tHe WaShBuRn'S

yet ANOTHER giveaway!

2011-12-28T08:23:00.001-07:00

An extra giveaway!? WAHOO! & UDI's?? YEAH!

Check it out!

Udi's Giveaway @ Gluten Free Frenzy!

the 25th day of GF giveaways!

2011-12-25T07:06:00.002-07:00

Last but not least, one of my FAVORITE companies Pamela's Products!

Check out the giveaway at Gluten Free Frenzy!

Another GF giveaway

2011-12-24T07:27:00.002-07:00

This is one of my favorites! Julias Bakery!!

Check out the giveaway here - Gluten Free Frenzy!

Check out more of the 25 days of GF giveaways!

2011-12-24T07:19:00.000-07:00

Check out more of the 25 days of GF giveaways!

Gluten Free Frenzy

Angela Saban Design

Gluten Free Giveaways....

2011-12-18T11:39:00.002-07:00

P.F. Changs giveaway.......

Gluten Free Frenzy

Gluten Free Giveaways....

2011-12-18T11:22:00.002-07:00

I know I haven't posted in a while...maybe I'll get to that over break.

But for now check this out...

25 Days of Christmas Giveaways...Gluten Free of Course! #17 Popcorn, Indiana

Pecan Creek Boutique!!!

2011-11-10T13:05:00.001-07:00

Check out their blog or facebook page!

http://www.pecancreekboutique.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pecan-Creek-Boutique/159378007434492

Harley's 2!! Celebrating on her birthday

2011-10-03T19:44:00.007-07:00

I got her ready in her b-day outfit

Then we headed out to see her presents...
I hid presents in her new kitchen

Trying to show me 2 fingersThat night we went to Red Robin...yummmm!
Mindy joined us along with both sets of Grandparents

Fries with Ranch...like Daddy

Picture with her grandparents

Our waiter singing....if you can't tell, he mumbled a lot of the song!

Things about Harley lately:
She loves Dancing, singing (and after she bows and says "Thank you much")
she loves popsicles, every time she sees a cake she says "Happy Day" and pretends to blow out candles, she LOVES shopping, hiding, she says Wana for Grandma, she's putting more words together to make small sentences, she is VERY friendly, she really loves Magic School Bus, she loves hanging out with Rylyn, she is enjoying going to Grandma & Papa's everyday...she loves her Aunts & Uncles. she is my little helper, especially in the kitchen! We love her so much & can't get enough of her and her fun personality!

Harley's 2nd Birthday

2011-10-03T19:16:00.010-07:00

Yes-I'm still alive. Wow, I've been a neglectful blogger!

We had Harley's party on August 27th. It was a swim party. We made it a beach theme since we just went to the beach for the first time. Here are some pictures:

My wonderful sister Mindy made her outfit for her. Complete with hair bows for pigtails :)

Decor out front

Daddy and the birthday girl

Tim-our gracious host (& Amy not pictured-our gracious hostess)

Swedish fish, gummy octopus and gummy sharks

Cake Amy & I made. I saw it HERE I was pretty proud of it

Teddy Grahams with bathing suits
She loved it!

Octodogs
Her & her best friend Rylyn

The party

Enjoying the pool

Outdoor decor/food. I put food in buckets & used shovels as spoons. Chips & salsa, grapes, potato chips and octodogs.

Papa eating an octodog

Opening her presents. She took every one of them to show Papa.

She blew out her candles 3 times by the time we were done singing. And the third time she got her nose in the flame...but out fast enough to not burn! Phew! That was scary!
Rylyn and Annie dancing
watching Finding Nemo after the party was overThank you to all of you who came and made Harley feel extra special! A special thanks to the Wolsey's for hosting for us! We had a blast!!

San Diego Day 3 & 4

2011-08-23T18:46:00.011-07:00

yes-I realize there is a picture OVERLOAD...but o-well :) haha
Day 3- We headed down to Mission Beach to hang out for a couple hours. Harley seemed to enjoy it. Although, she was shivering! Scott REALLY enjoyed it and was out swimming for most of the time. I refused to go into the water because it was too cold for me.

After hanging out for a bit we went and got a huge snow cone. As you can see, we all enjoyed it.

We went back for some naps and then headed out again.

We went to Cupcake Squared. They have 1 gluten free cupcake everyday I guess. This was Pomegranate Pistachio. It was interesting, but good.
We went to Seaport Village to walk around & shop a little. Scott held a giant parrot
Harley paid for the tin man to move around but was scared of him

She liked the giant lobster because it didn't move.

She saw another tin man that danced to music. She was a little concerned I think

Scott got some fish from Anthony's, the main reason we went to Seaport ;) Day 4-We got up, packed up, ate at Denny's and headed to take our rental car back.

