The Shumway's

The Best Father and Mother In-law in the Whole World!

2009-11-24T09:40:00.003-07:00

Welcome Baby Nixon

2009-11-24T08:56:00.004-07:00

So happy that my sister Bekah could be there for the birth of Nixon. What an experiance for her:)lol

Dr. Guzman let Alan for the second time deliver the baby....literally deliver Nixon. He pulled the shoulders and body out and layed him on my stomch. It was amazimg! Good job Babe:)
Grandchild #19.....Grandma Mary with baby Nixon and Daddy.

Nixon Banks Shumway was born on November 4, 2009 at 4:56pm. We delivered at Banner Gateway and of course our OB was our favorite Dr. Guzman who has delivered all three of our boys. My mother was watching the boys while Alan, my mother in-law Mary, and my sister Bekah were in the delivery room. The delivery was picture perfect and Nixon was a healthy 8 lbs 7 oz and was about 20.5 inches. He looks just like his brothers and it is amazing to a family of five already. We are so grateful for such a healthy beautiful boy and thankful full for all the amazing help that we received from our family and friends!

Mr. Betty Crocker

2009-10-30T21:52:00.002-07:00

Halloween work and Ward Parties

2009-10-30T20:40:00.004-07:00

Merry Halloween.....Kaden was dying to sit on Santa's lap to tell him he wanted a Transformer:)
So approprecate for Jack to be attracted to the bikes.

Carving Pumpkins with daddy

2009-10-30T20:16:00.001-07:00

Kadens 3rd Birthday party.

2009-10-30T19:46:00.003-07:00

Last Saturday we celebrated Kaden's 3rd birthday at the Mothers Nature Farm in Mesa. Grandpa and Grandma Shumway were in town, several families from our Cooper Ward, and a few friends from our gym and of course the Parker family. We had so much fun riding on a tractor, decorating pumpkins, and best over watching Kaden open his Bumble Bee Transformer. Our little Kaden is getting so big and so over joyed that he is apart of our growing family.

Family Photos '09

2009-09-17T14:58:00.003-07:00

We decided to get some family pictures done before baby Nixon arrived. yes in about 108 degrees. That's how we do it here in Arizona. Our friend Natalie Montez took these amazing photos and if you would like to see other work please go to www.photosbynatalie.com.

What our days are like in the Shumway house.....

2009-09-17T11:09:00.011-07:00

After breakfast we head to the gym for the boys to interact with lots of other kids and mommy gets to make her spinning class. Continuing to work out while pregnant has given me the energy I need to keep up with the boys, thats for sure!!

We wake up and start immediately to play.
When it isnt 115 degrees we like to be outside and eat our lunches.
Puzzles are always fun for Kaden especially when Jack isnt hiding the pieces.
We get to build a castle at least a couple times a day.
Going swimming is the thing to do I just cant keep thier suits on!!
The boys eating a bannana after naps.

After dinner we then have to patiently wait for a our favorite daddy in the whole world to come home from work. Tomorrow we will do it all over again!!

Shumway Family Tahoe Reunion '09

2009-09-17T09:17:00.009-07:00

The best daddy in the whole world with the cutest boys ever, Kaden and Jack. This pic makes Kaden look like he doesn't have a neck. lol lol
Kaden and Josh racing down driveway.

Grandpa always willing to share his otter pops with Jack and Summer.
All the kids thought it would be so fun to bury Uncle Alan.

The sister-inlaws who always have so much fun!!

All the girls and their beautiful toes after their well deserved pedis:)

Summer, Kaden, and Tiegs patiently waiting for mom and dad.

What a fun game of Apples to Apples that Rand even Rand played his very first card game. We are so proud of him. I think he was even winning!!

We couldn't help ourselves try it out and even little Jack loved the water.

Everybody rented bikes and we followed a beautiful bike path. What a fun day.

After noon snack

2009-06-14T19:52:00.004-07:00

There is nothing better than a popsicle in your undies on a hot summer day. What I would give to be a kid again!

