Aquarium Visit!

Me and Lexi went to the new aquarium up in Draper today! They just opened fairly recently. We were hoping that the day and time we went would mean not very many people but unfortunately about a million schools had field trips there today! It was still fun though, and we can't wait to go back!

We saw sharks, penguins, otters, fishies, sting rays, frogs, seahorses, star fish, and ducks! Lexi's favorite, of course, was the Penguin Exhibit! I think just about all our pictures are from there. :-) After we saw the wxhibits, we ate lunch at the cafe (waste of money! lol) and browsed the gift shop! It was a fun day and Lexi says "LET'S GO BACK NEXT WEEK!"

Crowds of kids...this doesn't do it justice!

Official Aquarium Member!

Penguin sign!

She loved standing by the penguin pictures

Watching those silly penguins dive and swim

Laughing so hard when they would hop out of the water, then dive back in!

Penguin watchin'

Penguins!

Watching them swim

More penguin signs!

Crawling through "Discover Utah"

Crawling through "Discover Utah"

Checking her map to see about the sea otters

Fish!

Huge shark jaws!

lunchtime

Classic Skate with UAF

We had so much fun with the United Angels Foundation (UAF) today! The Classic Skate Fun Center was rented out just for these special kiddos and their families! We are so blessed to be part of such a great organization! Lexi had so so so much fun skating! She mainly wanted to skate with Daddy! :) Who knew Lexi would ever be able to stand alone on skates, let alone try skating by herself! WAHOO! When she got pooped, Daddy pushed her real fast in her stroller. Her face was pure bliss! What a great experience for her (and mommy and daddy)!

Here they go!

Someone is so excited to try skating!

Weeeeeee!

Daddy and Lexi

Lexi is very excited!

Skating with Dad

our family!

zooming fast in the stroller

Classic Skate selfies!

Daddy being silly

WHAT! Standing on skates!

Making sure the skates are nice and snug!

Mom and Lexi

Look at those legs trying to go so fast!!

Favorite

Way too pooped!

Ode to the Pups

We've had quite a few dogs in and out of the Frederick house! We decided to stop trying to save dogs and puppies for a little while and let our house get under control first! Of course, we still have Rosie! So here is an ode to the pups!

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First came Jagger, a Puggle, our very first pup, 10 weeks old. July 2012 

We had him for a little over a week. He was the cutest puppy I'd ever seen. He was the first dog I'd ever had and I wasn't ready. He also failed the dominance aggressive test we were looking for in a dog for Lexi. This dog was fiesty, bossy, and aggressive. Cute as heck, but not for us. We named him Jagger because he loved to shake his bum and wiggle his tail. We sold him to a loving family who spoiled him rotten from the time they saw him!

Jagger

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Then along came Cooper, a Texas Queensland Heeler, 10 weeks old. August/September 2012

Cooper was my buddy. I loved that little guy. He followed us everywhere, was sweeter than candy. I miss this guy. Unfortunately, due to circumstances out of our control, Cooper was taken to a shelter while we were out of town. I still look for him. We named him Cooper because he just loped around without a care in the world and I thought of Loper/Looper and ended up with Cooper!

Cooper

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Then we found Rosie, a Heeler/Mini Aussie. October 2012

I found Rosie in Genola, Utah on a farm. She was the littlest of a litter of 11 puppies! There was also another litter there, with 9 puppies! :) Rosie was the breeders pick of the litter! When Lexi went to pick her out, it was a blast watching all the puppies running around! Lexi wanted the "wittle owange one" and followed her around. They kind of chose each other. Rosie was only 6.5 weeks old when we picked her out, then we went back about a week later and picked her up. We're grateful for Rosie. We chose the name Rosie because that is what her breeder family named her (Rosey) and Lexi wanted to keep it! (Rosie, pictured at around 8 weeks old, the day we brought her home with us.)

Rosie

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Bailey, 8 weeks, heeler/border/pom/chi.  April 2013

Bailey was one of those spur of the moment buys because she was cuter than a button and really cheap. We didn't really think her through and only had her with us for about a day. We were hoping to find a match for Rosie as a play mate but it wasn't the right time for us. Luckily, we took her back to her family, and she was able to find a home that was better for her. Rosie loved showing her the ropes, but it was too much for us to handle at that time in our life.

