The Evans

Valentines Dinner

2012-02-16T14:22:00.000-08:00

It was so fun to have an excuse to make a special dinner.

Special thanks to my visiting teacher who showed up with valentines cookies

and play-dough for Emerson

Valentines Day Cake

2012-02-16T14:12:00.000-08:00

Julia child raspberry ruffle genoise cake

It took all night, but I had to make it while the kids were asleep.

What fun to eat!!

Brother Love

2012-02-16T14:02:00.000-08:00

Playing with the kids is so much fun

This morning the only person Kennedy wanted to be with was. . .

Emerson!!

So Cute!!

wood burning stove

2011-12-04T18:13:00.000-08:00

Our new wood burning stove / my new best friend. I love not being cold :)

Daddy and daughter

fun dome

2011-11-26T09:07:00.000-08:00

Fun At Home

2011-10-28T03:51:00.001-07:00

Kennedy is 10 months old. How the time flies!

My new favorite place to do bath time is in the kitchen sink! So easy to clean the kids and they both get their own tub.

Kennedy loves the water

Happy Birthday Emerson Big 3

2011-10-28T03:48:00.000-07:00

My Little man is a big 3 year old now. How I love him. He has allways been a climber, so we took him rock climbing with Dad for his birthday. He is a natural. We also decorated his car birthday cake. I love you Emerson!!

pavers

2011-10-04T16:05:00.000-07:00

I decided to dig up the dirt path in the backyard and lay pavers. I must be crazy. When do I have time to cut pavers with the two kids around?

The city, so beautiful. September had some beautiful days.

Kennedy is now 9 months old.

Reuphostered Chair

2011-09-07T12:51:00.000-07:00

Couch Before -

I wanted to have a rich brown fabric on the Recliner in Kennedy's room. We got a great recliner on Craigslist, the fabric was good, a nice tan, but not brown, so today I finally finished this project.

I love technology

2011-08-25T10:12:00.000-07:00

Kennedy was screaming in the back seat.

Just a little baby signing time on the i-pad to calm her down.

Hi Mom

Back to my show

Back again!

2011-08-23T21:32:00.001-07:00

Park City Utah Marathon

It wasn't to chilly at 6:30 am. :)

It has long been a goal of mine to run marathon after my mission. I have been home from my mission for 8 years. I've finished my batchlors degree, got married, worked full time for 3 years, built a house with my husband, and gave birth to two children. When Kennedy was about 4 months old I decided I wasn't getting any younger and I better knock this goal off the charts now. So Aug 20th, in Park City Utah, I lined up with many other crazy's, to run 26.2 miles. It was exciting, fun, beautiful, hard, and just wonderful to set a goal and get it done. It took me 4hr 29 min to run 26.2 miles, but many more hours to train for it. I have to give a shout out of thanks to my husband, James, Grandpa Evans, and Grandma and Grandpa Swiss for watching my kids while I trained this summer. Twice during the marathon I saw my aunt Kathy waiting to cheer me on. Her cheers gave me the boost I needed to make it up 2 miles of incline to the highest point of the marathon which completed at mile 16. Park City Utah Marathon is up hill for the first 16 miles changing elevation from 6400 to 7200. and then is mostly down hill for the last 10, but the last 10 miles are no piece of cake. Anyways, lots of fun!! And a good excuse to come to Utah for another week this summer. :)

Yea I finished!

Me with my kids and holding the phone talking to James.

My parents and awesome brother Dallin and his wife Maria, came to cheer me on.

When I arrived for my visit to Utah this past week and my mom threw me a surprise birthday party inviting all my girlfriends from home. It was so fun to see them all again!! I wish we lived closer and could get together so much more.

This is my friend Corina and her husband Stephan. Corina is an awesome marathon runner and has been giving me tips on running. Such a sweety!!

Janalee and Whitney

Whitney, Annika and I along with our youngest girls. Yea, love the girls!!

Jan's husband Jonny and my dad were on Kid wagon duty :)

We spent a couple days at the park with Jan and her boys. Emerson loves playing with them, especially Chase, who is his age. This is a picture of Chace pushing Emerson in the swing.

While I was in Utah I also re-covered my parents porch swing. These are the best before and after pictures I have.

This picture doesn't have the finished armrest which is in the solid green color, but I loved the fabric we got.

Kennedy loved the porch swing! It was a guaranteed no cry zone.

Utah Trip

2011-08-10T08:04:00.000-07:00

Our trip to Utah started with a long car ride, but we spent a lot of time riding other fun things. Uncle Dave's 4 wheelers,
We visited Uncle Dan at the beginning of the day. They both have the morning look on.
My friend Corina and I went to the Thanksgiving Point Farm. It was fun!
Emerson said hi to a Cow

Kennedy stayed out of the sun

Emerson went for a pony ride, Yee Ha

We went on a Hay Ride

Emerson with Corina's Kids

I met up with my friends Jan and Annika. So fun to see friends again

Emerson and Chase Benson

We went for a swim

Emerson loved the little water fountains

Matter Teeth for being so good! He love anything Cars

we discovered Kennedy loves fruit

a game of crockett with Grandma and Grandpa Swiss, Dan, Dallin, Maria, Emerson and I. I was behind them all, but came out victorious in the end

We seized the day and went wave running

Emerson liked it!

A beautiful sunset with great friends

I'm training for a marathon and Corina ran with me one morning. Thank you Corina

I came home and my plants were still alive and blooming beatifully.

During the trip James was away working in Singapore. He worked hard and I played hard.

Going home is the best way to pass the time while the husband is away.

We had a fun dinner with strawberries.

Kids

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

it has been so long since I've had a moment to update the blog. Days just fly by here, but I was able to take a moment to have Carrie Merrill take some adorable pictures of the kids.

Girl scout cookies

2011-03-21T16:39:00.000-07:00

How do you eat a Mint Girl Scout Cookie

Baby Blessing

2011-03-10T10:49:00.000-08:00

My Darling Girl is now 2 months old

It is so fun to have a new baby in the house and a little girl!

Emerson is lots of fun. I was down stairs after trying to get him to nap, I fell asleep for 15 mins. I came up to fun Emerson making, what he calls a road, with butter on my floor.

He did finally fall asleep

My parents came down for the weekend and Kennedy's Baby Blessing

We went for a train ride

We visited the Little Farm

And we blessed Kennedy. She got to wear a dress I made in College. Like 10 years ago.

I wore this bonnet when I was blessed.

First Hair Cut

2011-02-17T02:13:00.000-08:00

It has been about a month and a half since Emerson had his first hair cut. I guess it seems fitting that becoming an older brother came with the initiation of cutting off his baby curls. He has matured so much in the past month. His maturing is taking him right into the wonderful year of a two-year-old, but regressing to wanting to be the baby in my arms and not Kennedy as well. He is doing a great job with all the changes, I love my little man so much!!

Grocery Shopping

2011-02-01T22:39:00.000-08:00

When you're at the grocery check out and the bagger offers you assistance to your car, Have you ever wished that person could come home with you and unload your groceries into your house for you? I have and now my wish has come true. SafeWay, the local grocery store in my town offers online shopping and free delivery for first time on line customers. The delivery man brought my whole grocery purchase in my house and to the kitchen. It was awesome. Of course the regular delivery price is not worth the expense, but for these few weeks of staying home it has been so convenient not to mention not shopping with in public with a crying baby and wild 2 year old. Grocery delivery = awesome.

