An update

OK. I have 17 pounds left to lose :)!!! I am so excited at how close I am to being done with the losing part. I love the gym! It is a chance to get a break from the kids and out of the house..lol! My best friend's sister took these pictures and I actually like them! I have never liked any pictures of me. My motivation and self confidence is higher than it has ever been and I feel Fabulous! If you didn't listen to the twilight song in my last post go listen it is amazing!!

A Song Written For The Twilight movie

My best friend Candace wrote and recorded a song for the new Twilight movie! She is hoping to get it into the hands of the right people so Stephenie Meyer will be able to hear it and select it for the movie soundtrack. It is amazing!! Please go listen and drop her a line of encouragement!!!! Here is the link!!

www.myspace.com/candacewilsonmusic

Saturday

This is my little brother Benson(with Brooky and Austin). We joined the gym that he works at and he is training us. I have been very excited about getting in shape,completely. My goals are to lose 25 more lbs and actually be able to say that I have some upper body strength.





After our first session at the gym we went to my nephew's 6Th birthday party in Chandler at Makutu's Island. That place is huge! I went everywhere the kids did, I was feeling some pain from the gym but climbing up nets and through tunnels and downs slides,it was fun and extremely painful.

Our Holliday Weekend

This is my In-Law's Cabin. It is a home away from home for all of us. The weather up there was amazing this weekend,it stayed in the 60's and 70's and there was tons of rain. Brooklyn stayed with my mom this weekend so Ryan and Austin and I went up. Ryan laid tile in his parent's master bathroom and his Aunt's kitchen while we were there. Austin self entertained himself for the entire weekend! It was nice.





He played on this and dug in rocks and got as dirty as possible.


This looks so uncomfortable but he played cars like this for hours.


And he went for rides with Grandma Fuller.
We had a good time, I really was sad to go. We look forward to the next getaway!

My New Do

I Love it! Thanks Tairi!

Blogging.....

Well, we made it through Austin's first week of school! His teacher said it was a good week. It has been rough at home for him though,he is holding allot in to behave at school and then coming home to let it all out for me. Aren't I a lucky momma ;)?!I am just glad he is behaving for his teacher. He is talking so much more these days. Using new words and even phrases and complete sentences. I know he will improve even more with time and love to watch him grow.

Brooklyn has been loving her 2 and a half hour block alone with me. We are having her screened by the Gilbert School District and will go from there as far as preschool is concerned. She is a big help with her little brother and around the house and we appreciate it.

We are almost completely settled into this house,which is more than I can say for the last house. This one feels more like home. We all enjoy the fact that it only takes Ryan about 15 or 20 minutes to get home from work now. We also really like the area.

I think this is the first year we have actually watched the Olympics. We really like the gymnastics and swimming. Even the kids are enjoying it. I have never been so excited as I am for Michael Phelps. That man rocks!

Austin's First Day of Preschool!

Today is Austin's first day of school! He was so excited and I was so nervous. He goes in the mornings from 8 to 10:30 5 days a week. Ryan and I dropped him off today and he was so excited I had to chase him down to say my goodbyes,that's when my eyes watered,I can't believe how big he is getting. He still feels like my baby. They grow so fast. LOL! On another note I am wishing Austin's teacher the best of luck! With my little monkey added to her group she will have her hands full ;)

A Date!!

So, last night Ryan and I were really needing some alone time,no friends and no kids.We thought about who we could get to take our monkeys last minute on a Saturday night...We really don't have much of a selection in the babysitting department,but thought we would see if my Mom would brave it and take BOTH kids. She agreed to give it a try and I reassured her that if it wasn't working she could call us and we would come get them. We went to a movie(i checked my phone repeatedly) made it throughout the movie with no phone calls! WHOO HOOO!Then we went to Carraba's and shared spaghetti...it was so good :) We got to my moms shortly after 11,she said that the kids had been fine and I was soooo relieved. Thanks mom!

An interesting quiz

61 As a 1930s wife, I am Superior Take the test!

I scored Superior!!

