Warrior Family!

Miss Harper Kaytes Journey

2012-02-12T09:38:00.000-08:00

Well not really knowing how to start this exactly but all I know is this is one experience in my life that I will never forget because of the amazing spiritual experience. Around late august of 2011 Brandon and I found out that we would be welcoming another sweet spirit around the middle of June 2012. We were ecstatic and immediately I started planning for this sweet baby. I couldn't wait to find out what we were having it was taking every bit of patience to wait! We had kept our pregnancy a secret a lot longer this this time because we wanted to announce it in a fun way! Amazingly our little man Gid knew the whole time and never told ANYONE!! Amazing huh?!! Before we found out what we were having everyone thought I was having a boy. Gid was adamant I was having a boy. Chinese gender chart said boy, a thing Laura bought me for my birthday said boy, and I felt like it was a boy except I was really keeping my mind open that it might be a girl! Well Halloween night we finally announced that we were having another baby! The kids dressed up in their costumes and I made a skeleton shirt with a fetus skeleton on my belly! News was out and everyone was so excited that another addition would join our eternal family! We went to Dr appts and everything was looking great! Belly was getting bigger heart beat was strong and everyone was starting to guess the sex of the baby. Early December I was FINALLY 14 weeks the earliest you could find out what your baby is. I made an appt at Unique Ultrasound and roped in a few family members and friends to come to the ultrasound to find out with us! Of course our little peanut was playing shy and crossed its legs and had the umbilical cord between the legs so we couldn't find out! We tried EVERYTHING! I laid on my sides, went to the bathroom to empty my bladder, shook my tummy (which is very unflattering), and even jumped up and down to try and get the little one in my belly to move!! Nothing worked and we walked away with not knowing, a rescheduled appt and a healthy heartbeat!! Healthy baby was what I was focusing on and not the fact that I was soo excited to finally buy pink or blue! Well a couple weeks later our appt finally came to try and find out again! Of course baby was shy again, but she was moving around sucking her thumb, and heartbeat was still good and strong in the 170's but after many attempts and about half hour later Aunt melanie and the girls finally made it and as soon as they walked in her legs uncrossed and the technician said IT'S A GIRL!!! WHATTTT???!! NO way!! I was so excited I was giggling! However Gid was SOO mad.. He would not let anyone talk to him and comfort him. Stella could care less she was to busy finding grandmas sharpie and coloring on her face..! YEP! Anyways Brandon and I were so excited and smiling we were floored! We went to dinner with everyone to celebrate and then Brandon and I went to the mall to buy our sweet little girl her first little outfit. Time to start buying pink! Well christmas came and went and planning and preparing for our little Harper was on its way! I registered for the few things we needed to replace for her and her room was getting put together. I had taken all of Stellas baby clothes down and had washed and put away all of them. The crib was up and ready. The Carseat was all cleaned and ready, the changing table was all set with lotions and onises and jammies and I had ordered the material swatches to match things to her new bedding. Nesting had started! Monday January 9th I had started to scare myself because I had not felt her yet, I felt like I wasn't getting bigger and somehow I was still able to sleep on my tummy. I had called Brandon to have him calm me down but the words that came out of his mouth were in no way calming at all. But they were words that prepared me for a the day a few days later. He said that if anything was to happen to the baby at least it was now and not after she was born. WHAT? Thats not calming, I was thinking down syndrome or something a long those lines. Well January 12th came and it was my half way mark appt and I was so excited to see my sweet girl at my ultrasound. At first Brandon wasnt going to be able to make it because he had already taken so much time off work and I asked my mom to go but she had a class that morning. But the night before she called me and said she could go and when we woke up thursday morning Brandon schedule was open and he could go too! Yay my half way mark appt was going to have my favorite people there! It was going to be fun. The ultrasound tech called my name and she said "I will just take you back for all the measurements and then we can have everyone all come back for the fun part". I laid on the table and when she put the little wand on my tummy I saw my little girl in a weird position but didnt think anything of it. Her little legs were limp on her chest and not in the air like they normally are. She began to do all her measurements but she was going superrr fast.. Two minutes later she said "I am going to go get Dr. Elfelt to have him look at something with me" WHAT? what does that mean? Well a minute later Brandon was brought in the room and I was very confused now. Why was he here and not my mom and the kids? She said she was getting Dr. Elfelt. Well Dr. Elfelt came in and in the softest gentlest way possible he had told us that our little girls heartbeat had stopped. My heart instantly felt like it shattered. I felt so lost, confused and distant. Dr. Elfelt was so amzing and sweet. Can you imagine getting that news from a Dr. that really didnt care. Well he gave us a few minutes and we met in his office to go over the next step. I cried in Brandons arms with complete confusion. Why my baby? I could have given my baby the most amazing life. What did I do wrong? Are they sure? What am I supposed to think? I feel like running. Why cant this be someone else who doesnt deserve their baby? Arent I supposed to be a mother? I was so frustrated and mad and so confused. My head felt so airy and empty but my heart felt so heavy, hurt and shattered. I got some courage to walk out of the room and we met in Dr. Elfelts office. We went over options and the first was to let my body take its course and let the baby come when my body is ready. But that could take up to 2-4 weeks, are you kidding me? That was to hard to even try and rap my head around carrying my sweet girl for another few weeks when I knew she wasn't growing or her heart wasn't beating. Next option was to go to san diego under another Doctors care and basically do an abortion procedure. Meaning I would do this by myself with out my husband and not be under my Doctors watch. And our third option is what we decided to do and it was to be admitted to the hospital for an induction. Dr. Elfelt said "I know you want to get out of here, so why don't we call you with all the plans and we will go from there" He was right I wanted to bust out of there and run and scream. I came out of the office and my mom and kids were in the waiting room waiting for me. I cried and cried and felt like I couldn't move. So Thursday I went back home and broke the news to some family and friends. Brandon the kids and I went to my parents that night so we could all be together and start preparing for the next morning. Friday morning the 13th of January I checked into Rancho Springs at 10am. My First nurse was Rose. She was amazing. I felt that was the nurse for Brandon. Her Husband, Son, and Grandson were Marines. She was perfect. We had so many questions as far as what was about to happen and after. She was perfect she was honest and didn't sugar coat anything. Exactly what we needed. She started the IV immediately and boy was that HORRIBLE! I was poked 7 times. For some reason they couldn't find my veins. It took two nurses and the second nurse was supposed to be the "BEST" at setting IV's. Finally the last one was set on the inside of my left wrist at an angle on the bone. That IV caused so much pain the entire 13 hours of labor. But I didn't want to get poked again so I dealt with it. Cytotec was started and contractions started about 30 mins later. I was feeling everything. For such a tiny thing in my body the contractions are the same as a full term baby. I was given two doses of each of three medications I was given and not one medication worked because we found out my IV wasn't in right... At 6 hours in I was ready to push, the nurse came in and said I was ready to go, that she could feel her little feet, Of course the Dr. Came in and said "nope not ready baby and placenta went back up". I asked for the epidural two more times and every time they checked to see how close I was to give me the epidural I was ready and couldn't get it. This happened three times total and now I know why. Because my IV wasn't in right I felt EVERYTHING. Every time I was ready to push the nurses told me to push but I didnt want to because I felt like if I pushed I was going to rip my incision on the inside from my c-section with Stella. Now to back that up I wanted so bad to have a V-back with this baby. The c-section with Stella was Horrible. I wanted to have spiritual vaginal birth like I did with Gid. I wanted to welcome this baby into the world the way my body is supposed to. With Stella I felt so scared and wanted to get it over with I felt I wasn't spiritually there because of my fear. Brandon was behind me for the V-back but a few weeks into my pregnancy with Harper He told me that he had a strong feeling that I needed to have a c-section. I was so sad and I didnt want to listen. But I did because I know that my husband is worthy and is able to feel the spirit guiding him. Anyways a tender mercy happened the day I was in labor. Because my IV wasnt in right and because I kept asking for the epidural and couldn't get it because I was "ready and it was too late" to get one, I was able to feel EVERYTHING. A feeling that had I not felt I would have pushed and torn my incision on the inside and no one would have none until it may have been to late. A feeling that had I pushed a full term baby out it would have been bad. I will never encourage a v-back to anyone. Once 7pm came it was time for nurse shifts to switch. My new nurse was Amy and she was the one for me. Amy became a friend, she was great at keeping my mind off my contractions. At about 7:30pm she gave me second round of cytotec. At about 10pm she came in and really helped take my mind off of things. We talked for almost an hour. At about 10:45 Dr.yang came in to check on me and told me that she was low enough that he could just pull her out. Here it was, it was all about to be over. I wanted this sweet baby to be mine, I wanted to keep her in me, I wanted to raise her, to cuddle her, to have her in my arms and in the next few minutes that would all be impossible. Everyone started preparing for the birth. At that moment when everything was ready everyone became incredibly reverent. There was no talking between the Dr. and the nurses. Everyone knew what they needed to do. Dr.Yang was even being so quiet when picking up the instruments and setting them down. He pulled this little person from me and I was so lucky to not have had to push her out. Amy caught her in a blanket and turned around for a minute then turned t me and asked it I wanted to hold or see her. Without thinking I said yes. Amy laid her on my chest and immediatly my heart was full for this little girl. Although she wasnt breathing and she was only 20 weeks I saw her as a full term Beautiful baby in a tiny tiny body. I knew heavenly father had let me see her they way he would want me to remember her. She was beautiful and she was ours. She had tiny little fingers, tiny little toes, tiny ears, little mouth and nose. A perfect little angel is who she was now. I held her for bit and then Brandon held her, we laid her in her little bed and when everyone left we said a little prayer with our little girl. We did choose to name her and the name we choose was Harper Kayte Valenzuela. I didnt want to let her go but knew that our sweet girl had done what she needed to do here. She had gained her body but didnt need to prove anything. Amy came back in about a half hour later and asked if she could go get her stats and hand and foot prints done for us. That made me so happy that she was treated like a baby the way she felt to me. She asked if we wanted her back in the room and we both decided that we had said our goodbyes and that it was time to let her go. We had options of what we could have done with her body but because she wasn't 24+ weeks and hadnt taken a breathe we were not responsible for a grave site. Our options were to call a mortuary and have her cremated or to have the hospital handle her body. Both options didnt fill right but cremating her felt worse. I dont want to be cremated and why would I do that to her. Where would I have put her ashes? So we decided to let the hospital take her. I stayed over night and in the morning when I was checking out Amy had brought in a few things for us to take home of our sweet girl. She brought in her little gown, blankie, little heart pillow, a couple poems, her hand and foot prints and her stat card. She weighed 1.7oz and was 5 1/2 inches long. I was so thankful for my few things. Thats all I had of her. I did pretty good the first day but reality sank in and I felt that my world would never be the same. I have had good and bad days and days where everything seems impossible. I have had so many family and friends surround me with so much love support and prayers. I have a friend who went through it and has really helped me get through this the way I want to remember it. I have a great friend who has given me the best book to read to make you feel like you are normal and not the only one. Amazing parents who have given me my beautiful bracelet that reminds me of three of my greatest blessings Gid, Stella, and Harper. And one Amazing husband that has helped me face this trail in a spirtual understanding and making me realize that the spirtual answer of why this happened is all I need. He has been my rock and now I know that as a family we work harder everyday to return to our daughter and sister. I have gone to the Dr. for a recheck and he does want me to wait a while to have another baby which is fine because I know I am not quite ready. There was no "earthly" reason for this to happen but as I say my "spiritual answer" is what we live by. I am so thankful to have a religion to get me through this. I cant imagine not knowing where she is now. I am thankful for the atonement and the plan of salvation and understanding of it. I am so thankful for our father in heaven who now is taking care of our sweet girl!

