Mexico!

This beast was my home for a week!

Carnival Splendor

Day 1 & 2- Days at Sea

For the first two days, Brandon and I decided to check out the WHOLE ship. There were 11 floors to explore and enjoy. We spent most of our time on the 5th (Casino/El Morroco) and 9th (Lido Deck-Buffets/Dance Floor).

Every evening the house-keeping picks up your room, and leaves a different towel animal with the next days agenda. :)

What a cute elephant!

Day 3 & 4- Cabo San Lucas

The first day in Cabo, our whole group went Golfing at a 5star golf course. Brandon and myself were on a team with John and Jason. I don't golf, so I volunteered to drive the cart. :) Through-out the day Brandon happened to break a golf club and lose one. Another guy nearly rolled a golf cart, after he fell out of it. Last but not least, a guy hit the ball and ended up smashing a window. Lets just say...it was an eventful golf day.

The next day was a shopping day. It took us twice as long to get to the mall, because of all the people on the street trying to sell you crap. Finally when we reached the mall...it was nearly empty. A lot of stores were shut down. Personally, I found Cabo to be quite dirty and a tad bit sketchy. I had a guy ask me if I wanted to by a bracelet for $50, I said no, so he offered weed instead. Haha After shopping, we rented a boat thing and headed out to "Lover's Beach". On our way out we saw a lot of sea lions. And we also got the chance to hold a baby tiger. Check that off my bucket list!

Day 5- Puerta Vallarta

Pirates! Brandon and I went on a Pirate Ship Excursion! When we got on the ship they fed us breakfast, and then started some shows right after. I felt sick the whole way to the beach, however it was still a lot of fun. When we reached the beach, everyone had a choice to either relax on the beach or go snorkeling/kayaking. I chose to lay on the beach to try and get my stomach to settle. Brandon chose snorkeling. After all the swimming, snorkeling/kayaking, beach volleyball, and treasure hunt was over...we got back on the ship, they fed us lunch and prepared us for more games and shows.

After we got off the ship, we headed to the mall. This mall was waaayyy better than the one in Cabo.

Brandon & Pirate

Day 6&7- Days at Sea

These days were just relax "do whatever" days. We attened a few comedy shows, dances, etc. Hung out with Anthony and Brittany for a bit both days.

Brandon, Connor, Shane

Casino!

The cruise was a lot of fun, but I am sooo glad to be home with my baby boy!! :)

2011 has come and gone so quick...

-Brandon tore his meniscus and had to have knee surgery.

-I had my gallbladder removed a few weeks after.

-Colton & Eva found out they were expecting!-Noah James, Dec.6 4lbs 6oz

-Had my 1st Mother's Day.

-Brandon bought the business he was working for.

-Jaxton enjoyed his 1st summer.

-Moved to Lethbridge.

-I started back at the Credit Union.

-Jax turned 1yrs old & also has learned to walk.

-Sat in the Emergency for Jax twice in a month.

This Christmas was the first year I did not spend at my parents house. Brandon and I decided to have our own thing on Christmas Eve and day.

Christmas Eve we opened our pajama's, ordered some chinese, and watched Christmas movies. :)

Christmas day, we woke Jaxton up at 9:30 to open presents. All of us got very spoiled this year!

That morning Irealized Jax had red dots all around his mouth and all over his legs. So we decided to take him to emergency, not knowing what it was. I was told by one of my nurse friends that Chicken Pox was going around. So we crossed our fingers that it wasn't that.

We ended up waiting in emergency for about an hour and a half, to find out that Jaxton had caught the "Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease." The Dr. said it's quite common with babies/toddlers and there is nothing you can do to make it go away. You just wait it out. Luckily it didn't hurt or itch.

Emergency- He had a VERY high fever, ear infection, and his face started to swell. Poor baby :(
After we left Emergency, we raced back to the house to put the Turkey in the oven. This was my first time cooking a turkey meal. Ah!..It turned out fabulous! I wish I wouldn't taken a picture of it! Next time!

Also this year, I thought it would be nice to get some pictures done and use them for some gift ideas. They all turned out really cute!

One of the most important things I have learned in the past year is to, "Embrace those who love you and whom you love, and rid yourself of those who will only bring you down."

A little late....

