4 years

Corey and I got married December 3rd 2005. Hard to believe we have been married for four years. I decided that I would recap.
December 23rd 2004. Corey and I met at Guadalahonkey's Restaurant. Corey was 23 and I was 18. Corey was a server and I was there taking my niece out for her birthday. It's funny because this was our last choice of a place to go eat, but everywhere else was so busy. Morgan kept telling me that "that guy" kept staring at me. I could not get over how handsome he was. I was secretly hoping that he would come talk to us. He did. He got my number and called me the next day, which was Christmas Eve. We talked about nothing really, said that we should hang out. We texted for two days straight just about. December 26th he came over to my house and we sat on the couch and talked, held hands, and laughed. When he left that night I knew that I could have something serious on my hands.
Throughout the rest of the winter and spring we dated only each other. We never really talked about it, but we just didn't want to be with anyone else but one another. Corey left for a business trip in April. The night before he left he told me he "thought" he loved me. I took that as he did. When he came home from Europe he informed me how much his cell phone bill was. A LOT!!
Summer comes and we have decided that we want to get married. What a fun summer. We go to St. George with my family, and it's crazy how this guy has just molded perfectly into my family and every aspect of my life.
It's October and my sisters, Mom, and myself go on a girls trip to Vegas. We shop, we eat, we talk, we laugh, we have so much fun. Just when the trip can't get any better Corey shows up at the mall! He whisks me away, with my bags already packed (by my sisters) and we go to the airport. We get to the front desk and the lady says, "from las vegas, to long beach, and then on to JFK." WHAT?? I've dreamed of going to New York forever. This is no secret to anyone. We end up in NY, have a blast in the city. On day two we are in central park, and he asked me if I knew why he had brought me here. My reply? "because you love me." He told me that he knew coming to NY was a dream of mine, and he wants to make my dreams come true...cute I know. So he proposes, and I say yes. We had a fabulous three days in the city. It was a dream come true.
December 3rd 2005. We got married in the Salt Lake temple. It was a beautiful, COLD, winter day. The best.
The past five years of knowing each other has been a blast. It has not been perfect, and at times it has been downright hard. We have done a lot. We have seen Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy, and Spain. Multiple trips to Mexico, more trips to NY, and an awesome trip to Chicago. Traveling has been a huge part of our early married life and I am so grateful that I have seen this world.
However, the past two years have been so much more. 2008 was a long year, being pregnant and having a new baby. 2009 has been probably the hardest, but happiest year we have been together.
Corey, we have done some amazing things. Thank you for everything you have done for me. Thank you for being such a sweet loving Daddy to Owen. He adores you SO much. Remember that this is the time of our life. We are LIVING it today, our past was awesome, but sitting at home with you and Owen is where I want to be. Happy 4 year anniversary, I love you so much.

The time for family pictures was long overdue for us. I kept waiting for the silliest things until I wanted to get them done. I wouldn't do them until I had lost all my weight (which is also LONG OVERDUE) I finally realized how selfish I have been, and how much more important it is to capture my ever growing one year old. I love these pictures and am so glad I did them. Us women are never satisfied with ourselves are we? That's what I need to remember. I'm not the only one! Thanks to one of my best friends Jessica Oberg for the fun night at Wheeler Farm and the wonderful pictures!! Love you girl.

Owen Benjamin, my big one year old

August 26th came and went and my baby boy turned one. My how time flies. I don't think you understand the reality of that statement until you have a child. One year ago I could not imagine having a one year old. I was consumed by the newness and absolute completeness that Owen had filled me with. Now, not only do I have a one year old, but I can see his whole future ahead of him. How close it is, how real and vivid it feels.

I see him outside playing in the dirt and rocks, loving life, not having a care in the world.
I see him being a strong, loving, older brother, a protector.

I see him walking away from me on his first day of

school, so brave.

I see Corey and I on the sidelines at his games, cheering him on.

I see him growing, going to high school, doing homework, learning to drive.

I see him growing taller then me.

This boy has got me wrapped around his finger. I am so proud to call him mine. I can't wait for him to experience life. All the good he will get to be involved in, all the wonderful things he will do. He has such a sweet happy personality. I thank my Heavenly Father I get to be a mother. Especially to him.

My cute little man struttin' his stuff...

