She has no interest in the swing or bouncer that we have been using up until now. She wants to be sitting or standing up all the time. Unfortunately she has maintained the stubborn streak she showed before she was born and since she can’t do these things on her own, she insists on being held. We can put her down and let her scream, and I swear she wouldn’t stop…ever. We got a little chair for her, but she is still unsteady sitting by herself, so our arm muscles continue to grow.
Wednesday
She is so strong!
Monday
Halloween
AnnMarie allowed us to put her ladybug costume (hoodless) on one more time as long as she was outside where it wasn't too hot. As you can see, she still wasn't too happy about it.
Although we didn't get to see Jenson, he was so cute!! My Mom said he didn't even put the hood down all night. What a doll. :)
Friday
Halloween Eve
She was a little concerned that I didn't get her out of her PJ's right away, but was o.k. when she was being fed first instead.
At first she wasn't sure about her Halloween outfit Lily gave her...but I wasn't about to try the costume again when it wasn't even officially Halloween.
As always, Chopper supervised to make sure that I was not going to hurt her. He was very excited when I showed him the Spider onsie and the jack-o-lantern socks.
Of course she is just happy to hang out with him as long as he keeps his tongue mostly away from her face.
I think she knows that there are better things out there than milk, especially at Halloween. Although she dreams, she will have to wait till next year.

My first day of daycare went good for me, not so good for Mom.
First off, Mom tried really hard to be organized in the morning, but when she went to put Chopper in the backyard he wouldn't hear of it. He ran inside before she could shut the door, jumped on the bed and backed into the corner. Mom scolded him, then yelled, then got on the bed and tried to drag him off, but nothing phased him, he just laid there. Finally Mom said "you win" and out the door we went 10 minutes later than planned.
Second thing, Mom got lost. When we went to meet Tammy we drove the back way and Mom tried to pay attention, but just didn't quite make it. And guess what...that's right, no one wrote down the address and Mom didn't even have the phone number. Finally she called Dad and he helped us find it. By this time I decided crying wasn't helping so I went to sleep.
I loved Tammy. She is so nice and her house is so comfortable I slept until almost noon.
When Mom came to pick me up I was happy to see her, but then I remembered that she left me so I wouldn't look at her and cried when she held me. To make matters worse when we got home, Mom didn't have a key to the house, and just as she tried to call Grandpa her phone died so we had to wait for Dad to get home. By then I really didn't want Mom holding me, only Dad.
I feel very lucky to have Tammy, she is great, I love her. This is Dad playing with me once he came home. Mom and I will work it out later. :)
Tuesday
Thursday
Talkative Baby
Three weeks after the last clip of her moving around, we add sound. Only once again with the camera she is much more mellow as you can see when she notices the camera. I took this from the side hoping she wouldn't see it. She loves to talk to her animals on the wall in her room, to the light fixtures, to her favorite game (http://www.crayola.com/gamesFun/games/console.cfm?game=fireworks&ok=true) where she can watch a fireworks show and of course to mom and dad especially as we change her diaper.
Active Baby
AnnMarie is a very active baby. This was three weeks ago as she was playing with the zebra on her mobile, and it was mellow for her. I should have been more prepared after she never stopped before she was born...never. :)
Wednesday
AnnMarie
AnnMarie is beautiful. she was born august 5th. 8lbs 2oz. and 10 inches long. We love her so much. She is learning so much and it is so fun to see. She babbles away non-stop now. She is trying to figure out rolling over, but once she is there she can scoot herself around a little.
We put a border of jungle animals in her room and she loves to get her diaper changed so she can look at them and tell them about her day. The lion is by far her favorite followed by the zebra.
She is so fun to watch wake up. She stretches and grunts and takes her time and then she looks for her Dad and just grins.
These were taken when she was 2 weeks old. she is now 10.6 lbs 23 1/4 inches long.
Thursday
Baby Update
AnnMarie is doing well and continuing to grow.
She also is continuing to show her stubborn side already:
- Last week when the doctor tried to check her head position she kicked him so hard even he jumped. He called it an 8.2 on the richter scale.
