Right! So I'm again on the hunt for somewhat decent health insurance and then we shall see!

What else???

- I made a goal to be 130 pounds by Feb 8th....I won't tell you how much I have to lose to make that happen...but it's going to be a fun month!
- I also joined the "Biggest LOOSer Club" and I think it's going to definitly help motivate me in my attempt to get fit!
- to study the scriptures every day and be more active in church
- start traveling - we have lots of destinations we would like to go, this year will be the big trip to Chicago!!
- To finally buy my dream car - I will be saving until May and then buying my GMC Yukon!!!

There's many more things I need to work on, but that's a good start for now! 2010 better bring it.

Christmas at the Hackers

2009-12-29T10:15:00.001-08:00

We had Rob's family over for Chrismas Eve dinner this year, we had a great time!!

Anisa (she's only 14 & like 4 in taller than me!), me, Rob and Alex

These are Rob's brothers puppies & I even knew they were coming, but Rob comes walking in holding one of them and says to me "look what I got you for Christmas" yeah I totally believed him & was super excited for about 3 seconds, then I realized he was kidding and tried to play it off like I knew it all along!!

Rob's mom Lynda with Chanel, Chanel of course was the star of the night you can't help but hug her!

Then of course there is Max - poor guy & his mental problems, he tried really hard to be a part of the fun, but mostly just hung out in the hallway

And now to Christmas morning!!! Just me and Rob all day hanging out in pjs eating leftover cookies!

Rob opening his new bowling ball bag!!!

I just put this on because my dog is laying in my lap- she is only about 120 pounds!!! But she really thinks she is a lap dog, so I let her!

And this is me opening my diamond earrings!!! Best gift ever! (Until he hears about what I want next year!) But I don't feel bad about asking for these because I actually really do deserve them and much much more!! HA! (He actually gave me earrings a couple years ago but they were lame and little so I needed an upgrade- I'm such a snob!!!!)

Disneyland at Christmas

2009-12-29T10:05:00.000-08:00

We were able to go to Disneyland last week with my sister and her family! It was crazy - seriously about 3 million people were there and I must say none of them looked like they were having that great of a time, but we had a great time weaving in and out of people trying to keep my personal bubble around me!!

Rob & Reagan (I think she was on his shoulders most of the time!)

Me & Sam & Rob with crazyy eyes & some gross couple doing some PDA....couldn't bring myself to crop them out, it's Christmas time afterall

Cute little Rylie - look at those freckles!

My favorite part of the day - the toy soldiers in the parade - they had the funniest costumes and their boots were plastic and made the coolest sounds as they danced on by!!

Thanks Sam for the happiest day of our lives!!!

The Greatest Gadget Ever!

2009-12-11T22:59:00.000-08:00

When I was at my parents house I discovered the MOST amazing kitchen gadget!! It's call the Hot Shot Hot Water Dispenser!!! Seriously it is the coolest thing! You just pour in a cup of water in the top, turn it on and in less than 30 seconds you have blazing hot water for your hot chocolate!

My mom just sent me my very own and it is the best gift ever - so if you have any hot chocolate lovers out there this would be a reDONKulously wonderful gift for them!

I'm so glad there are really smart people out there that think these things up - my life would be meaningless without all my kitchen gadgets!!

If it's not one thing....it's another

2009-11-19T00:17:00.001-08:00

5 weeks ago I was afraid for my sister and her baby, now this.....

My mom was admitted to the hospital last Monday because her platelet levels were ridiculously low (normal is like 350,000, hers was 5000) really bad. So we thought ok mom is in the hospital but she's still talking on the phone so it can't be that bad...well then it got worse, she developed pneumonia on Thursday but they were keeping close track of her so we were all just getting email updates from my dad saying she was doing alright. Sunday we get an email saying she was being admitted to the ICU and she had gotten ARDS which is a life-threatening lung infection - which was caused by the pneumonia....crazy right?? We knew it was extremely serious, I was a mess so my sister and I booked a flight up for the next day....this is the sister who just had a baby 5 weeks ago, so we were in for an adventure.

It was seriously the longest travel time ever!!! We met my brother at the airport and got to the hospital eventually. I walked in the room with my brother and my dad and I lost it. My mom has been the rock of our family - she doesn't get sick, she had been the breadwinner in my family for years - and now she is laying helpless in a hospital bed with a breathing tube, about 10 different IV's poking her and she is heavily sedated....not a fun time. I thought my mom was going to die- that is insane to write but we all just had no idea how bad it was.

Now it's Wednesday (well Thursday now) and she made vast improvements today alone. she had the breathing tube removed and she was awake and alert and talking and she stood up for a few minutes. She was really bothered that we were all there bugging her so she kicked us out for the night so she could concentrate on her breathing- she is still forced to wear an oxygen mask to help her but i'm sure by the morning she will be ready to check out....not that she's going anywhere soon. I am amazed at the nurses here, they have been awesome and sweet and they genuinely care about her- people are just nicer here in Washington, everyone I walk by smiles and nods - it's so odd!!

We find out tomorrow if the treatments that she was given to raise the platelets has worked, if not she will go into surgery to have her spleen removed.

She is totally frustrated by the situation so I hope that will keep her motivated to keep recovering. The sad part is she has an autoimmune disease that she will have for the rest of her life and will probably need regular treatments.

I'm glad she is alive, on Sunday I really thought I was going to lose my mom. Very scary, but I am glad we hopped on a plane here and can at least know exactly what's happening.

Thats all I got

Happy Veteran's Day

2009-11-10T22:31:00.000-08:00

Here's a shout out to those men* who are serving and protecting our country right now! I definitely appreciate more than most that there are others out there doing it and not my man! He served his time and looked dang good doing it and I'm sure if there ever comes a time when he feels he is needed, he will step right up and do it again!!

Seriously how adorable is this picture!!!

*I did not say "men and women" because most women who enlist in the military want to be equals, so there you go ladies, you are equal and you all get one word!! Just like the scriptures!!

Just another reason to love my husband....

2009-10-24T21:25:00.000-07:00

This morning I walked into my office and I found this on my desk:

Why would I love my husband for putting a Ducks Digest on my desk you ask??? Beacause of this lovely man:

and this:

Joffrey Lupul is my favorite hockey player - #1 reason is because he is hot, he's much hotter when he's all sweaty from playing, but these pics are pretty nice as well. Rob is very aware of my "crush" on him and thinks it's actually pretty funny. He went to the game this week with his buddy Seth and texted me when Joffrey scored....he also pauses the game when Joffrey fights and makes sure I get to see him.

Thank goodness for a self-confident man who I love!! (even more than Joffrey Lupul...and that's alot)

Colt Joshua Rogers

2009-10-24T14:41:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics of my newest baby nephew Colt. He finally came home on Thursday after 11 days in the NICU. It was so exciting to be there when he came home and just be there to hold him and snuggle with him for hours! He will be extremely spoiled while I'm there for sure. My mom even paid me a huge compliment and told me I was going to be a great mother - I've never heard her talk about me being a mom so that really touched me and I appreciated that.

Back to the cutest little guy! He is sooo tiny still but really strong, he grunts whenever you move, he does have a little terydactyl (sp?) scream, and I just love him to bits!!

This is him getting a little tan - I love this position he is in, the nurses all had their own unique touches and all the babies in the NICU were all posed just like this.

