Happy Halloween!

This is NOT the costume we chose for Halloween, BUT our smiley little boy turned into a GREAT BIG GRUMPY OGRE today! So I decided to make him more mad at me by taking his picture in the ogre costume for laughs. As you can see Nash didn't think it was very funny! ...HAHA!!!!

Tongue Discovery!

Nash is 5 months old today and has discovered his tongue. He just couldn't keep it under control today. I am pretty sure that comes from my mom's side of the family...those Hurst's are lost with out their tongues...especially while concentrating!

We can't decide!

My mom found these Halloween costumes for Nash. We can't decide which one we like the most. What do you all think? Should Nash be.....

#1 SHREK

#2 SMARTIES

#3 LONG JOHN COWBOY

And yes if we choose the Long John Cowboy he will match his mother the LONG JOHN COWGIRL! Embarrassing I know...but I couldn't resist when I found them here at my parents house...thank goodness we went private! ;) hehe

Farewell Daddy...Hello Mommy...AGAIN!

Okay I am not lost or dead to the world! I have been crazy busy with Christmas Cards and Pictures. I really wanted to do a post with pictures but for some odd reason the blogger picture thing hates me. So I will continue to work on that so I do not have boring posts like the one that you are about to read...

Nash and I are back in Blanding with my family. We were able to spend a fun month in California with Darin, and now he is off again to Pennsylvania for another month. Nash and I dropped Darin off at the airport in SLC and then met up with my mom and dad to travel to Blanding. All of us were in different cars, and I have to say I will probably never travel alone with Nash for that amount of time again. He screamed the whole way...minus the time when when he fell asleep just south of Monticello. Yes, I had 15 minutes of quiet. He was tired of being in the car seat. He did great on the trip from California to Utah, but Darin or I were able to entertain him. Crazy child he must get that from Darin! (hehe) I was able to keep my sanity by listening to the book "Angels and Demons" by Dan Brown. I am really on a Da Vinci Code kick right now. However I did join the band wagon and started the Twilight series....I don't know...kind of a lot of fluff....not much thinking...great for late night feedings...

WE MISS YOU DARIN!

Nash's Blessing Day

This is a cute storyboard that I did of Kenzie and Nash. They were so cute at Nash's blessing, they looked like they were sharing secrets but really Nash was so hungry he was trying to suck on Kenzies head...haha!
We are so happy that the LaRue Family could come for the blessing...thanks for making the trip you guys are great friends, and we miss you a ton in California!

I haven't posted much about Nash's baby blessing. It was on September 14th in Orem. We were able to have so many friends and family there (around 65)! Thanks to all who came! We also want to give a big thank you to our moms and sister-in-laws for making the food and allowing us to have the picnic afterwards at the Willardson residence! YEAH FOR FAMILY!

The Chidesters my mission family came. We had to force Matthew to hold Nash for the picture. He faked a heart problem to get him off his lap..."OH MY HEART!" ...haha...

This is a picture of some of the fun happenings at the picnic. I am sad I didn't get a picture of more people there! Thanks to Kara she snapped these fun pictures.

This is one of my favorite pictures of the day. Nash loves his grandmas!

All of Darin's brothers were there. They haven't been all together since our wedding. They were fun to watch play and wrestle with each other. Such a handsome bunch!

Thanks to all that came to support Nash on this important day!

I will post pictures of my family later....last time I posted pictures of my mom with out cleaning them up first she was ticked! haha!

Going Private!

Hello everyone! Just thought I would let you know that we are going private. I have been debating this for awhile but just decided that I want to protect my family from all those wierdos out there! If you would like to be included in our list, send me your emails.

Bubbly Kisses!

Isn't this face so hysterically cute! He would pucker up and give us bubbly kisses!

By the way Suzie F. if you are reading this I love all the new actions you introduced me to in Photoshop! It makes taking pictures so much fun...thanks for the helpful hints!

Christmas Cards!

