The Ferrantes

Jacoby's First Christmas

2012-01-16T17:03:00.011-07:00

Jacoby's first Christmas... It was overall pretty good besides the fact of getting stuck at the Denver airport for longer then anyone should ever have to be at an airport with a 5 month old! But we will never forget his first Christmas and our trip to Reno!

Here is a Picture of Jacoby opening his gift from the Brown Family.
(this is at our home before we left for Reno)

A new book what more could you want at this age???

And here it is the dreaded Denver Airport this is after probably 7 hours we had to get some dinner and so we put Jacoby in a highchair at the bar and grill and padded it with coats and blankets so he would fit! He did really well, I think he was so glad we weren't holding him anymore he felt free.

We FINALLY made it after I believe 12 hours in the airport and an hour on the runway waiting to be de-iced!
Christmas Day Game (Rivals) Mike & Kyle strutting there stuff

Aunt Kelly and Jacoby (a long waiting arrival for Kelly to finally meet Jacoby)

Aunt Kelly, Grandma Sandy and Jacoby

Uncle Kyle, Aunt Kelly and Jacoby (Rascal was too scared to come for the picture :)

Opening Gifts, sometimes it's not all it's cracked up to be when you are tired!

Jacoby and Mom ( I just love how happy he is)

Jacoby and Dad (Don't they look so much alike?)

A few pictures of our happy family!!!

Home at last, You just can't replace being Home!

2011-12-15T14:55:00.007-07:00

Well Jacoby turned 4 months on November 24th and will be 5 months in just another week. I can't believe how fast the time has gone. Here are some pictures of the last little bit!

Thanksgiving Day

Meeting Great Grandpa Johnston for the first time!!

Four generation picture with my last living grandparent

Meeting some of Mom and Dad's good friends for the first time

JaNae, Brittany
Jacoby and Lydia

Katie and Jacoby (Mom's Favorite Co-worker)

Jeff and Catherine and Jacoby (best neighbors EVER!!!)

4 Months old and getting SO big

Sitting in the Bumbo for his first solid foods

Dad feeding Apples

Mom's turn to try

Not really sure what to think???

A few weeks later, he has the hang of it and sitting in an early Christmas present- His Highchair!

Eating Sweet Potatoes- a Favorite!

Well, we hope you all have a Merry Christmas!!!

Another early present- the best jumper ever, he loves and I mean LOVES to stand so this is great!

Getting SO Big!!!

2011-11-14T08:56:00.003-07:00

WOW I just can't believe in just a couple months how big Jacoby has gotten and how much he has grown. He is such a blessing in our lives and it is so neat to stay home with him each day and watch as he develops new skills.
Yesterday he just looked a Mike's sweatshirt like he was reading what it said he focuses on things so well now, and this morning he has just been talking. It's so cute when he responds back and it isn't just screaming:)
Anyway enjoy the latest pictures of him. He is a cutie!!!

Halloween 2011

2011-11-01T08:31:00.005-06:00

Happy Halloween!!! I wanted to post yesterday, but the day got away from me.

I can't believe it is already November, I'm still not sure where October went.

Carving Pumpkins
Final Product on the porch (We did them ten days before Halloween so they were molded and flat by yesterday :( Oh Well we live and learn right?)

Jacoby in Halloween PJ's before the Halloween party!!!

Wearing a new shirt from Grandma Sandy, it's a little big but we made it work!

Jacoby's Halloween Costume that Grandma Rohner found for us!

Our Happy Family all dressed up for the Party

Other Activities in the month of October:

A visit from Aunt Katie
and Jacoby turned 3 Months old October 24th

I'm not sure what this face is but it was too cute not to include :)

Jacoby found his fist

That is October for ya!!! Lotz of fun

Two and a half months old

2011-10-13T15:42:00.006-06:00

Jacoby had his two month well-check today as well as immunizations! The Doctor said he looks great, and he was a trooper getting all those shots.

The Dr did tell us we need more tummy time though so we tried it out for longer today. He surprisingly did really well.

Last week Grandma, Aunt Megan and Cousin Preston came to visit, Preston just kept asking to hold "baby coby" SO CUTE!!!

A Few of my favorite pictures since the last post!!!

So two and a half months, wow how the time has just flown by, I must say Jacoby is such a blessing in our lives and we are grateful everyday for his presence in our home!

Jacoby's Blessing

2011-09-10T14:11:00.006-06:00

Last Sunday 9/4/2011 we had the opportunity to give Jacoby his name for the records in our church as well as bless him. Here are some pictures of the event.

His First Hair Cut, and yes it needed it because it was too long to do a Mohawk. Mike was really nervous and we probably cut it a little too short. He looks adorable though no matter what! Oh and don't worry his face isn't smothered in the towel as it appears Mike's hand is holding his head.

Just look at how long his hair was on top WOW!

Getting ready for Church, all smiles, thank goodness.

And this is what a serious face looks like... He is ready and looking SO handsome!

Proud Parents

I don't look the best in this picture, but just had to include it because Jacoby looks so cute when he smiles. (My face is due to trying to tell mom how to work the camera)

Poppy and Grammy drove 16 hours each way just for Sunday, That is more time spent in the car than they actually got with Jacoby. They said it was definitely worth it though and we were glad to have them here.