This is in little awesome bassinet thats on wheels!! I think this is hilarious cause he just gets wheeled from room to room while he sleeps- totally ingenious!

I finally got a couple pics with his eyes open, yesterday he was totally up and alert and looking around, it's just the cutest thing!

Ok so you'd think this was my own kid I was blogging about right now, kinda silly but I am so glad to have been around for this, just seeing the look of absolute joy on my sisters face after she finally got him home was something I will never forget. I think everything she has gone through in order to have that baby home and safe was all worth it. I think it's great that so many people can have babies so easily, but I've been around so many others who have truly sacrificed to have babies of their own - my heart just goes out to them and I'm just so happy that so far they have been blessed.

I love you little Colt and I'm so happy to be an aunt to a very special little spirit!!

Meet "No Name" Rogers!!

2009-10-12T21:57:00.000-07:00

So far so good, my newest little nephew has arrived! He weighed in at 5.5 pounds but is doing really well! I can't wait to meet him and I thank my Heavenly Father for blessing my sister and our family with this beautiful little guy! No name yet, still being decided!!

I'm Freakin Out

2009-10-12T18:51:00.000-07:00

My sister is in the hospital right now about 9 minutes away from having a c-section. I'm freaking out. She is about 3 weeks early from her scheduled inducement and I know everything will be ok. The baby has been having irregular heartbeats and the doctors weren't going to mess around with this one.
Backstory- my sister went full term with a previous pregnancy and one week before her due date she lost the baby- it was horrible.

I thought I would be there for this one, it came as a shock to all of us and we are all waiting anxiously by the phone for any update, and it better be a good one.

Seriously everything needs to be ok, no if ands or buts about it. I can't wait to meet my newest nephew and I just need that phone call that everything is ok!!

Workin' Girl

2009-09-17T21:15:00.000-07:00

I have had it really easy the past couple years in that I have been able to work from home and really set my own schedule....not now! I have finally become smart enough to work full-time! You probably won't see me around much over the next few months as I will be commuting to Ventura/Santa Barbara Wed-Sat morning! This is my second week doing it and I am loving the extra work! Today I was up and ready and working by 7am and just finished the day at 8:45pm, crazy yes but I am enjoying the work. And I get to stay at my sisters house who is 2 months away from the birth of her little boy! So we've been having fun cooking gluten-free and diabetic-free (she has gestational diabetes and is allergic to wheat, so sad!:( )

It will also be fun for me and Rob to spend time apart. That may sound strange, but seriously we have spent almost 24/7 together for the past few years, this way I really look forward to the weekends and we get to spend extra special time together (you reading this Rob?? I want some "special" time with you when I get home!!!

Santa Barbara is freakin awesome - I saw 2 men walking around in capris (they were in different groups, like 2 blocks apart), I am surrounded by Prius's (don't get me started on that one), but it is beautiful and you can walk everywhere which is very cool. So I am having my own little life adventure and life is good!

OC Mud Run

2009-07-21T12:11:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday we ran in the OC Mud Run! It is a 5K plus obstacle course with a little mud mixed in!

We teamed up with the Deadly Thompsons and become the Purple Cobras- Nobody makes me bleed my own blood, Nobody!

Here is our team warming up...

Me & Kyra doing the "Purple Cobra" (my nose looks like it's GINORMUS)

Here is where the day takes a deadly spin....(we were getting our shoes wrapped up in duct tape)

So this is what happened....got all duct taped up and headed to the start line...we saw a bunch of people that started running ahead of us and apparently the race had already started! So we start sprinting to catch up with everyone...and then we hit the 1st obstacle....4 thousand people in front of us all waiting to get over the 1st one (next year I'm hoping they do interval starts to help ease the pileup)...so after the 1st mud pit I get rocks and mud in my shoes and my feet immediately start bleeding! I also had so much mud in my shoe that the duct tape was super duper tight around my foot and cutting off all circulation!! Crazy right?
So I keep going cause I don't want to look like a pansy (even though I really am). About a mile into it I can't run anymore and have to get my shoes of ASAP, Matt and Rob basically rip my shoes off my feet so I can just run barefoot, and Kyra did the same- she was in pain as well but is much tougher than I am!! So we run barefoot the rest of the race- got piggyback rides over the gravel parts and then we start wading through the most disgusting stagnant water ever!
Well to make the longest story ever a little shorter...we survived! We had a blast and now know all the things NOT to do to prepare for the race!

So you'll notice in this pic I am unusally close to Matt...sorry Kyra, well actually sorry Matt, awkward!!

I apologize for the following pics...but they had to be posted! They actually don't look as bad as they feel
I had a nasty toe infection for a couple days, but has since gone. My heels are just all screwed up and they literally THROB all the time!!

I'm bummed we didn't get a picture of everyone who went....we had us, the Thompsons, the Andres teamed up with the Morans, the Fergusons teamed up with the Kaass, and the Nelsons teamed up with the Nays for the nooner race!!

We even got to eat lunch at my favorite Mexican restaurant Mi Casa with the Thompsons and the Fergusons.....Matt was acting like a 12 year old girl the whole time and Kyra licked a man's shadow- pure entertainment!

8 Things

2009-07-07T00:09:00.000-07:00

Haven't done one of these in a while so here it goes:

8 things I:

Look Forward To~
1) not worrying about money
2) having a family
3) playing soccer
4) my 1st piano lesson in like 15 years
5) going white water rafting!!!
6) the MUD RUN
7) hanging out with friends
8) seeing my dogs get excited every time I walk in the door

Did Yesterday~ crap it's after midnight....
1) watched The Bachelorette with friendsies
2) worked all day long
3) ate lunch at Rubios- they are lucky they didn't forget the guac this time
4) had a PB&J sandwich for dinner
5) thought about working out
6) watched episodes of Entourage
7) played Mafia wars on facebook
8) pooped

Wish I Could Do~
1) go on a 2 week long vacation to Europe
2) go on a 2 week long vacation to Tahiti, Carribean
3) make a kid
4) own a ranch and rescue dogs
5) see my nieces & nephews more often
6) never drink a soda ever again
7) be extremely fit (work in progress)
8) everything!!

Shows I watch~
1) So You Think You Can Dance
2) The Bachelorette
3) Always Sunny in Philadephia
4) Rescue Me
5) Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood
6) Castle
7) Burn Notice
8) Biggest Loser

Ode to Independance Day

2009-07-01T19:24:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while I get asked "Where would you be if you didn't live here?" My answer is always the same - Chicago, Illinois!! This usually gets a strange look from people but I spent my early childhood (up to 5th grade) in Wisconsin and Illinois. I have the very best memories of growing up in the quaint little suburbs of Chicago and every once in a while taking a day trip into the city to see Wrigley Field or shop in the giant mall with the tightrope walking bear....but my favorite of all favorite memories is the 4th of July on Butler Lake in Libertyville!!

I remember decorating my bike a few days before in red, white and blue streamers and waking up early that day to get dressed in my patriotic best...and the whole family heading down to the local parade where I get to ride along and get cheered on by our neighbors....than the fam would get a picnic all together (usually including martinelli's apple cider) and head down to the lake where we would get there super early to get a good seat in front of the band shell....we would listen to live bands all night, dance along, run free and then buckle down for the most amazing fireworks show you've ever seen (this according to my 6 year old eyes of course)

(apparently my love of Coke started young!)

