Handy woman

About a week and a half ago the starter on Bowens car pooped out. Woopy! He's been so busy he hasn't really had time to work to much on it. He's been taking my car to work and Mase and I have been stuck at home. Talk about stir crazy! So this past Saturday we worked on it. Since the car wasn't jacked up it was a bit of a squeeze for Bowen. He got it about half way then it was my turn to get the cables and such off. I finally got it out! What a pain! I went and bought a new one but by the time I got back it was getting dark and I didn't have enough time to put it back in. Well, today I put that stinkin starter back in! I have to admit, I'm pretty proud of myself! The most work I've ever done on a car is checking the oil, jumping the battery, and helping my dad rotate the tires. This was an accomplishment in my book!

Being this greasy took me back to the days of working on Uncle Lee's farm and dad calling me a Grease Monkey.

Good thing I bought some Orange Clean and shop towels. I feel like a girl again!

Some updates

I've found that I always write about events that we've done, and never update on what's going on in our day to day lives. I know not everyone wants to know these insignificant things, but this blog is kind of like a journal to me. I feel it's important to write these things down.

Bowen has been the Young Men's President at church for a couple months now. He really enjoys it and I think the boys really look up to and respect him. He's currently studying to take his LSAT and hopefully get into Law School this upcoming year. We both hope that he gets into a School here in San Diego. If not, we'll worry about those details when they arise :o) He's still working at NASSCO in the ship building industry. He's working on his second ship as an Area Manager. It's set to launch in February so the closer it gets to that, the busier he is. He likes the guys he works with so that makes it enjoyable to be there. He balances all that he has going on so well! Bowen is a phenomenal husband and father. He loves his family so much. The other day he and Mason were at the park. There were a couple kids playing soccer, so Mason went right over to them and tried to play. This struck a tender spot in Bowens heart. He can't wait to coach his little boy in sports. It's what he was meant to do!

I recently got called to be a Beehive advisor for the Young Women at church. Heidi is also a teacher with me, so we trade off teaching every other week. I've only taught once so far, but I already love being there. The girls are so sweet. I hope that I'll be able to reach out to them and be an example. Since we moved from the apartments into our house, I had to give up my property management job. So now I'm a full time mommy! I'm still learning all the places to go and things to do in our area. Mason and I are always on an adventure.

Speaking of Mason, he's developing such a sense of humor. He knows when he's being funny and will keep doing whatever he's doing. Such as, putting his hands over his mouth and blowing so that it makes a zurbert noise. He can successfully climb on and off the couch, but can only climb up stairs. He know where his eyes, nose, mouth, piggies (toes), and belly button are. Without teaching him, he's discovered where his little man part is as well. He can say Mom, Dad, dog, no, tree, shoe, yes, and Heidi. He loves bugs, leaves, sticks, balls, trucks, and mud. Can you tell he's a boy?!? He also loves books and singing the ABC's, Jesus wants me for a Sunbeam, and counting to 5. He mimics the tune of the ABC's (ay ay ay dee dee awr awr) and can count to three (duh doo chee), but only when he wants. I love my little boy so much! I only hope that I can be a good mom and teach him to do what's right. I hope that he'll be strong in the church and be a great leader like his daddy.

The other day, Mason put on my shoes and thought it was pretty cool. He walked around in them for as long as he could before they fell off. Then he proceeded to whine at me until I put them back on him.

We went to the beach on Saturday with the Hachtman's and Galbasini's. The kids had fun playing in the water and sand and we had a good time just visiting and soaking up the sun. All the kids tried a bit a surfing. Mason wasn't to thrilled with the idea, but started to enjoy it towards the end.

There are a few couples with kid(s) in our ward that don't have any family here to use as babysitters. It's kind of a stretch to go out on a date then have to come home and pay a babysitter. So, thanks to Jackie putting it together, we've come up with co op babysitting. We and 2 other families take turns watching each others kids on Friday (or whatever day) nights. This allows us about 2 days a month to go out on a date baby free. Woot woot! It seems to work well and it's nice for the kids to get together and play. I'm sure we'll continue this as long as possible.

This was our date night on Friday. We picked up Heidi and Gordon and went bowling at the Navy base on Coronado. I love the benefits of being military! Not only was it super cheap, but there was hardly anyone there! We had a good time just hanging out.

