Okie Dokie

Happy Halloween!

2010-11-05T15:35:00.002-05:00

Isabella's delight of Halloween was handing out candy. She went to a few houses near ours but told her dad that she wanted to go home and hand out candy. As the kids came up to our house she commented on each of their costumes and initially went through each piece of candy making sure they liked what they received. I informed her that the kids were just happy to be getting any candy. She proceeded to put the candy in each of their bags. At first it was one piece per person but then she started giving handfuls. Needless to say we ran out of candy quite fast. I think they bus in the children to our neighborhood. But we all had fun and I hope her mentality of it is better to give than to receive continues throughout life.

Heath is 4 months old

2010-11-05T15:27:00.005-05:00

The four month run down: Wt: 18 lbs 10 oz, Ht: 27 1/4 in, Head circum: 17. Yahoo! for the Heath man he is four months old. I am not use to his larger size due to his sister not even weighing 14 lbs at six months. He is almost sleeping through the night. He still eats and eats and eats. He loves to laugh and ADORES his sister. Everytime she walks in the room he smiles and follows her around with his eyes. Heath has been a wonderful happy boy. I have enjoyed him so much!!

Heath found his thumb

2010-11-05T15:24:00.003-05:00

The little man has found his thumb. Good thing/Bad thing? Well right now it is a fabulous find because it helps in comforting and relaxing him. And, I must say he looks pretty darn cute!

Pumpkin Carving

2010-11-05T15:15:00.003-05:00

We tried to make clean up as easy as possible this year. That meant... no clothes for Bella bean. It worked great and the carving was a fun evening.

Family Pumpkin Patch

2010-11-05T15:03:00.004-05:00

This year we went to a new pumpkin patch as a family. Wow, there were a lot of pumpkins. We had a wonderful time. There was also an awesome feeding and petting zoo but we put the camera up and didn't get any photos of those. Isabella didn't want to leave from feeding the goats. Her next purchase is a goat. Now we are almost prepared for Halloween. Next the carving...

Aloha from the Luau with my Hawaiin Princess

2010-09-09T13:10:00.002-05:00

We enjoyed an evening at a Luau here in Maui.

Heath at 2 months

2010-08-20T16:57:00.002-05:00

Here is our little handsome Heath at 2 months old. Stats are about 17 lbs and 24 inches long. Lets see...bit different than his sister who weighed 16 lbs at 6 months. Just love to squeeze him! YUM, YUM!

Battle begins - but Nana will WIN

2010-07-25T07:58:00.007-05:00

The picture above was taken on Nana and Heath's birthday! Yes our handsome little man was born on his special Nana's birthday. What a treat and a treasure for both of them. It is amazing how one silly little thing like your appendix, we don't even need it, can change your life in an instant. This is what has happened to our sweet, beautiful, selfless, peacemaking, amazing, perfect, little Nana. In a routine surgery she/we found out that she has cancer. Talk about take you by surprise. But that is exactly what this disease has done for us. We are shocked, humbled, and saddened every time we talk to a doctor. The bottom line is we are are going to help support her, love her, fight, and help her go through this trial in her life.... and WIN!!! The saddest part about this experience is realizing how much we have taken her for granted all this time. I have to be the first to say that I am definitely guilty of this. She bends over backwards for us and everyone else she comes in contact with. If there is one word that would describe Brenda it is SERVICE. She truly serves people on a daily basis and this is her greatest joy in life; besides her family. She is the glue that has held this family and extended family together and you don't quite appreciate her as much as you should until something as serious as this happens. I know the Lord has a plan for each of us and our lives are purely based on his timing but it doesn't always make trials such as this easy all the time. But I am grateful for the fact that I am a part of her family and get to learn from her and benefit in my life from her example. Thank you Brenda Kay Hinds... WE LOVE YOU!!!

Isabella's New Pets

2010-07-25T07:48:00.004-05:00

We have been trying different tactics to keep Bean in her bed each night other than just straight up child abuse, Grandma had the great idea to try a fish tank. Truthfully I was definitely more excited than my Bean. So Grandma, Dad, and Bella got it together. Here are the pics of the final project. We started with three, supposedly "indestructible" fish. However by the morning we were/are left with one -Ella. Isabella kept saying "the fish are stuck and not moving, Dad needs to fix that." Sure enough our 3 indestructible fish turned to 1 rather quickly. We are still enjoying Ella completely and the soothing affect of the fish tank but still battling night time sleeping, Ugh!