I have yet to have an experience like this since...I just feel so warm and gooey when I have this memory and want to recreate that for my own family!! I love the 4th of July and especially since I have my own Marine to celebrate with. I enjoy putting the flag out to remember all the men & women who have fought for our freedom! Thank you to all those who are brave enough to get out there and protect us!!

It's My Birthday!!

2009-06-26T14:52:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday was my 28th birthday and I'm getting older every second of every day!!!!!!

Heather planned an awesome lunch at Lonestar and all of these lovely ladies were in attendance! (Laura, Sarah, Niki, Heather, Me, Kati, Kyra, Kim, Vanessa & Emily had to leave early to get back to work)

Niki and Kyra trying their best to fit these giant burgers in...impressive!!

Glamourshots by....

I had such a wonderful birthday and yet a little difficult as well, it has definitely made me reflect on my life so far. I am truly thankful for my friends- they bring such a light to my life and I appreciate every second I get to spend laughing, talking, complaining(trying to keep that to a minimum:)), and just hanging out with each of of them!!

Thanks to everyone for making my days special! I love you all and am truly blessed!!!!

Renaissance Faire

2009-06-07T13:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had our first experience at the Koronenburg Renaissance Fair! It was definitely a fun time and so glad we decided to try it out!

My favorite part of the day was Jeffrey the Juggler...he was hilarious and kept dropping his props and kept making fun of himself...just a really funny guy!

We also got to see some random battles...no idea what they were but people died really easily :(

Next was straight out of Medieval Times! The championship round of jousting! (the blue & yellow guy had the biggest horse we have ever seen!!!)...too bad he lost :(

And then Rob got some lessons on sword fighting (German style) he really enjoyed talking to everyone...they are all super into history and Rob could have spent hours talking to each and every one of them!

Hemet Air Show

2009-05-31T17:33:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we spent a lively afternoon at the Hemet Air Show with the Andres and the Thompsons! It was lots of fun and we got some great pics...check it out!

New Food Blog

2009-05-28T15:25:00.001-07:00

My sisters and I have created a new recipe blog...mainly because my sister Sam is the best and whenever I need a recipe she is the first one to call! Anyone that has been to my house for dinners and actually liked the food I served....those would be direct from Sam (although I do use others on occasion).....anyway come and check it out!

www.butterrequired.com

Did I mention most of the recipes you'll find there will have some type of butter, whip cream, cream cheese, basically anything to make the food rich and yummy!

4th Anniversary

2009-05-21T14:48:00.001-07:00

Today May 21st is our 4 year wedding anniversary! What have we done so far to celebrate? Well we slept in till 11 (yes I sleep in and I don't feel bad about it for 1 second!!!), washed our cars, ate In-n-Out for lunch, and who knows what the rest of the day will bring!!

We have never really been big on anniversary's- our 1st was spent eating at Douglas Burger because everything else was closed by the time we thought about doing anything!

Let's see what we've accomplished in our 4 years of wedded bliss.....

bought our 1st home

got a cat

got a dog

got rid of the cat (we don't mess around with cats that pee in hockey bags)

got another dog

2nd dog got knocked up and we had 8 puppies

got rid of the 1st dog (don't worry we sent him to a loving home in AZ)

kept one of the puppies (dog looks exactly like the 1st dog did)

dyed my hair brown

bleached my hair blonde (it turned a little orange so I went back to brown)

back to blonde yet again

Rob separated his shoulder 4 times

Rob rolled his ankle running

Rob has played countless seasons of hockey and softball- so glad he has his hobbies and he is in amazing shape for a man of 32!!!

had season tickets to the Ducks and saw them win the Stanley Cup

ran my 1st half marathon - yes I will be talking about it for a while so suck it

both have our own companies and work from home - best thing in the world!

We've fought a lot- sometimes in front of friends (still get teased about the card throwing incident), sometimes alone- but usually laugh about it later

We've loved a lot- sometimes in front of friends, but mostly do that while we're alone (tee he he)

We are still married after 4 years....biggest accomplishment of them all!!

Looking forward to a million more years of your funny temper, your laugh, your story telling, your strength, your confidence, your support, your love and best of all your hot body!

Girls Night Out

2009-05-19T10:21:00.000-07:00

A bunch of gals from our ward got together last Friday for a fun night out at BJ's in Corona.

There were 13 of us and we were even missing a few! I am so blessed to be here in a place where I can have so many good friends! And although it is sometimes difficult being surrounded by all the babies and pregnant peeps (there were 5 babies out with us and 20 kids at home, insane right??), I appreciate all the friendship and love hanging out with these ladies!

1st Half Marathon

2009-05-04T15:02:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I ran my very 1st Half Marathon! It was out in Newport Beach so we made a weekend out of it and stayed over Saturday night since I had to be at the starting line by 6am!!

My goal was to just finish, my next race I will focus more on the time!! There were 8000 people racing, it was jam packed! The course was beautiful and went along PCH into Newports Back Bay and finished at the OC Fairgrounds....it was a lot of fun and I enjoyed running along side thousands of people! I am in pain today, my legs are super sore, but the good kind since I pushed myself further than I had ever had, seriously this was probably the hardest thing I have ever done! Rob is super proud of me and that is actually the best feeling of all, I want to keep challenging myself and keep trying new things, so we'll see when the next half-marathon will be....no way would I ever do a full one, I do know that for a fact!!

Rob loves this pic- this lady is like 100 ft from the finish line and she totally just collapses...she didn't faint or anything, she just gave up, she only got over the finish line by a stretcher, I mean seriously you run almost a full 13.1 miles and you can't get that last few feet????

For my nieces....

2009-04-22T16:41:00.000-07:00

My sister just let me know my nieces like to check out my blog....they were wondering why I had pictures of random men on there....so this post is for them....

We miss you Rylie & Reagan!!! Chanel wanted to have some pictures taken of her best poses!

WARNING: HOT MEN BELOW!!!!

2009-03-31T16:16:00.000-07:00

I enjoy a good looking man.

Road Trippin'

2009-03-24T13:41:00.001-07:00

This past weekend my super friend Sarah and I drove up to good ole' Utah for some fun! We took off Thursday afternoon and in St. George we stopped off for dinner at Cafe Rio. (this was my very 1st experience), and it didn't like me so much! I was sick the rest of the drive up- not good for being trapped in the car for hours and hours - we were both burping it up along the way - at least we could laugh about it even then!

Friday I went and visited my old college roommate Fallon and we had a blast! I haven't seen her in 2 years since her 1st boy was born and she already has a 7th month old- so much fun! We played with the kids all afternoon and it was so nice to visit and spend time with her and her cute little family!! (her child will be head butting me in about 5 seconds!!!)

Saturday morning woke up bright and early and went on my long run (this was supposed to be an 8-miler BTW) - I was stopped at a light and these guys pull up and yell across to me "I know you're running, but do you wanna ride?" I pondered this question for a moment- seriously- was I being hit on at 8:30 in the morning while running???? ewwww gross!!! I politely said "no thanks" and went along my way- oh how I wish my comebacks were better on the spot!! (I of course texted Rob later about this incident- isn't he so lucky?)

Needless to say I only made it 5.5 miles- I was dying on this run- it was soooo windy and hard to run- I am a wimp and hate running into the wind, it is soooo hard! So I just called it a day and headed back- I'm sure I will pay for it during my long run next week, but who cares!