"An Angel wrote in the book of life the day you were born, she whispered to herself as she closed the book "too beautiful for earth.."

We do miss our little girl and think about her everyday but know that she is in the safest place she could be, watching down on us and wanting us to move forward. I have been thinking of things as a family we can do to remember her. We do have her things from the hospital in a shadow box and I do where my bracelet everyday to remember her but I kept thinking of how I wanted to celebrate/remember her birthday. Then it hit me Every January 13th I want to be at the temple. What greater spiritual place is there to be to remember our little angel? It felt perfect and thats what we will be doing every Jan 13th! I am greatful that Heavenly Father trusted me to give me this elect child and that he trusted me to get through this trail. I am greatful for everyone in my life who played a part in this. All those that sent flowers, food, cards, plants, and prayers. They truly did bring a smile to my face when I really didnt feel like smiling. I love you Harper Kayte!

LEGOLAND!!!

2011-04-30T20:40:00.001-07:00

The Monday after Easter the kids, my parents, Brandon and I got a great opportunity to go to Legoland! Friends of the family had bought a two day pass to Legoland and only used 1 day so they gave us the 2nd day for free! We are sooo greatful for the Harkers! We had a great day! My parents and have gone before but for Brandon, Stella and especially Gid were so excited to go for the first time. We had told Gid a few weeks earlier that we were going to go to Legoland which was a bad idea because every morning without fail he asked if that was the day we were going!! HAha! So the day had finally come and He could not be more excited! We had a lot of fun and I am so glad both my parents and especially Gid got to go with us and experiance it with Gid! Stella LOVED the water park/splash area.. My mom ended up buying her and Gid a swim suit so that they could play! However Gid wanted to ride all the rides so we split up so both kids were happy! I am amazed at how well some of the lines are there for the kids. The lines are all shaded and there were even spots the kids could go play in and build legos while the parents waited in line! However the lines were soooo SLOW!! All in all we had a great day spending it with each other and watching the kids experience new things! Thanks again Harkers!! We love you!

ohhh how I thought my life would be EASIER with tubes...

2011-04-30T20:17:00.000-07:00

I thought by getting tubes put in my kids ears ALLL trails would go away... Ohh how I thought WRONG!! Seriously why do I hear the opposite of everything. All my friends that had tubes put in their kids ears have all told me how much life is sooo much happier and easier with them. I have had nothing but trials and trials that are never SOLVED. First started off with a few after the surgery Gid kept screaming that his right ear hurt and literally woke up n the middle of the night SCREAMING in pain because of the right ear. So with the THREE count them three times I tok him in for it they never found anything but always told me how well it looks... Really??? So after many weeks of me basically training my son to get used to whatever was happening I took them both in for a recheck about two months later and of course they found fluid in their ears but the funny thing was it was Gids right ear and Stellas left ear that had the fluid. So yes together they would have a complete set of good ears and a set of bad!! So with that appointment they had me come back 2 weeks later to do a pressure test to see if they need to go back into surgery to replace and re-situate.. so we went back to the appointment and can you guess what happened?? Yep thats right they found NOTHING.... SERIOUSLLLLLY? AHHHHH.. so now this last sunday (easter sunday) I look over at Stella at church and her ear is oozing with blood and puss... I can not believe it.. So in the middle of sacrament I went out and called her DR. and to my surprise The Actual Dr. answered the phone! She proceeded to tell me because she has tubes this is a good thing.. because if she didn't have tubes all that puss and blood would be building up and causing an infection.. Not sure how I felt about blood and puss oozing from her ear was a good thing. SO she put her on ear drops and wanted to see her in two days. so we went and saw her on tuesday and of course it had pussed soo much that the drops couldn't even reach her ear canal, so they had to clean it and she is still on ear drops for two weeks and then another recheck. Man I am sooo tired of al these trials, especially with something that was supposed to HELP. my poor babies... I wish I knew where to go from here!

A marine and his wife make two pretty cute recruits!

2011-04-30T20:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Brandon and I did a lot of cleaning around the house, there came a point where we were out cleaning out Brandons car and packing for his week at drill and the kids got a hold of his covers! SO this is the result of the two recruits!

Easter 2011!

2011-04-30T19:38:00.000-07:00

Easter this year once again FLEW by.. as well as all the holidays this year! This year was fun because both of the kids enjoyed it! It first started off with the saturday before we planned to go to Temeculas easter egg hunt.. well we arrived at 10:05 and apparently they reallly meant 10AM SHARP... we were five minutes late and EVERYTHINGGGGGG was gone... I mean GONE. I was sooo sad and I think I was more sad then the kids. I had planned it out, both my parents and my Aunt Melanie and cousin Laney were there as well and when we got their the kids there had taken everything.. I felt soo bad my heart hurt sooo bad seeing my kids standing there with empty baskets with a look of confusion. Secretly I was crying inside and really wanted to cry out loud. So as my parents auntie and cousins hearts were hurting too we decided to tell the kids that we were just "HERE" to see the Easter Bunny and that the 'Egg hunt' was at Grandma and Papas house..! SO we got in line to see the bunny and headed back to the house to fill eggs and Hunt!!! The kids were so cute with the Bunny they smiled sooo cute and were soo happy!! My parents took pics of the Egg hunt so I will have to update on that later.. but as for Sunday morning they were shocked and soo happy with their easter baskets! Easter Bunny did soo good! And their Easter outfits were even cuter! I got their Easter attire at Gymboree and was actually very surprised with the colors I choose for them. I have had waited many years to smother my daughter in pink but this year I went with matching outfits in NAVY BLUE!!! yep you read right navy blue!! I loved them and couldn't get enough! I am getting professional pics done this week but I got a quick snap of them at church to fill your curiosity!! Anyways to sum it up I am Very thankful for our heavenly father and Jesus Christ for the example and the love they have shown...I would not be here with my adorable sweet blessings with out the resurrection and suffering. I am truly truly thankful! Happy Easter Everyone!