Bailey

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We rescued Daisy, a 2 year old German Shepherd. May 2013

Daisy was our first foster dog through an organization called Rescue Rovers Adoptions who specialize in saving dogs from kill shelters. Daisy was scheduled to die the day we rescued her. She was the only non-puppy saved that day. She was skin and bones and covered in ticks. She was a big, strong dog though. She loved people but hated all other animals, so unfortunately we only had her as our foster for 48 hours. Daisy has since found a permanent home. We named her Daisy because we got to chose a name and thought it'd be fun to have another flower name!

Daisy

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Jack, 5 months, Black Lab. November 2013

Jack was another Rescue Rovers save. I saw his picture and could not get his picture out of my mind. He needed to be saved NOW! He was scheduled to die over Thanksgiving break, and we rescued him the day before. Shy and timid at first, he loved being in our home. He was a lazy dog and very fun. He and Rosie got along well, and he loved Lexi. We named him Jack after Jack Sparrow. We had him as our foster for 2 weeks until he found his awesome new home at an adoption event! His name is now Percy.

Jack

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Lastly, was Tigg, 4 months, Heeler mix. March 2014

I found Tigg on KSL classifieds because he was going to be taken to the shelter immediately if someone didn't want him, so we took him. He was very spunky and playful, incredibly smart, cute cute cute, and looked a lot like Rosie. We think he may have been mixed with lab or boxer, but heeler was definitely prominent! He loved to play, and was whiney when he couldn't, little stinker. He was hard to get a picture of he was so wiggly, but we did our best. This little guy was notorious for testing our patience! We had him for 5 days before a new family found him! We named him Tigg after Sons of Anarchy's character, Tigg.

Tigg

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For my own sanity right now, until we can get a bigger place, we are going to be done with rescuing and finding other dogs. It's been fun, but it's definitely time for a break for us! Who knew? Me, saving pups?! It's been fun reminiscing! Great dogs! If you need help finding a good dog, let me know and we can help you! :)

Uhm oops.

DANG. It's been, ya know, like 3 months since I updated?! Oh shoot that's bad. So here is DecemberJanuaryFebruary as much as I can remember. Perhaps I'll do a post with pics next time so I can see what we did since I'm a photo and Facebook junkie!

December
In December we did some awesome stuff! Lexi and I were able to go see Jodi in Christmas Around the World at BYU! Lexi loved it and so did I!
We also all got to go see The Piano Guys right before Christmas, courtesy of my dad. Lexi thought the best part was when they played Silent Night! :)
Lexi also had her post-op checkup and did wonderful and we got news that it looks like the surgery was more than successful! We are ecstatic! She was also prescribed some medicine to help her spasticity at nighttime while sleeping, which has been awesome
Christmas came and went, and we had a great time remembering our Savior, and spending time with family. Lexi's big present this year was the dollhouse that Santa's elves made! She got some cool Lego sets, a dress up ballerina dress, and Barbie stuff! Terrell got lots of biking stuff this year - tips book, bicycling magazine subscription, bike tools, etc. Kellie got a Younique Make-up set that has been so fun to learn with! Rosie got  a new blanket!
We spent New Years Eve up in Midvale with most of Terrell's sisters! Kaylie and Alex hosted, and JaNae and Marsi drove down from Boise. Kizmet (Kaylie's husky), Thor (JaNae's chi mix), and Rosie got to play which was so fun. Lexi loved being able to snuggle and watch Barbie movies with her aunts!

January
WOW. What was in January?!?! Lexi started a dance class and she was learning a routine to the Frozen music, which she thought was the best! She also became cute little Sunbeam at church! She was very excited about that - she loves going to Primary!
Terrell started working temporarily for his old company that outsourced his job in the first place (lame much?!) and I kept doing what I do! I guess the coolest thing of the month was that I was able to fly down to Tampa FL for a big 10,000+ people It Works Conference for 3 days! And...that is all I can remember.