- Today at the doctor she wouldn't turn so we could hear her heart beat. (It did get my heart beat racing just for a minute though)
- Also, she refuses to move for anyone, including me most of the time, except for her Dad. You can poke, rub, or even wap (as Grandpa Fry tried the other day), but unless Tyson is talking or touching her she won't budge. I think I'm in trouble...I'll always be outvoted on everything by Ty and our Daddy's girl. :)
Until then we just are continuing to try to put the house together and baby ready. We are learning all about pregnancy during the hot months and taking it one day at a time. We are very excited to meet our daughter though!
Friday
311/Ziggy Marley Show
The highlight had to be Ziggy Marley though. Looks just like Bob with long dreads. His band is huge and all of them are great. He had an amazing lady singing with him who sounded like Cherine Anderson, but wasn't. One of his instrument players did the fast Jamacian rap sounding bits. Of course, if you have listened to him you know he is a great writer. He also covered a couple of his Dad's songs which were not only amazing, but very touching!
Ziggy released a new CD last month or maybe the month before which we pre-ordered and had sent to AnnMarie since it was for kids and family. I have been listening to it alot since I like him anyway. The second song he played was off the album and AnnMarie seemed to recognize it and started moving and kept rocking for the rest of his set. Tyson and she really rocked together. We were wearing rain ponchos which were soaking, but that didn't stop them from both grooving. Needless to say, when we saw these we had to get one...too bad it's not newborn so she can't wear it home from the hospital. Either way I'm sure she will look adoreable.

When 311 came on she wasn't as happy as when she recognized Ziggy. I think she was tired of the vibratations because she turned her back out, and was kicking like crazy and pushing. It felt like she was trying to pop out of my belly by ripping a hole in it. We went to the lawn and that helped a little, but she didn't stop until we were almost to the car. Sorry Uncle Brian and Uncle Ward, I don't think 311 is her favorite...then again, she may love it, but just may not like late nights. :) I really love 311's old stuff, but I didn't know their new stuff anyway. I was home and in bed by 12:15. Thanks to AnnMarie.Oh, a side note...Xavier Rudd is coming back on August 15th to the Depot. This WILL be the concert of the year. I only hope that by some miracle I get to go. She would have to come early by a couple weeks or late. I'm a little disappointed that he won't be coming earlier so we can take AnnMarie (in-belly) since his is the first music she responded to and the music she responds to the strongest. I'm also disappointed that he doesn't have any onsies for sale I can find. Seriously though, last year the crowd who didn't know him before the show were in awe and they just thanked him profusely for coming to play for us...it was THAT GOOD!!!!!!!!
Congrats to our Graduates
We are getting there
Ty's betting she will be early...at least 2 weeks. It depends on the day what I think. We are taking bets though :)
Tyson keeps complaining that all we ever put on the blog is pictures of him and Chopper. (I'm sure that will change shortly) I, personally, feel that I am justified in avoiding posting pictures of this huge, hippo-like time in my life. But, for Tyson, here you go. Even You can decide when you think she will come and let us know.

Tuesday
Baby Bargains
Babysteals
Mamabargains
Greenbabybargains
Tottlers
Mockstarbaby (Better if you have a boy toddler age, but still good to keep track of)
good luck!! Hope it is helpful.
Memorial Day Weekend
We had a great weekend...thanks to Craig Bitton who told Ty that there are no real car shoppers on Memorial Day weekend. His words about staying open for the weekend were "a waste of time." That was all it took. We both were ready for a break from the long work days (for Tyson) and rushing around. We loved LaPlatta. Saturday night, when everyone got up there, was a blast. Price/Hirst's made their famous dutch oven chicken and potatoes. We just had fun with good food and better friends. Sunday Jared spoiled us with an amazing breakfast and the boys went to be tuff in their trucks. Chopper was not ok being left and kept trying to run after them even 10 mins later so we sat in the tent and read. It was very rainy and it kept scaring Chopper, but it was so nice just to chill.
Monday was so relaxing, even though we got next to nothing done except going to Trav's. I can't believe how big Chuck and Becky's boys are. So adoreable. I just loved Andrew's chubby legs!! Once again, it was a blast just to hang out and catch up with people we hadn't seen in a while.