One Month Old

2010-07-25T07:39:00.002-05:00

My little man is One month old but I prefer to think one month down because of the 2 hour feeding schedule he refuses to break. However... I will concur!! As you can see the 2 hour feedings are sure helping our Heath grow. We aren't sure about the weight but his length has increased almost 3 inches, maybe more now. In fact he has outgrown his basinet within 3 weeks. His arm span is wide enough that it gets caught in the rails on both sides. Well they really aren't stuck but he thinks so and screams out. Isabella could of slept in there until she was about 3 months old. The hands above the head is the typical sleep position. I call it the "AWWWW" pose. But don't let the couple of sleeping pictures fool you that he is a good sleeper. We haven't reached that stage quite yet but it definitely is getting better (Thank Heavens). Love this little guy!!!!

Heath Paul Hinds

2010-07-07T10:32:00.003-05:00

Introducing... Heath Paul Hinds.
Heath came into our lives at 3:11 AM, June 17, 2010. He weighed 7lbs 14oz and 21 1/4 inches long.

Its Summer

2010-07-07T10:17:00.002-05:00

This summer it is back to the volleyball courts for us. Here is Isabella's set up in the sand while we watch dad practice and play.

Big Girl Bed

2010-07-07T10:11:00.003-05:00

Isabella has been her Big Girl Bed for a couple of months now and I have to say I miss the crib, IMMENSELY!! The freedom for her to get out of bed finds her in our bed most of the time. Each night Steve and I take turns returning her to her bed only to have her back in ours in only a matter of time. She was so excited but the excitement lost its luster when the night time came. So it is the battle of the beds for a while.

Rebekah Alice DeMordaunt

2010-07-07T09:49:00.003-05:00

My Boo has been called to serve in the Taiwan, Taichung Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and will be leaving September 1st, 2010. Wow am I ever so proud of my neice!!!!! Actually I have several thoughts about this decision and adventure she is about to voyage on. Bekah couldn't be any more of the perfect gal and hasn't followed the example of her aunt... thankfully. She is so in tune with herself and the Spirit. Rebekah is so wise, outgoing, and brilliant. She has had such an emotional year but has always been so positive of her situation and the outcomes. She is a bombshell of faith in the present, the future, and especially the Lord and what he has planned for her. If I could just have a spec of everything that my neice has my life would ever improve. This is my goal for the moment is to be more like my Boo. The people of Taiwan better watch out because she will definitely change their lives just by the love and Spirit she has to offer. I can't wait to hear all about her mission. Her aunt will miss her incredibly while she is so far away but I couldn't want anything more or better for her. I love her sooooo much!!!!!

Daddy Daughter Times

2010-07-07T09:29:00.006-05:00

Steve and Bella Bean have a great relationship and love to be together, just like I do with my dad. I can't wait to see it continue to grow. Lately they have there special moment each evening when dad comes home from work, they go swimming. They dance together in the pool and pretend to be the king and queen. I have loved watching them together. Another thing she does with her dad is call him by his full name. She loves to say "Steven Lee Hinds." Initially it drove Steve/Dad crazy to have her call him that instead of "Dad" but now he thinks it is cute and goes with it. I love this little pair and it will be fun to include our little man Heath.

COMING IN JUNE

2010-02-15T13:35:00.003-06:00

IT'S A BOY UNDER CONSTRUCTION!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN 2009

2009-11-04T14:36:00.001-06:00

Halloween Party

2009-11-04T13:53:00.003-06:00

Each year Steve and I have a Halloween party with lots of games and food. Here are a few pictures of some of the games we played this year.

Fall Festival Night

2009-10-27T13:50:00.004-05:00

She loves the pony rides.
Round 1 with mom
Round 2 with dad

She did awesome at air baseball. This was a super cool game.