ITS TIME TO SWIM

2009-06-14T11:05:00.002-07:00

The summer has arrived just in time for the kids to enjoy the blessing of having a pool in the backyard. Kaden and Jack are in at least twice a day and cross your fingers no sign of swimmers ear yet. Kaden is very cautious of the pool and usually has his little life jacket on or is wading completely naked. Jack on the other hand is fearless and will jump right in and go straight to the bottom everytime. We love this daily adventure and hopefully soon they will learn to swim.

Boys trip to Cali.

2009-06-14T10:16:00.003-07:00

Alan took Kaden and Jack to California for the weekend and I stayed behind at home. They had a great time playing with all the cousins and if it were up to Kaden he would have stayed forever. They went to Huntington beach and had a blast in the waves. Thanks to Aunt Ann she was able to take so many awesome pictures.
Wow this was the first time I was away from the boys thi long since they were born. What on earth was I going to do? I found there was plenty to do to keep busy. I had a lunch and movie date with my Mom and hung out by the pool. Before I knew it I was bored and realized I missed the boys tremendously and missed the laughing, the crying(ok well not that so much), and all the chaos that comes along with little boys. It was nice to relax but I will for sure go next time!!

Congrats Bekah

2009-06-14T09:33:00.005-07:00

We all traveled to Utah for Bekahs graduation at the end of April. Needless to say it was the longest ride of our lives. Of course the boys had to get sick the day before and poor Jack cried the whole miserable 14 hours. Well not that long, thank goodness for my mom who traded us cars sang every song she knew for 2 hours straight. Thanks Mom and Danny!!! Well we finally and arrived and happy to see my Grandma Nelson and Bekah. We had a wonderful time spending time with the family going to eat and going to an awesome Dinosaur museum. Despite all the fun we had the kids never really recovered and everybody chipped in to fly us home. Highly recommended!

Potty training

2009-05-29T08:29:00.004-07:00

Well I can say we are officially potty trained and done with diapers for Kaden. It was a good two month process but not as hard as I thought it was going to be. For the most part he can make it through the night staying dry as long as we get him up to go before we go to bed. He is such a cutie pie and loves that he his such a big boy.

BROTHERLY LOVE

2009-03-04T08:54:00.001-07:00

Jack wants to be so big like his brother Kaden. He gets so excited when Kaden wakes up in the Morning and is Kadens little shadow all day.

Mysweet little boys. What more could you ask for?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACK

2009-03-02T10:17:00.001-07:00

I bought the CARS theme for Kaden's 2nd bday and totally forgot about it so it came in handy for little Jack's b-day.

Not really knowing what to do is the cuttest part. If it were up to him he would be just content pounding on the package.

Jack dugg right in and loved his cake. Different from his brother's first b-day who wanted nothing to do with his cupcake.

Wow time flies when u r having fun!

2009-01-10T19:56:00.000-07:00

Happy New Years to everyone! This past year has flown by and I thought that I should probable update our blog while I have a free moment. Alan has been working at the University of Phoenix for the past three months as an enrollment councilor and intends on taking advantage of the free schooling and finishing up his degree. Kaden turned two last October and is such a sweet boy that is entertaining every second of the day. He is so fun and dramatic. He greets us with a "whats up dude". He loves Thomas the train and enjoys watching whatever is on the Disney channel. He says the sweetest prayers and is such a wonderful older brother to Jack. Jack is almost 11 months and is Mr. Speed racer all over the house. He is so cuddly and just cant wait til he can run around with Kaden. I still have my wonderful job and am grateful everyday for it especially in this pitiful economy. I just got called as the Laurel advisor and couldn't ask for a better calling in the ward. I thank our Heavenly Father every day for all that he as provided us with. I am so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and the chance everyday to continue to become a better wife, mother, and daughter. I know 2009 is going to be a challenge in my ways, but over all life is good!!!!