February
Man, is my memory bad! Hahaha!
Lexi gave her first talk in Primary, which she was very excited for! She talked about how Heavenly Father has a Plan for all His children! She also had a birthday and turned 4 years old! This month, Lexi also stopped her dance class that she was in. (long story) Lexi also had a "Frozen" birthday party with her two best friends Scarlett and Phoenix. We went to the theater and got popcorn and drinks while we watched the show!
Terrell meanwhile is working his booty off for RHR. Not fun, folks. 60+ work weeks! Gag.
I am...uh.......I don't know. BAH! I need a memory jog or something. My It Works team kicked booootay in February and we had a lot of fun signing up new team members and clients!
Terrell and I decided we needed to get back on track with our health and started wrapping and making sure we were being healthy again! Lexi got to start tapering off some of her therapy and doesn't have to go as often, luckily! She's doing great. She is also starting to exhibit some autistic behavior that has provided us with a new challenge to figure stuff out with.
We also go to go see my sister Lisa up in Layton which was great! First time we've been back up there since they moved out here!

Welcome to My Soap Box

Time to debunk those stereotypes or myths or "things" that are currently floating around me lately. Soap box, on.

1. Motorcycle clubs are not always those bad boys who ride around wreaking havoc every where they go that you see in the movies. More often then not, they are the opposite. The ones I know are the most kind hearted people I've ever met and would do anything for you and go about the world doing good.

2. Children with special needs are NOT broken, contagious, or weird. They cannot be fixed or trained to be "normal" as you see it.

3. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not a cult and we ARE Christian. I'm am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. It is my Rock, my Peace, and my Life.

4. Legit MLM companies do not sell you a "get rich quick" scheme. And It Works is not a scam. I'm not the kind of person who does scams.

5. The world is NOT all evil. We need to focus on the good things that happen. There are oh so many.

6. Dogs are not people. They are animals. Now, I have a dog that I love very much and we are currently fostering a dog as well, however, I will not put dogs before my own child. I'm sorry.

7. Let's talk about all natural healing. I'm all for essential oils, and use them frequently. . All natural is wonderful and has many uses and benefits, but... it will not "fix" everything. That's why Heavenly Father blessed people with knowledge and talents to be able to ensure that modern medicine is here. Especially when I hear that it will "cure" my daughter. Please no.

8. People who set up their tree for Christmas before Thanksgiving are Thanksgiving killers. Lies. We set up our tree after we got home from the hospital. We still celebrated Thanksgiving like there's no tomorrow. It's that dang Black Friday shopping that's creeping into Thanksgiving we should be worried about, not setting up our tree before Dec. 1!

9. Contrary to the "belief" Obama has, he is not disliked by the color of his skin. And also, Obama, I feel that race is dumb anyways. Aren't we all people? So, no, Obama, people don't like you because of the content of your character. Not because of your "race"". Thanks MLK Jr. for my words.

10. Dude, Iowa is NOT flat okay? That would be Kansas. And while we're at it, Idaho, Iowa, and Ohio are 3 separate states. :)

Soap box, off.

Lexi's Surgery Party Invitation

The amazingly talented Sharlee Toberman with Toberman Photography designed this invitation for Lexi's Surgery Party!

I'm a slacker.

Its been well over a month since I updated our blog.

That's bad.

I'm a slacker.

So, here goes!

Terrell is now working for a different company, Human Movement Management, still doing the 5K Foam Fest, as well as a couple different races. So far he loves the new company, though the turn over to the company has proved a little rocky for us. It's been nice to have him home, though! He's been biking almost every day and we're hoping to get him racing soon! Last night we attended our first CycloCross race and he hopes to race in the series soon. His motorcycle has been pretty lonely out in the parking lot, and hasn't ridden it much since the switch to the new company. Poor motorcycle! Terrell has been a rock star dad playing with Lexi constantly and is Lexi's favorite part of the day. He's been selling his body (aka Plasma) to gear up for his annual trip to Interbike in Las Vegas with his uncles and cousin. He leaves in a couple weeks! Terrell also went to his very first It Works! event and is loving the company and the products!