Hello friends, I can't believe the Christmas Season is approaching! Many of you have asked me if I am going to do Christmas Card orders again this year....YES! I sent an email to most of you, but I know I missed some. If you are interested call me, email me, or come on by, and I will get you the information.

First trip to Disneyland!

I think the greatest perk about living in Southern California is it is a common place for family vacations...so we get to see a lot of family and friends. This week Darin's brother and his family came down to go to Disneyland. We met up with them on Friday and spent the day with them there. It was Nash's first time at the "happiest place on earth" and he was so good.

This is Nash during the Haunted House Ride. He quietly looked around at everything. I kept the binky close by just in case he had a sudden urge to SCREAM...he never did...thank goodness!

He really liked the Winnie the Pooh ride because of all the bright lights and colors. It is good he liked it so well since he went on it 2 or 3 times while the adults took turns riding Splash Mountain.

The machine said "measure your sex appeal on this love meter" Trevor earned a "Blah" score! HAHA

It's so fun being a parent!

All tuckered out!

Rolling Over!

I thought the Grandma's would enjoy this story: Saturday, I was in the kitchen cleaning when I heard a loud scream and then a hard cry. I ran into the living room where I had left Nash playing under his Gymboree toy....to find him on his tummy helplessly crying. This was his first time rolling over all by himself (we sometimes help him) and it scared the heck out of the kid....sad:( Of course I snapped a quick picture of him before giving him some lovin'! He hasn't really rolled over since...I hope he isn't traumatized!

Happy Birthday Granny!

We want to wish my mom a very happy birthday today! My mom is a wonderful women, and we are grateful to have her in our lives. She loves her grand kids (I wish I had a picture of her and Sadie.) and they love her. We talk to her now on the computer and when she says "GOOD MORNING!" to Nash he gets a BIG smile on his face. Thanks mom for taking care of us and we are excited to come home again to Blanding soon. We love you and wish you a happy day!

4 month shots!

Nash is 4 months old! Darin and I took him to the doctor for his 4 month check-up and shots. It was nice having Darin there to hold down his legs. (I hate that part!) Nash loves to smile and he spent the whole exam smiling at the Dr....haha....until she tried to look in his mouth and it was all down hill from there. When the nurse poked him with the needles he started a high pitch scream that we had never heard before and I am sure every dog could hear for miles! He was really worn out today and slept for most of the day, and went to bed early. Nash's new stats are 12 pounds (10th %ile), 24 1/4 inches long (15th %ile), and his head is 16 inches (25th %ile). It is such a blessing to know your child is healthy and growing strong!

I love my Doctor!

It is so nice to have Darin home! Nash and I are loving it! I am so proud of all that Darin has accomplished. He has worked really hard the last couple of years to get through medical school and it is all paying off. He did really well on his boards (YEAH!!!) and is preparing for his residency interviews, which I am sure he will do great! I am so thankful for him and all that he is doing for our family!

Lindy-Girl!

I love our dog! Coming back to California has been a big adjustment for Lindy, in fact I think she is in a big depression right now...she misses our parents big yards where she was able to roam around independently....our dads willingness to feed her anything and everything...and she no longer has her little sidekick Bug-Bug to wrestle with. She has been extra clingy and little mopey lately...hopefully she will snap out of it soon. I try to take her on a walk everyday to help with the cabin fever as well as give her a lot of lovin'. I love that she will cuddle up to me during naps! I love our Lindy-girl!

The Willardson Clan!

We were able to bless Nash on September 14th in Orem. (I will post more pictures of this event later.) Darin's whole family was in town for the occasion. This was the first time we have all been together. In fact I had never met David's family until Nash's blessing. So my cousin Kara and my Grandpa Hurst snapped some great pictures of all us. However, at the time of the picture one person was missing. Thank goodness for Photoshop and we were able to get this person in the picture. Who do you think it is?

#1 Shea, #2 Ashlyn, #3 David, #4 Travis, #5 Sasha, #6 Trevor

***IF YOU WERE THERE YOU CAN NOT ANSWER!***

Home Sweet Home!