PUMPKIN PATCH 2009

2009-10-27T08:44:00.002-05:00

The pumpkin patch did not disappoint again this year. We have so many options around us but we had such a great time last year that we went to the same one. The kids had a great time and we came away with some good pumpkins. I love this time of year with the crisp cool air, yet the sun's beautiful shine that warms you right up.

Baby girl is TWO

2009-09-09T17:38:00.001-05:00

"Making the decision to have a child - it's momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body."
I read this statement and I couldn't agree more. My little princess is growing up so quickly. We have been having so much fun together maybe even too much because she has a serious case of separation anxiety. We went to visit my family in Utah for a couple of weeks and I couldn't leave her side without a serious meltdown. Just to come and get her out of the car seat she would repeat several times, "Come get me mom, come get me mom," in a partial plea and crying. Not that it made me to sad to have her dote on her mom but I think the cousins were about fed up by the time we left.
She was very excited for her birthday. She would tell everyone, "My birthday is coming up!" On the day of her birthday we sang to her in bed and her first response to us was, "can I open my presents from Grandma and Grandpa." She had a perfect princess, pink, eat as much sugar as I can, sing, dance, presents, birthday day!!! Now we are moving on to the I"m two year!!

BYU vs OU

2009-09-09T17:37:00.001-05:00

Rise and Shout the COUGARS were Out!!! Ohhhhh yes, thanks to Todd Groberg, Steve and I not only were able to go to the BYU vs OU game but we had INCREDIBLE seats. For me the game was awesome for Steve... not so much!!! Why you might ask after all my husband did play for BYU on their volleyball team and won them a National Championship. Oh no he was cheering for OU. I fear saying this for the kickback I might receive but he claims it is his growing up pride that kept him cheering for OU. I just think he felt bad for them and was cheering on the underdog like the kind hearted person he is. The Cougs did not disappoint! I was extremely nervous for them expecially in the AMAZING stadium they were playing in. Jerry Jones definitely did it right in the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium. As a mentioned we had great seats but even so we had a hard time not watching from the gigantic HD screen in front of us. It was a great game and BYU played great!! It was such a treat to enjoy even afterwards with the big WIN, maybe next time Steve!!!

Uncle Ty Leaving

2009-09-09T17:36:00.001-05:00

Steve's younger brother Tyler left for his new adventure in the Navy. He is on the track to become a Navy Seal and we are very proud of him. Here are some photos we took with him before he left.

Nauvoo #2

2009-09-09T17:35:00.001-05:00

Isabella and I had the opportunity to visit Grandma and Grandpa again in Nauvoo for about 10 days. This was awesome because the first time was a whirlwind trip and this time we really got to enjoy the entire area. We visited the Amish country, Iowa German colonies, Melissa, Lucas, Roman and her family, and all of the sights and sounds of Nauvoo. I LOVE NAUVOO!! I was also able to go to the beautiful Nauvoo temple. Grandma and Grandpa always spoil us and it was no different this time. I also have grown leaps and bounds with my testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith and the saints who sacrificed so much when the church was restored to the earth. I am so grateful for my parents serving a mission in the Nauvoo temple that allowed me to have the amazing experiences I had with them and myself in Nauvoo. The only tragedy was not being able to share it all with Steve. Hopefully another time we can do it together. It is so incredible how you feel the Spirit all over the place.

Private Ride

2009-09-09T16:28:00.003-05:00

In route to Nauvoo Isabella and I had a plane to ourselves. Cool? Scary? I thought both. My initial feelings were do I not know something I should about this airline and the place we were going. Then I thought I can't believe they are still going to fly with just myself and my lap child. A plane that sat 16 was filled with myself, Isabella, the co-pilot and the pilot. We not only had a wonderful flight but I was so spoiled that I can see why some people only travel in their own private jet. This was my second private jet experience, the first being on Dick Marriott's private plane, but Isabella's first so I definitely had to document it for history.

Our Young Picasso

2009-09-09T16:22:00.004-05:00

Isabella came in to Steve and said, "Hurry daddy I want to show you something." Off they went... and on the wall was this. She said, "Daddy isn't it pretty!" Impossible to get mad at something like this. After all it was only chalk as well. I might not feel the same with permanent markers.