We were also blessed that Aunt Katie could come, she also tolerated the drive. THANKS so much for coming. Jacoby is all tuckered out from a pretty long day.

A few more pictures after church enjoying the nice fall weather

This shirt doesn't lie he is Mommy's Little (sometimes BIG) Monster :)

Mike made Cornhole boards, so we had to try them out even though they aren't done.

Don't look too close Dad is playing with BYU beanbags :)

Katie and Daisy May just hanging out.... All in ALL we had a wonderful weekend and really enjoyed the company.

Our Little Angel

2011-08-29T14:05:00.004-06:00

Well, it has been quite the adventure this last year, with applying to UMKC, coming out for an interview, getting pregnant, moving to Missouri, and welcoming our angel into our lives. It has taken some time to feel good enough to post but here are a couple more pictures of Jacoby. Like Mike wrote in our profile our life could not be any better! We truly feel blessed everyday!!!

Thanks Caetie Carter for the wonderful job on the pictures (above)

Below are photos of our everyday life- just enjoying time together

Bob meeting Jacoby, he isn't real sure what to think especially when Jacoby screams

They'll be best buds I know it!!!

Jacoby's first Red Sox game (Mike and I purchased the tickets for our 7 year anniversary, luckily Jacoby was the perfect baby for all three, yes THREE Games.)

We wanted a picture with Jacoby Ellsbury (#2 on first base) but this is the best we could get, especially since he was hurt the second night with a pitch thrown at his back!

Enjoying the seventh inning stretch. Also notice how close our seats are to the field, it was SWEET!!! I think we were in row D this night. Thanks Hun for a awesome anniversary gift.

First Full Sunday at church (Thanks Aunt Megan for the outfit)

Well I think that catches us up a bit, I will try to stay more on top of it and hopefully next week will have some posted of his blessing which will be done this Sunday if anyone wants to come to Kansas City for it. You are more than welcome to.

"Faces" Absolutely Priceless

2011-08-29T13:56:00.003-06:00

For all of you who are questioning if Jacoby looks more like me or Mike.

I think this might help, Like Father Like Son!

Glad to be HOME!!!

2011-08-29T13:07:00.004-06:00

Release day 7/26/11
First sponge bath (Thanks Dad)

Look at all my hair, Dad insisted on a mohawk

After being home a few days we had our first Pediatric appointment where we found out Jacoby had Jaundice, luckily the dr ordered a light bed to be delivered to our house so he could be comfortable at home. He only had to use it for 24 hours, and didn't seem to mind it.

Oh those smiles, we will forever love them!

Jacoby with both Grandma's

Grandma Sandy

Wecome Jacoby Dante Ferrante

2011-08-29T12:40:00.004-06:00

Admitted into the Hospital (FINALLY, I think I was in labor for a whole week, it wasn't until we went to a different hospital I was admitted.)

Don't pay attention to how beautiful I look it was like 2 or 3 in the morning I can't remember!

Jacoby Dante Ferrante Born July 24th, 2011 at 5:27pm weighed 7 lbs 13 ounces and was 21 inches long

Holding our little Miracle for the first time. (WOW I can't believe I made it through the birth I didn't know if I was going to at one point.)

Proud Dad, holding him for the first time, what a special moment for our little family!

Meeting grammy and poppy
He kept making these Kissy lips (so the nurses called them)
A few more/better pictures at the hospital once things settled down a bit!
A Dad's Love (something really really special)

Welcome little guy we can't believe you are here in our arms

It's a little hard to tell, but no more baby in belly!!! Smiles all around for that!

Last Days of Pregnancy

2011-08-29T12:11:00.004-06:00

Here are a few pictures of the last couple of months, this first one is the week Jacoby was born I think the last picture taken showing how big my belly was!
This picture shows how much fluid I was carrying in my legs feet and ankles. (Mike told me they look like his Grandma's ankles yikes the things to possibly look forward too???)
We had the opportunity during one of Mike's school breaks to drive to St. Louis for the day and attend the temple. It was something else, the temple was beautiful but the drive wasn't the best being so far along! A month later I made the drive again with our Youth (neat experience but I wouldn't recommend sitting in a car that long pregnant)

Mike and I at the back of the temple

Another Belly shot (I'm not a big fan of the belly shot so I think these are the only two I have!)

Boy am I glad these days are over! Between the struggle of getting pregnant and being sick every day once I hit the second trimester I can't tell you how much better I feel now that these days are past. I really hope someday I can forget all the bad and have the desire to have another! :)

Baby Shower in Utah

2011-08-29T11:33:00.003-06:00

Before coming out to Missouri in April, My Mom and Sisters threw me this wonderful baby shower with all my dear friends in Utah!

High School Best Buds!!! (All pregnant at the same time Jessica's 3rd, My 1st, and Lara's 1st)

Opening all the wonderful gifts thanks everyone
My Mom and sister came up with the idea to play minute to win it games all related to babies at the shower this one is juggling multiple babies/children.

How fast can you change a diaper, you have a minute to win it!!!

Melody a pro at it since she has two children of her own

Katie (below) struggled a little more, but still did great

Eating a cookie off your forward without using your hands (I forgot what it was called, but you must multitask with a baby when your hands are full) Lara (left) Jillian (right)

Who doesn't like a baby rattle, move all the gum balls from the top soda bottles to the bottom to win this game. Aunt Gwen (left) Elissa (right)
Thanks for everyone for coming and all those that helped to make this baby shower one of the best!!!