Teeth! Finally, teeth! At 11 months owen had a single tooth! Come almost 12 months and he has two teeth. By one year I think he might have four. Those top front are almost through. I am so surprised by how long it took this boy to get these chompers!

FIRSTS!!! ...

Owen got his first haircut last Saturday. He went from my baby to my big boy, and I hate it. He looks very studly with his new cute little spikes, but it will never be the same. His baby hair is gone!



We went to the zoo a couple weeks ago, and I think Corey and I had more fun then Owen did! He just wanted to crawl around on the grass. He did like the monkey's and we were lucky enough to see them swingin' around too. Those zoo animals sure are lazy.

St. George, and much more!

Over the 24th we decided to take a tiny bit of a getaway and go down to St. George with my family. It was a funfilled weekend that consisted mostly of swimming and eating! Owen loved the water, and we all had a really fun time!
While we were gone, Owen turned 11 months. I can't beleive it. He also FINALLY got his first tooth! He has been taking some steps for over a month now, but on Sunday when we got home, he decided that he wanted to officially become a walker. I think it's because I refused to let him crawl or walk around in that dirty hotel room, and the rest of the time he was in his stroller. So confined. Poor guy. So now he is off and I love it. It's so cute to watch him roam around. I will get some more pic's up soon!

Cousin Aliza

Owen loves his cousins. They are all so good to him, and love him so much. We are with my sister and her husband and adorable little girl Aliza a lot. The first thing Liza does when she sees Owen is give him a hug, whenever he cries, she say's "ob I'm right here" and they love to play and wrestle around. He is so in love with her. I am so glad my little boy has these relationships with his family and I know these two will be life long friends.

Big boy car seat!

Owen is now 22 pounds and very tall for his age, so he is sitting in a big boy car seat! I can't beleive it! My how time flies! He loves facing forward, and being able to look at us while we are in the front seat. He talks to me during the car ride, and when he's not, he is rocking out. He's so funny...

Owen Benjamin, 8 months old!

8 months ago I loved you more then anything I ever had, even though I had just met you.

8 months later I love you more then anything I ever have, and know you better then anyone I have ever met.

8 months ago I was scared to fall asleep, worried that something might happen to you.

8 months later I still check on you a dozen times each night.

8 months ago I was amazed by what you were.

8 months later I am still in awe of what you are becoming.

8 months ago I couldn't imagine you growing any older.

8 months later I can see you in the future.

8 months have come and gone. I need time to stop. I love this boy and I devour every single day I have with him while he is still so small. I love you ob, and I will try to remember every small thing you do, for that is what makes life ... life. You clap, you crawl, you wave, you laugh, you explore, you try to talk to me, you play with my hair, you pull yourself up. You love me more then anyone else has.

Jiles Dunn Barnes

My big sister Jenny had her baby boy on April 17th. He was 5 weeks early. Weighed 5 lbs. 11 oz. His lungs were not developed and he was life flighted to another hospital. Life is unexpected and at times very scary. Luckily, I beleive that Jenny and Jd have the faith it takes for this boy to get better. I will say that over and over. Jenny was able to hold him for the first time tonight. She was, and I quote, "over the moon!" I don't have pictures yet, but go to the barnsie bunch's blog if you want to see this beautiful baby!

Owen will not keep his tounge in his mouth lately! I finally got a picture of this funny face!

7 months old and standing! I can't beleive he can stand! Granted he holds onto the couch or chair or bedside, but he stands! My big boy...

Owen's first black eye... I'm sure it won't be the last...

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY...

Owen had the perfect outfit thanks to Aunt Jill and her trip to Boston!

One day while getting ready I put Owen in his jumper to play. He started getting upset and wanted to get out and I know he just wanted me to hold him. I kept pushing him off. I just wanted to at least get my hair blow dried. Which doesnt happen all that often anymore.

Anyway, eventually he gave in and decided to just take a nap right where he was. It looks pretty comfortable if you ask me...

