So I haven't updated for awhile. School has made my life a little busy.... but here's some news.
1. Tula has learned many new skills.....

2. My grandma Jenny turned the big 70! Happy Birthday Grandma! I love you!
I love this picture we found of her... so pretty!... and so her.

3. I've also had four cousins get engaged. Crazy!

Cortney, Cami, Ben, and Nicole.

I got to take some engagements of Nicole yesterday. Congrats Nicole and Jason! (Here's one picture for now... more to come).

Cortney and Cami (sisters) are getting married two weeks apart! Crazy! I love this picture! (taken by izlas photography). They both look so happy!

My cousin Ben is also getting married in January... It's going to be major family time this holiday season!

1. "Pardon the food on my face"
2. Tula's love for food calls for a scrub down under the neck, where her left over food loves to hide. Those cheeks hide all sorts of things.

So the bath tub problem is solved! Finally we have a big enough tub to wash Stinker in! Oh and don't worry it's big enough for her to play in too!  So until we have a play pin, this will work perfectly! Thanks Lori!

She seriously sat in her tub and played while I showered and got ready for the day. It was so convenient.

(notice Stinker is wearing the same outfit as the picture below.... these pictures were taken on the same day. I swear I don't make her wear the same clothes everyday).

Guess who's excited for Halloween?

The last picture is a clue of Stinker Pant's sweet costume, found by me on ebay!

In my oil painting class we have to paint a total of 40 jars this semester. I've already painted almost 15, and I'm at the point where I'm dreaming about Kerr jars. I'm loving it nonetheless.

Our oil class is going to have a show at BYU and the hundreds of jars we paint as a class will be selling for $10 a piece. All the money made will go to the food coalition to feed families in need this winter. So If you want some cheap sweet art let me know so I can keep you updated.
The Kerr jar has many symbolic meanings in the Mormon community, symbolizing tradition, food storage, preparedness, and family to name a few.

It's also cool to think we're painting Kerr jars (a symbol of food preparation), to sell and make money to buy real food.

1. So Sierra had her baby girl, and we finally got to meet her! I don't have any pictures of her (the one we took didn't turn out). She is so Gorgeous! and TINY! We did get some pictures of Kyler putting the moves on Chula. I have to say they would be one smashing couple. I love how they're about to kiss in the bottom picture. Kyler's big blue eyes are to die for, and I can already tell that Stinker is just smitten!

2. Seeing Stinker Pants next to Sierra's baby girl made me realize how gigantic Chula is. She is a monster (a cuddly and cute one I might add). So I had to compare two pictures to get the full effect. This picture does just that. These pictures also make me realize how desperately we need to figure out the bath tub situation.... haha

Here are some more images from my digital sketchbook. I'm loving this assignment in my class where we are referencing previous works of art we've done. I've been trying to focus on layers and depth. This series of 25 is pretty feminine, with organic lines, delicate layering, soft edges, and a pastel-like color palette. Most of the series references life (via plants) which is what women bring into this world.

So my mom headed up a 5K fundraiser for the school on Saturday.

Chris came in SECOND in his division haha. He did so good... coming in not too far behind some pretty intense runners (my dad included). Chris hardly ever runs, but his competitive side got the best of him.

I was the only lazy one that didn't run. Stinker Pants even participated.

She loves to intake calories more than burning them. We've been calling her the 'Milk Monster' lately, and I feel it fits perfectly.

I don't know what it is about Stinker Pants and sticking her hands in people's mouths.... But she's always finding a way to sneak them hands in.

So I did some preliminary digital sketches for future paintings. I did about 15 last night. This is one of my favorite.

It's a Feminist piece, celebrating females and their role/purpose. I feel my art tends to lean toward a womanly nature.

I've been busy painting thus far this semester, and I love it.....even when it takes away from my sleeping hours. Nothing is more rewarding than painting (of tangible things that is). So I got to bed at 3 last night after finishing this painting.

It's of Chris and Stinker, if you couldn't tell. I'm going to be doing a series of 20. I'm excited to get going.

Who goes there?
Who is that big girl sitting up in my Chula's crib?

oh it's you. I didn't recognize your big body!

1. Finally she fits into her shoes. I've been waiting for this moment.
She looks like such a big girl wearing shoes. sad.

2. Lucky Stinker Bug has been spending more one on one time with her Daddy-O. Chris has had so much fun being the Mr.Mom a couple days a week. He's actually a pretty good homemaker. He does the dishes, takes me to class, cooks dinner. I wish he was my wife.

