MANDI'S BLOG

Katelyn turned 1 year old

2011-06-28T00:49:00.002-06:00

My Sweet baby is 1 year old.

Family Pictures 2010

2011-01-11T01:19:00.010-07:00

Seasons Greetings 2010

2010-12-23T00:28:00.001-07:00

Katelyn is 3 months old.

2010-10-28T01:02:00.003-06:00

The last four months

2010-10-28T01:01:00.001-06:00

I haven’t blogged for four months now. I had my pretty baby and love her dearly! The other part of my life has taken over; I have been suffering from severe postpartum depression. I haven’t talked about it because of the attention it might bring. I can barely handle the days and couldn’t handle more than that. I returned to work and that has helped me a lot, but this hasn’t ended the post partum everyday is still a battle. I was so scared to ask for help, only because I went to the doctor and asked him to help, he wanted to lock me up in the Looney bin and take my children away. He made me so so afraid. I have lived this way now since Katelyn’s birth, with the burden to constantly fake every day. I have the fear if I don’t everything in my life will be ruined. I FEEL SO OVERWHELMED! Between the fear of losing my house if I don’t go to work, to constant calls from creditors from the hospital bills, I feel so alone.
I went to get help from my mother she has been nothing but a complete disappointment. She is so self absorbed in her life that she could care less about me or my children. As soon as anyone comes around she puts on a show of what a great mother and grandmother she is. FRAUD!!
My grandma Watson has been a wonderful help, I couldn’t have gotten this far without her. Anytime I have called her she comes immediately. I am so thankful for her. I need her more than she will know. I have actually thanked her numerous times, but I don’t know if she realized what she has done for me. The hard part is that she is a snow bird and went to Yuma, AZ as she always does for the winter. So now she is gone til spring.
There are so many days I can’t stop crying and thinking that if my kids weren’t here I would be dead. I have lost my will to live. I yell at myself in my head and say what is so hard about your life, knock it off. It doesn’t work, but I try to remind myself it could be so much worse in hopes to make it positive. I pray incessantly for relief from the sadness. I have lost friendships because sometimes I just can’t talk to anyone. I also don’t call people because I can’t bring people down, I hate being like this why would I make anyone else like this. I have had some individuals be super mean to me, I have been told to just buck up, don’t you think I would if I could…They put me on Zoloft (anti- depressant) but it just made me more down on my down days. That was listed as a side effect, it could cause suicide. That is really funny if you think about it because I was taking it for that reason, to prevent suicide.
I was writing this to hopefully have people understand what I am going through right now so I don’t lose anymore friendships. I am trying so hard, and it feels like it isn’t good enough. I used to be this fun person, WHERE IS SHE??? I feel so lost and afraid. I want this to end soon. Please world just try to be patient with me.
I have been using google to find out how to start a foundation for women with post partum depression, for them the mothers who can’t handle life because it is a real thing. I feel for these women, I am one of them. I tell myself I just can’t give up…….

http://www.postpartum.net

New Pictures of Katelyn

2010-07-18T22:28:00.003-06:00

My friend Amie took these darling pictures..

http://persnicketypics.blogspot.com/

KATELYN

2010-06-25T17:41:00.003-06:00

Katelyn Summer Arrival

2010-06-25T00:52:00.007-06:00

June 21st, 2010
Katelyn Summer
6 lbs 17 inches

Baby Shower for my coming little girl

2010-06-03T00:57:00.002-06:00

So I was lucky and the girls at work threw a baby shower party for Jenna and I who are due the same day for the girls at work. Then my friend Lori threw me a baby shower for friends and family. Here are some pictures. I feel so loved.

Old Train Station

2010-05-23T22:36:00.002-06:00

Train Station Museum-
Jaxon just loves trains so much. He loves to watch them pass us on the train tracks, the noise of them and the ground shaking. Eric saw this old train station museum right in our town that he could check everything out. So I didn’t have a camera because it was an impulse stop, here are the pictures that I took from my cell phone.

Jaxon got a new room

2010-05-16T23:42:00.001-06:00

With a new baby coming soon, I decided that I needed to move Jaxon to a different room. I want the new baby in the room adjacent to me instead of Jaxon. I just didn’t want Jaxon to feel shunned, and figure it was the new baby’s fault he had to be moved. So the plan is to move him before the new baby comes so he doesn’t connect the two together. I went to extra lengths to make his new room feel cool to him. I made pictures for his wall and a shelf with his name on it to. Now mind you I am almost nine months pregnant so Eric did all of the moving, and work. It was a success Jaxon loves his new room. I made him, a picture of a car, dump truck, and fire engine. The shelf I made Eric actually bought the letters for it when Jaxon was first born so I just needed something to put them on. FUN!!

BIKE

2010-03-31T19:29:00.002-06:00

Jaxon got a bike for Christmas that we make him ride in the house because it has been so cold, so he can practice. For the first Eric took him outside to ride it, and Jaxon just loved it. He did so well on his bike, the inside practice paid off. Jaxon even fell a few times but got right back up again and rode his bike. I am so proud.. I can't wait for summer.

Family pictures 2010

2010-03-24T00:35:00.005-06:00

Here is the blog of the friend that took the pictures:
http://persnicketypics.blogspot.com/

Family pictures 2010

2010-03-24T00:20:00.005-06:00

NEW KITCHEN TABLE

2010-02-11T01:12:00.002-07:00

I wanted a new kitchen table so bad and couldn't afford it. Well, I found a table that I really liked at Kmart( I hate that place) and put it on layaway. So I finally got it and I am so excited. Here it is!!

I love workin with my hands

2010-02-11T01:09:00.001-07:00

I refinished a table for my sister-in-law. It was a wood table from D.I. I bought it for $8 dollars. I bought a new handle for it and painted it white. I love doing that.

Camo Suit

2010-02-11T01:04:00.003-07:00

Jaxon got this camo suit from the trip to Lackland, Texas see Jill graduate from Air Force boot camp. He didn't want to wear it he hated it so much. It took two grown men to put it on him. I of course had to take pictures. It made me laugh.

IT'S A GIRL!

2010-01-27T23:21:00.001-07:00

I had my ultrasound and found out I am having a girl! I am so excited. PINK!!!! I am due in June. PINK!!!!