On our way to the airport on the shuttle
Watching Finding Nemo
She fell asleep before we took off!
And woke up right before we landed. Harley really seem to enjoy herself. She did so good on the plane, loved the beach, did well sleeping in a different crib & napping. We had a ton of fun! Hopefully we can do it again soon!

Photoshoot!

2011-08-23T18:19:00.011-07:00

Here are a "few" of our favorites :)

www.heidirobbins.com

San Diego Day 2

2011-08-20T08:34:00.009-07:00

On Thursday we got up and headed to a little bakery that had some gluten free muffins. It was pretty good! I don't remember the name of it though, sorry. After that we went to Birch Aquarium at Scripps in La Jolla. It was pretty chilly up there! It was fun watching Harley go up to each tank and point. She really enjoyed it!

She got her first view of the ocean, or big pool as she calls it.

After the aquarium we headed back to the hotel to eat some lunch and take naps.

We then headed down to Windansea beach to get our family pictures taken. We were lucky enough to get our pictures taken by the same girl (www.heidirobbins.com) who did our wedding pictures 6 years ago! I love them!! :) Harley had a little bit of a hard time focusing because it was her first time actually down by the ocean. But Heidi got tons of great pictures! Here are some we took by the beach.

I'll post some from Heidi next!

San Diego Day 1

2011-08-07T11:19:00.007-07:00

On August 3rd we set out on our first family vacation- to San Diego.

Harley got to go on her first airplane ride. She was so excited!
She didn't like not having her own seat, but she did so good on the flight.

We arrived in SD around 1:30,
waited for our shuttle to the rental car place (Payless Car Rental),
then headed to the hotel (Double Tree by Hilton) around 3:30.

Harley loved the beds & pillows.

Unfortunately for her she didn't get to sleep there. She got her own crib. She slept really well in it too!! This is her pretending to sleep
Scott enjoying the comfy chair

The beautiful sunset...in our room ;)

Coloring some pictures I printed for her to keep busy

After relaxing for a little bit we headed to Sammy's Woodfired Pizza a
couple miles from our hotel.

Scott ordered Oak Roasted Asparagus

We got a gluten free pizza. Half Hawaiian for me-half Tuscany for Scott

It was good. I liked the chewiness of the crust.
It was simple, not over powered by any herby taste like some I've tried.

We headed back to the hotel, swam for a little bit and then walked to Yogurtland. They have their yogurts marked if they are gluten free or not :) Gotta love that!

After Yogurtland we walked around all the stores for a bit.

At Yogurtland we got a free bag because we bought 3 cups of yogurt...even though there wasn't a lot in each of them. I know this is blurry but...Harley loves the bag!

Day 2 and 3 to come soon...hopefully

Harley is my little swimmer

2011-07-12T16:49:00.002-07:00

Harley loves being in the water. She is doing really well at holding her breath. She is not afraid to go under, which is actually quite scary. I love that she has the same love for water as me :) It makes me very happy!

Just turn your head to look at this one :)

Some Gluten Free Reviews

2011-07-12T16:31:00.004-07:00

First up is: Pastariso Gluten Free Instant Mac & Cheese

It comes in a similar small container as Kraft Mac & Cheese.

The cheese is already added to the pasta. You add water to the fill line, stir & microwave for 3 minutes (as directed on the box)

The finished product. It wasn't my favorite. I honestly LOVED it when I was at the Gluten Free Expo in May. That is why I spent way too much money on it. I don't like the cheese flavor, & it's kind of a sticky cheese if that makes sense. I think I still prefer to make Annie's Macaroni noodles with Kraft cheese...yummmm

Next up is...Udi's Gluten Free Hamburger Buns.

WINNER! I LOVED having a shredded beef sandwich on a bun! I used to just eat it with nothing. Now I can also enjoy a hamburger on a bun! It is soft just like their bread. I love it!

Homemade donuts, courtesy of Scott

Using Pamela's Baking & Pancake mix & a recipe from their website, Scott made these. They were heavenly. One has powdered sugar, one plain & one with some glaze.
Quick Donut Holes

And last, JP Pancake...

I love the bright colors and designs. It was a very small place, seat yourself. One thing I thought was funny is that a little boy, maybe 10, was cleaning off the tables and setting them up again.

First off, pancakes. They were pretty delicious. BUT, they weren't quite done in the center. I thought they were good, soft and tasted like a pancake. It's nice to have a place to go to have a gluten free breakfast.

Next, a blueberry muffin.

As you can see, the blueberries sunk to the bottom.
It was soft, and I think they had just warmed it up.
It was also pretty good, it had a sugary top to it.