!HALLOWEEN!
This year was really Jaxton's 1st Halloween. Being 2 days old for Halloween doesn't really count. So this year we dressed Jax up as monkey...of course. All this kids owns is football and monkey stuff. Since Jax was going to be a monkey, Brandon and myself decided to be pirates.

Even though Jax was sick, we bundled him up and took him trick 'r treating down the street and back. Jaxton & Dad ready to go!

Us

Mommy & Jaxton..brr...

Our little monkey :)

October has come and gone! and things have gotten a bit crazy around here.
At the end of September, I decided to get away for a week before returning to work. So I packed my bags and took a little road trip to Salt Lake, Utah to visit some friends. :) It was a looonnngg 13ish hr. drive, but so worth it! I had a blast! Here's a few memories I made there:

- sleeping on a "love sac"

- meeting Derrick, Ben, and Leslie

- Cafe Rio

- purchasing perfume out of a truck in the Wendy's parking lot

- finding long, lost "Fred" in Ross

- becoming friends with a drunk girl and a surfer? ha

- had a homeless man sing to my friends & me

- met Arthur, while he sang a love song to David <--hilarious!

- dancing at "ONE"

- Denny's at 3:00 a.m. (took an hour to find it. turned out to be right around the corner from where we were to begin with)

- Had a guy (Steven), tell David he was sexy and he wanted him. haha

- B.J's (Ben & Jerry's)

- Bbqing

- Shopping

- Attended school with Cortney for a day

- Stayed in my vehicle one night watching Law Abiding Citizen

- Walgreens.. Mhmm

-Kholes

- Licence plate game

Even though I had a lot of fun!...I counted down the days to finally get home to Jaxton James! I missed him like crrrazzzyy!!



The morning after getting back from Utah, was the day for me to return to work at 1st Choice. Before mat.leave I worked at the Cardston branch, but seems how I moved to Lethbridge in June, I was transferred to a branch here. I am enjoying the branch here, even though it is a little bit different...so there are things I'm going to have to get used to. No biggie.

Thanksgiving was a bit different this year. Instead of going to both Brandon and my parents, we had our own Thanksgiving dinner. Jaxton's 1st! He loved all the food, almost as much as I did. I think he enjoyed the sweet potatoes with melted marshmallows on top,the most.

Well, Jaxton James is officially 1yrs old!! It's a bitter-sweet moment for me. He's getting so big, so fast. I hate it...but I love it! A few things about Jaxton over the past year:

- Born at home on October 29,2010 @ 1:33p.m.

-Weighed in @ 9pounds 2 ounces

- Slept through the night by 1 week old (and still does)

- Loved his swing & jolly jumper

- Mastered the army crawl for quite awhile

-LOVES food! Never had to teach him to eat.

- Dances to everything...head bang and all! (Big Bang Theory intro.song is his favorite...ooo and the Gummi Bear song)

- Hates wearing hats. He rips them off, throws it to the ground and giggles.

- Already does not like the color pink. He won't touch it.

- He claps with a huge grin on his face

- Jax has a grumpy face down pat...thanks to Uncle Colton for teaching him that!

- He can say, "Dada", "Mama", and "Hi"

- Loves his stuffed monkeys...gives them hugs & giggles.

- Jax gets into everything and anything!

For his birthday, Jaxton just happened to be really sick. :( poor baby! I did not get many pictures because he was crying and grumpy most the day.

Jax is my world! He is the best baby boy anyone could ask for! And I'm glad he's all mine!!

Summer is over! Noooo! STOP! REWIND!

This summer went by way too fast for me! There are so many more things I want to do.! The few things we did get to enjoy were:

• 
  
  Jax & myself went camping with my family down at Lake 5. We also did some shopping in Kalispell while there. Jax got to cruise in the kayak with "Papa", and he loved it!








• 
  
  The Air-show was another HOT day this summer! Brandon, myself, and Jax went with Colton & Eva. We enjoyed checking out all the planes and watching them do tricks!








• 
  
  We attended Street Wheelers and the Show & Shine.








• 
  
  Jaxton really enjoyed watching the Cardston parade, especially the little ponies!


• 
  
  Brandon & I spent an evening at Whoop-up Days with Colton & Eva. It definitely wasn't as fun as when we were in High School


• 
  
  Big Scoop Ice-cream & Zums in Waterton pleased me once again for the year.








