Rooga-Bam-Boo

It's crazy to think that my baby sister has just turned 16 years old! I can't believe how fast time flies by. I don't want to think that she's old enough to start dating, that's a scary thought! But, today is Regan Bree's birthday, so I want to wish her the best! I remember when she was a little we'd sing a song all about our Rooga it went like this...with the first person singing it, then someone repeating the same line...

A Rooga-Bam-Boo,A Rooga-Bam-Boo
Now what is that, Now what is that
It's something made, It's something made
By the Tanya & the Matt, By the Tanya & the Matt
She has blond hair, She has blond hair
And eyes of blue, And eyes of blue
That's why she's called, That's why she's called
A Rooga-Bam-Boo, A Rooga-Bam-Boo

I'm sad we won't be there to help celebrate, but we want Regan to know that we're sending our love and best birthday wishes. Andy says he's ready and willing to scare away any boys who come wanting to take her out! Love you sis!

If you can't beat 'em...

Andy loves his new nephew Josh! He's always wanting to go to SLC and steal him for the day. Andy's always been good with kids (as shown below). At the zoo I found out his secret tactic though, so I thought I'd share it with you...
Baby Josh with his proud Uncle Andy


If you can't beat 'em....


Join 'em!

Sunday Outing

We haven't been to the Hogle Zoo in forever it seems like. So this past Sunday we decided to make a day out of it, since we already needed to go down to SLC to pick up some new snakes that have been waiting for us. We met up with Jessica & Josh (Andy's little sister and her baby), then mama Jeanine, Mike Jenks (our favorite snake friend) and his daughter Mazi. It was a nice crew that headed up the Hogle Zoo. We had lots of fun seeing all of the zoo's new additions; like the baby Meercats, giraffes, tigers and much more. The new baby elephant wasn't on display yet, which I was totally bummed about, but none the less, we had a great time with our family and friends.

Happy Birthday Maddie

The littlest Ball turned 9 today! Madison Grace was born August 31, 2000. It's crazy to see how fast she grows. She's such an important asset to our family. We're all very loud & boisterous. So when mom & dad were thinking of a name, they wanted a more calming factor for our new addition. And that's just what Maddie is. She's always been such a peace maker. Our family wouldn't be complete without her. She keeps us young and entertained with her latest songs and creative artwork. Brittany works hard to mold her into our next little comedian. Andy & I got her the Hannah Montana DVD & soundtrack. She hasn't seen it yet, but being the avid Hannah Montana fan she is, her friends let her know that this is the best movie ever made! So of course she has to have it! She was excited to tell me all about her birthday dinner, complete with a chocolate and ice cream cake, her favorite! Even though we're far apart and can't be there in person to help celebrate, I want her to know how much we love her and our thankful she's a part of our family! Today is your day, our little Maddie May!

Saying Goodbye to Friends

So one of my best friends Anne is moving to L.A. to go to school. I'm happy for her and jealous that I don't get to go back too! I love L.A. mostly because my family is there and I'm a real 'home-body' but also because it's so culturally diverse and there's always something to do within close driving range. I don't think I'll ever get Andy to move back to L.A. but it's nice to wish! Anyways, we had a going away party for Anne Lachmar last weekend. She's been such a great friend to me, I'm really going to miss her! We met when she started working at the last veterinary hospital (Bridgerland) with me. She was such a 'girly-girl' I didn't know if we'd get along. But we hit it off and have become so close. It's nice having her to relate to. She's been dating Nigel (from the tattoo shop) so our group of friends is close knit and we end up doing tons together. I just wanted to take a minute and tell her how excited I am for her and how much I'm going to miss having her here. It's always been hard for me to make 'girl friends'. I'm pretty guarded when it comes to girls and true friendships. We have a good group of girls (from my old work) that are still close and try to have 'Girls Night Out' whenever everyone can get together. We haven't had any for a while, and I'm gonna miss not having Anne there when we do have them from here on out! She's always the life of the party and makes everyone feel welcomed!
(Here we are at Firehouse Pizza, for one of our infamous 'GNO')


She's moving right to downtown L.A. so my parents said to have her come over for Sunday dinners. It'll be like her 'home' away from home. Plus my family always loves entertaining and having visitors. I think that she and my little sister Regan and her will get along great, they both love to dance! So now when I go home to visit I'll have to go downtown and see my friend Anne. It'll be fun seeing how she adapts from living in Cache Valley Utah, to living in downtown Los Angeles! I'll miss hanging out all the time. It's a good thing she's such an avid 'text-ter' then we'll still always be in touch!

(This is Anne with Nigel)

Boys Time: Bow Fishing

Andy and his boys are REALLY getting into bow fishing. It's all they do practically, and I guess they are getting really good at it. I thought I'd post some pictures (thanks to Keith) for capturing their fun times. Enjoy...

Say hello to Bow-Dacious

As you know my husband is an avid hunter, fisher, outdoors man extraordinaire! This year I was a good wife and got him what he really wanted, which was a bow fishing set up. His best friends Keith & Chuck already had there's and I knew he was itching to have one of his own. So Keith hooked us up and put together this awesome bow & reel for Andy's birthday. I got extra brownie points because it was his favorite present ever!

Since then Andy has spent pretty much all of his free time after work, on the weekends, and any time in between out bow fishing. Now I am the jealous type, sorry but I have to admit it. Is it wrong to be jealous of an inanimate object like a bow? I complained about not seeing my hubby, but his response was that he was trying to put my gift to good use. So it's my fault then?!

Well now that we've both come to terms with everything I feel better about him being gone, knowing that he's in good company, and he's doing something that he really loves and is good at! He and his friends have gotten so 'into it' that he's been down my throat about buying a boat. Not just any boat, a bow fishing/ duck hunting/ frog giggin' kind of swamp boat!!! Now when my hubby's made up his mind he's kind of hard to persuade otherwise. He looked for a while on KSL and ebay and was able to find several boats that were amazing, but always out of our price range. It wasn't until one day that he said he found his boat. It was owned by a guy right here in town. It's little, just a two person, but it's a great starter boat and will be perfect for what he wants to use it for. Plus he got a great deal so I can't complain. I haven't had the pleasure of going out on it yet, but I'm sure he'll take my one of these days.

So here she is...say hello to Bow-Dacious, Andy's new toy!
Disclaimer:I have to say it was like pulling teeth to get Andy to 'pose' for me, but since I've never been out on the boat with him, these pictures will have to do-thanks for being a good sport babe!