It is time!

2011-04-29T23:30:00.000-07:00

So I finally have a computer that I love and can do sooo much on! As I test out my new computer I came across my blogs that I have started and realized how neglected they have been for over a year... but more so then realizing that they have been neglected I have realized how fun it is to look back at everything I have blogged about and how much I LOVE that I did that! SOOOO since I want my kids to remember everything that we have gone through and the thoughts emotions and sayings that were shared I am making a new goal to catch up on my blogging and start finishing projects around the house and scrapbook so my kids have something other then a computer to tell/show them that they grew up!! So here it goes! I am going to try and do as much as I can in order but it may be hard so bare with me!

Valentines 2010!

2010-05-02T09:13:00.000-07:00

Valentines was a busy day for this little Family!! We woke up sunday and the kids had their Valentines surprise on the table!! Gid was so excited because he got an "awella" (umbrella), and some new trucks and candy! Stella was excited because she got some new treats to munch on for the first time!! After we opened up our surprises we got ready for church and the after church we headed down to my parents where Melanie and the girls were and we had a Big Valentines dinner!! Then we sat around the fire pit and had a talent show with everyone!! It was so fun to be with family on our love day!! We wouldn't have traded it for anything!! Gid was so excited because he spent the day with his cousins and believe it or not they came up with their own little Talent show!! Their too funny!

Little trip to the Wild Animal Park!

2010-05-02T08:57:00.000-07:00

We are so lucky to live so close to the Wild Animal Park and have passes to it too! We go there almost every other week or so!! Its awesome because the kids get to explore and mommy gets a very hard workout with all the Hills that it has there!! This time we went we got to meet up with our cousin Kara!! I love spending time with her and I am so glad that she lives even closer to the WAP so we can just pick her up on the way there!!! Anyways heres a few pics of us there!

Papa takes us to Disneyland!

2010-02-03T23:20:00.000-08:00

So we all have been promising Gid that Papa is going to take him to Disneyland. Well he finally had a few days off work and we packed up the crew and went to D-land. We had a blast! The day was awesome there was no one there and we were able to do everything. We went on the train and cars and pretty much everything, we saw all the characters and just kind of putsed! It was nice to go while everyone else was at school. Although it was a school day my Aunt melanie pulled her little girls out and met us there. Gid was so excited to play with his cousins and run around with them. It was so funny to watch him try and copy what they were doing. We also got to meet up with Aubrey for a bit before she went to work. Stella liked it to! She was having fun having everyone hold her and pay attention to her! She is such a princess! Nothing better then watching my kids faces light up with their cousins and seeing the characters! We were hoping that Brandon could meet us there but work is taking up A LOT of his time lately so he wasnt able to meet us there. We miss seeing him but it's going to get better!

Picnics SD Zoo and happy kids and grandparents!

2010-02-03T22:53:00.001-08:00

So last saturday after my dad spent a week at work he was dieing to seeing the kids and they called us up and asked if we wanted to go to the SD zoo! We packed up a picnic and had a lunch on the grass outside the park and then we went in and saw all the animals. My kids loved being outside and running around. We got to see the elephant odyssey for the first time and it was so awesome, it was alot about fossils and digging so it was right up Gids alley. There was a section with a tractor and it was so funny because I was sitting there watching him climbing all over it and I realized every kid in there was a boy! Got to love it! I am glad to be living here and letting my kids have experiances that I had and definitely around family. I am thankful for my blessings and I know heavenly father watches out for me everyday!

Check ups!

2010-02-03T22:23:00.000-08:00

Well the kids had check ups at their new Dr's and both got shots. Gid got two shots in each leg and finger prick to test his sugar levels. Stella got a shot in each leg. Both kids are healthy and happy and are both going through major growth spurts! Stella is 18lbs 4oz and is 28inches! She is 86% for weight and 98% for height! they said she is going to be a tall skinny little thing! Gid is 34 lbs and 37in! She was very impressed with how well he knows commands and how smart he is. I felt so bad for how many shots he got but now he is all caught up! Stella has alot more shots a head of her but she has enough thickness on her legs to help!

Daddy is home from Texas!

2010-02-03T22:12:00.000-08:00

Daddy came home finally from texas! Brandon went back to texas a couple weeks after we got to California to finish a couple jobs out there. He stayed with his bestfriend and was able to make some extra cash for us! After a few weeks gone he came home and we went to the happeist place on earth! DISNEYLAND!! Thats right we went to D-land. My parents bought Brandon a year pass and so we are able to go as much as we want when we want and no matter what the time is! GId was so excited to spend some time with daddy and it was fun to watch Stella try and remember him! We did get rained out and we headed home but it was fun to spend a half day there before brandon went back to work!

Time for some solids.. and its carrots!

2010-02-03T21:56:00.000-08:00

I love feeding her solids! The first time I gave her some flavors we decided to start out with carrots! The first bite was hilarious! She gave a sour face and then it sent shivers down her! She finally got the hang of it and then it wasnt t bad and then she like it! ALTHOUGH when we tried giving her peas and green beans she literally gagged herself and made herself through up! As soon as she sees green coming towards her she squints her eyes and shivers and starts gagging! I love it! she is soo funny! Love my Princess!

Christmas Sunday!

2010-02-03T21:47:00.000-08:00

My mom bought the kids matching outfits for Christmas and they were soo cute! I loved the outfits! We totally didnt get any cute pics of them in their outfits but yes we are still planning to get them done professionally! Heres a few till then!

Moving night.. Where's Gid?

2010-02-03T21:38:00.000-08:00

So we were all unpacking and had just gotten back from dinner and realized we hadnt seen Gid in a while. All of a sudden he comes running down the hall looking like this! Dont know where he found it but he just happened to find a black one too! After that my Aunt Karen gave him a bath and the only soap able to get it off was regular hand soap and that got in his eyes! Use your imagination to what happened next!

California here we COME!!

2010-02-03T21:23:00.000-08:00

The day has come and we couldnt be more excited! New adventures more memories and a chance to get ahead! My brother came out about two days before we left to help us pack up the rest of the house and put it in the truck and drive out to California! We did the drive in 2 days and the kids did great! Brandon drove the penske truck and my brother drove the Expedition with me, the kids and Judge! We got to my parents house at night but they were waiting for us with a big steak dinner and a nice warm shower and bed! Gid loved it because their house was full decorated for christmas, including big inflatibles in the frontyard with trees that light up and play music! He was thrilled! I love seeing his little face light up for "HOHOHO" time!

I want to be like daddy!

2010-02-03T21:18:00.000-08:00

Brandon came home from military and Gid was so excited and jumped in his arms immediatly! He instantly grabbed his cover (hat) and put it on! I love these pictures!

What.. there's snow?

2010-02-03T21:10:00.000-08:00

So we woke up and realized that a small little winter had come! We were so excited and quickly jumped up and got some warmer clothes on to hurry and play in the snow! Gid wasnt to sure about it, but got used to it but then was over it once his hands were FREEZING because he wouldnt let us put gloves on!

Crying on Thanksgiving!

2010-02-03T21:04:00.000-08:00

I had to put this picture up because I love it! I know its sad that I took a picture of my little boy crying and that I posted it but heres why I love it. Theres only a few people in this world that my little man wants when he is crying and hurt and to know that I am one of them it makes my heart melt. I love being able to wipe away is little tears and snuggle with him till he feels better. I love being the shoulder he trusts and loves when his little world collides. I am his mommy and I love the tears he wants to share with me! Thats why I must share this pic!

Some things never change!

2010-02-03T20:56:00.001-08:00

Found these pictures and had to write how some things just dont change! The only difference in the two pics is one is in Blue and the other in purple! Haha! I love it! OK there is another difference, one has hair and the other doesnt!!!

Gids first time TPing!

2010-02-03T20:48:00.000-08:00

Ok so it wasnt a house but it was the bathtub! Yep thats right, Gid decided to though a whole roll of toilet paper in the bath tub. I was shocked to see that as soon as it hits the water and your try and get it, it instantly breaks into a thousand pieces! So we drained the bathtub and waited till it dryed so we can scoop it out! Heres a few pics so we can remember the day!

First attempt lead to 2 months later!