Earthquake

2010-01-05T13:48:00.000-07:00

I felt my first earthquake last night, at 1:08 am on Tuesday morning. Eric had got up to go to the bathroom and I was lying in bed. At first I thought that Eric was shaking the bed, but when I looked over he was trying to keep his balance, it woke Jaxon up to. Eric and I then realized that we had just experienced an earthquake. I said to Eric get Jaxon and stand in the doorway. It raddled our house quite a bit and some lose things fell. I was frightened at the time, but I think it is really cool now. I called KSL news to report it and it made me feel better to find out that many people were calling to report it. I knew then we weren’t crazy, there really was an earthquake.
Seismologists at the University of Utah say the 2.9 magnitude quake was centered 4 miles northwest of Saratoga Springs. I live half a mile from Saratoga Springs. So it was close to our house the origin point. There has been three earthquakes within the last month in Utah.

Cabinet

2010-01-03T21:19:00.001-07:00

So I want new furniture so bad, but can't afford it. My cute friend Amie always refinishes furniture and it looks so cute. I redid my DVD cabinet and I am proud. It was a wood finish that is that particle board stuff and I painted it black and added new handles cost me $6 dollars per cabinet I have two. I love it. With being pregnant I have to find activities that I can sit and do, so this is perfect..

SANTA??

2009-12-16T23:38:00.002-07:00

I haven't told Jaxon there is a Santa nor do I plan to, but he gets babysat with little girls who tell him there is one. I am just staying neutral on the whole Santa thing. The funny part is that he saw Santa and wanted his picture with him, so here it is. I must admit he looks so adorable, but that is because he is my son. Jaxon didn't want Santa to touch him, but he was happy to get the picture. The person they got to play Santa was patient, he just went along with it.

CARS

2009-10-15T00:27:00.001-06:00

So I made a car mat for Jaxon a while ago, and I made one for a friend so I decided to put this on here to. These take me about 2 weeks to make. They are a lot of work. I am proud of it like my chair.

I DID THIS!!

2009-10-15T00:24:00.001-06:00

So My cute girlfriend Amie refinished a chair and I loved it so I thought I can do that. Here it is!

New Mexico September 10th-13th

2009-10-01T01:15:00.002-06:00

I had an entire week off of work; you know use the vacation or lose it. I got my house clean so out of boredom I decided to leave to Albuquerque, New Mexico to visit my grandma. I took my mother in fear of driving alone for 11 hours with a 2 year old. I left Thursday September 10th at 6:00am and we arrived at our hotel at about 5:00pm. I drove half way there and my mom drove the other half. We even had a shopping trip at wal-mart on the way, because I realized that in my haste to leave I had left Jaxon’s shoes at home.
We had to stay in a hotel because of two reasons. My grandma’s house is in disarray so there is no room at all, plus it needs some cleaning because I am scared of bugs. We stayed at the Days Inn only 4 miles from her house.
MOM GOT UP AT 6:00am!!!!!!
On Friday My mom, Rodney (my uncle- mom’s brother), Grandma and Jaxon got into the car. I wanted to go to a museum that I remembered as a child. My mother always took us there whenever we would visit my grandma. Rodney is in school so he couldn’t go. My grandma hated my driving so unless Rodney was with us in the car, I drove; otherwise he drove my car most of the time. In my defensive I didn’t mean to run the red light, the laws are different there. I was waiting at the red light to make a right turn, I was stopped watching traffic, once it was clear I turned. Apparently it is against the law to make a right on a red in Albuquerque, I only know because it upset my grandma that I had turned. It isn’t against the law in Utah so how was I supposed to know. Needless to say I got banned from driving my own car. We ended up going to a museum on campus (university of New Mexico) that Rod had told us about, then to my museum. In between we also visited old town and had lunch with my uncle Randy (mom’s brother) and his cute girlfriend Cindy. That was fun.
I really enjoyed the museum I wanted to go to, the museum of natural history. We saw a Mummy show there too which I really enjoyed. Jaxon slept through it. My favorite part was the volcano that you can walk through; it was still there at the museum.
MOM GOT UP AT 6:00am!!!! Damn her!!!
The next day it was decided that we (mom, Rod and Jaxon- Grandma was at the temple) go to the state fair. Not my idea of fun. I got to see Valerie, (my aunt,) Jessica, (my cousin), and Jeremy (my cousin) at the Fair. We rode the bus to the fair, Jaxon loved riding the bus. We had Navajo bread, yummy! We saw Indians dance then saw a mariachi band. This pretty much took the whole day. Lame. We rode the bus back, Jaxon slept through that ate then swam at the hotel.
The next morning we left at 7:00am, I did all of the driving home so I speed the whole way, and that was my trip. I was so sleep deprived from my vacation that I needed a vacation from my vacation. TOO Bad I had used up all of my vacation.

Lake Powell August 23-26

2009-08-28T23:29:00.004-06:00

So I went to Lake Powell for the first time ever. I had a great time. Eric’s work goes every year and takes its employees. I was lucky enough to get to go!! I had a blast, I tried so many new things that I was so uncomfortable with. I am so proud so here is the deal; I went Cliff jumping, rock climbing, swimming, tubing, wave running, boat riding, and I caught a frog. We stayed on a house boat, which was amazing. It really was like a house on water. The one that I stayed on was 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. It had a big flat screen TV with surround sound, we played rockband on the wii on it, plus we watched 2 movies. The top deck was a patio across the whole thing they even had a water slide to the water. We were there for three days and I wish it was longer. Eric’s company goes every year so I can’t wait to go next year

Popsicles!!

2009-08-16T21:51:00.000-06:00

When I wasn’t home, but at work, for some reason, Eric decided to give Jaxon two popsicles (healthy dinner). The effect he started to scream then wipe his tongue and say “ouch”. Eric asked him if he bit his tongue, then Jaxon started to hold his head and say “ouch” again. Eric realized what had happened; he gave Jaxon his first brain freeze. Poor Jaxon, and mean daddy!

MUSTARD!!

2009-08-01T17:29:00.002-06:00

Jamie my cousin came into town to Visit from North Carolina and we had a party for her at my Grandma's house. For dinner at the party we served BBQ. Jaxon wanted a hot dog with mustard on it, but when he started making a mess with it, he freaked out. I laugh everytime I see the pictures, he was so upset at the mess he made.