Grandpa Morris

Ryan's Grandpa passed away on Tuesday afternoon. We knew it was coming, about a month ago he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Both my Grandpas died when I was very young so as soon as I met Grandpa Morris I took him in as mine. He accepted me just the same. My first memory of him was my senior year of high school (Ryan and I were dating) and I had to write a report from someones point of view that had been in a war, Ryan told me Grandpa had been and suggested we go over so I could interview him. I remember being nervous, I did not want to bring up any bad memories for Grandpa, also I was a slow note taker but he was extremely patient with me and went out of his way to get all the details right. I got an A+ on the paper :).
I also remember going fishing with him up at Bog. He always handled the yucky stuff and I just held the rod waiting for a bite. Before Ryan and I moved into our first home we lived with Grandma and Grandpa Morris, they took good care of us even though it wasn't their job. I spent many afternoons on the couch with Grandpa watching the weather channel and listening to all of his memories , I loved hearing what he had to say and especially when he would talk about his "Sweet Boy" that was what he called Ryan. Whenever he would talk about Ryan and the things he did as a child I could feel how much he truly loved him and how close they were. Grandpa's passing has been a little harder for me with how close to Carol's passing it has felt. I love them both dearly and think about them daily. Thank you Grandpa for being such a good example to us and keeping your family so close together. We will miss you.

Good times!

I got this idea from my sister, Julie Ann. I'd love it if my readers would leave a fond memory you have of the two of us.If you blog, do the same and I'll go to your blog and leave a memory.This should be fun.

Sushi among other things

So! I was recently able to try sushi for the first time ( everything in it was cooked). It was actually really good. I want to go back and try it again.


Trying to escape the topic of food.... We are moving, OUT OF QUEEN CREEK!!!! I know you all think we must be out of our minds moving all over like this,but the gas prices are high, the commute has gotten old and the timing is just right!

FOOD.....

I AM HUNGRY!!!!!!!

Ruth's Chris Steak House......YUM!!

OK... I can never get the pictures in the order I want them so oh well. At least there is pictures to see :). For our 7 year anniversary (may 19Th) someone anonymously sent us a 100$ gift card to Ruth's Chris Steak house!! We had never been because it was so expensive so you can imagine what a treat this was for us. My bro-in-law and his wife also received one for their 6 year anniversary and wanted to go together, along with my sis-in-law and her husband. My sister came over with her 5year old son to watch Austin, Brooklyn and my nephew Hayden. It was great to have a fancy evening with all adults. Thanks big sis!! The pictures are of my stuffed chicken(best ever!), pecan crusted sweet potatoes( tasted better than candy) and banana cream pie. The food and company was great!

June 15th

Well, I haven't been in the mood to blog, but I know I need to.

Father's Day- Ryan is a great Dad, he loves to teach the kids new things and be so silly with them, he works very hard to make sure that our kids have everything they need and want. It is obvious by the look in their eyes that he means the world to them.


I love my Dad. Although he hasn't been able to be around much in the last few years he has been a great example to us. He is patient ,understanding and strong. I
know that he is always there for me if
I need him.
My father-in-law has also been great.
He is supportive and caring. He is always
able to put a smile on my face no matter
what's going on.
This day was also Carol's Birthday. I think of her everyday. her love for us
and her smile. I really miss her but I know she is happy where she is.
I am also grateful for my Step-Father
Ed. We are not that close but he is one of the sweetest men I know and goes great lengths to take good care of my Mother, and for that I am so grateful for him.


The Family pic. My Dad, Carol, me, Ryan, my Mom, Mom-in-law and Father-in law

Her name is Maggie and she....

got a new pair of shoes! Thank you for all your name suggestions, but Maggie seems to fit! For those of you that know us, we have had alot of different cars. This car is by far my favorite one yet!

My New Ride!!!

This is my new(new to us:) car! A 2005 Dodge Magnum. It is fully loaded with Leather interior and nice speakers! Ryan is counting down the days till he can go have some new shoes put on her ;). She rides great and saves me lots of money compared to my last beast that took all my money for gas. My father-in -law always names his cars....anybody have any suggestions?!

