So Much To Share

I've taken an 18 month hiatus from blogging. And now I have so much to share. Rather than trying to catch you all up on every detail of the Swann's life, I'll try to only share the important stuff from this roller coaster we've been on.

After baseball season last year we had a busy summer then moved in October. Our house sold quickly and we only had three weeks to pack and move. With a ton of help from friends, we were able to accomplish this nearly impossible task and even managed to leave the house spotless for the new owners. We moved in with my parents in Sandy and started making plans to purchase another home. To not disrupt the boys too much, we kept them at their same school in West Jordan, and I drove them to school from Sandy every day. It was a long winter. haha.

With the move, I also moved my salon. I am currently leasing a suite inside Studio Salons in West Jordan with a colleague of mine. We split the cost and each work three days a week. It's a fun place to be, and very professional. Vanessa and I were able to decorate it ourselves, and because it's our own space (a mini salon) we lock it at night and no one disturbs it.

In December, Darin left his job at American Welding and Tank after 13 years to start working for his cousin Alan. Alan and Uncle Craig purchased a transportation company here in Salt Lake (Diamond Limousine), and a natural gas roustabout business in Rock Springs, Wyoming (WYuTex Energy Service). He has been splitting his time at both businesses, and absolutely loves it. Alan is a great boss, and Darin's level of stress has gone down considerably. I just don't love when he has to go to Wyoming. :(

We also spent Christmas in North Edwards with the Swanns and the 4-wheelers. A great time was had by most (except Ben and Steph who couldn't come with a new baby so close to arriving). We took Darin's new work truck and the clutch was having issues and almost went out on our way home. He changed it when we got back and said it broke into a thousand pieces when they took it off.

January found us with the Johnstones in Island Park, Idaho for snowmobiling and winter cabin fun. Not too long into the trip, there was an accident and my niece, Jalin broke her leg really bad. It's been 8 months and it still isn't better after a few surgeries.

All the while we were negotiating (for 4 months) to purchase a builder foreclosure in Riverton. It was owned by a local bank and we were going to be able to get it for a steal and finish it how we wanted. It would have been a 7 bedroom, 5 bathroom, 2 laundry room, 2 family room, bonus room, home salon, 4200 sq. ft. dream on a huge lot. BUT... in April, our agent got a phone call from the listing agent informing us that the bank had sold it to another buyer. We were heartbroken. And resorted to start looking again.

After countless home showings, meetings with new home builders, and just not finding anything to fit our needs and budget, we came across a home right back in our old neighborhood. It needed a ton of updating, but had good bones, so we made an offer. And now it's ours. After 5 1/2 weeks of renovations, we moved in mid July. It's a 2 story on 1/3 acre. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, just enough room for a salon in the basement (which we'll start construction on as soon as we get the tax credit check), and a big yard for the kids, dogs, and trailer. In the Spring we are planning an addition to the kitchen and family room to make them larger and update the kitchen. It is very nicely becoming our dream. Biggest bonus for me and the boys: they are still in the same schools with their same friends. Biggest bonus for Darin: we're back in the same ward.

My beloved Maxima was involved in an accident in April. I was hit and run by a school bus. Their insurance totalled the car. It was very sad. It was a wonderful car for 11 years. The payoff was used to help with the down payment on our house and bought tile and hardwood flooring for the new home.

In and around the move and renovations, we had baseball. Darin started playing again. He plays in an over 35 league (he calls it the old farts league) that even had us take a trip to Las Vegas for a tournament. Kaden played on a Super League team (Desert Heat) with a friend from my parent's ward and had a good time. He had 3 tournaments including one in St. George, and either games or practices 5 times a week from March to July. Riley and Jaxon played West Jordan Babe Ruth League again and Darin assistant coached Jaxon's team. It's a good thing we love this sport.

July brought Ben and Stephanie and new baby Eli to visit for a week. Our first house guests. And a Swann Family Reunion in Junction, Utah. We all had a great time at the Paiute County Courthouse. This trip involved taking our trailer and all of my parent's 4-wheelers. W also went river rafting, and a group of family took a day trip to Bryce Canyon.
We've been on a few other camping trips this summer. Memorial weekend was Diamond Fork campground and the Farm. Kaden had a tournament in Spanish Fork, we camped. 4th of July weekend at Rock Port, for another tournament in Park City, which coincided with the Richardson campout and boating.

August took us, our trailer, and the Johnstones to Almo, Idaho for the William E. Johnston Reunion. He was my great-great grandfather. It was more of a heritage reunion, and really nice to get to learn more about my ancestors. I will share a separate post and explain the absence of the 'e' on the end of his name.

Fall is sneaking upon us. The boys have all started school again. Kaden in 7th grade, Jaxon in 4th grade, and Riley in 1st grade.
Kaden and Darin are also starting Fall Baseball and Darin is refereeing little league football for what he describes as exercise and cash.

I think I will have more time to blog will all the boys in school all day... stay tuned and I will post some pics soon.

Where have we been? A perfect explaination!

Take me out to the ballgames! Lots and lots of ballgames.
All three boys are playing baseball this year. We have been spending almost every night at the ballpark. Good thing we love it!

