LOVES

I can't complain...

2011-06-24T14:13:00.001-07:00

I get to go the beach anytime I want with my boys.

I get to watch Nolen be an AWESOME big brother.
I get to bathe this little cutie.
Did I mention we can go to the beach anytime? And it's the BEST weather EVER??
I get to LAUGH at the FUNNY faces and things this boy does all day long.
(Nolen LOVES to "buckle" things...and sometimes when he gets frustrated because he can't quite get it, he pulls this face:)

The thing is, I DO complain. A LOT! But as I was going through these pictures I realized that I need to be more grateful for what I do have and the funny moments that happen throughout the day or the beautiful places I get to go with my family. I have it good. I am so blessed.

Fathers.

2011-06-24T14:01:00.000-07:00

*Since I didn't write on Father's Day...

I am sooo thankful for the wonderful "fathers" in my life. I of course couldn't have asked for a better dad myself. I don't know how I got so lucky. Everyone that knows my dad thinks he is the kindest man on earth. He is. I LOVE that he "Loves da kids" Ever since I can remember dad has always loved being a dad to all six of us and I also remember the love he had and continues to have for his beautiful wife. Which brings me to my very own husband and father of my children- Owen. I basically married someone JUST like my dad. I am forever grateful that I made the choice to marry Owen for all of eternity and that for all of eternity he gets to be the father of my boys. They sure are lucky!!!

I LOVE us.

2011-06-01T13:30:00.000-07:00

4 reasons why I LOVE my husband of 4 years!!!!----

He makes me laugh. A lot. He makes me a better person- like when I am about to loose it in front of our children, he puts me aside so I can get my act together while he takes over the "chaotic moment". He loves our little family- has a hard time leaving us in the morning and can't wait to see us when he gets home. He LOVES me more and more each day no matter the unexpected, trials or crazy circumstances that may come.

Happy FOUR years my LOVE! I've never been so happy:)

*I love this picture of us- even though there is a lady in between us and my mom in the background...

Grateful.

2011-05-23T14:36:00.000-07:00

We LOVE our new closest Temple. We went as a family on Sunday to walk around and Nolen just ran and ran around while we oohed and awed at the beautiful grounds. I love how this Temple sits in the middle of one of the busiest areas of Los Angeles. I always wonder what people think when they drive by a Temple. How could you not want to find out more?? It's a lot of fun teaching Nolen about the gospel. Yesterday of course we talked about the Temple and he just lit up when we told him we were going there. He kept pointing to Angel Moroni and saying his name. So cute.

Speaking of the gospel...I am so forever grateful for it in my life. I am so happy to know that I can never deny my testimony. In the hardest, most difficult times, I still know that things will always work out as long as I am living the way I know I should. Ollie has had a lot of health problems in his first 3 months of life. Colic, severe acid reflux, not eating...blah blah blah. Needless to say, it has been a LONG 3 months and very hard on all of us. Just when we think things may being getting better- something else happens. BUT, thanks to a lot of prayers from others and blessings, we have been able to handle it and help Ollie find some comfort. Things will get better- they already have. There have been times when I can't pray because I am too overwhelmed with "life"- but I NEVER loose my faith and hope. I NEVER can because I know if I did that then everything would fall apart. The gospel is true and I am so grateful for this knowledge!!

Today.

2011-05-18T16:02:00.000-07:00

Today has been a good day. I took the boys to Pretend City. What a wonderful place for kids! Nolen was in HEAVEN. Really- I was totally ok with him running here there and everywhere too because he couldn't get into any trouble! And they had a nice nursing room- double bonus! We met our good friends there- Elliot and Shannon. We miss them so much but are happy that we can still get together after months of being apart and pick up where we left off. Elliot and Nolen are really two peas in a pod- best buds.

I was so upset with Nolen yesterday I decided after I put him in time-out- I was going to cut his binkie. Woops! Broken!! Now what??? Darn it Nolen- your bink is BROKEN. No more bink for naps or bedtime!!! Yeah- it was a rough night last night to say the least. BUT, its good. I didn't know little things such as a binkie held much worth to me. I was sad when I cut it, broke it. I felt like I had taken part of my first born's "babiness" away. I guess I did...it was just hard to see it go. It will be a SAD day for sure when Nolen doesn't want his blankie anymore. I LOVE that he LOVES it. I think that will be with me forever once Nolen says goodbye to it.

P.S.- The first picture makes me laugh. Not very photogenic in this one-but at least it's an updated picture of what they look like now:)

For Cryin Out Loud.

2011-05-15T12:54:00.000-07:00

I'm back. Again. Do you want to know why I am not going to post any pictures on this post? Or why its been 3 months since my last post? Because I am Nolen and Ollie's mom. I'm a busy woman. When I do get the chance to maybe sit down and write on the blog- I choose not to- instead I choose SLEEP. Sleep is my most favorite hobby. So yes, this blog has been neglected because of being a mom and SLEEP. BUT- I have felt lately that I, for myself would really like to start blogging again...it's therapeutic.

When I was a little girl I LOVED to play with my dolls and barbies. I couldn't wait to be a mom. When I was a little girl I dreamt of being married to the most wonderful man and living in a house with a flower garden in the front. I am a mom and I am married to the most wonderful man ever. Nope- we don't have a house yet or a flower garden...someday.... But when I was a little girl I didn't think about how HARD it is to carry on the REAL LIFE task of being a wife and mother. It sure is a FULL TIME JOB. FULL TIME.

