Chicago!

There once was a magical townhouse with 2 princesses...Jeanette and Carly. While things were just about perfect, they needed a 3rd roomate. Alas...princess Cassie joined the 2 and things became more and more perfect.

One day an evil man stole princess Carly away and moved him into his castle. Princess Carly begged and begged for him to marry Jeanette and Cassie but he believed they would find true love one day as well.

Soon another evil man stole Jeanette away from Cassie! Cassie was heartbroken and moved to Boston...clear on the complete opposite side of the country!

In spite of the distances between them, the 3 remained BFFs. It would only seem natural that 2 desert rats would jump at the chance to go to Chicago for Cassie's Decemeber wedding with her Prince Charming, James.

In short...we had a total blast!!! Manis & Pedis, dinner out, hair, make-up, late nights, talking, 2 new friends, no husbands or babies...what more could a girl ask for? I would do it ALL over again...well, minus the mean shuttle bus driver who yelled at us (we won't EVER rent from Alamo because they are mean, or Enterprise because they made things difficult).

We just hope Cassie and James don't mind us joining them for their 1 year anniversary, because it's gonna be a party!!!

Christmas 2010

Wow! Christmas was fabulous this year!!! We had so much fun having it with Braelynn. Last year she was just too little to get it, but this year she was somewhat into it!

We celebrated Christmas on Christmas Eve morning, just the 3 of us. The night before Kent and I put out her gifts and stocking from Santa and impatiently waited for her to wake up the next morning. We got up early and waited for her to let out a breath of "I'm awake!" We brought her out and she was just so excited to see her farm and guitar and all the other toys.

The "big one" was from Ama and Apa though- her very own swing set in the backyard! We bundled her up and took her outside and she loved every minute of it! Kent must have played with her for an hour before they came in for breakfast.

That afternoon we headed down to Tucson to spend the rest of the day with my family. My little brother, Eddie, was in town too. We had a great dinner, watched movies, and just hung out.

My mom got her cast off and was so excited to be in her boot! She didn't sit down once on Christmas...in spite of all our pleading (she is supposed to be on 2 crutches for a week and not put any weight on her toe).

We had a great time and can't wait 'till next year!

28 Big Ones

This year I turned what I thought would be the dreaded 28. It was just getting a little too close to 30 for comfort. Surprisingly though, it feels pretty good. I'm NOT 30 yet...I'm still in my 20s! I'm married, pregnant with kiddo #2, live in my own house, own my own car, sold my magazine...not too bad for 28 eh? AND I have no problem bragging about myself, showing that I can still pull of tacky :)

Kent and Braelynn made me breakfast in bed and then that night we went to Texas Road House for dinner. Even though I did 5 loads of laundry, packed, made mashed potatos and yams in between; it was still a great day!

The next day we went to Tucson and I got to celebrate my birthday all over again...this time turning 78 ;) (Thanks for the birthday candles mom!)

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Last night Kent and I went to a Christmas party, and came home around 8:45...nothing too unusual right?

We pulled into the driveway and I hopped out of the car to grab something in the garage. I heard this...sound?...it sounded like someone's garage door fell off. I looked over to the neighbors' (something that loud had to have been next door) and didn't see anything or hear anything more and quickly forgot about it. We went inside and put Braelynn to bed.

A few minutes later our house was a-glow with flashing red and blue lights. I look outside and see our entire neighborhood congregating outside. Kent was also out there, so I headed outside.

Our neighborhood "alley-cat" plowed his car through 2 neighbors' homes! He tunneled his way through the first home's garage and decided to "park" once he reached the living room of the 2nd home. Thank goodness know one was hurt or killed. The kid of course walked away without a scratch...I'm sure our neighbors will be ripping him a new one soon though.

There were 9 fire trucks, a HAZMAT team (due to the gas line that he also broke), and a helicopter.

It was quite eventful down here to say the least!