Riley is playing his first year. His games are cute. Fun to watch the little guys and both teams always win. If the batter hits the ball it's always a homerun. His team is the Ogden Raptors. We are going to surprise him by taking him to an actual Raptors game this summer.

Jaxon is playing his 4th year. He has tried his hand at pitching, and loves it, and also plays 1st and 3rd baseman. His team is the Phillies. Darin is helping coach which keeps him busy as well.

Kaden is playing his 7th year. He is pitching and playing 2nd base mostly. He's also top of the line-up. His team is playing very well. The games are intense, but they are so far undefeated. 7-0!!! Go Yankees!

A little side note, in real life we don't love the Yankees.

Old Habits

Some things you inherit from your parents. I've inherited a lot from mine. They are both very hard workers, I got that. My dad's got a great sense of humor, I got some of that. My mom is a go-getter/over achiever, I got that. They both like to have fun and want to stay young forever, I got that. But there is something I inherited from my dad that is just a little annoying, and maybe even gross.
We both love to chew on plastic. I know, it can't be good for the pearly whites, and who knows who's touched those things, but we do it anyway. I chew on the plastic pins that come on your clothes tags form the store, and the little balls of glue that drop from a glue gun, but my favorite thing to chew on (and dad's) is the plastic ring that comes from a carton of milk. I chew those things until they are almost disinegrated. Dad, too. We've sat together and played cards with blue plastic hanging out of our mouths. We've counted how many bites it takes to get from one end to the other. We compete to see who can get theirs the longest. CRAZY I tell ya!
It's so common for me that Riley has even resorted to bringing them to me when he opens a new gallon of milk. A little embarassing when I'm in the salon with a client. Awkward to explain.
So, last night I ventured over to mom and dad's to pick up 2/3 of my boys and my dad had a present for me. A cup full of plastic milk carton rings. Oh daddy... you are so thoughful. I'll have milk rings to chew on for weeks. Thanks dad. Of all the things I could inherit, I am glad there is one thing that is especially ours.

Because Darin loves steak, and I love seafood, I has become tradition for me to make a v-day dinner for 2 every year. The boys get to pick out a kid cuisine (which I never buy) and Darin and I get the expensive dinner.
Menu:
Grilled Sirloin Steaks
Honey Broiled Salmon Salad
Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado and Cucumbers
Roasted Baby Red Potatoes Gourmet Bread (heart shaped butter)
Some kind of Sparkly Drink
And this year Oreo Cake

First Baby Share

This is a tag I got on Facebook. For those of you who aren't on Facebook, I thought I would share it here. Enjoy!


My First Baby Share! 8:20pm
Your Turn.... copy and paste in a new note, and tag your friends, be sure to send it to the person who sent it to you.

1. Were you married at the time?
Yes

2. What was your reaction when you found out you were pregnant?
Um, what? But I've been taking my pills, we've only been married for 7 months. Never mind the baby we were going to have that we lost. Hmmm.

3. How old were you?
20 when I got pregnant, 21 when he was born.... What a fun 21st birthday

4.How did you find out you were pregnant?
Pregnancy test. Left it on the bathroom counter for Darin to find while I was at work.

5. Who did you tell first?
Darin

6. Did you want to find out the sex?
Yes, like opening the present before Christmas.

7. Due date?
November 29th, I think

8. Did you deliver early or late?
3 weeks early, November 8th

9. Did you have morning sickness?
Nope.... I got lucky

10. What did you crave?
Dairy Queen Pecan Cluster Blizzards

11. What irritated you the most?
Maternity clothes and those fancy undies ( I wasn't a garment wearer yet).

12. What was your first child's sex?
Boy

13. How many pounds did you gain throughout the pregnancy?
53!!!! I know it explains everything

14. Did you have any complications during your pregnancy?
None

15. Where did you give birth?
St. Marks Hospital

16. How many hours were you in labor?
He was born less than an hour after I got there

17.Who drove you to the hospital?
My brother, Brent. He was my labor coach. Darin just happened to drive home to California the night before to surprise his brother Kevin, who had just gotten home form his mission. Look who got surprised.

18 . Did you take medicine to ease the pain?
They barely snuck an epidural in me. I was dilated to an 8 when I got to the hospital

19 . How much did your child weigh?
6 pounds 15 ounces

20 . What did you name him/her, and why?
Kaden Michael Swann
Michael was the name of my oldest brother who only lived 2 days, and was also born in November. He would have been 41 now I think.

21. How old is your first born today?
11

22. Who does your child look like?
Looks like me when I was younger

23. Did you get mad at your husband during labor?
I couldn't, at least that he knew about, BECAUSE HE WASN'T THERE!!!!!

Facebook Status Funny

I had to post this on my blog. Had me laughing so hard I almost peed my pants.... another downside to having babies. To top it off, I got a new facebook friend from it. Todd said he needed to be friends with more funny people.
Though, I may have to add to this post... because there are still comments being made.
Michelle was a friend of mine in Middle School and High School. This is her Facebook status tonight:

Michelle thinks my Playtex 18 hour bra quit on me about 12 hours ago. 8:43pm -

Comments:

Amanda Harman Kissell at 8:52pm January 22 via Facebook Mobile
Do they issue refunds for that?