Today at church Nolen was taken out of the first hour about 5 times. He was hitting and throwing his toys- and the Ollie freaked out and did his normal uncontrollable screaming. Once Nolen was in nursery he was fine- until about a half hour later when Ollie wouldn't calm down and I heard Nolen crying uncontrollably himself in nursery. Long story short- I had tears too. It was one of those moments where I just wanted to quit. Just for a minute. I just needed a break- I wanted to flash back to the days of having NO RESPONSIBILITY for anyone but MYSELF. We took the boys home- put Ollie down, and put Nolen in front of the T.V. to watch Bambi. Owen went back to church and I just layed on the couch trying to fall asleep. Near the last half of the movie Nolen snuggled up to me and soon fell asleep in my arms. Nolen NEVER cuddles. Right then I mushed. I mushed hard. I realized as I was holding my baby that these hard times/days come A LOT, but oh my how it is worth it. Even though at times I want to QUIT the mom/wife business I can't. I physically, emotionally can't. I know that this is my ultimate calling in life- to be a supportive, loving wife to my best friend and to love and raise my children so that we all can be together FOREVER.

Ollie Gregory Snead

2011-02-21T14:23:00.000-08:00

He came! We are very in love with our newest bundle...
Born- 2.10.2011
Weight- 7 pounds 15 ounces
Height- 20 inches
*more pics and news later:)

Last days with just one...

2011-02-03T20:24:00.000-08:00

Our family fave! Bennihanas:)

Can't get enough of him when he is sleeping...

SeaWorld- last day to use our passes!

Beach in January- PERFECT WEATHER!

Loves lickin cookie dough- yep hes related to me:)

Well this is most likely my last post before Ollie joins us. The countdown has been going on forever...

I have so enjoyed being with my little man these last few weeks. I love Nolen so much and he is such a joy to have in our family. Gosh- I really don't know how we got so lucky. I love being his mom and have loved just having him around- just him, me and dada. But it is now time to add another joy to our lives...and we can't be more excited! Nolen is thrilled to meet his new baby brother- and keeps saying "baby" everytime he sees Ollie's clothes, swing, or carseat- he's ready!

We are all ready! any day now...

Christmas in Utah...

2011-01-06T21:26:00.000-08:00

Christmas morning

LOVE this picture of Nolen and Will

Nolen started to tear apart his present from Santa as soon as he saw it

Nolen DISLIKED the cold and snow- hopefully next year...

Always had to be near his Papa:)

Owen and I decided to make a last minute trip to Utah for Christmas...and it is JUST what we needed! It was sooo nice to go home and be with family. We totally relaxed and enjoyed every minute. Nolen and his cousin Will are BEST FRIENDS. They were UNSEPERABLE! Nolen still wakes up saying "Wheel Wheel!" (Will Will) or "Papa! Nana??" Nolen also cant get enough of Papa and Nana...they spoil that boy a lot and he LOVES it:)

Congrats Owen!

2011-01-06T21:03:00.000-08:00

Owen graduated with a bachelors in Human Development with and emphasis in Health Services!! Sooo proud of him:) Now on to the job hunt! To celebrate his HUGE accomplishment I had the help of many family members throw him a surprise party! Thank you for all who came and supported him! He was sooo happy to see everyone and enjoy another night with family:)

*Unfortunatly didnt get any pics of the man him self!

Dewey Family Christmas Party

2011-01-05T16:14:00.000-08:00

Always so much fun to get together with this gang- food, gingerbread house making, food, laughing, white elephant gift exchange, food, kids in their jammies, food, good times!

Halloween...

2010-11-04T19:43:00.000-07:00

Buzz had a BLAST trick-or-treating w/ his cousins Hallie and Kylie! He LOVED walkin around with his other cousin Laney- thought she was super cool. It was so fun to see him get excited and run to each house...even though he thought he was invited into each home as well...

Broken things to mend...

2010-11-01T23:06:00.000-07:00

I watched this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWM4U6gnPE8&feature=share on this blog- www.patrickandashley.blogspot.com
Jefferey R. Holland is one of my favorite apostles- every time he speaks I feel so reasured that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. If you haven't checked out the above blog- do so. It is soooo inspiring. I can't even begin to imagine what it would be like to lose a child- and yet this video helps me understand that even the littlest of trials or discouragments can be brought to the Lord. No matter what is going on in our lives, the good and bad, we can always turn to our Father in Heaven and His Son for peace. We just need to keep our heads above the stormy water and TRUST in Him!

New Start...

2010-10-30T21:10:00.000-07:00

above-Nolen and Papa Nolte on our visit to Ut. in Aug.

Cousin William

Three of the five brothers...Bryan, Mark and John (at our family reunion)

Grandkids w/ their cool tye dyes!

The amazing cake my sis-in-law Sarah made for my hubby on his bday- The Office!

Grandma Karen w/ Nolen at Bates Nut Farm

Well- I am going to start blogging again. Even though my blog doesn't look the way I want it to- I am ready to become better at "journaling" our family events:) Since it has been FOREVER since my last update- I will just add a few photos from the past few months instead of downloading EVERY picture I have...simplicity- that's how I roll!

Anyway- stay tuned...I hope that I will get better and better at this and have more fun doing it:)

Enjoy.

enough already!

2010-08-30T18:25:00.000-07:00

hi there! still alive- yes. just not in the posting mood lately as you can see:) and this one wont even come w/ pictures- sorry! i will get to pictures soon enogh...maybe. but anyway- most of you know by now and if you dont you will NOW- im pregnant- 17 weeks to be exact! wahoo! i look like im 28 weeks pregnant already-probably why there wont be any week by week photos of me...hehe. anyway we are thrilled. i had AWFUL morning sickness and it finally started to go away around week 15 but all of a sudden it surprised me last night- sick as a dog again. what the crap??? other than feeling like i just want to sleep this pregnancy off things are well! like i say- hopefully there will be more posts to come with pictures very soon- cuz we have had a great summer thus far!
buhbye!

3 Years!!!

2010-06-13T20:14:00.000-07:00

Take me out to the ballgame...

What? RELAXING?

Ok 1- I am not a good blogger. I find my posts quite boring because I post pictures then just give a short, brief paragraph or two about what happened. I really do wish I had better writing skills! Skills people!

2-I don't think I have ever really posted about my husband- not that I dont want to its just again I seem to just post here there and everywhere pics and then write about them. And Owen is not in my everyday pictures a lot- as he should be because he is a good man!

