Super Post...

So, I feel like I type the same title on every post. "Long time, No post!" To be honest, I'm very burned out with the whole blogging thing. The only reason I'm trying to keep going is because a) it is the only journaling I do & 2. I've had requests to update. Yeah, I know, I'm so needed....so very special! I do thank you for noticing, it does make me feel good!
So, on to the update.
Well, lots has happened. My baby boy, Will, was blessed on the first Sunday in August. Wow, one month ago, I can't believe it. Will did well (ha) and Jens gave him the sweetest most beautiful blessing. I remember feeling my testimony of Priesthood Power strengthened. How lucky and blessed I am to have it in my home. Jens is the best of husbands and fathers and so very worthy to hold this power. I'm so very proud of him and grateful that I have him in my life! It was a special day! Most of our family and lots of good friends, some we haven't seen in a while, were in attendance and that made it very nice. We felt the love and want to thank them all for it.

To tell you a little about this newest member in our family....he is a STINKER! and we love him like crazy!
He is quick to smile and laugh and learn. ( Jens just walked in and was like, "WOW...Blogging!" It's a miracle. ) He just learned how to spit or blow his lips, blow bubbles....I'm not sure how to explain it. Jens taught him and now we both wish he hadn't because he loves to do his new trick and spits and slobbers twice as much. But, it makes him so happy, he's so very proud of himself, it's funny. We'll have to get some video of him and post it for you. He's also using his hands and grabbing at toys and our faces. He loves to growl and give kisses and most of all, he loves to be held. He sleeps well, all night, in fact, but during the day if he's not being held he's in an uproar and gets very very mad. He also loves to be read to. His favorite books are If You Give A Mouse A Cookie and Where The Wild Things Are . They were Briggsy's favorites as well.

This is Will smiling in his sleep. He does that a lot!


Kaci's birthday was on the 9th of August. We got together on her day off and had breakfast. Such a good Aunt....the kids absolutely adore her.... Happy Birthday Kaki!


What else, what else...Oh! We went up North over Labor Day weekend. We rented a cabin in Overgaard, just south of Heber. We hung out there and Jens's mom came with us. It was a lot of fun, very relaxing. We roasted marshmallows, gazed at the stars, ran, walked & fished in the rain, we were cold (amazing, I loved it!), We didn't want to come home!









The main reason for heading up north was to attend an open house for my nephew Jonathan and his new bride Lindsey. So, most of my family was there as well and it was very nice. It turned out beautifully! The cousins always love to get together and play. They played outside for most of the evening. Near the end of the party, Briggs brought in a toad....YES, a toad! It looked fake, I didn't believe it was real, but it was. Too bad I didn't get a picture. I was too busy freaking out telling him to put it back and wash his hands. I get kind of paranoid sometimes. I need to remember that boys will be boys.
Jonathan & Lindsey. Don't they look great together...

You can see where Johnny gets his good looks from. My brother David & his wife Cindy...


We decided to take some pictures of us also...since we were all dressed up...




This weekend was Briggs & Eryn's very first soccer games of the season. Both of their games started at 11am. So, I only got to watch Eryn play. They both posed for pictures before.
Not even playing yet and already roasting...

She decided her picture would be better if she posed with this feather...

They both did a great job, despite the heat. Briggs actually got sick, a little heat stroked and started to throw up, ew. But he was a real trooper and stuck it out and did awesome. Eryn was funny. I think she's going to love this sport. It was so hot that every time someone kicked the ball out she would raise her hand to come out. We had to make her stay in, but she didn't complain, she pushed through and did great. We walked back to Briggsy's game and sat in the shade. She ate some cotton candy that Reagan shared with her and with soaked clothes and a bright red & sweaty face said, "This is the BEST DAY EVER!"

I love this picture...What a kick!


So, thats my month of August in a nutshell! What a month! It's taken me FOREVER to put this post together. I hope I haven't burnt myself out again.
Oh Wait! I knew I was forgetting 2 very special somethings! We want to WELCOME...
Davin Troy Gazeley born: July 27th &...