What's for breakfast today?

2011-01-28T10:05:00.000-08:00

frozen Corn dogs

Bagel & Apple Jacks for breakfast sounds nutritious

2011-01-27T10:17:00.000-08:00

This is Emerson's breakfast creation. Umm yummy Butter. . . Yuck

12 hours later

2011-01-25T17:34:00.000-08:00

we cleaned and finished the floor in the garage

What do you do when your 2 year-old is feeling a little neglected. I'm not neglecting him, but I think it's hard on him to have to compete for my attention. He's used to being the one and only. If I am taking a picture of Kennedy I hear "Picture of Emerson" and need to take equal amount of pictures of Emerson. Instead of finding me in my bed when he wakes up, he finds me holding Kennedy in her room. Possibly he thinks it's supposed to be him I'm sitting with. So today while nursing Kennedy at 2am. Emerson walks in. We go into his room to put him to bed, but he follows us back into the Nursery. I fall asleep in the reclined nursing chair with a nursing Kennedy in my arms and Emerson snuggled in my lap. Finally at 6:00 am I had to pee and couldn't sit there any longer, although both my babies were sleeping. Waking them both up, I run to the restroom. So the day has begun and it's time for milk for Emerson and hopefully a movie that he will sleep to but alas by 10 am he has stripped himself naked and refusing to wear a diaper. We spend our time on non-carpeted surfaces. Suddenly he runs from my bathroom to the kids bathroom and poo's all over the floor. :) at least he was trying for the potty and he missed the carpet in his effort. I just don't know how mom's do the potty training thing. I think he might be ready, but I also think he just doesn't want to wear his diaper. He is also just transitioning into a really good two-year-old using the word "No" a lot and being demanding, but changing his mind every second. Refusing to take his nap today he finally passed out in the living room around 3 pm. It would have been an even longer day without a nap.

On the bright side I got a baby swing yesterday. I feel like I am cheating. I just put Kennedy in the swing, she quiets for a long while and I am free to do whatever I please. I should have got the swing sooner.

Life with two

2011-01-22T03:03:00.000-08:00

Life with two is different, but wonderful. It's amazing how a little child will come into your life and so quickly you find you're self asking how did I ever live with out them in my life. Grantite a little more wouldn't be a bad thing, but that will come. Since coming home from the hospitalmy shower time is some where between 10 pm - 2 am when both kids are asleep. I don't know if I'd ever check my email if I didn't have an I-phone. There is very little time for sitting at a computer. We have a lot more pink in our house and it's so fun for me.
During the past month I have received so much support for the ward members my heart has been full with gratitude and my stomach full of delicious home cooked meals. I have actually enjoyed the time of staying at home because I have a new baby. I've been able to just concentrate on the kids and adjust to the change. It's been wonderful! I must also say thank you to my mom who spentmost her Christmas holiday here with me. I think the smooth transition is also due in a large way to the down time and constant support I received from her and from James who took a lot of time off to be home with the family. Kennedy will be4weeks on Monday and it will be about time for me to start going out of the house and start socializing again, but it has been a lovely couple of weeks.

Happy Birthday James and Kennedy Dawn Evans

2011-01-02T11:04:00.002-08:00

32 Weeks ago I went into the Doctors office and confirmed that I was Pregnant. I asked the doctor "When is the due date?" - December 27th- my husbands birthday. So Monday December 27th we tried to make the joint birthday happen.

I went in for an induced labor December 27th at 7 am. I checked in at 7:20 and was in a hospital bed by 8. We went through the protocol of paper work and information for a bit. Talked about what to expect and saw the Doctor for the first time around 10 am. I was dilated to a 2 or a 3. By 11 am I was on the pitocin drip. I slept for an hour and the contraction woke me up around 12 noon. At 2 pm the doctor said I was dilated to a 4 and she broke my water. The contraction intensity was significantly increased after that. 2:45 I got a little Fentaynl to help with the pain. By 3: 15 I was calling the nurse for an epidural. She was in the room at 3:20 to check my dilation and call the anesthesiologist. I was already dilated to a 9 1/2. It was 3:25 My stomach started really contracting and there was no time for the anesthesiologist to get to my room and give me a shot. I was having the baby right then. The doctor was back in the room in a split second and coaching me along. One big push and Kennedy Dawn Evans was welcomed to the world at 3:35. I am still in Aww at the whole experience. It was intense, but short. She was here and I had the labor process behind me! Amazing to see my little daughter on my chest. She had a beautiful dark colored body and beautiful big eyes that looked at me.

Happy Brithday Jimmy!!

Birthday Present = baby girl

Baby Kennedy had a funny breathing noise in her chest when she was sleeping. The nurse decided to check it out which lead to constant monitoring and a couple nights in the NICU. In the end she was pronounced a health, happy baby girl and came home from the hospital with James and I on Wednesday.

Little Emerson is adorable with his baby sister. He is full of energy and excitement for the new baby 'Kennedy' that is a friend that stays over all the time. :)

Having a baby in the NICU was a new experience for me. I was glad for the hospitals ability to help and protect the new life that was introduced in the world. She ended up only having fluid in her lungs.

Family time - cuddling on the couch.

Pink?

2010-12-22T18:02:00.000-08:00

I love my little boy. He didn't wet his pants, he just loves puddles and with all the rain we've had, Emerson has had a lot of fun splashing all over!!

A little time for the boys to have some R&R

Do you think he is ready for a little sister?

Can you tell what gender our baby will be?

I think I went pink crazy. :)

So fun.

event

2010-12-20T16:40:00.000-08:00

Carpet came today, looks great! Washer and Dryer are delivered tomorrow. Can't wait. Really I bought them in November before Thanksgiving, but through wise counsel from my husband I delayed delivery until just before the baby to give enough time to my contractor to finish all the dust and floor work in an adjacent room. So it's basically done and the W/D come tomorrow, I am celebrating!!!!! Yea!!

Washer / Dryer blaahh blahh blahh

2010-11-17T16:49:00.000-08:00

I'm so glad to be looking for a washer and dryer. So glad to be able to put it in my house, but I feel like I've just been doing home work for the last 2 days straight and want the assignment to be over. Pricing vs. value, where to buy, what is on sale, what do I want? I guess this is why I enjoy just getting things that are given to me. I am not a particular fan of the choosing process. Once I choose I know that I chose it and am responsible for the consequences the negative 'What if's' always gets me. I should be cool with the process of choices after finishing choosing so many things for the house, but still. The homework process is getting old.

We have GAS

2010-11-10T19:21:00.000-08:00

I love our new house. There are many things that I appreciate more about it because it was a labor of love to get it. I think having a home with Gas will be one of them. I can no longer take for granite that when I go to the stove the gas turns on, because for the last 3 months it hasn't. My generous friend lent me her cook range that I used on the patio, which was very enjoyable on the nice warm summer evenings. I am so excited to be able to cook inside though and use my water spout on the back splash. Oh can't wait. I was getting my teeth cleaned and watching the food net work. Have any of you ever seen "At home with Giada". Wow I just really loved her style and it got me sooo excited to cook :). Maybe soon I will have some yummy food pictures.

Washer / Dryer

2010-11-10T19:20:00.000-08:00

Washer / Dryer recommendations, do you have any?

Happy Halloween

2010-11-01T18:15:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!!