2010-02-03T20:45:00.000-08:00

So after Trunk-or-treat we decided to give Stella a little treat of her own, and according to her she did not want that treat just yet! So we decided to give up and wait!

Halloween 09'

2010-02-03T20:28:00.000-08:00

Halloween was a lot of fun this year! Gid dressed up as Handy Manny and Stella was our big fat Ladybug! We were able to do a lot of fun things this month and here is a few! We went to the Disney store to have a Costume parade, we went to the zoo to have Boo at the zoo, our ward had a trunk or treat, and then halloween night we went trick-or-treating around our neighborhood and Brandons parents neighbor good, we also went to Brandons best friends house where every year they do a VERY scary halloween haunted driveway type things! OH also brandon and I went to a halloween party at the Foust house! Gid did so well with trick-or-treating this year he thought it was alot of fun to get treats at everyhouse! He nailed down saying trick-or-treat very well! There was only one house where the guy answered the door in a gorilla out fit and screamed BOO reallllly loud, scared him to death and it took him a while to start trusting doors again but he still did it! I love dresssing my kids up and seeing there cute little faces! I cant wait till next year when Gid will really understand it and Stella will be walking in her costume!!! Till next Halloween see ya!

Catch-up time!

2010-02-03T16:46:00.000-08:00

Once again I am soo far behind on my blog, and I am so mad because I really want to be able to have our life documented so that I can print this to be a book someday for our kids! Anyways so The next 10 post or so (probably more!!) will be trying to catch up and get to more current events today! Also a lot of these will be out of order but ATLEAST I am doing one right?

Lovin his Sissy!

2010-01-03T11:59:00.000-08:00

This is a short Blog but I had to post these pictures for you to see! This was the first time he actually payed close attention to sissy! I was getting ready and came in my room and I found Gid just laying next to Stella just observing her and adoring her! I loved it! Here are my sweet babies!

Wild Animal Park!

2010-01-03T11:51:00.000-08:00

We were also able to go to the Wild Animal Park when we were down. It was perfect timing because they had the dinosaurs there and Gid LOVES dinos! He had so much fun looking at all of them! He thought they were very cool until a big one moved and made noise but suprisingly he wasnt scared horribly! He just kindof looked at them with a schocked face! After a while he definitey got used to them!

Brandons First time to D-Land with Gid!

2010-01-03T11:35:00.000-08:00

When we were in California we were able to take a quick trip to D-Land and it was Brandons first time with Gid. I really thinked he loved it and enjoyed seeing Disneyland through Gids eyes! They went on the rockets together and Brandon could not stop smiling. I loved it. I love it when Brandon sees Gid having a good time, he is an amazing father and I cant wait for many more memories with him and seeing them through our childrens eyes!

Family Pictures!

2010-01-03T11:16:00.000-08:00

When we were in California for My cousins wedding and Stellas blessings we had an oppurtunity to get some family pictures done. They didnt turn out as well as I wanted them to but I think its only because I am like 500 pounds in them!! HAHAHA! Everyone else looks great! I am so happy with the colors we went with though! I love Family pictures! Heres a few!

My Princess!

2010-01-03T10:56:00.000-08:00

This really wasn't something I thought about blogging about but I just ran across these pictures and wanted to write about it so that I don't forget about it. Here is some pictures of Stella when she was about 3 weeks old. I couldn't resist taking these pictures when I was getting her ready I just had to capture every minute of my sweet angel. I cant believe she is already six months old. But here is some stats of her when she was 2 weeks old she was 6lbs even not even at her birth weight yet! She was 22 inches and slept like an angel. She pretty much slept through the night since the day we brought her home. Except for like 4 days where she woke up every HOUR! She loved to snuggle, great eater, LOVES to be swaddled and soft blanket around her face. Here are some pictures to enjoy and remember my sweet tiny princess!

Stellas Blessing!

2010-01-03T10:18:00.000-08:00

I can not believe how FAR behind I am on my blog. Not only that but I have nothing in order. I am so bummed but atleast I am putting it down right?! Anyways this blog is going to be about Miss Stellas blessing! So what if it was 5 months ago! We blessed Stella in California this year because we wanted my parents and family to be apart of it because they werent able to be there for Gids. We had lots of friends and family there supporting us and our Princess! The Wilsons, Sneads, Prices, and James came and we were missing the Stuckis because the little girls were going to see their dad. The day was incredible and very calm. we started off with a very yummy brunch at my parents house and then we got some pictures and headed for the church! Stellas dress was BEAUTIFUL! Her dress was my Grandmas blessing dress when she was a baby! I am so thenkful for a worthy husband that was able to bless our baby girl in the perfect church hear on earth. I know she will live up to her blessing and be blessed her whole life because of it. I am thankful for worthy loving supportive family members that were there supporting us. HOw completly blessed am I?! I am also incredibly thankful for an incredibly beautiful healthy baby that has brought so much love and joy. I could have never asked for a more perfect family and I can not wait to spend eternity with them!

Boo at the Zoo year 2!!

2009-10-24T20:34:00.001-07:00

Showing us what he got!

ahhh he's turning into a little boy!

Cute boy!

He won some lips!

Yay he got a fish!

Showing him how to play the game!

Showing me what he's eating!

Loves her blankie!

Lover boy and his blankie!

Momma and her baby!

Daddy and me!

Look at those eyes!

Family picture! Finally!

We are working on holding her right!

Poor Lella!

Looking at the Girrafes!

Stella Belle!

Trick-or-TREAT!!

This was her treat!

Wow!

Aquarium with the Harbertsons!

2009-10-20T09:22:00.000-07:00

The Harbertsons were down for one of Ryan's dental convention and we were able to meet them at the Dallas Aquarium! The kids had so much fun with all the fish and eachother, they were running around that place like crazy! There best buddies now that we get to see them more often! I am so glad that we live near them and that we are ale to see them when we want! NO PLANES to see family! Thanks Harbertsons for a fun day and putting up with us!

Circus time!

2009-10-20T08:43:00.000-07:00

So again we took Gid to the World famous Barnum and Bailey Ringling Bros CIRCUS! We are trying to make it a tradition every year to take the kids to the circus. I got to go when I was little and I remember how much I loved it! We went this year and Gid LOVED it! The motorcycles and elephants were his favorite! They had this one motorcycle that went around the tight rope and did tricks above the audience! It was awesome! I loved to sit there and watch Gids face as he absorbed everything going on. Lots of music and colors and confetti! I cant wait to take each year and watch how he enjoys it more and more!

She likes her tummy more then GID!

2009-10-20T08:34:00.001-07:00

Stella is soo much better at laying on her tummy then Gid EVER was, even now! She is soo sweet she just lays on her tummy for a bit and just looks at you or her toys and doesnt mind it! After about 5-10 minutes though she ha had it! Gid couldnt even be on his tummy for 1 second, as most of you have seen!

Stellas Room!

2009-10-19T19:25:00.000-07:00

Stellas room is not really done yet but I wanted to show yo a sneek peek! Her bedding was made by My Grandma and her good friend Nadine! Thank you Nadine and Grammy we love it!! Lots of ping and green and Sleeping Beauty! Enjoy!

Buddies!

2009-10-19T19:20:00.001-07:00

Poor Puppy!

2009-10-19T19:12:00.001-07:00

Gid insist on chasing Judge through the house trying to put his Mickey hat on him! Sooo funny! Love the two Buddies!

GOHS Jammies!

2009-10-19T18:59:00.000-07:00

Mom and dad sent Gid a GOHS shirt but it was a little big so Gid has a new Jammies! Heres some fun pics he wanted me to take of him in his fun new Jammies!

FLOURRRRRRR!!

2009-10-19T17:56:00.000-07:00

So Today Gid had a Dr appt(blog to fallow) and before we left I decided to take a bath and get ready. While I was in the bath my darling loving incredible SON came to me covered in powder. I thought it was formula and I was about to pounce on him. As I got out of the bath to go exam what he had done I noticed that the trail started in my room.... I saw two piles in my room that fallowed to the kitchen where it had looked like a cooking war. I instantly felt some relief that it wasnt the $30 can of formula that it was Flour but then I shot back to anger quickly as I looked around and found it EVERYWHERE in my house. The dog was covered in it, the babies play mat was covered with mounds, the front door had piled by it, clothes everything! I through him in the bath so that he couldnt make a mess anymore and I took pictures of the war zone. I started to sweep it up and then proceeded to get Gid out of the bath, after I got him dressed in his rrom he ran put and trucked right through the pile/mound of flour in his new clothes. The mess was back. Its a good thing I had to go to the Dr's or his life would be in danger!!!