Double Your Pleasure; Double Your Fun!

That's right...we're having another little girl! This is just what we were wanting and are so thrilled!

When the tech said "see these 3 little white lines..." Kent and I high-fived and yelled "it's a girl!"

After a few minutes of the Tech not saying anything, I doubled checked with her to make sure we knew what we were talking about. After all, 3 little white lines could mean anything right?

We didn't really get any good shots of the baby, because she was facing my back.

She is not measuring up to where she should be at this point, so I'm going in to get a better, more specialized Ultrasound next week. They just want to be sure that everything is okay. This will also give us the opportunity to see her little face and everything this time.

I am quite sure everything is okay...I'm tiny and I've thought that my due date was a little earlier than what it should be. BUT, we will be sure to keep the baby in our prayers just in case.

Well, like I said the photos didn't come out that great, but I still wanna get them up here.

Survey Says???

Well tomorrow is the big day- we get to find out what we're having! Pregnancy is starting to feel a little more real now that I can feel the little bambino moving around, but hopefully once I know what we're having I can do a little planning and accept the fact that we're having another one.

Thanks to work related issues, I can't sleep. I thought NOW would be a good time to try out some of those old wives-tales to see if the "black magic" can prove anything before science (the ultrasound).

So, here are the results:

Chinese Gender Chart- Boy

Online Gender Quiz- Girl

Heart Rate- Girl

Wedding Ring- Boy

Drano- Um, too scary!

So, it looks like until I'm ready to pee into a cup of Drano and watch the chemical reaction...we're just gonna have to sit tight until Thursday afternoon.

I've become a strong supporter of the food craving test; however anything salty, sweet, sour, or even bland was enough to trigger my gag reflex this time around.

According to 1 article, a mother's gut-instinct is right about 70% of the time. I'm "feeling" boy.

Family Harvest Rodeo

Yesterday was our Stake's annual Family Rodeo. We went last year when Braelynn was just an itty-bitty thing and couldn't wait to take her this year. She loves, LOVES farm animals...good thing we live out in South Chandler!

We had plenty of dinner, dessert, and dust...which we are feeling the effects of today...but it was worth it!

Braelynn got to run around with the goats and sheep, ooo and ahh at the bull, watch the horses, and run around with the bazillion other kids.

Earlier in the day we went for a picnic at Discovery Park and I have some photos of that as well. Enjoy!

What Makes for a Good Day?

Holiday baking with mom

Finding a new way to play with the ginormous box after 2 weeks (yes, 2 weeks!)

Loves with daddy

3rd Anniversary

This past Wednesday was Kent's and my 3rd Anniversary. We really lived it up this year! Last year Braelynn was just this little-itty-bitty thing and we managed to grab a quick bite to eat at the food court with her.

This year we got a sitter and everything! We went to the Temple 1st and then headed to the Asian Noodle Kitchen for dinner. I had been there a few times in college and raved about it to Kent all the time...the food was good, but the ambiance was a total let down. They used to have a Jazz band, dim lights, candles, the whole bit. Not this time. Bummer.

BUT we realized that was the 1st time we'd gone out to eat alone since Braelynn was born. Unfortunately we also realized that it was our 1st actual real date since she was born. We've gotten sitters before, but for lame stuff, not romantic stuff. We will definitely be doing this again!

I'm also excited, because Kent got me a bread knife. I know it sounds cheesy, but I've been wanting one for so long. I don't know how we didn't register for one, or how I let myself go 3 years without one, but we have one now! Woo hoo!

Kent likes that I'm practical, I like that he gets me exactly what I want :) I guess we'll "stick-it-out" another year! Haha!

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

Well, I did it. I chopped off my hair! 6 inches to be exact. It was quite exhilarating. I didn't realize just how much hair I had until I saw 3 people cutting it.

It comes just below my chin and I am loving this freedom!