Since Darin is home now I am not too excited about always updating the blog...however I did promise the grandma's that I would make an effort so that they can see Nash. This isn't a picture of Nash but I thought I would show you how we were able to get home this time from Utah. I wasn't expecting Darin to be coming home in the same car, so I over packed (had to pack for 2 months!)....okay, okay we all know I always over pack, but I am the best at making everything fit into our car...not this time. Since plans changed and Darin left his car in Pennsylvania we had to get this AWESOME cargo box to get all of our STUFF home! Our car looks so aerodynamic...haha! I can't believe the space we had after using this thing!

All is well here in our home in California, and Nash gets to sleep in his own crib for the very first time tonight. It feels good to be home and have our family together. Although, we do miss you all back in Utah, and are very grateful to have spent time with you. Thanks for accomodating us!

By the way Shawna and Heather it feels so wierd to look out our window and see total strangers milling around in your old apartments! WE MISS YOU GUYS!!!!

HE'S HOME!

Darin arrived home on Saturday afternoon. Nash and I were so excited to see him. His plane came in early so I am glad that we left a little bit earlier. It feels so good to have our little family back together, even though it is only for a short month.

Nash really didn't know who the heck "daddy" was!

Nash had a shocked/blank stare for most of the airport welcome.

It didn't take long for him to warm up. Now it's all smiles for Darin!

I know most of these pictures look the same....

I love my boys!

Growing Up!

3 days to 3 months. This child is turning into an ox!

Nothing Ever Changes Back Home!

I have spent the last 2 month in my home town of Blanding with my family. I was a little apprehensive about going home and being with out all my STUFF in California. However, I have come to realize joy doesn't come from STUFF it comes from being with the people you love. I often sang a Sarah Buxton song: "Nothing ever changes back home" in my mind while I was in Blanding...I love it there! You could find my dad and brothers working night and day on the trucks in the shop, Cody on the computer, Kedrick bossing everyone around, my mom in her sewing room busily making a California King Sized Quilt in 5 minutes (hehe), Ashley cutting hair (she cut my hair back to the messy spiky look!), Koen on his four wheeler, Sadie following Koen, Colorado shopping, 2-4 hour car rides to the nearest anything, Brooke snapping pictures, the phone constantly ringing, dogs barking...etc! I love it all! It is great being in a place where everyone knows your name and cares about who you are. Sorry to say Darin my roots run deep in San Juan County!
Doesn't this picture make you want to start singing "Blue Mountain your azure deep, Blue Mountain with side so steep, Blue Mountain with horse head on your side, you have one my love to keep..." (who knows if I got the words right!) I am sure Darin was sad to miss our tribute to the Stan Bronson songs of San Juan County on our way out of town...IT IS TRADITION! Anyone that knows me knows I love the sky. This is looking out towards the bears ears, west of Blanding. I swear Blanding has the most beautiful skies! I wish I could take a picture of the night sky with all the stars.
California just does not have clouds like these! I love them! Blanding is gorgeous and I am so happy I was able to go home for a while and remember how much I love my family and my home town. I am so happy that "Nothing ever changes back home!"

Don Jose the Burrito Baby!

Swaddling! What a crazy concept. Can you imagine sleeping like this! My mom can't stand it, she always loosens him until he busts out.
I never swaddled Nash until his arms became a sleeping problem. His hands are seriously his best friends and my worst nightmare. He will play with them for hours. Even in the night time I can hear him trying to break them free. He used to grunt and stretch all the time, now the only time he grunts is when he is trying to free those dang hands. If I go to see what he is doing, his legs will be straight in the air! haha He has to have the strongest abs.
The traditional swaddle just wasn't strong enough for Nash, my mom had to make me extra large blankets, and I had to come up with a new swaddle design to keep the child under control. When he wakes up from a nap, the first thing I do is unwrap him, the minute he is unbound his arms shoot up in the air into a HUGE stretch! Then he is all smiles.
My brother Cody thinks he looks like his Don Jose Burritos. Ashley my sister-in-law thinks he should be strapped to an Indian cradle board....haha!
It will be nice when those hands are under control and he doesn't have to be swaddled so tight anymore!