I tried to enjoy a day of being by myself- this didn't go so well- I ate lunch by myself, I walked around the mall by myself, got gas by myself and drove by myself---I had much bigger plans for this time but really didn't pan out!!

Saturday evening my niece had a Twilight party planned and it was super fun! She made such good things- red velvet cupcake bites, oreo truffles, little smokies, mushroom ravioli- we went to town on that food! We then watched the movie and it was actually much better the second time around- I still laughed at most things, but could actually enjoy the story this time. (Sorry Caitlin- got you right in the middle of a sentence!!)

Sunday we lounged around, ate more, I totally embarrassed my nephews new girlfriend by talking about Bear Grylls (Man vs. Wild)- apparently I really enjoy it when he takes his clothes off and know of every episode in which this happens!!!! The look of shock on her face was priceless- sorry Sara- you are an awesome girl and I hope you stick around!!!

Monday I woke up to SNOW!!! Notice the picture below- insane!!! We also spent time at Tai Pan- what a wonderful place of home decor! I was completely overwhelmed and didn't buy anything, but it has tons of amazing things!

We drove home last night and made it the entire way with just the radio- so sad but there was cd stuck in my disk changer and I didn't want to do any more damage! We made a very wide side trip to Cafe Rio so Sarah could make sure Kip got a salad to enjoy- sorry to say I am not a huge fan of Cafe Rio----maybe I just haven't had the right thing yet!!

As I crawled into bed at 1am my sweet husband wraps his arms around me and tells me I smell like TATOR TOTS! It was the strangest and cutest thing- he woke up this morning really craving tator tots- so funny!

My Sewing Project :)

2009-03-12T21:02:00.000-07:00

I have been inspired by all the wonderfully talented friends I have and have wanted to start sewing again so I thought what better way to start than with a girly baby dress!!! I found this cute little pattern online for free and just got some leftover fabric from the cheap bin at walmart and whipped it out in about an hour! Just don't look too closely or you'll see all my mistakes but I had a great time doing it!

I have no idea how to post a link to where the pattern came from so I'm just going to paste the link to the blog and click on patterns
www.madebyrae.blogspot.com, you can also find a version for a toddler size or just take the current pattern and enlarge on a copy machine- the pattern is really really small!!

Half Marathon Here I Come

2009-02-26T13:27:00.000-08:00

I just registered for my 1st half marathon! I am posting this so I make it official that I really need to train and get ready. I figure if I am running through the crazy hills of Tuscany then I it will be super easy come race day when it's flat, we'll soon find out!

We've Moved!!

2009-02-18T16:35:00.000-08:00

We just moved this past weekend to Tuscany....I won't be putting my street address on here cause that just seems like asking for trouble........it is amazing to me how 2 people could possible fill an entire 4 bedroom house....and that's not even counting the garage, I blame it all on Rob though (he collects everything under the sun)!

We are getting settled and after days of clorox wiping every surface in this place, it's starting to feel like home.

My favorite part is the giant tree out front-----I have a real tree!!! Anyways stop by and see us sometime!!

I did it!

2009-01-01T23:39:00.000-08:00

New Years Eve was a turning point in my life....I was on my way to one of my bookkeeping clients and needed to grab lunch beforehand. I have literally never eaten by myself before. I mean I usually just go through a drive-through and eat in the car....but I've never been confident enough to go in and sit down and eat.

I decided that I was just going to try it....so Rubios Baja Grill was my destination and it felt totally normal just sitting and eating lunch...no lamo eating in the car while trying not to drop stuff in my lap, it was a big deal for me. Rob laughed at me when I told him about this, but I am just so excited about it. It takes a lot for me to feel comfortable with myself and after 2008 being pretty much the worst year ever for us- we have just been really excited for 2009 to begin! So heres to a new year and a fresh start- I'm looking forward to all the possibilities this year has in store for us!!

27 and Graying!!

2009-01-01T12:06:00.001-08:00

I made my gray hair official today when I snapped a few pics of the top of my head! I really think it is hilarious that I have gray hair....my dad was fully gray before he was 30 and all my sisters have tons of gray hair! I always thought it wouldn't happen to me because I had blonde hair growing up...but it all came in at once!!

I obviously have not had my hair done in a few months, but it has been funny every morning trying to pin my hair back in a way that won't show too many roots!

I love it!

Hiking with the Fam

2008-12-01T16:04:00.000-08:00

We had a fun little excursion up in the Oretga's a few weeks ago- went hiking with the doggies! It was a fun afternoon of picnic-ing, hik-ing, sweat-ing, tripp-ing, and bleed-ing!

Twilight Night!!

2008-12-01T15:49:00.000-08:00

I knew that I shouldn't have had any expectations from the Twilight movie- the previews were just totally stupid and obviously low budget- but I also knew there wasn't any way I was going to miss it! I ended up laughing the entire way through it, I really did enjoy the actor who played Edward though- he is yum yum. And I'm sure I will see it again...cause I just love sappy movies!

Here are some pics from the nizzight....

Sarah about to cry from exitement!!!!!

Apparently her boob got a little heavier in the car....being prego really has immediate effects!!

A Beautiful Sunset

2008-12-01T15:47:00.000-08:00

Right outside my back door--

Happy Birthday Max!!

2008-11-11T20:19:00.001-08:00

This officially makes me a huge dork, but I'm just gonna dive head first into the dorkiness! One year ago we had a litter of 8 giant puppies! It's been quite an adventure since the 1st one was born and we kept one for our own! We love our little Max and so glad he beat the bout with Parvo as I would have been utterly devastated if I lost 3 puppies to it.

Max is a big lover and a wannabe lap dog, he loves licking, running, playing, and doesn't know any commands other than sit...sorry, he was too cute to bother with training!!

So happy 1st birthday Max...no cake for you!

Notice his paws are now the size of my hand! He is a big boy!!

Crimping Rocks!

2008-11-10T21:55:00.000-08:00

My sweet friend Fallon was bugging me to update my blog so I looked back to my old pics (this is my attempt at scrapbooking btw). I spent 1 whole semester up at UVSC where I completely failed every class, gained about 10 pounds and spent way too much time in vinyl clothing dancing at the Omni! We always had a blast and I have many great stories and memories from that short time!

Love ya faldar!!!

My Days as a model....at tillys

2008-10-20T17:58:00.000-07:00

I think that it is super funny that I can say I was a Tilly's model for a day! I used to work as an Assistant Buyer/Photo Shoot Coordinator for Tilly's back in 2003 or so and one day the models were being super lame and they couldn't get them to do anything funny, so I was jumping around acting like my goofy/nerdy self and they decided that it would be fun to throw me in! So I got to wear silly outfits, pose for pictures and all that good stuff.....there are about 100 more pictures but these are Rob's favorites (he loves these pictures and can't understand why I have such a hard time taking nice pictures since that day!!!!)

A Look Back....we're moving again???

2008-10-16T18:09:00.000-07:00

Being in Northern Cal caused some reflection of my years growing up there....and all the other places I've lived!

I have moved a total of 12 times with my family and 7 times since moving out! 19 moves in a 27 year old life....pretty crazy- now I'm really hoping for no more moving but we'll see where life takes us! You'd think I'd be a more social person having to change wards, schools, etc but I know I have a hard time getting to know people (yes I am very aware I don't make very good first impressions, but hey I'm a work in progress!!)