Natalee Marina Stevens born: August 14th


We are so very happy that both of these precious babies arrived safely and that Mom's are doing very well. Both are very special to our hearts. So much fun to have future playmates for Will!
So....if you've gotten through this super post you're amazing! Lots of love to you all and, hopefully, I'll talk to you soon!

First Day...

Eryn Jane's, well, 2nd day, actually, of Kindersteps! She loves it and is doing very well! All GREEN LIGHTS so far! Which means EXCELLENT behavior! Way to Go E.J.! I thought I was SOO ready for her to go to school and was actually wishing it was full day! But, when I drove away I started talking to Will and he didn't really talk back.... then, I started to cry!

Jensy's trip...

Jens went to Europe on a work trip the last week of summer! He was able to go to Berlin and see our good friends Josh, Tanya & Hannah (they're living there for 6mos. for work as well) I was sooo jealous! Then, after his work was done in Berlin, Italy, Scotland, Ireland, and London, he took a Chunnel train to Paris, where he watched the end of the Tour de France. It has been his dream and I'm so glad he got the chance to go, I just wish I could've gone with him. It happened to be on our 12th Anniversary! Yeah...My husband was in Paris, France WITHOUT ME on our ANNIVERSARY! It's OK,..he brought me a T-Shirt! (that I really like, by the way, it's cool!) We missed him and are sooo glad he's home!

In Paris.. with out me...

Jens waiting for the cyclists...
but, he DID call me... right AFTER he called his best friend in Oregon!

...to tell me he was thinking of me. He took like 10 pictures of this statue in London because he said it reminded him of us!


Jens & Josh

Our friends the McKibben's... We miss you guys!!! Thanks for showing Jens a good time!

and...thanks so much for the hat and the shoes.... now Will looks like Josh in his stylin hat! So Cute!

Of course he took a lot more pictures, but these were just some of my favorites. Next time.....I'm making sure I go with him!!!

daily funnies...

I haven't done these in a while, but since school has started back up this week my little Eryn Jane has had a lot of funny moments.

POTTY MOUTH...
She has been learning to buckle her seat belt now that she's in a BIG GIRL booster seat. When I picked her up from school yesterday she was having some difficulty. She kept saying, "I CANT DO IT!" over and over again. Then she let out one of her infamous "UGGGH!"'s and said, " This frickin' seat belt! This FRICKIN! FRICKIN! SEAT BELT! "
Woops! What have we been teaching this girl????


WHY WE GO TO SCHOOL...
She heard me talking to my Mom on the phone today....I'm meeting her at her home after I drop Eryn off to school. Eryn was sad. She said, "but, I want to go to Grandmas house too."
I said, "but, you don't want to miss school!"
she said, " UGGH! MOM! I don't need school! It's just to go and get your brain big!"
Then a little later she asked me, "Mom? Do you have a big brain?"

FIRST DAY...
When I took her on her first day I was asking her what she would learn at school...
Me - "... ABC's? Numbers? How to read? "
Eryn - " UGGH! MOM! I will just learn how to do crafts and painting...like, hearts!"

TELEVISION STARS...
Briggsy was on Fox10 News yesterday morning. One of their helicopters landed at his elementary school and they were interviewing kids and asking them to tell funny jokes. As he and Reagan were leaving for school Briggs said, " Hey mom, don't forget to watch me on TV!"
Reagan - " I don't really care to be on TV! "
Briggs - " why not? "
Reagan - " well, I have my WHOLE LIFE to be on TV! "
I love listening to them talk to each other...so funny!
anyways.....I did forget to turn on the TV....I thought, Oh...they won't be on! Then, a friend called me and said, "Did you see your son on TV? He was Front & Center and telling jokes!"
Well, I felt like a horrible mom, didn't see it, didn't record it! Luckily she did and sent me a copy! Thank Goodness! It's the cutest and funniest thing EVER! If I can get it on my computer I'll post it!