Today is Ryan's Birthday!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! YOU HOT HOT MAN!!! Ryan is 26 today and in my opinion is farther along in life and his career than most 26 year old men are. He is hard working and motivated. He is the funniest person I have ever known,seriously! For those of you that haven't gotten to experience the not so shy at all Ryan,your missing out! I just wanna say, thank you Shanna Fuller for my husband. I can't imagine my life without him. I love you Ryan and every year that passes I believe we grow closer and stronger than ever.

P.S. We should all try and convince him to grow his hair out! Look at that luscious thick head of hair!!!!

I have been tagged!

5 things on my to do list

1. Get my house looking like our home
2.Get family pictures taken
3. Get Ryan's B-day gift
4. Go through Brooklyn's clothes
5. Lose more weight

5 places I have worked

1. Deluxe Carpet Cleaning (sales)
2. Great Clips
3. Contempo Portraits
4. Einstein's Bagels
5. Childtime

5 favorite foods

1. wings
2. sweet pork salad at Costa Vida
3. crumbly blue cheese salad at Paradise Bakery
4. tomato soup
5. chocolate

5 places I have lived

1. Oceanside , CA
2. Mesa, AZ
3. Lehi, AZ
4. Gilbert, AZ
5. Queen Creek, AZ


5 things you may not know about me

1. I quit wearing high heels after falling in a pair while holding Austin.
2. I drool :).. when I sleep.. lol! ( I know this ones gross, but I can't help it :(
3. I love shopping for my kids more than myself
4. I hate flying
5. I like ice in my milk

5 things I would do if I were a billionaire

1. buy a home upfront
2. savings accounts for kids
3. help family
4. travel
5. shop

I tag whoever wants to be tagged :)

Our Anniversary

Monday was our 7 year Anniversary!! We celebrated Sunday night(for babysitting purposes). Ryan took me to the melting pot. It was all good ,but dessert was the best :). I can't believe it's been 7 years...I love Ryan and all that he does to take care of me and our children. I look forward to our future together.

Carol

Well, my dear Step-Mother passed away very early Thursday morning. I was fortunate enough to have my sis-n-law take the kids most of the day on Wednesday so I could spend the day with my Dad and Carol. It has been difficult but I know she has been relieved of a lot of pain and is getting to reunite with some of her family up in Heaven. I have known Carol all of my life, she has been there for me through quite a bit. I always felt how proud she was of me and how much she loved me. The strongest connection of love that I have ever felt or witnessed was the love that her and my Dad shared. In the last parts of her life she wasn't able to speak but whenever my Dad was with in her sight I could see and feel the love stronger than anything else. She was the same way with me as I sat and told her everything I wanted her to know,like how much I loved her and how grateful I was that she was so wonderful to my Dad. She did not have to say one word the entire conversation I felt what she was thinking and could see it in her eyes. I am sad that my Dad and her did not have more time together here on Earth, but in the little time that they were allowed they were a true example of how we should be with our spouses. Thank you Carol...for everything.

Tagged! Favorite things around my house

Favorites around the house....

My favorite thing in the kitchen is the gas stove. I love how fast it works :)


My favorite thing in the family room is the fireplace that turns on right at the flip of a switch :)


My favorite thing in the living room is my elliptical machine....it's not supposed to be in there,but since it is!


My favorite thing in the laundry room is a cute piggy bank replica of a washing machine( for all the loose change I find in the laundry :)


My favorite thing in the loft is the T.V. and D.V.R


My favorite thing in my bedroom is my bed(king size of course :)


My favorite thing in my bathroom is My big bathtub with steps!


My most favorite thing about this house is that we have a playroom for the kids!!!!!


I tag, Matilda, Tami, Michelle and Michelle Y ( if they even read this :)

The Fuller Family Frog

Well, since we moved in here there has been a little frog that stays right by our front door. My kids would ask about him, sing to him and say good night to him just about every night.

I loved how excited they were about him.

