Tuesday, September 30, 2008

LONG Questionare

My mom emailed me this questionare thing and I decided it was too much fun to pass up. Since I don't email a whole lot I figured this was the best way to get it out there and remember it. For anyone who reads this they better do it to because it's always so fun to read and learn about other people.

At the end of each survey, ask another question that has not already been asked. Keep it clean and fun!

1. What time you got up this morning? 6:30 am
2. Diamonds or Pearls? Diamonds, but Greg got me some great black pearls for my birthday last year.
3. The last film you saw at a cinema? Lakeview Terrace (Thanks Jessica for babysitting!)
4. What did you eat for breakfast? oatmeal and homemade bread.
5. Your middle name? GeRay (mixture of my grandparents names)
6. Your favorite TV show? Amazing Race
7. What foods do you dislike? dairy products
8. Favorite CD at the moment? Weesing Children Songs, it keeps Axton happy
9. What kind of car do you drive? Kia Sorento
10. Favorite sandwich? Turkey, on wheat, with mayo, mustard, lettuce, and tomato.
11. What characteristics do you despise in people? judgemental, condescending, hypocritical
12. Favorite item of clothing? shoes
13. Where would you rather be right now? With Greg and Axton exploring the world
14. Favorite brand of clothing? BKE (Buckle)
15. Where are you going to retire to? That is way too fair away to think about, but somewhere warm.
16. What is your most recent memorable birthday? last year, Greg and I went for a little hike, since I was like 6 months pregnant. We packed a picnic and he gave me the pearl earrings, then we went and got new cell phones!
17. Favorite sport to watch? Football, but it has it's limitations
18. Furthest Place you are sending this? ...................
19. Person you expect to send this back first? Kim
20. When is your birthday? June 26
21. Morning or night person? NIGHT!!! Talk about peace and quite!
22. Shoe size? 7.5 or 8
23. Pets? none, but I really want a dog
24. Any news you want to share with us? nope, still trying!
25. What did you want to be when you were little? Architect
26. How are you today? A little stressed because I'm not using my time wisely (case in point!)
27. Favorite flower? Not a big fan of them, you pay money for them to die in a few days, waste! But they are growing on me, Bird of Paradise.
28. The day you look most forward to on the calendar? The first day of the month because our budget starts all over!
29. Nickname? Bree
30. What are you listening to right now? The Doctors on tv
31. Last thing you ate? Chicken Wrap (chicken, rice, beans, peppers, wasn't too bad)
32. Wish on stars? nope
33. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? turquoise
34. Weather right now? Kind of dusty and way too hot
35. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Greg
36. Favorite soft drink? Squirt but I don't drink soda very often, maybe 3 a year.
37. Favorite restaurant? California Pizza Kitchen
38. Real hair color? Brunette
39. Favorite toy as a child? legos
40. Summer or winter? Summer
41. Hugs or Kisses? Both!!!
42. Chocolate or Vanilla? yuck! Go Strawberry!
43. Coffee or Tea? Hot Cocoa
44. Want your friends to email this back? no I want them to blog it!
45. The last time you cried? I'm sure it has been within the last few months, probably when I was frustrated with Axton. Actually yes and no, it was when Greg went golfing!! But it was also because I was frustrated with Axton! And yes Greg I know I gave you permission to go but it backfired on me ok!
46. What is under your bed? Domino Rally, Greg got them from his parents and we are waiting for Axton to be old enough to play with them.
47. What did you do last night? went over to Kim and Josh's for dinner, put the kids to bed and played Skip-bo
48. What are you afraid of? Something happening to anyone in my family, especially death.
49. Salty or sweet? Sweet, I hate salt.
50. The number of keys on your key chain? 5
51. Years at current job? 1, but I never get to retire from it.