The hairdresser at first refused to chop it off when I told her what I wanted. I then explained to her that I have a 1 year old and another on the way. She then accepted my wishes and everyone got to work!

After 2 1/2 hours, the cut was complete and I was a new woman! I've had short hair before, but I didn't cut off as much to get there...it's usually a gradual thing.

I'd post pictures, but I'll save you the horror of the pregnancy zits and 3 month flab that has taken over my body.

In other news Braelynn has joined a play group. There are 5 other little kids that meet every Thursday for 3 hours and all of us moms take turns watching them. It's nice to get that little break. It's amazing how much you can get done in 3 consecutive hours of uninterrupted work!

Kent has been really busy meeting with bankrupt companies and putting together deals. He's really enjoying this new direction in his "career."

Other than that we are just gearing up for the holidays. Halloween has never been big for either of us, but we did get Braelynn into a little sailor outfit for a few hours. I wanted her to be a ladybug, but I locked the 2 of us out of the house that day for a few hours and got a little behind. Whoops!

Baby Photos!

Phew- I think I made it through my 1st trimester :) This one has been rough. With Braeylnn I was only sick once and that was more food poisoning than anything else. I kinda lost track of how many times I puked, but I think it was about 10 times.

What I did enjoy though, was the fact that I was NOT an emotional basket-case this time! No crying over Chipotle...didn't care about pepperoni touching my pizza...and I didn't lose it when I couldn't find anything to read in Border's :) The only time I have cried in the last 12 weeks was when Kent and I watched "Letters to God," a really sad movie, so it was justified.

I have gone to the doctor twice now. As cute as Dr. Eddy is, I decided that it wasn't fair to Kent to watch me get all googley-eyed at my OB. I found another doctor and the office is AMAZING! It is set up like a movie theater. Each room has a different movie theme (last week was Westerns, this week was The King and I). They play old classic musicals and Disney movies.

Today we went again and had an Ultrasound. It took some digging to find Braelynn, but this one was all set for the photo-op! As soon as they put the little wand on me the baby was there! This pregnancy has yet to feel real. We haven't "talked" to the baby or anything, but now that we've seen the little one that may change.

We also have an official due date! April 27th.

Everything looks good so far.

"Fall"

My husband is so wonderful...blah blah blah.

Can I complain now? It is so hot!

At first I thought, "oh, it's because I'm pregnant." Then, I actually looked at the numbers. I'M NOT THE PROBLEM HERE!!!

Normal:

What the hell is this??? Thursday? Seriously 107?

I want to open my windows. I want to take a walk this weekend between sessions of conference. I don't want to kick myself for forgetting the ice packs for Braelynn's car seat. I want to wear a hoodie to the grocery store.

And ugh that reminds me. The grocery store...great. For the next 2 weeks Chandler schools are on fall break AND the snowbirds are back. These are my least 2 favorite weeks of the year even when it's in the 80s.

I'm going to go turn my A/C down and take a nap until it cools off...whenever that happens!

Can I Just Say...

How wonderful my husband is?

This has not been a very fun pregnancy. I know I complained A LOT last time, but this time around has definitely given me something to complain about. I am actually relieved that I get to throw up this time :(

I've spent many days flat on my back, holding down the couch in case gravity fails, and Kent has been busy being super-dad to Braelynn and Mr. Mom to me.

Yesterday he cleaned the house! We've lived here almost 3 years, so I chuckled a little when he asked where we keep the mop. Underneath it all though I was so grateful for him.

He works hard all day, just to "come home" and NOT get dinner. I don't think I've cooked in 2 weeks and he hasn't complained once.

He understands when I say "don't touch me" and then when I get upset because he isn't rubbing my back he doesn't say a thing. He just starts rubbing.

Last night he took care of Braelynn so that I could go to Women's Conference at church. He took her to the park, gave her a bath, read her a story, fed her, and put her to bed. I know these are all things that should go without saying, but I just love that I have a husband who does these things without needing it to be explained. He just knows what to do. I don't have to worry that he's got the BYU game on, tuning the baby out, who has just given herself permanent marker tattoos or anything (you know the stories).