Sharing with sissy in our new life saver!

2009-10-12T07:40:00.000-07:00

We got a new swing for miss Stella! Since we brought her home from the hospital she has been soooo good at sleeping pretty much through the night. When she was about 3 weeks she got up every hour on the hour for about 4 days. I vouldnt take it anymore and needed help. The last night I was on the floor in tears saying "I cant do this I am so tired" Brandon heard me and got up, and said we will go get a swing tomorrow. So I got on craigslist and found one for more then half the price! We brought it home and instantly she was asleep. It was just the right pair of extra hands I needed. Gid loves to talk to her when she is in her swing, I caught him sharing his car with her and trying to get her to play with it! I thought it was so cute so I had to take some pictures.

Terrible two's here we come!

2009-10-12T07:12:00.001-07:00

I feel as if this post will be posted quite often so just get used to it. I am sure from your point of view it will be hilarious but mine will be a mere heartattack! We were house sitting for the Higbees who are the most incredible people ever, they were awesome they knew we needed time away and they opened up their house for us to stay there for 12 days! We loved it, we were able to just relax and enjoy eachother. ALTHOUGHHHH Gid started his terrible twos that week and it was funny now that we think of it. But here is some things that happened that week. 1) Gid decided to take the pepper and pepper the whole house 2) Spilt a whole water bottle in sissy's bed, 3) Dropped Brandons xbox 4) hid Brandons xbox games, and the best one of all 4) He went into the bathroom and decided to put a WHOLE bottle of shampoo all over him. He was being helpful and cleaning himself up! He put it all over his head and clothes. Spilt it all over the bathtub and it was a very long process to get out. It took him like a whole 3 seconds to accomplish this task, He walked into the bathroom and walked right out with a whole bottle gooped all over his body! Oh how I love this new life!

Stellas 1st photo shoot!

2009-10-11T19:56:00.000-07:00

Not much to say on this post but I wanted you all to see some photos of Stella that I took of her for her announcements! She was a trooper for a bit but she had it by the end! Enjoy!

Grandma and papa/Oklahoma City!

2009-10-10T16:35:00.000-07:00

Almost a week after our Lella was born Grandma and Papa finally got to meet her. They were scheduled to be here for the delivery but since she decided to come a little early the plane tickets were to expensive to switch. So they got here the fallowing Wednesday and were able to stay a full week with us. Since we didnt have our own house yet we all stayed in the hyatt hotel. It was actually quite comfortable and relaxing. We went to walmart and got plenty of treats to stalk up the room! Of course, did you expect anything different from my mom and I! We really laid low while they were here. I really got to relax and enjoy a little sleep. My parents did take Gid to his first baseball game, which he had a BLAST! Hot dogs, dancing, playing ect...! I wish I could have been there but there was NO way I could have gone. We also were able to have a little birthday party for Gid that we had a Peter Piper Pizza. We had some pizza and cake for the little kids and they were all given some tokens to play! Gid had so much fun and realllly enjoyed everyone singing to him! He lead them all in the song! Sunday we were able to go and see Ang and her new baby Girl Sadie. Sadie was born two days after stella! They both decided to come a wee bit early! We feel as if Grandma Bev kicked them out! We had so much fun with the Harbertsons and even got a special treat, my Aunt Karen was there helping Ang out so we got to see alot of family! Gid and Ella loved playing with eachother and we took lots of pics of the new girls! I am so glad we live close but I wish it was a little closer! After the day was over Gid was exhausted and passed out behind Ang's couch and then when we put him in the car to go he put his blanket over his head and didnt want us to talk to him! He is so funny when he is tired! SO after a fun day with Ang and family we packed up and headed back to Texas!

Stellas Arrival!

2009-08-28T14:33:00.000-07:00

So we finally have Internet and I am going to do my best with updating this thing as much as possible! So I want to talk a little about Stella's arrival! What an incredible day but a day that I would so not rather repeat as far as surgery goes! Friday July 3rd Brandon and I left to be at the hospital at 5:00 we had to be there 2 hours before surgery for all the preparations. I was scared out of my mind. NOT a happy camper! I was prepared with all the paper work and I.V. and then I was walked into the operating room.... dun dun dunnnnn... I could not believe I was walking into it, I so wish I was laying down with the epidural already so that I couldn't have seen what I saw. I walked down the hall and there it was a huge bright white room with a million utensils and a skinny bed with arms. What was this place, my death bed? I felt like I was on death row I was just waiting for the curtain to open and and see all the people who wanted me to die....! But it wasn't, just a simple operating room! I got my epidural and then the laid me down and told me they wouldn't strap my arms as long as I promised not to reach down there and help... Are you serious? who in their right minds especially me would reach down and help!? Anyways panicking now and on the verge of hyperventilating was going on but my sweet husband did his very best to keep me focused on him. He tried having me in deep conversation while this was all going on and I did my very best to stay focused and amuse him but I was definitely listening and filling everything going on. A lot of tugging and pulling and even one of the Dr's that was assisting Dr. Herzog put alooooooottttt of pressure on my ribs! It was really hard to get her out, she was very breech and she was veryyyy high up in my ribs! We finally got her out and immediately she was screaming! Such a sweet sound but I was still scared! They cleaned her up and brought her to me and then it was done.. I was being transferred to another bed and on my way to recovery! I stayed in recovery for about 30 minutes where gid was able to meet us in there and he was pretty freaked out and it took him quite a while for him to come to me. He didn't like me hooked up to things and in a weird bed! but he loved his new sissy. then they transferred me to the next room which was HUGE! I had many visitors, and the room was spacious enough to hold everyone! The best treat of all was Sister Higbee! She brought the coldest most juiciest treats... she brought the best peaches I have ever had! All and all I am ok and I have my beautiful princess here! I had the best staff and the most incredible Dr. I really wish my parents could have been there but next time I guess!

Snuggling with Daddy!

On our door to our room!

Seeing his sissy for the first time!!

Yay he loves her!

first bath! Gid had to know what was going on

Kisses for Sissy!

Here she comes!

6lbs 4.5 oz! and alot of white gunk!

Yep thats a terrified face!

My precious girl!

Finally 9 months of wondering and waiting!

Stella Diane Valenzuela has arrived!

2009-07-06T12:58:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone I wanted to let you all know that this little Valenzuela family has added a new member! Stella Diane Valenzuela arrived 8:03 am Friday July 3rd 2009 weighing 6lbs 4.5 oz. and 18 1/2 inches long! She is doing amazing and and is verrrrry sweet! She LOVES to sleep and suck her pacey! WE are all head over heels for her already! Gid is doing great with her! He has figured out that everyone makes a big deal when he kisses her so he kisses her alot! He is so good with her though, gentle and quiet and loves to always see what she's doing! I am doing better I am still in the hospital recovering from the c-section. I will write about all the details later but I just wanted to fill you in and and give you all some pics! ENJOY!

Thanksgiving Point!

2009-06-03T17:30:00.001-07:00

After our lunch at the Joseph smith building, we headed over to thanksgiving point and got to see some fun animals and feed them and even ride them! It was such a fun day! we first walked around and fed and pet the animals! After that we were able to ride the pony ride which was fun for Gid but for me i had to walk around in a circle making sure he doesn't fall off about 50 times! Grandma decided to tell me we had one more ticket for him to do it again but I said she could do it because i so was not doing that again! A pregnant lady keeping up with a bunch of horses it just really doesn't work! So she decides to take him and what do you think happens...? Yep she gets kicked in the leg by the stupid horse! So Gid stays on the horse as they all keep walking in a circle with NO one on the side of him... so they lady who was running the little ride walked with him the rest of the time! Amazing huh?!! She is ok and definitely didn't do anything to her thank goodness! After the excitement with the horses we decided to go look at the cows, llama and DONKEY! now your probably wondering why i capitalized DONKEY! Because this donkey was like no other donkey i have ever seen, especially the type that carried Mary! This donkey was SCREAMING...... i was a little confused why he was pacing back and forth, back and forth running and SCREAMING! SO we decided to ask someone and they told us because all the ponies are out and they are all fixed and he is NOT.... so..... that means this Horny little donkey was out of control and could not be helped! I felt so bad because you could tell he was in PAIN! After the Donkey escapade we saw the rest of the animals and then headed home to end our day, which started early and by that time we were WIPED!

Horny DONKEY SCREAMING!

Running BACK and Forth

cute!

wondering why the donkey is SCREAMING!

riding by himself!

Grammy getting kicked!

Before the kick!

Riding by himself!

Kissing the horsey Buh bye!

WHos butt is bigger the horse or mine?!!!

Say cheese!