52. Favorite day of the week? Friday
53. How many towns have you lived in? at least 5
54. Do you make friends easily? Yes
55. How many people will you send this to? none, hope they check my blog instead.
56. How many will respond back? hopefully a couple
57. How did you get your name? From what I recall, my dad named me. I believe it was after the Luis Lamar book Brionne, only the i was changed to an e.
58. If you are married, how long? almost 3 years, but it seems like a lot longer.
59. Favorite childhood TV show? Didn't have television growing up, but I loved Tom and Jerry, never realized that they didn't talk and are pretty violent!
60. Favorite Alcoholic Beverage? virgin strawberry daiquiri
61. Plans for the Weekend? In-laws are coming to town for conference, party at Brad's house!
62. Travel plans for 2008? Since it's almost over we moved to AZ, went to San Diego a few times, went to Baltimore, and I am going to Oklahoma in a few weeks.
63. If you had only one wish and you could wish for anything... what would it be? To have a bigger family that we could take care of financially and emotionally.
64. What's your idea of a perfect day? In the low 80s, Axton with a babysitter and Greg and I out exploring the mountains. Axton could come too but he would probably cry half way through it and that would end that. Follow all of that with Greg giving me a massage and playing with my hair!
65. Name a celebrity your partner is attracted to. Only one? Jessica Biel.
66. Do you still keep in touch with childhood friends? a little on facebook and through blogs.
67. What is one of your regrets in life? not accepting and living the church standards before college.
68. What is your favorite hobby? Scrapbooking
68. What has been your greatest joy? my marriage, and now Axton.
69. Who is someone you admire? My mom, and mother-in-law
70. How does one endure to the end? patience, acceptance of circumstances and making the best of it, prayer.
71. If you had no responsibilities...none whatsoever.what would you do with all your free time? Scrapbook, sleep, swim, exercise, cook, learn new things.
72. Favorite Book? As of now, Twilight.
73. How long did it take you to fill this out? a little here, a little there over the course of 2 days.
74. What's number 1 on your bucket list? Bungee jumping
75. The old Star Wars or the new Star Wars? new, I don't think I've seen the old, and I haven't seen most of the new either.
76. The Best concert you have ever been to? Metallica, it's the only one I think I've been to, I think maybe I went a Third Eye Bling one but I can't remember if that is who it really was.
77. Most embarrassing moment? running in to a closed door in high school with all my friends watching.
78. If you could make a 'Wish upon a Star,' what one wish would that be? that my family and I would make it to the top of the celestial kingdom.
79. How many jobs have you had? 6
80. Do you consider your spouse your BEST friend? Yes
81. IF you could be another person for one day, dead or alive, who would it be and why? Robin McGraw (not a huge fan but...), lots of money to spend, lots of charities to work with, lots of things I could learn with her networks.
82. If you could change one thing from your past what would it be? I would go to church and really learn the gospel from seminary.
83. Where will you be in 5 years? Hopefully here, only in our own house.
84. What was the best time period in your life? Well that long life I have lived and all. Probably now. No real complaints, I have a great husband who is a good provider, a wonderful son I get to stay at home with, life is good.
85. Do you live your life in such a way that those who know you but don’t know Him, will come to know Him because they know you? I hope so but I know I have a long ways to go, but that is one of my ultimate goals.
86. When you pass a homeless person asking for money do you give him money or walk away and if you have no money to give do you tell yourself you would give if you had some?