Next time I think I'll try the waffles.
They also serve Julia's gluten free cinnamon rolls, which are heavenly!
My reviews are not super in depth or anything...sorry :)

Rylyn & Tatum

2011-07-12T16:19:00.004-07:00

I did a little photoshoot for my friends girls. Harley snuck into a couple...here they are :)

"Papa & Me"

2011-07-12T16:12:00.004-07:00

As a thank you gift to Papa (Scott's dad) Harley & I made this book. She colored all of the backgrounds & I put pictures I have taken over the past year & a half and put them on it. Then I laminated them and tied ribbon through them.

I honestly cannot tell you how much it means to me to have such a wonderful, loving person watching her. It is amazing to see what a great bond they have. Next school year (all too quickly approaching) Scott's mom will be there too! YEAH!! :)

WE LOVE YOU PAPA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lots of time with friends & family

2011-07-12T15:57:00.006-07:00

With me only working twice a week we have been able to spend lots of time with family & friends...

Hanging out with her grandmas...I don't have pictures of her with Grandma Washburn, but she has been spending time with her too. She even painted Harley's toes!

Morgan reading to her

Getting her toes done...she LOVED that...except she wouldn't sit still after she started. She threw the book she was looking at aside and stuck her feet forward when it was her turn.

Playing Yahtzee with mom & dad

hanging with Rylyn

Playing with Sage & Emerson when they were here...she LOVED that!

Harley's first haircut + Family pictures

2011-07-12T15:40:00.007-07:00

My WONDERFUL friend Stephanie did our hair & my make-up for our family pictures.

She cut Harley's right before we left. Harley did so good. It was adorable. Of course, we gave her a little candy so she wasn't moving her head around, but she seemed to enjoy it.

While Jill & her kids were in town we got together for some family pics.

Me and my wonderful siblings
Amy, Me, Ryan, Jill & Mindy

Harley kissing dadda

My mom & Mindy

Jill snapped some family pics for me...here are a few she took. Thanks Jill!

Harley didn't want to take pictures with her own parents, she wants Amy & Tim for parents. She wouldn't sit still & smile in our pictures, but she did with them.
(She even wanted to go home with them last night. and she cried f..or a while after haha...)

Birthday & Memorial Day

2011-07-12T15:25:00.005-07:00

Harley is napping, so I decided I'd play catch-up...

For my birthday my family went to my grandma's house (aka Granny Goose).
We did lots of swimming

Harley does not like being in this anymore...she really enjoys being free in the water :)

Looking at ducks & fish in the lake

Enjoying some delicious food from Joe's BBQ, Amy's HEAVENLY guacamole, and some watermelon. It was delish!

Using my new Udi's gluten free hamburger buns..

Stuck together

We put Harley in the car & went to look at Ryan & Lindsay's vehicle and came back & she had grabbed the bag of chips and started eating...I guess she was still hungry.

Memorial Day with the Washburns
Some more swimming and grilling...doesn't get much better!

Going down the slide with daddy

Water fight

Eating her hot dog...actually just eating ketchup...that's my girl ;)

Wow-it's been a while...

2011-07-03T14:56:00.002-07:00

Lots has happened in the last month and a half.

*School got out
*Summer started
*Lots of swimming
*Working twice a week
*Fun with friends & family
*LOTS of time with my sweet Harley
*I got a job :)

I am sorting pictures right now & will post soon...hopefully :) No promises.

here's a pic for now...

Gluten-Free Cookbook Reviews

2011-05-16T16:43:00.005-07:00

My brother in law asked me about a month ago to do a couple cookbook reviews for a magazine he works for. Before this, I had never written down my story of becoming gluten-free. Here is my article I wrote along with pictures of the books.

How Can I Live Gluten-Free?

Five years ago I felt like my life was over. After having stomach pains for years and not knowing why, I got the results of a blood test. My father found out two weeks prior that he had something called celiac disease. I had never heard of it before. Sure enough, that is what my blood results showed. Close to 2.8 million Americans suffer from this autoimmune disease. About ninety-five percent of celiacs are undiagnosed. Celiac disease requires gluten to be removed completely from a person’s diet. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. It is found in flours, breads, pastas, cereals, cakes, and pastries. It is also found in many things you wouldn’t expect to find it in, such as soups and seasonings. Now, after eating whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted for 20 years, I had to completely change my diet. I called my mom crying and asked her to come over and help me figure out what I had in my pantry that was gluten-free. We read label after label. Spaghettio’s? No. Macaroni and cheese? No. Oreos? No. Crackers? No. Flour tortillas? No. Tears streamed down my face because I had nothing I could eat in my house. I could no longer run to the first fast-food restaurant I saw and grab a hamburger or chicken nuggets. If I went to a birthday party or family gathering I couldn’t eat anything. Five years ago there weren’t a lot of gluten-free foods to turn to. They didn’t have much taste to them, which made things frustrating. Through the years it has become easier for me and gluten-free foods taste better.