Cow!

how cute is this baby goat!

My funny Llama!!

his hair!

Poor guy!

The pony fell asleep waiting for his turn to go!

Gidder kissing the pony!

Cute huh!

Let us out!

President Uchtdorf!!

2009-06-01T08:12:00.000-07:00

Yep you read right!! I cant believe I am just now posting this but its been a little bit of an adventure lately and I want to make sure I blog everything in order for my records! So here we go, the next entry in our Blog! So the day we were at temple square we decided to go to the Joseph Smith building for lunch! As we were enjoying our view and our MASSIVE lunch, I mean my sandwhich was HUGE and absolutely the most incredible tasting sandwich I have ever had! Anyways as we just got our lunch Grammy decided to look over and notice Pres. Uchtdorf having lunch with like 5 Chinese women!! I was stoked but I couldn't see him from where I was sitting! I wanted to see him and take a pic so we decided to wait till he left, it only was about 5 minutes and he got up. we totally thought he would come down our way but he went the other way so what do I do? I yell at Grammy to go get him so with out thinking she gets up grabs him and asks him to take a pic with Gid and I! He was sooooo HANDSOME!!! I was blown away and soooo nervous! I couldn't even get my words out to talk to him! Was it that he was the 2nd counselor of our church and that he is one of the closest spirits to our heavenly father? Or was it that he was the dreamiest older man I have ever seen! He smelled really good as well! when he left he said goodbye in German! I would write it but I don't know how to spell it! Anyways here's some fun pics!

Temple square!

2009-05-17T16:09:00.000-07:00

Friday Morning Grammy, I and Gid went to temple square after Robbies choir concert and had A blast! We walked around and I have never seen sooo many tulips and beautiful flowers in my life! This blows my dads square little garden WAY out of the water!! It was amazing. We also saw soo many brides and grooms! I loved it! It was a beautiful day and incredibly peaceful. I am so glad we went! It was really fun to sit in a really grassy area with Gid and wrestle and play with him. He loved running around and enjoyed watching him! We also got to tour the Brigham Young house and I was really impressed how much I learned since the last time i went. NOW stay tuned for the next blog for the most exciting thing that happened on my trip but for now enjoy some fun BEAUTIFUL pics! WARNING THE LANDSCAPING PICS ARE FOR TODD HOMBS!!!

Sister Missionaries from Africa and Brazil Completely head over heels for Gidgiddoni!

Play Date at Aunt Krissy's house!

2009-05-17T14:20:00.000-07:00

Thursday we headed over to Krissy's for her play group that she has with kids Gids age and let him play and experiance that! Poor guy was so tired from all the running around we had already done that he wasnt quite himself. Although he did start to open up and have some fun once krissy brought out the hose. He loved it! he got to play with other kids and learn from them and play with water, sand, bubbles, and had lunch with them too! What a fun thing for Gid I must find one of these for him back Home! Here are some fun pics of our busy play group!

Chasing BUBBLES!

Playing in the sand box with the kids!

Throwing water on Jack Jack!

Laughing at Jack Jack chasing the water!

Teeter Totter with Grammy!

Just swinging!

Love my BOY!

get em' buddy!

Gids first hatching experiment!

2009-05-17T14:13:00.000-07:00

We went to the BYU bookstore the other day, and they had these fun Dinosaur hatching eggs on sale for a $1! So I thought I would get him one and see if he likes it or gets it! We took it home put some water in it and watched it hatch. Although he wanted it right then and there and the tag said it would take 12-24 hours. So we did right before bed and woke up the next morning and found his Dino had hatched! He was so excited and really hasn't put it down since then! Here is the egg hatched! Boring post I know, more for my benefit then yours!

Mothers Day Surprises!

2009-05-15T20:39:00.000-07:00

I am really trying to stay positve writting this entry as I probably had one of the most stressfull weekends (pregnancy episode) of my life. Ok so it was just pregnancy hormones but it still was stressful. I was an up and down rollercoaster and I didnt know what emotion I was going to land at next, so I did my best but my sweet husband really did try and I probably wasnt very helpful. I think it was harder this weekend because I was so hormonal and all I wanted to do was hide and cry and I really couldnt do that since Brandon and I dont have our own house anymore there wasnt really a place to run too to be alone and not worry what everyone is thinking or doing or on and on!! ALthough some of my fun surprises this weekend really made me feel loved appreciated and noticed! It started off Friday as the door bell rang and there was this man with a beautiful bouquet of flowers from my parents and chase! I was so excited and just smiled all night. The note inside was so incredible and made me feel so grown up loved and really special. I am so thankful for my mom and dad and chase! They really know how to make me feel loved. I also need to reflect right now on my mom and the many incredible words she describes. The list could go on and on but the fact of the matter is, she is the every positive word out there. I am so lucky to have my mom and a the amzing person that she is. I have never met someone so strong and loveing, and caring, and kind, and compassionate, and thoughtful, and on and on! I love you mom so much and I am so thankful for the life you have given me. I could not have asked for a better mom. I am extremely lucky for your determination with me and I know that I would not have mad as far as I have with out you leading me every step of the way. I love you so much and I cant wait for everyday to come that I try and fill your shoes 100% there is nothing I would change about you. I love finding certain things of you in me, it makes me feel Like I am doing just fine! Thank you mom for everything, your incredible and I love you so much! Ok so now onto my saturday! We had a muffins and moms makeover with Mary Kay ad it went awesome and I can not believe how nervous I got. After a day of emotions I went down stairs and opened a card from my inlaws treating me to a new something a motherhood maternity! YAH!! I needed that so bad and want to be comfortable! Thank you so much! I really appreciate it! And then Sunday The blessed Day Of mothers, My wonderful husband surprised me and made me my mothers day gift! He got this big canvas and put Gid and his hands on it and wrote "Happy Mothers Day" on it!! I loved it!!! I was completly shocked and thrilled! I am so proud of him thinking a little further then a card and gift certificate! Thank you so much Honey I loved it and I will cherish it the rest of my life!

my beautiful flowers my family gave me!

Gerber Daisies my favorite!

Gid showing me what he made me!!

Gid showing me how he made it!

and again!

The final project!

1st Reaction to a shot.

2009-05-15T20:30:00.000-07:00

I took Gid for his 18 month checkup he just actually was about 21 months.....! Bad mom I know but if Dr's weren't so selfish with who they take for insurance we would have a DR sooner. We have Military insurance which is basically given only to those who have gone to Iraq and because the insurance isn't top of the line ALOT of Dr's don't take it.. Anyways just wanted to vent and back myself up a bit! Anyways I really like this new Dr's office and really pleased with the way the handle medicine and shots. They give all the shots slowly instead of going crazy and injecting all these shots at once. Anyways Gid only got one shot but sure did have a reaction to it about a day later. It wasn't an allergic reaction or anything it was just swollen and sore :( I had to post this pic and tell you about it because it was so sad and I wanted to keep it for my own record! Poor baby! Its all gone and he is better. Enjoy the Pic!

He's to sexy for you!!

2009-05-01T18:57:00.000-07:00

This was the funniest night we have ever had with Gid! I was out and about at the mall today(i know i know, not a huge shocker!!) and I was at gymboree where I spotted some little boy underwear on sale! I loved them and had to get a couple!(just to see because I think we are still a while before we try!) Anyways we gave him a bath tonight and decided to try them on! SOO.... funny, he TOTALLY did a modeling show for us and was so hiper that he totally ran back and forth from room to room full speed! Brandon and I were laughing so hard we couldnt breathe! I love my little boy so much! He is definately getting a little HOMBS personality! As we were looking at the pictures everyone that popped up Brandon would say,"that is so chase" or "that is so your dad"! I fear for my future in Gids school days, it seeming like I will be called by the tearcher multiple times for them to tell me Gid is te class clown! What a surprise! Anyways Hope you all enjoy the pics!

Easter Day!