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Axton's ONE Today HURRAY!

While my parents were here we had a little family birthday party at the park, despite it being about 100 degrees outside! The one thing I remember about our birthdays as kids was that my mom would make us some really awesome cakes. So I decided that since my mom would be here and could guide me when needed I would make one for Axton. The didn't have the Monkey Pan that I wanted so I settled for Winnie the Pooh. I had a blast making it and will definately be doing it for all my children, Greg included! It is definately going to be a new hobby, and an expensive one at that. The classes to get really good are $60 a lesson and you have to take at least 4! So I'm saving my money!
























Axton "blowing" out the candle. In reality he just wanted to touch it and see what mommy had spent all day working on.

Greg decided he wasn't getting messy enough so he smeared the cake in Axton's face. He still didn't get very messy which both made me happy and sad. Happy because I didn't have too much to clean up and sad because ... we'll aren't they supposed to make a mess!


Daddy and the Birthday Boy


Axton attempting to open up his presents. He was getting the hang of it at the end.

Granparents!!

My parents were able to make it out here for a few days before Axton's birthday. We didn't really do a whole lot but we were able to eat at some fun places. My favorite was Organ Stop Pizza in Mesa which was recommended to my stepdad by someone.

You can either sit on the main floor or go upstairs. They turn out most of the lights and a guys sits in the middle of the room on the main floor (from upstairs you can look down at him) and plays the huge organ! It was awesome. He played Disney music, Take me out the Ball Game, Star Wars, etc. It was really fun! The food wasn't so bad either.

This is the massive organ. I thought the loud music might scare Axton because he's not so sure of loud, strange places, but he did very good. In the words of Greg "This is the place to go when you don't want to talk to whoever you're with!" It was so loud that converstation was nearly impossible. So if we take you there I'm doing it because I think it's fun, but Greg.... well he's Greg!!


Greg was told about San Tan Flats in Queen Creek by someone he works with (I think). It was alright food wise, although I've had better but it would be a blast to take kids to and if you sit outside which we didn't, because I didn't quite understand the concept until afterwards. Outside they have a bunch of campfires that you can sit around and they sell the ingredients to make smores! Hence the kids making it fun. On most nights they also have music and entertainment outside and if you are feeling very brave you can go dance (we won't be doing that anytime soon!). Next time we go we'll be a little better informed and I'm sure we'll have much more fun, but I definatley recommend going at least once and giving it a shot!

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Random thoughts on my parents

So Greg is in bed and that leaves me to my thoughts, scary!! I have been thinking about how life changes, and mostly how people in your life change. My mom and mom 2 (mother-in-law) had the opportunity this last week to spend sometime together without us (scary)! Apparently my mom mentioned to Shari that Shari knows me better than my mom knows Greg. That's what triggered all of this. I have decided to write a bit about the members of my family and my thoughts on them, along with random "friends" over the course of time. These could be really long posts!!

Mom- I am so grateful for you. You are always just a phone call away and I love to call you even if I have nothing to say. I have grown to appreciate you more as the time goes on, and truthfully as I have become a mother myself. I now am starting to realize all that you did for us and how ungrateful I was at the time. I can only imagine though how hard it was to be a single parent raising 4 kids and trying to make ends meet. Greg and I have a hard enough time meeting all the needs, and some of the wants, and he makes good money and we only have 2 1/2 mouths to feed, not 5. I now realize how strong of a woman you are and how great of a parent you were/are. While we got away with a lot of things, I always knew I could tell you anything, especially when I screwed up [which I never did :)], and that you wouldn't love me less. You always encouraged us to do sports, music, acting, etc. and to be well-rounded people. You also taught us that we could be anything that we wanted and that we could make a better life for ourselves by getting an education and by making good decisions. I have so much love and appreciation for you that I could never say it all on this post or probably ever. Mom, thank you for everything, I love you.

Steve- I am so grateful that you have become apart of our family and that you make my mom so happy. You come from a wonderful family and you and your family have been so accepting of us and taken us into your family as well. Honestly it seems like you have been apart of our family for so much longer than 5(?) years! See what I mean! You are a very hard worker and you are probably the only man that could put up with such an opinionated and stubborn woman (what do you expect she was a single mother)! I love that all of the grandchildren flock to you and that you enjoy being around them and playing with them. I look so forward to you guys coming and I love you too.