Emerson loved all the Halloween activities this week, between the mom's group Halloween day, the city parade, and Trunk-or-Treat at the church he was in his costume almost every day. We carved a small pumpkin together. He thought it was so neat. I had a battery powered candle to put in it and he handled the candle like it was real, even trying to blow it out. I think the battery candles are the greatest things!!

We watched Super Man to help him get excited for his costume. It was a lot of fun to have him dressed up like a super hero. I figured James could be Lex Luther and I could be Loise Lane, but our costumes just never happened. (being pregnant kind of ruins the Loise Lane look)

Out on the Town

2010-10-24T23:04:00.001-07:00

We took my father-in-law, Brother in-law Chris, Friend David Chapman, and Chris's Girlfriend to a really nice dinner in SF. Saturday night. I got a babysitter for Emerson and had a really nice evening out to celebrate all the hard work we've done the last 2 years.

Way to go Team!

Mom Came to visit!!

2010-10-18T14:10:00.000-07:00

This past weekend my mom came to visit. Because Utah has UEA weekend and my mom had a few days off. She flew out Thursday and we had a blast all weekend. It was so nice, like having 4 hands and a constant streams of fun girl conversation all for 4 days straight. I think I am going through withdrawals today. We visited the Science Space Center, Shopped at IKEA (which, having your mom with you makes it so much easier) and many many other places, did the laundry at the laundry mat (which never went smoother), enjoyed some house work, sewing, girlie movies, and our favorite foods. Saturday Mom, James, Grandpa Brent, Emerson and I went to the local steam trains. Emerson loves the trains!! On Sunday I got to sit with my husband, Emerson, and my mom for church, so fun! Here are a few pics.

Emerson's excited anticipation of seeing the train

Car Show / Birthday / Blue Angle's

2010-10-10T14:03:00.000-07:00

Orinda has a car show to raise money for the senior citizens of the city. We went this year and saw some fabulous cars. These were my favorites. A back to the future 50's blue convertible Chevrolet

and a Lamborghini ( this car was gorgeous)!

I just love the way the doors open.

Emerson loved it too, I had to stop him from climbing inside.

this picture doesn't do justice to the beautiful evening scene of the bay and the golden gate bridge. I had my hand held camera on full zoom, the view was silver in the sunset, it was breath taking!

Yea!!! My little buddy turned 2. He is so much fun and just learning new things every day. He has transitioned during the last few weeks to become much more verbal about his wants. "No" is now a word I hear in response to about everything I ask or suggest. He is surprisingly affectionate and loving. When he was first born he didn't like to cuddle, but now we cuddle up with a blanket and a book. He will want to hug dad goodbye in the morning and hold my hand in the car. He is sooo precious! He's all boy though, trucks and cars and trains. His favorite part about his cake was the trucks. I couldn't even get him to eat a bite of cake he was so busy playing with the toys.

On Emerson's birthday dad took the afternoon off to play with Emerson. We went to the Berkeley Lawrence Science Center. There are fun roller coaster exhibits that are hands on and educational, a huge building block table and much more. Ever since we went there with dad, Emerson has been asking to go back.

Happy Birthday Little Emerson (no candles, last year he burnt his fingers, really I just didn't bother to buy any).

On Saturday James had a co-worker that invited us to enjoy the fleet week Blue Angles show from the rooftop of his apartment building in San Fransisco.

It was a great vantage point. Everyone was outside to watch the Angles fly. I have never seen so many sailboats in the bay.

The Blue Angles put on an amazing show. Emerson was in Ahh of the planes and scared. We were buzzed by one plane and it startled the whole group. Emerson was asking to go inside. I think he may like it a little more as he gets older. :)

General Conference

2010-10-05T22:52:00.000-07:00

Wow, wasn't General Conference wonderful and inspiring!! I can't decide which talk and what theme I thought was most important and most meaningful to me. . . How about you??

For those of you privileged to attend the Relief Society Meeting the week prior I loved the Prophets message and story of the sister looking out her window at what appeared to be her neighbors dirty laundry when in reality it was the dirt on her window she was seeing. I also loved President Monson's message of Gratitude during his Sunday morning talk. Of course Elder Ochdorf's talk about simplifying life must have hit home to everyone in ear shot of his words. How true it is that we need to keep to the fundamental basics of life and not allow all the clutter to clutter out what is most important.

I also have to say after living in the bay area and being right in the middle of the gay right conflict with Proposition 8 for gay marriage I feel a deep sense of respect for Elder Packer. He doesn't mix words and although what he says may not be popular or feel good fussy, he is willing to step out and speak the word of God. To stand and speak words that are not easily accepted is something I don't really like to do, I respect the 12 apostles for their exemplary lives and examples that continue to motivate me to re-evaluation and improvement.

Isn't General Conference Great!! Truly I look forward to it, all year, twice a year.

Recent stuff

2010-10-04T15:23:00.000-07:00

Here is a finished look at the kitchen. This house has come a long way.

adjacent family room.

Emerson and his buddy spent a morning going to the little farm near our house. Look at the cows. Moo. . .

It was recently my brother in law's 17'th birthday. I went over to have a little birthday fun. We ambushed his friend and made a great mess with shaving cream. (that's me on the right)

I also made him a duvet blanket cover jean and fleece.

Utah Trip in July

2010-10-04T14:45:00.000-07:00

Mid -summer I took an unexpected trip to Utah. I have been meaning to get these pictures up. I also promised my nephew Asher I would post his jump/slid video. It is Emerson's favorite home video to watch. . . "Jump Jump Jump" he thinks it's so funny.

We visited his cousins one evening and enjoyed McDonald's chicken nuggets and trampoline time.

Emerson and his cousin Violet.

She is just couple of weeks younger than Emerson

We took a trip to the lake an jet skied. Emerson even got on the ski with me, but some how that picture didn't work out. He sure loved exploring with his Grandpa though.

A beautiful sunset!~!

I just went slow because of the prego thing, but could help but get out on the lake.

Some summer photo's

2010-09-15T15:39:00.000-07:00

I took a trip to Eureka Ca. to have a last farewell to my wonderful Grandma Swiss's Eureka house.

She was moving to Utah to be closer to have kids.

This is the cousins hanging out in the front room .

Who knew a box could be so much fun!

The beautiful park down the road

Grandma's kids. My Dad on the far Left. Uncle Dale, Aunt Jeanette, and Uncle Jerry.

the last goodbye to Grandma's house.

Northern Cali is so beautiful . . . I had to stop for a picture!!

The drive was only 5 hours and it was heavenly

Emerson travels really well and was asleep for half of the trip.

James built a crazy computer that is housed in an aquarium .

Just hanging out

This kid is just getting too big. I love hanging with my little man.

His favorite things are TRAINS, TRUCKS, and CARS.

Sound like a boy to you?

We ripped out the false fire place and put a new one in just hours before a big party at our house, needless to say, I didn't get a lot of sleep that week and my hands were completely black, stained by grout for the party, but we finished it. . . a miracle.

The party was fun. . . looking back I was too preoccupied to take pictures at the party, should have done that.

The finished Product.

( I am dying to repaint this room now that we have the fire place in. I had envisioned a travertine tile with a white prefab wood surround, more blues colors when I picked a cooler tone for the room. . . now I really want to warm the walls up with a different color . . . Maybe in a year or two . . :) . . )

Before the summer ended we went to SF for some fun and enjoyed a walk through a tunnel aquarium . Emerson loved it.

Patience

2010-09-11T10:08:00.000-07:00

What do you do when you are low on patience?