The Parker and Shumway Clan

2008-09-08T21:42:00.001-07:00

My First Tri....a lessoned learned

2008-09-07T15:18:00.000-07:00

So I completed my first sprint triathlon last night and overall I had a blast and can't wait to do another one but hopefully under different circumstances!!! It was a little intimidating being surrounded by all these well trained and experienced triathlons with all their amazing $2500-5000 rode bikes and all the professional gear that comes with it. But for the most part it was all very exciting and I was very anxious to see how it was going to all play out. I had to keep in mind that this was my first race and what better way to learn but from the best. The women's wave started at 4:50 pm and at that time it was 108 degrees! I got out to a quick start and felt good through out the 3 mile run besides my throat being on fire and my mouth was super super dry from the heat . I finished in 7th place and quickly transitioned to the bike leg of the race. This was tough being that tired already so off I went on the 11 mile ride. That's when the nightmare of Satan's lair quickly approached.......let me feel you in real quick before I start. My training for the cycling leg was mainly my cycling classes at the gym and biking around the area where I lived which was all FLAT GROUND. I was really dumb not to make it out to that actual course and do a few practise runs, but with our schedules there was no time for that. Sooooo I PAID for it!!!. Three-fourths of the course was uphill and oh yeah there are these things called gears you are suppose to take advantage of. Having only practiced twice on my old school 1970 tank of a bike I wasn't familiar how and when to use the gears. I didn't know that you had to change gears before you go into the hill. OK so if you could only imagine me going up these inclines like as if in slow motion exerting way for thrust and surging like never before and going NO WHERE!!! YIKES!!! I was struggling while all of these people buzzed by me effortless and barely breaking a sweat. Finally there was a break where the course was down hill and the gear I was in was working for me then. There was 3 laps to this course so every uphill battle I got further and further behind. An hour later, (mind you it only took me 42 minutes on my trial run last week on flat ground), I came into the transition area to quickly strip and run to the pool to complete the race. I was getting excited, even though I really couldn't feel my legs. I was happy to swim cause I knew I was almost done and that swimming was my strongest leg of the race. I was able to pass up 16 women and put myself from 44th to 28th place over all. I placed 2nd individually in the swim leg. That made me feel a lot better to know that. This triathlon was probably the most challenging thing I have every done both mentally and physically next to giving birth to 2 children. This experience taught me a lot about hard work and determination. I wanted to throw the towel in during this challenge but I am so glad I didn't. Wow I never could have imagined how hard I would have to push myself to complete this race. I can't wait to do them again and Alan says he will do them with me from here on out. We are both excited to keep in shape and to push ourselves even more.

HEAVEN SENT

2008-09-03T21:02:00.000-07:00

Kaden is such a character and has such a cute and outgoing personality. It is so amazing to me where one day I can hardly make sense of his gibberish and the next day completely understand what he says and actually communicate with him. He is such a charmer and anyone that passes by he will raise his right hand and say in couple octaves lower,"HI". He loves planes and is always on the look out for any in the sky when we are outside. Kaden loves his baby brother Jack and sometimes shares his beloved cars with him. But the best part is when he lays on the ground next to jack and gets real close and says" awwww baby" and lays a big one on the top of Jack's head. Kaden has always been extremely gentle with Jack but not so nice with the cat. We are working on that. He loves his bucket of cars, all the plastic spoons in the drawers, and lately loves to where my watch where ever he goes even at bath time and to bed if daddy will let him.

Jack is six months now and it just blows me away how time flies. He rolls and is trying his hardest to scoot across the floor. He loves to watch whatever Kaden is doing and is always babbling and laughing lately. He is so happy to take car rides and for that fact likes to be anywhere but the house. He is easy going and overall a happy baby. I can hardly wait for Jack to get a little bigger and to see all the fun stages he will go thru.

We are so blessed to have these two sweet, sweet boys who chose us as their parents on this earth. We pray daily for guidance to lead them on the path of righteousness and to teach them of the love our Heavenly Father has for them.