U of U museum trip ( Natural history)

2009-08-01T17:19:00.003-06:00

U of U Natural history museum-

I wanted to go the museum that they had on Brian campus, so that Brian could go with me. I took Jaxon with us, because it was for him. When I go there I realized that I had forgotten my camera so I had to use my phone’s camera, so I am sorry for the horrible pictures. We however had a great time we saw, frogs, dinosaurs, rocks, bugs, and fish. Jaxon loved it, he loved the tent the very most at the museum. I had a great time. Afterward Brian, Jaxon and I ate at Rubio’s Mexican grill, and is was yummy..

Golden Scissor Award

2009-05-03T21:38:00.002-06:00

So I got this award at work. I actually have gotten it every year that I have worked there, just that I got a new boss that rocks and is on top of it so I actually got something to show for it this time. It is called a Golden scissor award in order to get it you have to get a certain dollar amount to earn it. So I got it along with four other girls out of sixteen stylists. I also get the All-star award every year at work to, but they don't give you anything for it except a higher employee discount. So I have nothing to show for that, that is also based on your dollar amount you generate for the salon.

Living Planet Aquaruim - March 29th, 2009

2009-04-15T22:50:00.003-06:00

We had a chance to go to The Living Planet Aquarium in Sandy, UT. Jaxon loved it so so much, that we couldn’t catch him he ran around everywhere yelling and looking. We finally had to leave early. The whole reason that we went in the first place was because it was our nephews Birthday his name is Colby. They had everything you could think of in the aquarium, jellyfish, sharks, sting rays, star fish, frogs, snakes, bugs, spiders and a video to watch. Afterward Jesse, Jen, Colby, Avery, Eric, Mandi, Jaxon, Candace and her two kids went to TGI Fridays to eat. It was yummy! I loved the aquarium.

Vegas Trip!!

2009-04-15T15:45:00.003-06:00

March 23rd-26th 2009 Monday-Thursday.
I went to Las Vegas, My friend Lori turned 21 yrs old. So we partied like rock stars!!! Lori is from Vegas so it was nice to see a little different side of Vegas besides the strip. We as in Eric, me, Lori and Gio( Lori’s boyfriend)Stayed in the Rio hotel. We had a beautiful room that faced the strip. We also ate like kings and queens. Plus we were fortunate to see two shows one at New York, New York called Zumanity. The second show at the Bellagio called O. Both shows were Cirque Du Soleil, which means they do amazing acrobats and gymnastics. I had a great time and can’t wait to go again.

Disneyland Trip!

2009-04-09T02:16:00.002-06:00

I was able to go to Disneyland. I felt pretty lucky to get a chance to go. I went with my sister Jill, her boyfriend Todd, and Brad. I had a great time. I like getting to go as an adult, with adults. It was a very fun trip to go on. We stayed in the Anaheim Fairfield Inn by Marriott. It was a very nice room. I slept well except for Brad and Todd snoring in Unison. I flew on JetBlue airlines to Long beach; CA airport from there rode the super shuttle. I met Jill, Brad, and Todd at the California adventure capital c. From there was the Magic, the party, and the fun. I ate like a queen. We ate at my favorite Mexican place, by big thunder mountain railroad; I also had a dole pineapple whip. We stayed Friday, Saturday and left early Sunday morning. I had a great trip.. I LOVE DISNEYLAND!!!

Friday, February 27th, 2009

Christmas Card

2008-12-18T22:07:00.002-07:00

Eric's award

2008-12-18T15:21:00.003-07:00

Eric got an award at his Christmas Party this year at Best Vinyl. I am so proud of him. He got the "GIDDUR DUHN" award.

2008-12-18T14:48:00.002-07:00

It snowed just horrible today. So I went outside to shovel the walkways and driveway. I put Jaxon in his snow suit that I of course bought at Penney’s where I work. He hated the snow suit but loved the snow. He played in it for about 45mins, and loved it. So I guess the snow suit was worth it.
I tried making a snowman, but the snow was too powdery it didn’t stick together at all. I guess I didn’t realize that it is the wet snow that snow men are made of.

Our Family is doing ok considering the economy. Eric makes salary so he still gets paid the same. I however have been making minimum wage, because no one wants to get there haircut, colored, permed, etc. if they have extra money it is gas and food. So I have been reading a lot at work and sitting and sitting. Somehow we are just barely making our bills which are better than some families so I don’t complain I just feel blessed. GOD BLESS YOU!!

2008-11-12T09:07:00.002-07:00

Jaxon is two years old. That is super exciting. He still isn’t talking much but he seems to be learning lots. For his birthday we went to chuck e cheese. He loved it. I don't have really any pictures, I forgot to give the camera to someone else to take them.

Halloween 2008

2008-11-12T09:06:00.001-07:00

Jaxon loved Halloween even thought he didn’t understand the trick or treat part. He understood the candy part just fine. He looked super cute in his monkey costume.
I went to my mother’s house to do the trunk or treat in her ward then to Grandma Watson’s house for a visit and to have pizza, candy bars and soda. Then we went to Grandma Braithwaite’s for a visit there. That pretty much took the entire night. As before Jaxon really hated his Halloween costume, he screamed and tried super hard to pull it off. I found it really funny.

Some video of Jaxon dancing

2008-10-22T17:24:00.003-06:00

Here is a video from a few months back of Jaxon showing off some of his dance moves.

Happy Halloween card

2008-10-22T15:55:00.001-06:00

Jaxon’s Halloween Card

Jaxon hates his monkey costume so bad that this is the best pictures that I could get for him for the Halloween card. Eric helped me tons, but together we are no match for a 2 year old. He refused to let me take one at a portrait studio, I did take him but he just screamed. So this one was taken at home, FUN!!!

Manager Retreat Best Vinyl 09/03-09/04/08

2008-09-09T23:44:00.001-06:00

Manager retreat trip-
Eric and I went with his work to the Zermatt in Midway, UT. I loved going there with Eric and his work. The room wasn’t so great, but the food was wonderful. Eric has some really fun people that he works with, and Best Vinyl has been such a blessing for our family. We ate at Matty’s Bistro and I wasn’t afraid to try all of the food from all of everyone’s plate. I am so glad that they were nice enough to share. We played Mafia, the card game with like 30 people; I had a great time even though I was probably way too loud. THAT’S MANDI!! The other wives were really nice, and I had a great time with them. In the morning we all went to the spa and got a massage it was amazing and Best Vinyl paid. You can’t beat that. My parents are so helpful they watched Jaxon so we could go and enjoy our time together; it made it all that much better. I only wish I would of brought my swimsuit they had a great pool with a waterfall. I can’t wait to go again.