1. Our class assignment was to paint plein air (Denoting or in the manner of a 19th century style of painting outdoors, or with a strong sense of the open air). So here is a painting I did of a steel factory by the railway tracks. I was trying to simplify and focus on flat planes in this study.

2. This next one is of a brightly colored house in our area. My teacher didn't like the way I cropped it, but I love the composition. You always see paintings of houses, but how often do you see a painting of the corner of a house? Never. So much more interesting.

Stinker is obsessed with mirrors. When she's in a bad mood, her friend in the mirror will always make her smile.

When she's around other babies she gets so excited (kicks, squeals, laughs), and many times the other child/baby doesn't really give her the time of day. Yet her friend in the mirror is always just as excited to see her. haha

So I got to take some engagements of my cousin and her man. They've decided to tie the knot! They literally had hearts dancing around in their heads all day!

(The hearts aren't permanently on images)

I picked some of the remaining roses outside our door the other day.

I believe the roses are about gone for the year.
I hate to see Summer go.

Look who I found playing in the family room....

and he was playing with these.

OH THE JOYS of a child's imaginative world. Sometimes I wish I could go back to playing Barbies for hours, or playing blocks and matchbox cars with Ryan.

What childhood toys do your remember playing with? Gummbie? Ghostbusters? Trolls? My Little Pony? Ninja Turtles? Cabbage Patch Dolls? (I remember all of these)


I totally wish I had an army of plastic men to guard me! Wouldn't you feel so safe?
Totally reminds me of Toy Story.

I got to take some pictures of this cute busy body today at the park. Watching him move about made me realize how much I appreciate Stinker Pants not being able to crawl yet.

It's Chula's official half birthday! I can't believe she's halfway to ONE!!! I think six months is a way fun age. She is interactive and playful, and not quite mobile enough to make messes.

oh yeah she weighs 18.04 oz, and I don't remember her length.

So I've been in my watercolor class for a week now, and I've been able to do some nice little plant paintings. I believe still lifes can be boring, but if composed properly can be quite interesting. The goal of these pieces was just that, making something boring more appealing.
I can't wait to whip paintings out like mad this semester. Hopefully I can start whipping them out like a machine. (I don't really like the bottom right plant)

I never knew Mother Nature had a sense of humor. Nice one ..... I sure appreciated it.

Got to love Stinker Pant's stretchy pants!
Why is it that stretchy pants are so adorable on babies, with the big butts and all, but if an adult were to mosey around looking like this it would be FAR from cute.

I know a lot of you ladies have little girls, or will in the future. So I thought I'd post a tutorial on how to make a more difficult headband (opposed to gluing a flower down), but certainly still the easiest thing. The lace can be substituted for fabric.

1. Find lace with a zig zag outer.

2. Accordion fold it.

3. Stitch it at the bottom. (repeat 4x)

4. Hot glue it down with button in the center.

I'm mainly doing this because I never posted a how to for my last headbands, and many people were interested in how to make them.

If you want to request a tutorial just let me know, I would love to make one.

Tula has always been a good eater. She has always loved her CREAM! Next week is her six month appointment and we can officially start her on baby food.

I will no longer be able to take full credit for the rolls on her body. I KNOW she's going to love food! We were naughty and gave her some carrot baby food in Tahoe, just a little. She attacked the spoon before we could even get it to her mouth. She loved it!

Watch out kitchen and highchair, the messes are coming! haha

So I went back to school today. I'm excited to finish and graduate in December! I can't believe I'm almost done with school completely!! (unless I get a Masters eventually?). But more than being excited, I'm sad.

I'm going to be away from Tula so much. I'm going to have about 29 hours of classtime alone, and then homework on top of that. So sad. At least I don't have to leave her with a nanny or babysitter (I think I'd die, or drop out). Chris is watching her and my mom is so nice to help out a day or two?
I was so sad today leaving her (more so for me than for her). She's my little pal. Since I still nurse her, I've never been apart from her... and I like it that way. It's good for her to have time with others... although I must admit I'm sad.
It'll all be over in four months. So long!

This experience will make me appreciate motherhood and every second I get to be with her!

1. So the other night Tula and I had a sleepover with Grandma Jenny and Cortney (my cousin). When I put Stinker down for the night I propped her Eeyore stuffed animal up on the pillow knowing it would be the first thing she'd see in the morning. Sure enough I woke up to giggling in the other room haha. So I went to take a peek through the cracked door and found Tula playing with her Eeyore. She loved the little surprise I had left for her.