New House- Missouri

2011-04-28T20:20:00.005-06:00

Welcome to UMKC Medical School!!! Moving here in January (we took a ride to show Mom's where Mike would be going to school.)

Just a couple pic until I get the house a little more organized!!!

This picture is the pantry, which happens to be full now. I would have taken a picture of the kitchen but it is pretty messy!!!
This picture is of the patio off the kitchen
Here is the guest bathroom/Main bathroom (of course frogs because Jacoby will eventually be using it)
And yes, here is a quick picture of the nursery (the most organized room in the whole house)

Guest Bedroom (We got a bed so our guest would stay a while and feel comfortable. It has a trendal too which will be great!)
Mike got the BBQ on the patio and the birds decided it was the perfect spot to build their nest. ( I cleaned it out and we blocked the holes however they were persistent and found holes in the bottom where the grease drips and started building again. Mike bought a cover which finally they couldn't get in though they tried! They were not easy to get rid of though.)

Christmas 2010- Disneyland

2011-04-28T20:19:00.001-06:00

Catching up- Trip to New Mexico

2011-04-28T20:11:00.001-06:00

It's Official

2010-09-17T11:08:00.002-06:00

Okay everyone, I had to let you all know since Mike posted it on his face book. We hear from the graduate program today that Mike applied to in May and in my own words here's how it went:

Director of Program: Mike, I received your information and scores earlier this week, "hands down" ( I may have added this) you were the best applicant we have seen we were just really concerned with your scores. You will be receiving a letter this week and will probably be quite pleased. We are excited to have you in our program and will be a great assest to our team. I wanted to let you know before receiving the letter so you can make arrangements to move!!!

Yes we have been accepted and will plan on moving in December :) We are so very excited for this new chapter in our life to begin. Here we come Kansas City Missouri!!!

Way To GO Mike!!!!! (I am so proud of you!)

Kansas City

2010-08-27T22:46:00.006-06:00

PART 2 of the Summer Summary...

In August we took a trip to Kansas City, Missouri for Mike to interview for Medical School at UMKC (University of Missouri, Kansas City)

We could have just sent Mike to interview, but if he got in and we would be living there someday I had to go check it out. We looked a plane tickets for the both of us but it was just way to expensive, so we drove. After a 16 hour drive, Mike wishes we flew!!!

We got to see the country a bit though! Here is a picture of the Missouri River, it is huge this year and actually flood on to one of the highways we took. Below is a picture of the mess is made in the road, water, and mucky mess!!

Here it is: UMKC School of Medicine

Mike before the Interview (looking as sharp as ever, but you can tell he's NERVOUS that's just not the same smile as the pictures of Lake POWELL:)

Kansas City: when we first got to Missouri, I didn't even know if they had a city with a skyline, but as we drove to see where the school was we caught a glimpse of the city. It sure is beautiful!!!

A couple more pictures of the River (I made Mike stop by is so we could get some pictures outside of the car. It's pretty but it also kinda stunk!)

Sunday after we went to Church we needed something to do so we drove around and visited Independence Missouri Church Visitor Center, Liberty Jail, and the site of where the New TEMPLE will be built.

They have a sign up but it's hard to read in this picture. I promise this is where it will be though, I'm wondering once they get it built from how far away you will be able to see it? The church definitely found a high point for it!

Kansas City Royal Stadium
Practice before the game started

Kansas City Royals vs New York Yankees (Yankees kill'd it A Rod had 3 home runs back to back to BACK!!! Crazy)

Fountains at the Stadium (It was just an awesome amazing experience)

We had a good time in Kansas City and hope to be back in January for School (if Mike gets in, we haven't heard anything yet but will definitely post if when we hear!)

I know! I KNOW!!!!

2010-08-27T21:35:00.006-06:00

It's about time to catch up on the BLOG... Here is a summary of our Summer, besides work and Summer School.

In July we got to go to LAKE POWELL with our whole family. Here are some pics from the trip.

I love summer because of the awesome awesome sky

I don't know if you can tell in this pic but there was this random rainbow in the sky when we were driving it was so amazing there were no rain clouds around. My mom and I both thought it was amazing and though we were in different cars we had the same idea in mind and had to take a picture of it.

Here is a sunset on the Lake, though we should have been at the boat ramp at this time it was amazing enjoying the sunset and smooth "warm" water

The Family -Who's ready for a good time???

Preston is ready

Jakey is ready

Mimi's ready

JaNae is most definitely ready for some R&R

More Pictures on the Boat

The Best UNCLE MIKE

"One more TIME...." Ready for some wake-boarding (maybe, can we still do it?)

WOW look at my stud muffin

My TURN

Luckily I did alright!

Enjoying the "WARM" water

The best Dad would find as a cliff for the boys (He wanted to make sure his daughters are taken care of forever and can't risk his son-in-laws lives-Cliff diving)

RAINBOW BRIDGE

It is tradition that whenever we take someone to Lake Powell for the first time we have to take them to see one of the 7 wonders of the World Rainbow Bridge
First Timers: Daniel, Mimi, Jakey, Preston, and Oscar

What a POSE??? (She's definitely the little princess- can you tell?)