Trip to the Hogle Zoo

2008-08-27T14:04:00.006-06:00

We went to the Zoo!!! I decided that since Jaxon was recognizing everything on the TV. It was time to take him to the zoo. We went to Hogle zoo on Sunday, and it was a love hate relationship. He loved the Train, hated the elephant statue. He loved the monkeys, hated the stroller. I could go on, but basically he really liked the zoo. I found it to not be as bad as I remembered, not as stinky, but still really hot. I still really love the penguins. I had a fun time with Eric, my mom, Jaxon and me. So yes I will go again next year.

Big boy

2008-07-30T00:50:00.004-06:00

Yesterday Eric went to get Jaxon up from his nap, he doesn’t always cry for us to come get him he will just play in his crib so we have to check or listen for noise. When Eric opened the door there he was standing there waiting. We have no idea how he climbed out, but he did. So Eric lowered the crib to its lowest setting. This morning when I heard him knocking on the door from the inside, I got up to find him out of his crib again standing there waiting for me. So he is a big boy now and sleeps in his toddler bed. He is now 20 months old and is out of his crib. I am sad; I wanted to keep him in there as long as possible. Our crib luckily converts to a toddler bed.He has already fallen out of it twice so I put the body pillow from my bed on there to protect him.

I can pick my own clothes

2008-07-22T21:57:00.002-06:00

I wanted to dress myself. Notice that my shoes don't match, pants are optional, tie-dye and stripes always go together and count on my dad to go along with it and dress me.

Anniversary

2008-07-22T08:01:00.008-06:00

Our anniversary trip to Daniel’s Summit Lodge

I made it to six years of marriage, and yes it was hard so I am PROUD!! We went to Daniel’s Summit Lodge which I was surprised to find that most people that I talk to have no idea where that is. It is located right before Strawberry Reservoir on the summit as you drive up the canyon, which is of course called Daniel’s. We stayed in a suite that had a king bed, jetted tub, balcony, robes, fridge and HBO!! Actually interestingly enough all rooms have a balcony and cable. It is so beautiful up there, I just love it. We also sat and relaxed in the hot tub and swam a little. I love that the pool is in a glass building so that you can see out and there is no hours on the pool since it is free standing building so we could hot tub at any hour. They have horseback riding, 4-wheeling, and ATV riding, but we just relaxed because I needed that and so did Eric. The rooms aren’t that expensive at all, it would cost more to go to the anniversary inn, and they have an on site restaurant so you can eat great all of the time. The restaurant was the most expensive part, and since you are in the middle of no where, you really have no other choice unless you drive the 23 miles to Heber.

We drove down to Strawberry reservoir, and went to the visitor’s center. We also walked the boardwalk that is located right by there. We got lucky because it was overcast because before that it was so so hot. We went driving there on the dirt roads so that Eric could look for deer. We actually didn’t see any at the reservoir. On one of the road we did however find tons of cows, which stood in the way on the road and wouldn’t let us cross that easy. In the end it was worth the drive there was a great view, and lots of bugs and squirrels. Eric would tell you I never saw the view because I refused to get out of the jeep because of the bugs. Let’s just say that I don’t camp, that explains it all.

We also went on a hike at Daniels, but since it was so hot we didn’t go very far at all. I did pick myself some wildflowers, and enjoyed getting out. I am not going to lie I also enjoyed my free time away from Jaxon, it was nice to have him baby sat by his Grandma. I missed him, but quickly remembered that I had this time away to love him even more. I had pity and guilt that I left him that I bought him a shirt at Strawberry reservoir that read “I might be small, but I am a keeper” it had a small fish on it. I had a great time all together and loved getting away for a little bit. I love you Eric, Happy Anniversary!

Naughty with the coco

2008-07-07T01:15:00.005-06:00

For a dessert we had homemade brownies alamode (put vanilla ice cream on the top of a brownie, and I am a damn genius). Eric and I put a bib on Jaxon along with putting him in the high chair, to protect my table, and his clothes. THIS WAS THE RESULT!!!! AND HE THOUGHT HE WAS SO FUNNY!

Needless to say I didn’t laugh at all; he proved again that he is 20 months old. This took a good 15 minutes to clean up with two adults helping. I told Eric to dump him in the tub fully clothed, and have water running. He calls the brownies coco, which he learned from his Spanish only speaking baby sitter. NAUGHTY WITH THE COCO!

I AM ALIVE!

2008-07-02T23:22:00.000-06:00

My surgery went great. I am in a lot of pain, but I was before so no big deal. This is going to take forever to write this with one hand and the wrong hand too! I feel great, and being put under in surgery was wonderful. I had no reason to be afraid at all. I have cool painkillers so I am happy and feel pretty good. Eric was a wonderful help to me, I feel lucky to be married to him. I am writing this on my drugs so if it doesn’t make sense, we can laugh about it later. The doctor said that I said some funny stuff, and that I was really funny, the best part is that I don’t remember at all. He also said that the tumor was really deep, a lot deeper than he thought it was. That made me happy, see I wasn’t a just a big baby!

2008-06-24T20:39:00.010-06:00

I put up the pool for Jaxon today, and he loves to swim so he couldn’t wait. After a minute he got bored so he kept running in the street so I had a good idea of inviting the neighbor girls over so that he would play with them. In this situation I can see where having two children would benefit me, so they would entertain each other. They all played and had a great time. It was 93 degrees today, and so it was plenty warm to play in the cold pool. I put some pictures up to see!

Surgery hopefully!

2008-06-18T22:18:00.002-06:00

I’m having surgery on the second of July on my hand. They tell me it will be two to six weeks that I’m out of work to recover. I have a bone spur, that rubbing my nerve, to protect the nerve my body made a ganglion cyst. The cyst is so large that I can no longer make a fist, it causes me horrible pain. Plus I have carpal tunnel, in my same hand so the doctor will fix that all of that at the same time. He is going to do it all with a scope. It happens to all be on my right hand and well I’m right handed. The funny part is that I am really excited about my surgery because of the awful pain I am in, but I am scared about being put under you know the anesthetic. I have a mouth like a truck driver and well with having a baby I have tried to keep it under control. I am afraid with the drugs I will say some things that I might regret. Ha Ha! We will see how it goes.

Mandy my friend.