2. That next day I went with Kari Ann (my aunt) and Erin (Kari Ann's friend) to "the fountains". We all took our kids. Tula was out a swimsuit and sported around a stylish swim diaper . I sure hope this attractive body stays!

1. We were lucky to enjoy a few days at Lake Tahoe with Chris' family. Probably the most attractive lake I've seen. The water is so clear and fresh.
2. Here is three siblings carrying their babes.
3. Tula got to try a few things for the first time. Like dipping her feet in a stream.
4. Tula and Pax got to play. She was so psyched to see him, and he wouldn't give her the time of day (typical boy girl). But he did love to tug on her bright headbands.
5. Jack is definitely one well behaved kid. Lets just say it's a good thing he's the oldest, because he's going to set a great example. He's a good leader.
6. Aubrey was a little obsessed with apples. She was always carrying an apple around. It would take her all day to eat a few bites. haha
7. Aubrey was nice enough to try and share her apple with Tula.
8. Aubrey was able to stop her busy schedule to give Tula some loves.
9. Nothing is more cute than a baby sagging the jeans.












10. We went to the lake one day and rented Kayaks.
11. The kids played on the beach.
12. We kept our white babies plastered in sunscreen, and even Tshirts were necessary.
13. Yes, Aubrey did eventually find the food stash.
14. Tula kept trying to eat the sand. Thank heavens for Binkys.
15. Mark still found ways to stay rested.
16. We took some family pictures.
17. And Tula dropped dead from exhaustion.

So we got back from Lake Tahoe late last night. Oh boy was it a crazy trip home.

First off Chris got a speeding ticket right out of Tahoe. The cop was nice enough to write him for 10 over, instead of 25. (He was passing a car going down hill).
Then not too long later Ms. Stinky Pants started freaking out. We started to smell a vile scent coming from her general direction. Chris looked in the side of her diaper to see if she had pooped. Out gushed the STINKIEST poop I've ever smelt. It got all over Chris, the car, her outfit, her body, her toys, her binky... and then when I went to get her out to change her it got all over me. I felt car sick the rest of the way home from the awful smell that lingered FOREVER.
Last of all we hit a bird and killed it! It was so loud and we could see the feathers stuck in the hood the rest of the drive. It got squished up in our grill. We woke up this morning to find the bird (and our car) surrounded by flies and bees. So sick and so sad.
I'm just glad our drive didn't have anymore surprises in store for us.

Don't view the following picture if you have an inclination to vomit, or while eating food.

pictures of TAHOE are coming soon .....

1. Bronson was so stoked to report to the MTC today! Tula was so stoked that her uncle made the choice to share the good word! I'm pretty sure babies think in images (not words), so she probably had a black name tag dancing around in her head all day!
2. See you in two years! Adios!

So the other night I got a little carried away. I stayed up until 2 am making headbands. It was giving me so much gratification I couldn't stop. So I made a total of 22 headbands... haha I'm weird. Lots of these are going to be gifts. I made 14 total for Stinker Bug.

The two she's modeling below are my favorites. She still prefers her thumb to stylish accessories, but one day that'll change.

Try making some yourself... the only tool you need is a glue gun, and maybe a needle and thread.

The bottom right one is hard to see. White on white doesn't photograph good.

family pictures

my dad telling a 'Big Fish' story. If you know my dad, you'll understand.

Bronson getting last time loves in with Tula for the next two years!

SANDWICH TUTORIAL
So I've never been one to cook. My Pre Married life consisted of baked potatoes and green beans. "Chick Food", according to Chris. I do have to admit, I make one good sandwich. I thought I'd pleasure you all with my secrets.

the HOW TOs:
1. Mayo n Mustard. You have to use Harper's Bran Bread! This stuff is hard to come by, but it's notorious for it's dietary fiber (keeps my system clean)! It has a whopping 10 grams per sandwich
2. Meat! This meat Chris picked up from our local Macey's. It's Sundried Tomato Turkey. Yum!
3. Cheese. We use Cache Valley Mild Cheddar. Oh so soft.
4. Lettuce. Romaine does nicely. If you want extra nutrients go for spinach. I like the CRUNCH of the romaine.
5. Tomatoes. Adds a little juice.
6. Avocado. With a little salt the flavor is brought out nicely.
7. Pickles. You have to use Vlasic Stackers! Nice even coverage.
8. TADAH!!! There you have it, one good sandwich!

wait, you can't forget the SunChips!