Room-ba; Scoo-ba

2010-09-07T09:26:00.000-07:00

Are any of you looking to buy a new vacuum. . .??? Or does your husband not know what to get you for a special occasion. I highly recommend a roomba. . . the mechanical vacuum that cleans on it's own. James bought us one when we moved in. I don't think I will ever go back to a hand held vacuum. Seriously!!! I love it and it does a great job. We programed it to run every night at 4 am in the morning. I wake up to a vacuumed and swept floor every day. and if I feel a room needs a little sprucing up. I move the roomba into that room turn it on and walk away. Amazing. The other night when I was prepping for a mom's group gathering at our place I thought I don't want to run the Scooba (mechanical mop) because it does make noise. I used my Wet Jet for a little bit, thinking I could just it the really bad areas. . ., getting the job done was taking too much time. . . so I took the 1 minute it requires to fill the scooba with water put it on the floor and turn it on. I moved on to other things by the time I was done with that my floor was cleaned too. After the party the floor was totally dirty again. I just turned the Scooba on and walked away. I can't believe it!! For me I think this it just as useful and helpful as a dishwasher. With a dishwasher some dishes have to be cleaned by hand, but on a regular basis the dishwasher does the trick. Same with the Roomba and Scooba. Some messes require direct clean up with a vacuum but I don't have to hassel with the weight and pushing of a big vacuum on a regular basis. It is amazing. I totally recommend it to all women!!!

A Little Girl :)

2010-08-27T19:40:00.000-07:00

I couldn't help but cry when James and I sat together and found out we are having a GIRL. I am thrilled and excited, but initially scared. My life with a child has been filled with construction, dump trucks, and dirt. Thoughts of high school, pms, boyfriends, and all the girl drama to come really scares me. I think the roll of motherhood hit me hard knowing I'd be raising a little girl. Besides this, I can't wait to decorate a nursery in Pink and all the girl fun that will come with this new bundle of joy!!

Baby Baby Baby

2010-08-17T08:18:00.000-07:00

Maybe some of you all ready know, but We are expecting. . .

I am due December 27. James's Birthday. I will find out the gender end of August. We are thrilled and excited. I am out of the first trimester sickness and feeling much, much better!

Surprise for Bekah

2010-08-17T08:09:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I am soooo behind on updating my blog, but I can't shorten the datail of our move to our new house. We had given our 30 day notice. I was packing little by little, transfering things to our new house. It wasn't quite ready to move into yet, because we needed PG&E to hook up our electricity and to install a hot water heater so we could take warm showers. A needed trip to Utah came up in the middle of our thirty days that took Emerson and I away from the project for a week. There was going to be a lot of work to come back too. (I wasn't looking forward to it). I came home on a Sunday and met James at church. We drove to our apartment. Upon entering . . . it was empty. Nothing left but pictures on our walls.

No we hadn't been robbed.

James had moved the whole apartment while I was gone. What an awesome guy!!! We drove to the new house and slep there that night and I had a hot shower in the morning. . . :) It was the greatest surprise!! So we are in our new house and it is great!

30 Day Notice

2010-07-12T17:08:00.000-07:00

Yea!!! We gave our land lady our thirty day notice. We will be moving in to our new home. The 2 year project is coming to an end. There are still some loose ends, but we are basically there. I am excited!

2010-07-12T16:39:00.000-07:00

Emerson and the Monkey

2010-07-12T16:33:00.000-07:00

Fun Zoo Video

Poop

2010-06-26T10:33:00.000-07:00

My son immediate reaction to pooping is to stick his hand down his pants and feel to goo down bellow. He pulls a pooped covered finger out and then starts whining that it's covered in poop. He seems shocked that he has poop all over his finger, although he just stuck it down a poop filled diaper. It makes me laugh and I'm glad he's telling me in his own way, MOM I JUST POOPED MY PANTS. Next step. . . .potty training.

Pics

2010-06-23T05:38:00.001-07:00

Yea!! My Parents came to visit! We met at a family wedding in LA and drove together to SF. I rented a Mini Van. I never thought I would be a mini van fan, but I really enjoyed the automatic doors that slid instead of opened. Oh and all the space in that vehicle. My dad was totally comfortable on the 6 hour ride.

More breakfast meals that I just love. Grape nuts, yogurt and fruit.

My Cute son

Digging almost done/Carpet is in

2010-06-23T05:05:00.001-07:00

We are almost done with the sewer digging. It has been a month long project.

Guess which is the before and after?

Yea. . . The carpet is in. sad to say, I have posted an after and before picture. Not 5 days after the carpet was laid a toilet backed up when no one was in the house. Over night the whole basement was flooded and the carpet had to be torn out. On the bright side. It was clean water and we didn't have any furniture in the house yet. The carpet has been relaid and we just have to get it cleaned.

Golf Anyone?

2010-05-16T09:31:00.001-07:00

I've never really been golfing, but yesterday my brother Kev. was in town and invited me to join his threesome on Wente Golf Course in Livermore Ca. I was blown away. I loved seeing Kevin doing something he loves. It was really fun to help drive the golf cart and hold his clubs. The focus and pure silence as a golfer steps up to tee off and the energy of anticipation to see how the ball will fly after the swing from the golfer was thrilling. Kev keep saying it's all between the ears. . . it's a mental game, confidence about ones own abilities. I didn't see him play all 18 holes, but as I left Kev sent a ball flying from the tee off point over a ravine and onto the fair way. It was awesome. The Wente Golf Course was amazingly beautiful!! We likened it unto Eden. It was set in rolling hills with a working vineyard all around. What a treat for me! I took in the peace of the morning, breaking from my usually busy house routine and just enjoy good company, great environment, and an amazing sport. Wow, Loved it!

Breakfast Buff

2010-05-11T08:35:00.000-07:00

I bought Marsh Mellow Mattie's for Emerson, but he will only eat the marsh mellows.

Who taught him that???

I am such breakfast girl. I have been making myself the most delicious breakfast's. The other day I wanted waffles, after breaking the eggs I realized I didn't have any oil to make the batter. I was about to through the eggs in the garbage, when I realized I could eat the eggs. . . I made a delicious egg omelet with mushrooms, onions, and cheese. This morning when I went to the store after my morning run my taste buds were going wild. I ended up with chopped strawberries and banana's with grape nuts mixed in yoplait Red Raspberry yogurt. I also picked up some chocolate covered blue berries for a treat. Crazy, but Um Um Good.

Who would make such a Mess / carpentry

2010-05-10T09:42:00.000-07:00

Who would make such a mess

Oh, it's my son :)

I decided it would be too much work and money to find a mirror with a frame that matched our vanity, so we bought some pine and a flat mirror and stained the wood to match.

James wanted a specific kind of vanity for the guest bath, which will be next to the computer room (his future dwelling place). We purchased a few extra pieces of walnut and used the left overs from the study flooring to make the guest vanity.

We also used the walnut flooring to make a matching frame for the mirror.

final details. The pot filler came in last week. I just love this feature. I wont have to go from sink to stove spilling water or carrying a heavy water filled pot. Just fill the pots with water over the stove.