I am doing the same thing I always do! Being at home, being with the fam! I'm still enjoying "working" for It Works! and the happiness it's brought into our lives. This past weekend, I did my first ever booth at an event...the 5K Foam Fest! It was a challenge, due to lack of babysitters so Lexi came with, but she's a trooper and we survived. So far, It Works! has helped me lose 10 pounds, and I'm shooting for another 10 pounds by my birthday! I've been lifting and gymin' it up and it's nice to be active again. I've also starting singing again because Jodi is letting us borrow her keyboard! Yay! I've been wanting to play basketball again, and start scrapbooking more but where oh where does the time go! I think I'm losing my mind! I'm getting all the details finalized for Lexi's surgery and insurance (gag me, insurance company!!!) and that's proved a little bit headachy! 

Miss Lexi is a school-going girl! She was accepted into Bridges Preschool, a preschool designed for kiddos with special needs! She attends T/TH for 2 hours each day. She loves preschool and is always anxious to go! Lexi is also working on going on the potty like a big girl! This is a challenge for her due to her Right Side and her decreased ability to feel things, but overall, she is ROCKING! She is trying to earn a Barbie surprise! Lexi absolutely loves having her daddy around lately and tries to be like him so much! After our adventure to the CycloCross race she came home prepared to ride a race track like her daddy will be doing! I'm amazed every day at this girl's determination and fun personality! She is one tough cookie, and already knows how to stand up for herself, and get things done! She loves dancing, Barbies, Little People, minions, swinging, singing, reading books, twirling, "helping" Mommy, tackling and teasing Rosie, and watching her shows!

Rosie is a big bad 1-year-old dog now! Well, she's not super big, and can be a bad dog sometimes, but we're still grateful she's in our family. She just turned on last week and I made her an "ice cake" out of beef broth! Hahaha...best dog treat ever! She's been so whiney lately so no more spoiling the dog! Rosie is a good dog and just loves everyone (maybe a little too much) and likes to shove her snout and head under your arm so you'll pet her. She needs more friends. ;-)

We recently got our family pictures taken by the talented Amber Russell with Timeless Design Photography. She did an incredible job and we are so lucky to have such wonderful people in our lives! Here is one of our favorites!

Here is a photo of me at St. Louis It Works! Boot Camp! I had a blast, learned a lot, made new friends, and got motivated! This company is absolutely mind blowing and incredible!

After boot camp, Terrell's wonderful Grandpa, LaMar Goates passed away and we headed up to Boise for his funeral and some family time. This is a picture of Terrell's Grandma, and the Goates' kids! Terrell's mom is in the white shirt.

Lexi received a surprise of a full Rapunzel dress up set, complete with wig! We don't know who it was from officially, but we are about 99% sure it's from our sweet neighbor, Mildred, who just turned 97 years old! Lexi was ecstatic!

Here is a picture of us at the Salt Lake City It Works! training, just chillin' with the big dogs Mike Potillo and Pam Sowder! SO EXCITED! Thanks for babysitting, Kaylie and Alex!

Lexi got to go on a tour of the Provo Fire Station #3 with her buddy Derek (seated next to her) and some of Derek's little pals. Lexi had a blast, and it was really fun to see the fire fighters, fire trucks, and other cool stuff there!

Jodi came back to BYU for the fall and brought Lexi a surprise...a custom painted Rapunzel canvas! Jodi is such a talented artist, and awesome aunt! Lexi was beyond thrilled! Glad you're back, Jodi!

Kind of a blurry picture but that's because Lexi is shakin' it and dancin' for all it's worth!!! She loves the Minion Show (aka Despicable Me) and can often be seen dancing like Gru does at the end!

One of Lexi's favorite places to be is in her big pink stuffed animal bin! She climbs in there quite often! The other day, I found her reading a book in her bin! Too funny!

Other things we've done lately:

The Ormonds came to visit! Lexi loved being able to play with her cousins Ty and Dallin! We made smores with them one night and the kids rode bikes and played outside. The next day, Jenn and Ryan went to a wedding, and we babysat the boys! It was great! Ty went on a date with me to Target, which was so fun and the kids painted and played! Poor Dallin was sick though, and ended up sleeping for half the time!

Labor Day was a lazy day! We bummed around, then grilled outside! Lexi loves being outside so it was perfect. Jodi even came over! Bonus!

We also briefly got to see JaNae, Brandon, Kaylie and Alex at the SLC 5K Foam Fest! And my parents and Lisa/Derek/Mackenzie when Jodi came out here! It's always fun to see family!

That's all folks! :-) 

Stay happy!