So I found this old treasure down in my mom's basement. Yes it is old, a little dinged up, and is missing a string, but it sure does bring back memories. Yes, I use to play the violin. I played for about six years, but that was nine years ago. It's funny when you're young you don't value things the way you do when you're older. I totally wish I would've kept playing. Although since I didn't play in high school I was able focus on other things, like art, my biggest love!

Now that I'm older I want to learn to play again. I've forgotten almost everything, but I know it would come back quick. The information is in there somewhere, I just need to rekindle it.
So I'm seriously going to start taking lessons again. perhaps after I graduated this December. I don't want to be hard core, I just want to be able to bring a little music into my home (since I can't sing worth crap).
Maybe that'll be my new years resolution?

Yesterday we drove up to temple square and had to eat at The Garden Restaurant. We love that place!
1. Right when I saw this sitting in the middle of the table I realized why
Butter Ball is the perfect name for our little Chula.
2. Chula grabs at things left and right, and if you don't watch her she'll grab something that could be catastrophic. Good thing I caught this one before an eye was poked out.
3. She would not stop laughing yesterday. Everything was just so funny! I love when she gets in that mood!





It's been fun having Bronson home. He's been away selling security systems and now he's off to the mission in exactly one week.
Bronson has had his girly friend here to visit. Her southern accent is a charm! I have to say Bronson isn't one to be into girls and having her come out here is really saying something! It'll be exciting to see what happens with them in the future. She definitely has my approval!

By some lucky mishap Chris and I ended up with iphones yesterday. We were both out of our contracts and finally signed up together for the first time since we've been married. We were excited to switch to at&t to get this beauty.

We both give it a thumbs up! If any of you ever have the opportunity to get one.... do it! You will never regret it!

I seriously am so amazed by this phone. Technology today is insane! I can't believe the things they offer now days... holy! I can't imagine anyway it'll ever get better. But it will!

Our little Chula will have a phone with voice command 3D instant movies via the web. She'll be watching 3D Nemo fish swim about her head.

Here is a project I've been planning on doing for awhile. I love inventing these imaginary scenes in my head and trying to come up with a way to bring it to life via model. Chris' mom bought us this bonsai tree, and sad to say it died. Before we threw it out I wanted to see if I could pick oranges off it. Now this picture wasn't edited.. I literally set up this scene. I figure since Chris and I are tight with money now, we can always travel the world vicariously threw my photographs.
I think I might fly next!

I feel my way of "going green" is to re-use things. I love finding a new way to put something to use.
So the other day I went to D.I., I love going there. I found some future projects to work on. First of all is these cake trays I've been wanting to make. Here is the final project! I know you've all probably seen how people do these. Well, I've been wanting to make one for awhile now and I finally did!
It's the simplest project.

All you need is:
a couple plates, small sundae glasses/ or short candle sticks, epoxy, and caulk.

Just attach the sundae dish (upside down) or candle stick to the plate via epoxy (measure to make sure it's centered). Make sure to get epoxy that is made for glass. After waiting the appropriate amount of time use the caulk (make sure it's clear/ waterproof caulk) to seal off the edges. I used a Q-tip to wipe away the excess.

I thought the cookies for the picture was a nice touch. I ate three of these cookies just while taking the picture... shameful.

WEEKEND ESCAPE TO ST.GEORGE.
1. This first one is dedicated to CHRIS!
2. Nielsens has the best frozen custard around! If you haven't tried it, I highly suggest it. We went there a total of three times in three days... shameful. Here is a picture of Chris and Stinker waiting for their custard.
3. Tula use to just have thoughts of milk, but I'm pretty sure she is now seeing ice cream in that head of her's. She was pretty frustrated when we wouldn't let her have a lick of our ice cream. (only 7 more months)
4. Have you ever seen THE LION KING? Exactly.
5. Chris holding his little BUTTER BALL in the doorway of an old indian ruin.
6. We did a little swimming. I swear I came back whiter than when we first arrived. And Chris came back red.
7. Tula loved the water, but it didn't take long for her to be wiped out.
8. This was Stinker the whole ride home. Happy as a can be. She is such a good traveler.

Hurrah she sits on her own! We are off to St. George.

maybe by our return she'll be more triumphant at this.

Today Tula discovered bubbles, and grass.

I swear Tula is getting more beautiful by the day. Sometimes I wonder how Chris and I had such a beautiful baby.

I can't believe she's already FIVE months old! Time is flying by too fast and she is getting too big too quick. I'm not too keen on it. She is such a sweet thing, and I think that every time I look at her. I am so blessed to have Her!