2009-04-15T12:12:00.001-07:00

The day was fabulous but ended not so fun. Easter morning we woke up early and got ready for some family and friends to come over and have some yummy breakfast but of course we opened some fun easter baskets that had some way fun things in them! Breakfast was amazing we had pull apart bread, fruit, bannana bread, keesh, bacon, everything was there and was incredibly yummy! Gid helped papa put the air matress away while we started cooking. Everyone showed up at 9:00 to eat then we had an easter egg hunt with the kids and Gid loved it! At first he would get the egg open it up and then put the candy in the bucket! He makes me laugh! We had a blast being together, Brandon was so cute with Gid, he loved helping him find the eggs and opening his baskets of goodies. After the egg hunt we took some fun pictures and I did post some of Owen and Jules and their new baby who is so cute..... Nolen! Gid Loved Nolen he would always be around him and kiss him! I cant believe we are going to have another one that size. After the family festivities were over we headed to church where Gid didnt even make it into the car with his new easter outfit before he rubbed up against the tire. So we have NOOO pictures of him in his easter outfit. And of course I didnt notice and we were on our way to church when I saw he had Black allll over him. Dad was unable to go to church because all of a sudden he got extremely sick and couldnt even move. The bummer thing was that he had to teach third hour..... Didnt make it :( My mom also taught third hour in relief society on peacemaker and did an amazing job! I am so proud to be her daughter! After her lesson which she ended about 5 minutes early we had to leave for the airport in quite a hurry to make the flight..... MAJOR BUMMER.... I hate coming back, I miss my family way to much, some day and mark my words WE WILL LIVE CLOSER!!!!! Mama I am coming home soon! Hope you enjoy the picture overload!

Helping papa!

Loving Daddy!

Cute easter boys!

Say Cheese!

Oh boys!

Cute little family!

Finding his EGG!

Theres GIDS "money egg"

cute momma and baby!

Jules looks Great huh?!

he picked up the grass with his toes!!

Gid Loved the baby(BEBE)!

Cute Nolen and Gid

Look how cute this egg is!!

Found it!

I see it!

How do you do this daddy!

Kids are waiting to attack the eggs!

Daddy look what the easter bunny got me!

Wild Animal Park

2009-04-05T14:00:00.000-07:00

Tram ride

Smile Lane!

cute little animals

Owen and Jules

Baby Lion cub!

Lions(look at the one in the back, he's got a snack)

Gid loves costume Characters!

Hallie,Kaitlyn, Laney

Cute matching Boys!

Saturday we all met at the Wild Animal Park, it was the 5 of us, Mel and the girls and her friend and 2 daughters, Linz and her kids, Owen and Jules and Nolen and my Uncle Jim. We had a great day, we didn't see a ton of animals but we had a blast just being together. We did get to see a couple of Gorillas wrestle with each other, I have never seen a gorilla beat its chest, and it is so loud! I love having family time. I wish so bad that Brandon could have been there this past couple of weeks.

A day at the SD zoo!

2009-04-05T13:18:00.000-07:00

Bus Ride

Playing with the animal puppets!

Sharing some Ice Cream!

I am not bugging Papa!

I love Papa!!

Group shot!

Lovin Mama!

Meerkat view!

Owen and Nolen!

Gid and Papa, Gid looks bored!

Gid and O's

Gid and Papa

Cute boy looking at the monkeys!

Grandma and Gid

Mom and Dad were able to take Gid and I to the San Diego Zoo last Friday, and it was very relaxing and fun. Jules and Owen met us there for a few hours and it was really fun to spend some more time with them. We walked around and saw all the monkeys which Gid loves! he knows how to make a monkey sound which sounds like a really high pitched "ahhh-ahhh"! We took him to the petting zoo, which isn't as fun as it used to be, and then we had a little lunch and ice cream and then off to the Bus ride! I thoroughly enjoyed the day, it was a little chilly and slow, nothing to really get too which made it really relaxing. After the Bus ride we went to the store where dad just happened to find the rack of animal puppets and play DRAMATICALLY with them for Gid! After a fun day we headed home and had a wonderful dinner at OSCARS! Once again another fun filled day with the FAM, another thing to make me wish I was closer.

California Here we ARE!!

2009-04-01T11:00:00.000-07:00

driving the boats

CHEESE!!!

Family Pic!!

Cuteness!

HE loved PLUTO!

How cute is this?

HAHAHA!!

Breakfast!

Oscar the Chef!

Tradition: must take family pic in front of the castle!

Gid and I came to California last week and have spent an amazing time with my family! We have been extremely busy and today is the first day in a week we aren't doing anything, (actually we may got to walmart later today!!). We flew in Wednesday morning and went straight to the Disneyland Hotel where we spent Wed-Sat there in the pool and at the parks. The pool there was amazing it was huge and had a tiny little water slide that Gid LOVED!! They also had a hot tub that wasnt to hot for Gid and I to both go in! We went to Disneyland on Thursday morning where we were able to go in an hour earlier then everybody else because we stayed at the hotel. As we walked in ALL the (main) characters were out and Gid was in love with them, He ran right up to all of them gave them a hug blew them kisses and posed for some cute pictures! I can not believe how brave he was. He ran right up to them smiling and all! After the characters we walked down main street a little bit and found a new love! A little breakfast place tucked in the corner, we got in line and sat down and had the yummiest breakfast I have had in a while! It was so good, I had Cinnamon roll french toast and it was to die for! We then saw there was this little old guy in a chefs hat walking around the tables greeting everyone and asking how everything was, we then found out that it was his restaurant and that he has worked at Disneyland for 53 years!!!!!!!! I can not believe it! He said he had put in for retirement twice and decided not to go through with it both times! He was soo cute! He Loved Gid, and watching him eat as he shoveled eggs and much more in his mouth, it really entertained everyone! After breakfast we walked around and went on a few rides to find out that Gid does not do lines very well!!! He did love the Casey Jr train though. After a few rides and pictures and an amazing breakfast we decided that the time difference and not sleeping very much in the past two days had caught up to Gid! So we took him back to the hotel where we found out that he wasn't the only one who was tired it was all of us, we had an amazing 3 hour nap and Gid had a four hour nap. So after our batteries we recharged we decided to go to the pool and see what they had to offer. We had a blast and soon after that Melanie and the little girls met us there and stayed at the hotel as well. After we got dressed and checked in we went back to Disneyland and watched the fire works and rode a few more rides. The next day we went California adventure and the pool and then back to Disneyland where we got to see a fun parade. Gid loved the parade! The next morning(Saturday) we checked out really slow and went to breakfast at coco's where Gid decided to wak his ear and split the back of it open. I have never seen him scream that hard, his body went into like convulsions, it was scary and I felt so bad, it ended up not being as bad as we thought but it still hurt him pretty bad :( We then dropped Mel and the girls off and then finally back to Temecula where we then went to costco to get stuff for the Bar-B-Q the next day and ATT to get mom a new iphone!!! Yay for mom, she is moving up into this world! Sunday we went to church and had the Bar-B-Q, Wilsons Mel and the girls and Owen and Juls and new baby NOLEN came up to party! Monday we spent a WHOLE day in a huge furniture store with 22 month old...... oh boy that was fun, then Tuesday we went shopping all day! Which we all got some new things and I am so excited and Extremely Thankful because my mom bought me a bunch of new clothes that fit me and feel great! Now its Wednesday and I am missing my husband and counting down the days till he gets here! I am so happy to be here, I feel like me and happy and everything else that feels good when I am home and with my family. Here are some pics hope you enjoy!

Scare with Stella

2009-04-01T10:12:00.000-07:00

I have to blog about this so all of you know the real story and what happened. Friday night I got a voice mail on my phone from a nurse from Dr. Herzog (which she was new) but she said she got my blood results back and that I really really needed to call her back. Needless to say I got it Friday night and they weren't in the office till Monday morning. I worried about it all weekend and and really didn't tell anyone but I was scared out of my mind. I called them Monday morning and talked to Cindy (a nurse there that I am REALLY good friends with!) and told her about the message and she went and got my chart. She came back on the phone and I can tell that she was having a hard time telling me the results. I tested positive for Spina bifida. I got off the phone and instantly started crying and a huge fear came over me. I got really upset and started to realize my love for my child. I haven't told alot of you but I have had a hard time feeling attached and connected with her and for the first time I felt an overwhelming emotion and love for her. I was upset that she hadn't even stepped foot on this earth and she wouldn't be able to walk. She didn't deserve this and I wanted to take it away from her. I was overwhelmed with the love I have for her and instantly saw a blessing. Once I kind of regained my emotion I started thinking to myself that this cant be happening, "I have had WAY to many sonograms and last week I had an appointment with a specialist and he didn't pick it up either. once I started putting all the pieces together, I know that she couldn't have it. Later that night I had a blessing that she was healthy and that she does not have spina bifida!! I went to my appointment the next morning and talked to DR. Herzog about the blessing and sonograms and he said that there is no way either and just as we were discussing it, Cindy walked in with results from the specialist from the previous week and it said that he had did the test (sonogram) on her spine and said it was PERFECT!! So all in all she is Healthy and growing with a beautiful SPINE!! All I know is that this was a HUGE Blessing in disguise, heavenly Father Definitely had a hand in this. Heavenly father had a test result come up positive for me to finally see that I do LOVE this little girl and I cant wait to see her!! I am so in love with her and I cant wait to bond with her on this earth! Right now I enjoy every kick and move she gives and happy she can be here with her Brother!