Are you SURE it's over??? I think I could stay here forever

Time keeps Flying By...

2010-01-24T20:16:00.002-07:00

Wow, who can believe how fast the holidays came and went? It's like I need a month to prepare for them and then a month to recover. I can see that I'm not the only one slacking (I have just been slacking more then most.) Well, we hope you all had a great holiday season, we sure did and are excited for the new year. Mike turned another year older on January 12th and spoiled himself with an awesome new watch, some new tools, and a new backpack to finish off his last semester of school.
Over the holiday break we also finished painting and refacing our kitchen cabinets (pictures will be posted at a later date, sorry!) It's way exciting knowing that we have lived in our town home for 4 years now and it is almost how we always wanted it. It truly has been fun working on the difference projects together.
Mike and I also have some exciting things planned this year, next month we are going the St. George Parade of Homes, and Las Vegas to see our niece and nephews. Mike takes the MCAT in April and hopefully by next January we will be moving to AA School in Missouri!!!

Meet Preston

2009-11-02T17:54:00.013-07:00

Megan's belly finally Popped (So Miriam would say) Here is our new nephew Preston Brown.
They had the opportunity to come up to Utah for a couple days and boy are we glad!!!
Here are a couple Pics from the week they were here.

HANGING OUT WITH THE FAMILY

Mike, Jacob and Miriam (the little model as you can see)Oscar, Katie and Preston

HEE HAW FARMS (It's becoming a tradition)

Chasing the Chickens (Daddy will catch one for you)

It's Dress up Time!!!

Thanks for coming to visit, we really enjoyed hanging out with you. We love you guys!!!

In 8 months exactly.....

2009-09-05T16:39:00.003-06:00

Mike will FINALLY be graduating....the time can't come soon enough! It will have taken a cumulation of 3 cities, 4 schools, more than 164 credits (some didnt transfer from UNLV), a few thousand dollars, and a span of 9 painful years of agony! Its all coming to an end...Halle-freakin-lujah!!!

Pictures of BOSTON

2009-08-26T17:43:00.004-06:00

If you have a second, then enjoy the pictures we took of Boston... and just so you know we absolutely loved every minute of it in fact we have been talking about moving there as soon as Mike's done with school?? We'll see but enjoy!!
WEDNESDAY: Fenway Park, Public Gardens, Art Museum, and the Red Sox Game,

THURSDAY: Duck Tour, New England Aquarium, Boston Commons, Frog Pond,and the Statehouse

FRIDAY: Temple, JFK Library (where Ted Kennedy's viewing will be held)and our Dinner Cruise for our five year anniversary.

SATURDAY: USS Constitution, Freedom Trail, Bunker Hill Monument,Fire House, and Holocaust Memorial.

Boston here we COME!!!

2009-08-08T14:04:00.014-06:00

Well, before we get to carried away and ready for Boston, I thought I better post about the last bit of July and post a couple more pics.
First and most recent I got a new hair cut. I was ready for something new and thought it would be nice to have something easy while we are in Boston. Let me know what you think.

Then I can't forget about the AWESOME time we had up at Flaming Gorge with our Family and the Rowley's
Here is a taste of the fun we had. Mike and JaNae Wakeboarding(we won't mention who's better but you can decide from the pics)

Then the boys had to go on the rope swing! I believe we stopped there everyday, and think it might have been their favorite part of the whole trip.

We can't have a vacation without pictures of the family so here is Dad, Miriam and Daniel.

Here is Megan and I tubing with Mom driving (Watch out Megan's pregnant and didn't tell her doctor she was coming)

I also have to show off a couple pictures of my birthday. Happy 26th

Well that's all that's been going on. Hope all is with you and we are off to BOSTON on Tuesday!

For Those Non-believers.....

2009-07-29T22:02:00.004-06:00

For those of you who are non believers....Kenny really did wear a Utes hat! It was AWESOME! The audio is not very good, but the images are classic!

More to come about our vacations.....

July 23rd & 24th

2009-07-25T18:02:00.012-06:00

As you can probably tell Mike and I got to go to Kenny Chesney's Concert on July 23rd at Rio Tinto Stadium and let me just tell you it was THE BEST concert either of us has ever been to. It is no wonder why he received entertainer of the year. I would post some pics from the concert but I can't seem to get them off my phone. (But when I can I will post them) Sorry!
If you were to ask Mike what he thought of the concert he would tell you he has never seen so many immodest, drunk, white trash people. He even commented the last time he can remember things being that bad is walking the Vegas Strip. I had to remind him we were at a Country Concert. He did enjoy Kenny though and he will tell you his favorite part is when Kenny left the stage and came back with a University of Utah hat on :)
Well as posted in my last blog Mike and I get to play play play for a month now and the Kenny Chesney concert got us off to a great start. On July 24th we went to the Spanish Fork Rodeo.

It was a blast! This year Mike and I decided we wanted to spend a couple extra dollars and get in the Grand Stands, which are covered and keep you out of the sun or this year out of the Rain. I couldn't believe it was raining, last year we almost died of heat and this year the rain poured down at times.
Well here's a few pics from the show:

The Bucking Horses

Mutton Bust'n

Calf Roping

The "Half Time" Show, which was absolutely amazing this guy had these animals trained to do just about anything WOW!
AND Last but not least Bull Riding

July has been a great month already and it isn't over yet we still have my B-day tomorrow, and Flaming Gorge YEAH!!!