• 
  
  Nicholas Sheran pool & waterpark!








• 
  
  Henderson Park for picnics.








• 
  
  Golfing








• 
  
  Bevans Family Reunion.

Love this boy!

My bestie & I at Whoop-up days

Getting ready to go swimming!

Even though summer is over I'm really looking forward to Fall. With Fall being here means:

1. Sweaters/Scarves




2. 
   
   Boots




3. 
   
   Hot chocolate




4. 
   
   Raking Orange, Red, and Yellow leaves




5. 
   
   Thanksgiving = sooo much food!




6. 
   
   Pumpkin pie




7. 
   
   Halloween/Parties/Candy




8. 
   
   Light warm breezes




9. 
   
   Football games




10. 
    
    And most importantly....JAXTON'S 1ST BIRTHDAY!!!

Where does the time go? It feels like summer should just be starting, but instead it ends in about a month and I go back to work! Yeah, I know! CRAZY! Jaxton will be 1 years old before we know it! I'm quite excited to go back to work, but also really nervous. I start in a little less than 2 months! Since I've been on mat.leave the bank decided to get a whole new system, which means I have to learn it all over again. Which isn't such a bad thing. I can start fresh, and it gives me an excuse on not remembering how to do things. Cause let me tell you...I've forgotten a lot!

Jaxton has decided to move on with bigger and better things lately. Like climbing the stairs, attempting to climb onto the couch, dancing, talking baby gibberish ALL the time, singing, and walking along objects. Brandon and I also taught him in one day how to drink from a straw, and now he drinks from his cup whenever he can get his hands on it. We've gone swimming a bit this summer and he loves it! Jax and I went down to Lake Five with my family for a few days, sadly Brandon had to stay home and work, but we had fun. Jaxton got to cruise in the kayak with Papa and myself. Jax kept trying to lean over to touch the water. He could swim all day if I'd let him. He is growing so fast and I can not decided if I like it or not. Of course it's exciting, but makes me sad that the time has gone by so quickly. Jax has already developed such a cute personality. He reminds me of Brandon in so many ways, but I also a little bit of myself. He is a little over 9 months now, and it feels like he was born yesterday!

Brandon has been doing nothing but work, work, work and a lot of paperwork. It sucks, but such is life right? Got to make a living somehow. Everything in this world cost money, and I appreciate every minute Brandon spends working so our family can afford to have things and live comfortably. He is dedicated, and such a hard worker. I love that about him!

The Cardston parade/rodeo, etc is this weekend so I'm hoping to remember to take pictures and have a fun time!!

Canada Day was this past weekend! Brandon had to work..of course. But such is life, right? While Brandon was working, Eva & Colton invited Jax & myself out for brunch at Ricky's. We quite enjoyed ourselves.

Jax ordering his food

Jax & mommy

Later that day when Brandon got off work, we decided to head out to Cardston to see if the Party in the Park was any good. LAME is the only word I have to describe it...or maybe that's just what I thought of one certain lady that organized it. Ha! Enough with that. So instead we took Jax out to visit Papa & Nana (Grandma & Grandpa Bevans) for a bit.

Big boy chillin' (he looks thrilled, doesn't he)

"Transformers- Dark of the Moon" was AWESOME! Brandon & I took my sister, Ronnie out to the Keg for supper, in exchange of her babysitting Jax so we could go enjoy Transformers. It was really nice to spend time together, not having to worry about Jaxton James.

Us going to the movie

On Sunday we were invited to a surprise birthday party for Brandon's cousin, Ray. They prepared a BBQ, dessert, and games. It was a nice afternoon. Jaxton enjoyed hanging out with Liam & Logan.

Liam sharing his treats with Jax

Well, not much else is new. Instead of crawling Jax has learned to do more of an army crawl/swimming stroke. I don't know if he'll crawl on all fours or just skip that step and go onto bigger & better things like walking. Lately he's been saying, "Dada" a lot. Jax is definitely a little squealer...but not those annoy squeals. It's adorable! He does it usually when we are in the vehicle driving down the highway. I'll look back to watch (not while driving of course), and he'll just give me this HUGE cheesy grin! He's too cute for words. I love waking up everyday, to find him in his crib smiling from ear to ear, kicking his feet, waving his hands, and bouncing up & down waiting to be picked up. I simply just love my baby boy to bits!

