The Bushman Family

Park City Skiing - January 2011

2012-01-22T20:33:00.000-07:00

It was a perfect day to ski at Park City. Andee and my version of skiing was hanging out in the lodge drinking hot chocolate and eating peanut m&m's, however, the boys had a blast. :)

My studly skier!

Awww, what an awesome day in Park City...

Uh Oh!

2012-01-22T20:27:00.000-07:00

I knew Andee was being too quiet. While getting Trey ready for school, this little munchkin decided to get into Trey's school box that had ink pads inside. Sure enough, I came into see what little miss quiet was doing, and she stood their with blue ink all over the carpet, hands, feet, mouth... and anywhere else you could think.

LITTLE RASCAL!

-January 2011

Grateful Breakfast - January 9, 2011

2012-01-22T20:20:00.001-07:00

Grateful Breakfast

It is now becoming one of our traditions to have a "Grateful Breakfast" where we as friends get to express what we are thankful for. We each bring an item (wrapped up so we can guess who they're from) that represent something we were thankful for in the past year.

I brought a yearbook and lightbulb. The yearbook represented my friends that I made in high school. These friends in these pictures, who made my move back to Utah so much easier. We have been going to weekly lunches and other events together that have strengthened our friendships.

The lightbulb represented the "ah hah" moments when something that I had been trying to teach my children finally clicked. I am so grateful for those teaching moments that make my job as a mother so fulfilling.

Midway Getaway, March 9-11, 2011

2012-01-22T13:47:00.001-07:00

We decided to take a quick trip up to Midway and stay at the Worldmark Resort. The kids enjoyed the indoor pool and it was surprisingly warm that weekend. We were lucky to see the Ice Castles, created by Brent Christensen. He creates these amazing castles and it was the last day to view before they were taking them down. Trey was in HEAVEN! We told him this is probably what Mr. Freeze's liar looks like. We explored all the hidden nooks and tunnels and were amazed at the beauty!

GNO - celebrating Lindsay & Katie's Big 3-0!

2012-01-22T12:58:00.002-07:00

We went to Texas Roadhouse (LOVE THEIR ROLLS) & celebrated Katie & Lindsay becoming the big 3-0!! It's always a blast to hang out with the girls! - February 2011

Lindsey Stubler, Heather Davis, Lindsay Clements, Katie Bullock

Betsy Mikesell, Becca Lind, me

Indoor Soccer- February 2011

2012-01-22T12:14:00.004-07:00

Buddy, Kade Davis played on Trey's team. They had quite a few laughs together!

He kicks, He scores!

I think the early morning games got to him a little... we are not early wakers in our home!

Trey's biggest fan - ANDEE

What is Trey doing??

Trey's favorite position- goalie!

Stars - Lance, Kade & Trey

Belieber!

2012-01-20T20:38:00.003-07:00

I tease Trey sometimes that he has "Bieber Fever" because his hair looks a bit like Justin Bieber.

Disciplining Failure

2012-01-20T20:15:00.000-07:00

This comment is a little out of order, since I am a YEAR behind on pics. New Year's Resolution - update blog... but today I asked Andee to go and grab her shoes. After repeated no's from her, I asked, "Uh oh, does Andee need a spank?" She laid on her back, raised her legs to expose her little bum and said "Yeah, real hard."

I don't think the threat of spanking is going to work on this one...

XOXO

2011-11-12T21:53:00.001-07:00

Brent was going to be out of town for Valentine's so we snuck away for the weekend before to spend some much needed "alone" time. We stayed at the Hotel Monaco, (Brent chatting with Ice T in the elevator!!) and did some shopping at Gateway Mall. Brent bought me an Iphone!!! and we got him some great clothes, thanks to Urban Outfitters.

We also exchanged gifts - massage for me and a DKNY watch for Brent.

It was a great weekend! Thanks babe! I love you!

Valentines Day

Trey passed out ipod valentines

Being the room mom, I got to plan the V-day party, as well as the Halloween and Christmas party. I was excited to have the kids "pin the heart", play bingo, twister & decorate cookies.

I also had all the kids write notes why they loved their teacher and put together a book for Mrs. Park.

Since Brent was out of town, I decided to surprise the kids and take them to Build-a-bear. They had never been there and were so excited to make their own stuffed animal for Valentine's Day!

Trey ended up picking Darth Vader Bear and Andee, Tinkerbell Kitty.

We went to eat at California Pizza Kitchen after.

I am so lucky to have my kids. I am so lucky to feel that kind of love that you only have for your children. That unconditional love.

I love you Trey and Andee!

-xoxo Mom

Random Days - Jan/Feb 2011

2011-11-12T21:39:00.001-07:00

me, Jayme, Andrea, Ashlee, Katie

Craft Night - We made these fun Advent Calendars for Valentine's Day

Missing in pic - Heather Davis, Becca Lind

Cute Kiddos

We decided to make this Valentine's Monster & ended up making heart glasses too!