It had an interseting thought. Bangeter was at Trav's and was talking about being a parent. He said he was excited for us and I mentioned something about yes it was exciting...and SCARY. He laughed and started talking about his family, particularly his daughter. After we finished I couldn't help but hope that I don't let fear keep me from doing things. This is something that I think about from time to time. I know I used to let it stop me a lot but considering where I'm at...Married (commitment), knocked up (family - both fears I have had), and what I have done, particularly since I met Tyson such as the trips we took, the places we went, the things I have tried etc. I think I'm doing better. I still hope that I don't let fear ever get the better of me.
I'm so glad that AnnMarie will have Tyson to teach her not to hold back on life experiences because of fear. There is so much out there to miss.
Thursday
Tired boys and a Shed
Although I have always known that I have to share my spot in Ty's heart with Chopper and now AnnMarie and new item has taken up some of my room...that's right, it's big, light colored, heavy, has ample storage inside and Ty and his friends and family moved it into my backyard last night. Vern was so sweet to give us his shed when he moved, but I really didn't expect to find Ty sitting out next to it after midnight and hear about how wonderful it was all night long. I guess I'll have to live with sharing Ty's love with an object. It's fun to see him so excited though!!! :) And as he says: "I'm sorry that we have to have to the biggest shed on the block, but that's just more room for camping stuff." ;)



Saturday
Monday
Earl
Love ya Grandpa!! You will be missed.
Thursday
AnnMarie is a rocker!
We have been taking her to as many concerts as we can. She reacts to the music each time...Donavan Frankenreiter, Brett Dennen, and last night to Michael Franti. Unfortunately after last weekend we decided it was best if I didn't go, but Tyson went and called me so I could hear some of my favorites. I shared with AnnMarie by holding the phone to my belly. She seemed to love Cherine Anderson's remake of Bob Marley's "Redemption Song," and of course who couldn't love Michael Franti. I can just feel her dancing around. Last night would have been her third Michael Franti show. Before she was big enough to feel we took her to 2 others.
I guess it runs in the family...she is already taking after Tyson in her love of music.
Tuesday
The "Toad" that got away
Lately we have taken some time to get out into nature with the fishing poles.
About 6 weeks ago Tyson's dad called giddy about his day fishing at Bear Lake. He had just reeled in a 14 pound cutthroat. Yes, 14 pound trout. Of course, our plans changed and we headed up there after work Saturday and spent Sunday on the lake. I was beautiful and we ended up with some really nice fish...although none quite like that. In fact, if Wes hadn't caught a lake trout the same size I might have called fish story on Mike, but there it was.
Two weeks ago we headed up the canyon from Challis, ID for 5 days of Steelhead fishing. Last year Tyson allowed me to tag along on this fishing trip with his Dad and brother. I think the only reason I was invited back this year was because they didn't have to eat hot dogs the whole time. For whatever the reason, I really loved it both years. Last year I caught one more than Ty. This year one less...but I will argue that because of my big belly weight pressing on my feet I also didn't fish as much as Tyson and if I had I would have once again out-fished my husband. It was so nice to be up there on the beautiful Salmon river. I took a couple books and finished two that I had been reading. I loved Edgar Sawtelle...but it has a plot very similar to Hamlet so be warned if you plan to pick it up.
Mike's friend Terry was up there too and was so sweet to take me under his wing and show me a few fishing tips. He is a great fisher, and a great teacher!! One tip he had was a secret spot he fishes from. When I dropped the jig in the water a huge fish took it. I mean huge!! Tyson said it was bigger than any Steelhead he has seen. For those of you, like myself, who don't know a big fish is referred to as a "toad." My toad unfortunately was a little upset by the hook, understandably, and jumped out of the water twisting and turning and running the line out. He was a smart old fish, and he twisted the hook right out of his mouth. :( In the end, I did hook the biggest fish, but didn't get it to the shore so I can't technically say I outfished Tyson this year, but the five of us that were there know the truth.