2008-06-18T22:15:00.001-06:00

My friend Mandy got married this weekend and I was able to go to the wedding. It was in Colorado Springs, CO. It was amazing. She married a marine and his friends were his groomsmen. They all were also something military one was in the Navy, two were a Marine, and his brother was Air Force. They all had on there uniforms and they looked sharp, it was really cool they all had there swords too! I did all of the bridesmaid’s hair, and the Bride and had a blast. I love driving there; the tunnels you get to go through are so neat. Actually Eric did all of the driving, I was along for the ride. I wish I lived in Colorado Springs. This is the last wedding that I will get to do for them, it was my third for there family, and now all of there children are married. SAD! I love going there and being with them, the Thornburgh’s are amazing people!

Ramble about nothing

2008-06-18T22:14:00.000-06:00

I have started watching this show that is very addictive for me it is called Ghost hunters on the scfi channel. It is a reality show on Wednesdays nights. They look to see if places are haunted or not. They try to prove it wrong. The problem with this show is that it terrifies me to the point that I can’t sleep so I need to stop watching it. I keep trying to stop every week.

I have started reading this book called escape by Carolyn Jessop. She is one of the ones that escaped from Warren Jeff’s compound; it is so interesting to read. It is like what Mormons believe to a tee, but twisted. It is crazy!

I did yard work today and I HATE IT SO MUCH! There are a million others things I would rather be doing. I pulled so many weeds today and my yard still looks like trash. I am embarrassed that the poor neighbors hate me for bringing the neighborhood down. So occasionally I try to fix it, but I get so so sick from the sun and I am sick.

I am still studying the bible with the Jehovah’s witnesses and love it so much. I have learned so much and am so eager to learn more. I will let you know how it goes.

Enough of my basic ramble, I hope all is well with everyone!

HURT AGAIN!

2008-04-15T14:55:00.002-06:00

So two weeks ago I woke up and was unable to move my shoulder. It was frozen stiff, and when I tried to move it the pain was so so unbearable. Come to find out it was due to over use, basically from doing hair so many years. I thought that by the end of the day it would go away, I was so wrong. When I went to the doctor he called it supraspinatous tendonitis. I soon realized that I couldn’t lift my right arm at all, which means that I couldn’t cut hair!!!! I was devastated! The good thing about working at JCPenney is that I have benefits there, so they paid for me to sit home for two weeks. The not so funny part is that they use my vacation pay first, and then I tap into disability. Well, I had 60 hours of vacation so NO VACATIONS for me, it is all used up. I wasted it sitting home in a horrible amount of pain. So now I am back at work, the doctor has me going to physical therapy. So he said I could go back to work even though I am in a horrible amount of pain still.
My clients have been so so patient. I still can’t fully lift my arm, and so I stand on a stool, and cut hair. Then I tell everyone this story every time they sit in my chair. I love my clients.
I am in so much fear of this happening again, that I am following whatever the physical therapist says to a tee. I am getting better, but the process is long for me. I hope that this never happens again. By the way my cyst is back in my hand and I'm going to need surgery, again. It is also caused by over use of my hand.

Happy EASTER!

2008-03-23T21:34:00.000-06:00

Easter was good for Jaxon this year. He understood the egg thing and was able to get fruit snacks out of them. He liked it a lot which really surprised me, I thought that he wouldn’t understand. NEVER UNESTIMATE YOUR CHILD. That happens to be my constant lesson everyday. Jaxon is changing so so fast that I don’t realize how much he learns in a day. Especially since he learns Spanish at the sitter I am unsure of what he knows in English. This is a constant frustration I deal with daily.

My sister-in-law Jen has one of those blow up toys for the kids that they can jump on and play in. So Jaxon was able to spend time with his cousins and enjoy that with the cool balls that Grandma B. had. It was actually warm enough that we were able to be outside without jackets. It was a really fun day. Jaxon even went to the park to feed the ducks with his cousins. After that we had a BBQ. Hope you had a Happy Easter!

Disney on Ice

2008-03-12T22:45:00.001-06:00

For fun my mother bought tickets to the Disney on ice. Needless to say I wasn’t excited to go, but I wanted to hang out with my sister and mom. I even called my mom and told her that since Jill my sister was excited to go, I didn’t want to hurt her feelings and tell her it sounded lame. My mom then told me that it was her idea. LOL! I am such a DORK, (insert foot in mouth). Well, I went and had a good time considering we were the only ones without a child with us. I knew I should of brought Jaxon as a excuse.

God Blesses us!

2008-02-05T14:55:00.000-07:00

On Friday when I was driving home from work as I got off the American Fork exit I saw a mini-van that had slid off the road. It was late, cold and dark. As I continued up the off ramp I saw a women walking in heels and a skirt. I got this strong feeling that I was to tell her to get in my car for her safety. When that thought entered my mind I thought back she won’t get in the car with a complete stranger. I yelled to her from my vehicle for her to get in, I told that I was alone, no boys were in the car. To my surprise she got in. I asked her “is that your van?”
She said “yes”.
I then gave her my cell phone and told her she could call whoever she needed. She started crying and told me that she didn’t know any of their phone numbers. They were all at home. She didn’t have a cell phone either. I asked if she was ok and she said yes that she wasn’t hurt. I asked about her van that if it was just stuck, and she said that the front driver tire was flat. I told her I could call my husband to change it for her. She told me she didn’t have a spare tire and then started to cry again. At that point I called Eric and he remembered seeing the van, he said she forgot to leave the flashers on. I then got back on the freeway and went back to the exit so we could leave the Hazard lights on. We got out and did that in the deep snow. I then asked her what she wanted to do and she asked if I could drive her home. I said that of course I could where does she live, she told me Eagle Mountain. So I started to drive. She asked if on the way we could pick up her four children from the babysitter. I said yes that was fine. As we drove she started to spill the beans of why she couldn’t call her husband. She said that he had left her 4 months ago and that he had cheated on her numerous times. They were in a process of a divorce and that he was leaving her with nothing after 12 years of marriage. She was so scared she had been a stay at home mom for the entire marriage. The more she told the worse it got.

The best part is that she told me where she had come from which was a LDS singles dance. She said she had left early because the men were all so creepy, she said that a guy 24 years older than her asked her to dance and invited her back to his place. Yuck!! That is all the same scary stories I hear from all of my clients who go, I felt even worse for her.