So You Think You Can Dance

Taping

One of my all-time favorite shows is "So You Think You Can Dance"!

I was so excited when Heather said we could get tickets for the audition taping in SLC. Because Becca's brother, whose girlfriend was auditioning, was "disabled" (he had just had surgery on his leg) we were able to go to the front of the line and get great seats just above the contestants. It was so fun to see Nigel & Mary Murphy live and their interaction with the audience.

Super Bowl

We had the Child's and Hartley's over and it was a full house! But the kids all had a great time playing together & the adults hanging out!

Destenee, Ashlee, me

2011-11-12T21:19:00.001-07:00

I had never watched "The Bachelor" until this year because when all of us girls went to lunch that is all they would talk about when the show was on. So, I thought I'd watch and see what all the fuss was about and dragged my husband along as well. Sure enough, I was pretty hooked, especially thanks to crazy "Michelle". I decided to throw a "Bachelor" cocktail party. We had an open "non-alcoholic" bar and yummy desserts with a single rose on a platter in the center. I made a Bachelor trivia with a "Dinner for Two" prize.

All of the couples worked hard to answer questions about past seasons of The Bachelor.

The husbands were totally into it as you can tell.

Making fun of Michelle on the show when she said when she kisses the Bachelor, there will be fireworks going off from behind.

In the end, Heather and Mike took the "Dinner for Two" prize - 2 tv dinners and a ring pop!

Jr. Jazz

2011-11-12T21:12:00.001-07:00

Trey had a bit of a rough start with Jr. Jazz. He gets nervous pretty easily and didn't want to be out on the court without Dad.

I felt so bad watching him cry, but after the first couple of games, he gained confidence. By the end, he had his hands up in defense the whole game! :)

Merry Christmas to all...

2011-11-12T20:59:00.001-07:00

Annual Christmas Eve Dinner @ the Morris'

Santa came to visit!

Jack wouldn't sit on his lap but took a "knuckles" from Santa instead.

Trey helped read a book with him

Andee not so sure of Santa

I sat on St. Nick's lap!

"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

Trey left out a cookie, rootbeer (because Trey asked Santa if he liked it and Santa said yes!) and a carrot for Rudolph. Trey also bought Santa a gift because he said, "He always gives us presents, we should give him one too."

Family gifts I gave this year

Christmas Morning

I think Trey wins the BedHead contest!!

Trey picked out this book for Dad, "My Daddy Snores"

Opening presents @ the Morris'

Christmas Sunday

Merry Christmas!

Merry Grinchmas

2011-11-12T20:23:00.001-07:00

Trey's Kindergarten Christmas Party

2010

The kids decorated notebooks with Grinch stickers and attached was a tag that read, "Maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas... perhaps... means a little bit more."

Then the kids watched "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas" while snacking

on some Grinchalicious treats.

Trey and his teacher, Mrs. Park

Jenn, Brickelle's mom, bought Grinch stuffed animals for all the kids!

The Three Amigos - Nick, Trey & Austin

Trey's Santa he decorated.

Christmas Time 2010

2011-11-12T20:10:00.001-07:00

Still moving in... (hence no decorations) but it was a lot of fun to put up some Christmas!

-December 2010

Trey's Kindergarten class - chick hatching

2011-05-25T15:53:00.001-06:00

More December Days...

2011-04-18T10:01:00.003-06:00

We love making forts at our house!

Trey wouldn't let us take this one down for days and he slept in it during the night.

Making Gingerbread Men

Happy Birthday Betsy! GNO

Even though it looks like we went and saw the Beiber movie, we really went and saw

"How Do You Know".

Winter Break

We took advantage of our days off and went up to the Children's Museum.

Any time Andee could play with a cart or stroller, she was content! She also spent a long time putting the sandwiches together in the deli.

Boston would not stop playing in the water section! He loved getting his hands wet, and clothes for that matter.

Filler er up!

Hofheins Christmas Party

2011-04-18T09:55:00.000-06:00

Jake & Jamie always throw an annual Christmas Party and I think this is probably the 10th year!?! I wish I would have taken more pics but some of the white elephants were HILARIOUS this year!

Some included the Situation "thong", a young picture of Jake, but the SHAKE WEIGHT was the most coveted item of the evening!

Second coveted... was the weinersnitchel sweatshirt we brought! (it also came with hotdog holders)

Christmas Party

2011-04-18T09:32:00.002-06:00

We threw a Christmas Party for our friends. The theme was "Food, Friends & Fun" and everyone had to bring a white elephant that started with the letter "F". Betsy was awesome to have the Christmas party at her house, since we had boxes still everywhere. I had fun coming up with the dessert table and everything, of course, began with an "f". (even if it was a stretch).

the gals

Back to front: Jennifer, Nichole, Becca, Betsy, Katie, Me

Candice, Lindsey, Heather, Lindsay

the men

Brooks, Brent, Ryan, Gentry, Steve, Mark, Mike, Gerry

The white elephants ranged from footballs...

fanny packs, even fish & chips (which was a live fish)!