A SHOUT OUT TO MY HUBBY

2008-09-03T15:29:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to give a shout out to my wonderful hubby, Alan. We are very busy here in the Shumway home and the past few months have been extremely fun! We have had alot on our plate being a full time parents to our two beautiful sons during the day and he taking them at night, both of us working are full time jobs, trying to fulfill our callings in the ward, and I have been training for my first sprint triathlon. I couldn't do all this without the love and support he continually gives me. He is so good to me and the boys! He is such an amazing father who constantly is laughing and playing with Kaden and Jack . After he gets home from work he takes over the role as mom by playing, feeding , bathing and putting the boys to bed, and then even manages to get the house straightened before he goes to bed. He runs and swims with me to help motivate me to get into shape, and the best of all, he makes me laugh all the time. I know that our Heavenly Father has a bright future in store for us and I cant wait to take this earthly journey along side of him. I love him dearly and I am so happy to be married to him for time and all eternity!! Thank you for all that you do and for being my best friend. Love you babe.

Goodbye Elder Parker. We love you and will see in a couple of years!!

2008-09-03T15:16:00.000-07:00

The Parker Family Together

2008-09-03T14:30:00.000-07:00

The last couple of weeks have been so exciting and so busy! Danny came home from his mission,

Bekah flew in on Saturday to be here, and Spencer was preparing to leave for his mission to Micronesia Guam on Wednesday the 27th. It was fun to have the whole family together again one last time for the next couple of years. So alot of family time was needed and it was awesome to only live a couple miles away instead of 45 minutes!!!! I have the best family in the whole world and love and respect everyone of them. We laugh with all the good times and we cry with some of the challenges that come are way, but in the end we know we have each other and that's all that matters. ( I think I might just shed a tear:)

That Sunday before Spencer left, Danny gave his home coming talk and Spencer gave his fair well talk. It was so awesome to hear how far Danny has come and all the wonderful experiences he had while serving the Lord. I really admire him for the hard work he put into his mission.

Spencer's talk almost sounded like he was a return missionary, no, but his testimony is so beautiful and the love he has for the gospel will shine through to all those people in Guam.

I love my sister, Bekah so much and really appreciate what a super awesome sister she is!!! We have so much fun and she always makes me laugh and the best part laughs at all my jokes! We miss her so much now that she is back up at the Y, but we look forward to seeing her this Thanksgiving, where the weather will be finally nice, yeah!!

Time to catch up! WELCOME HOME DANNY!

2008-09-03T13:53:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I am a couple weeks behind on my blogging and so much has happened that I am forcing myself to sit while the kids sleep and get this done. Well ill start with my brother Danny came home from serving a full time mission in San Bernadino on August 12. It is so fun to have him home and hope his adjustment is smooth sailing. He is such a funny guy and it seems like he has never left. I love him so much and am glad to have him finally meet his two adorable nephews.

A couple weeks before Danny came home I practise with Kaden using one of his missionary pics, to recognize him and to say, " Danny!". So when we went to the airport to get Danny it seemed liked Kaden knew exactly who we were getting and as soon as Danny got near, Kaden leaned into him to give him a hug and yelled, "Danny". It was priceless.

I am so grateful for Danny and the love he has for our Savior and in good times and in bad he never gave up but tried even harder to teach the gospel and to serve all those around him. Love you Danny!

2008-08-15T14:37:00.000-07:00

2008-07-28T18:50:00.000-07:00

OK finally I have gotten a chance to update our blog!! We have finally made the move to Gilbert and I feel like we are for the most part unpacked and settled. Wow, I sure hope we don't have to move for a very very long time. Thank you for those who helped us move or help renovate the house in the 110 degree weather. And why is it that people always move in the hottest part of the year? Anyways, Alan is absolutely amazing for all of the work that he put into the house, of course for those who helped especially, Dal and Dallin, painting the whole inside with a few accent walls, all new base boards, new carpet through out the house, and looks amazing. We fill like this is our home and where are kids are going to grow up and go to school.