3- We celebrated our 3rd year anniversary this last weekend! Oh so nice to have Nolen dropped off w his gparents(thank you thank you!!!) and to be able to RELAX!!! We got a GREAT deal at the Hyatt downtown. GREAT deal or we would have had a campout in our backyard. We had a great view and enjoyed waking up in the morning on our own- with no Nolen calling for us:) We also went to another Padres game and had sooo much fun! I love summer ballgames- the atmosphere, the game, the crowds, the smells (kettle corn to be exact!) All together it was just good ol fun!

4- I love Owen Dewey Snead. I will forever.

Family time!

2010-06-13T20:07:00.000-07:00

My parents were able to come down last week for a visit along with Matt and Lindsay's family. It is always so much fun when family comes to town. We went to the Padres game and they won 18 to 6! 18!!! NEW RECORD! the game was forever long but so worth it! We also went to the beach a few times and Nolen got to know his cousins Lance and Luke pretty well.

Disneyland!

2010-06-13T19:58:00.001-07:00

cute Ella tired of smiling for the camera...

A few weeks ago Nolen and I had a great oppurtunity to go to Disneyland with family! We met up with the Harbertsons, Valenzuelas, Hombs, and Stuckis! Thanks to Gma Karen and Gpa Jim for taking us! Nolen had so much fun for his first time even though he was bit young:) It was nice to have lots of adults so that I could get away on some fun rides myself. You can see in the pictures my cute little niece Ella. She got all dolled up in Cinderella's castle. Such a pretty princess!

Beach Bum

2010-06-13T19:51:00.000-07:00

yay for BEACH weather again! Nolen is LOVING the beach. It is is FAVORITE place to be. He LOVES the sand- it ends up in his mouth mostly! The beach to him is a GIANT sand box with cool rocks and waves that he loves to splash in. good thing he loves it so much cuz so does his mama!

Justin's Bday!

2010-05-13T21:55:00.001-07:00

We went to Brad and Katie's the other night for Justin's bday. So much fun to get together with family! Nolen LOVES his cousins!

Donuts and Skippo

2010-05-13T21:45:00.000-07:00

Me after my donuts
Sue after her donuts

Gma after her donuts

Whenever Aunt Sue comes down to visit we (gma, sue, owen and i) ALWAYS play Skippo. It's tradition and well its INTENSE at times. Sue and I laugh and get a little loopy while Gma gets in a mood not a lot see- fiesty and hilarious- and my husband gets ANGRY if he is loosing but changes his mood dramatically if he wins to a very PROUD and HAPPY mood. Needless to say- its fun to play together...

We added a kick to our game the other night. DONUTS. oh geez. A whole DOZEN of them. Adding donuts to the game just made it that much more crazy.

*And Mark- I did record on camera a game of us playing the other night- you will have to watch it sometime--pretty funny!

Great Grandma

2010-05-13T21:41:00.000-07:00

Nolen LOVES his Great Grandma Nolte! We are so lucky to live so close to her. I really see a sweet bond between the two of them. He just BEAMS when he is with her.

Buddies

2010-04-29T19:26:00.001-07:00

Elliot sat his WHOLE body in this TINY toy! Sooo funny!

I've been able to watch Nolen's good friend Elliot a few times- and boy do they have FUN together! It's so funny to watch them at this age (Elliot is only 3 weeks older than Nolen)- the sharing thing is not so easy! But overall they squeel and giggle a lot together:)

being HOME

2010-04-20T16:51:00.000-07:00

i LOVE being home with my baby boy. it has been so fun to see him LEARN and GROW this last month. today while we were at the park- I swang/swung next to him while he was in his baby-swing- and i just thought how crazy it is that i am at this point in my life- ALREADY! all i ever wanted when i was a little girl was a husband and a baby, and a home. got it. LOVE it.

videos for your enjoyment.

2010-04-04T20:00:00.000-07:00

the first one- is mary tessa and nolen having fun

second video is- nolen walking:)

third video- my husband and emily seeing who can get the highest first...who do you think won?

March is gone!?

2010-04-04T19:00:00.001-07:00

Nanna with Allianna and Mary Tessa

At Herman Park- awww:)
Tessa and Nolen LOVED playing together:)

Mark and me- a dream come true at NASA!

That's my man- outside the Saturn 5

yay!

FINALLY on the bus tour at NASA- talk to us before you do this.

Mary Tessa, Mark and Em

At Kemah

Cousin Simon

nakie buns

One year picture!

For real? March of this year has by far been the FASTEST month of my life! It flew by without me knowing it! wow- life really does go by quickly when you have kids-mom wasn't kidding! Well here is a list of things that happened last month...1. Nolen turned 1 on the 7th! We had a fun Elmo party for him at Aunt Mel's home-thanks to all who came and celebrated with our little boy:) 2. went to AZ to visit the Banners and Harberstons and meet sweet baby Chloe! 3. went to TX FINALLY to see my brother Mark's family. Oh so fun. met mom and dad there too:) 4. Nolen IS walking- when he wants to...still prefers crawling,but is well on his way to the walking world. 5. Nolen waves and blows kisses- adorable. 6. that's it.

Needless to say last month went way too quickly-busy and so much fun to be with family. LOVE these times in my life. so now you may enjoy LOADS of pictures from yours truly. (sp?)

10:26 thoughts.

2010-01-31T22:26:00.001-08:00

It's night time and my boys are asleep. I'm awake scared out of my mind. A helicopter was flying over our home a while ago with an intercom..."on the lookout for an armed man wearing...."awesome.

Went on a roadtrip/delivery/job trip to San Fran. this weekend with Owen. Left Nolen with his sweet, wonderful grandparents. It was hard to be away from him for 2 days...very hard. But soooo fun to get out and walk around the city of San Francisco! I walked to the Coit Tower and was so happy I did! I LOVE that city. I think that will be the first and LAST time I go with Owen in a moving truck for that long. Good company- yes. Not so fun bouncing up and down in a huge truck through ghetto Oakland...I was so antsy to see my baby when i got home. He waved at me when he saw me! aw! I LOVE HIM!!

