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!

wishful thinking...

These are our Great friends Tanya & Josh McKibben with their sweet little Hannah Banana from San Jose. Today, probably as we speak, they are on airplane heading for Berlin, Germany to live for 5 months for Josh's work. What An Adventure! I have to say....I'm so jealous! and so Excited for them. I just wanted to let them know, that even though we live 12 hours away already, we'll still miss you guys! and we hope you have so much fun....and don't forget about us while you're skipping around exploring Europe and learning German and eating AMAZING food! (The goulash there is most definitely WAY better than mine, also the schnitzel!) and having the time of your life! We Wish We Could Come Too!!!
We Love You Guys!

Sassy Haircut for a Sassy Girl...

Aunt Kaci came out to our house to give Reagan's hair a trim so she'd be all beautiful for her big day next Saturday... Kaci ended up cutting Briggs's hair and Eryn's hair as well. I happened to make a comment about how I thought Eryn might look cute with a short a-line bob. Eryn said, "yeah..I want my hair small!" and Kaci whacked it, while I had my head turned! But, we LOVE it! She looks so cute. But, we've been saying that she's been acting a little too SASSY lately....now she has the haircut to match! Thanks Kaci for always taking care of us and making us look our best! We Love You!

Eryn started dancing around singing whipping her head around and flipping her hair with her hands!

Some things Eryn said about her new Do...

E.J. - Dad, I look popu...popul...popula
Dad - Popular?
E.J. - Yeah, I look Popular!

E.J. - Mom, I look like Emma now (her cute older cousin)


Eryn Jane loves her Aunt Kaci! She's excited to have short hair and look beautiful like her.

seasons of change...

it must be nesting...nothing is clean enough, nothing is quite right, nothing is perfect, therefore, I run around like a chicken, head cut-off, feeling inadequate, insecure, unfinished...especially on this day, 36 weeks, officially. For me, that means I have four weeks, plus one, until my sweet baby boy is born. hence the new blog header, which I'll probably end up changing again in the not so distant future, when new family pictures are taken. Fun, fun!

I do have to tell you that it has been a sad day for Eryn Jane. last night she smashed her finger playing the bowling game at an arcade, she smashed it pretty good. She cried the whole way home. Then told us.., " I can't do ANYTHING with my hurt finger! I can't brush my teeth and I can't do chores! " So, we thought she was just trying to milk it. Her finger nail had a little black/blue mark on it, but nothing major. She DID brush her teeth and went to bed. Then, this morning I walked into her room to wake her and her finger was HUGE and BLACK and BLUE on both sides. I felt terrible and so sad for her!! She can still move it, it's not broken, but it's really sore and has been the center of all the attention today. At breakfast she said, " My poor big blue finger! I can't do anything with it! " At church she was sitting on Jens lap and saying, " I didn't know a finger could grow like this. " She was upset that she couldn't hold the pencil or crayon in her right hand, then she was sure to show both her primary teachers to tell them what happened, she received ample amounts of sympathy from them. They're very sweet to her. The finger looks worse, but feels better. She wouldn't let me take a picture of it or else I would post one. The thought just brings her too much pain.
P.S. you should see the faces she makes! There's no lack of dramatics at the Dunford home. My kids are willing and eager to take center stage whenever they can.

very proud of my man...

just wanted to give a shout out...Jens rode in the Tour De Phoenix last Saturday, 75 miles, and did it within his goal time. He has so many wonderful qualities that I wish I had myself. His determination, strength, & high metabolism are among the top of this coveted list. He is such a wonderful example and support to me in so many different ways, I don't know what I'd do without him. So, I just want to say thanks for all you do for me and our family. I'm so proud of you......for all that you do and all that you are!
I really did "Get Lucky", I definitely married up!

Reagan Lee Turns "8"...

Reagan has been long awaiting this day. She has to wait until the end of the month to get baptized, and thats when we'll have a family party/get together to celebrate this very special birthday! But, it's a ways away, so, we decided to sing to her on Sunday, her actual birthday, and let her blow out 8 candles on her brownie "cake"

She opened gifts. Grandma Bonham & Oma Dunford came over to help us celebrate. She got a new Junie B. Jones book & T-shirt and...

loads of cash!?!?! Lucky!!! and...

a pink Nintendo DS (which she has saved up half the $ for, way to go Reagy Baby!)

It's always been hard for Reagan to save money! She's too much like her mother. But, she's been diligent. She's very good at paying her tithing and she's really worked hard to save enough. We're so very proud of you!
Reagan was sick most of the week and still trying to get over it on Sunday, so she was a little out of it (until the gifts came!) But, she felt so much better today. She went to school, wearing her new J.B.J. T-shirt and Mom and Eryn Jane brought blue iced sugar cookies for her class (they had to be blue). They all sang Happy Birthday to her with a little "cha-cha-pokemon" at the end, especially for her. She was all smiles. It was a good day!

brace face...

But, a handsome brace face it is! Yes, Briggs got braces on his top teeth yesterday. He also got a palette expander and a space maintainer on the bottom teeth. He did very well, he was very brave. He's having trouble eating and swallowing and his mouth is a bit sore, but he's been a real trooper and we couldn't be prouder of him. He's also having trouble talking and controlling his saliva. I have to chuckle about it because I remember those days. I had 5 years worth of them. It's crazy to think that now my boy is going through this.

Today is his first day at school with them on. He was a little nervous.
He looks a little goofy here....his hair is all messed up. He looked a lot better this morning. Hair nice & handsome, all ready to show off the new smile!

Play ball...

Briggs played in his first baseball game Saturday night. He did awesome and his team won by one run. We're so proud of him. He still needs to get used to paying attention to the game while in the outfield or waiting to run the bases, but he did great and he had a great time too. He loved it and we loved watching him.

Feelin' Hot! Hot! Hot!...

Jens rode his bike all morning on Saturday then spent some time with the kids outside planting and gardening. There was a nice cool breeze, but the sun was brutal and I found them all staring at the pool, mouths watering. It looked so inviting, so, they went for a swim. It was freezing, but they soon got used to it and it didn't take them long to warm up by laying out in the sun.
Her future's so bright, She has to wear shades....and goggles. (Eryn calls them "gobbles!")

a day at the Zoo...

that's just a normal day for us, usually. But, I took my kids to the actual zoo on Thursday with my mom, brother David & his kids. It was warm and was a bit tough on me, but we had a great time.

The kids love being with their cousins.
Haley, Reagan & Stephanie at the petting zoo.

Eryn thought the goats were, "soooo cuuuute!" She named this one LUVABELLE!

Max on the tractor.

my favorite place at the zoo...sitting on the bench watching the giraffes.
Briggs needed a quarter, but I didn't have one!

Michael, Big Man! Briggs really looks up to him and loves to hang out with him. He wants to be like Mike!

Their favorite part....Sting Ray Bay!

Briggs was miserable the whole time, until we ended up here. He couldn't get enough of it!

Joseph & David. Joe stays behind the scenes, but I just have to say how much I love this kid. (p.s. I love all my nieces and nephews) He is so helpful, polite, cute. Eryn Jane adores him and he's got a cute sense of humor! It was fun spending some time with him.

The girls were frightened at first, but before we made it out of there everyone of them had touched a sting ray. Even Eryn Jane.