Going gluten-free can be very challenging, expensive and time-consuming. The gluten-free community is growing rapidly, not only by those affected with celiac, but those choosing to go with a healthier lifestyle. There are many more gluten-free products available now than there were five years ago.

There are several foods out there that are naturally gluten-free. For example, vegetables, fruits, meats, and legumes are all gluten-free. A few alternatives to all-purpose flour are rice, corn, tapioca, and potato flours. Some companies even make different blends of gluten-free flours that are similar in texture and taste to regular flour. Gluten-free foods have come a long way in the past few years and are available in most grocery stores. Living a gluten-free lifestyle can be expensive but having recipes to make homemade meals can help. The authors of these cookbooks make it easier and healthier to live not only gluten-free but sugar-free and vegan as well.

Amy Green, author of Simply Sugar and Gluten-Free (SS & GF), has a book packed full of amazing, healthy and easy recipes for those going gluten-free and have busy lives. All recipes in SS & GF can be prepared in about 20 minutes. I really love that she includes a basic flour blend that is used in several of her recipes. This can come in handy not only for recipes in her book, but recipes you might find elsewhere. There is a very nice kitchen essentials portion in the back of the book that is very helpful. This includes alternatives to sugar as well as equipment and resources to help make living gluten and sugar-free easier. From Apple Spice Muffins to Seven Layer Avocado Dip and Cauliflower Soup to Vanilla Bean Sponge Cake, there are recipes for everyone.

Are you vegan and gluten-free? The 100 Best Gluten-Free Recipes For Your Vegan Kitchen by Kelly E. Keough is the book for you. Being vegan means completely animal-free. It is a challenge to be both vegan and gluten-free. Kelly’s book shows how you can do both without having to sacrifice the flavors you love. She shows you how to make delicious smoothies, entrees, desserts and so much more. Kelly also gives advice on what essentials you need, tips for easier preparation and how to save money. Two appealing recipes are Blueberry Cornbread Muffins and Hot Tamale Pie. As the title says, she has 100 recipes to choose from and information in the back to help with making sure your kitchen is stocked with the essentials.

Whether you have been gluten-free for years or just decided today, these books have some great recipes that can help make it easier. It is challenging to be gluten-free but it can be done. It is fun to try new recipes and it is nice that there are gluten-free cookbooks to help make this lifestyle more manageable.

Life...

2011-05-16T16:21:00.003-07:00

Life lately has been...a little stressful.

I was sat down a couple weeks ago and told that I can no longer hold my current job position due to district policy. The job I have had for 4 years working 1:1 with a boy. This is hard. Very hard. Not only is it hard to change positions and leave the boy I've watched grow up, but I have to basically start from scratch. Do the whole resume, letters of recommendation, interviews (blah). I will most likely hold a position within the same district, but I'm not 100% sure. I'm probably about 97% sure. But I occasionally think, should I go work at a bank? Or an office? I don't know. BUT, the one thing I do know is that I can't give up my summers with Harley. So, that brings me back to working in the district.

Only 8 days left of school. One day we have a field trip to go bowling, and two half days. I'm so excited!
That's all for now. I can't post without a picture of my baby girl....

Happy Birthday Mindy!

2011-05-15T13:12:00.002-07:00

Happy birthday lil sis! I hope you have a great day! I love you!!

Mother's Day

2011-05-08T20:01:00.002-07:00

I am so proud to be a mom to this beautiful girl! I love watching Harley growing and learning everyday. I love when she runs up to me and gives me big hugs and says "MOM" She is the best! I love her!

I am also SO very grateful for my mom, Scott's mom and my grandma's.
What wonderful women they all are! Thanks for all you do for us! LOVE YOU ALL!

Golden Birthday

2011-05-01T15:07:00.004-07:00

Since Scott turned 29 on the 29th

Here are 29 things that I LOVE about you Scott- (in no particular order):

kind hearted
patience
fohawk
hard working
helpful
when you play with Harley
love for electronics
sense of humor
your freshly shaven face
goofy
kisses
how intensely you watch basketball
when you cook
love for your family
always there to take care of me
craziness
your goatie
when you talk in your sleep
your cologne
the love you have for me
when you make up words to songs
willingness to help when anyone needs you
the love you have for Harley
your generosity
caring
the way you make me laugh & smile
watching tv with you
your soft hands (sadly softer than mine)

I love how lucky I am to have you as my husband.

I love you & hope you had a great birthday. Here's to another year!

Happy Birthday Scott!