I love our house. It's been so nice to call it home. Even though it's still pretty small, it feels huge compared to our last place. We've definitely felt the pains of paying a mortgage every month though. It's been something that will still take some time to get used to. Clipping coupons and shopping on a strict budget while trying to get our food storage up to where it needs to be is just part of my weekly agenda. One thing that we've been trying to do (now that we have the room) is have a different family from the ward come over each week. It doesn't always work every week, but we do our best. It's nice to be able to get to know each other better and develop relationships with people we may have never gotten to know. I hope that our home can be a place of peace that others would want to be.

We've both been making a conscious effort to get in to better shape. Surfing is a good workout, but I need to do more. Mason thinks it's hilarious when you work out and tries to do what you're doing. The other day he was working out with Bowen attempting to do push ups and stretches.

We decided to cancel our cable so now we have no television channels. We both felt like we needed to be doing other things other than wasting our time watching TV. Even though I didn't watch that much of it anyway, my day seems so much more productive. I'm able to think clearer and accomplish more. I only hope Bowen will be able to survive football season! Our home seems calmer too, so for now, this is what works.

After church activities

Andrea and Shari out for a visit

The day after I got back from Utah my Aunt Andrea and her friend, Shari, came out to San Diego for a little vacation before school started again. We were so happy to have them come out and visit! We had so much fun! They got in late Wednesday night and the poor things were starving so I quickly grilled some chicken and threw together some salad for them. They soon got settled in and we all headed to bed. Early the next day we got up, made peanut butter sandwiches and headed to SeaWorld for a day of adventures! We caught most all of the shows, saw all the exhibits and animals, and minus our tickets we only spent about 5 bucks! Woop woop! The girls went on a few of the rides to get wet and cool off a bit. Even though we sat in the soak zone for Shamu, we hardly got wet. It was so much fun! We stayed until closing, so we were able to see the night shows which are pretty awesome as well. We came home to find Bowen asleep on the couch. Awww... The next day was a little bit more relaxed. We met up with Aunt Moreen for some brunch at DZ Akins diner in La Mesa. It was so nice to finally see her! We've lived here this whole time and we'd never met up until then. She was so nice and even bought us our meals. After we took a couple pictures and said our goodbyes we headed back to Pacific Beach. We went to Belmont Park and the Wave House and just walked around a bit. After that we went to the Closet for some SHOPPING! No trip would be complete with out some Yogurtland.

I think they were hooked with the first bite!

Of course Mason devoured most of mine...maybe.

It seemed as soon as we were done there it was time to head back to the house and get ready to go to Annie at the Starlight theater in Balboa Park. Shari had never had In N Out before, so that's what we picked up for dinner. We met up with my friend, Shawnie and her stepdaughter outside the theater. After devouring our scrumptious burgers we headed inside. The play was so cute! It's an outdoor theater, so when the airplanes fly over all the actors stop and as soon as the plane is gone, they resume right back to where thy left off. What a fun day that was!

Saturday morning was, of course, beach day! We kind of got a late start but managed to finally get out the door before noon. We even found a great spot to park which is always a bonus! The girls wanted to try surfing so I took them out. The current was so bad I couldn't even stand up to position the girls in the waves. So Bowen came out and helped them. They were both so close to standing up, but didn't quite get it.

Andrea almost standing up

Switching places

Shari almost got it

It didn't help that the waves weren't to great either though...oh well, I think they had fun anyway. That evening after we'd gotten back and rested a bit, the girls volunteered to babysit Mason while Bowen and I went out on a Date for our 2 year anniversary. Such Sweethearts! We went to see a movie. I think they thought we were pretty lame for just doing that, but it's a very rare occasion that we actually go out, let alone go to a movie. Mason and theaters just don't mix if you know what I mean. ha ha! On our way home we stopped by the Stake Youth Dance just in time to help clean up. By the time we got home Mason was sound asleep and the girls had just finished their second movie. Bowen took them to the Airport early Sunday Morning. It was so fun to have them out here for a few days! I hope they had a good time and weren't to bored with us :) I know Mason sure enjoyed their company and i know Bowen and I did too!