To Wake up or Not To Wake up? that is the Question

2010-05-10T09:16:00.000-07:00

In my youth I could sleep through my blaring alarm like you wouldn't believe. My alarm would wake up the whole house and my roommates before I would notice it. I was conscious of people though. If someone walked into my room to turn the alarm off, I'd be up in a second to flip the switch off. Since that time and now sharing a room and a bed I rarely sleep through any alarm. So why did I sleep in last week to miss a long run at 5:45 with some awesome ward ladies. I think I was nervous about how the 11 mile run they had planned and I thought it would be easier if I just accidentally slept in. Oops. I really relish the time I get to go running and the company. It is so motivating, exhilarating, and inspiring. The day did drag instead. I guess I'll have to make it next week. We usually just do 5 miles, but the 4 other ladies are training for a half marathon (which I'm not signed up for, I know, I'm chicken). Anything more than the 5 scares me. What if I puke? What if I have to go and there is no bathroom? Will I have to carry water with me while I run? What if I can't finish and hold everyone back? I should just get over it and try. Maybe this week.

Happy Anniversary

2010-04-30T06:02:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary Honey

I know the last picture is extremely small, but it was taken of us and I didn't have a negative, so I took a picture of it. James and I met in 2003 at a ward bbq. By that summer he and I were dating and the following year we tied the not on April 30th. The day was beautiful!! We came out for pictures just after a light rain. Perfect for photo's and turns out James loves the rain. We smiled so much that day my cheeks hurt. It was the happiest day of my life. I am so lucky to be married to James and enjoy our life together. Love you Babe.

Taged

2010-04-30T05:57:00.000-07:00

A friend tagged me to post about me 10th picture on my blog. This is the piano I had in our apartment for about a year before we moved out. I loved having a piano in the home. I still play the piano for the Relief Society at church, but never get to practice. It is sad. I miss that piano.

Private Blog

2010-04-29T10:59:00.000-07:00

I've decided to change to privacy setting on the blog. If you want an invite please post you email address.

Cereal? What's your Flavor

2010-04-28T23:06:00.001-07:00

I love cereal.

Any time of day you could offer me a bowl of cereal and I would gladly accept.

It's the easiest thing to make and so delicious.

(I also love breakfast food anytime of day, waffles especially).

So what is your cereal of choice?

I love Quaker Oatmeal Squares with Brown Sugar.

I can just eat bowl after bowl.

Bills or Blog . . .

2010-04-28T07:50:00.000-07:00

So I should be going through the stack of bills I have pilling up, but I'd rather blog.

Yes I did it. The alarm went off across the bedroom. I was out of bed in a flash to turn it off before Emerson woke. Now that I was out of bed, I might as well put those running shoes on that I set out . . . that I set out in the living room with my running cloths. I might as well get out the door to be sure if someone shows up to go running they wont have to run alone because I showed up too. For me there is no kind of motivation like peer pressure when it comes to getting up early for something . . . especially exercise. These early morning runs reminds me of my mom who woke 3 days a week at 5:30 am for 20 yrs to exercise with the ladies at the stake center. Amazing . . . how did she do that. Emerson just woke, . . bye bye

2010-04-27T23:53:00.000-07:00

I should totally be in bed, But I wanted to post these pics of the kitchen. The dots all over are from dust in the air reflecting from the camera flash. We decided to add a black granite island to liven the counter up and not do the same stone all across the kitchen. Some people just thicken the bull nose or change the island stone's edging, but we bought our stone from a place that provides granite in prefab sizes with prefab edges, so if you want to pay the discount price you don't have as much say, but I thought we got a great deal.

This is one serious faucet. We wanted a high power sprayer and looked and looked. We chanced upon an all plumbing fixtures sale at the end of 2009. Cali had a new law that was going into effect in 2010 that outlawed the sale of any water faucet that contained some thing like any lead or something, so the General Plumbing depot where the contractors purchase their stuff was saleing stuff for real cheep. We got this for like nothing compared to the retail price and boy does it spray. At first I thought it was offensively large, but now that I've seen it work, I'm not taking it back.

So We wanted to do a basket weave back splash, but the first place we discovered the idea would have charged us an arm and a leg, and I'm not kidding. I found this tile that I wanted for the laundry room, then I asked the price. $125 a square foot. . . The room was only 63 square feet. wow. It is nice to know where the high end can land if you want it too. I found a basket weave at a local tile shop that worked, but didn't have the multi color small dots like I wanted. So I bought the Black dots and did what you ask. . . hot glued them to the basket weave mesh and made my own pattern. I thought it was pretty crafty.
We bought our stove half off from a guy off Craigslist. Seriously we get everything from craigslist. The only thing is it didn't work when we brought it home. Had to have a repair guy come out order some new parts and replace them, but still we walked away like bandits. It is dual fuel, gas on top for the range and electric for the oven. I can cook an onion with a cookie and not have the aroma's affect the others taste.
You can't really see the black shade chandelier well from this picture, but I was so excited when I found it at Home Depot, because it tied the coloring of the kitchen all together.

We have yet to bring the fridge out from storage where it has been sitting for the last year. Some day soon though.

I should hit the hay because some ward ladies are training for a half marathon and I've decided to tag along for the training, 6 am runs. I am out and back before Emerson knows I've been gone. I just haven't decided to do the run yet. . . maybe.

2010-04-24T08:57:00.000-07:00

Yeah, We finally got a new camera! I just am more motivated to blog when I have pictures to tell the story. We have just been busy with the house and having fun. Emerson is growing like a weed and will be a contractor by no time. He is so talented with a hammer.

Emerson's Grammie gave him an adorable back pack and he's on the go with it.

Emerson copies everything we do! He is so much fun to have around

He keeps us on our toes and loves to be outside. So if we're working in the house I have to shut and lock the doors because I will turn around and he'll be outside and half way up the street before I know it.

So much landscaping to be done. Every tree we cut out to build the house has to be replaced diameter for diameter. So if the tree had an 18inch trunk we need to plant 18inch trunk worth of tree. We already of so many trees on the property. Oh well, we want to pass that inspection.

The garage door went up last week. It makes a huge difference in how warm the house is. (we don't have the heat hooked up yet). The drive was was finished in Feb. and it is really nice to have a paved driveway to park on.

Kids Bath. . . ok I absolutely love this bathroom. It is so cheery to me. I still need to have the bead board rap around the vanity side, but the toilet flushes and the water runs (cold, no baths yet). I saw this look in a magazine and decided I would do it in our kids bath, I'm so glad I did. I love it.

So I would say the Master Bath is a little more sophisticated than the kids bath, but I like the look too. We had a really hard time picking the tiling materials. The end look I like, but we originally wanted to use a real stone, but there was a problem with not having enough for our bathroom, we tried to make a design that worked, but in the end we found this tile that was half the price and had many different sizes to choose from which allowed me to layout a French Pattern on the main floor, subway look for the walls with an arch with tiles at a forty five angle.

The shower had a gradual slopped floor to the end wall where the drain is instead of having the drain in the middle of the shower pan. There are two shower heads and a window.

When I measured the wall out I had planned for an 1/8th inch grout line. After I laid the tile out I had an extra 1/4th inch at the top because my grout lines were smaller than planned. I added a pencil liner above the tile crown molding which worked out great and gave me some extra dimension above. I'm glad the solution was so easy.

We just need to get the doorless shower glass in

House update

2010-03-24T09:24:00.001-07:00

What did you do this week?

2010-01-30T09:35:00.000-08:00

How does time fly so fast?

The week is over, but I can't account for the days. My favorite events this week are watching the driveway get finished, starting the tile on the master walls, watching star trek with James. Reading with Emerson, talking to my mom on the phone and teaching a friend to drive stick-shift. The things that make me happiest in life are the people in it!! Thank you to all my friends for giving meaning and love to my life!!