As of Lately...

The past few weeks have been nothing but CRAZY!! I'll start at the beginning...

June 1st was the day my little family & I packed up and moved to Lethbridge. We were technically not supposed to move until September because that's when our lease was up, but our landlord was generous and let us out of it early. Thank goodness for nice people!..because we found this place & fell in love with it. 2 other people wanted it, but we got it! suckers! We are really enjoying it so far...especially the part of not having to drive 45min. just to go to Walmart. ha!

That same weekend of moving was the High School Graduation. Brandon & I both attended, as both our sisters graduated. My favorite thing to do...which I'm sure is the same for many...is to look at all the different, gorgeous dresses that the girls picked out! Attending grad always reminds me of when Brandon & myself graduated together 3yrs ago! Oh it seems like yesterday!

Our new furniture is finally here! And we are loving it! The sectional is waaayyyy comfy! I could lay on it all day! As for our bed...We also should have invested in a king size bed a LONG time ago! And all this time we've been settling for a queen. Tisk tisk



Our last big purchase is this baby!

Ford Explorer- Limited Eddie Bauer Edition

We love our new vehicle! Now just have to sell our car..teehe

Father's Day was relaxing. I made brunch for Brandon, and invited Tyree & Twinson to join. Throughout the day we played games, chatted, went for a drive, etc. Later that night I made supper for all of us, plus Leroy & Kristi. It turned out delicious! Jax & I bought Brandon a ring that says "DAD" and the P90X program that Brandon has been dieing for!. ....While purchasing the ring at Phillips Jewelry, there was a Father's Day draw for a free Buloba watch, 2 golf passes, and gift certificate to Ric's Grill. I threw my name in just for kicks (I never win things)...but I got a phone call about a week later saying, I won! So yeah..Brandon also got those things for Father's Day! It turned out to be a great day!

As for everything else...the business is going great! It would be even better if the weather would cooperate so Brandon could sell more ice-cream!

Jax, Jax, Jax...what to say. He is developing into such a character. Lately his thing to do is copying whatever Brandon & I do. When I laugh, he laughs. When I talk, he talks (gibberish). He is the cutest little boy ever! I have been blessed with such an amazing husband, that does everything possible to make sure that our son & myself are happy!

I told myself over & over to take pictures all May long. Yeah...that didn't happen. So my words will have to do.

Well my "weekend" started Thursday evening by packing up my car to spend time in Lethbridge at Colton & Eva's house. Brandon had to work the next day so it was just Jax and myself that went. On Friday afternoon my husband surprised me with at day at the Eclipse Spa for my birthday. His mom took Jax while Eva and I enjoyed a body massage, manicure, and pedicure! My husband knows me all too well!! Later that same evening Brandon surprised me again with a mini get together ( I'm not big on having a birthday party) so this was just perfect! Ordered some pizza & ice-cream cake (my fav.), and hung out. I finally got to meet Laura's boyfriend! I like him! He treats her like gold, and that's exactly what she deserves!

Saturday was my actual birthday! 21!! Yay!! Brandon and I started it off by looking at some rental properties in Lethbridge. We saw a REALLY nice place, but the rooms were the size of my bathroom! So that was a definite NO! We some a few others...but they were all dumps or just too small. Around late afternoon we headed to the mall to do some shopping! Brandon bought me the cutest swimsuit! The picture below doesn't do it any justice!

My parents got me these jars for my b-day! I love them!!

My new swimsuit

Sunday...we splurged...a little. Brandon & myself LOVE sectionals. We always talk about buying one...so we finally did it! AH!! We didn't stop there...we also purchased a new bedroom set! King size baby!! Brandon is such a bed hog, this king size is going to be wonderful!!

This is our new sectional (expect we changed the material to micro.dark brown)

Wahoo!!

Aside from all the fun stuff...of course there had to be something to damper it. Monday, Brandon was driving back from work in his semi. While going up a hill, there was a tractor on the other side and car behind that. Right when Brandon reached the top of the hill, the car behind the tractor decided to be stupid and try to pass. Brandon had to swerve into the ditch in order to avoid smashing the car and probably killing the person. Luckily Brandon didn't roll the semi & trailer...he just pressed on the gas and kept driving while in the ditch. Thankfully the ditch kind of curved enough for him to be able to just drive out of the ditch. The car didn't' stop but the guy driving the tractor did. This guy and Brandon checked over the semi, to find nothing wrong. Phew!

