I Can't Help But Laugh

So, today I was having a nice phone conversation with my friend Amber when I became aware of the lack of noise coming from my sweet toddler. For those of you with children, you know that silence usually signals catastrophe. Sure enough, I looked down to see Lexi elbow deep in Vaseline. She was such a mess that the only thing I could think of to do was grab my camera and have a good laugh. By the way, these pictures don't do justice to the amount of jelly she had spread on herself, her dress, the couch, and the carpet. Honestly, I didn't even attempt to wash her dress. I just made my peace and threw that one away (Sorry Lala).

Memorium

In Loving Memory of Jerilyn Nielsen Shipley
May 20, 1973 ~ June 26, 2008

My dear sister Jerilyn passed away last Thursday, the 26th of June. She was a beautiful person inside and out and will be missed greatly. May we all strive to be more Christlike, just as she was. I know that would make her happy. Thank you for your prayers, phone calls, and emails, my family has really appreciated them.

Lexi's Busy Day

Lexi had a very busy day today.


Needless to say, we have now installed toilet-seat locks.

Our Trip to Boise

During Jeff's two week break from school we were lucky enough to travel to Boise and see his family. Joni, Josh, and their 4 kids drove up from Utah to spend the week with us, so we had the entire clan together in one city. It was so much fun. Lexi got to play with her cousins and I got some much-needed rest and relaxation. It was so nice that Grandma Schramm had a big backyard because the weather was beautiful and Lexi couldn't get enough of playing on the slide. At bedtime every night she was so exhausted that she would take a flying leap for her bed and be asleep in seconds. It was such a wonderful week filled with movies, desserts, hiking, jogging, trips to Baskin-Robbins, gun-shooting, and lot's of eating (I managed to bring back 5 extra pounds). Thanks to the Schramm family for the memories, but not for the extra weight.


Aunt Kris and Spencer.


Baby Jacob and me.

Lexi playing on the slide. Notice she's in her church clothes, Uggggghhhh.

We fed the ducks one day, but Lexi was more interested in feeding herself than the ducks.



Joni, Josh, Jeff, and I hiked to Stack Rock near Bogus Basin while Grandma and Courtney watched the kids.




Jeff and I went shooting one day. The shotgun nearly knocked me over. My shoulder was sore for days.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy mother's day to all you moms out there. What a wonderful day it has been. Jeff surprised me this morning with breakfast in bed, complimented by the beautiful roses he got me last night. I slept in until 10:00 and then enjoyed a relaxing morning while Jeff took care of Alexis. The Relief Society handed out candy bars to all the women in the ward at church and that was really nice, although I had to steal an extra one for Jeff. Then, this evening we went to a friends house and had a nice dinner and played some games. Thanks honey for making this day so great for me. And to my own mom, I love you more than I can express. Thanks for teaching me almost everything I know and for raising me in the gospel. And to Jeff's mom, thanks for giving me your son. He ROCKS!

Take Cover

Should I be concerned that the tornado sirens are going off down the street? Dallas weather freaks me out! Hopefully we make it through the night.

Looking for Volunteers

So last weekend I went rappelling with my young women. I decided to let loose and eat as much junk food as I could find. This included Cheetos, M&M's, Milky Way, licorice, fruit snacks, and Mountain Dew, oh yeah, throw some Tater Tots in there as well. Disguisting I know. It's not surprising that around midnight my body went into shock and I started throwing up. I pretty much spent the whole night making phone calls on the porcelain telephone, if ya know what I mean. It was during this time that I started remembering the horrors of pregnancy. Those of you who think that pregnancy is a beautiful and magical time clearly have not spent enough time with your head in a toilet. It's such a dilemma for me because I want more children, but I just don't want to have to grow them in my uterus for nine months. Which is why I'm looking for a volunteer to be my surrogate. Doesn't that just seem like a perfect solution to my problem? I get Jeff and my genes, but none of the drama of pregnancy. Too bad I don't have 50 grand. Hey, a girl can dream right? Maybe Jeff will become a millionaire chiropractor and then I can pay some cute, baby-factory of a girl to bear my children. Well, until then, I better suck it up and get used to the idea of being pregnant again (if I do indeed decide to have more children).