Twilight

2010-01-23T06:44:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I'm a little slow joining the ban wagon and reading the Twilight series, but I've got the first book down and had to go right out and get the second book to read. James and I watched the movie "Twilight" last night so could compare the book and the show. . . the book is way better.

Broken Camera

2010-01-19T07:37:00.000-08:00

I know it's been a while since I last posted anything. I like posting with photos to go with it, but my camera is broken. Turns out Emerson is like a lightning bolt to anything electronic. He touched Dad's laptop once and broke the hard drive. I've been through 3 phones now and the one I currently use has microphone problems. We've had a functioning camera ever since we were married, but now the digital and lens functions are both broken. I am glad for the most part Emerson's heavy slobbering/teething phase is over. The progress on the house is slow but steady. We were surprised last week after coming back from a trip to Utah that half of our paver driveway was laid and we hadn't hired anyone yet. Turns out the lowest bidder just showed up and started working. He did the job right, which was great, but tools from the job site are now missing. It's been a sad experience that we ever we bring new sub-contractors on the sight. Maybe the sub-contractors are trustworthy, but not their workers. I am tiling the Master Bathroom floor. It took forever to cut all the edge pieces and lay the French Pattern tile. I think I will finish laying it today. My knees and hands ache. I am excited to lay the wall tiles, it will be really cool to see the bathroom change from unfinished to a tiled room. I am reading Twilight. I've had the book on my shelf for months, but finally am taking the time to read it and I'm really getting into the story. I took a quick trip to Utah after the holidays. I was bumming a ride with my in-laws who were going out for some good skiing. I really didn't tell my family I was coming, so it was a great fun to surprise them. I got in some good family time and I loved every minute of it. I wasn't sure when I'd be back to Utah again and going a whole winter without seeing the is a really long time for me. James is really busy with work and the work projects associated for the new year. Emerson is growing and learned to talk. I think his first defined confident words were, "Truck" and "Cheese". I'm not sure what that says about the things that are important to him. Hmmm. . . Hopefully we'll buy a new camera soon so I can post some current photos.

New Years

2010-01-02T14:52:00.000-08:00

A day at the little farm with Dad and Mom

I love my Christmas Present

Merry Christmas To All and To all a good night

2009-12-19T08:51:00.000-08:00

C- “Cheers” for Dad! James is happily working at BigFix and making the world of computer programs a less –buggier- place.
H- “Hoorays” for Mom! Bekah has been juggling building a house, church callings and her favorite thing, being a mom.
R- “Raves” for Emerson (14 months) who has learned how to sit, stand, crawl, walk, run, eat, and communicate in his own special way.
I- y”ipee” For Us who just months away from moving into our own house.
S- “Standing ovation” for Dad who is juggling his job, building a house, family, and the ever pressing need to get a better gear score.
T- “Tributes” to Mom who is sure she played at least an hour of WOW this year
M- full “Marks” for Emerson who has learned to give hugs and kisses and fills his parents hearts with joy.
A- “Applause” for Us who are loving life in Orinda and all the friendships we’ve made over the last year.
S- “Silence & Praise” for our King this season, for He made forever families a possibility!

WE HOPE YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL & HEALTHY HOLIDAY SEASON
Love,
The Evans Family

Being a Mom

2009-11-29T17:11:00.001-08:00

I look at Emerson, He looks at me, smiles, reaches his arms around my neck and lays his head on my shoulder. I love being a mom. I love my little Emerson.

Life

2009-11-16T10:25:00.000-08:00

Wow what a change from just a year ago.

We finished the floors this week and stained them.

This is my first Tile Job. It is the tile for the Laundry room. It's not perfect, but I love the tile and was pretty proud that it looks fairly correct.

2009-11-09T11:28:00.000-08:00

Emerson's latest expression. It is accompanied with the sound of surprise and wonderment "Ohhhh"

Halloween

2009-11-02T07:59:00.000-08:00

I didn't do anything for Halloween last year. But this year. . . What fun it is to dress your kid up in a costume! Seriously Halloween hasn't been this much fun in years. Kids make all the difference, can't wait until he gets the concept of Christmas. Speaking of Christmas, we had hoped to be in our house by then. . . But, after doing some analysis of where we are and were we need to be, looks like it maybe some time in the spring when we get to have a bedroom of our own again. We're having a good time building the house though. We're almost finished laying the hardwood floors.

No Time

2009-10-26T08:52:00.001-07:00

My journal Entry last night went a little something like this.
Events I don't have time to write about
-Emerson's Birthday
-Dallin's wedding
-Flooring
-Grandpa Evans

How does life get so busy. Here are just a few pictures to share of what we've been up to.

Were has time gone?

2009-10-03T09:38:00.001-07:00

Dallin is getting married. His wedding is October 16th. It is crazy when your youngest brother is sealing the deal. He is marrying the sweetest girl from his high school choir class Maria Bjarnson. I'm totally excited to have such a cute sister-in-law and excited for Dallin to have such a great life companion. This is a web address to an adorable picture of the cute couple.
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs122.snc1/5255_132506364216_706424216_2422486_1495204_n.jpg

the up-date

2009-09-21T23:14:00.000-07:00

With all the laborous work going on there have been a few pairs of jeans that were no longer wearable, so this is my first effort at making a jean quilt.

I had some extra so I added a pillow too

We are laying floor. We decided to go with a 3 3/4" solid maple wood flooring in most of the up stairs and the study will be walnut. James is an awesome floor installer and we've been paying attention to the smallest details to avoid any space between boards. It is fun to watch the process and see the beautiful results.

We have one serious board cutting set up in the family room.

Emerson is trying to fit into Dad's shoes already. I think Emerson's got to grow just a little more.

We laid the tile on the front door step. Yea!! one more decision done and over with.

Emerson was sleeping so peacefully I just had to get a photo. I didn't even turn the lights on, but the camera flash did the trick. Emerson sleeps in his pack and play next to our bed in our apt. We're so excited to get a bigger place some day! Emerson will get his own room to sleep in. :)

Biker Babe

2009-08-19T09:09:00.000-07:00

I have my bike sitting on our patio. Emerson Loves to play on it. So I sat it down and let him go at it.

The last of the 20's

2009-08-19T09:02:00.000-07:00

Delicious food, and birthday presents! Yea. James surprised me with a home cooked meal, flowers, lotion, and a new outfit to boot. Recently I made a blue shirt and pants for Emerson to match his Daddy. James bought me a new outfit to match to crew. I Love IT!! Now it's family picture time.

LA

2009-08-06T13:11:00.000-07:00

Emerson and I took our first long road trip to LA while Dad was in Las Veges. My cousin was getting married and my parents were coming in for the night then driving back with me to see our house, go to church with us, and then fly home again. The trip was too short, but some of the high lights were seeing my awesome aunts, uncles, and cousins, dancing with Emerson at the end of the reception, and touring a really cool scouting facility near my Aunt Jeanettes place. I love getting together with the family!!

Emerson did great both ways with the 6.5 hour drive. He hates to be buckled in his car seat, but loves being in the front seat of the car.

When I put him in the car he was clean, but I guess giving him an un opened banana wasn't a good idea. He got it opened.

Where in the world is James?