(nice gifts included popular items - Cafe Rio, Chick-fil-a)

Not to gloat, but I have to say the best White Elephant of the night was the one Brent and I brought!

"Fake boobs"

Ryan wasn't quite sure he wanted to touch them at first, but then posed for a pic. (we blurred them to be appropriate for the blog) :) Katie tried to cover them as Betsy was taking a picture, but it looks like she was grabbing them instead of covering them.

What a fun night!

Other December Days...

2011-04-17T23:14:00.000-06:00

JuSt GoOfin ArOuND!

I bought this elf hat for Trey that moves around while singing "We are Santa's Elves." He LOVED wearing it and getting ready for Christmas!

Baby it's cold outside...

2011-04-17T23:10:00.000-06:00

...but we don't care!

Trey's first time up on Skis!

2011-04-17T23:07:00.000-06:00

Brent rented skis for Trey one wintery day. We hadn't bought the harness yet for Trey, so Brent made a makeshift one with rope. He took Trey down the street and to a hill at the park. Trey had a blast and took to it pretty well!

Sweetness all around

2011-04-17T23:04:00.000-06:00

I have to say... they love each other and are so good to each other. Andee lights up when "Tay" is around and Trey is so kind to her.

Bother & Sister

So Sweet...

Snow Day

2011-03-04T09:31:00.001-07:00

November 20, 2010

We got a storm that brought in over a foot of snow. The kids couldn't wait to go out and play that night...

And the next morning...

Andee was unsure (as you see below) about the snow... until I showed her she could eat it!! And then she was all sorts of happy!

Not fair! Throwing snowballs at Mom down below. They had the advantage.

The Snow Fort

Indoor Soccer

2011-03-04T09:12:00.004-07:00

Trey really enjoyed Indoor Soccer, this being his first time playing indoor. He got a lot more into the game then his past soccer league in AZ. I'm sure that has a lot to do with age.
He was more aggressive and comfortable.

Memorable Moments

*Trey is a "thinker" and anticipates where the ball is going. You will see all of the kids in one clump trying to get the ball and Trey's on the outside watching to see where it will be kicked out. Anytime the other team got close to scoring, Trey would be right in front of the goal, ready to defend.

*Trey is not the most "aggressive" ball player. He would get really sad and nervous if someone stole the ball from him. I told him if someone gets in his face to blow in it. That would totally catch them off guard. Later in the game, I saw an opposing player intent on getting the ball in the goal. Trey went right up to him and blew so hard in his face I could see spit coming out. Woops... maybe not the best suggestion, mom.

Andee is always cheering trey on!

Coach Dad

(Brent got to be the coach this season)

Trey's Biggest Fan

BFF

2011-03-02T16:59:00.007-07:00

Mandy and Jason came into town for a wedding and were able to stay with us for a couple of days. (not long enough, I will say) :) but we were so happy to have them here! Even if we had barely moved into her parent's house, literally the week before. I felt bad that we had boxes everywhere (which Jason decided to unload some while we went to the park.) I kept calling him my "man slave". Thanks, Jason!

I was so happy to see beautiful Avery again and to meet Cierra for the first time! She was born just a month before Andee so of course they are destined to be BFF's just like their mommies!

It's so fun to have Mandy around. It's like nothing has changed since jr. high. We get along so well and she makes me laugh all the time. I wish we lived closer to each other but it's nice to have someone I can call whenever I need to share good or bad news and know they will never be judgmental. She gave me some precious hair advice (see below) as the two girls are twinners!

I think they finally decided it was okay to take a picture next to each other.

Peek-a-boo

Trey and Avery

Good Buddies!

While Mandy and Jason went to the wedding, we took the girls to the Dinosaur Museum.

The kids had a blast.

Always a favorite, is the "erosion" model where the kids can get their hands dirty in the sand and water.

Cierra decided the dinosaur toys were a little more fun then the dirt.

And while Avery and Trey may have had a rough start to begin with...

they quickly became best friends and would not stop hugging and giggling with each other!

*side note* -in fact, Trey told me later that he was going to marry Avery. So cute!

Shark Attack!

And of course the kids enjoyed digging for dinosaur bones.

Some other fun moments

*I couldn't quit laughing as we were driving home in Jason and Mandy's truck. The girls started singing, "Ahhhh..." because the back seat would vibrate making their voices jump all around. Cierra chimed in, in her deep voice, and then Andee in her high soprano. It made us laugh the entire ride home!

*We watched "House Bunny" with Mandy and Jason one night. Trey started watching a little with us before I made him go to bed. The next day out of nowhere he said in a raspy voice... "Andee". (You would have to see the movie to understand but I couldn't quit laughing!)