Happy Birthday Mom!

isn't she just too gorgeous!
there are too many great and wonderful things to say about my mom and no matter what I'd say I'd end up leaving something out. Heaven knows how grateful I am for her and don't know where I'd be or what I'd be without her.
Thanks Mom, for the wonderful person you are and for all the wonderful things you do for me and my family.
I love you!

my mom on her bike!

My mom holding my brother Kevin! I never looked this good after I had my babies! must not have inherited her "jeans".

My mom and her family! don't you just love all the hairstyles!

so much to post...

and so little time...


here's Will's birth announcement, 2 months late! If you didn't receive one by mail, it's because I don't have your current address. So, I thought I'd post it.
Love & hello to all. I'll try to catch things up asap.

The First Few Weeks...

Just some pics of the first few weeks with Will. We have been loving it and loving him! He is such a wonderful blessing in our home. He makes us all smile! He is a very good baby and is OH SOO SWEET! Even when he is crying!




Pics from last weeks hail storm! We were heading back from Will's first doctors apt and got hammered! It felt like the hail was going to break our windshield and the closer we got to home the harder it hit. This is what we found when we pulled up to our house.

Thank Heaven...

For Little Boys!

William Rudi Dunford
Born May 17th @ 11:54pm
7lbs. 13oz. & 20.5 inches long

Mom & Baby are both very healthly!

Dunford Family couldn't be happier!

the end in sight...

Went to the doctor today! Not much going to happen on it's own so they are scheduling me for an induction this Saturday, the 17th. Not sure on the exact time I go in as of yet, but I should know by tomorrow! So....Yeah!!! 3 more days! I can do that...I can wait 3 more days! Briggs has his last baseball game this Thursday night! and we'll be going to see Alex play ball on Friday, and today is almost over!!! Lots to keep me busy and, NOW, a time frame to have everything finished by....I like that! So...keep us in your prayers....we can't wait to post his first picture and all about his arrival! Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Briggs's School Play

on our way to the school. It doesn't look like it but, Briggs was so excited...he wasn't really nervous at all. He had so much fun! He loves being on stage!

Daddy & his Girls & their pokemon

Hopefully.....the last picture of Will before he's born & me looking so hideous (don't bet on it) ...I haven't had much energy or desire to wear make-up lately. Not pleasant for the viewer!!!

This "after-play" picture is the only one that turned out of Briggs......bummer....and I can't get any of the movies to turn out!
But, he did an awesome job...you'll just have to trust me!

Overdue...

Nope, William is not here yet, but we'll keep everyone posted. The counter has stopped at " 1 day to go " His actual due date was May 11th. It looks like I'll have an apt to be induced on Sunday, May 18th! Lets hope he comes on his own during the week, but we're not holding our breath.

playing "ketchup"...

We had a very eventful & fun filled weekend! I needed some time to recover and am now finding myself posting about it on Thursday! I can't believe this week is almost over?!?! So....here we go...

OUR FAVORITE GUESTS...

Well, their more than just guests, their FAMILY! They belong here! But, not all of them came, we are sad to say. Christine and Cassie were able to fly into Phoenix on Thursday morning and stay with us until Sunday afternoon. Not near long enough a visit, but we took it gladly and greatfully! They were so much fun to have. They provided good times, good laughs, Great Help, Lots & Lots of Love, and TREMENDOUS STUPENDOUS SUPPORT!!! We don't know what we would've done without them here. Thank you both so much, we miss you so much already and can't wait till both our "whole" families can be reunited again!

Cassie & Eryn Jane

BRIGGSY'S GAME THURSDAY NIGHT...

Briggs, Reagan & Eryn were able to go with Jens to Ebay on Thursday for "bring your child to work day!" The kids had been waiting for this for weeks. They were so excited to go. Ebay really goes ALL OUT! They had so much for them to do and even a Carnival (Eryn calls it a "CarniBal"), with rides and cotton candy. They got face, or rather, arm painted, they made splash paint pictures, they even got their own desk to sit and "work" at and an EBAY badge with their picture on it. Reagan's favorite part was the trip to the SUPPLY CLOSET. They got to take some home. They had such a great day with Dad!
So, I got to spend the morning by my lonesome, so nice, and pick up the girls from the airport. We went and ate at Ned's and then they ran some errands with me. It was a nice day!
Then, we all went to Briggsy's baseball game that evening. Oma, Melissa & Heidi came too. He's doing very well and getting much better. We all kept laughing at Christine because every time I looked at her she had goosebumps all over her body. She could NOT get warm. She was so excited to come play in the SUN and she just couldn't get warm enough, she couldn't get that Oregon cold,wet rain out of her bones!