Blessing Sneak Peek!

Next week Nash will finally receive his baby blessing. It was either do it when he was 3 weeks old or 3 months. We decided to do the 3 months, and not rush the fun. Our bishop in California told us to just get it done before he turned 8! haha. So I finally talked my mom into making him a little tux rather than buying him one (more sentimental)! So anyway I tried it on this morning when he was in a good mood to see if it fit. DOESN'T HE LOOK SO CUTE! (Seriously...You can't tell I am a new mother...can you! Everything my child does is soooooo cute!) Anyway Darin enjoy the sneak peek. Hopefully he won't scream at you next week during the blessing. Cause yes he has learned how to scream, it just started yesterday when he was startled in the bathtub. GREAT...

By the way to all our California neighbors that are interested our utility bill for the time we have been gone is $25.88! Can you believe the difference. Now I know it is definitely the air conditioner! Big difference from $198.00 to $25.88!

Pictures! Pictures! Pictures!

Darin said we need MORE pictures soooooo Nasher boy and I had little photo shoot today! He is such a stud....

ONLY 13 MORE DAYS UNTIL DARIN COMES HOME!!!! YEAH!!!! ....but whose counting!

Thanks Darin!

Darin's blog was a nice birthday surprise! Although I think we could have done without the pictures...now you all know what he has to look at everyday on the webcam!

I can't believe I am 27 years old...only 3 more years and I am 30!!! CRAZY! Yesterday was a fun day, I am glad that I got to spend my birthday with my family. I wish Darin could have been there too. I started the day bright and early by attending the temple. (thanks mom for tending Nash) I was lucky enough to ride over to Monticello with Michelle, Jay and George Jones. They were so nice, the minute I stepped into the car (at 5am) they started singing happy birthday, and presented me with brownies and breakfast! What great friends! I haven't been to the temple since before I was pregnant....TOO LONG! It was nice to sit in the temple and look around and see so many familiar faces. I love living in a small town! Too bad everyone in the room was asleep because it was a 6 am session.

I think I seriously ate all day long yesterday. After the temple, I went to breakfast with my parents, some friends from Arizona and my Grandma and Grandpa Cosby. Later we went out for dinner with my brother Kedrick, my parents and friends. Needless to say I LOVE to eat so it was a great day. For this purpose I am so grateful for Michelle for running every night with me!

Yesterday was a big day for Nash too...he turned 3 months old! I think he gave me and himself the best birthday present ever...he has finally learned how to fall asleep with out screaming or being rocked. I give the credit for this accomplishment to the advice of my friend Stacy as well as the aide of the book "Secrets of the Baby Whisperer." I have read several other books, but this one seemed to fit my mothering style. I have decided that knowledge really is power. Let's face it I have no clue what I am doing as a mother and it is a blessing to have some help from others. My family continues to make fun of me for reading a book to learn how to be a mother. But hey if it will help build my confidence I am all for it!

Thanks to all the comments, emails and phone calls to wish me a happy birthday! I love you all...especially you Darin you made my day! Keep up the hard work, it will all pay off in the end!

Happy Birthday Christina

Well It's official. After all the poking and prodding, I broke down and will add to the family blog. Christina's not one to toot her own horn, and I think now is a good time to toot it for her. It's her birthday!!! She has been such a support to me while I am away and such a wonderful mother. It has been hard being away from her and Nash. He'll be driving when I see him next. I'm really glad we have the web cam though. Itss not much, but better than just the phone. I feel terrible for not being around when we lost our little Bug. I loved that dog so much. I hope that the sacrifice of being away pays off in the end. In talking to those involved in the selection of residents at the last two programs I've been at, almost all of the residents they selected have been from those that rotated with them, making the away rotations a necessary evil of being away from family.