When we got to Eagle Mountain, she was still so upset that she couldn’t remember the way to the sitter house. We drove around for a minute then she remembered. When we arrived there at about 11:30pm I went with her to the door. The poor women at the door (the sitter) looked so confused. I explained that I had picked her up and brought her there. I explained about her van, because she was still so upset and crying. I told her that I made her get in with me and that the van would most likely have to be towed. The sitter started to cry and thanked me. She said that she had it from here and that she would drive her home. I left my phone number in case she needed anything else.
The next day I went to work and came home and her van was gone, so I assumed it must have worked out ok. I am so glad she got in the car with me. When I had asked her why she got in, she said that something told her to get in for her safety. Another time God steps in and helps us out, I feel blessed by him.

I love VEGAS!!

2008-01-31T00:45:00.000-07:00

We as in Eric, me, Karen and Jared Sharp are going to Las Vegas at the end of Feburary. Eric just loves the band 311. Of course they are playing there then, so we will be there. I am so so excited. I think that we will have tons of fun as always, plus Karen is a blast so it will be great! I want to do everything but there is never enough time. I love VEGAS!!!

Pain in the ....!

2008-01-30T00:31:00.000-07:00

I have had this horrible bump in my hand by my wrist, and it has gotten BIGGER! It hurts me so so bad, all of the time now. We all know that I use my hands tons, because of cutting hair. So it got unbearable, I gave in!
So I went to the doctor today, and he told me it was a cyst with skin growing around it. So it was also classified as a tumor. He then told me it was bad off and that we couldn't wait any longer. So he removed a big chunk of it today. Now I thought that I would be in a massive amount of pain from the surgery, but surprise it is less pain then when the cyst was there. I am really sore today and want to go about my business and it has slowed me down, but I am fine. There is a chance it will come back because he didn't remove it all, but he did shots of steroids into it to make it die.
I was so excited that I didn't have to go to the hospital and that he did it fast in the clinic. Especially because Jaxon was in everything. Plus I didn't have to be put under, you know asleep. YIKES! So I am happy for the end result. Let's just hope that my insurance pays the bill, like they are suppose to.

HE CAN WALK!!

2008-01-02T14:12:00.002-07:00

JAXON CAN WALK!!
About a week ago Jaxon decided that he was sick of crawling he has been able to walk for a month now, but has been uninterested. Then a week ago he decided that it was worth his time and hasn’t stopped since. He looks like a drunk still, but I think that the balance will come super soon. EXCITING! I have to chase now.

MERRRY CHRISTMAS!!!

2008-01-02T14:00:00.002-07:00

Merry Christmas!!!
So my computer is broken again so that is why I haven’t written in a while, I used my parents computer to write this.
Christmas was so much fun. I got tons of neat stuff along with Eric, but Jaxon is the one that matters the most. Jaxon still hasn’t figured out how to open the gifts, and after we open them, he just wants to play with the boxes and wrapping paper. This was fine with me that makes a cheap Christmas this year. My parents gave him a buggy to ride in, and that is his favorite toy. I will put pictures on here so that you can see it.
Christmas was really hard for me this year, when I finally got a day off on Christmas day it made the 52 hours seem like hell that I worked straight right before. This is the reason that I hate working retail at holiday times. It was a joke working all of those hours and I am sorry to all the people that I thought mean thoughts about them, like don’t they have anything better to do than shop, or wishing they would all just go home out if Penney’s store. But I survived so that is good; my nice clients make it easy for me. Talk to you all later, love mandi

Is Eric a Hero, or did he mess up everything?

2007-11-08T01:06:00.000-07:00

Eric went to five mile pass with his family on 10/28/07 to go four wheeling. While there they noticed a truck parked with a man sleeping in it, but didn’t think anything of it, after about an hour they started to wonder why he was sleeping so weird and why there of all places? Eric’s mom said that they should go and check on him, but they were all having so much fun that no one really wanted to. Finally after two hour of playing on the four wheeler, Eric’s brother decided to go and check on the man in the truck. He came over and told the family that he was covered in vomit and was lying really weird, so he was going to call the police. So Eric and his sister went to see if they could help him. Just as Eric’s brother had said he was covered in vomit and lying weird. Eric tried to open the door and it opened, only to find a whole bunch of empty bottles of sleeping pills. It was obvious that this was a suicide attempt. Eric tried to wake him, but he just moaned, and wouldn’t respond whatsoever. After a few minutes Eric realized that he recognized this vehicle from work. This was Shane, who comes in his truck to pick up supplies.
The police came, and Eric told him everything that they found, along with his family.
The hard part is that after Eric came home he didn’t know whether Shane had lived or died, whether they had saved him in time. Eric told his fellow co-workers about everything that had happened who were also worried. Eric then tried to get as much info as he could about Shane’s condition, which was really hard. He looked for an obituary in the newspaper, contacted friends that have jobs where they could maybe get info for him, but in the end had no luck.
On Tuesday 11/07/07 of this week the answer finally came in a phone call, Shane called Eric on his cell phone. He said that he got the cell phone number from Eric’s boss, but Eric was busy so he only heard a message from Shane asking him to call him back. I immediately told Eric not to call him, because he was going to be mad that Eric saved him. Eric told me that he already had returned his phone call. Apparently he was in the hospital for a week; it took two days for him to wake up with help and drugs from the hospital. Which means he would of never woke up, but because of them he did. He actually wasn’t mad at Eric like I thought that he would have been.
He wants to meet Eric the next time he picks up supplies at Eric’s work. So when Eric actually meets him, I will let you all know what happens, and if he is really mad. Regardless I don’t think any person could of lived with themselves if they didn’t do what they had done for Shane. GOOD LUCK SHANE!!

Happy Birthday Jaxon!!

2007-11-05T00:51:00.001-07:00

We made it the first year! Jaxon officially turned one year old on November 3rd. Just like everyone said it went so fast. We had his birthday party at our house. It was wonderful to see so many of our friends and family all together.
I ordered the cakes from Smith’s grocery store in Saratoga Springs. It turns out that apparently you get the baby cake for free when you order the other cake. That was so cool and nice of them. I have to say that I have just loved this Smith’s they have the best customer service of any store I have been too.
As all parents wonder, I was curious to see how Jaxon was going to do with his cake. At first he played a little, but after about 10 minutes he destroyed it covering himself. I was so proud. I expected that from him, but you never know.
So many of our guests were so generous on the gifts they brought. He got many new toys and clothes. He got a toy Tonka Truck, stacking cups, lawn mower, books, toy cell phone, farm animals and other toys. Plus I think that 24 months is now covered for clothes. THANKS TO EVERYONE. It was so fun to have everyone over. The pictures for this are down below. Happy Birthday Jaxon!!!