4th of July

2009-09-09T16:16:00.004-05:00

Sacrifice

2009-06-16T14:36:00.003-05:00

This is one of the plaques at Carthage Jail. I loved what it said so I had to take a picture to remember. How true these sentiments should resound in our own lives. It should be our daily goal/task to try to live and sacrifice on a daily basis for the Lord. I know my task is not as the Prophet Joseph Smith's or other Saints who lost so much at that time for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. However these thoughts gave me an extra umph on how I need to refocus my priorities and faith. It also made me so grateful for these individuals who are such an inspiration and example to me.

Exercise anywhere

2009-06-16T14:33:00.004-05:00

Who says you need a gym to exercise... Not Steve!! After all what are nieces, nephews, and your daughter for but to help out in anyway possible.

Carthage Jail

2009-06-16T14:16:00.012-05:00

Thank goodness for my parents serving missions or I wouldn't have as much urge to see half of the places I have. They are now serving in the Nauvoo temple and so we went to visit them this last weekend. What an awesome place. It is amazing how such a little town can carry so much of the Spirit as it does. This entry highlights Carthage Jail where the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were martyred. It was so awesome to hear about all of the history behind this event and then to feel the Spirit of the room and the testimonies of those who were there.
Carthage Jail
Bean holding on to the statues of Hyrum and Joseph
Bullet holes in the door of their room at the jail
My brother Lorin and his family
Steve and I at the window from inside the room at Carthage Jail
Window the Prophet Joseph fell from after being shot by the mob
Our family at Carthage Jail
Grandma and Grandpa with grandkids at Carthage Jail
Lorin smelling Bean's flower

For Him -OR- For Her

2009-06-04T16:26:00.011-05:00

A couple of weeks ago we were with some friends and one of the kids had a small jeep for kids to ride in. Isabella was a little apprehensive about the whole thing but Steve became dead set on getting her one. I thought it might be a good idea to wait until she was a little bigger but the decision of dad was already made. So, then came the research of all the little cars out there. We settled on the Jeep for Steve, pink for Isabella, and the barbie one for me because we didn't have to put the barbie stickers on. I am not a fan of barbie. Next we took about 1 1/2 hours putting it together and then the long hard wait for Steve on the battery charging 24 to 36 hours. Steve could hardly stand waiting for the exciting moment of putting Isabella in her Jeep and hopefully watching her smile from ear to ear all over the yard, and wanting more and more of this fun car.
Well the time came and Isabella like getting in the Jeep but not going anywhere in fact the motion scared her to death. It wasn't until we got her cousin Kelsey to drive the Jeep would she even get anywhere near the thought of sitting in it as it ran. Steve's hopes were dashed. "How could she not love this thing?" is what he kept saying over and over again.
The funniest thing about it all was as Kelsey and Isabella were riding around the front wheel feel off. Phewwwwweeee!! We can take this thing back and not even feel the least bad about it. So back to the store are Non-Barbie pink Jeep went and I think it will be a while before Steve gets the bug to try again. Gotta Love it!!
Bean fixing it

Broken down

There goes the dental floss

2009-06-04T16:19:00.004-05:00

Isabella is enamored with dental floss. Thus we have to keep it on the top of the closet or we would not have any more left. She loves to pull, and pull, and pull the string out until it is all gone. She thinks it is the coolest thing! The first time it happened it was a "how funny" the second time it was this could become an expensive toy so we keep the floss up high these days.

Cheezing for the photo and Mother's Day

2009-05-20T23:11:00.005-05:00

Isabella is now getting use to the camera and loves to pose and say cute little things. This photo was taken on Mother's Day and a glorious day it was. She was actually running a temperature of 102 right at this time but you would never know it. She wanted to test her mother and see if she was up to the task of taking extra special care on her "Mother's Day"!