-November 5, 2010

Halloween

2011-02-26T18:45:00.003-07:00

Poor Trey woke up with a 102 degree fever the morning of Halloween. I would have kept him home from school, but I am the Kinder Room Mom. I had spent over a month planning 5 different activities for the class Halloween party and I had all of the materials.

Trey said he felt okay so we dressed him up in his Draganoid Bakugan Battle Brawler outfit.

As you can see, he was trying to be a good sport...

My cute little witch, Andee, came along for the party.

The "monster" theme was a big hit with the kids...

Monster Toss

"Monster Stomp"

But poor Trey, wasn't feeling so hot...

"Scary Cupcakes"

Oogy Boogy "Touch n' Feel"

"Trying to be a good Sport" -looking a little more miserable.

And then, as I was trying to move kids to different stations... my little man threw up. Poor thing.

We left the party early as soon as Brent could come pick us up. (We had driven together that day, of ALL DAYS) I felt so bad for my little man. He missed trick or treating that night. After several conversations with the doctor's office, we got him in the following Monday because his fever wouldn't go down all weekend. He even had an awful heat rash all over his body. Sure enough, strep throat. Hopefully, next Halloween will be better!

First Day of Snow

2011-02-23T13:52:00.001-07:00

The first snowfall and Trey was ready to dive in.

Andee's first experience with snow, wasn't sure at first...

Until we made the Morris Snow Cream!

I think it's a hit!

Dressed to stay warm!

-October 26, 2010

Spooktacular Party

2011-02-23T10:12:00.001-07:00

Halloween Friend Party

We invited a couple friends and their families over to carve pumpkins, play "Just Dance" and have yummy soup and dessert! The kids had fun dressing up, decorating their skeleton cupcakes and getting ready for Halloween!

Pumpkin Carving

Babies!!! So cute little Grayson & Blakely

Our fun treats for the kids

My Little Witch

Good friends - Ky, Trey and Brecklyn

Money Machine

2011-02-21T12:13:00.001-07:00

Trey had been working hard to sell his "Happennings" books (a local coupon book) for school. He told me he HAD to sell 6 so he could be in the school's money machine. After hitting up family, which I made him give the sales pitch, he even went out with Daddy to the neighbors' homes. The money machine was a covered box where they blew money around with a blowing machine. You got 10 seconds to grab as much cash as possible. Trey left his top shirt a little unbuttoned and while grabbing money, he stuffed it in his shirt. He was the ONLY kindergartener in the entire school to sell 6 books so he got to go into lunch with the "big kids" (3-4th graders). The principal announced Trey and the kids cheered him on! After he came out, he said to me, "Mom, I was really nervous in there."

SUCCESS!!! He earned $4.00 catching the money.

-October 21, 2010

Santa Monica Pier

2011-02-21T12:06:00.000-07:00

Our last day in California, we travelled to Hollywood, Beverly Hills (so I could say I had been down Rodeo Drive!) and Santa Monica Pier.

We ate dinner at Bubba Gump's. I've been to the one in Florida, Hawaii, and now I can check off California.

(The view from the famous Ferris Wheel)

Disney - Day 2

2011-02-21T12:02:00.004-07:00

By far, Trey and Andee enjoyed California Adventure more than Disneyland.

It was so fun to see the excitement on Trey's face when we went to the Playhouse Disney show. I was so sad when a year or more ago he was "too old" for Playhouse Disney and only liked to watch "super hero" shows. But when he saw this show, his excitement led to hours and hours of watching Playhouse Disney at home. I LOVED IT!!

The Pixar Parade

Trey's most favorite part of the day... he couldn't believe he was seeing all of these characters in person!

Andee's favorite ride - "Small World"
She clapped, sang and said "ooh" all along the way!

Thank you Disney for a great vacation!

Chinatown

2011-02-21T11:17:00.000-07:00

Trey was elated to see the "dojos" as he called them.

This fountain had different areas to throw your coins. You could aim for luck, love, money, etc... I think I missed all of them. Sucks for me.

Get Me Out of Here!!!

We went into their markets which were ceiling to floor with merchandise and you could hardly squeeze through the aisles to see all of the different products.

2011-02-18T20:27:00.001-07:00

I was very excited to take the kids to Disneyland during October for their "Halloween" theme.

We hooked up with my cousinm Shay and her adorable girls, Blake, Reese and Layne.

Trey was so excited to go to the "Jedi traning" first. He got chosen, thanks to his crazy mom who jumped up and down and yelled. However, he got so nervous up there, when the Jedi tried to place him up on stage. He came back to us with tears in his eyes, poor guy. He did enjoy the show, however.

The rocket was one of Trey's favorite rides. One of the few that we had to ride 3 or more times!

Poor Andee, didn't like the good guys... even worse were the villains!!

Who is this guy anyway???

Toon Town - always a favorite

We stayed for the Halloween Party where all the villains were out to party, trick-or-treating was all throughout the park and dancing! Their were less people so it was easy to get on the rides.