Challenge/ Mother's Day/ Time at the Park

I know, I know...slacking at the challenge! I've been meaning to...just haven't had time. All last week was unbelievably busy! But I'll get to that later...Anyways on with the challenge..I'm still contemplating whether to keep up with this challenge or forfeit....

Day 7: Put Ipod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play.

Breaking Benjamin - Until The End

Lesley Roy - Unbeautiful

Something Corporate - Me and the Moon

Cascada - What Hurts the Most

Black Eyed Peas - My Humps

Owl City - Designer Skyline

Josh Groban - In Her Eyes

Randy Travis & Dolly Parton - Do I Ever Cross Your Mind

Miranda Lambert - New Strings

Madonna - Give it to me

The sad thing about all of those songs is that I would probably listen to 3 out of 10 of them..My Ipod definitely needs a major overhaul!

So, Mother's Day went a little different this year, seems how it was my FIRST! Brandon & I went all dates all weekend! We hit up the Keg, saw the movie "Thor" (I hated the ending), had a family get together, and a dinner. For Mother's Day I received a white gold charm bracelet with a solid heart, from my boys! Brandon had it engraved with "Jaxton James" on one side & his birthday on the other. I love it! I also got some white gold earrings from Patrick. :) Brandon & I are trying to budget our money, but still wanted to do something for our mom's...So headed to my kitchen and started baking! This is what the finished product looked like. The Mini Egg Rice Krispy Squares were my favorite!!..(I had to sample them, of course.)

This past week has been so warm out. Brandon & I couldn't pass up another day without hitting up the park. We packed up the car and met Brandon's family there, and played some badminton & botchy ball. The swings were Jax's fav. He loves the outdoors, and would spend hours & hours out there if he could.

Swinging away!

Dad & Jax

Mommy & Jax

The newest, most exciting thing with us is...Brandon (and me) officially own a business! B&L Distributors!! He distributes dairy products across Southern Alberta. Need ice-cream, milk, cheese, yogurt, etc. He's the man!! I'm extremely proud of him for doing this. The whole process has been nothing but difficult/annoying for me...and I'm not even the one doing the work. Ha I just have to keep telling myself, "It will pay off!"

Day 6

Day 6: How I found out about blogger & why I made one.

I honestly do not remember how I found out about blogger. I most likely came across a link on facebook or something.

The reason I decided to make a blog at first was because I was bored. Now my blog has turned into something I use for a mini journal & scrapbook. Also for family & friends who like to stay updated. I enjoy reading other blogs ranging from family to friends to craft blogs. Blogging is a fun past time. Allows you to sit down, do a little reading, and relax. Something everyone needs from time to time.

Day 5

So I missed yesterdays entry due to a very busy day. Here's two in order to catch up!

Day 5: Favorite song.

Here is one of my top favorties. I came across this song while driving home with my sister, and instantly fell in love with it. When I listen to the lyrics it reminds me of Brandon and myself. I listen to it over and over, never getting sick of it. Love it!

They called him crazy when they started out

Said seventeen's too young to know what loves about

They've been together fifty-eight years now

That's crazy

He brought home sixty-seven bucks a week

He bought a little 2 bedroom house on Maple Street

Where she blessed him with six more mouths to feed

Yeah that's crazy

Just ask him how he did it; he'll say pull up a sear

It'll only take a minute, to tell you everything

Be your best friend, tell the truth, and overuse I love you

Go to work, do your best, don't outsmart your common sense

Never let your prayin' knees get lazy

And love like crazy

They called him crazy when he quite his job

Said them home computers, boy they'll never take off

He sold his one man shop to Microsoft

They paid like crazy

Just ask him how he made it

He'll tell you faith and sweat

And the heart of a faithful woman,

Who never let him forget

Be your best friend, tell the truth, and overuse I love you

Go to work, do your best, don't outsmart your common sense

Never let your prayin' knees get lazy

And love like crazy

Always treat your woman like a lady

Never get too old to call her baby

Never let your prayin knees get lazy

And love like crazy

They called him crazy when they started out

They've been together fifty-eight years now

Ain't that crazy?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0f5g18EbG4 <--- check it out