We even saved his life one night because he hopped right underneath Ryan's car as he was pulling up. We hadn't seen him for about a week when on Sunday we were all in the garage and Ryan pulled me aside and showed me what you see in this picture...he said he couldn't tell what it was but that it had been there for about a week and not moved. I looked closer and realized it was our frog! I quietly told Ryan that it was the frog and then he explained that one night getting home the poor little guy had hopped in the garage Ryan said he had tried for a long time to get it out, knowing it was unsafe for him but was not successful. I was so sad for my kids. Brooklyn went up to it and yelled "MOM! He is dead... AWE! That is so sad" Later she asked me if I was okay. (she is so sympathetic). Austin does not understand and still looks for his little friend everyday. I am half tempted to go find a frog and relocate it to our house, in hopes that it will stay :(

Tooting my own horn

OK! This was me,not that long ago. I can not say that I ever felt comfortable in that body. I found I was trying to hide a lot of issues behind all that fat. I ate when I was feeling happy, sad, lonely or mad, even if I wasn't hungry at all. I have always been the type to start things and never finish them, it takes a lot to motivate me so I am not quite sure how I have come this far, but I have. It has been worth it in many ways and to be completely honest I feel that I am now a different person than the one you see in that picture. I now have so much more control over my life and decisions than I ever had before. I have 2 weeks left of a maintenance diet and after that plan to drop AT LEAST 15 more lbs. which will mean in the end I have lost 100lbs. Accomplishing something I never believed or thought I could do. So....here is an updated picture of me in hopes that you all will be able to erase that first one out of your minds :)

Our happenings

Well, there isn't to much going on around here lately.

Ryan is still in the middle of tax season and on top of that now has school 2 nights a week. I know he can hardly wait for the middle of April :)

Austin's birthday was yesterday, he is 3! All day I tried to get him to say 3 and he would only say 4. All night Ryan tried to get him to say 3 and he would still only say 4...it was pretty funny.

Brooklyn is really into making up her own songs, I love it! It is creative of her and I love to hear her little singing voice.

I have now lost 85 lbs! I am now on maintenance from my diet and am enjoying it very carefully :) It has been worth it in so many ways and will never be an issue of mine again!

We hope everyone is well and are missing lots of you right now!

Moved in....kinda

So, we are in the new house now(it looks much better than this...now:) We still have stuff at the old house that I will have to keep going and getting but at least it's livable here:) We owe a very big THANK YOU to the ward missionaries, Meili and Michelle and the Yamamoto's. We were very thankful for all of your help and could not have done it with out ya!

The first thing that I have noticed about living here is how alone(not in a sad way,just weird way) it feel we are so used to having the majority of our family as neighbors. My day's so far have consisted of somewhere between 50 and 100 trips up and down the stairs, mostly just to pick up all the toys that Austin won't stop throwing down the stairs. Kids!! LOL!!

We pretty much spend most of our time up stairs, that's where the playroom is and I really like it that way for a couple reasons downstairs is clean almost all the time!! I am sure for you who know me wont believe it until you have seen it;) I also like it because I am no where near the kitchen, ha ha! That has really helped with my dieting, which by the way I now lost a whopping 76lbs!!!!! I still can't believe it :)..

Moving....

For those of you that don't know, we are moving. We found a much more affordable house about 7 miles up the road from here. Ryan would like to be moved in by the first week in March but we will see what happens :} So far the front room is packed up and ready to go. I will be sad to leave this neighborhood and ward but I am also looking forward to less financial stress upon my hubby's back and tons more room in the new house.

I wanted to make sure I fit in the tub at the new house...LOL!! I guess so did my kids :)

10 Silly or weird things about myself

I was tagged and so I have to write a blog with 10 silly facts or goals about myself.

1. I only like Ice cold milk, so...I put ice in my milk but then have to drink it realy fast before the ice melts in it

2. I am still very afraid of monsters,ghosts, anything that could hide under my bed at night! Sometimes when I get up to check on my kids and go to get in my bed I have to run and jump so nothing from under the bed can get me! I know thats realy lame for a 25yr old with kids but it's the truth.

3. I hate birds, their sharp beeks and toenails and I dont like the fact that they fly either. ( Sorry Julie Ann)

4. I did not get my drivers liscense until I was about 21 yrs old. About a month after I got it my husband was in a motorcycle accident and couldnt drive for a long time.