Busy Bees

2009-07-09T18:31:00.016-06:00

As you know bees are out and about during the summer months and lately that is what Mike and I have felt like (Busy Bees)!!!
A few things we have been up to:
Mike & I have both joined Softball teams this Summer. This is my 3rd year playing with our SelectHealth Team and we are as good this year as the first year I started playing. We sure do know how to have fun though (Sorry no pics our games are Monday night and that's Mike's graveyard. Lucky for me though:)
After much convincing, Mike also join a softball team this year instead of playing baseball like last year. (Which I love only 1 hour games instead of 9 innings) His team is pretty good but mostly they just play for fun and that doesn't work with Mike competitive side. However, Mike got a HOME RUN this week and that was way exciting! (Good Job Babe)

Also in the month of June my BABY sister got Married (What a big production for one day. Great Job Mom!) Here are a couple pics from the wedding

Well hopefully that's enough pictures, and not to many. I just have to tell you the picture of Miriam standing in front of all the single girls trying to catch the bouquet. I placed her there and told her to catch the flowers. Well, what do you know it came straight to her. I guess it was just meant to be hers!
Well, July is another busy month so I hope you look forward to pictures of the Spanish Fork Rodeo, Kenny Chesney Concert, My Birthday and Flaming Gorge. We will keep you posted with our Busy lives until then we hope all is well for each of you.

Lake Powell

2009-06-17T22:38:00.019-06:00

So much has happened since we last updated. We have been swamped and have literally had no time to update, so here is what’s happening:

Mike started summer school last month. He’s taking 3 physics classes and a medical Spanish class. Between school 6-days/week and work he really doesn’t have any free time. However, he has managed to find an hour every week to play softball with some guys he knows from work-but other than that his nose is buried in the books! He is taking the MCAT in August, so we’re hoping he gets into medical school this fall.

JaNae (thanks to Catherine) has taken up watch making. Beads and watch faces keep her busy at nights, along with rearranging the furniture in our house. She has been reading a lot lately and trying to stay busy. In an attempt to keep her mind fresh and exercise her thinking power, she took on a huge 1000-piece Dowdle puzzle. Just about every piece looked the same, but she finished! It may be a while yet before she undertakes a task like that again. She is also playing softball-for her work team. They (like Mike’s team) enjoy spending most of their game time playing defense.

We somehow managed to break away from the craziness that is our lives to get to Lake Powell with some good family friends. They all went down Thursday, but we were able to join them Friday night. We had a blast and caught up on some much needed R & R! Even though it was only in the 80’s, Lake Powell was really cold courtesy of the wonderfully rainy, unseasonably cool June we’ve had thus far. The water felt more like Flaming Gorge than Lake Powell. Even though it was somewhat overcast, we still somehow seemed to get ourselves sunburned. We had fun though. On our drive home, we (JaNae’s Dad to be more specific) got to change a blown out tire on the boat trailer just outside of Panguitch. It made for an interesting end to our weekend.

Now back to work, school and the business of life…..

Mike & JaNae

Mike, JaNae & Katie

Mike & JaNae after a big tube crash

Mike crossing the wake

Mike riding the lake

JaNae cruising the canyon

One handed!

Mike's Favorite picture!

Beautiful day on the lake

Hiatts climbing the rocks

Navajo Canyon

Katie on 2

Joan after her ski run

Mike before his 180

Mike "after" his 180

JaNae swinging across

JaNae crossing over

The inevitable of a leaky tire

Jon Schmidt

2009-05-26T22:11:00.006-06:00

So there is a ton going on, and we'll be back to tell you more, but we saw Jon Schmidt on the news last night and he is amazing! Here's his viral vid from Youtube.

Sorry I hope it doesnt cut off too much of the blog!

The month of April

2009-05-02T14:55:00.010-06:00

April has come and gone, It was pretty uneventful though we did have the opportunity to Celebrate a Birthday Dinner with our Niece and Nephew Miriam and Jacob.

After the dinner celebration and opening presents, we were able to attend Beauty and the Beast. (A musical production put on by our stake.) It was absolutely stunning, everyone did such a great job and watching Miriam's facial expressions just made it more enjoyable.

Well, that's about it for April. We just wanted to leave you with "April Showers bring May Flowers." and we are hoping that rings true, however we are starting to wonder since the first two days of May have been showering days. We do have some flowers blooming though to remind us Spring is here and SUMMER Vacations are around the corner. :)

SPRING IS COMING!!!

2009-03-11T22:12:00.030-06:00

Ok, I know we’re total slackers, and haven’t updated in a while-and we’re sorry….We’ve been so incredibly busy that any free time we have, we just spend it together…or Mike does homework =)

So Valentines came and went and we had a blast! JaNae’s good friend from her UNLV swim team came to town for a visit from Vegas. They were captains of the team when JaNae was a Junior and became really good friends. Mike took her snowboarding in the REAL Utah snow-and totally kicked her butt. They were only up on the hill for a little over half of a day. Let me just tell you (in case you don’t know) #1-Utah really does have the greatest snow on earth….#2-blue runs in other parts of the country are not ANYTHING like they are here. They went on a blue trail and Alison almost didn’t make it down! =) But Mike was a good teacher and taught her some new things—mainly how to get off the hill!