I feel terrible I can't celebrate Christina's Birthday with her, so I celebrated it the best way possible last night, alone with a staple bag of Costco trail mix, oreos, and my only movie on hand Nacho Libre. I've come to notice quite well that life just isn't much without being with the ones you love. I visited Nauvoo and Kirtland along with the floods in Iowa on my trip out here. It was interesting, but it is always better when you're sharing it. I'm not totally alone though. The house I'm in now has seven students in it. My room mate is LDS which is nice, although I don't see him much. He leaves when I'm awake and I arrive when he's asleep. I see him a few times in the ER when he comes down for Ortho patients. Three of my roommates are married also with kids, which is the first I've been others in the same situation.

Unfortunately I don't have the talent with pictures like Christina does, and I left my digital camera at home. I am adding some of my favorites now, but I have to run off to work so I'll add more later. Enjoy

Love you Sweet Heart.

Darin

THANK-YOU!

YEAH for Briana! Thanks for the help in getting my background back!

In July Briana, Addison and I had some fun taking pictures. They both are such beautiful people...it was so much fun! Here are a few that I love!

BLOG LAYOUT HELP!

Last night I was trying to change my blog background and some how deleted the "Page Elements" place on my layout screen. Does anyone know how to get that back? So if I wanted to put in a new background, I do not have a place to paste it because that link is gone. The only thing left is the "Gadget" link thing. HELP! If anyone knows how to fix it please HELP!

A Sad Goodbye to Bugonia Hancock Willardson...

Today was a VERY hard day for our family. We had to say goodbye to our sweet little Bug Bug. She always thought she was bigger than her 2 pound body really was and today it caused a horrifying accident and I had to make the decision to put her to sleep.

Bugonia joined our family in October 2007. We had just received Lindy from our friends the Knechts when we heard my cousin Kara was trying to find Bug a home. The minute we saw her we knew she was ours. She instantly became our little Princess and Lindy's little sidekick. She had so much energy and was constantly licking something (drove me nuts!). For such a small dog she was pretty smart and she learned how to fetch and wanted to play continuously. Darin would throw her toy in the hardest places and laughed as she tried to get it... she always did.

My favorite past time with BugBug was to take her to the beloved dog park. She was my little celebrity... people always wanted to know more about Bugonia...how old she was...how much did she weigh...etc. She was the little boss of the park, and the other dogs either had crushes on her (Elliot) or they tried to figure out if she was a dog or a rat. She thought she was BIG and always wanted to play with the big dogs. I had to watch her closely or I would soon find her in the big dog area stirring up some kind of mischief.

I always enjoyed watching Bug and Lindy play, Bug for the most part held her own by biting Lindy's cheeks or sitting on her head, and Lindy was gentle with her. At the park Lindy would run and run, Bug would be right at her heels until she would hit a bump which would send her rolling. However she would get right back up and run again...such determination!

Occasionally Darin and I would take both dogs running with us and I always assigned Bug to him...which he hated because Bug would try to attack every person and dog that passed...not to mention how funny Darin looked running with such a small dog. After I had Nash when I took the dogs running, Bug preferred riding in the stroller...such a PRINCESS! She had a hard time when Nash came along, she was no longer the center of attention and tried very hard to be.

I couldn't feed Nash without her wanting to curl up around his head, or I would often find her getting into his bassinet to sleep next to him. She thought everyone loved her...even baby Nash! She became more clingy and it didn't matter what I was doing she had to be sitting on my lap.

We loved Bug so much as well as many others around us. There is a huge hole in our hearts now without our little Princess BugBug, and we miss her so much already! Lindy is still searching the house for her little companion. Our home will not be the same with out her!

I am sorry for the tribute to our dog but it is helping me grieve our loss. If any of you know my family, you would know that our dogs are special members of our family. I have heard people say that if they are to be reincarnated they want to come back as my dad's dog. We love our furry friends. We will all miss our little BugBug!