2011-05-01T14:39:00.009-07:00

Scott turned 29 on the 29th. Making it his "golden" birthday. He opened some presents in the morning before work. He had Joe's Farm Grill for lunch and we had a couple people over, grilled, had sushi and cooked lobster (Thank you Tim & Amy!) I ran to the store (where I met Amy & Tim), grabbed the food, came home, Steph & Chris were here & we all wore a gold necklace and I had everyone wear yellow. (I had yellow shoes & a yellow undershirt on-not as much as others) Here are some pictures from the festivities. Thank you for making Scott's birthday fun!

The lobster was a surprise from Tim & Amy.

Happy Birthday Scott!

Easter Sunday

2011-05-01T12:02:00.015-07:00

Easter was fun with Harley this year. We hid her basket,
but just told her to open the door to the closet. haha. She loved it!

We headed to my parents after church. Mindy, Amy & I "tie-dyed" eggs. Go HERE for directions on how. It was fun to see the final result! We found out later that Jill, in Michigan, did it as well! They turned out pretty cool!

My mom did an egg hunt for the girls.
Mindy & Amy packed some eggs with goodies & we hid them out back.
They got some extra goodies from my mom after they gathered some eggs (which we got the idea from mom washburn) They girls had a blast!

I made some Easter treats. Some GF cake pops (using Pamela's chocolate cake mix & cream cheese frosting, dipped in white chocolate)
and I made some white chocolate bunny suckers with crushed rice chex
I made the rolls (GF of course) with Pamela's GF bread mix. They were delicious!

My mom made a DELICIOUS dinner!
Ham, scalloped potatoes, corn (off the cob), green beans, fruit & dip

We also celebrated Scott's birthday
(Lindsay & Ryan brought cheesecake for dessert)

Retirement Party

2011-05-01T11:39:00.009-07:00

On April 9th we had a SURPRISE retirement party for Scott's mom. We worked really hard to make it a surprise and we pulled it off! We planned it to be a craft party, had everyone come & Scott's dad hid his car in the garage. Taya decorated her house with a beach theme. It looked awesome! We had Someburro's for dinner, all the kids talked about their mom and how much they love her and all she has done for them. We had mock fried ice cream for dessert that Taya made. They were DELICIOUS! (She made them with Cinnamon Chex instead of Corn Flakes)

I think it turned out great!
Thanks Mom Washburn for all you do and have done for all of us!
We love you & hope you have a great retirement!

Washburn Easter Party

2011-05-01T10:43:00.007-07:00

At the beginning of April we had an Easter party at the Washburn's.
Harley's Uncle Kyle was here so we that's why we did an early Easter party :)
We had some Italian food for dinner, an Easter egg hunt and we also made cards for
a little boy named Max who has cancer.

Thanks Grandma Washburn for making it so fun!!

Lots to catch up on....

2011-04-27T20:19:00.002-07:00

but right now I don't have time. So, until then... she is the joy of my life & I can't get enough of her!!! I want to hold her all day, everyday. I love her!

**more posts to come...hopefully soon

19 months...

2011-04-05T19:40:00.005-07:00

Harley is a hoot! She loves: making animal noises, playing outside, pointing at things and saying what they are or what they 'say', shoes, making funny faces, folding her arms when we sit down to dinner, pulling her earrings out (UGH!-we put the original lock backs on and she stopped), hugging her doll, pushing her stroller with all kinds of stuff in it, putting hats on (she looked at a man in a restaurant today that had a hat on, pointed to her head and said "hat". Then she took off her headband because she wanted a hat on), going to the park, going on walks, dancing, and hanging out with Papa! She LOVES papa!!

{cheese}

shoe lover

Also, I went to sneak into her room on Saturday and noticed she had a little bum showing. Then, I looked at her again and realized she had ALOT of bum showing....she had taken her diaper off (thank goodness it wasn't poopy!) and it was on the ground. No more sleeping w/out bottoms on!

Don't mind the added yellow flowers ;-)

March

2011-04-05T19:11:00.005-07:00

18 months old: 22 1/2 lbs
Harley has only been to nursery two times but she loves it and I love seeing what she 'colors'.

Spending some time with her cousin Brooke.

Scott had 3 days off during Spring Break so we went to the zoo. It was lots of fun watching Harley and hearing her make the animal sounds. She especially loved the splash pad!

Went to The Sound of Music with the girls! It was lots of fun.Saturday mornings we've been trying to go for walks (3 for 3) and sometimes take Harley to the park and also hit up some garage sales.

Slacker....I know...

2011-03-20T20:12:00.004-07:00

I know I've been a slacker lately...sorry!

(side note-posting from phone so pics are not placed where I'd like...actually surprised they even uploaded!)

Harley is 18 months old & has started nursery! She loves it & goes right in & doesn't even turn around.

This past week was spring break. The first weekend I went to have a spa day with my sisters & best friend. It was wonderful! First facial I've had & it was better than my massage (atleast this massage). Over break we just hung out, shopped, visited friends & family, went to the zoo, went to a play & I just couldn't get enough time with Harley.