Thank you Kent and I love you so much!

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

So Braelynn isn't officially 1 until Tuesday, but hey, we can celebrate for a few days right?

Saturday we had her 1st birthday party. It was a lot of fun with family, yummy food, and of course the cake!

My parents came up and brought Chloe, and we had some long-time family friends come as well (Joan, and Debbie Martin), as well as Kent's business partner, John. Quite a few people couldn't make it, but I think I preferred the smaller crowd.

Braelynn got so many books, some bath toys, her very own cell phone (now she can stop calling people from my phone!), some clothes, and some more great toys. This girl is certainly taken care of!

I just cannot believe she is 1. She is such a fantabulous little girl and we couldn't imagine our lives without her. She brings a smile to everyone in a room. She knows what she wants and doesn't let anyone or anything distract her. She thinks she is 17 and in such a hurry to grow up.

She is just about walking and LOVES to climb up and down the furniture. She has ripped the locks off the cabinets, and will eat an entire turkey sandwich in 1 bite.

Social butterfly is an understatement for her and she makes friends everywhere she goes. She does seem to be happiest at home though. She loves playing and rough housing with her daddy and having a good story at night. She puts herself to sleep and will wave "bye" to you until you leave her crib and shut her door.

We couldn't ask for a more perfect little girl and my mom jokes that "Satan's Spawn" is on his way because it wouldn't be fair to have 2 in a row just like her!

I still haven't gone to the doctor yet, so am not too sure when I am due. I have been feeling super sick with this one and really haven't been in the mood to go to the doctor's office just to be told, "yes, you are pregnant." Maybe this week...

Well, I hope my little girl had such a happy birthday! We love you soooo much Braelynn!

Whoops! (Repeat)

Kent and I are learning that we may be really good at NOT planning things. We are also learning that whenever we put a timeline together, the Lord beats us to it. We've also learned that sometimes is just best not to even think about things...because you may get what it is that you are wishing for a little earlier.

What am I getting at?

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August 7th...ish

Kent's and my 4th dating anniversary came and went this year.

The 1st year he proposed. The 2nd year he surprised me with dinner and a song. The 3rd year earings. The 4th year...he forgot.

So, after he was a jerk that whole day and I stopped talking to him the day was over without any celebrating. I went to bed and an hour later he came to bed and appologized as he had JUST received the Google Text reminder.

Our 4 year and 1 week anniversary was great though! We spent the whole week trading off "romantic days," and then we went out all day Saturday and played , got Bahama Bucks, and he gave me a new shirt and dress (my gift to him was the Bahama Bucks). We were going to go to Texas Roadhouse (our favorite!), but we were cooked. Literally. It was 111 on Saturday. So, we took a raincheck for that, and came home and watched a movie. Braelynn was nice enough to go to bed at 7 too.

It was the best day! Kent has been so super busy with this new business. We barely see each other and when we do, we are working. I am so proud of the accomplishments he has made as a business broker. I am so happy that he has found something that he really loves to do...while he doesn't love the Sign Company, he loves fixing it!

He is such a good daddy for Braelynn. She just beams when he comes home and does her little Arcenio grunt. The 3 of us are just having such a good time together!

San Diego Photos

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Day's End

Lately I've been feeling particularly sWaMpEd. We just bought this company and it is really kickin' Kent's butt! He is easily putting in 60 hours and this week has been at our office in Tempe pretty late. He left this morning at 7...it's after 8 in the evening and he still hasn't left yet. :(

So while he is doing that, I'm doing the magazine all by myself and entertaining Braelynn. These past few weeks, the latter of the 2 has really, REALLY become "fun."

So, for record keeping and a little entertainment, here is Braelynn and mommy's day:

6 am- Wake up and eat!