Zoo trip #2 for the summer in OKC

2009-05-20T23:09:00.001-05:00

15 days of Pure RELAXTION

2009-05-05T08:45:00.006-05:00

Steve and I were treated with the awesome experience to travel through the Panama Canal with my mom and dad. Of course we had to start the trip off with a bang so we ventured and enjoyed Sea World. The animals and the weather were perfect and the animals performed to a tea. After Sea World we headed out for our 14 day cruise down through Mexico (before the swine flu), Cabo, Acapulco, Costo Rica, Huatulco, Panama Canal, Cartagena - Columbia, and ending in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The weather was INCREDIBLE, food - INCREDIBLE, excursions - INCREDIBLE, company - INCREDIBLE, entertainmnet - INCREDIBLE, relaxation - INCREDIBLE... what more need I say. I guess I must say more! How can you beat a cruise; great food available 24 hours a day. Someone waits on you hand and foot. Your room is cleaned daily, often times clothes put away, and your bed turned down every night with mints and reading materials. The vacation was so wonderful and I am so grateful that my parents allowed us to crash their party and join them. The Panama Canal was so neat to experience. The engineering of the canal, labor, and lives that it took to build was inspiring. Our ship alone had to pay $250,000 just to go through the locks. We went up in the first two locks to a man made lake where we sailed through for most of the day. Then we went down in the last lock to return to the ocean. The last lock is the only place the salt water and fresh water mix to release the ships back in to the ocean. It was so neat. We also saw the Panama City Temple from our boat in the canal. It was so beautiful and I was so proud as we passed by and people were commenting on its beauty as well. Cartagena, Columbia was my next favorite stop. The architecture was beautiful and it was a very clean city. There were also police everywhere - I don't know if that was a good or bad thing. This was Steve's first time on a cruise and I must say he did the best out of all of us. He didn't even get the least nauseous, took advantage of room service everyday, and ate and ate. We had a great time and can't wait to go on another cruise.

Isabella while we were gone...

2009-05-05T08:39:00.007-05:00

Thank you to Steve's parents, grandparents, and sister for watching Isabella for the time we were gone. We were able to have an enjoyable trip knowing she was in good hands.
Easter!
Looking for Mom & Dad.

Wish I Would Have Written This or Even Thought of It

2009-03-20T08:35:00.004-05:00

I read this blog on a very good friend of my sister. You must read the whole thing to get the important point of it all!! But please read!! I am setting a goal to utilize these thoughts in my own life.

http://mentaltesserae.blogspot.com/2009/03/man-with-newspaper.html

18 months old

2009-03-11T08:50:00.008-05:00

Here is my 18 month old little gal. She is growing up so quickly and running has been her main speed since 9 months old. I was always so excited to have children of my own because I enjoy my nieces and nephews so much. But I never knew that I would LOVE it and I mean LOVE being a mom. Some days are tough but I wouldn't change it for the world. She is AMAZING! I know I have said this before but I am in aw of her on a daily basis. She really is a sponge and just soaks in everything around her. I have enjoyed reading to her and sometimes I wonder if she understands what I am reading. However, if you ask her a question of what is on the page or what is going on she fires off the right answer. I will also ask her to go do something, like get her coat or shoes, to test her development and off she goes. I could go on and on.
The gist is I have been blessed beyond measure with this sweet spirit and I have enjoyed my 18 month old daughter immensely and look forward to many a more day with her.

YUM, YUM!!

2009-03-10T17:12:00.006-05:00

Chocolate is one of my best friends and as you can see one of Isabella's favorites as well!!

Sophia's Baptism

2009-03-10T17:00:00.004-05:00

We had the awesome priviledge thanks to Quinn and Stephanie to be treated to a weekend in SLC for Sophia Ann DeMordaunt's baptism. It was a celebration from the get go!! We got to enjoy the company with lots of visiting, INCREDIBLE food from sun up to sun down, swimming, and of course the main event the special baptism. It was so invogorating to be a part of a baptism. Not only to support her on this new step in her life but also as a reminder of the commitment I made so many years ago and that I renew each week. She was so excited and the program was touching. Sophia has wonderful parents and siblings that love and encourage her so much. We are so grateful for the opportunity we had to share this with them. Congratulations Sophia!! and Thank you!! Thank you!!

Hair is Growing

2009-03-09T16:32:00.002-05:00

Isabella loves the bath and loved her hair in this picture. So, I thought I would share it with you.