Nolen melts our hearts. Everyday. He is LOVING walking with his truck walker. He is always on his feet and I know it wont be long til hes everywhere! 2 bottom teeth now. Makes us laugh with his scrunchy face he makes and his tongue's in and out moves. He "shakea shakea shakea" with any object in his hands...and "dancin dancin dancin"- when hes on his feet and I say this he bounces up and down and hits one foot on the ground up and down. gotta see it to believe it.

owen is going to internship at a retirment home this semester. Im so proud of him. I think he has really found what he wants to do in the future! sooo close to being done with school!!!

im sewing.what? yep. LOVE IT. hated it when i was younger....love it now. definetly not a pro. will never be. but it's fun and i LOVE all the different kinds of material out there.

Do you remember the movie "Land Before Time"? It was on the T.V. at the hotel owen an i stayed at this weekend. We watched the last 20 mins. SOOOO GOOD!!! I LOVED that movie and still do! My niece Kaitlyn reminds me of Sarah the dinosaur. And Ducky was my favorite character. Remember Petri?

This is a very random blog. it is now 10:40. I need to post some pictures and try to sleep. any noise scares me tonight....there is a man armed and on the loose around here. pray for us.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-21T09:33:00.000-08:00

Watch this Christmas video- it is so sweet! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PURToRRq7gM

S.D. visit and Thanksgiving

2009-12-07T18:23:00.000-08:00

Papa

Sisters

Aunt Sandy and Nolen

Handsome Will

Buddies

Uncle Mark

Itty Bitty starfish!

Nanna

These are just some pictures from when Nanna and Uncle Mark came to visit us in San Diego! Nolen and I went up to Utah for Thanksgiving and had soooo much fun. I LOVE the holidays in Utah- cold and crisp and just lovely. Nolen had sooo much fun with his cousin Will and all the attention from his Nanna and Papa.

*Thanks to Grandma Karen for the ADORABLE sweater and beenie!

9 months!

2009-12-07T17:58:00.000-08:00

Dr. Varma told me today that I need to:

"get Nolen into see Dr. Meltzer again for another recomendation for his head- It just doesn't look right, Do you see how his left ear is curled more than the other because of his bone?,You need to fight this, You need to definetly have this taken care of ASAP, He just doesn't look right"

"He's not crawling? Don't put him in his bouncer anymore- you shouldn't do that- you are making it too easy for him- dont. MAKE him crawl- he NEEDS to crawl- you really shouldn't be making it easy for him"

"I'm not happy about his weight. He should weigh more. Do you feed him enough? Do you breastfeed? Give him formula. Come back in a month- he is not at a good weight"

ALL RIGHT ALREADY DR. VARMA! I HEAR YOU! POKE MY SON A LITTLE MORE AND MAKE HIM SCREAM LOUDER.

I think I am a good mom. Sure, his head is big and uneven-so what? Everyone stops to tell me how cute he is wherever we go. Sure, he needs to crawl- he will. And sure he may be underweight- but you know what??? He's healthly and happy!!

And my boy is 9 months old today. I love him. I didn't love him so much this afternoon when he was a "baby" at the doctor's office- my wonderful husband took him away for some "daddy/son" time and for me to have a break. wonderful.

Nolen brightens my day-EVERYDAY.

Thankful

2009-11-20T13:46:00.000-08:00

Seeing as though Thanksgiving is just around the corner and knowing that I most likely won't blog while I am in Utah I thought I would just share with you bloggers what I am most ThANkFul for. (in no particular order)

-an apartment- even though it's tiny- its a roof over our heads

-WIC- Women Infant Children program

-green machine cadilac to get Nolen and I around this town

-San Diego- all of the many BEutiFuL places to visit

-my ward- gReAt people and friends who all support each other

-The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints- met a girl who is not a member a few weeks ago at playgroup- she has come since and is sooo sweet. She asked what church I belong to- I said " the LDS church" she had a puzzled face on her then I said" the Mormon church" then of course it clicked-anyway my point being I think she really likes to be around all the SwEEt girls who come and feels welcomed...nice church.

-Ensign- soooo many UPlifTiNG messages that make me want to do better!

-Mormon Messages found on lds.org- my new favorite... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tuwid8_O8dk

-NieNie and her everyday stories of inspiration - go to my sidebar "I read NieNie"

-The Office- brings laughter into my life

-the internet and how it can bring friends from the past back in my view! and also a way to keep in touch with family from everywhere!

-FAMILY- i for some reason was blessed with the most amazing FAMILY- a mom and dad who LOVE eachother soooo much and 5 brothers who LOVE their wives soooo much and their children. and my in-laws- all sooooo wonderful

-a SMILING happy boy who brightens my day every day-(even though his whiny/crying moments drive me NUTS at times!!!!)

-a HEalThY family

-Medicine

-A determined, hardworking, giving husband who tries so hard each and every day to make ends meet for us....soooooo thankful for him

-THANKFUL for my TESTIMONY of the TRUTHFULNESS of the GOSPEL

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

HAPPY FALL!

2009-10-23T13:19:00.000-07:00

Nolen and his friend Elliot

Pumpkin head

Serious Nolen

Papa Nolte

Great Grandma Nolte- the classy beautiful woman who can put my baby to sleep.

These kids are sooo big now!

Uncle Brad and Uncle John lovin my boy!

I know these pictures jump from one thing to another. But they all have to do with one thing- Fall! Fall football game- BYU vs. SDSU....which I now have learned to NEVER take a baby under a year old to a football game....um worst thing I have ever done to my baby. Papa Nolte of course was in town for work and the game- which allowed us to see him! Nolen LOVES his Papa Nolte and Great Grandma Nolte! We are so lucky to live so close to her:) And then recently some friends and I went to Nates Butt Farm. Excuse me...Bates Nut Farm! What better way to enjoy the once in a while Fallish weather here in San Diego? Nolen LOVED the hay. So great.