Soo I forgot to mention...!

2009-03-02T11:39:00.001-08:00

I guess I have been very overwhelmed and tired that I forgot to mention that I found I am having a GIRL!! I know I know that's huge news and it must be blogged about, but I have been wanting to post a picture up of her as well but I ha vent really had the time to take it and download it! Anyways I have the picture up and it was taken when she was 16 weeks so if your keeping track that was four weeks ago and I am now 20 weeks! Meaning I am HALFWAY DONE! I was shocked to find out it was a girl, I was totally thinking it was a boy and that I can get all of gids clothes out and all that, but she really threw me for a loop. I was a bit taken back but I am finally getting around to the idea of having a daughter! I am really excited because my cousin Angela who is due a day before me is also having a girl! Its the year of girls! We have pretty much decided on a name Stella Diane Valenzuela. Were pretty set on it but I am always listening to new names. I am a bit worried that she is going to be a handful just because of the way she kicks, her kicks are WAY harder them Gids every where in the entire 9 months I was pregnant with him! hers is like she is doing martial arts in there, sometimes they really do hurt! I would say most of the time she kicks I am literally jumping out of my seat! she has quite the personality already for 20 weeks so I can only imagine whats in store for me in the next 20! Anyways I have another appointment tomorrow so I will fill you in on that one asap, I promise!

When he says he's tired I guess he means it!

2009-03-02T10:49:00.000-08:00

Mondays are always the worst days for me, because I know that my week is only beginning and my weekend is far far away! Today Gid and I got to work and got a few things done and everyone one was playing nice but Gid was a little more attached to me then normal. He was constantly wanting to be held and picked up which I didn't really have time to do but I still managed to. And every time I did pick him up he laid his head on my shoulder and just snuggled (WHICH IS NOT HIM). I felt bad because I had some things to do and try and get done before everyone went to sleep. He then had a break down and I told him I would hold him but he continued to cry and walk away. I am trying really hard to have him come to me when he needs me instead of me chasing him all over the house trying to love him. So he cried and then stopped and stood behind where I was sitting and then I told him I would hold him if he came here, he then started crying and so I said fine come to me when your ready to be held. After about 5 minutes it got really quiet and I began to worry, where was he? what was he in to? I began to search for him and could not find him, after a few moments of panic and stress I found a tired little boy asleep half way on a couch in the toy room! I felt soo bad, he was trying to tell me he was tired and lead me to the bed! His little legs were not even on the couch, they were just hanging off from his waist down. Next time my little boy has a breakdown, I know now that I can give him the option of going "night night"! The funny thing is yesterday he woke up about 7:30 and had a few grapes laid in bed with us for a few minutes and then played some then about 9:00 he was fussy and moody and I realized that he didn't have his sippy cup of milk in the morning yet so I gave him his sippy and he walked into his room grabbed his crib and said "night Night". Poor guy must be going through a growth spurt because he is really tired these last few days! Well enjoy the pics!

Good night Valentines!

2009-02-14T20:44:00.001-08:00

Wells its time to say goodnight to our special day on Valentines! We had a great day with many fun surprises and and treats! Gid went to bed with his new jammies and his "Many Many"! He is so cute with his Handy Many I just had to show you these pics of Gid giving him a HUG! Enjoy the pics and Happy Valentines Day to all!!

Grandmas Box came!!

2009-02-14T20:28:00.000-08:00

After we got back from Benihana, we saw that there was finally the package we have been waiting for! Grandmas package came!! We always look forward to Grandmas fun surprises and Treats! Gid was thrilled with everything but his favorite was the pictures she sent! He wanted to point everyone out and say there name! "Chis" aka Chase, "Papa" aka poppy, "gima" aka Grandma. Its so fun to listen to him talk more and more! He loved the heart with the M&M's he tried bighting into them right away! He loved the football and I loved the shirt and the cute things she sent For Miss Stella! Cute little PINK onesies, paceys, pink hangers, and a cute little car seat toy! I love my mom! She is the most amazing women I have ever met. I am one day going to be like her and be able to send cute things out to my family! I miss her so much and I get to see her in a few weeks! Gid is very excited to see all of them as well! Thanks mom, we really enjoy fun packages in the mail, it makes life that much more exciting and makes you feel incredibly loved! Happy Valentines Day, We love you!

Valentines Morning 09'

2009-02-14T19:32:00.001-08:00

We had such a fun day today! Everyone woke up early (thanks to Gid) and I surprised the boys with Valentines baskets full of fun stuff! Gid was so excited to find "Many Many" aka Handy many, and fun cars and Jammies. Brandon Loved what he got, he was excited to see I got him stuff that he said he needed! After a little fun of opening the baskets we went on to our Saturday morning ritual and all got in bed to watch "Many Many"! Except we got a new little friend in bed with us! We all started falling asleep but then my stomach rudely interrupted us and I had to eat! As I started to eat Brandon said don't eat to much, which I was confused and mad at the same time! He told me he had a surprise for me at 12:00, we started getting ready for the day and took Gid to the mall to play for a bit and then we were on our way to my surprise! And I was blown away My husband the Great took me to Benihana!!!!!!! I was so excited!! That was the best gift I could have ever gotten ESPECIALLY being pregnant! As we walked in he told me I could get whatever I wanted! and I did! I got Rocky's choice and 2 things of fried rice!! I love my husband! That was incredible! He totally remembered it is my favorite Restaurant and it just opened a mile away from us!! Best Valentines ever!

Locked IN!!

2009-02-12T14:23:00.000-08:00

So Today Gid decided to shut his door when he went in his room to play, as he tried to turn the nob he locked it instead! Meaning for another 45 minutes he was locked in his room as I tried to frantically unlock it with a bobby pin! They don't have keys there just little tiny holes. Poor gid was stuck in his room and getting very confused and scared. He was pounding on the door and saying "mama mama mama". So sad, he had no idea I was on the other side trying to unlock it. So after 45 minutes of trying and Brandon trying to coach me over the phone how to open it, I decided to find a screw driver and completely take the Handle off! Which was a whole lot better idea the Brandon's "bust down the door"! SO I got it open and Gid instantly ran and gave me a hug! I felt so bad for him. I hope he didn't think I was punishing him by keeping him in there that long! After we hugged and I tried to explain t him that I wasn't punishing him, I needed to put the handle on. Gid wanted to do it, so I let him and it didn't get very fixed but he still thought he was a big helper and a big BOY!! I love this little guy, he completely melts my heart and I can not imagine my life with out him! Enjoy the pics!

Some cuteness of Gidders!

2009-02-11T13:18:00.000-08:00

Earlier today we went to a play date valentines party, (which I will post later) But after the party we stopped by the park with the kids and had a picnic! we had so much fun, and I know the kids loved it because they had a huge field and sticks everywhere from the storm last night! They ran and ran and ran! It was such a beautiful day and so nice out that we had to take advantage of the oppurtunity before Texas changes its mind on the weather again! Here are some fun shots of Gid as I test out my camera more and more! hope you enjoy!

McRae turns TWO!!

2009-02-10T14:03:00.001-08:00

My Best Friends little Girl turned 2 this weekend, I cant believe it!!! I saw her when she was 1 day old!! She was the most beautiful baby girl I have ever seen! I am so thankful I have had the past two years with her and to watch her grow to a beautiful girl! I have had so much fun with her and Gid loves her! He cant quite keep up with her but he loves to watch her run circles around him! The past 2 years have been and quite crazy for her family and mine but there is one thing for sure this girl is up for all adventures! Its fun to know she has one of the best woman I know as a mother! Her mom is one of the most incredible woman I have had the chance to meet. I am so thankful for her and the positive example she is in my life. I dont know how I could have made it with the trials and such that I have gone through without her and I know that Heavenly father has given her to me. She is a huge blessing in my life in so many ways! I want McRae to know how much I love her. I cant wait to watch her grow into a Beautiful daughter of God, and watch her take her steps in life and become a strength and anchor in her family. She has touched my life in so many ways in the 2 years she has been here. I am so proud of her the little things she is doing and learning! I love you McRae! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Help me!!!

2009-02-10T08:52:00.001-08:00

So I am trying so Hard to get my photography business up and running but a very important thing is missing... The NAME!!! I have no idea what to call my business! I have been thinking for months and weeks and days about what to call it! So if anyone has any ideas or suggestions please let me know! I need help! I am starting to take all my classes and get the website going but i need a name! the thing that is hard is making sure no one else has the name! Thanks all I really do need help! I will be hearing from you soon!