2009-08-06T12:17:00.000-07:00

These days it's hard to guess where my husband will be. A couple weeks ago he told me, I maybe going out of town on business. I asked where, thinking some city in the US, but no it was to Tel Aviv Israel. He spent a week there and got to see many biblical places including the sight and city of Jerusalem. How Cool!!

He visited Jerusalem on what would be the Jew's Sabbath, so no pictures of the wailing wall were allowed, but here is a view of the city. There were boundaries outside that informed you how many steps you could take. The elevators, ovens, lights could be pre-programed to function when and as needed so on the sabbath a person didn't need to do any extra work.

This is a picture of a beautiful dome with the sunlight coming in

He ate dinner at a beach side restaurant just as the sun went down. (lucky)

Last week he was at the Black Hat convention in Las Veges,

but were can you find Jimmy now?

Sun Tanning behind his office desk.

House

2009-08-06T12:05:00.000-07:00

who's got their hand in the cookie Jar? Emerson has found a food he likes. After this discovery, his eating real food habits have significantly increased. He will be my little cookie monster. Like Mother, Like Son :)

And Yes we work well into the night. Can you see the 3 boys on the roof?

So much of my time is spent working on house things, but we've recently made a lot of progress. We have all the roof tiles laid and the interior is now being painted. I am going through the final phase of design and review for the kitchen cabinets and buying tile and designing the bathrooms. I got really stuck for a while on what to cover the front door step with, but I may have a solution. Here's a few pictures, oh and the pink room, is the garage. My father-in-law played a joke on James. Opps the wrong color.

more photos

2009-07-13T15:38:00.000-07:00

4th of July

2009-07-06T11:54:00.001-07:00

So our holiday celebrations are really nothing to wright about because I stayed in all day with a sick little boy, but we got the house stuccoed on the 4th and that was cool. I went up on Sunday to have a look. It was so exciting!!

A Year Later

2009-06-24T00:57:00.001-07:00

Last year in June James and I bought property in Orinda Ca. with plans to build a house. We're not done building yet, but we've made significant progress on our house. Here's a quick picture up date on the house. It started out like this.

We graded the land, laid cement, and framed the house. We are now stuccoing and sheet rocking. It's exciting, here are some of the room transformations.

This is the Kitchen/Family Room

The Entry Hall Way

The Living Room

We have one more coat of stucco. Right now we've got the brown coat finished.

And this is me. Emerson was sleeping today so I got to help. It is so cool to see the house really take shape.

Sewing Ambitions

2009-06-05T22:50:00.001-07:00

Recently James wore out one of his blue shirts. It had a rip in the sleeve and along the back. Although James couldn't ware the shirt I thought I might experiment and see if I could use the fabric to make Emerson a shirt because all his clothes are getting too small. It was a good learning experience about making shirts, turns out its a lot of work.

( I even left the Gap tag on )

Las Vegas Baby

2009-06-05T22:10:00.000-07:00

Emerson and I were off to have an adventure this week. He took his first Bay Area Rapid transit "BART Train" ride. Which took us to the San Francisco Airport with the destination to visit a friend. Jan was spending the week in Vegas with her husband who was there on business. I got to tag along as a companion for Jan while he was working. Great deal huh?? It was awesome to see her again.

We even saw Captain Jack Sparrow at the Treasure Island Hotel. He showed us where to find the treasure.

We saw the water show at the Bellagio. That was beutiful!!

We went swimming and. . .

Tired the boys out

Emerson tried his first bite of sorbet. He liked it.

I think this picture gives the effect of being in Vegas. There are lights and things everywhere. IT was a little overstimulating for all of us. We went to Fremont St. to see a light show. Turns out the show was not fireworks, but a dome of lights that showed pictures and colors with music.

Animals

2009-06-05T21:49:00.001-07:00

It was Sharee's Birthday and we celebrated by visiting the Zoo. Emerson had a great time looking at the animals and pretending he was a kangaroo. I also took him to an animal farm on Memorial day. He loved petting the cow. He pet the cow so hard he ripped hair out of the cow.

I just can't get Enough of my boys

2009-05-23T12:25:00.001-07:00

I love them both so much. Emerson is such a fun Baby. He is now crawling all over and curious about everything. He still has only two teeth, but what a smile.

So Proud of myself

2009-05-18T12:11:00.000-07:00

I changed my own oil for the first time. I was so proud of myself. It was actually easier than I thought.

We pray for rain, just not under our house

2009-05-14T22:13:00.000-07:00

So we've experienced a blessing in disguise. The original house building plan had James and I moved in by February this year. If that had happened it's likely we wouldn't have discovered that we need to build a much more elaborate outdoor drainage system than architecturally designed. Our bottom floor would have flooded this spring. As it is our bottom floor did flood, but we don't have the walls sheet rocked, or painted or carpeted, e.t.c. We are just putting the front courtyard area together with the retaining wall. It is actually pretty good timing to find out that we need to make some major adjustments to the front drainage and cement walls. Sure glad we found out now and not after we put up our walls and laid the flooring.

A Girls Trip + Emerson

2009-05-14T21:02:00.000-07:00

A tradition of girl fun continued this year when my cousin Sharee had work vacation days that she had to use or she would loose. So Sharee, her mom Becky (whom I'm named after) and I met in LA for Disney Land fun. (My mom couldn't make it, but she'll be sure to come next time). Becky and Sharee arrived on Mothers Day and spent Monday at California Adventure.
I flew in with Emerson on Monday and enjoyed some time at the hotel. Emerson had his first swimming pool experience. He loved it. It was so new and amazing to him. I had a hard time keeping his face out of the water, because he wanted to discover it with his mouth and kept trying to lick the water.

Tuesday was Disney Land.
I have to say thanks to all the great advice on strollers and sunshades and nursing locations, I felt so prepared.Flying with the stroller went ok. It's not my ideal way to fly; walking down the jet way about to board the plane with this big piece of luggage that at the last moment I have to step out of line, take up half the hallway, use one hand to hold my baby and diaper bag, and the other to fold the stroller and set it to the side to gate check the stroller, hoping the guy who carries it out doesn't drag the wheels or handles on the ground like the stroller I saw being drug along the ground as I waited to board my plane. Not ideal, but doable (I'd much rather fly than drive) and the stroller made it through the trip undamaged.

I think My favorite Disney Land ride was Space Mountain.

I loved the Fast Pass system and stroller cards. Wow we hardly stood in any lines. It was great!

Emerson was so fun to watch when we could take him on the ride with us.

He really liked It's A Small World and Pirates of the Caribbean.

And not to forget his favorite toy was the Disney Land map. It was so colorful!

The trip was here and over too quickly. I loved the girl time!!

James picked me up at the airport. Poor guy, he's going to work while I'm at Disney Land, just having fun. It's a good thing he likes his job, but I am really lucky to be married to such a great man.

Question

2009-05-04T12:25:00.000-07:00

I'm going to Disney Land next week and am contemplating renting a stroller or bringing my own. I have a bob stroller, should I take a less bulky stroller? (Although the Bob is really comfortable and has a great sunshade for Emerson.) Have any of you taken strollers on plans and have advice? Thanks

7 months

2009-05-04T12:20:00.000-07:00

Emerson will be 7 months tomorrow. Wow he is growing so fast. He has two bottom teeth and can almost crawl.

House Up date

2009-05-04T12:02:00.000-07:00

While I was in Utah we ordered and had delivered the roof tiles. I can't wait to see the finished product.