I lived in Walnut Creek from the age of 10 until 17 (my darling parents moved me in April of my Junior year of high school, totally tramatic for me). We lived in 4 different houses and I'm posting pictures for my own memories to show my children someday that I won't do that to them if I can help it!! So I drove around taking pics and seeing my old schools....and make out spots-way too many of those!! It is such a beautiful area with many many trees....oh to have a tree big enough to give off shade....maybe in like 15 years.

COOKIE MONSTERS!!!

2008-10-14T20:48:00.000-07:00

I'm up in Northern Cal this week (Bay Area) looking after my 2 sweet nieces for the week while my sister is in Texas at a dental conference (she's mostly shopping and going to the spa, but we won't tell anyone!!)

So I get to hang out with an 8-year old Rylie and a 6-year old Reagan- getting them ready for school, packing lunches, making dinners, making sure they brush their teeth, putting in headgear----super fun stuff!!! Today we decorated halloween sugar cookies- I had no idea little girls could be so darn messy and gross!! But they had fun and we all ate way tooo many cookies!!

I am having a great time playing mom for the week- my darling sister left 5 pages of instructions for me....I would scan them in and make an entire post about them because they are totally ridiculous, but I will try and be nice!!

Here are a couple pics of my little sweetharts and the cookie decorating!!

The Hacker Family Update

2008-09-07T20:34:00.000-07:00

We have a new addition to the Hacker household, a 17-year old nephew from Rob's side has recently moved in with us. He is a great kid, has had a tough time recently and we felt strongly about having him in our home with some much needed security and guidance. Not that I know anything about parenting, but Rob is the only father figure this kid has ever known...within the first week of being here, he's enrolled him back into school, has his first job starting this week and you can already see the confidence building...he's surprised we don't yell at him, which makes my heart ache for the kind of life he's had to already deal with.

My hair is brown again and it's up to my shoulders which is very strange for me...but getting used to it! School is going well, I'm glad I enrolled in classes which I already understand so I'm not too overwhelmed! On a sad note my oldest sister who moved to Temecula 2 years ago is getting a divorce after 24 years of marriage. Apparently her husband thinks he can do better....it is been a sad time because of this and she is now forced to move to Utah where she can afford to live on her own. I have loved getting to know her and her family (they never lived near us when I was growing up, she is 18 years older) and I will miss her so much! Everyone keeps moving away from us!
I had a little relapse with my health over the past month, apparently I really am allergic to wheat, and it has been the hardest thing for me to give up even though I feel terrible after everytime I eat it....but if I can just get back on track I will be feeling better soon!

I would talk about Rob's good stuff, but that's for him to tell....but I am proud of him and love him like crazy!!!

100 Things About Me

2008-08-21T13:04:00.000-07:00

I saw this on another friend's blog and I thought it was kinda fun so here it goes....sorry if you get bored and stop reading at like 20!!

1. My legal name is now Meagan Hauck Hacker (I didn't have a middle name so my maiden name became my new middle name!)

2. I am wierdly attached to my dogs.

3. I'm as blind as a bat

4. I hate cleaning

5. I still clean even though it is not my favorite

6. I totally stalked Rob when we first started dating

7. I lived in Utah for an entire semester, when it started snowing I left!

8. I lived in San Diego for 2 years

9. While in San Diego my roommate "accidently" started a fire in our apartment.

10. We were no longer roommates after that incident

11. My first car was a white Mazda (no idea what year or make)

12. When coming to a stoplight I had to keep my foot on the gas and brake to keep the engine running!

13. My second car was a gold sedan that we purchased from a sweet old lady- the front seat was one big seat, so awesome!

14. My third car was my very own Jeep Cherokee! I loved that car and it is still in our family being driven by my nieces and nephews in Temecula!!

15. I'll stop talking about my old cars now

16. I don't really like the process of getting ready

17. I wish I could just wake up and already had a shower, done my hair/makeup, etc.

18. I once got a black eye when someone dived in on my head during swim practice

19. I love singing in the car by myself when no one can hear me!

20. I get all choked up when the ASPCA commercials come on and they want you to help out the animals in the shelters, gets me everytime.

21. I tried to adopt a kitten once but was rejected because I was going to declaw them- apparently that was worse than keeping them in a tiny cage with no one to play with.

22. Rob and my first pet was a cat name Musa and he fetched better than my dog

23. I no longer want cats cause they pee on our stuff

24. I dream about being on "So you think you can dance"

25. I realize this dream will never come true becuase I actually can't dance

26. I procrastinate, like right now I should be working or doing homework....but this sounded more important!

27. I love being tan

28. I burn everytime I'm in the sun

29. I'm on the computer all day long

30. I usually never answer my phone if I don't know who's calling

31. I have double-jointed toes

32. I can wiggle my eyes really fast

33. I have never broken a bone

34. I am very clumsy and run into things a lot

35. I am excited to be back in school

36. I totally freaked out on Rob before he proposed, he had to show me the reciept for my ring and then I felt like a total dork (but I have met someone who has done this same thing!)

37. I can't wait to make my peach jam, peach cobbler, peach whatever- I feel like such a good Mormon wife!

38. I would love to live on a ranch in Montana and save lots of dogs from the shelter and have some horses

39. My husband thinks I'm crazy (he told me he won't pick up all the poop)

40. I would love to travel in Europe someday soon

41. I want to have only boys and raise them to be NHL hockey players

42. Holy cow this is really hard to do

43. I love painting walls in my house

44. I love to organize (we have thousands of comic books Rob inherited and I have gone through each one and put them in the correct spot)

45. When I was a teenager I jumped off a bridge into a roaring river in the pitch black of night, I still have the scar to prove it!

46. I love to laugh and hardly ever cry (I may get choked up but it is a rare occasion when tears fall)

47. I never remember anyone's b-day until afterwards, sorry I'm trying!

48. I just got to talk to my good friend Monica which we haven't really kept in touch over the years...it was so awesome to hear her voice and her laugh!!

49. I am trying to be a better friend and keep in touch with people better, I know I suck at it most of the time!

50. I love to sleep and never sleep as soundly without Rob next to me

51. I totally love my hubby and I can't imagine life without his crazyness!

52. I have 2 brothers and 3 sisters

53. 4 years ago my brother died- he had a tough life and we truly believe it was his time to go, I wish I had a better relationship with him

54. I have 12 nieces and nephews

55. I have an older sister who is old enough to be my mom!

56. My favorite new Olympic sport is Race Walking....oh my gosh, soooo funny!

57. I totally enjoy watching hockey fights

58. I have never read nor watched anything to do with Harry Potter

59. I really enjoy living in Lake Elsinore, I don't miss Orange County one bit!

60. Ok so I'm totally bored with myself....59 is good enough right???

Back to School!!!!

2008-08-15T12:48:00.000-07:00

As of next Monday I will officially be a college student once again! It has been almost 6 years since my last attempt at school so I am a little rusty. I signed up for a couple night classes at Mt. San Jacinto College in Menifee and I'm super excited about it! I've been saying to Rob recently that I feel really stupid, like I'm not exercising my brain at all and I think getting back into school and working toward some degree will get my brain up and running again.