On a side note: a) we left our camera sitting on the table at home so until I borrow Mike's I can't show off our pictures. b) As we visited my grandpa last Sunday he informed us that he cannot remember a time that his wife did not out-fish him. Then again, I do have her middle name...Marie. AnnMarie also was given that name so Tyson may just have to get used to the idea of his wife and soon daughter out-fishing him. :)
Ode to my Toad...and a future fisher
The Fish
By Elizabeth Bishop
I caught a tremendous fishand held him beside the boat
half out of water, with my hook
fast in a corner of his mouth.
He didn't fight.
He hadn't fought at all.
He hung a grunting weight,
battered and venerable
and homely. Here and there
his brown skin hung in strips
like ancient wallpaper,
and its pattern of darker brown
was like wallpaper:
shapes like full-blown roses
stained and lost through age.
He was speckled and barnacles,
fine rosettes of lime,
and infested
with tiny white sea-lice,
and underneath two or three
rags of green weed hung down.
While his gills were breathing in
the terrible oxygen
--the frightening gills,
fresh and crisp with blood,
that can cut so badly--
I thought of the coarse white flesh
packed in like feathers,
the big bones and the little bones,
the dramatic reds and blacks
of his shiny entrails,
and the pink swim-bladder
like a big peony.
I looked into his eyes
which were far larger than mine
but shallower, and yellowed,
the irises backed and packed
with tarnished tinfoil
seen through the lenses
of old scratched isinglass.
They shifted a little, but not
to return my stare.
--It was more like the tipping
of an object toward the light.
I admired his sullen face,
the mechanism of his jaw,
and then I saw
that from his lower lip
--if you could call it a lip
grim, wet, and weaponlike,
hung five old pieces of fish-line,
or four and a wire leader
with the swivel still attached,
with all their five big hooks
grown firmly in his mouth.
A green line, frayed at the end
where he broke it, two heavier lines,
and a fine black thread
still crimped from the strain and snap
when it broke and he got away.
Like medals with their ribbons
frayed and wavering,
a five-haired beard of wisdom
trailing from his aching jaw.
I stared and stared
and victory filled up
the little rented boat,
from the pool of bilge
where oil had spread a rainbow
around the rusted engine
to the bailer rusted orange,
the sun-cracked thwarts,
the oarlocks on their strings,
the gunnels--until everything
was rainbow, rainbow, rainbow!
And I let the fish go.
Monday
100% Perfect
Other than that we are working hard...especially Tyson. He works 60+ hours a week at the car lot and I am very proud of him and the growth he is bringing along there. I'm not surprised though, he is so smart!!! I'll be glad when we are big enough to hire someone else and give him a much deserved break. Also, we are working to get our basement done so we can rearrange and create the nursery. It's all very exciting and very tiring.
We are taking a short break to go Steelhead fishing in Idaho this weekend. Both of us are so excited we can barely wait. I think Tyson is starting to get resigned to the fact that his wife out-fishes him...(last year I caught one more than his big whopping zero, but we had a blast!!) however, I also cook better so Mike and Justin wouldn't hear of me being left behind. :) We'll let you know how that turns out.
Thursday
Monday
Tuesday
Tyson!!






I'm stealing this from Marisa, I've never done a "tribute" to Tyson. So, here goes:
1. Where did you meet your husband? At the Depot during a Unwritten Law concert. I actually walked right up to him during the opening band when no one was watching but him and some friends. Of course, then I chickened out and found myself standing inches away from a stranger in the middle of an empty floor...lucky me he started a conversation with me.
2. How long have you been married? Three months
3. What does he do that surprises you? Just when I think I fully know how lucky I am to have him, I am surprised to realize he is more incredible than I thought. He is always surprising me with little things.
4. What's your favorite feature of his? Have you seen him...there's no way to pick a favorite!! He's what any girl would dream of.
5. What is his best quality? I can't just pick one, but I love how smart he is, how nice he is (but if he asks, I said he was mean. You know, he can't lose the tough guy persona), how strong he is, and just all around a good guy.