Oma & Briggs

KRISTIN'S NIGHT OF PAMPERING...

Friday night Christine and I spent the day with Kaci getting ready for my Mani, Pedi, Facial / Shower Night . Kaci put it all together and everyone, including myself, was so impressed! She did such an awesome job. The food was EXCELLENT, The decor was TOO CUTE and we all had so much fun pampering ourselves. She really outdid herself and I'm so Thankful to her for making me feel so SPECIAL. Thanks to her and Christine for working so hard. The funnest part was the time I got to spend with the both of them. And thanks to all who came and spent their time with me and for all the cool gifts Will and I got. We really are SPOILED!!!

REAGAN LEE'S BAPTISM DAY...

Now, for the most SPECIAList of days. Saturday was Reagan's baptism day. What a WONDERFUL day it was! I was worried at first because, Christine and I didn't get to bed until 2am. Briggs threw up all over the floor. I went to clean it and my carpet cleaner busted. Then, we went to use the dryer and my dryer broke. I went to bed exhausted and crying, but said many prayers that the Spirit would be with us the next day and make it special for Reagan. Well, the Lord heard every prayer and the Spirit was with us in abundance. I was able to get everything done that I needed to. I felt a lot less scatterbrained than I usually do! (A lot in part to having Christine & Cassie there to help and support me!) It was a quiet, peaceful morning and everything ran very smoothly. We curled Reagan's hair and put her SPECIAL white dress on. Everyone was ready to go and beautiful ON TIME!! Amazing Feat for the Dunford Family!
Reagan got baptized with another girl in our ward named Devanie. They were so cute about it and had a lot of fun together. The talks that were given were great, and Reagan, Eryn & Cassie sang, "When I Am Baptized" and did such a wonderful job. Needless to say, by the end my make-up was washed away by all my tears...
I think Jens's blessing for Reagan was the most memorable in my mind. He did such an amazing job. It really hit me and made me so very thankful to have such a wonderful man as my eternal companion. He is so strong, he is so obedient, he honors the Priesthood and the Spirit is so strong with him. He is a constant example to me of how a faithful servant of the Lord, a father and husband, should live. I'm so proud of him and I love him so much. And most importantly, I see the way that my children, especially Reagan, look at him and the way they love and honor him and words cannot express the joy that fills my heart. He is truly a blessing from our Father in Heaven!
Reagan was so sweet all weekend. She really did prepare for this specail day! She was so excited and happy to be taking this step, to be making these important covenants with her Heavenly Father. I know that she'll remember this day forever! We are so very proud of her and so very blessed to have her as a part of our family! We love you Reagy Lee!

PARTY TIME...

After the baptism everyone came back to our house for an open house. We had lots of good food and cake and the kids went swimming. We all had such a good time. Our house was FULL and we loved it! Thanks to all those, family & friends, who came to support Reagan. She made so many comments about who was there....I know it really touched her and she felt very loved. She was really excited to see everyone there, even her good friend from San Antonio, Abby, came, whom she hadn't seen in a very long time.


Funnies: Reagan picked out her cake at Costco....the one with all the roses on it. She told her Aunt Melinda that she got a cake with roses on it and that her Dad was going to smash it in her face. Like at a wedding, because she had on a beautiful white dress. When it came down to it, she didn't let Jens.....so Alex got the face plant in the cake instead.

Frustrations: I have the greatest videos I wanted to post, but I can't get them to work. I've been trying all day! These moments are when I feel like shutting down the blog forever! Oh Well! Such is life!