5. I went to beauty school and graduated, just never went on to get my liscense.

6. 4 out of my 5 siblings in my family were adopted, and all 5 of us are musically talented.

7. I sing all the time, to my kids ,in the car, shower, everywhere ( but in puplic:)

8. I used to be very outgoing but I think my hubby's shyness has rubbed off on me over the years

9. My husband and I are exactly 2 months apart to the day. His is May 24th and mine July 24th

10. I love baked potatoes with sour cream and catsup on it (everyone I know says thats gross) and I love everything about pie except for the crust :)

A Bad Day

This morning I drove down Ocotillo(where they are repairing the roads) to pick up my nephew so I could watch him for the day. When I got there to pick him up I saw this, sticky tar or something and a flat tire( the tire was much flatter than pictured) I had some errands to run mainly ones with drive-thrus so we had planned to go into town(yea, me and 3 kids) We met Ryan for lunch and then ran one more errand. We were headed home when I recieved this

Thats right, my first speeding ticket! Its not just your average speeding ticket either, I was speeding in a school zone....I didn't even realize I was in one either. I guess I was just so focused on 3 screaming kids and making it home without a blowout that I didn't notice. What a day and its not even close to being over .

Happy Birthday Little Girl!!

Today is Brooklyn's 4th birthday!! I can't believe how much she is growing and changing :). Brooklyn,

Mommy and Daddy love you soooo much and we are so blessed that you belong with us. You make us laugh and you spoil us rotten with your big loving heart. You have taught us so much in the past few years! Thank you for all the help you give Mommy around the house, helping to look after your little brother and helping me with my hair and pretties every morning! I wouldn't look as good if I didn't have you ;). Mommy, Daddy and Austin all love you so much and hope you have a Wonderful day!

OH NO!!!!!!

Well, Brooklyns birthday party is supposed to be on Monday and this is what I discovered this morning......CHICKENPOX!!!!!!!! This picture is Austin but I know Brooklyn will have it sooner than later. Despite the saddening news to Brooky that we have to cancel her party she was a very good sport,in fact I was more upset about it than she was. At least they are getting it over with now...I have heard how much worse it is to have it when your older.

BOGO at the Fullers.....just kidding

This is embarrassing and funny. I cleaned out our closet the other morning, and this is what I found!! I don't know how we collected so many shoes!! Especially considering that I only wear 3 specific pairs through the year :) Flip flops, Etnes and church shoes. Same with Ryan but he had a hard time parting with all his shoes so they ended back in the closet.

Austin Ryan Fuller :)

For quite some time now I have wondered if Austin might be behind or have some development issues, (with the nudge of a certain special Aunt) we decided to take him in to be tested for things like Austism or Speech Delay.
Today was the day of his appointment and I was very nervous due to almost 30 pages of paperwork to fill out about him I had become very overwhelmed with the thoughts of all that could be.
I am very fortunate to say that Austin is not Autistic. However he is at the level of a 22month old and is 34months old.He has also been diagnosed with a speech disorder, O.D.D (Oppositional Defiant Disorder) plus signs of A.D.H.D. We are going to get him started in speech therapy as soon as possible and get him ready to start assisted preschool in march when he turns 3. We are blessed each day to play such a big part in his life and love him very much.

MY DAD

Well, I feel like this blog is long overdue. For those of you reading I want you to know just how much I love and respect my Dad.

My memories of my Dad are filled with Saturday mornings in the garage, sharing grapefruit at the kitchen table, making applesauce cookies in the kitchen, brushing his hair while he slept in the recliner :) Saturday evenings watching Mash or Mr. Bean. Daddy daughter outings with 2 of my closest friends who had lost their dads, trips to St. Johns for Pioneers day every July and lots of hugs and "it will be OK"s He has supported me without a doubt in everything I do.

Now he has spent the last 3 or more years taking care of my dear step mother who is very ill . He has fed her,loved her, helped her to keep clean and has managed to do just about everything else for her and run a business plus take care full time of my Grandma. He is my hero and I am so proud of all that he is. I LOVE YOU DAD!!

Putting away Christmas

:(