Dad- The thing I remember the most about you is the late night talks. I loved being able to talk to you about anything and you would listen to me. I knew I could ask you anything and get an honest answer. I hope that always continues. I also remember when I was in kindergarten and you sent me a basket full of candy bars, especially butterfingers which were my favorite at the time, and seem to be my favorite again at the present time. It made me feel so special and loved. Even though you were and are miles away and we didn't talk much I loved every chance I got to talk and spend time with you. I loved going to stock car races and getting bratwursts, and going to rodeos (even though I lost interested in them for awhile). Mostly I just loved spending time with you and I look forward to October when I get to see you and you get to meet Axton (he's my pride and joy). I love you.

Julie- You have been in my life forever!! I remember the first time we met and so do you, I was 4 or 5 and you gave me a mermaid doll for my birthday and her hair changed colors from blonde to either pink or blue depending on the temperature of her hairbrush! It has always been easy to talk to you. You were the one that made the summers fun for me when I stayed with you guys because you always tried to make sure I had a friend or two and always tried to get me out of the house and doing something. Thanks for everything and like the others I love you too!
Axton has become obsessed with putting things in OUR mouths. His favorites are blocks and golf balls, and I have Greg to thank for that. Also he doesn't want to just put them in our mouth he likes to put them in his also and go back and forth. Better yet he doesn't like to use his hands! And when we don't cooperate he throws a fit, boy is he spoiled already. For his birthday one way or the other he is getting that shape sifter toy so maybe he'll leave me alone!

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Maryland

As some of you know we decided to go to Maryland for Labor Day Weekend. That is where Greg served his mission and he became very close with the Hartman family. Carla and Larry were celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary so we decided to surprise them by coming out. We flew to Baltimore Friday night and arrived in Warfordsburg, PA where they live at 3am!! We stayed with Mika and Tiffany Ah'Loe (Carla's daughter) since they were in on the scheme! Saturday morning Carla came down to Tiffany's and Greg jumped out at her and scared her! The best was when the recognition set in and it turned to shock and tears!! Tiffany got it on tape so when I get it from her I'll post it.

Axton did pretty well on the flights there and back although someone sitting behind him woke him up on the flight back and he was not happy about it and made sure that everyone knew it!! I'm glad that there are no 5 hour flights in our near future! The 2 hour flight to Oklahoma next month is going to be a breeze compared to this! He did really well after the first night, and he loved all of the attention that he got, especially from Mika and Tiffany's kids!

We had a blast, despite the major lack of sleep, and can't wait to go back there again. Next time we will go for longer than 3 days so we can get used to the 3 hour time difference and really explore the area.

We didn't take very many pictures because we are slackers but I know others took a bunch so we will have to get copies from them. Here are a few that we did take.

I'm sorry if I spell your names wrong but they aren't the easiest in the world ya know!! Anyways, Tiffany, Sosephina (baby), Sinolei (girl), Tavita (boy), and Mika.

Axton was so tired on the drive to Baltimore that he slept almost the whole way. I tried to use Tigger as a pillow for him but he decided Tigger would work better if he hid his face. Whatever works!

We went to the Auquarium in Baltimore and they don't allow strollers, not that we had one anyways, and so Greg and I took turns holding Axton.

Axton trying to get the shark, with Daddy's help.

Axton wasn't too interested in the animals, maybe it was because he couldn't touch them. He sure loved the birds and other wood animals that were hung on the walls though. They were just his size and he kept trying to eat them!

We also got to see the Baltimore Maritime Museum. They had the Lightship Chesapeake (picture), USCGC Taney, and USS Torsk. They were kind of fun to see and know that they were part of WWII.

Another view of the Chesapeake and USS Torsk. The building on the right is the Baltimore Aquarium.

I love seeing old building turned into new stores. This used to be a Power Plant and now you can see it has been transformed into a home for Barnes & Noble, ESPN Zone, and the Hard Rock Cafe among other things. Also the "art work" that even Greg could have done out of steel beams. Sorry but I don't think that is really art work.

Axton sitting on top of a cannon by the Inner Harbor. Greg had to hold his legs so they wouldn't touch the hot metal and behind them and to the right is Federal Hill, Greg has a picture of him rolling down it as a missionary and also sitting on a cannon.

City Hall