Mike Got JaNae 2 dozen lavender roses for Valentine’s Day-along with PF Changs take out. It was yummy and a ton of fun to share the weekend with JaNae’s friend. The girls did some much-needed shopping while Dave entertained Mike with X-Box.

The next weekend we went to the St. George Parade of Homes. It’s always so neat to see the stuff we can’t afford! The St. George parade is usually the best in Utah, but with the economy-builders aren’t going as extravagant as they usually do…but it was still awesome! We got to see our precious niece and nephew while we were there, and they are getting huge! We miss them a ton and can’t wait to go back down there and visit….Happy Birthday Miriam!! We love you! Here are some pics of our favorite houses:

Mike With Miriam

A cute animal area with Vinyl Lettering

Craft room with sheet metal magnet board- So simple yet such a good idea!

This was a hand-made, painted country-western play area for the kids. Pictures just doesnt do it justice. The "stable" was a hiding closet for toys!

Antiqued cupboards in the Kitchen-they had AMAZING kitchens there!

Mike wants ceilings like this in his office someday

This was on a wall-it is just painted blue with a wood frame that protrudes out...it gave it a ton of character.....

This was a great idea for a craft room. They had a ton of baskets and other knick-knacks at their will, yet, because they were out of the way, they had room to work.

These last 2 were our personal favorite things about the parade:

Mike's golf cart....enough said.

These were shadow boxes built into the living room wall and surrounded with rockwork.

Were really ready for spring, can I just tell you that! It seems to have been a really long winter. We decided that since this August is our 5-year anniversary, were going to do something spectacular…so JaNae suggested a trip to Boston. Mike was unsure until JaNae mentioned the main purpose for our trip would be to SEE THE RED SOX! SOLD! (She would be a great saleswoman) We’re totally stoked and can’t wait!

Well that’s it for now-we’ll try and keep more updates coming.

Fog and Smog

2009-02-07T21:23:00.004-07:00

Well the month of January was a crazy one, but one event Mike and I will remember about January is the Fog and the Smog that lasted for a couple of days. Here are a couple pictures of what it was like.

As for February Mike and I have some fun events planned,the Super Bowl with Dave and Jill Dalling (Thanks for inviting us we had a blast!) a really good friend from college is coming to visit, Valentine's Day, President's Day (no work or School yea!), St George Parade of Homes, Draper Temple Open House... So hopefully I will make the time to post about it all, so each of you can enjoy it with us.

Happy Birthday Mike!!!

2009-01-13T17:10:00.006-07:00

Due to our Internet not working I didn't get a blog posted on Mike's Birthday. But hey it's better late then never. I just wanted to tell Mike Happy Birthday and let him know how much I love him. Here are some pictures from the big day.

Thanks to Mom we had a delicious Oreo Ice Cream Cake, and Following with our family tradition we sang Happy birthday the worst off key that we could (a friend once told us the worse the birthday song the better your birthday turns out to be) and a picture of some of his gifts. Happy Birthday Babe!!

Christmas Day...

2008-12-29T20:37:00.009-07:00

... we can honestly say that this Christmas was one of the
best yet!

Besides going overboard on some of the new toys.
We got to spend Christmas not only with Mike's
Mom but with my parents as well. What more could

you ask for? I'm just glad our parents have a great

relationship with each other.

Mike and I started out Christmas Morning opening
presents at home from each other (shown above)
Then we went to Grandpa Johnston's to see
some of my extended family (shown below)

We ended the day with Christmas Lasagna at our house
and opening gifts with my parents, visiting one more
of my aunts on my dad's side of the family and Mike

headed out to work. He was only suppose to be there
4 hours and ended up staying the whole night due to the
storm. I guess that's what happens when you have a
job in the medical field. Those hospital just don't

close like everywhere else. I didn't mind and I don't know

that he really did either. (holiday pay + time and a half not too bad)

That's how our Christmas went. The only thing we wish we

could of had was seeing Megan, Daniel and the Kids. We missed

you guys but hope your Christmas went well!!!

Fixin the house!

2008-12-29T16:42:00.005-07:00

Well, when I had Fall Break in October, JaNae told everyone how lazy I was, so I put up our mirror (pics to come) and installed new lighting. Our house is coming along slowly but surely!

Christmas Time is Here!

2008-12-19T09:41:00.027-07:00

Well Christmas is almost here, and we've been super busy! Mike finished up finals this week. (Hallelujah!) 18 credits in one semester, let alone, 9 chemistry, 6 biology and 2 math credits are something that even prisoners shouldn't have to endure. Now it's 3 weeks of "recovery" and then back at it again.
JaNae has kept busy with projects and Christmas stuff. She pretty much coordinated the ward Christmas breakfast when Jeff and Catherine were out of town; you wouldn't imagine all of the little details-sheesh! She went to Melissa's recital, the Relief Society's dinner, as well as Mindy's ornament party. She's been a busy bee to say the least!
We did manage to get out on a date last week though. We saw the new 007 with Jeff and Catherine. We had to fight bad snow and Jazz game traffic, but it was fun. We actually sat in the parking garage for 45 minutes because of all the jazz people trying to leave too!