I am nervous but excited about it, just hope my classes aren't filled with 18 year olds to make me feel old and dumb, but I did sign up for classes that I should ace since I'm only doing accounting courses!

So over the next few months I should be back up to working almost full-time, taking 2.5 classes, running 3-4x a week, and anything else that comes up- and I'm totally stoked to be busy once again!!!

Shhhh! Did you hear THAT??

2008-08-05T13:22:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we traveled with our dear friends Kevin and Laura on a little camping extravaganza! We did some soul searching on the trip and found that none of us actually like camping!!! We really enjoy the hiking part of it and being in the wilderness, but the actual digging a hole to go potty, sleeping on the hard ground, no comfy place to sit and relax is not our cup of tea.

Here are the major highlights of the trip:
*We planned on staying 2 nights...we were up and packed after the 1st night!
*Kevin & Laura were freaked out all night because some critter was sniffing around their tent
*I had a dream that I was at my 36th b-day party and Justin Timberlake was there!
*We saw some naked men soaking up the rays at the hot springs
*We saw a bat fall out of a tree and die
*We saw a rattlesnake (we think it was dead)
*The amazing sky at night it was so beautiful seeing that many stars
*The best lunch I've eaten in a long time in Ojai
*Hot fudge sundaes at McDonalds
*Coming home to a cool shower and a super comfy couch!

Me & Rob (he wore his old marine boots and they were sooo cute!)

Kevin & Laura

Isn't this beautiful?

Rob, Kevin & Laura on their neverending hike (I took a nap)

So you think you can dance dance dance dance

2008-07-27T12:54:00.000-07:00

I really find pure joy in watching "So you think you can dance". I know it is silly but I find myself smiling the entire time just hoping each contestant does their greatest....I think I should have taken dance lessons while growing up because I didn't realize how excited I get when I see people dancing!

This week my favorite dancer Will got voted off, he is a beautiful dancer and I wish Rob had his beautiful upper body HA HA!

My Very Own Wall Art!

2008-07-05T15:21:00.001-07:00

I've had this magazine cutout for years now and I've always loved the idea of a huge collage of pictures. I finally got all the pictures of Rob and I all copied and blown up accordingly and got this project finished this morning! Now the wall may look a little like we enjoy looking at ourselves, but I literally only have 2 other pictures of us in our entire house! So I thought it would be fun to put us all together (and I just think Rob was the MOST adorable kid ever!!!)

And yes I realize it may be a little silly that I couldn't come up with this on my own, but hey I freely admit I need all the inspiration I can get!!!

A Little Side Note:

Aaron Brothers is having its semi-annual "Buy any Frame, get one for a penny" SALE!!! This is the best deal ever because I got all my frame shopping done in a matter of minutes!

Sugar Free....is the way to be (NOT!)

2008-06-29T18:48:00.000-07:00

I went for a follow up visit with my doctor and while he saw some improvement I still have to completely change my diet for good! That means no more tasty yummy comfort food that I love soooo much! I have to give up all wheat (which is literally in everything, I have checked) and sugar (which is basically what I live off of). So I tried to rid the pantry of all pasta and other foods that I can't eat to get rid of the temptation but unfortunately Rob is not on this new eating plan so I had to keep it all....hopefully he'll get with it and cook it when I'm not here!
I have to eat as much protein as possible in every meal...if anyone has any good recipes or snack ideas please fill me in cause this is going to be a difficult adjustment. I was forced to eat ice cream last night by my mother-in-law but I did choose sugar-free instead....I told Rob afterwards I might as well just go hungry cause there is no point in sugar-free anything!!!!

A Very Long Day.....

2008-06-20T18:42:00.000-07:00

I finally was able to get my hair done today....I was there from 12:30-5:00, so thanks to my new hairstylist who got through it with me! I don't think she has ever seen a person with sooooo much hair! But the end result was totally worth it and I love it!!

Before...blah (no makeup extra blah!)

After...the picture doesn't do it justice, it really is very blonde!!!

Our Trip to Needles

2008-06-08T19:35:00.000-07:00

We just got home from a much needed weekend away with friends out in Needles! Nathaniel's brother was graduating high school on Friday so it was just excuse to get together, so we met up with friends from AZ and got to spend some time together! Here are some pics of our trip down to the river, it was the first time Chanel and Max have ever been swimming and they loved it! It was adorable to watch them all play, they got to spend time with Bailey and a new friend Buck as well and played for hours in the water. It was a great weekend with good friends who are basically our family and we love them!

This may sound strange to some but we got a hotel room with 2 full beds, well Rob went out Friday night into Laughlin and left me in the room with my 2 doggies and of course I let them get on the bed with me....it's a vacation! So Rob and I slept in separate beds because the dogs snuggled with me the whole time---and no I do not let dogs in my bed normally!

They loved chasing Nathaniel in the kayak, Max rode around in it and Chanel swam behind because she thought he was stealing him! It was pretty cute...

Here is Max passed out on the floor of the backseat....we came home with a real need for an SUV...2 large dogs in a sedan does not work!

OH HAPPY DAY!

2008-05-31T19:33:00.000-07:00

So I'm very excited to be writing this post because I finally have an explanation for why I've been feeling so terrible lately! For those who have no idea what I'm talking about I have been feeling very exausted from the time I wake up until bedtime, I have a hard time concentrating and just basically feel like I'm running on empty. Well I recently went to the doctor and had some blood work done (thought it might be my thyroid)....of course it came back totally normal and she basically said I was just stressed out (now I know my body and that answer just didn't work for me!).
I was visiting my sister in Ventura this week and she has a bookkeeping client who is a holistic doctor and set up an appt for me! It was the most amazing experience! He basically examines just a prick of blood from your finger in a microscope and can then see what your deficient in....well I was all messed up! But he actually gave me the answers I've been looking for and sent me home with a whole crapload of supplements to get my body back up to normal speed and I'm just so relieved! He also found that I'm deficient in hormones to allow me to get pregnant so hopefully soon we'll see some changes and I can't wait!
Anyway if you've all been wondering where I've been I just haven't been able to function normally, but within the next week I should start seeing a difference in the next few days!!!! Yippeee!!!

My Thoughts on "The Bachelor"

2008-05-01T14:23:00.000-07:00

I really love watching "The Bachelor" this season....Matt really isn't very attractive and doesn't really look all that in shape but his wonderful sarcastic sense of humor makes this season especially good! I was disappointed he got rid of Amanda...well she like couldn't stop saying like every other like word, so that got a little annoying- but I thought she was cute....now I'm thinking he's going to propose to Shayne and they are going to break up soon after the show, so much for true love on reality tv.
Does anyone else share my obesssion with this show? (other than Heather, Laura, Sarah??)

Who do you want Matt to choose?

OH YEAH I'M BACK- STEP OFF

2008-04-30T21:16:00.000-07:00

Age at my next birthday:

A Place I want to visit:

My Favorite Thing:

My Favorite Place:

My Favorite Food:

My Favorite Color:

The Town I live In:

Name of A Past Pet: (I couldn't find Sleazebucket or Rat Dude!!)

Nickname I've Had:

College Major:

First Job:

Goal for Next Year: (duh to be a blonde again, what did you really think?????)

Garage Sale Back On!

2008-04-13T17:34:00.000-07:00

Ok so my blogging has been pretty non-existent lately but I've finally found something to blog about!!

