Adding to our family

After some careful thought and great consideration, Dallin and I decided that in lieu of more kids, we would adopt 2 kittens! Actually, we've seen several mice in some of our window wells and I am not looking forward to the fact that they may get inside my house....again. We decided we wanted some Siamese cats, so I called our local animal shelter and asked if they had any kittens. They had 2 Siamese kittens that were 5 weeks old. Obviously, they are not full Siamese (that's okay). Asher (the boy) looks like a white tiger. He has beautiful stripes in his fur. Bella (the girl) has a light spot on her nose, toe, and the tip of her tail. Both have Siamese markings also.

Meet Asher....















and Bella....















We've had them for about a month and I haven't taken pictures of them before now because I couldn't decide if I wanted to keep them. Why? I know....they're really cute. But, since having them I've discovered that I am a control freak. I CANNOT control these kittens! And, if I don't watch them when I let them out of the bathroom (They stay in our basement bathroom which is large and not often used) they will sometimes PEE on my floor. Grrrr! But, over the past week, I have seen some great improvement from them and have had a change of heart. And really.....do I want to deal with cat pee and maybe have to clean my carpets every week or do I want the disgustingness (yes that's my word) of having a mouse in my house? I choose the cat pee. I have a shampooer. I can clean. I can't deal with mice! And, they better be good mousers too!

Bella and Asher have cute personalities too. Bella is really gun shy. Probably because Kam keeps picking her up and then he tosses her when we catch him holding her. Not so fun for her. Asher will get this look on his face (or in his eyes) and then he'll leap at you! If you're laying on the floor this is not a fun experience. Both scale my legs to sit on my shoulders. I think I'm their "person" and honestly.....I kind of like that! So, welcome to the family!

It's a slippery slope!

Kamron + a shoe box + stairs = nothing but bumps all the way down! Kam has been playing with a shoe box the past several days, scooting himself around the house saying, "Vroom!" It's been really cute and I've hesitated throwing away the box that gives him such joy. A few times, he's even positioned himself at the top of our stairs and we've quickly discouraged his attempts at going down. It's a shoe box! I doubt it will do much better than the lego tub that Gavin tried! That being said, I was making my bed the other morning when I heard shhhick, boom, boom (and on every boom a small yelp escaping). I quickly ran to the stairs, already knowing what must have happened. Sure enough, I discovered Kam and the shoe box at the bottom of the stairs. Kam was VERY upset (completely fine, but a little traumatized!). I think the tumble scared him! I guess I need to teach him about the pillow cases! Gavin was 4 before he tried something like that! Does this mean I am raising adrenaline junkie boys? (because Shelbi is SO not that daring)! Probably. They get it from their dad! Admittedly, I was laughing as I walked down the stairs to comfort Kam. Where has my baby gone?!

On My Way....

to a healthier me! I've been working hard since moving to Gillette and wanted to share my weight loss so far. Seriously, so proud of myself for keeping it up! So, since moving here, I have lost a total of 34 pounds (11 more to go to be at my pre-pregnancy weight with Kam) and 33 1/4 inches overall! My secret? Diet and exercise (eating things in moderation) and I'm sure that switching to diet soda has helped my cause! I still have a bit to lose, but I am determined. Also, I'm in a Biggest Loser contest with some of my girlfriends from Texas and that gives me extra motivation. Wish they could come to my house for a fitness/healthy snack hour (Erica, that was a HUGE hint to pass along)! I miss my girls!

In Memory...

I attended the funeral of my girlfriend's husband today. His baby girl just turned 2 months over the weekend (they have 4 girls in all....the oldest started kindergarten on Tuesday). It was a beautiful service, though hearts were heavy and sorrowful. He took his own life last Monday. He left no note. My friend's father (who is a bishop in Utah) spoke at the end of the funeral about those in this life who take their own. He spoke of the Lord being judge and we being judged for our good works while here on Earth. This husband....was a GOOD man. He was constantly in the service of others. I came to realize as I sat there during the service, just how grateful I am for the Savior and His atonement. Knowing that I will probably never understand the possibly frightening and deeply saddening things that may have gone through this man's mind, it is hugely comforting that Christ has experienced all of it and can offer the kind of peace to the family that no human can. I love the Lord Jesus Christ. How fortunate we are to know Him and know His peace. And how fortunate we are to know that because of the blessings of the temple, we will be with our families again.