A girl and her grandpa!

This is Belize's first ride on the Moo Juicer, made by my dad, probably in 1989.

Sneaky shots

For the past couple of months Belize has been difficult to get pictures of (I usually end up with pictures of the back of her head). These are some sneaky shots (aren't moms sneaky)!

A journal collaboration of Shauna & Brannon on the week's events.

This week was, to say the least, very eventful. It all started when Belize decided to empty her entire stomach onto the hallway carpet and, unfortunately it didn’t end there. The diarrhea and high fever promptly followed the vomiting and, needless to say, Belize was miserable. She moved slower this week than she has in her entire life. She seems to be on the mend now after six days of rotavirus torture, but she is still not eating as well as she used to. Wednesday, after scrubbing down the bathroom, I unexpectedly threw up as well and had a freak out because I could not possibly be sick, take care of my daughter and attend CIRQUE DU SOLEIL that night!! False alarm, I was just nauseous from the cleaning chemicals and after seeing the amazing performance, considered running away with the circus and becoming a carni. Now, Brannon was not faring so well either due to a torn meniscus the week before that required surgery to fix. He went in on Friday and I had to take care of two sick people in the house, neither of whom wanted to move very much. My patience was taken to the limits and my head almost exploded into a million pieces. I did get a break however Friday night when I got to go to see “My Fair Lady” (sans Brannon, plus one Keri) my birthday gift from Brannon, what a sweetie pie. In order to escape my psychotic state and Belize’s crying, Brannon attempted to work his call shift in a wheelchair and the staff promptly sent him home, to his dismay. So that was my week in a nutshell, this week rotavirus and surgery- next week, Sheriday, Wyoming.

New Babe

What's your vote? Will the new Orton be a boy or girl? Since we're leaving for Wyoming for 6 weeks, i'll be getting my ultrasound a little early, in 3 weeks and hopefully we'll find out the gender. Also, if anyone has any name ideas please put them in a comment, we need names!!! The only criteria is that it be the name of a place (city, country, well known or obscure and gender-specific, no ambi names PLEASE!).

Girls in white dresses

Naya and Belize in our grand escapade of running around a park and calling it a photoshoot. Why are matching dresses so adorable?!

Be an organ donor

It only takes 2 minutes to become an organ donor. This particular cause has become very dear to my heart through this wonderful family (see post below) It is a selfless act that extends beyond the grave. It's simple to register and you may save someone's life. To sign up go to:

http://www.donatelife.net/CommitToDonation/

Please pass this information on to your family and friends.
Thank you!
Love,
Shauna

CF Husband

For the past few weeks I've been following this family and their amazing story. I thought I'd share it with all of you because it has been so inspiring to me, it is truly incredible the ultimate potential each of us has. I'm also thankful to have the knowledge that the Lord has promised me that my family can be together forever. Have a box of tissues handy the first time you read it.
Confessions of a CF Husband

Amazonian Warrior

Animal Noises

Little girl or baby animal?

Whirlwind Easter Weekend

I think the first time I ever met Aubrey was a few days after she was born, we've been best friends ever since. We've spent hours upon hours chatting, playing dress-up and just having fun being girls (or boys- see Newsies pic below). This weekend Aubrey got married so Brannon and I dropped Belize off at my mom's and made the long drive to Utah on Friday and drove right back around on Sunday. It was a short trip but I had good company and good conversation. My nausea also disappeared, truly a MIRACLE!



















My brother Kyle and I cutting a rug (P.S. Kyle is a 22 year old R.M. at BYU, just in case any of you readers have a sister).







Ashley (Jared's sister and the other bridesmaid), Aubrey and me.





















First dance, so cute!!!





The wedding was so beautiful, Aubrey and Jared looked so in love! I am so happy to have shared their special day! I love you Aubrey! Congratulations!

E is for Expanding

Yes, this lima bean-looking thing is the newest addition to our family and my anatomy. We marvel that Heavenly Father will allow us to care for another one of His children. We are truly blessed. True to form, I'm already nauseous and extremely fatigued. The due date is October 21st, can't wait until then!!!!

These are my sister, Richelle and I's 1st masterpieces from our cake decorating class! I kept finding hidden pieces of frosting on me for the rest of the day, guess we have a lot to learn.

Random batch of cuteness!

The Safest of WAYS - my hero!