Poor Andee was TERRIFIED of Jack the Skeleton, and Trey fell asleep (or maybe pretended).

Happy Halloween Mickey and Minnie!

Huntington Beach

2011-02-18T19:50:00.003-07:00

"We're here!" After the drive from Las Vegas to Cali, the kids were so excited to see the beach!

While on the pier, we saw dolphins swimming in the water.

Andee was not quite sure of the sand still... She did not like it in her shoes or on her feet at all.

But Trey got her adjusted, very quickly!

The temperature was only in the 60's but that didn't stop the kids from getting in the water. Eventually they were only in their swimsuits.

Somebody had sculpted this body in the sand. Trey wasn't quite sure, " should I like it or not?"

I think Andee enjoyed it!

Underneath the pier was amazing to watch. The waves crashing against the columns was beautiful.

Family Trip - Vegas & California

2011-02-18T13:01:00.003-07:00

Trey's souvenir collection - the flattened penny!

He has to get as many as possible wherever we travel.

Brent worked the first day while in Vegas, so I took the kids to the Shark Reef and the Game Zone. Trey's favorite game was a Spongebob jumping game. He had to jump every time the light came down towards his feet. He was actually pretty good at it! I even had to give it a try!

Shark Reef - Mandalay Bay

The Komodo Dragon, caught it with it's tongue out!!! So cool! This baby is huge!

Yikes! HUGE SNAKE!!

We found the "Pout Pout Fish"

This is one of our favorite books to read! Trey was so excited to see him in person.

Petting the stingrays.

"This is my favorite" -Trey

SHARKS!

-October 13, 2010

What I loved about 2010...

2011-01-27T18:49:00.004-07:00

Being with just my immediate family in Arizona. Learning to rely on my spouse more and building a stronger relationship with him and my children.
Meeting individuals in Arizona, who became some of my best friends, that inspired me.
Being humbled by not having a lot and trusting in the Lord and realizing that His hand was guiding us through all of our trials.
Having wonderful parents and in-laws that helped us and visited often.

Being a mother to the 2 most beautiful, sweet and loving children.

Spending our 9th year of marriage together and gaining a stronger appreciation for my husband's hard work and drive.

Appreciating the fact that Brent still tells me all the time, after 10 years of dating, that I am beautiful.

Her laughter & smiles that melt me.
Her ability to walk and her personality blooming.
Her love and adoration for her big brother.
Her "girlyness", how she wants to wear bracelets & have her hair done. And how she'll walk around with a purse around her arm.
Her "pease" (please) and "tank oo" (thank you); "titty" (kitty)
How she always finds my shoes and walks around in them on the tile floor to hear them "click"
Her cuddles and maybe even her pinches! Ow! She finds the tiniest bit of skin to grab.
Her giggles.
Always wanting Mommy!!

His sweetness to his sister.
His kind, innocent and caring personality and being ok with not having to buy toys all the time.
The laughter he brings to me everyday.
Seeing Trey ride his "big boy" bike for the first time. (even if it is with training wheels still) and the confidence it gave him.
His goofiness.
His curiosity.

Our family trips to San Diego & Anaheim.
Trey's reaction and glow on his face when he was on the beach the first time on the trip.
Andee's "SLOW" reaction to the sand, but quickly enjoying herself.
The look on Trey's face when he saw Mickey Mouse Clubhouse characters (after he hadn't watched the show for so long."
Even better, the excitement he had when he saw the Disney Pixar parade.

His hugs & kisses everyday before school.

Brent's love for his children.
When Brent got home from work and the kids yelled, "Dad & Da Da!"
That Brent enjoyed his job & was able to work from home.

I was able to be involved in our ward through Primary and Activities Committee.
I was the primary chorister and loved going to church EVERY Sunday.
Feeling the spirit every time the primary children sang.
Making wonderful friends and being able to share my religious beliefs all the time.
Swimming all the time in AZ & soaking up the sun.
Trey's amazing preschool and teacher, Mrs. Pachecho.

My children are everything. They are the reason I'm here. They are what give me purpose.

Why are kids so brutally honest?

2011-01-26T19:34:00.001-07:00

So Trey says to me today, "Mom, why does everything have to be so perfect?"

Ouch - It's apparent that my son already sees my flaws. I admit, I'm a perfectionist. And probably something I need to work on!! Sometimes it takes a 5 year old to put things in perspective.

A cute moment...

2011-01-21T18:16:00.001-07:00

So, I'm blogging out of order, but I had to write this story down or I would forget.

Today as I was trying on clothes with my children in the dressing room, Trey slaps my belly. I said to him, "Funny how my belly goes down after having a baby in there, huh." And then I asked him if he wanted mom to have another baby. He said, "Yes. I want it to be a boy." I told him how we don't get to decide whether it's a girl or boy. He said, "I know a way to help, mom." And in the dressing room at Ross, he gets on his knees and starts praying, "Dear Heavenly Father, grateful for this day, grateful for the food. Please bless that mommy with have a baby boy. And name of Jesus Christ, amen."