I just want to say how much I LOVE Harley! She is so much fun, a bit crazy , but man I love her!!!

Here she is playing the piano @ my parents

Check this out

2011-02-27T19:57:00.003-07:00

Check it out!!

Pneumonia

2011-02-27T11:35:00.006-07:00

This past month and a half Harley has had a nasty cough (which actually has been around since October...just here & there) We went to the doctor on Valentines Day and he gave her a breathing machine.

After a couple days of the machine, she seemed to be getting a lot worse. More coughing, more throwing up, runny nose, refusing food & drinks. So, we waited until a full week had gone by and decided to take her back in.

Daddy putting Vicks all over her

She had lost a 1/2 pound and she had gotten pneumonia now. We got a chest x-ray & it showed up in her right, middle lobe. Poor baby.

At first she wouldn't take the medicine, it was a fight and she threw up her first 2 doses immediately. Scott took her in the shower & she took it much easier. Now, I just bribe her and tell her I'll give her cheese, puppy chow or something else if she takes it. I know I know....bribing already! ha ha.

She's been sitting on us more, falling asleep on us

(which I honestly love/but hate since she didn't feel good)

She is doing MUCH better now. She's back to running around, being happy, goofy and playing. She's still coughing but is eating more and doing good!

Happy Valentines Day!

2011-02-14T16:15:00.002-07:00

This was my present to Scott....Happy V-day babe!
Thanks Mindy for taking them :)

16 Months....

2011-01-09T12:28:00.010-07:00

I do NOT like how time is flying by SO fast! Harley is 16 months old, getting very smart, and is so much fun!! Here are a few recent pictures...

**She likes to climb on things

**Having a little tea party

**She loves to dance to music...and sometimes with out. haha

**She LOVES playing her harmonica & riding her horse. The first time she got on it she put her arm up in the air. It was so cute!

**And she is just cute

**She says: "hi", cracker "ca-ca", juice "uice", banana "na-na", "uh oh" and jibber jabbers like crazy! :)

** & we love her so much!

New Years Eve

2011-01-04T20:51:00.004-07:00

On New Years we always go to Kevin & Katies house. There was TONS of junk food, playing games and this year....some fireworks. We made some candy sushi....find the recipe at www.Chex.com

I didn't take hardly any pictures...but here's one I took with my phone....

Happy New Year! Here's to a great 2011!!

Christmas Eve & Christmas

2011-01-04T20:46:00.022-07:00

**We went to Grandma & Papa Washburn's for Harley to open her present from them on Christmas Eve... Her PJ's :)

**After that we headed over to my Uncle Monty & Aunt Jacque's house for YUMMY Mexican food, "white elephant" game & fun!

**When we got home we opened our Christmas PJ's

**Christmas morning we opened presents at home and really had fun watching Harley open her gifts! :)

**We headed to Washburn's for breakfast burritos, fruit, muffins (Gluten free just for me! Thanks Mom Washburn!!), presents and hanging out! This year we {all the siblings + spouses} put together a slideshow for his parents of almost 300 pictures and was about 30 minutes long.

**We went to my parents and had ham, scalloped potatoes, fruit salad, and lots more food! It was delicious!! Opened presents, and did more hangin out!

We had a great Christmas spending time with family & friends!

December

2011-01-04T20:40:00.013-07:00

**My mom's mom, Grandma West, turned 90!!

**We had our ward Christmas party & was in charge of taking pictures of kids on Santa's lap...Harley did great! She didn't cry at all when she saw Santa or sat on his lap.

**We went out and delivered little goodies to some close neighbors...

**We hung out with some friends

**Set up Christmas lights & decorations. Harley helped put some ornaments on the tree & did a fairly good job not taking them off...until a couple weeks later when she shattered one on the coffee table, very quietly, and did NOT cut herself!! I was shocked!

November

2011-01-04T20:28:00.014-07:00

**My dad's mom, "Granny Goose" turned 90!

**Mindy had her boutique, which I hung out with her for the day. She did a great job! Check out her stuff HERE. Harley was the little model....and she got a tutu & flower from the boutique :)

**Got a pink & purple power wheels jeep at a garage sale for $5...it does not run, but she does not care! haha...since she doesn't know the difference that's how it's gonna stay for a while :) Maybe she'll get a battery for her birthday or something to make it work....HA

**Thanksgiving....we went to Kevin & Katie's and then headed to my parents after that.

**I had lots of photoshoots during November...they were all great & it was fun taking them at new & different locations!

**I was SUPER excited to get Harley's hair in pig tails :)

October

2011-01-04T20:17:00.013-07:00

I'm playing catch up....the next few posts will be from October up to now. I've been busy, lazy, working, hanging out with Harley, etc.... I've put a lot of the pictures on Facebook but wanted to document here too...