Pumpkin Carving 2007

2007-11-05T00:42:00.001-07:00

I wanted to show Jaxon how to carve a pumpkin; it has always been something that I have enjoyed. So I stripped him down so that if he got dirty it wouldn’t matter. He was fine with it, but not actually interested in getting dirty or slimy. He mostly wanted to suck on the seeds and play with the scooper. Maybe next year it will appeal more to him. It still got carved and I had a blast doing it. The pictures for this are down below. Happy Halloween!

The perks working for JcPenney

2007-10-07T23:32:00.000-06:00

For this Christmas I bought Eric the Total Gym. For those that don't know what that is, it is a piece of work out equipment. That is a work bench thing. I was able to get it at Jcpenney's for a crazy amount. It originally cost 300.00 dollars, but it was on clearance for 150.00 then all clearance is half off, and plus my discount of 20%. SO 67.90 was the grand total. I looked on the internet to see if I got a good deal and couldn't find it any cheaper than 200.00 dollars. I am so excited. The reason that it I talk about it is because it is so big that not only did it not fit in my car to take home, but I can't lift it to store it either. Plus it is too big to hide. So basically he knows about it. Only because I need his help. Dang it!! Merry Christmas Eric!!

Went 4 wheeling!!

2007-09-24T00:49:00.001-06:00

09-23-07
We went 4 wheeling with Grandma and Grandpa Braithwaite on there new 4 wheeler. It was fun, but super chilly. The weather said it was going to be 60 degrees, It felt like 50 degrees. We rode around all over the mountain. It was a place by our house called 5 mile pass.
There are so many reasons that I love living in Lehi. We have that mountain close about a 10min drive away, along with the Bike slash running river trail in our back yard. Plus it is so quiet around here. We need to eventually get a 4 wheeler. For now I love the pictures.

I got a new car

2007-09-23T02:11:00.001-06:00

My Toyota corolla had, had enough. I guess after the accident it was all over. Didn't find out until a week later, and I can't prove that it is accident related so there is nothing they will do about it.
I was able to get a new 2007 Suzuki forenza in cobalt blue. It is fully loaded and has a 100,000 ,mile bumper to bumper warranty. I love my new car, it just sucks having a car payment. My car has no horse power, but gets great gas mileage. I am so excited to have the new car, that I park it in the middle of nowhere at work. I don't mind, it is a small price to pay for a nice car. There is a picture of it lower on the page. I made it with the new scrapbook program that Eric gave me for my b-day.

2007-08-27T21:21:00.001-06:00

Here are some pictures of our trip to Flaming Gorge. We went on July 20th for our anniversary trip. It was amazing I have never been there, I had no idea that there was a cool bridge, and a cemet dam in the state if utah. It is about four hours from our house you go through Heber to vernal then to the dam, but don't drive too far then you are in Wyoming.
The first night we stayed in Heber at Daniels summit. It is so incredible! They have a indoor swimming pool, hot tub, a patio for every room, large tub in the bathroom, HBO, fireplace, and yummy sparkling cider in the bucket of ice. You feel like heaven. There is also great food at the place next door that they own. I love it and recommend it to all..
The second night also know as the nightmare place. We stayed in a place named spring creek ranch. The room was so tiny with no bathroom, there was a community bathroom we all shared with well water that smelled like sulfur. We did atleast have air conditioning, that is all besides a twin bed. The crazy part is that we paid the same as daniels summit lodge. I really disliked it. That is what I get for a last minute trip.
We took a dam Tour and it was great. There were turbines, and fish along with an elevator. It was so neat and it was FREE! We went inside of the dam which they just started doing again, about three weeks before we came. We were lucky..

Eric's Birthday Party

2007-08-13T00:38:00.001-06:00

I gave Eric a surprise birthday party! I did so good keeping it a secret it was a miracle. He thought that we were going to dinner with his parent in Salt Lake City, and that my mom was coming over to watch Jaxon. The truth be told I couldn't of pulled it off without my mom, she did alot of the work. He was surprised when people started to show up at our house at 7:00pm. I had cake, pizza, soda, and ice cream. He was actually looking forward to steak, what a liar I was...oooh! He thank me however , and all those that came. It mean't so much to him. HAPPY 30th B-DAY ERIC!!!!!

Another Job for Eric

2007-08-13T00:18:00.000-06:00

I feel so bad for Eric. He has been through so many jobs this year. It has been a great stress on the family. The pay has been so much less, and we haven't been able to afford health insurance. The insurance at my work and at his jobs have been about $ 500.00 a month, that is half of my monthly income. YIKES!!! So needless to say we have been uninsured for months now. Eric wasn't at fault for losing his job earlier this year, Milgard who we loved laided him off along with everyone else. The Utah location went out of business. So he has been trying to find that right job for months now.
Well, on his birthday of all days he got lucky. He got a supervisor position at Best Vinyl in American Fork only a few miles from our house. Compared to Springville where he drives now, and the airport he drove to before that. After 30 days the supervisors get paid health insurance for FREE!!!! That is like a $500.00 bonus every month. We are so lucky. I have been praying so hard for a better job, and that I can stay home with Jaxon. He still doesn't make enough that I can stay home, but you can't have everything. The pay is also better now, so I am so excited. He starts the 20 0f this month. CONGRATS ERIC!!!! YOU ARE WORTH IT!!!!

Jaxon the magician

2007-08-01T22:42:00.000-06:00

So my son is only eight months old and is making me crazy. He learned to crawl this month. This also means that he has learned to climb the stairs that means no down just up so I am afraid that he will get really hurt, he pulls himself to standing anywhere, he has pulled himself out of the his crib, and throws things out of the crib. Then I went in yesterday morning to get him out and he learned to strip and take off his diaper. I thought they were older when they did this. Boy do I have my hands full! FUN!!!

He also enjoys hunting the cat. He would be good at it if he wasn't so loud. Right before he gets her he squeals in delight, which causes her to run away. I laugh everytime. One day he will get her..

Car accident

2007-07-30T01:39:00.001-06:00

I had no where to go…but under him!!