7 am- Start playing and pull out as many toys as we can (a girl has got to have her options!)

8:30 am- Braelynn's 1st naptime after a little snack. I then have 1 hour to shower (if I'm so lucky), get cleaned up, sell magazine ads/work on the magazine, do laundry, unload the dishwasher, and pay bills.

10 am- Braelynn is ready to eat again. She likes her oatmeal and some fruit. Then it's time for the real fun to begin! This week we are so fascinated with the cabinets. One day she opened all the cabinets in the kitchen, my bathroom, and the linen closet!

12 noon- Lunchtime! Braelynn usually eats some meat and a veggie mixed together and has a little more mama milk. I get a little more laundry done, make lunch for Kent (when he's home), clean up the house a little, check in with the magazine and emails. Braelynn and I also play until she's ready for nap #2.

1:30 pm- We're getting sleepy! We have a little "rock-a-bye" and Braelynn goes down for another hour or so. I get back to the magazine and try to make more sales or do some ads. I also finish up any laundry and work on any "errands" Kent needs to get done. I usually also start putting dinner together.

3 pm- Braelynn is up and ready to play! She loves to be chased, tickled, and rough-house. We also have a little snack. Lately she has been a fan of goldfish crackers, but also likes yogurt with some fruit. She is also getting eager to play with daddy and constantly crawls to the office and cries for him- it's so cute!

5 pm- Last check-in with the magazine. I also finish up with dinner and get the table set. Braelynn is also pretty cranky, so I feed her dinner as well. She finishes up whatever she had for lunch plus some more fruit.

6 pm- Kent usually sits down for dinner and we chat about our days. After dinner he usually plays with her and I clean up.

7 pm- Braelynn loves her baths! We put her in our tub cause it's nice and big. She goes nuts splashing and crawling around. She squeals and howls to her heart's content. I usually get her dressed and hand her off to Kent for story time. She loves "Pat the Bunny," and "Where's my Teddy Bear?" I usually clean up from her bath and pick-up around the house as well.

8 pm- We have a little mama-snuggle and tuck her in. I usually can't resist checking in with the magazine. If it's ad deadline week I'll usually work on the magazine for a few hours. It's so nice to not have any interrupted work :)

10 pm- Off to bed! Woo hoo!

So maybe I am whining just a little about life right now. It's hard. I hired 2 interns for the magazine and they will be starting in August. Kent hired a guy for the sign company and I think is getting ready to hire another person as well.

We are really excited about life right now though. It is full of good things and good opportunities. Braelynn is such a joy in our home and I wouldn't want it any other way.

The Diego

I don't know if I am happy or sad to be posting about our trip to San Diego. We had been planning this trip since last year and it finally CAME and WENT. Big Bummer that it's over :(

We weren't sure if we were going to make it this time though. Our new company has been quite the project, one of the Texas properties caught fire, and we're just feeling a tad overwhelmed. Thursday arrived and we decided that we really should go though.

We arrived around 8 o'clock and were greeted by some pretty chilly weather. My parents made us some dinner and we just relaxed after the long drive.

Friday was even cooler, so much to my dismay we stayed away from the the beach. We did go to Seaport Village and enjoyed roaming through the stores though.

We thought for sure that we'd have better weather on Saturday, but alas, no sun. Kent and I decided to go to Old Town and see the Mormon Battalion site. Wow! I had no idea it would be that cool. I was expecting a little museum with some artifacts and you were done. We first watched a little video and then went from room to room (Iowa to Santa Fe to San Diego).

Afterwards there was an area where you could pan for "gold," make bricks, play with a well. Kent was able to find a few pieces of gold, so we are looking into an early retirement. :) Braelynn just loved all the water and had a blast!

That night my brother Eddie also arrived. He had flown in from Georgia and I am so glad he did!