6. Does he have a nickname for you? Actually buns...ask him.
7. What is his favorite food? Favorite? I don't know if he has a favorite, but he likes Tuna casserole, stuffed pork chops, Alfredo, and Brats and Potato bake.
9. When and where did you first kiss? um, at the Depot at a concert.
10.What's your favorite thing to do as a couple? Going to concerts, four wheeling, camping, snowmobiling, hiking, playing with the dog
11.Do you have any kids? Soon.
12.Does he have any hidden talents? What can't he do.
13.How old is he? 30
14.Who said I love you first? I did, but I think we were both thinking it.
15.What is his favorite music? Good stuff. Lately we listen to a lot of Brett Dennen, John Butler Trio (as always), Michael Franti, and Amos Lee
16.What do you admire most about him? Everything. I can truly say he is everything I would want it a husband, friend, person and soon a Father.
17.What is his favorite color? Camo and bright orange :)
18.Will he read this? Him, on a blog? Not likely.
Monday
Happy New Years.
• Tyson and I didn’t kill each other after moving in last Dec. I think we enjoy each other’s company even more now than then.
• Tyson took me on my first snowmobiling trips. Something we look forward to repeating this year!
• We saw many amazing concerts. Topping the list were Xavier Rudd and Michael Franti both at the Depot.
• We picked up a four wheeler and a Pitster and spent some fun hours riding around above Bear Lake…and at Arla’s cabin.
• Chopper learned that he is a tease!! If we are both there he will blatantly refuse to listen to Tyson until I repeat the command. Then he is all too happy to comply with the request.
• We both got new jobs…Applegate and Summit View Auto Sales.
• I think there were only two maybe three weekends this summer we were actually home.
• We spent a lot of fun times with family and friends in a variety of places.
• We officially united our family at a beautiful little marriage ceremony at Bear Lake.
• Christmas Eve we were able to see our baby’s heart beat for the first time…giving us something to look forward to August 11, 2009 when we get to meet the baby.
Wednesday
Christmas Tag...as Marisa said...the gift that keeps on giving
2. Real tree or Artificial? I love the smell, but hate the mess, so usually artificial.
3. When do you put up the tree? Unless my Husband & I decide to take a last minute trip to Denver to see Michael Franti, the day after Thanksgiving
4. When do you take the tree down? Usually New Years Day or the day after
5. Do you like eggnog? Yes
6. Favorite gift received as a child? A big box...literally. My Dad made a Castle out of boxes that was like 8 feet high. He even added supports and we played in it for months.
7. Hardest person to buy for? Who's name did I draw this year? That's who. :)
8. Easiest person to buy for? Chopper, he just gets excited if you are.
9. Do you have a nativity scene? No, basically just a tree and some snowmen
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail
11.Worst Christmas gift you ever received? a fender...no not really, I actually loved that gift!
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Miracle on 34th Street...the newer one
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? All through the year
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I'm sure, but I can't remember a specific incident
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? I don't know...not really feeling food right now.
16. Lights on the tree? Usually, but not this year...I blew the breaker (not so you can just flip it to fix it) and we have to rewire something...it just sounded too difficult!
17. Favorite Christmas song? Echoing Marisa as she said "Ugh, not a huge fan of Christmas music. I know, that sounds bad, but they are sooo overplayed. I'm sorry but Christmas music the day of Halloween is not cool."
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Does running around trying to hit all the families homes count as travel or just crazy?
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixon, Commet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and of course Rudolph
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star...but this year we considered a cowboy hat.
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Last year we did our presents the night before because the day of was so crazy (see #18.)
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? People, people, and people...I swear, once Halloween hits, and especially Thanksgiving, no one can think anymore to drive, park, or shop...the all become idiots on the verge of blowing up at anyone.
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? I haven't had a tree that long, and still haven't forked out the dough to get decent ornaments...so I have marshmallow snowmen and some cute ornaments that Karen handed down.
24. Favorite Christmas dinner? Depends on how many times I'm eating that day...and how many I have been to already.
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? I don't want anything. I have my family!
Ok, tag to Jenn, Jaimie, Amy and Heidi.