October:
**Scott, Harley & I went to Schnepf Farms. It was really fun. We walked around, went to the petting zoo/farm area, ate fresh kettle corn, homemade ice cream, Italian ice, walked through a little bit of the corn maze (just Scott & Harley) and went on a hay ride. It was fun...except being eaten by mosquitos! Here are a few pics from that night:

**We were in charge of the month activity for Scott's family so we had a Halloween Party. We set up at the church. Everyone brought their favorite fall soup/chili, we had a photobooth, haunted house and "carnival" booths too. The turn out was great & it was lots of fun!

**When my sister was in town she took some family pictures for me....I love em! Thanks Amy!!

**I got to do a few photoshoots, and one was very special to me. I was able to take pictures for our dear friends sweet baby, Lilly, who passed away just over a week later.

I know I know.....

2010-12-05T19:15:00.005-07:00

I'm lazy. & I've been busy lately and haven't posted in a while...here's a pic for now

I've also been doing a few photo shoots...check some out here: Oh, Snap! Photos

Happy Birthday Amy & Grandma!

2010-12-04T08:29:00.002-07:00

I just want to wish my big sister AMY a VERY Happy Birthday!!!! I love you & hope your day is great! I can't wait for you to live closer :)

Also, I want to wish my Grandma West a happy 90th birthday!!!! Love you Grandma!!

15 Months

2010-12-02T11:55:00.006-07:00

Harley at 15 months old:

Weight: 20lbs 12oz (20%)
Height: 31 1/2 in (80%)

*She likes to wear daddy's stuff.

*She loves to give kisses & always does the fishy face

*She loves sitting in her jeep.
*She's loving putting on daddy's hat & walking around with her purse.
*She can open the doors!

After school.......

2010-11-15T16:19:00.002-07:00

This is what I get to see very often now when I pick up Harley... I LOVE it!!! Papa loves her! And I am SO grateful for him! I will forever be indebted to him! Papa-we love you and are SO thankful for all you do for us and Harley!!!!!

14 Months

2010-11-09T17:49:00.007-07:00

Harley is just over 14 months old.

Here are 14 pictures from the past month:

Playing the piano with Great Granny Goose

Coloring with Grandma Riggs & Annie

And here are 14 things about her:

*She weighs about 20lbs still.
*She JUST cut her 3rd tooth! On the bottom.
*She is still getting over croup.
*She makes a fishy face.
*She gives big hugs & kisses.
*She waves hi/bye and blows kisses.
*She puts her head down for me when I am putting her headband on.
*She loves to brush her hair.
*She likes to carry her purse around.
*She loves to carry around a cell phone and talk on it.
*She shakes her head no big time for things she doesn't want. & pushes it away.
*She loves to wear shoes. She brings them to us or tries to put them on herself.
*She loves taking showers.
*She loves running around the house without clothes on.

We love her & are so grateful for her & her great health.

Pecan Creek Boutique....

2010-11-05T06:02:00.001-07:00

I know it's been....hmmm...a month since I posted...but for now check this out!

PECAN CREEK BOUTIQUE

13 months....

2010-10-11T15:49:00.009-07:00

Although Harley is technically 13 months I always just say she's a year old.
Here some pics from the last month or so...

Sassy in her glasses

My doll

Bein goofy

Signing please. She says it SO much....always expecting something lol

She signs food and also blows kisses. She gives us kisses now too!

"hi!" "bye!"

want to read?

"chatting" on the phone

playing with her friend Rylyn

So tired

Part daddy Part mommy
haha

Little Miss Climber lately

....she has been climbing on everything! Here's just one thing she climbs on.She likes to get into boxes or places to hide....

She found this part of her walker, so I put it on her and she loved walking around with it on
Eating her green beans....she must get that from her daddy :)Eating a burrito

The Bounz House

2010-10-11T15:28:00.007-07:00

We got to go hang out with Dan & Kirstie and the boys at the Bounz House in Queen Creek. It is very well priced...it actually was free for us HAHA. We went in with Harley and went to pay & she said "For her? Oh, she's free. Go have fun" What? Really? OK :-D So, we had an hour + of free fun play time at the Bounz House. For kids over 3 it's usually $8 and under 3 is $5. With a paid admission adults and infants are free. There was a huge slide, an obstacle course, basketball, velcro wall and more. Go HERE to see TONS more pics

Scott and Harley goin down the big slide
Easton goin down the huge slide
Instead of trying to make a basket, Scott decided to pull Dan back.

Gettin ready to stick to the wall...

Playin w/the boys

Weeeee

My favorite picture from the night.