OQUIRRH MOUNTAIN TEMPLE OPEN HOUSE. "Oquirrh"-Goshute Indian word meaning "wooded mountain" or "shining mountains" (pronounced "O-ker")

1. So there was a rumor going around that since this temple supposedly got hit by lightening, the angel Moroni was black. My dad was calling it a "Barrack Obama" Moroni (a little disrespectful, I know). Well here's proof that the Moroni is gold as always.
2. Max gets so bashful and shy when Tula is around. He slowly got up the nerve to reach out and hold her hands.
3. Max is on the verge of walking all on his own, so he hates being held. He's in that 'I can do it myself' mode. His object the whole day was to get down and freely roam.
4. Right when Max noticed Tula's binki his motives quickly changed.
5. This is the perfect face to describe Bode haha. Mischief is written all over that face. That kid is too funny.
6. My mom, she is so pretty.
7. It was the hottest day out, good thing the church was giving out free water. The free cookies were a big plus too.
8. Tula loves her great grandma Jenny! Jenny was getting Tula to laugh & smile big time later that day. 
9&10. Bode and Max were so keen on crawling into the fountain. They both just about crawled in. I would too if I had a fun looking swimming pool just my size in front of me.
11. Tula gets held by her uncle Quinton a lot.  She'll just stare up at him for the longest time. I'd have to say, he's her favorite uncle. I think she can tell he's a kid, just like her. 

There is a house,
a sleeping house,
where everyone is sleeping.
Well except for me.
I find that my brain actually starts ticking in the wee hours of the night. I woke up at 3 not being able to get back to sleep. I was too busy thinking about this BAD BOY!  Now I'm sick of dreaming about this beautiful thing, and I'm ready to make it happen. I WILL FIND A WAY TO BUY YOU!

1. I just love this photo of Tula getting her head scrubbed. She loves her baths and is almost grown out of her tub. I don't know what we're going to do considering we only have a shower. We either need to buy a bigger tub for her or start bathing her in the kitchen sink. Except our kitchen gets so cold in the winter. So who knows? Maybe we'll just have to hose her off outside...?

2. Tula can almost put her binki in her mouth on her own. Oh I'm excited for this. It'll sure save us a lot of sweat not having to do it for her.

1. Tula looks like two completely different people, depending on how you wrap her head piece. She can look like a NEPHITE or MOTHER MARY! haha It's so fun to play dress up and it'll be more fun when she can play with me.
2. Now I keep telling Tula her stuffed animals are to play with, not to eat. Does she listen? no.
3. Now lately the only thing that'll get Tula to hold completely still (and when I say still I mean she can't even close her mouth) is Chris tickling her. She loves stripping down to the diaper for a tummy tickle.
4. Have you ever wondered how babies are so flexible. Maybe from being squished in the womb for so long?
5. And last of all... I love when I find this. Not only Tula asleep in Chris' arms, but with the blanket over her head.!

oh sigh

Don't you ever wonder what babies think about? 

I wonder all the time. What could Tula possibly be thinking all day long? What does she know? 

The only thing she knows is milk. That's it! 

That's probably what she thinks all day. 

Milk. 

Farewell GORDON ORTON! 

YOU ARE LOVED & we will miss you!

Tula has found the swing out front, as well as her thumb. I know thumb sucking is a horrible habit.... but it's just so cute. 

so I decided to make another sock monkey last night to match

the first one I made.

It seriously cost $2.00 to make both of these. SO CHEAP! and

so CUTE!

I'm a little obsessed with handmade stuffed animals and toys.

I feel there is more to come.

I think I'll call him Professor Wigglesworth!

So Chris, Tula and I went down to Dolores to see Chris' grandpa whose health is suffering. 

5 hours.

After spending just one day with Chris' family we jetted over to Las Vegas for a couple nights. 10 hours (stops included). 

Then back home. 4.5 hours. I've never made the trip from Vegas to Provo faster than 4.5 hours! 

Here's a little of what we did.
We went to the aquarium. 

What would people do without cell phones now a days? 

I had no idea sting rays had mouths that looked like this. WITH TEETH!

this...

resulted in...

THIS! 

I took so much PEPTO this trip. Lets just say car trips and junk food don't mix. I swear I have a weaker stomach since Ukraine. 

Tula loved the light show at Bellagio, the lights, the noise, and the cars!
Chris loved the comfortable hotel bed. As did Tula.

A little playing when we got home, and then Tula was OUT! What a tiring week.