Happy Fall to all!

Need a pick-me-up?

2009-10-10T15:57:00.000-07:00

Crafy me- first one as a wife and mom...

2009-09-30T21:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome FALL! I am sooo excited for the next season to begin:) This craft took me a while and I am so glad I did it- thanks to my mom for suggesting it!

Mr. Bucket-head

LOVE HIS GUTS

2009-09-25T10:01:00.000-07:00

Found some old pictures of us.

JOY

2009-09-25T09:50:00.000-07:00

These last 2 pics are from the day he graduated from getting his helmet off! He did so well with the bandit sock on his head for pictures:)

6 MONTHS!!!!!!

2009-09-07T19:05:00.001-07:00

That's our boy! Nolen brings us sooooo much happiness and joy into our lives! I love being his mommy and watching him grow every day- I am so blessed!

Helmet head and REUNION!

2009-08-14T21:42:00.000-07:00

Nolen is doing GREAT with the helmet! He is very used to it and that makes life a lot better:) I have to say my brother Matt did an EXCELLENT job on decorating his helmet while in Utah- he made a sweet dinosaur which unfortunetly rubbed off over night...thus the stickers. I put animal stickers all over the back of it. It's pretty cute! We had sooo much fun at Mom and Dad's home-so fun to be with everyone and Owen finally got to meet Grandma and Grandpa Nothum! It was a blast and THANK YOU Mom and Dad for making it happen!!

4 month Check Up and BLOGGER ILLITERATE

2009-07-01T10:51:00.000-07:00

I am so BLOGGER illiterate! I wanted the paragraph at the top- and cant figure it out! Now i have this lame blue writing with a line under it!!!!!!!!!!!!! geez..................................

We have one adorable boy. We found out some bummer news at Nolen's 4 month check up- he is under weight - 12 pounds and his head is mis-shaped. More tummy time -which he HATES and less standing time-which he LOVES. It is so hard to watch him scream and cry through tummy time-I am hoping he will get used to it...in the pictures where he's laying down he gave up and just fell asleep-also I posted them so you can see the shape of his head. We may need to get the helmet kids wear to help with this problem. It is correctable, just a pain to deal with. But we figured there could be a LOT worse things that could happen. Owen and I just feel so blessed to have this little man in our lives. Goodness, he's cute.

The King of Pop

2009-06-29T12:46:00.000-07:00

I am so glad I danced to MJ's music as a kid with my brothers and attempted the moon walk many times. I remember the time my family all gathered around the t.v. to watch "Black or White"I am sure he will be quite the show upstairs:)

Nolen's first trip!

2009-05-30T08:57:00.000-07:00

Soon to be Mr. and Mrs. Durazzani ( Dave and cousin Brittany)

Memorial Day at Bridal Veil Falls

Grammy Sherri

Angela and Kaitlyn

Harbertson family

Kids with their kids:)

Baby Will

Swimmin with Nanna

Bryan, Sarah, and William

That's right

Auntie Krissy

Auntie Angela

Nolen really does LOVE this thing-thanks Aimee!

Shaniqua (Elise)and Jashonda with baby Jamal (awww roomates...)

Aunt MaryAnn and Uncle Jeff about to leave on their mission to Tampico Mexico!

Cousins

Nanna and William and Papa and Nolen

Celiece,me, Amelia-we all have kids now! crazy...

William and Nolen meeting eachother for the first time!

Ok- so rather than try to recap everthing from our trip to Utah- I will just post a gazillion pictures for your enjoyment. We had SO much fun and loved every minute of it:)

*I still don't know how to post my words above my pictures! So lame...

Blessing Day

2009-04-20T09:55:00.001-07:00

Uncle John and Aunt Aimee

Big cousins! Audrey, Miles and Ella

Yesterday was a busy, long, but wonderful day- as Nolen was blessed. We had much support and love from family and friends. It was so great to be with everyone throughout the day! The day couldn't be hotter-98 degrees! I had picked out Nolen's blessing outfit before he was born and of course was hoping for a cooler day than what it turned out to be. He was out of the outfit right after church....luckily! He was such a GOOD boy during the blessing and such a GOOD boy being passed around 100 times to everyone. I can't believe how much I love this kid. Really, I love him more and MORE each day. He is such a joy!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T15:50:00.001-07:00

Sleepy boy and Darn Bink

2009-04-09T12:06:00.000-07:00

Here are some sweet pictures of our boy sleepin away...

So Nolen is now just over a month old! It really does go by fast! He is getting cuter and cuter every day. Owen and I just stare at him and smile at our little boy. He is SO CUTE! Question for all those moms out there...the bink. I spend A LOT of time putting that bink back in his mouth so that he won't throw a fit. He can SCREAM. I have had more headaches than ever before...So anyway, I have noticed that the times that he really wants his bink is when he is tired (and I am tired)-just as he is falling asleep-he is so content when it is in-but the moment it falls out-ahhhhh. As I am writing this I am having to stop to put that bink back in!! I put a video of this to show just a glimpse of what I am talking about...gotta go, wailing baby here.

So what do I do?

Our little sweetie

2009-03-31T17:18:00.000-07:00

I know everyone has been waiting for some more pictures of our new addition to the family so here are some more recent ones. Mom Nolte left just over a week ago-she was here for 2 weeks and was SO HELPFUL!! It was soo great to have her here and we miss her so much! Dad Nolte was able to stop by for a few hours one night last week and meet little Nolen. He had a business trip and was able to make the time to meet his new grandson! Grandma Karen lives close by and so we get to see her often-which is so nice:) And I had to put the picture of Owen and Nolen sleeping. Owen LOVES to snuggle with his little son. Owen calls him "my son"-its too cute.