What a sweet boy. (That does NOT, however, mean that I'm going to have another baby.) :)

Other fun pics - October 2010

2011-01-11T20:54:00.002-07:00

Me & my Baby

I love that Andee is SO girly and loves to play with dolls. She loves her baby and is such a good mom to her.

Uh oh... TROUBLE!

You know that sound... COMPLETE SILENCE. It's a parent's worse nightmare, because you know trouble is right around the corner. Sure enough, I was in the other room doing my hair when that sound of nothingness occurred. And then Trey's faint voice, "Mom, Andee made a mess." Yes, she had gotten into the flour and poured it everywhere and put it all over her face and clothes.

My Cute Kids

Boston & Andee jammin' on the piano

While living at Brent's parents house, Linda "Nana" was so cute to have "Doughnut Saturdays" with Trey. He was thrilled when he got

THE BIGGEST DOUGHNUT EVER, as he put it!

The Great Outdoors

2011-01-09T23:49:00.002-07:00

The debate - THE SCARF

2011-01-06T18:22:00.001-07:00

MANLY or GIRLY???

I LOVE this scarf on Trey, and think it is "cool"... however Brent has a much different opinion. Wussy, girly, are a few terms. But MOM wins because I think he's STYLISH!

Pretty in Pink

2011-01-06T18:13:00.002-07:00

My FAVORITE outfit on Andee!

(& I'm so bummed cus I lost her headband somewhere in the move)

Boston turns 1!

2011-01-06T18:08:00.001-07:00

We went swimming on Boston's first birthday! It's amazing that this little 2 1/2 pound baby that was born last year, is so strong, healthy and full of life! We love you, Bos!

I got to help out with some of the decor for Boston's b-day party and blessing.

Those who blessed Boston!

Boston's cousins

My Curly Hair

2011-01-01T20:52:00.000-07:00

I decided to curl Andee's hair today with the curling iron. Now that I curled it... I can't go a day without the curls! It's so cute!

*September 20, 2010*

Welcome Back Bushman Party

2011-01-01T20:46:00.001-07:00

"Watty" (Matt Watkins) & "Spence" (Jeremy) were so sweet to throw us a "Welcome Back" party. The party was at Watty's parent's house in Alpine, which is beautiful! They had the horse walking machine (whatever the technical term is... I have not a clue) set up with swings, so when they turned it on the kids could swing around like the ride at Lagoon!

There were goats to pet and their amazing barn gave me some photo opportunities.

But, the boys apologized for having the party hosted by "men" because they didn't really get the invites out to anyone. :) But we didn't care! It was fun to hang out with 2 of Brent's buddies!

-September 11, 2010

Brent, Matt, & Jeremy

Weather Report

2011-01-01T20:37:00.000-07:00

Trey decided to draw all the different "types" of weather and we got the video camera ready to shoot his weather report. The crappy thing... my battery was dead and living with the in-laws, I had NO clue where the charger was.

That's okay, we got a few pics and he was so cute as he said that it was "sunny with a few clouds in Utah today."

Friends Forever

2011-01-01T20:34:00.002-07:00

My friend, Ashlee, was in town from Ohio. I was so excited to see her. You know that it's true friendship when it's been 2+ years since you've seen each other, but NOTHING feels different! We were like teenagers again and literally ran to each other when she got out of the car.

LOVE YA ASH!

Kindergarten - First day of School!

2010-12-26T15:20:00.000-07:00

He started school this morning,

And he seemed so very small.

As I walked there beside him

In the Kindergarten hall.

And as he took his place beside

the others in the class,

I realized how all too soon

Those first few years can pass.

Remembering, I saw him as

He first learned how to walk.

The words that we alone made out

When he began to talk.

This little boy so much absorbed

In learning how to write.

It seems as though he must have grown

To boyhood overnight.

My eyes were blurred but hastily

I brushed the tears away

Lest by some word or sign of mine

I mar his first big day.

Oh how I longed to stay with him

And keep him by the hand

To lead him through the places

That he couldn’t understand.

And something closely kin to fear

Was mingled with my pride.

I knew he would no longer be

A baby by my side.

But he must have his chance to live,

To work his problems out,

The privilege to grow and learn

What life is all about.

And I must share my little boy

With friends and work and play;

He’s not a baby anymore –

He's in Kindergarten today.

Waiting for his name-tag from Mrs. Park

Mrs. Park was adorable to tell all the kids before they leave to give their mom and dads a hug because THEY may have a hard time today. She asked the kids if they thought their moms and dads would be okay. It was cute and made the kids all at ease.

Giving Hugs

& blowing kisses...

I did drive away with tears. I didn't think I was going to be THAT mom, but I was so PROUD, proud of who my little boy is becoming. The tears just came without hesitation.

Trey was given a Father's Blessing the night before from Brent. He blessed that Trey wouldn't be nervous and that he would enjoy learning and make friends.

