Regarding Her Teeth

Last smile with her "real teeth." Aug 2011.

This is MaeMae.

She loves to giggle non-stop, smile ear-to-ear, and act all sorts of crazy.

Last January she broke her little kisser (remember that?) and we all wondered if she would be able to keep that sweet smile.

Well, it ended up after consulting the professionals that her two front teeth needed to come out. They would be replaced with a wired-in prosthetic. Easy and I were heartbroken for her, but this girl is a trooper and cooperated extremely well.

Holding Momma's Hand and The View After the Trauma

The same day that they took her natural teeth out they immediately placed the fake teeth.

Showing off her fangs.

Unfortunately they had to order new ones because the new two were too small.

Yesterday the final teeth were placed. Yay! And she is smiling pretty again with not only her new teeth, but also newly fashioned self-cut bangs.

What am I going to do with this girl??

Grandpa Brown

1978. Easy's sister is born to his mother Suzanne, delivered by his grandfather, Dr. Brown.

Just over a week ago Easy's grandfather passed away. The same man that delivered him into this world as a newborn and the man that married us in the LA Temple. Gratefully, we got to see him last month in Utah just before he broke his hip and fell ill. We are also grateful for the knowledge we have about eternal life and know that Grandpa is rejoicing to be back in the presence of his sweetheart, Marjorie.

Easy has been at the funeral this weekend and will return to us this evening. We are so extremely fond of Grandpa Brown and I wish that the girls and I could have joined E in California. I feel so fortunate to have married into such an awesome family with such a great legacy. We will always admire James Brown.

Obit as posted in the LA Times:

Dear Arkie,

I hate your bugs.

Love,

Saturday's Smores

It rained and thundered all night last night. It was so loud it woke me several times. This morning all is wet and the rain is still drizzling.

I sent Blondes to school in sandals with no mind of even looking outside this morning to see the weather. Whoops. Strike one.

I love the grey skies, but it does make me long for nights like we had a couple weeks ago. These southern storms are quite dramatic.

I treasure times like this when we can all be together - and I'm not passed out on the couch from working. MaeMae has been asking over and over when we can do it again. Funny thing is - I've secretly been wondering the exact same thing.

End of Summer Feast

*from memory*

Chicken Sausage Kabobs

Chicken Sausage
Sweet Peppers
Zucchini
Gala Apples
Sweet Onions

Marinated in lemon juice and olive oil with garlic, salt and pepper then browned over the grill.

Garden Salad with Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette

Spring Greens
Sweet Peppers
Avocado
Strawberries
Green Onions
Sliced Cherry Tomatoes
Fresh Grated Parmesan Cheese
Dried Cranberries
Sugared Pecans

Vinaigrette: Combine in blender 1/8 c balsamic vinegar, 1tsp brown sugar, salt and pepper. Turn on machine and slowly add 1/2 c (or so) olive oil.

Mango Bruschetta

Sliced French Loaf with Butter Spread on Side of Each Slice

Chopped Mango
Chopped Sweet Onion
Tomatoes Chopped
Fresh Basil
Chopped Brie
Minced Garlic Cloves

Combine all with olive oil, a couple dashes of balsamic, salt and pepper. Heat under low broiler until toasty and cheese is melted.

Serve all with Fancy Soda!

baby.

attempt to document the fourth bump.
sept 8 2011

I'm sitting at 31weeks today. Yesterday I visited Dr. H. I really like him. We talked about my oldest because she wants to be there when this little person enters the world. I also want her to be there. He is fine with it - now E and I are trying to determine the specifics. We also talked about a little thing called an IUD.

My pregnancy has flown by and I'm feeling closer and closer to this new little lady. She may be a little feisty though. When she wakes from her sleeping episodes she bumps around in my womb like no other - it's like she can't get comfortable, or maybe she is just dancing. It's either that or she's practicing her ninja moves.

Oh, but I can't wait to smell her skin and have her ball-up on my chest like a little koala. Easy also happens to be a pro when it comes to cuddling and comforting our newborns and I just know that he can't wait either. The oldest girls want to feed her, burp her, rock her, dress her, change her, etc. And little Gigi - the ruler of our roost - is just plain going to have her world rocked.

Latest names:

Farrah
Audrey
Elaine
Rosie
Phebe

September Faves and Craves

It's back! I'm back!

Woohoo!

It's true that the past few months I really haven't been myself. And honestly I find myself missing the Arizona Hays. You know that one? The one who cooks, blogs, gardens, and makes stuff, and has chickens living in her back yard, and is always up for anything?

Moving across the country, working full time (nights), and being unexpectedly pregnant has really thrown me for a loop this year and most days I have felt like my head is barely above water.

I feel though, that I'm finally used to my schedule and I'm able to do more of what I love again. And it feels great!
Plus this little baby will be here soon :)

Anyway.
Where was I?

September Faves and Craves! And in the perfect blues and greys.

Here we go:

1. I'm loving antique brass jewelry lately and immediately fell for this little piece on Etsy.

2. I've been searching and searching for a sunburst mirror and have yet to find the perfect one. This one is close, but not with that price tag.

3. I've discovered face primer. It creates a nice smooth matte finish. Try it!

4. Low rise boots. Mine are coming today!!!

5. So excited to wear cardi's and sweaters again. Especially with this growing belly. Love Urban's Basic Cardigan.

6. I've always had the hardest time with eyeliner. Weather it's liquid or pencil I've never really been satisfied. Lately I've tried gel and so far I'm really liking the lasting results.

7. I gotta get me one of these.

8. My new favorite nail color.

9. A good watch is essential to a nurse. I'm really digging my new one Easy got me.

Ash Gets Hitched

Our final task in Utah was witnessing Easy's sister Ashley get married in SLC:

My little brood waited anxiously outside the temple to see their aunt.

Our attempt of a family picture.
Could be worse, right?

At least there are no tears...yet.

The couple was amazingly stunning.

So was my Blondes.

And later that evening the Gardiners partied.

(My apologies to Steph and Shaunna for taking photos while they were eating.
You understand,
I couldn't resist posting this photo of my husband.)

Above:
Chad and Christine - Steph and Fat
-Blondes and Andrew's neice take their 4th tour through the line-
Rach and Nic - MaeMae waits for cake




Congrats you two!




And here is the whole family.
That is until our fourth little one arrives in November. :)

Bridal Veil Falls

Lewis' Hang in Provo Canyon, UT
August 12, 2011

10 days

We have been recovering a week from our 10 day stint in Utah visiting family and running around wild.

We were happy our first day there to enjoy boating in the warm sun and cool air, with spectacular views of the mountains of Deer Creek Reservoir. My brother and his family were kind enough to host all 5 of us.

And the girls were stoked to get to know their cousins again.

This one struggled getting used to her jacket.

Other than that we were all smiles.

My boating babes.
August 11, 2001