The Big Garage Sale is back on and we are officially doing it this coming Saturday April 19th! (Big thanks to Nathaniel & Janisty for inspiring me!) So I have spoken to a few of you and they are able to make it so whoever wants to bring their stuff on over, just let me know and you can sell your little hearts out!

Let's say be ready to go by 8am Saturday morning...I just need a few hubbys to volunteer to put some signs up for it and we'll be all set!

Ok that's all I got...

The Answers To All of Life's Questions!

2008-02-29T19:40:00.000-08:00

1. How long have you and your significant other been together? It will be a total of 5 years this July...holy cow

2. Who eats more? Rob does, he's a very slow eater, but he'll just keeping eating and eating and eating- like right now he's finishing dinner while I'm blogging!

3. Who said I love you first? Rob did- I didn't want to be the crazy girlfriend who said I love you before he was ready to say it back!!

4. Who is taller? Rob- he says I'm really short which I don't agree with, I'm pretty average height

6.Who does laundry? That would be me! I had to force him to start letting me do his laundry, he always thought it was wierd but now he couldn't live without me

7. Who does dishes? Me again- well actually he would do them but on his own time and I usually just get fed up and do them myself

8.Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Rob, we tried switching once but it was actually uncomfortable

9. Who pays the bills? I do, but I enjoy reminding him of how much his Directv (necessity of course) costs each month!!

10. Who mows the lawn? Rob- we bought this awsome mower for like $10 off craigslist!

11. Who cooks dinner? I do- well ok we only have a couple home cooked meals a week so it's really not a big responsibility, he does make a mean can of soup when I'm sick though!!

12.Who drives when you are together? Rob does- I can't see very well at night so it's just safer for everyone that way

13. Who is stubborn? hmmmmm anyone have an opinion on that one??? if you have met Rob you will know the answer to this question

14.Who is the first to admit they are wrong? I think I am, I don't like being wrong but I also hate arguing my point- Rob really enjoys this

15.Who's parents do you see the most? I think we see my family more- wierd because all of Rob's family is local and mine are up in Nor Cal and Washington!

16. Who kissed who first? Rob kissed me first- it was awesome

17.Who proposed? Rob of course

18.Who is more sensitive? Me by a landslide- although Rob really isn't as tough as he comes across!

19.Who has more friends? I think I do right now- it was always him when we were dating but now I have lots of such wonderful girlfriends that I totally have him beat! take that rob!

20. Who has more siblings? Me- I have 2 brothers and 3 sisters (all older), he has 1 sister and 1 brother

21. Who wears the pants? This one made me chuckle- I actually enjoy the fact that Rob "wears the pants". It makes me feel secure and I know he will always take care of our family first! I think because the 2 of us have such different personalities that we create a good balance in our home. He's definitely a "mans man" and I love that about him!! I trust him to make good decisions for the future of our family and I don't worry so much about getting my way all the time- I've learned it's all about compromise!

Anyone want a piece???

2008-02-23T16:54:00.000-08:00

So Laura and I wanted to do something special for Heather on her actual birthday and she always makes these awesome barbie cakes for everyone....so we thought we'd try our skills and see how it turned out! I read the wrong directions and we baked it in one bowl instead of 2 and it ended up being a little short! When Laura stuck barbie in the cake I was running around the kitchen trying not to pee my pants we were laughing so hard! It was tons of fun to make and if anyone needs a super aweomse cake, just call us...we are totally going into business!!

Ode to Heather...on her Birthday

2008-02-22T13:26:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HEATHER!!!!
We went out for Heather's big 29th birthday last night to the Sushi House in Temecula....here's some fun pics, too bad we missed out on Karoke those would have been pretty good!

Here's Heather and Seth looking all cute!

Me & Laura

Heather & Kati

Nathanial & Janitsy (can you say photogenic???)

Me & Rob

Kevin & Laura

Ha ha, here's Seth making a bad joke????

And we got some undercover officer checkin the place out...we think they were serving illegal alchohol????

Good times.....hope you have a wonderful birthday!!!

Love ya Heather!!

My Baby and me!

2008-02-19T14:24:00.000-08:00

I've seen a lot of love stories being posted and I started to think about my own...somewhat different from most, but it has a happy ending! I met Rob in the summer of 2003, he had just returned from Iraq and I had moved home to OC from San Diego. He just showed up one day and acted like he'd never been away. In our singles ward we used to play softball on Saturday mornings and I'm not a softball player by any means. But Rob and I were just getting to know each other and this was a fun way to be around him! I would just stand behind him and act as his "shadow", but really the whole time checking out his adorable butt! Oh he had the best body that summer still being in the marines all he did was work out, man oh man!!!
So he he asked me out a few times and each time I said no (I have no idea why, maybe playing hard to get) but on the 3rd try I said yes and we had our first date at the OC fair. It was seriously the best date I've ever been on and I knew I started falling for him that night. We played all night and beat up on each other with these blow-up hammers and by the end of the night we were holding hands (we have a very specific way of holding hands, not interlaced through all fingers but just a couple....and it was so comfortable). No kiss on the first date (I totally would have) but I'm sure it happened a few dates later on the way out to my car to say goodnight. After that I totally stalked him! I had friends in the same apt complex and would just magically show up on his doorstep all the time! Poor guy never stood a chance. Well we had an interesting courtship, we broke up a number of times but something always brought us back together.

Late in 2004 we started talking about marriage (everyone was getting married around us so I started to feel the pressure) and he just couldn't handle it! We were at the mall one day walking by a jewelry store and said we should go in and look around...I was a little nervous but went with it....so we get in the store, I have a ring on my finger and he tells the sales lady that he is my brother! I couldn't get out of that store fast enough! I tried to be patient, but my emotions got the better of me one Sunday afternoon at his apartment, I started bawling asking him why he didn't want to marry me??? He disappears for a second and comes back and hands me the receipt for my engagement ring! I guess the ring was taking forever to make and he was just waiting to get it...needless to say I felt really silly after that! So I settled down and waited!

The proposal happened on Christmas Day 2004. My family was out of town and I think we went to his family's for the morning, but we got back to the apt and were just hanging out when he has this brilliant idea to try out his new trench coat. I though it was kinda random but I went with it, we went to Laguna Beach and walked up to this gazebo overlooking the ocean and all the sudden he was down on one knee! I can't remember a thing he said, but I know I said yes! I'm glad we actually had the camera there that night!

I started planning the wedding the next day and we got married on May 21, 2005 (exactly one month before my b-day, so he can't ever forget it) in the San Diego temple and it was a total blur! I remember him walking up to meet us that morning and I was so excited and I asked him "aren't you so excited?"....he then told me "please don't talk to me right now", I started freaking out a little cause who would say that like 20 minutes before they were sealed???? But we were able to see each other beforehand and he was totally calm and ready, so I felt ok about marrying him! After that we headed to our apt and took a nap (really I totally fell asleep for a couple of hours) and then went to my parents house for our reception!

We left the next day for our honeymoon in Hawaii, it was soooo amazing to be on our own! We had a great time in Maui in the best hotel ever. And he took some amazing pictures we have had blown up and framed in our bedroom!

And now almost 3 years later we are happier than ever (marriage was a tough thing for us to adjust to) and have our beautiful home, our giant dogs, and our great friends surrounding us! We are looking forward to having a family and are ready when the time is right!