When I picked Trey up from school after his first day, his first words were, "Mom, the blessing really worked!"

-September 2, 2010

Perks of being back in Utah!

2010-12-26T14:18:00.001-07:00

So the first weekend we were in Utah, we took advantage of Brent's Dad's boat! We went out to Utah Lake and enjoyed the water!

Trey got to drive the boat!

Blake's TRICKS!

Driving to Utah

2010-12-26T14:13:00.000-07:00

On our way back to UT, we stopped at the Hoover Dam & stayed overnight in Vegas. The kids had a blast in the hotel's lazy river!

Ken & Glen were so nice not only to come down and help us pack but to drive with us back.

We kept making cracks about Glen looking like Papa Smurf! :) Both Ken & Glen were growing out their beards for movie parts. (& no, it wasn't to play Santa.)

Trey took swimming lessons this summer with his pre school teacher, Mrs. Pacheco. He was showing his mad skills at the pool in Vegas. Brent was SO PROUD!

Packing Up

2010-12-19T21:54:00.000-07:00

We had so many friends come and help us pack up to move to Utah. I remember after they left, sitting in my bare kitchen bawling. This was a hard move for me. But good friendships will last forever, no matter the distance!

Jackson & Trey

Austin holding Andee

Abby & Caroline

Jodi & I

Trey's buddy Ryan

(not quite sure why the robe with no shirt, but whatever, Ry, you sport it buddy!)

Megan w/ Andee

Brayden & Andee

Going Away Party

2010-12-14T17:26:00.004-07:00

Farewell Arizona! I will miss you, terribly!

My sweet friend, Tina, threw our family a "farewell" party. My parents were in town so it was fun to have them come as well. I have made some dear friends here that will forever change my life. I was not ready to leave, but when life gives you lemon... I guess you have to make lemonade. My friend, Tina, has taught me to be a better, more giving person. She and so many others in Arizona were supposed to come into my life to better me. I will be forever grateful for the friendships I made in Arizona!

-August 14, 2010

Tina, me, Kelly

Mya, Amy, me, Andee

Allison (which I still think they named after me) :) & Heidi

Alyssa & Briggs, Brett, me, Brent, Bryan, Eric, & AJ

I guess when the Rustand's have a party, someone always get thrown into the pool. Brent was lucky enough to throw out his wallet first!

Bryan Tobler... You stink! He got me!

Nothing like WET CLOTHES!

Tombstone w/ my parents

2010-12-14T17:15:00.000-07:00

My parents were so sweet to come down to Tucson to help us pack for our move to Utah. I made sure my dad attended this trip as well because I knew he would love Tombstone! We put up with the 114 degrees for a while but went home a little exhausted and sweaty.

Carriage ride around town

Yeehaw, cowboy!

Ghosts in Tombstone? Or just creepy old miners... way old!

Birdcage Theater

After the "O.K. Corral Gunfight" show, Trey was too afraid to get pictures with the main stars. They looked "too scary." But this actor looked okay!

I wanted to stand by Doc Holladay who I think I liked the best because Val Kilmer played him in Tombstone.

San Diego Trip, 4th of July 2010

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

Coronado Island

The first thing we did was drive to the beach for Trey. He was so excited to play in the sand, even though the weather was only low 70s. Pretty cold for us Tucsonians!

After the trip to the island, I decided that is where I want to live!

Day 2 - LEGOLAND

With all the "Lego" video games, Trey was thrilled to go to Legoland. He got his first set of "real" legos for Easter this year and since then it's been all about "legos"!

The 4D show we went and saw, "Clutch Powers" was incredible! I didn't know what they meant by 4D until I was in the movie theater. Not only do you wear the 3D glasses, but when it snows in the movie, it actually snows in the theater. When water is splashing, you get splashed. When their is a car chase, their might be strobe lights going. It was simply amazing to watch!

Bionicles

Here you get to build your own lego cars and race them!

My favorite - the Lego World!

Las Vegas built out of Legos

Trey's favorite ride were the lego cars. He even got his Legoland drivers license after.

The area that Andee had the most fun, and probably Trey too, was the Duplo section. This section was geared for younger children and my kids loved using their imagination here.

The laser "pharaoh" ride

(Legoland's version of the Disneyland's Buzz Lightyear ride)

Trey's first roller coaster, below was his reaction...

The Aquarium

Below is what shark eggs look like:

Lovin' the sunglasses, baby!

Day 3 - We met up with Brent's parents and went to Old San Diego

We went to the Mormon Battalion monument where we learned the history of the battalion and the kids got to dig for gold. Trey was selected to try on all the "gear" the battalion soldiers wore.

Day 3 cont... - We went to La Jolla Children's Pool which they created a man-made bay for children to play on. However, the seals decided to take over. The kids had a great time seeing the seals and then playing on the beach.

This squirrel kept asking Trey for food. Too bad Trey didn't have any with him!