Then finally Sunday came with some beautiful weather! We headed to the beach! I finally got to go Boogy Boarding (yes

I am still bitter that I couldn't go last summer) and we just soaked up the sun. That night we played Ghetto Golf, a bean bag toss game, had a bbq, roasted marshmallows, and just enjoyed the last few moments of San Diego.

Unfortunately Monday came too quickly and it was time to go home. Braelynn slept from San Diego to Yuma and then cried from Yuma to Chandler. We couldn't

help but watch the temperature creep up to 110 as we pulled into the driveway.

We are already counting down the days to our trip next year. Shawn is due any day with Granddaughter #3 and we are so excited for them to join us next year...my parents may need to get some type of extension to their 5th wheel now!

She's All Mine!

July 2010...I never thought this month would come.

5 years ago around this time I was living out of my mom's van. While I was tempted to go park at Tempe Town Lake (in a van down by the river...hahaha), I never reached that low with many thanks to McKenzie, Jeanette, "he who shall be called 'nameless,' " and the LDS Institute parking lot.

While living the hermit crab lifestyle was good fun in a weird way, that could have truly only been enjoyed during that year of my life, it was coming to an end. I was getting a NEW car.

I only wanted something simple. I was thinking perhaps a used, 2000 Nissan Sentra.

BUT the boys said, "Oh no! Bad car."

Gib said, "Oh no! Used car."

My mom said, "Ok. Pick a car." So I did. I knew what I wanted. She was Silver and cute, and had fun lights, and called me! My mom chimed in and said "No. Pick another car."

Well, if I couldn't have what I wanted, I let the boys pick.

A Toyota Corolla!

So, I picked the color and the model and the features (I had my fill of boy problems, so my car also needed to be a girl) and I waited.

Then one day I got the call...she was ready! . I went to Tucson and picked her up! She was perfect :)

My life then changed...I found a permanent place to rest my head, I flushed the boy toilet, and had 38 mpg!

Now, she is 100% mine! No more car payments :) I love you Starla!

For All Time and Eternity

Well the big day finally came- Amy and Greg's wedding! We cannot believe Kent's little sister is now a Mrs. She is with such a wonderful guy and his family is just as great. They are so lucky to be with each other. Greg uses the word, "special" to describe her and she truly is.

The celebration began with Amy going to the Temple on Thursday. We were so happy to share that experience with her. Mom Burton was able to come a day early and share in Amy's day too, which made it even more special.

Friday was a bit more crazy. Greg's family was hosting a big dinner and EVERYONE came to town. The church building had been booked for the weekend a few months ago. When Greg's family got to the church they found the Cultural Hall closed with a padlock and a sign that the floors had been resurfaced and there is NO ADMITTANCE until Saturday. What?! The plan was to decorate after the dinner, so there was quite a bit of panic. All is well that ends well though, right? A lot of people helped out in the wee hours of Saturday morning and the reception turned out fabulous!

Another change of plans was when Kent's dad and his crew decided to stay at Hotel de la Kent and Carly Burton. We have learned that 10 people can fit quite comfortably in our home AND make it on time for pictures at the temple at 8:30 in the morning :)

After the sealing (which was beautiful by the way. I cried. I didn't even cry when Kent and I were sealed and made fun of HIM for shedding a few tears), EVERYONE came back to our place for lunch. We watched movies and visited, and made black bean salsa x 10 for the reception.

That night we were pooped! We ended up not having any company that night and really enjoyed the peace and quiet.

On top of all the wedding fun, Kent's brother Chad, mom, and sister Lanae stayed a few extra days. We lounged around by the pool, roasted marshmallows, celebrated Kent's mom's birthday, and had a great time visiting. Mrs. Amy Spencer even spent her last day off from work with us :)

I'm kinda sad that whole thing is over. We all talked about making this reunion a yearly thing, so hopefully I'll have another adventure to write about next year. Chad graduates from Residency, so we'll have

plenty to celebrate!