More busy August

I wasn't planning on visiting family in Utah for a while since I'd gone not too long ago. But, two of my best friends from school were getting married so it was the perfect excuse to head out there! Shayla Johnson Tuttle and Staci Barney Wright were married one week apart. They looked so beautiful! I'm so happy for them and wish them the best in their marriages.

Ashlyn, Shayla,Staci,me, and Mason walking into the picture

Staci and her new hubby, David, and their first dance.Yep, that pretty much sums up my friends :)

During this time it was also the Dwayne Bayles Family Reunion. It was held in Oak City this year. The first night we celebrated my Grandpas 70th birthday. Grandma had asked me to write a tribute about him to read there and so I did. All the other grand kids put together a little something too. They each colored a picture about one of his "stories" in his life. When they gave the picture to him, he had to tell the story to us. It was so much fun! The next day we all headed out just past the Nevada border to Lehman's Cave. The drive out there was so much fun! My brothers are hilarious and I always get an ab workout after I've visited because I've laughed so much! Anyway, we got to the cave, stopped at the visitors center for a bit, then soon headed in.

Mason kept on wandering farther...

...and farther away

Shaun, C.J. Mom, and Chellese waiting to go in the cave

Grandpa Kurt keeping Mason entertained

Grandma Stefs turn

Jerolynn and Jarom

Mason and Damon at the visitors center.

Damon loooved Mason and played with him so much! One time when I was changing Mase's diaper Damon said, (in more of a statement than a question) "Mason is a boy"!?! "Yep, he sure is", I said. "Oohhh" said Damon. And they continued playing

Just as we stopped in the first room of the cave Mason started screaming...not his normal thing to do...and I couldn't get him to stop. Just as I was about to leave with him, my dad took him out so I could continue to go through the cave. Thanks Dad! Afterwards we had a picnic lunch then headed back to our camping site.

Jerolynn, Jeff, Logan, Mom, Dad, Chellese, Shaun

Parker, Heather, Grandma Jill, Shaun, Jarom, Karalee, Calee, and Jeff

The reunion was so much fun! It was great to see the whole family!

Saturday morning we packed up early because mom had to get ready for Akelas Council the next week and she needed the trailer. So, it seemed, as soon as we got down the mountain she was off. What a busy woman she is!

Well, Mason and I had plenty of things to do, places to go, and people to visit. We made a trip to Salt Lake to take Chellese school shopping and visit my friend Emilee. It was so good to see her and catch up on everything that's been going on in her life.

Another night I was able to visit with Delaini. We went out to dinner then headed over to the cemetery where our friend, Danielle, had been laid to rest. She had passed away almost 2 years ago from a boating accident, so it was good to reminisce and talk about what a beautiful person she was. *Miss you Dani*

One of the days mom was gone, Mason and I went up and visited her. She was so proud to show off her grandson to all her friends ;D It was a quick visit, but much needed for her.

Leslie (Pretty Oflie...inside joke) and her little family were down visiting her parents, so we spent some time together too. They're expecting another little boy soon and I can't wait to see him! While she was down she even made time to do my hair! Woop woop! We went out to the Rez one night, and had to go get some Maui Wowie slushies with ice cream. Mmmmm.... fun fun!

When you go to Grandpas it's a given that he'll take you on a four wheeler ride. Mason was not disappointed!

One of C.J's best friends and Shaun's friend too,Ty Young, passed away from a tractor accident. It was so hard to see my little brothers go through loosing such a great friend. They were asked to be Pall Bearers which was such an honor for them. Hopefully they have some comfort knowing they'll be able to see Ty again.

On one of the Fridays I was there it was the Annual Red and White football fundraiser game for the Delta Football team. It's really just a scrimmage between the Varsity and J.V. teams, but it's fun to go watch and have a hamburger while you're there. After the game, the coaches introduce all the seniors on the team. I can't believe my baby brother is a SENIOR! That makes me feel so old!

It just so happened that Chasey and Lyndsay were blessing their adorable little girl, Rylee, the last Sunday I was there. Back up to Payson I drove. Shaun and C.J. decided to come with Mason and I last minute so they could keep us company (and probably so they didn't have to sit through all of church) so as you can imagine it was another fun ride for me! Aunt Jenny, Lauren, and Hailey were also visiting them from Florida, so it was a treat to see them too! I'm sure they had a great time getting to know little Jean Bug! It was so good to see Chase and Lynds! I wish we lived closer so we could visit more often!