I was in a car accident July 24th 2007. I am still in lots of pain. I am suffering from horrible headaches, neck pain, and back pain. I can’t stand it, I have been so lucky my whole life that my back has never hurt. Well, not now. The insurance company ( Allstate) has been great so far. Better than Great!! They still haven’t told me who was at fault so far, I know it wasn’t me but that doesn’t mean anything. I am just lucky that I was on my way to work so Jaxon wasn’t in the car with me he was at the babysitter. I will be going to the chiropractor sometime this week.

It seems so weird, I was driving straight down main street in Lehi which is a two lane highway (meaning traffic coming at you in the other lane). When he pulled out in front of me, from a stop sign at one car length, while I was traveling the speed limit 45 mph. It was a truck, I went underneath him. My air bags never deployed. He turned right, to be going the same direction as me in front of me, and then he stopped for no reason. Meaning he was to yield to me, who was on coming traffic. He claimed it was traffic that made him stop, but I carried him for twenty feet on my hood, AND GUESS WHAT HE NEVER HIT ANYONE!!! I had no where to go. There was a parked car on the right and on coming traffic on the left. So my only choice was to hit him. The problem was I rear ended him so 90 % of traffic accidents like that are your fault. Unless you prove it otherwise with out a doubt. I tried flagging the lady to stop behind me for two reasons so she wouldn’t hit me, and to be a witness, but she just went around me. The funny part is that as soon as I saw him pull out, I slammed on my brakes, if I wouldn’t of done that I would of hit his back panel of his truck bed behind his tire. Then none of this would have been a question of who's fault it was.
I will keep everyone posted how all of this turns out. It also turns out that he works for Lehi city so American fork city is investigating to keep it from favoritism.

4th of JULY!

2007-07-08T00:50:00.002-06:00

I had so much fun.
I got up at 4:45am to be in Provo at the park at six a.m. next to the hospital, and acrossed from Provo High School. To see the hot air balloons. Sorry no pictures of it because, I forgot the camera. Eric and my mom went with me to the park, along with my best friend Jaxon. We watched them take off. Next we went to my mothers ward breakfast. It was so yummy. Imagine eggs, orange juice, milk, apple juice, pancakes, bacon, and watermelon. The best part I didn't cook. And score my parents took Jaxon home with them so we could go home and rest. At that point I took Eric home to sleep since he hadn't been to bed yet. He got home from work around 4 a.m. So he figured it was useless to sleep. I am just so happy that he went. We went to Provo later that night to watch the Stadium of fire fireworks, @ his mother and fathers house. My parents came too, it was really fun. Jaxon didn't like the fireworks @ all. He cried... Happy fourth to everyone, I hope you had fun..

I find this funny!!!

2007-06-16T00:50:00.001-06:00

I have decided that money will fix all of your problems. Many will disagree, but I sure want to find out. If you are depressed you can, go on a trip to anywhere, buy anything you want or pay someone to complain too a.k.a psychologist , so your always positive around your friends. If your sick the nanny can take care of the kids, the housekeeper will clean, and the chef will make you gallons of chicken noodle soup. Then right before your husband gets home, you shower and have your personal hairdresser make you beautiful a.k.a Mandi the best!! You spend all your free time, playing with your children, going to fun places for dinner and getting yelled at by your personal trainer. And the hardest part of your bad day is that you couldn't decide where to go on vacation, and what to wear. So I wish everyone of my friends was rich... The possibilities are endless. I love you all.
Don't give me that crap that you would be bored and get into trouble. The stars were losers and boring before they came famous and rich. That is why they would not be my lame friend, instead you would be, you know the person reading this. SHARE THE WEALTH WHEN YOU GET IT, I WILL !!!!

True colors Tour - concert 06/09/07

2007-06-10T21:35:00.000-06:00

I went with my friend that I work with to this concert. I had no idea that they was going to be so many gays. They were all in drag, and all over each other plus many other weird people. It was so fun to people watch. I felt so normal.... There was Cindy lauper, erasure, Blondie, clicks, and Dresden dolls that performed. I had so much fun. Eric went with me, he was such a good sport. My friend that we went with was gay, but you would never know so basically he didn't fit in with the rest of them. The pictures I posted on the right are for this. enjoy!!

Tiny body, Tiny toes, but Big heart.

2007-06-09T00:27:00.000-06:00

I didn't realize how cute Jaxon was going to be. I have been having so much fun with him!! He is so sweet.
I went on Wednesday to get his shots at the health department, and the nurse said something to me that made me cry. She said that I can see how much he loves you, I know that you can't probably see it but I do. I looked down at him at that moment, and there we were in the loud crowded room, and he wasn't looking at anyone else but me. I stood there so ashamed at that moment. The only time I spend with him is at the health department waiting for shots. That is what our time spent together is... pain. I hate that I work all the time, I feel like the worst parent. I feel that he is so neglected by me. I knew going into this that I wasn't going to be a stay at home mom, but I didn't realize that I wanted that choice. So I made it through the day reguardless, but I was riddled with guilt. I love you Jaxon.

2007-06-07T02:38:00.000-06:00

MY FAVORITE COLORS: I used to have only one but I must say that I am beginning to like more. So here they are BLUE,MAROON,BURNT ORANGE, SAGE GREEN, and PINK!
HOBBIES: I scrapbook, love watching movies, swim, bike ride, eating, painting, doing hair, and talking with friends.
JOB: I got lucky I love doing hair so that is the end.
LOVE LIFE: I got lucky again, Eric is amazing! He is so good to me,and always takes care of me. He is super patient, understanding, loves me unconditionally, and supports me in whatever and no matter what.
Dreams: I want to be rich!!!(who doesn't) I want to travel around alot. I want to be an amazing mother.
GOALS: Get my yard fixed up, repaint my entire house. Spend more time with my son.
THINGS I AM WORKING ON: I struggle so hard with my weight, I am trying to get in shape. It is a constant battle for me daily. I am an emotional eater. Second I suffer from depression, I have ups and downs it is like I am on a roller coaster. I am trying to always be happy. Third I have trouble sleeping. I never feel rested. I sleep way too much, and I never go to bed at a good time. Fourth I can't spell worth shit so bare with me. Fifth I hold things in then I get super angry, and I am sick of that. Sixth I am trying still to conquer the coca cola. Seventh I am trying to not say bad things about people. And last NO MORE SWEARING!! So I just all around want to be a better person.

FEARS: Spiders, dying, not being perfect, and losing Eric or Jaxon.