Our view from the Conference Center

Another view of the Lights of Temple Square

We went to Temple square on Wednesday to see the lights. It was wonderful! Afterward, we thought that we might be able to see the lights better from the Conference Center-so one of the guides (who's serving a 3-year mission there) took us up to the Hall of the Prophets. They let us outside and we got to see pretty much all of temple square. It was so neat! Then, as he was taking us down, he showed us his favorite thing in the Conference Center. It was the Bronze statue of the First Vision. He showed us different symbolism in the statue-symbolism you might never pick up on.... Then to end it, he took us to the paintings of the First Presidency-which were newly painted and just hung up a few days ago.

Let us remember the True Meaning of Christmas this Holiday season!

Reno Thanksgiving/Christmas

2008-11-30T21:48:00.013-07:00

Well, we went to Reno for Thanksgiving and to also celebrate Christmas with my Sister and Brother-in-law. It was a good trip-long and boring drive (as most of Nevada tends to be) but none-the-less too short of a "vacation." The time always seems to fly by, but we missed our kittens, and just being home; there is no other better feeling in the world than to be at your own home.

<-----The "surgeon" Kyle busy at work. Kelly, JaNae and Sandy decided to try a new garlic-turkey recipe. The whole house smelled like garlic for the entire day!! But it was really good....

Whenever we come to Nevada, well.....paying cards is always something we have to do....Nevada is the "gambling state" after all. Following a delicious turkey dinner and a few rounds of a card game JaNae and I have been playing lately, Kyle got the grand idea to teach the girls Texas Hold-em Poker. Mind you, JaNae nor Kelly have ever played the game.

I had a GREAT hand. Pocket Kings!!! After a few rounds of betting and a 4 of a kind Kings, I went all in!!!!

To my shock, JaNae called my bet. She bet all of her money............
Was I in trouble? After all I had the one of the best hand in poker.....

She then showed her 4 Aces and took all my money! She ended up taking everyone's money....

On Friday, Mike and Kyle woke up early to go to Cabela's for some good deals but ended up at Sheels-an outdoors store. It is huge-they just build a new one in Reno, but most of the stores are in the Midwest. They went shooting with Kyle's dad and brothers to "test out" their new toys....

While the boys did that, JaNae, Kelly, and Sandy went to see "4 Christmases." They said that the movie wasn't very good, and that although the previews were funny-of course the rest of the movie was a bore. All the funny parts were in the previews. Why does that always happen????

Saturday, we drove around and bought some last-minute gifts for our "Christmas" to each other that night. For dinner, we had some really good NY Strips from Costco and finished it up with pie. I think Mike ate an entire Pumpkin pie this weekend. He LOVES it!!! Mike and Kyle went back to Sheels to salivate over guns, while Kelly, JaNae and Sandy watched "The Holiday." Kyle doesn't like movies, so Kelly has to get as much chick-flick movie watching in as she can....

All-in-all it was a good break from life, but back to work/school on Monday!!

__________________________________________________________________

When we came home tonight, we decided to finish our decorating. JaNae always does so good at making our home look nice at Christmas time.

Last week, (before Reno) we bought some new lights at Wal-mart because JaNae wanted lights on the tree that were red and white. You would think that buying a strand of red and a strand of white/clear-that came from the same store, and was the same brand and everything (the only difference was the color bulb) that you could just take one out of one strand and swap the colors-right?? Were we the only one's who would ever think that??? Well guess what- you can't! The little green stem that actually goes into the light socket is a different shape on the red strand than it is on the white/clear. So, we pulled 400 bulbs out of every-other light and rewired them to have the "correct socket" so as to have the lights alternate red/white on each strand. It was fun-to say the least....

My Mom gave JaNae a new nativity for her Christmas Present in Reno, and she loves it.
She collects them and as you may or may not be able to see from the photo-she has a lot of them!

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T07:44:00.006-07:00

Well, I hope you all have or are having a wonderful thanksgiving.
As Mike said earlier, we are doing a two part blog and this is part Two. Since today is the day of Thanks I knew I just couldn't procrastinate any longer. It's not that it is was hard to think of the things I am grateful for I just can't seem to find time to write.
Well, first and foremost I have to thank Mike for his sweet post I really appreciate him and have to agree with him I am so grateful for him and our family. Including our extended families, Mike's family has always taken me in and helped me feel a part of them as if I were their daughter/sister, and I know my family has done the same with Mike.
I am also really thankful for my Job, I absolutely love working with SelectHealth and I know that my prayers were and are being answered when I got the phone call to work for them. I have been there 2 1/2 years now and couldn't ask for a better job I just love what I do. I know times are hard right now for a lot of people and I have seen it first hand with our family. I'm really thankful Mike and I both have wonderful Jobs.
Well, like Mike said I have to repeat. I'm grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life. It is wonderful to know that we are not going through life alone. To know that Christ is always by our side leading the way, and guiding us through the hard times. I'm grateful for my testimony in the gospel and the strength it gives me to carry on.
Well as I end this post I hope you take time to write down things you are grateful for, and thank you to all our friends we are truly thankful to have you in our lives.

Thanksgiving, Part I

2008-11-24T00:09:00.003-07:00

Well, JaNae and I are going to Reno for Thanksgiving, so we decided to tell everyone what were grateful for.... This will be my post, and she said she will post later....