Seals!!!

Andee HATED the sand on her feet and would raise her feet up, balancing on her bum, just so the grains wouldn't touch her.

Day 4 - Day 2 of Legoland!

Trey's favorite Lego creation... I wonder why!?!

Enjoying the Firework Show at Legoland

Day 5 - HAPPY 4th of July!!

We went to Moonlight State Beach in Encinitas for the 4th of July. It was packed with families and FREEZING! 64 degrees! However, that didn't stop the boys from playing in the sand and ocean!

Tic-Tac-Toe - Trey won!

Waiting for the fireworks! Our Bushman totem pole.

Day 6 - Maritime Museum

Me, being a history major, I always want to throw in some "historical" sight-seeing. This museum was a compilation of vessels sitting on the harbor from different eras of history. We spent hours there because Trey couldn't get enough of exploring these amazing ships & submarines!

Sittin' on the "john" in the submarine.

We took a ferry ride to see the cityscape of San Diego

It was hard to leave, but we had a wonderful vacation!

How do I post the past 7 months??

2010-12-11T16:30:00.003-07:00

Life has been CRAZY the last 7 months and has thrown me for a loop! I remember sitting in our house in Arizona, which we had only been in for 3 months, looking down at the acceptance letter for the elementary school I wanted Trey to be in with his buddy Jackson and Carson. This was at the end of July. We had just gotten back from our trip to San Diego and I was ecstatic that Trey would be attending that school. The very next week, Brent told me we had a decision to make as he was offered a position at the corporate office in Utah.

After many tears, because of the thought of not living by my dear friends I had made... Tina, Jodi, Amy, Lilian, Lauren, Lori, to name a few... we decided to move back up to Utah. The opportunity for Brent's career was too great to pass up. My best friend, who I'm sure was guided somehow, called me to tell me where her parents were going on a mission. Before she could get a few words out, I broke into tears. She was so sweet to listen to my sobs and then once I had calmed down said, "What if you could live in my parents house while they're on their mission?" It's funny how things all seem to work out... well, ok when Heavenly Father has a hand in things that is! We were so blessed to have my parents and Brent's dad & cousin come to our house and pack everything up. Drive back to Utah, stay in Brent's parents house for 2 months and now we are living in South Jordan in a house which was practically my second home growing up.

I miss Arizona terribly. Mostly, my friends!! And secondly, the weather!! Oh how I HATE the cold. But moving back to Utah was an easy move back. Our family is here and what has been so wonderful is the friendships I made in high school are still strong. My girlfriends and I get together every Monday for "ladies lunch" and those lunches have made it an easy transition.

So... I am going to throw a few pics from the last 7 months up because I have a BUTTLOAD and I don't know how to blog all of them. But I have a great excuse as I'm still trying to get out of boxes and get my life somewhat organized! :) But, all the adventures in life make us who we are. And my adventures are definitely making me a much more patient person.

I am so happy for my husband's job and the opportunities he has been given. I love my husband. He is such a hard worker and I'm so grateful for him each day.

Now, that I've written a novel (which I NEVER do on my blog) here are some pics from the last 7 months.

The KING

Games must have been the theme this year and I was SO happy to get so many! Some of our favorites were Blockus, Cat & the Hat board game, snake pick up sticks, mickey mouse yahtzee and so many more! It was so fun to have that many kids come and Trey had a blast!

Andee turned 1!
We had already celebrated the kids birthday in Utah but Trey had a party in AZ with his friends (above) and so when Andee turned 1, three days later, we went swimming to celebrate!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDEE!

Trey got a brand new bike from Nana and Papa for his b-day. He showed off his riding skills everyday in AZ!

Andee started walking at about 11 months! That was an exciting day!

Trey enjoyed playing baseball, even if it was 90 degrees at 8 in the morning!

Go Greenjackets!

So much more to blog... but it's a start!

Memorial Day

2010-08-10T18:11:00.005-06:00

Fun with Family

2010-08-10T17:24:00.002-06:00

Grandpa giving Trey a ride!Uncle Justin teaching me kung-fu!
I love Trey's motion for Uncle J to come forward!

I Love Spaghetti

2010-08-07T10:44:00.002-06:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Trey & Andee

2010-07-28T09:40:00.019-06:00

party favors... weapons for the boys, fairy masks & wands for the girls

*you can click on the image to see a larger view

I have to to thank my mom & dad for helping with this amazing party! Thank you so much for helping to create such wonderful memories! LOVE YOU!

More fun in Utah

2010-07-28T09:31:00.003-06:00

-Helping Grandpa-

My mom & dad put in rock on their side yard because the grass wasn't growing very well. Trey had a great time shoveling and laying out the rock with grandpa!

-Trey's buddy, Clive-

Clive lives up the street from my mom and these two have a blast hanging out together. They decided to eat their food in the wagon and when they asked for more popsicles...

...they did the "Puss n Boots" face from Shrek. How can you say no to this???