Todd Saxey at 8:59pm January 22
OH MY HELL!!!

Michelle Saxey Kissell at 9:00pm January 22
What..too much?

Michelle Saxey Kissell at 9:01pm January 22
Or has it happened to you too?

Wendy Johnstone Swann at 9:02pm January 22
I think they should have a disclaimer after a mommy has a baby. 18 hours my bahookie.

Todd Saxey at 9:04pm January 22
I am literally sitting here with tears in my eyes laughing.

Todd Saxey at 9:06pm January 22
Give me ten more years before I need a 'Bro'.

Michelle Saxey Kissell at 9:06pm January 22
Wendy--what exactly is a bahookie??

Louise Burge Perry at 9:07pm January 22
Dude, Shell!!! This is Melly. You shouldn't make me laugh out loud like that when I'm sitting in Quality Management!!!!

Wendy Johnstone Swann at 9:07pm January 22
Of course after you have babies, they clone the shape of tennis balls in tube socks. Not sure there is any bra out there with the proper support anymore.

Wendy Johnstone Swann at 9:09pm January 22
Your bahookie is what you need that rear enhancer for. lol, it's a vicious cycle. Must be gravity taking over.

Marinda Mindy Dansie Thomas at 9:09pm January 22 via Facebook Mobile
it would be a size 36 L...L is for Long

Todd Saxey at 9:20pm January 22
This is your breast post ever Michelle.

Michelle Saxey Kissell at 9:22pm January 22
How long did that one take you? Surely you are 'busting' with a few more to share.

Wendy Johnstone Swann at 9:24pm January 22
This is so going on my blog. It's udderly hilarious!

Michelle Saxey Kissell at 9:26pm January 22
I am sure Todd will continue to milk this...

Louise Burge Perry at 9:30pm January 22
You would think that over the years they would certainly improve on the "Over The Shoulder Boulder Holders". RIGHT!

Brady Farmer at 9:36pm January 22
The question is, "Was 12 hours ago 18 hours into it?"

Todd Saxey at 9:40pm January 22
Keep the puns coming- I will be the jugs of which one has the most support.

Wendy Johnstone Swann at 9:45pm January 22
wow, I heard of guys liking jugs, but wanting to be the jugs...well.... milk it for all it's worth!.

Todd Saxey at 9:47pm January 22
That was good Wendy..but currently only good enough for second place..you know- the booby prize. I thank you!

Michelle Saxey Kissell at 9:54pm January 22
This made me laugh a brazillion times.

Darin Kissell at 9:56pm January 22
How many is in a brazillion?

Michelle Saxey Kissell at 9:56pm January 22
Just two...

Wendy Johnstone Swann at 9:57pm January 22
Too many for the 18 hour bra... maybe that's the problem

Todd Saxey at 10:16pm January 22
I have to go to bed now but wanted to thank everyone for the titilating conversation.

Wendy Johnstone Swann at 10:20pm January 22
I have a good comeback for that one, but I should keep my head out of the gutter, so that so many others can roll by. You're right Todd, tit's time for bed.

Amanda Harman Kissell at 11:51pm January 22 via Facebook Mobile
Thanks for the giggles, now my cups runeth over.

David Kissell at 11:55pm January 22 via Facebook Mobile
''Ta ta'' for now, Tune in Tokyo!

Todd Saxey at 11:39am January 26
This post started out kind of flat, but ended very ro-bust.

Linda Burge Saxey at 9:43am February 2
Oh my!!!! I tried! I really tried! Nana Linda

Tyler Saxey at 10:46am February 5
I know I am way late Michelle, but I just wanted to thank you for racking my brain the last week and all of the great mammaries!

Here's Your Sign

Have you heard comedian Bill Engvall's "Here's Your Sign" routine. Feel free to listen here if you have 6 and a half minutes. It's the inspiration for this post.

Now of all the places to put a "Dead End" sign.... I'm thinking they thought this was the best solution to keep people from slamming their cars right into this wall, but a dead end sign?

We were downtown last night, had dinner at the Olive Garden after Darin's cousin Alan and his wife, Brynnly were sealed. I pulled into the American Plaza parking garage, and this is what we saw. I immediately looked at Darin and said, "here's your sign". No, I would not have hit that wall if the sign was not there. Please notice the skid marks from tires on the ground in front of the sign, and the nice black streak at say, oh bumper height on the wall underneath the sign. What is wrong with people? It's like there is some gravitational pull to the wall. Do you think the pull would be there if the sign wasn't? I'm thinking large black and yellow diagonal stripes would have been better, then again, they might pull someone into the wall with their dizzying powers.

My conclusion is that if they must put a sign on this wall, it should read: "there is a solid concrete wall here, while it is not advised that you do so, please drive into the wall if you wish, but know it is at your own risk, and we will assume no responsibility for damage to your vehicle as concrete is not forgiving". Maybe if the words on the sign are long enough, people will actually stop just to read it, and all sorts of accidents can be prevented.

I think I'll contact American Plaza and have them get that sign fixed right away.