The Pup Update

2008-02-19T13:39:00.000-08:00

Well out of 8 puppies we only have 3 boys left! They are officially 14 weeks as of today! I'm starting to teach them the basics but it is hard to do 3 at a time. They are a lot of fun but they are getting so big and I'm worried we won't find homes for them now! I'm actually thinking of keeping Bob the fawn one, he is so sweet and reminds me of Bailey when he was a puppy (minus a whole lot of energy).

Ewwww I'm So Sick!!!

2008-02-15T18:14:00.000-08:00

So I'm still really very sick. I finally broke down and went to the doctor today and after spending $225 (yes you read that correctly) I now have antibiotics to help get me through this! Can I just say that health insurance is a scam and I really hate having it!!!!! Does anyone else agree with me? So I'm officially stuck at home until this thing starts to clear up, I just spent 1/2 hour in the shower trying to even out my body tempurature and clear up my sinuses. This is the most sick I've been in a while and I'm running out of soup!! Poor Rob has been a pretty good sport, has gone on multiple drug store runs for medicine and sprite (I can't get enough of it!) and he keeps forcing food down my throat...at this point I am just one sickness away from my goal weight!!! (ha ha, that was from a movie I promise) So now I'm trying to keep my head from expoding and I should be back in action in another week or so! And my final thought is- if anyone is feeling anything like I am feeling- GO TO THE DOCTOR ASAP! My doctor is having me do special stuff to keep me from getting neumonia(sp), so take care of yourselves and your cute kids and I don't wish this one on anyone!! Ta ta!

My School Daze

2008-02-08T17:01:00.000-08:00

So we've all been talking about our worst hair day and I personally think it should have been "The Most Awkward Time In My Life", which in this slideshow you will see that my high school years could have been better!!! Ok so it was really freshman and sophmore year that was the most disgusting for me (can I just say clear braces didn't work for me!!) But I enjoy all my school pictures, they are pretty funny to look back on and see the homemade clothes, the perms and the ridiculously short hairdos I had. So hope you enjoy as well!!">

2008-01-31T17:33:00.001-08:00

What's Your True Color?

My Result: Yellow

You're yellow, the color of joy and energy — two things you definitely bring to everyone around you. It's hard for anyone to be sad or lonely in your presence; your sunny disposition and cheery outlook just won't allow it. The warmth of your personality shines through in the kindness you show friends and family (and strangers, too). Always ready with a lighthearted joke or heartfelt compliment, you know how to make people feel good about themselves, so they can't get enough of you. Yellow is a warm and inviting color for a warm and inviting person — you!

What are you?
http://web.tickle.com/rd/50651/color/index.jsp?testname=colorogt&resultid=A

Can I just say that anyone who knows me knows this quite accurate. I've been known to not make the best impressions in fact some say they thought I hated them...well we won't go there...but it takes a while for me to warm up to people when I first meet them, so I apologize in advance for those yet to meet me!!!

My "Top Ten" (Copied from Heather)

2008-01-27T16:36:00.000-08:00

I'm taking Heather's challenge and creating my own "Top Ten" of stuff I love. And these are not in order, its just what came to mind first!!!!

1. Shopping- Being in a house creates a challenge for my love of shopping.
I'm totally obsessed with shoes and beautiful handbags and I really love
splurging on them. I have been working in a women's clothing boutique
since it opened in 2006 in OC and I love admiring all the newest fashions
that come out each season. Unfortunately they do not cater to us modest
folk so I admire from a distance.

2. My dogs- So I really didn't think I was as much of a dog lover as I have become, but apparently I'm bordering on crazy. We have Bailey our dog we got as a puppy and he is the sweetest thing ever. We got Chanel last September and then we were blessed with a litter of puppies! I totally enjoy having them around when I work from home, I feel totally safe withe them by my side!

3. My darling husband- I couldn't get away without him on my list, and I promise the dogs don't actually come before him....Rob is a totally ambitious entrepreneur and I love him for it. He is very active and plays softball and hockey and is a big competitor. He is a very direct person and loves to speak his mind, sometimes that takes people offguard but I've come to appreciate that openness in him. He used to be a marine (I can't say former because he'll correct me and tell me "Once a marine, always a marine"). Oh and he has E totally crooked feet...it's pretty freaky!

4. My friends- I can't believe how lucky we are to be in this ward! I really have enjoyed getting to know everyone here and so grateful for the friendships I have. I have loved our "Girls Nights Out" and Scrapbook night (no I don't scrapbook, but I like to chat) and I can't wait for even more good times. And I have to give a shout out to Kyra- she likes to copy my hair color and paint colors but I love hanging out with her and taking her excercise classes, one of these days I'm really going to be in shape and it's all because of her!

5. The Internet- Say what? I spend so much time on the internet it's just crazy, but the internet allows me to work from home and that is so awesome!!! And I email all day every day, it's the only way for me to actually stay in touch with everyone- I'm not much of a phone talker, I get really distracted and forget what I'm saying.

6. My sisters- I have a great relationship with my sisters Sam and Lissa, they were out of the house and starting their lives by the time I was in high school so just in the past couple years we have really bonded and I love our monthly 3-way chats on the phone (this is the only time I'm good on the phone) we really have a great time together and I love them so much!

7. My Young Women- I have a calling as Laurel advisor so I get to teach them each Sunday. It's been almost 2 years in this calling and I feel blessed every day! We love to laugh and joke around but they really have an amazing spirit and they are all a great example to me. I also totally enjoy the women I get to serve with.

8. The GMC Acadia- Random I know, but I just went and test drove this car and it is my dream car! It is the perfect car for me, because it is the perfect mix of luxury and truckness. I can't wait to get one someday!

9. Books- So no I haven't read the "Twilight" series everyone is talking about but I will soon. I love to read, it is my favorite hobby to curl up on the couch and read for hours.

10. LA Fitness- I just got my membership there 2 weeks ago and I have been going on a regular basis and I love it! I have been waiting patiently for this to open and now I'm really enjoying getting back into shape. And I love my step classes with Kyra! And Sarah Robinson Jr and I get to go together and that is so cool. Anyone else that would like to go anytime just let me know!

2008-01-24T16:01:00.001-08:00

Puppies Everywhere!

2008-01-18T18:48:00.001-08:00

This is Bengal one of the 6 puppies we have left. We accidently had a litter of dogs, (someone wasn't wearing protection!) and we are now overwhelmed with dogs at our house...don't worry the puppies stay outdoors so my house doesn't stink too much. They have been so much fun to have around, I love each one of them and their little personalities, but we need to find good homes for them ASAP!!!

We call this one Fuzzy well cause she is extra fuzzy, but is such a lover!

This is our darling Bob, the only fawn one we had in the entire litter, he is so freakin cute, he is exactly like Bailey the dad, but cuter cause he's so itty bitty!

This is Bubba, he is the one that thinks he is a lap dog and as soon as someone sits down he's right there in your lap.

This is Georgie, he just likes to hang out and be near you, and he has so much extra skin on him that he has yet to grown in it's just adorable. I totally carry this one around like a baby over my shoulder (just cause he lets me)

And last but certainly not least this is Big Bertha, she is our biggest dog, I mean this girl can eat! She has the biggest belly I've ever seen, but she loves being held, I can't really pick her up anymore though cause she is huge!!!