Grandma and Grandpa in Muskogee

2008-11-25T13:00:00.006-06:00

Grandma and Grandpa made a trip to Oklahoma once they completed their service in the Idaho Falls Temple Presidency. It was awesome for me to have them here but much to short of a trip. Isabella enjoyed spending time with them and asked where "Grandma and Grandpa were" when she woke up from her naps. We mostly hung around the house which meant they found many projects to work on to prepare our house for the winter and the holidays. I loved having my parents here and hope they come back very, very soon!!

Wearing Grandma's shoes!

Playing with the window decorations Grandma brought.

Grandpa's attire for one of many projects around the house. You could assume it was cold here at the time.

Our temporary bed. Isabella enjoyed laying on it only when it was deflated.

Mary Poppins

2008-11-22T20:06:00.005-06:00

Mary Poppins has definitely been a "Spoon full of Sugar" for Isabella! It is a good thing that it is a great movie because we have sure seen it a lot lately. She gets mesmerized by the singing and dancing and tries to dance along. I love to watch her enjoy such a classic. This photo of her is in the mesmerized state not the dancing.

Fairy - Poodle

2008-11-04T21:30:00.006-06:00

This Halloween we were given a few costumes for Isabella. Instead of choosing between them all we decided to have her be them all or rather at least two of them; the white fairy and a pink poodle. Of course we thought she was adorable in both but you can be the judge. Happy Halloween!!

Quick Trip Home

2008-11-01T09:30:00.004-05:00

Since I was able to go home for Evelyn's funeral I was able to spend some quick time with family and friends. My parents were so great and came down to Utah to hang out with Isabella and I. We were able to meet up with Melissa and Lucas for an afternoon at the Discovery Center. An afternoon only brushed the surface of all that the Discovery Center has to offer. It was wonderful and Isabella loved all of it. We went to the water tunnels, the horse, and the blocks; only a few of the many activities.

I was also able to see all of my siblings and some of their families. It was awesome to be with them all. Then we headed up to Idaho for a couple of days. I was able to see friends that I haven't seen since I was pregnant. It was great to be able to reconnect with them. I can't wait to see them again when I come home before Christmas. My parents have also purchased some new horses and so we were able to ride them while I was home. Isabella was in heaven and screamed when we took her off. She could have hugged and talked to them for hours. It was so fun to watch!

Being home for such an event and having my family and friends around reminded me how grateful I am to have been born in the DeMordaunt family and raised in Idaho with such awesome friends.

Evelyn Yancey (DeMordaunt)

2008-10-31T08:11:00.002-05:00

We had the awesome opportunity to celebrate Evelyn's life a week ago with her sad passing (sad for us but not for her). However her life typified a Christlike woman in every way. She was faultless. This amazing woman helped raise three generations; my father, my siblings and I, and my neices and nephews. She was selfless in every way! She was so patient with the Lord desiring things in this life like a spouse, her own born children and a normal functioning body but wasn't yet time. She patiently waited for the Lord to except her from this life until she was 97 years old, without complaints. Evelyn was obedient, faithful, and serving her entire life. Some might think I am exaggerating but truly I am not.

I feel the Lord blessed me not only by having this amazing relationship with Evelyn but by living by her so that I could help and spend some quality one on one time with her. He also blessed me by allowing her to be alive when I had my daughter Isabella Eve. "Eve" is the namesake of Evelyn and I wanted Evelyn to know how special she has always been in my life by naming Isabella Eve after her. I'm grateful that Isabella will always know of Evelyn Yancey and I pray that she will emulate her.

There are so many great memories to treasure of Evelyn... The faithful letter writer even though you were not faithful at writing back. Her homemade cookies. Sleepovers at Evelyn's house with her special squash for dinner. Family home evenings decorating Evelyn's tree. 4th of July on Evelyn's front lawn. Evelyn the first one in the kitchen cooking and the last one in the kitchen cleaning up. Evelyn shoveling and sweeping her own home and every one else's. Evelyn shaking her head when the name was said of a new child born in the DeMordaunt family. Evelyn's soft, soft hands. Evelyn's long goodbye's because she hated to leave. Evelyn always asking me, how is Kyle. Her special and unforgettable wave. Evelyn loved watching Lawrence Wilk and musicals. Her scriptures always out and open. Evelyn being there for all events in the DeMordaunt family. The list could go on and on but Evelyn is/was our family!!