I think the real question should be what things can I think of that I’m not grateful for. I have soooo sooo much and have been so blessed. First and foremost, I’m grateful for a Savior-whose season we will be celebrating here shortly. I’m grateful that he forgives me for the stupid things I do, and that I can be part of His flock.

I'm so grateful for my wonderful wife. She is absolutely the greatest thing that has happened to me. I'd like to say that I don’t know where I would be without her, but those words just aren’t true.... I do know where I would be without her, and that place is somewhere & something I’m forever grateful that I don’t have to be. She is the most selfless, loving, caring, supportive, charitable, tender-hearted person I've ever known. She is the absolute love of my life, and I’m forever grateful that she picked me to be her Eternal Companion.

For those of you who don’t know how we met, I kinda-sorta blew her off when I first saw her. She was talking with my roommate (they were on the UNLV-LDSSA together) and they were hanging out after a meeting. Mike Kannet introduced me, and I was just like, yeah, whatever....as I walked to my room. Luckily for me, she came to a get-together a few nights later, at our house. I talked with her and was instantly attached. I called her the next day, and (through some strong convincing) we've been attached ever since. I try no to think about what might have happened, had she not come over that evening....

I love the support she gives me. I’m trying to finish school and want to have a career that provides for her and our family while giving me the love and satisfaction of practicing medicine. She has 100% supported me in everything I do, and is always there to encourage me. Thanks Honey- I love you so much!!!! You really are the greatest wife anyone could wish and hope for.... It was definately you I saw in my dreams when I imagined who I would spend forever with.

I’m so grateful for our families. When you have your family and the gospel of Jesus Christ, all the other things are just details.... Like I said, I’m sure I could go on and on and on about how much Thanks I have, but this blog would be never ending. I truely am blessed beyond measure and my cup runnith o'er from the blessings I have been given. I think the best way is to sum up my feelings through this hymn....
"Count your many blessings; name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.… "

From Powell Pals to Wedding Bells

2008-11-18T18:30:00.008-07:00

Wow I just can't believe how fast time flies by. It seems like just last year our family started going to Lake Powell with the Hiatts and this last weekend their daugter got married. I just can't believe it. Well Ashley and Brian Congradulations again and Ashley you looked absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!

(Here are a few pics from the wedding)

The Bride & Miriam (Miriam thought she was a Princess) and the way cute table decor

Miriam with Uncle Mike and Jacob with Poppy playing under the cake table (yikes)

Again Congrats to the Bride and Groom

What a Weekend!

2008-10-26T17:56:00.031-06:00

This weekend we had a visit from our favorite Niece and Nephew, Miriam and Jacob Brown (Megan and Daniel's Kids) They haven't been able to visit for a very long time. Even though we go down to Vegas to see them we don't get to spend near enough time with them. Hence, they are spoiled when they come see Grandma and Aunt NaeNae

Hanging out with the Kids (Jacob, Nathan Laraway, and Miriam) Miriam with Minnie, She just loves the cats. Look at Jacob 16 months and Nathan 8 Months

Miriam at the Pool she LOVES "swimmin"

A few more pics at the pool with my favorite Uncle Mike, and Daddy. Watch out for Dad and his waves!!!

On our way to Hee Haw Farm in Pleasant Grove, Miriam with Papi's Glasses, Feeding the bunny and the goats, What a blast!

We also saw the Fattest Pig EVER, Jacob and Miriam are super brave (Jacob tried to pet the chicken, and Miriam rode the pony after two other kids fell off.) Here we are going down the Hay slide and look how fun!

Here comes the animal Train that we rode 3 times Miriam loved it so much. She thought she need to ride in a different animal cart each time. Instead of a sand box they had a corn pit that was just as much fun. A couple more animals before we headed out. (Sorry Daniel thought you were holding Jacob and snapped the picture to quick to realize you were posing also)

Change Bad or Good?

2008-10-19T20:37:00.005-06:00

This week has been a week of change. Just last weekend as you probably know if you live in Utah we had a inch or two of snow. This week was completely opposite very nice and I actually had two more roses bloom on our rose bush. (I just couldn't pass up the opportunity so I had to cut what flowers I had in my garden and brought them inside to enjoy them a little more.) We also got a new bishopric in our ward, and are way excited for them. Mike also gets to go back to school this week (Good or Bad you decide) I always tells myself Change is good it gets us out of our rut of comfort. Hopefully only to grow and learn something new. Maybe I should have called this a week for growing!

Happy Halloween

2008-10-14T18:05:00.006-06:00

After I finished decorating for Halloween this week, and since we haven't purchased any candy/treats, Bob decided to make himself at home in the Candy Dish. It has never bothered him that he just can't fit into those small places anymore! He hasn't realized yet that he just isn't a kitten anymore.

Also, Bob and Mike are looking more and more similar each day. Since it is fall break this week, Mike has been doing a lot of this the past two days. Sleeping in until late in the morning and lounging around the house. So much for the house work that was suppose to get done:)

Finally Done

2008-10-12T16:08:00.005-06:00

Thanks to Catherine and Suzy, you two will no longer have to wonder what I'm up to and if I'm alive. I have finally finished setting up a blog. I know now why it has taken me so long to set one up, and all I can figure out how to do is the basics. So once I know more I will post more as for now this is all you get one picture, a little about Mike and I, and the link to future postings!