We are getting ready to Stucco the outside of the house. This is a picture of the back of the house, the blond doors open to the master bedroom.

During the last few weeks my husband has been concentrating on wiring the whole house for cable, internet, power, phone, -He loves it-

Family Photo's

2009-04-07T07:25:00.000-07:00

So I'm at my parents house and I found some old pictures of James and I and the fam.

Surprise for Grandpa Swiss

2009-04-07T07:18:00.001-07:00

Emerson and I took advantage of the Delta coupon we got from flying in Dec. to come and see grandpa Swiss for his 60th birthday.

Wouldn't you like to sit next to this kid on an air plane!!

Our visit was a surprise for Grandpa, and he was surprised :)

The house progress

2009-04-06T09:32:00.001-07:00

We have a front door!!

and windows

There is a back room we refer to as the bat cave. There are no windows and the access is through the washroom. We added a few feet to make the room bigger after the initial cement pour.

I spent Saturday afternoon water proofing the back porch, Very sticky business.

Gary Cooper

2009-03-23T15:15:00.001-07:00

A friend of mine said when a pet has been missing for more than 14 days he is likely not coming back. So here is my fair well to our cat Gary Cooper. Almost 2 years ago my Mother-in-law found a abandoned litter of kittens on the country roads. I asked James if we could try to have the cute black and white kitten for a week and give him back to his mom if the cat wasn't our style, turns out, the kitten became one of the family. The kitten was named Gary Cooper because it looked like he wore a tux. Gary was extremely playful, not a cuddly cat. He was polite though, we trained him to to knock on the screen door when ever he wanted in the house. He did have a problem with peeing on the bathroom rug. When we moved the problem went away. He was very protective of his turf. If another cat came around (which they did) Gary would hiss them away. He would follow me all around the house. If we went to bed with the door closed he'd paw at it until it opened, which was a problem because in our current residence our bedroom door doesn't shut well. Two weeks ago I let him out and he hasn't come home since. There has been no trace of him around the neighborhood, so good bye Gary, you were a fun cat.

Guitar Hero

2009-03-22T10:33:00.001-07:00

Ok I have heard about this game, but I never knew how much fun it was. We had dinner with some friends last night and played Guitar Hero afterwards. I was rock'n!! I don't have a pic of James, but he can really jam. He beat us all.

"the Office"

2009-03-20T11:35:00.000-07:00

So James and I are still on our trial period with netflix, but we have been streaming "the office" to our tv every night since we signed up. That show is hilarious. Just to watch it seems worth the $8 bucks. The whole steam on demand is pretty cool too.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2009-03-18T19:49:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day. Today was a beautiful sunny day and I couldn't resist taking a few pictures. He's sitting in a field of clover but not wearing any green.(Emerson has got his two bottom teeth now :)

NETFLIX

2009-03-18T19:42:00.000-07:00

James and I signed up for NETFLIX last night. For 8 dollars a month we can order almost any movie we want or directly stream movies to our PS3 and watch the show immediately (that's the theory any ways). Wow technology is amazing crazy. We streamed "The Office" last night. Fun times.

Salute to cops

2009-02-26T22:29:00.000-08:00

Salute to cops

So I was driving home from Home Depot. Not more than 15 min from my house (without traffic). I exit the parking lot, turn right. roll through a stop sign, turn left, and the red and blue lights start flashing. I pulled over, roll my window down and admit I know why he pulled me over. He gave me my ticket said info would be coming in the mail within the next few months and then drove away. So I continued my drive home with feelings of anger, guilt, frustration. I'm over it now, driving school and money will erase the experience, but I would hate to have that job. Giving traffic tickets to people, setting traps to ruin peoples days. I would be unhappy doing that job although the service police men perform is very important and needed in our society. So Thanks to all those who are willing to do something I would hate but am glad someones willing to do it.

PS. Originally I wrote, "Solute" to cops, which I think would have a different meaning

PSs. and a salute to my awesome husband James who called me and cheered me up
after I texted him about the unfortunate event

2009-02-25T09:39:00.000-08:00

This is a quick video I made of Emerson's roll.

What's up

2009-02-23T16:17:00.000-08:00

Not to much for events happening in the Evans fam. Presidents Day was supposed to be a trip to James's Grandpa Cherry in Oregon, but half way into the trip and purchasing snow chains, the road (I-5) was closed. The result was a holiday at home. We had fun anyways. We slept in and spent time designing our kitchen and eliminating what we want for appliances from the overwhelming options. Just last night Emerson committed his efforts to end his tummy time and roll over. It was such an exciting thing, but now almost moments after I put him on his tummy, he's on his back again. I finally decided on a stroller. The BOB Revolution was on sale and I finally broke down and bought it. Right after I left the store I stopped at the "Bay Trail" that runs along the I-80 and the San Francisco Bay. The sun was setting and I was running with Emerson in his new stroller, it was beautiful and the stroller glides so smooth I feel like it is pulling me along. So this is my updated random report.

The update

2009-01-20T09:58:00.000-08:00

The trip to Utah is over, but I sure made some great memories. Lots of rest and relaxation in Mom and Dad's new Hot Tub. When I flew in and got to the Swiss residence I met Bryan and Dan at soaking it up in the hot tub with milk and cookies on the side, just live'n it up. The trip was full of too many calories, (just before the new years resolution to eat right) & too much fun with friends and family (including a walk down memory lane of food fights with Jan).

(I just threw this picture in because one night Dallin and his girlfriend Maria came over to play games. She brought a crazy game and I ended up wearing a hat all night.)

Emerson got in some quality time with the Uncles. It was great to See all my brothers. It had been 2 years since the last time I saw Dallin and a whole year since last seeing Bryan in New York. Dan and I got to catch up during the summer when he flew in to SF for a few hours this summer and Kev and Shayna and I chatted at Dave's wedding, it really was nice to see everyone and have them meet Emerson.

Dallin is now home from his mission and a new student at BYU. It is crazy when the youngest in the family doesn't seem so young anymore.

Emerson met his Great Grandpa David Evans. That was really fun for Grandpa Evans

I also got to be present at Violets baby blessing. Violet is such a cute baby and received such a special blessing.

It also worked out that my friends could come over for lunch and see each other even during their busy holiday schedule. It was so much fun to be together again. Whitney, Cindy, Jan, Me and Annika. They brought their kids over and we all had a great time. On new years day I even got to visit Cindy at her house and get some great advice on raising a boy, as she's got three young strapping boys of her own. She also endowed Emerson with some great clothes. Emerson is growing so big so fast it is just amazing to watch him change daily.

So the trip to Utah went by all too quickly, but it was so fun to see friends and family again and be able to stay longer than a weekend. Since the trip to Utah at the beginning of January we've made some serious progress on the house. The second story walls are up and during the next 2 weeks we hope to build the roof. We have had no rain and 60 - 70 degree weather. June in January, it has been great for building!! Progress seems to always have come with obstacles or set backs. This Saturday for the house project is came in the form of a nail gun miss firing. One of the guys we have working on our house miss-fired the nail gun into his hand. It was a day at the ER instead of a day of work at the house. In the end the damage was minimal, but costly. Emerson came down with his first cold as well. It has been a new experience for me to care for a baby with a cold. He coughs, and has a runny nose. The Dr. say he is doing just fine for being sick, but often when I burp him, he doesn't just spit up an air bubble, but the whole meal comes right back up. I feel so bad for the little guy. If you've got any advice, I'm all ears.