It is incredibly sad for me to know that Evelyn is not there anymore to see when I come home to visit. I will miss her soooo much but I have been blessed and inspired to have her in my life with hopes of hugging her again in paradise.

Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-29T16:00:00.003-05:00

MY PUMPKIN!!!

Simple Joys

2008-10-11T17:51:00.006-05:00

The quickest way to entertain and excite Isabella is to let her play in the sink. It also gives me time to clean the kitchen. I remember her cousin Lucas loving the sink at our family reunion so I gave it a shot with her and Chaaaa Chinggg!!

GiGi and the Duck

2008-10-11T17:41:00.006-05:00

Isabella's quacking duck has now become GiGi's "special" duck. She licks it, nuzzles it, paws it, protects it and sleeps with it. There is a dark ring around the ducks neck where she has licked it repeatedly. GiGi LOVES this duck!! So I captured this special moment with The Duck.

Cowgirl starting with the pony

2008-10-11T17:11:00.011-05:00

Anxiously Waiting

One of the nice things about Oklahoma are the many different religious affiliations hosting fun events. Since they are all trying to get as many as they can to attend their services it is one church trying to out do the other. I am just loving the Free food, games and everything else you can think of, especially this time of year. This week Isabella loved the pony rides. We spent almost our entire time here.

My Beautiful Girl

2008-10-01T22:19:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to add these photos of Isabella because I think she rocks and is so cute. Yes I am bragging but I think I can do that as her mom.

Swim Lessons

2008-10-01T22:02:00.003-05:00

We are taking swimming lessons. It really is just a great time for Isabella to splash around in the water and Mom and Dad receiving some great tips for later. Bella is starting to get a little bit of our instruction but for the most part it is all about chasing the balls. The pool is awesome it is bath water temp and 1 to 2 feet deep. So, she loves to feel so big walking around in the water by herself. The most important part of swim class is the chlorine. Thank heaven for this!! Isabella drinks about 2 cups of water each class in attempt to blow bubbles.

GiGi - Our new family member

2008-10-01T21:33:00.011-05:00

GiGi has become Isabella's best friend and foe. They look for each other all day long. Bella just wants to hold her anyway she can. Needless-to-say GiGi receives a lot of torture from Bella but the amazing thing is she comes back for more over and over again. They feed off each other with energy and hardly ever stop. It has been fun reliving my childhood having a kitten around and even greater to see Isabella enjoy her so much.

GiGi thinking she has a hiding place from Isabella where she can't get her.

Play Pals

Styx

2008-09-27T20:55:00.001-05:00

Steve and I had the awesome opportunity to see Styx in concert in Muskogee, OK VIP. It was INCREDIBLE!! We were in a smaller auditorium with only about 300 people and about 20 feet away was Styx. And did I mention that it was all free... yes I said free. Steve and I "Sailed Away" to this non - "Grand Illusion" for two awesome full hours. I could have stroked Tommy Shaw over and over but I just watched other women do so and held on tight to Steve. It was such a treat and I loved every single minute.

It's Bella Bean's 1st Birthday Party

2008-09-25T22:54:00.002-05:00

Back in the Saddle Again...and time has flown by

2008-09-25T22:49:00.004-05:00

Here is an overview of the past several months via pictures.

Harper - Fast Friends

2008-02-16T15:12:00.004-06:00

Proud Pops!

Harper Finn Ellison came into the world 7 weeks after Isabella. This was our first opportunity to meet him. He is not only so cute but Isabella's future body guard. She was so mesmerized and wanted to hug, kiss, touch, and talk to him. It was so fun to finally meet him and catch up with Brian and Suzzette. Our social outings together have definitely changed it is take out now and discussions on feeding, sleeping, and shooting poop! We are so glad that they have joined the baby world with us. Many more exciting stories and events still to come. Yahoo for Harper!!