A Well Deserved Retirement Party

2010-10-11T08:01:00.017-07:00

A couple weeks ago we had a surprise retirement party for Scott's dad. Kyle was in town & they (Scott's parents & Kyle) were planning on meeting us (Scott, Harley & I) for dinner at Mi Amigos. We were all hiding in this room, it was dark so they couldn't see. We watched as they walked past & went to get seated. We asked the waitress to go and grab them.

They walked in & the lights turned on and he was totally surprised!

It took him a little while to figure out what was going on. :)

We all enjoyed some yummy mexican food

All the gifts.

The whole gang.

Enjoying dinner

Brian, Taya, Dan & Emily

Kyle, Beth, Dad & Mom

We showed a sideshow that Scott & I put together & also the video by Dan & Scott of a day in their dad's shoes.

Next, all the Washburn kids got up and told old stories about him.
KevinBrian

Beth

Walking with the cane Beth gave him

Sean

Ice cream cake

Kyle

Emily

Scott

Dan

Saying a few words

I love this picture of them...
Look how happy they are....she told the story of how he proposed.

It was such a great party.

Dad Washburn-We cannot thank you enough for all that you have done for our family alone. You are such a great example, you always put your family first. I don't know how we can ever repay you for what you have done & do for us. We love you!!

The many faces at dinner last night......

2010-09-19T19:03:00.004-07:00

friend and waiter Golden....

HAPPY 60th BIRTHDAY MOM!!!!!

2010-09-19T18:16:00.007-07:00

Yesterday, the 18th, we celebrated my mom's 60th birthday! :) We met up at P.F. Changs for dinner around 4:30 and (hopefully) surprised her by having Mindy & Mike and Ryan & Lindsay and their girls there as well. All of the kids put together a book with 60 pictures & 60 words. It was lots of fun! I hope you had a great birthday mom! Here's to 60 more :) Here are pics from dinner...

She was exhausted

Family Times...

2010-09-14T19:46:00.007-07:00

After work I let Harley hold my water bottle.

She loved drinking out of it...

(if only she loved to drink out of her sippy cups)

and spitting out the water..

This is how we clean our face....or dirty it I mean....

Sunday was our monthly Riggs family dinner. We celebrated my mom's 60th birthday! :) Here's a few pics from that....

We all hung out out back after eating a delicious dinner made by Lindsay & Ryan(?) haha.

Lindsay showing me Annie's teeth

The gang hangin out

She was laughing....I promise

beautiful Mindy

Dad...not sure what that look on his face is haha...and Lindsay & Annie :)

Riley & Grandma

Scott doing a trick (he tried to do it fast enough while I wasn't looking...got him anyway!)

Ryan wouldn't do a trick for me...

hahaha

Adorable Riley...hanging on all by herself!

Singing to grandma :) I think she's happy to be 60? or happy to have cheesecake? hmmm

Harley's dessert. She wanted to hold her popsicle all by herself. Her hands & face were SO red!

Harley's ONE!!!

2010-09-05T16:03:00.020-07:00

Has it really been a year already!? I cannot believe it!! I feel like I just had her...she has grown so much!

We started the day off as normal. I dropped Harley off at Papa Washburn's for the day. I picked her up after work & went to her doctors appointment at 4. And did not get out until after 5! blah! Here's some info from the doc.

She weighs: 19lbs 14oz - 20%
Height: 30 1/4 inches - 75%

She got her shots in her arm...and oh boy....she cried HARD. She continued crying in the car for a bit. The past couple times she was able to get over it fairly quickly. Poor baby!After the doctors appointment we headed to Red Robin for dinner. She tried lots of the food: fries with her first taste of ketchup. Not sure what she thought of it...she made a funny face.

She had a lemon

a strawberry

some of my grilled chicken

They sang to her :)

and she enjoyed her ice cream sundae.She even got to see RED before we left...not sure what she thought...she just stared.

After Red Robin, we came home and webcamed with Tim & Amy. She opened her gift from us.

Took a shower & went to bed. What a fun filled birthday :)

Some things she does:

*She's getting really good at signing "more" and "please."

*If she finds any of her clothes, a blanket, a towel, a stuffed animal or pretty much anything...she puts it on her head and walks around and thinks she's so funny...well, she is hahaha Here she is putting daddy's sunglasses on her head.

*When we get home, she loves to get her new doggy and sit on the fireplace with it.

(Thank you Hamberg's!)

*She loves to drink out of her princess cup from Mindy

*She is good at multi-tasking...drinking and playing with her toy

*She has fun singing into her microphone...

One of her absolute favorite things right now: her stroller!!! She LOVES it.
*She absolutely LOVES LOVES peekaboo. She even puts her hands on her face (not quite covering her eyes...but it is SO cute!

*She still only has 2 teeth....but I think she may be cutting some more...because she has been like this a lot lately.But, she is mostly like this :) Our happy girl!We love you Harley!!!