I have an ongoing internal battle with QFC and Safeway. First of all, let me preface this by telling you that I hate grocery shopping! I know that other stores exist but these are the ones closest to my house, thereby being the ones I shop at the most. QFC has a MUCH bigger selection, better produce and well, its just a better experience if you don't attend during rush hour. Safeway produce stinks, however it is cheaper and the store is almost always empty (as if that doesn't tell you something already). But tonight, Safeway has made leaps and bounds in my book!!! After stewing about how I need to go to store for a long grocery list and milk (we only have 1/2 cup left), Brannon suggested that if I really didn't want to go that bad that Safeway delivers. What!?!??! Well, I was sure it cost almost more than the groceries themselves! But after checking online, on their front page you get your first delivery for FREE if its more than $50 (I spend almost 2 times that every time I go, which is only once every 1-2 weeks) with the promotion code listed. Yeah for Safeway!!!

Sweet dreams Mom

I have to share this story. Yesterday morning, I was feeling quite tired (Belize has been waking up at 6:30 for the day) so I lay down on her floor to take a rest while she played. Belize doesn't like it when I sleep on the job so she does everything to wake me up like trying to poke my eyes open . . . finally she realized I wasn't budging so she put a blanket on me, softly brushed the hair out of my face and gave me a sweet kiss as if to say, "you DO seem pretty tired mom, go ahead and take a nap, you deserve it." She had tucked me in cozy and as i let out a sigh of bliss, she sat on my head and used it as a bouncy ball. I guess I know who's the boss now.

Also today, while I was in the shower she chucked the remote in, rendering it useless. Which is okay because she's quite the pro at turning on and off the television repetitively, but creates the problem of switching the TV to DVD. Translation: No Backyardigans! HELP ME!!!! I MIGHT NOT MAKE IT! Here is a picture reminiscent of the good ol' days with both functional remotes.

Happy Birthday Bob!

A tribute to my sister on her birthday



Richelle Holley (Sunshine) was born February 28th on a snowy winter day.

During her 19 years of life she gone by the names- Shelby, Belle, Boo boo. A mostly mature girl minus car mishaps and this picture-



She is #3 of 4 kids, thus pretty well behaved and good natured. She makes killer desserts and is an amazing ballroom dancer! (she's the one on the far right). She's simply the best! - A triple threat- beautiful, talented and smart, whom I admire very much.



Today is her birthday but also the day she sends her sweetiepie to London, England to preach the gospel to some unsuspecting Brits!



"Richelle has always been very sweet, gentle and extremely cuddley. A hug from her, can make your day! She always does the right thing and at the moment she is very brave having sent her Elder off on her Birthday. She truly cares about others and has always been our peacemaker. She's got a great smile and well...you gotta love her, she's Richelle!"- Mom

"My favorite child is quite simply the one I happen to be thinking about, and right now that's Richelle Holley Sunshine Gregg, my little Boo Boo. Richelle was a very easy child to raise. She always had an inherent self respect, a constant sense of her own worth. She always seemed happy, always seemed to know the most important things already. Where some of us need to learn it, I think she was born knowing she is a child of God. She truly is a ray of sunshine in our lives." -Dad

To sum it up Richelle, you get muchos puntos for being an outstanding sister, daughter and aunt! Happy Birthday! We love you!

Had to try out the new swimsuit!

Today we went swimming at the Federal Way Aquatic Center with Nana, Aunt Sarah, Keri & Naya. Belize promptly ran into the pool and fell head first, she spent the next 10 minutes really freaked out but then she warmed up to being in the water and was blowing bubbles with her mouth by the end of the session. It was so much fun! The Aquatic center was so cute with a big pirate ship (conveniently heated so it was as warm out of the water as in)!

Whoever thought of combining chocolate and peanut butter? I tip my hat to you.

Funny Belizisms

Belize loves to get her socks and shoes on because she knows that means she gets out of the bat cave. Well, yesterday when I was getting ready to leave, she intercepted a sock.

Also on Sunday when the choir sang a special number, Belize stood on her Dad's lap and raised both hands in the air for several minutes as if to say, "Hallelujah", and if that wasn't praise enough she clapped when the choir finished much to the entertainment of everyone in the pews behind us.



Ahhhh, it's a crazed mosh pit raver- what happened to my little girl? . . . . those Backyardigans can be very influential.




Yes, I know you are supposed to use pennies for charity but I thought they could use a one year litttle girl for the new Homo Sapian exhibit at the zoo. She thought it was funny when her bum got stuck in the hole.

Rare sighting

A rare sighting, the tiniest member of the tribe curling up with her mom for over an hour watching Backyardigans. Has also been heard whining for hours at a time. Must be getting in more razor sharp teeth.

Mexican Vacation 2008

Yucatan Ruins