Teething

2008-02-16T14:40:00.003-06:00

Isabella started teething over a month ago with no sign of teeth. Sad for her but good for mom and breastfeeding! However, she is still the most amazing happy baby because you would never know it. In fact the only times we know that her teeth are bothering her are when she wants to chew on anything hard that she can get her mouth on or "the face." The face is when she tries to massage her gums with her tongue. She goes back and forth over and over again with her tongue. We happened to catch it during our Valentine's photo opp.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-16T14:00:00.007-06:00

Isabella and her cousin Kayelyn are becoming better friends, in fact the picture taking was a dream for Kayelyn and surprisingly enjoying for Isabella.
Kayelyn would often kiss her on the head and cheek throughout the time, thinking she was such a big girl to be holding her and Isabella actually enjoying it.

First Feeding

2008-02-11T08:52:00.000-06:00

Jumper

2008-01-22T15:54:00.001-06:00

Bella loves Grandma's jumper but most of the time she is peeking around to make sure that she isn't missing out on the fun somewhere else.

Isabella's Blessing Day

2008-01-22T14:59:00.000-06:00

This was an awesome day and we are so grateful for those who came to support us. Steve did a wonderful job blessing our little Isabella. Two sad things occured throughout the day... one being the day had to end and everyone had to leave. The second is I was so enthrolled in the excitement of the day that I didn't get pictures of Isabella in her blessing gown with everyone there. But here are a few that were taken.. Thanks!

Christmas in Idaho

2008-01-19T16:05:00.000-06:00

Steve, Isabella, and I had a wonderful White Christmas season. Thank you to all of the family that was able to come to Idaho for a spell. It was so great to spend some quality time and share our beautiful girl with you. I was privy to The Quinn DeMordaunt Spa, family fun, and Kyle and Melissa's Brie Bake... twice. I'm sad to think that Santa probably didn't bring as much as normal to the rest of you. I think he dropped most of it at 961 East 25th. Isabella was completely enthused with the wrapping paper and her Baby Doll (my old baby doll). She finally had someone smaller than her that she wanted to talk to or I guess she thought could relate to her. She also loved her cousins and can't wait to see them again soon.

Hard at Work

2007-11-11T20:23:00.000-06:00

Steve took charge of the morning shower and getting dressed events prior to church. I think he appreciates my days a bit more now, considering it wasn't 20 mins after that they both fell asleep. I don't know who was more worn out.

Ahhhhh Relief

2007-11-04T17:49:00.001-06:00

Sleeping during the day is something that Isabella has not mastered yet. This is the reason for the picture. We needed to document the few times she sleeps for over 1 hour.

Budding Beauty

2007-11-04T17:43:00.000-06:00

She despised her costume so these are the only pictures we could get without her wanting to make mom and dad pay later!

Halloween Prep

2007-11-04T17:40:00.000-06:00

First Halloween preparation gear!

Pumpkin Carving Time

2007-11-04T17:30:00.000-06:00

We finally got the nerve to climb to the top of our garage and get the box down with all the supplies needed for pumpkin carving... and away we carved. Kim and Kelsey helped with the layout and craftmanship. We were very proud of the end result especially when trick-or-treaters wanted the pumpkins for next year instead of candy.

Greeter into the World!!!!

2007-11-04T17:22:00.000-06:00

The common phrase that you forget the pain experienced from labor was aided thanks to Dr. Parham (and modern drugs).

Pumpkin Patch

2007-10-15T15:02:00.000-05:00

We took Isabella to her first pumpkin patch. Since she wasn't able to pick the "Great" pumpkin this year we used the experience as a fall photo opp.

One Week Old

2007-09-14T12:38:00.000-05:00

Isabella is already one week old and changing so quickly. She left the hospital weighing 6 lbs 3 oz and at one week weighs 6 lbs 14 oz. People would pay good money for my RICH/CREAMY milk.

2007-09-07T18:40:00.001-05:00

September 7, 2007 we experienced the greatest blessing that we could have ever imagined. Isabella Eve Hinds (6 lbs, 6 oz, 19 1/4 inches) greeted us after 11 hours, 7 of these hours were "only" hard labor. The rest enjoyed by man's invention of the epidural or a little bit of heaven. Steve was a great motivator to get the job done because he just wanted to see his little girl. It was amazing, exhausting, miraculous, and life changing in a matter of moments... and she is beautiful.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Check out my Slide Show!

2007-09-07T18:21:00.001-05:00