6 months

Owen is now over six months old by a couple weeks. He is getting so big it blows my mind. He went for his six month visit and he is now in the 25th percentile for weight, and the 75th for height. He does not have any teeth yet, but I swear they are coming. Everyday I expect to see one. Owen can now sit up total independently, and rolls to get things he wants to play with. He loves his family. His cousins can get him to smile with one glance. He loves his dog, and is satisfied to watch him roam the house throughout the day. I love that I am guaranteed a smile every time I look at him. He loves me and I can feel it in every way he knows how to communicate. I don't know what I would do without this little boy. He gives me reason and he gives me the life I always dreamed. I love you O boy!

what a woman!

This is a short video from Celine Dion on Sunday. It's a bit fuzzy, and does her no justice, but it's amazing none the less! What a performer...(remember to turn the music off on my player all the way at the bottom!)





To my girls, Jenny, Jill, Jana, Julie, and Amy. We had fun, and got totally "upgraded"! Thanks for the fun night. Celine is amazing, there are no words am I right?! Love you guys!


She's hott stuff...

heartbreaker

We hope everyone had a great day!




We love you all lots and lots!

Baby Jaden

This is one of our best friends new little guy. Jaden Benjamin was born on February 10th weighing in at a whopping 5 lbs. 7 oz. We love you Ben, Shelisa, Keslee and Jaden. We are so glad Owen has another little buddy to brawl on!

my sick boy

So this is what my ob has looked like for the past couple days. He has a double ear infection, horrible cough, and he is on antibiotics so everything is coming out of his diaper to say it nicely! What can you do? I just throw him in the bath. He loves the bath. Despite how sick he is or must feel, he refuses to let that smile go. Despite how sick I feel and WANT to act, I cannot refuse his smile. I just can't get enough.

all the cousins...

Why would anyone get a dog?

Okay I love my dog, everyone knows that, but lately he has gotten so naughty. He is still a puppy, not even one yet. (yes I know he is huge) So I understand he is still going to "act" like a puppy. He has always been super good though, from the time we got him. He is very calm, except when people come over. He knows a ton of tricks, and he loves everyone so much! He loves Owen, but I think that he thinks he needs to fight for the attention now. When we leave the house he gets put in the laundry room. Last night we came home to this...and this morning he chewed open a whole bottle of vitamins and ate about 80 of them...hope he doesn't "roll over" if you know what I mean.

I do realize that I am one of the people who talk about their child constantly. I have nothing else to talk about, and or blog about. So hopefully ya'll enjoy it, because I don't have a whole lot of anything else to say, and when I do, you will know. I figure this is okay because there are a lot of women out there just like me...I'll give em' a shout out...
Anyway this is Owen eating squash for the first time. He loves his food. It's hard for me to even give him a bottle now day's. All of you who have been to lunch with me lately can testify! lol.

Alphabet Game

Okay, Jana hit me up with this tag. I have to name 10 things I love that start with the letter "D" here it goes...

1. DAD. My dad is da bomb! One of the smartest, funniest, coolest, people I know. I'm not just saying that. I think anyone would agree with me who really know him.
2. DOG. My doggy Wrigley. He is the sweetest thing.
3. DRIVING. I love to take drives.
4. DATES. Going on dates with my hubby of course.
5. DECEMBER. The month of December is full of excitement and magic...gotta love it!
6. DISCOVERY CHANNEL. This is weird I know. This is a channel that Corey and I agree on, we like to watch it together.
7. DREAMING. If any of you know me, you know that sleeping is one of my favorite past times. lol! I love dreaming, they are weird and crazy, and fun to remember in the morning.
8. DRAWING. I loved drawing and was actually pretty good at it. I gave this up once I hit about 9th grade, regretfully. I realized it wasn't "cool" lol I should pick it up again.
9. DRUGS. Don't get me wrong here. Modern day medicine is great!
10. DESSERT. Who doesn't love dessert?

Tagging:
Julie the letter "C"
Jessicca the letter "M"
Brenda the letter "P"

I love that Owen is so nice when he wakes up! He is so happy to see corey and I every morning, and loves to just stare. This is his morning look! So funny. How did I get such a nice boy? He is very much like his dad! Defiantly has a personality all his own however, and is so fun to see it develop each and everyday!

O boy's first Christmas

What a magical year! O boy's first holiday season was so amazing. For Corey and I it made everything so much more meaningful! We had such an awesome time with our family! We love you all so much! I truly love Christmas because of what it represents, and I hope we all grow to understand that a little bit more every year!