Nolen has been such a great blessing in our lives. We are loving every day with him and know that time goes by fast so we are soaking up this "newborn"stage right now and enjoying every moment of it:)

Nolen Robert Snead

2009-03-10T15:43:00.001-07:00

Born -3.7.09 at 7:23 pm Weight-7pounds 9 ounces Length-20 inches

We are absolutley LOVING every moment with this little guy. I will post more later:)

DONE!!!

2009-02-28T08:06:00.000-08:00

37 weeks prego!

Dad and Ethan

Soccer game!

Done with teaching that is! For now at least... anyway it feels sooooo GOOD to be done with teaching- I am officially ready to nest and RELAX for the time I have left:) I had a great ending to my teaching yesterday. My kids have been planning a "surprise baby shower" I found out about it a couple of weeks ago when a few of my boys gave it away here or there. Anyway pretty funny- I still acted surprised for the girls. It was great- I left the room for a "meeting" and came back to 40 kids (my class and my friend's 3rd grade class) and some parents, cake, lots of food, and a load of presents! Seriously, I was sooo grateful for this shower! They really pulled it off and I came home with a loot of cuteness! I finally was on my way home after loading the car we just bought (Owen's grandpa's nice green machine cadillac) when i backed up and shattered a glass window of my school. Seriously? Typical. After fretting over that for a while and crying over it- I found out it will all be ok. It will be taken care of through the school and I just added a little character to our car...gosh. Anyway- whenever I leave a class of kids I have taught for a long period of time I start to realize just how much I love them and love teaching. I complain a lot about teaching. A little too much I think. But really, I love it. I come to love every kid I teach even though at times I would love to strangle them....it is still worth it. Children are so sweet. I just can't wait to raise one of my own!
So here are some pictures of yesterday and last weekend when my dad came down for business and play. It is always so great to have him come down so often!! On Saturday we were able to meet John and Brad's family at a park for a great day of play.
Nolen is due 2 weeks from today! Whoa-I'm gonna be a mom!

Thoughts...

2009-02-12T21:40:00.000-08:00

Hi there. So I figured it has been a long enough time since my last post- I will just say a little hello and tell you what is on my mind. Right now Owen is playing Mario kart Wii- he very much enjoys it. I am glad to say he is not in the "obsessed man mode of video games" -usually if I ask him to stop he will and Im ok with it. Anyway- I have really been enjoying my time with Owen lately and I realize it is not long from now when we will have a little buddy to play with! Right now Owen and I do whatever the heck we want. Stay up late- go to bed early- wake up late-wake up early when we have to- go to SeaWorld, go to the Zoo, Wild Animal Park, the gym, beach, the Temple-out to eat- and la la la. Life is so fun with my bestfriend right now. Now don't get me wrong- Im not saying that once little Nolen comes around that our life will no longer be "fun"- it will just be different-good different.We are sooo excited for this little buddy and can hardly believe that he is just about a month away from joining us!! Crazy. Anyway- life is wonderful and I hope that who ever reads this is doing well!! -aloha-

Home Sweet Home

2009-01-09T17:34:00.000-08:00

Owen and I had a GREAT time in Utah. Pictures are included to show some of the many wonderful things we did there. The best thing about it? Time off from school, being with family and just RELAXING. I absolutely LOVE being with family. My parents home really is "Home Sweet Home" THANK YOU mom and dad for letting us stay and enjoy all that we did.

We hope everyone is off to a good start this new year. My mom was right when she once told me that the older you get the faster time flies. Aint that the truth??? Our sweet little Nolen is on his way....ahhhhh!!! CAN'T WAIT:)

The video is from when we went over to play MadGab at Bryan and Sarah's-it is the most hilarious game...

Cute and a little wierd...

2008-12-13T09:15:00.000-08:00

So if you like cats you have got to watch this....I came across this on yahoo videos and then had to youtube these kittens. I couldn't stop laughing...so yes this is cute but like I said a little wierd...

Merry Christmas.

Jingle Cats Silent Night
Jingle Cats sing Silent Night from the Jingle Cats Christmas DVD order now at http://www.jinglecats.com/The Original World Famous Jingle Cats.©2008 Jingle Cats Music. All Rights Reserved.

Fun with the Amideis

2008-12-08T18:14:00.000-08:00

Sweet baby Oliver

Good side view!

Megs and me

Our creations

Last night Owen and I visited with our good friends the Amideis (sp??) They have been our great friends forever and we don't see them as much as we would like even though we are only a short distance away. After a great dinner of pancakes(right up my alley) we decorated these adorable cake cars. Charlie (Meghan's 4 year old) LOVED detailing his car. Owen's is the snowblasted one with some sweet red railing-if you couldn't tell:)Oliver is such a GOOD boy! He is such a sweetie and makes the cutest smiles.Sorry the pictures are not the best of quality!Included are also some updated pictures of the babe. Really? Due in March? It looks like I could be due this month!

Blessings

2008-11-23T14:45:00.000-08:00

Well Owen and I have had a long, good week. There have been challenges all around us, but overall we recognize how blessed we are with all that we have. Tuesday night Owen and I were with the Snead side of the family at dinner and had left to go visit Owen's grandpa at the hospital. As we were waiting to turn right on our red light to enter the hospital we saw a car run a red light and hit another car and then that car came right for us and hit us. As you can imagine it was something you don't want to see or be a part of. Long story short-both Owen and I were miraculosly just fine. Owen came away with a hurt elbow, and the only thing that happened to me was my back got tweeked. The other two in the accident were sent to the hospital. Of course right after the accident I freaked out about Owen because I had seen the car come right in his direction,but luckily the car hit right infront of Owen's car door and pushed our tire under the car. So-once Owen and I got to sit down and wait for all the paperwork and stuff to tell the police, I realized how thankful I was that things were not worse. I was so THANKFUL to have Owen with me by my side and to know that Nolen was safe with me. Owen and I have been so blessed and we know that we had been watched over.