That Tuesday it was time to head home to San Diego!!! I missed my husband so much and couldn't wait to get home! I know Mason missed his daddy too! Two weeks is a long time to be away from home! Mom, Chellese, and Shaun took us to the airport. We said our goodbyes then hopped on the plane. What a fun visit it was!

Mom, Chellese, and a caterpillar come to visit

On the morning I was getting ready for my mom and Chellese to come and visit, I was out tending to my garden when I realized that about half of one of my tomato plants leaves had been eaten. Well, this was the culprit! Luckily I found it in time and my plant recovered. Mason loved playing with the squishy caterpillar and thought it was the coolest thing ever...a little scary...but awesome!

Where's the caterpillar?Oh, there it is!

After the yard was put together, we headed back inside for some lunch. We'd had spaghetti the night before, so of course leftovers would be on the menu.

The spaghetti aftermath! I know my child looks like he's in his diaper 90% of the time. Well, I'd rather get spaghetti sauce off of him rather than stains out of his clothes :)

Then the watermelon...I'll never let him have more than two pieces again. We paid for that for a a week.

That evening they finally arrived! We kicked off their stay with a trip to the O.B. Street Fair/Farmers Market. Mom bought some little summer squash to have with our steaks for dinner that night. Mmmmm...

The next day we headed to the Zoo. Mom hadn't been there since she was a kid, and I hadn't been there in a while so we were all looking forward to it.

You can't really see them, but there are hippos right behind them.

Chellese got picked as a volunteer to help with the Dr. Zoolittle program. Mason was terrified of that big orange tiger. We had to stand clear to the back so he wouldn't scream. Mason's favorite animals were the giraffes! Probably because they were so close up and BIG!

We also spent a day at the beach. Last year when Chellese was out here she tried boogie boarding and surfing. She did alright then, but this time she really picked up on it and was doing so well! She kept going farther and farther out. I was afraid that she was going to get wrecked by a wave, but she kept her ground-thank goodness! Mom even watched Mase for a bit while Bowen and I went surfing together. That doesn't happen too much so it was a lot of fun!

Mother daughter beach shot! Cute little sis!

All to soon mom had to head back to Utah. Chellese, on the other hand, stayed with us for another week and a half. It was so much fun to have my little sister here. It was sure nice to have and extra set of hands to help out. We went for lots of walks around PB (she did not like those to much) and of course got some Yogurtland (which she loved)!

We even made it down to Seaport Village. I'd never been there so it was a treat for both of us. Chellese found some presents for her friends, a postcard to send home, and we bought some delicious cookies to snack on while we walked around. This pic is right on the boardwalk and you can see the Coronado bridge in the background.There was a guy there with all of his birds and parrots just hanging out. For a little donation you could get your picture taken with them. Obviously she thought it was pretty cool.

I had won 2 tickets to Seaworld the week before. Mo LOVES Seaworld, so it was the perfect opportunity to go. Plus, it was FREE! woot woot!

Mason was thoroughly excited to wear his hat...can you tell?

We went to most of the shows, which are all so good. I love SeaWorld! This is us sitting in the soak zone for the Shamu show Believe. As you can tell, we are well prepared with our swimsuits on! Another cool thing for the littler kids is the Bay of Play there at Seaworld. It's Sesame Street themed so that's a bonus. When I found out we could take pictures the characters we had to go! Mason LOOOOVES Elmo but calls him Oh Oh. When he saw Oh Oh, he got soooo excited! He couldn't believe that Elmo was actually right there in front of him! He was giving him hugs and kisses, poking his big orange nose, and playing peek-a-boo! We could've stayed there all day just doing that and Mason wouldn't have cared.

There were some fun house mirrors just randomly placed on the sidewalk. Mason did not like them at all!

Looks like the Flamingos were excited to see Chellese

The last day she was here we were packing and getting ready to head to Utah. I had some friends that were getting married one week after the other, so it was the perfect excuse to come out! Hopefully Mom and Chellese had a good time while they were here. We sure did!