Another thing that happened recently was that Owen's grandpa passed away yesturday in the hospital. His body had gotten to that point of not being able to hold on. We were able to visit grandpa a couple of times these last few weeks and so glad we did. I absolutely LOVE grandpa Snead. Ever since I met him and became a Snead myself, he has been SO KIND and loving to me. Grandpa Snead was such a quiet but gentle and sweet man. He had the sweetest smile and most tender heart. It has been so nice to have the Snead family in town and see how united they are in all they do. I am glad to know now that Grandpa is in a more comfortable place and relieved to be with his friends and family in heaven. He will be missed-but we will all remember what a great man he was. We love you Grandpa Snead!

There seems to be a lot of challenges that face us in life. But again, I just feel so blessed to know what I know and to recognize the many blessings that I do have in this life. Because of my family and the gospel in my life, I know that things will always work out and there is no need to fear.

Have a great Thanksgiving-remember all of the things you have been blessed with! We love you!

Owen got his Nolen!

2008-11-03T17:00:00.000-08:00

So yes, we were very excited to find out that the little one kickin in my tummy has been a...BOY!
All this time I really thought I was having a girl. So funny...I thought I was for sure right. But, I am sooo happy to announce that we are having a son. A SON! Holy cow-Noltes sure do like to make them boys! First thing Owen said was (once he for sure new it was a boy)"There's my little ball-player!" Owen was beyond excited---his wish had come true:) So I have posted some prego pics. I am apparently due sometime around the 14 of March, maybe the 2nd or maybe the 7th. Really, I don't know neither does the doc...but for sure in March. So I am in these pictures, 21/22 weeks. I am finally feeling Nolen movin around. Just little popcorn or butterfly movements at the moment-but I LOVE to feel them when they come:) He is such a good boy already...ahhhh a boy! Also included is a video of the pics. that were printed off for us. I wanted to just take a picture of them and post them, but of course they came out shiny and blurry...so I walk you through each picture...sorry but it's really exciting being a mom! Oh-in the second picture of Nolen in the video, is his head, belly and then up on top you can see an arm-I didn't mention that, but it's there! Yes we are sure on the name Nolen. Here's why- NOL for my maiden name NOLTE and Nolen all together sounds like his daddy-Owen:) And we just like the name a lot:) Still working on the middle...but of course we have a while!
We hope all is well with everyone! Thank you for being a part of Nolen's life already:)

Bates Nut Farm

2008-10-25T20:14:00.000-07:00

We thought it would be a great idea to pick out our pumpkins today at Bate Nuts Farm- a place where my family always visited during the holidays, especially around Christmas to pick out our Christmas tree-which they don't do anymore! Anyway- we were just going to get our pumpkins but it turned out that there were a lot of other things going on. It was pretty entertaining. We walked around and looked at all the farm animals, went by the many tents full of cotton candy, ketttle corn, funnel cakes, etc. We also went into the Bates Nut Farm store which I love! So many cute decorations for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. It was just the right amount to get me into the holiday spirit, even though it was 90 degrees outside! Owen also ran into his former Spanish teacher from R.B High. They had a good little reunion and it was nice to meet someone so influential in Owen's life. So it was a great Fall day- nice to enjoy once again Bates Nut Farm.

Fun times

2008-10-13T15:03:00.000-07:00

Chandler and Owen Owen and Ethan
Eli

Emily and the Lorikeets Emily, Eli and Gavin

Chandler and Chunk

Owen and his Lorikeet

So, since the last post was kind of lame because really, it was probably only worth watching if you "were there" back in the day I decided it is time to update a bit. Sorry, I am not the best blogger and don't seem to have much to blog about since it is only Owen and I. But we do have fun and well here you go- we do have fun:) Owen is playing on a city league softball team in Poway. He loves to get out once a week to play, but unfortunately not all the guys show up, but fortunatetly he calls up his friends to come play. Chandler was able to come last week- and it was fun to see them play together. Chandler is a good friend of ours since Owen and I first met. I also got a picture of him and his dog Chunk-I just thought the picture was hilarious, because I would never allow a dog to hug me like that.

My cousin Emily and her family from New York City came to town this weekend because her husband Boyd had business here in San Diego. So we were able to eat a delicious home-cooked meal at Grandma Noltes-yummmmmmmmmmm...sooo good, and go to the Wild Animal Park today! It was so much fun. My sis-in-law Katie came also with her two boys. We had a lot of fun feeding the Lorikeets some nectar. Emily had about 6 birds at one time on her. And her son kept thinking they were going to bite him. Pretty funny! So yes, very fun to be with the family.

Baby update- I am now 18 weeks prego and have my next appointment next Friday on the 24. I am HOPING that I will find out if this little Snead is a lovely girl or a dashing young boy. But I may not find out next time because I just got a new doc. with new insurance, so it may need to wait. I am sooo antsy to find out though. I am also waiting to feel it move around inside! I am getting bigger and bigger each day too-there is no hiding whatsoever that I am pregnant now!

Sooo...I am now going to snack on some of my most craved foods of all time-baked doritos.

Classic Letterman

2008-09-24T15:01:00.000-07:00

I remember watching this clip with my brothers back in the day. It was hilarious then- and it is still pretty dang good. I only wish Letterman would still do this kind of stuff. Have fun watching.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwvdmU36i5U&feature=related

Another family event

2008-09-20T18:29:00.000-07:00

Alex, Adrienne, and Sarah

Ryan and Alex
Ryan and Aunt Sue

The prego girls. Can you see him/her??
Mom, Dad, Aunt MaryAnn and Uncle Jeff
Me amd my stud muffin
Sarah and Bryan
Jim and Brad with little Ethan

Last weekend we had another fun family event-what a great excuse for my parents and brother and his wife to come to town!My cousin Ryan and his wife Alex renewed their vows here in Poway at a beautiful home. It was so great to be with family again. Brad and Katie's family along with John and Aimee's family were able to make it as well. I was able to see some other family members which I haven't seen in a while.

Baby update- So my due date changed. I am now due March 14...I was bummed, I am 2 weeks later than I have been planning! Oh well, this little munchkin will come when he/she wants to no matter what. Hopefully sooner than later:)

Hope all is well with everyone!

Nolte Reunion-Keep on Keepin On!

2008-09-08T17:37:00.000-07:00

This is all of us!
Miles, Ella, Jusin and Charlie
Reliving the past
My genius nephew-Luke, at the talent show demonstrating how to use electricty!

Here are some pictures and videos of the Nolte reunion and talent show. First video is, my very talented husband juggling, the second is, Kermit the Frog and Aimee Nolte, (kermit is puppeted my Matt Nolte- get this kids around for this one...I am so amazed my how well he does!), the third video is my Aunt MaryAnn, Uncle Jeff, cousin Emily and her husband Boyd,(just watch-pretty nasty-but hilarious) and the fourth is Aimee playing the piano for her adorable son Charlie (melts my heart), and the last video is my brothers Bryan, John and Brad singing a Christmas song in the middle of summer-but wow it sounds great-if only you were there! We had such a great time being together for 5 days and those days are much missed-so until we meet again, "keep on keepin on" I am sooo blessed to have such a wonderful family!

Our little peanut and some old news

2008-07-28T14:19:00.000-07:00

Angela, Aimee, Owen and Me

Well we got to see our baby today! I was shocked to find out Im actually 9 weeks along-this whole time I thought I was 8...so yay-one less week of MS! Also the expected due date is March 2nd. We couldn't be happier:) The baby is tiny as can be, but oh so healthy. Its amazing to me how little this baby is, but yet how much torture it is putting me through! Wow, I am pregnant.

So I have some very old news as well. Very old. And alot of you already know about it-but for those of my friends who havent heard or SEEN I will let you know now:) I know a lot of you are big American Idol fans. (such old news) Well last season, my sweet sis-in-law Angela got tickets for her, Owen and I and my other sis-in-law Aimee!We were at the finale show! When David Cook won:) Long story short-we got AWSOME tickets-2nd row right behind David Cook's family! Yep. It was simply amazing. I met Melinda Doolittle waved to Blake Lewis who was not far from us, and Carrie Underwood was 5 rows behind us-she walked right infront of us at one point (so beautiful). And my fav. hollywood moment was meeting Lori Laughlin who played Becca on Full House-my favorite show of all times! She sat right by Aimee and then was getting up to move spots when Aimee stopped her to introduce me:) I was soooo star struck. Her daughter ended up sitting next to Aimee with the nanny. Anyway- also just being there and getting smiles from Paula and winks from Simon was all too much:) Oh! I also got on stage! Yes I did! There was some guy like a Ryan Seacrest pumping up the audience minutes before the show started and he called me and an old lady up on stage to dance! It was so MUCH FUN:) I felt nervous of course, but I just stood by the old lady and boogied away.Soooo....again yes, this is very old news. But I never got to share it with some of my friends-so there you go:) Ohhh yeah- we WERE ON TV by the way. Go to this site and at the end of the performance they zoom in on David's dad and Owen and I pop into the camera to give a thumbs up:) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbXBrILBMtU&feature=related

Alive and tired

2008-07-25T21:56:00.000-07:00

Hi. I am waiting for laundry at the moment. It is 10 and I am tired and HUNGRY. Just thought I would let you know I haven't left blog world. This week has been a challenging one. 2 words- Morning Sickness. That's all I ll say about that.
Oh-and thank you to all who have been giving me GREAT advice as to what to do or not do, eat or not eat, for the M.S. It has helped:) Owen and I are very excited to go to our first doc. appointment on Monday. I am very antsy for it- I really wish I could know the gender already. I really dont mind what he/she is. I just want a healthy baby. We have names we are playing around with, so it would be fun to call my tummy by a name:) For now its just "baby".
Well, really this post is a bit lame, one because I feel like I'm half asleep and two I just thought I should write something-and if you know me I just write whatever is on my mind. blah blah blah.

Satisfied

2008-07-16T09:38:00.000-07:00

This summer my job has been looking for a job. Because of CA's wonderful budget cuts, I have been laid off. Beautiful. No, but really, I am fine with it. I just took it as another oppurtunity for growth and faith! And boy did I need it! I interviewed for a job at a Charter school here in town about a month in a half ago. It went very well. I went back for 2 more interviews, then got a call that they were very interested in hiring me; they just wanted to know if I had my preliminary credential. Nope, I don't. I need to pass a lame test in order to get that. I have been in that process of passing the test FOREVER. So they couldn't hire me. I was of course VERY bummed. But Heavenly Father seriously knows when to come with answers at the right time in our lives! On Monday this week,I got a phone call from the Principal from the Charter...and again long story short...I met with the director of the school, HR and some other "high authority" people and they have offered me the job on condition that I WILL pass that test! Hallleluliah! Really, and truly I thought by the end of the summer if I didnt have a job I would have started selling lemonade and cookies on the corner or somthing. Needless to say I am very satisfied for this oppurtunity. I will be teaching 3rd grade again. I am very excited to work in a Charter. New experience. I start in about 2 in a half weeks-AHHHHH! Who knows if I'm ready??

FINALLY

2008-07-13T16:25:00.000-07:00

So I made a blog! Somthing I have been looking forward to doing for SO LONG! Owen and I finally got the internet-we now have communication with the world! So it will be my goal to keep this updated the best that I can. I am not so good at "cutsie wooties" I want to be able to post pics and get a cuter template-but bare with me, it will take me a while to do that I'm sure.

Well, for those of you who have not yet heard- Owen and I are expecting a little Snead! I have not been to the doctor yet-but I am pretty sure I'm prego. I am doing all that I can to stay healthy for this little one. I also know that it is early to tell everyone, but we just can't hold it in any longer. We are very excited to add a baby to this family. Owen is beyond happy to be a first time daddy:)

Hopefully when I "publish post" it will appear for all to see! Again I am NEW at this and will continue to add on as much as I can:) ENJOY!