The boys have adjusted quite well and are growing so quickly. Kaden loves that he can go swimming when he wants and baby Jack is still not sure if he likes the water, but I know he will very soon. Kaden wears a little wetsuit with a floating device in it and jumps in and swims all over the pool. He is so funny!!! He looks like a little retriever doggy paddling all over the pool refusing to let go of the diving rings that are in his right and left hand. He is such a fun kid!!

Are ward is so warm and loving minus about hundred kids and for the first time in three years I was the only one in the halls during sacrament. It was funny walking in and feeling the spot light on us and I leaned over to Alan and told him to be ready to talk in a few weeks. Everyone was wonderful and immediately we felt like this was home. I am very anxious to see what my calling will be here in this ward, hopefully something in young women's.

We recently joined Lifetime Fitness, which is conveniently right down the street and we absolutely LOVE it. The child center is amazing with all the toys and fun activities they provide. The girls there love Kaden and he loves all the fun toys. Jackson doesn't really care as long as someone is holding him. I am able to try to get back into shape and the kids are having fun and interacting with other kids, what a win win situation.

So everyone that knows me knew that I use to swim and that sort of installed the love for working out and staying fit. For the longest time I have always wanted to see if I can get back into shape and participate in a sprint triathlon. The last three years I haven't had an opportunity to really commit towards that goal. but know I have been doing a little running, I love the cycling classes, and I even jumped in the pool and tried to swim. Yeah I couldn't even do a 50 yard free without feeling like I was going to drown. But over the last couple of weeks I have been getting stronger and so I did it!! I signed up for my first Spring triathlon on September, 6 out in Anthem. I am so nervous but so excited even if I am crawling across the finish line dead last at least I did it! I may be crazy but I just figured don't have enough to do during the day:) So if anyone has any tips or advice for me, PLEASE let me know!

So that's all for right now. We are so thankful for what the Lord has provided us with and for what is in store.

Back to Work

2008-06-15T13:24:00.001-07:00

Well those last three months flew by and my little new born is a big baby now. I always get quite anxious before I got back to work, which I'm sure is normal, wondering if all the boys schedules are met and if there needs are being taken care of. It is so hard being away from them but I have the BEST babysitter ever, their daddy, Alan. When he gets home, I zoom out the door and he puts the mommy apron on and is AMAZING. I love just imaging him juggle baby Jack in his arms and chasing Kaden either from outside in the front yard or upstairs where he loves to get into stuff. He plays with them and I'm sure that last hour and half til they go to bed seem like an eternity!! But he manages to feed, bathe, and put both in bed all by 7 o'clock. I even come home to a clean house. Life in itself can be grueling and unfair but I count my many blessings to have such a wonderful companion to make life just a little bit easier. Thanks honey!

Mommy's little helper

2008-06-04T14:10:00.000-07:00

Yes I have already put Kaden to work as an older brother. No, not yet but he does insists on helping hold the bottle and then putting the bottle in the sink when we are all finished. He is such a good little helper and super concernd when he doenst know where Jackson is. He will look up at me and have this little confused look on his face and say "Baby mommy, baby?". He just kills me. He is so stinking cute. He also says bye bye to EVERYTHING. When he gets out of the bath at night he will tell the bath, "baaaabye", in this sweet high pitch voice. Man I love being a mom!

The Parker Family

2008-05-13T10:28:00.000-07:00

Mom and dad getting a little cat nap in.

Dallin and I just hanging out

My family is so amazing and words can hardly describe the love we have for each other. We are so supportive of each other and always have a lending ear. It has been fun having Bekah here for the last coule of weeks, she cracks me up! She always laughs at my jokes and we are so silly to the point of being obnoxious. I can hardley wait until the rest of the fam get married have kids.

Having Fun in the Sun

2008-05-13T09:40:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness for boys!

Kaden loves to put his face in the water and comes out so proud of himself.

Kaden insists to only go down on his tummy feet first. Just like his mom, does things the hard way!:)

Baby Jackson just enjoying the weather

This was the best garage sale special ever! He has just figured the gas pedal out but not quite the steering.

Kaden loves to be outside and the baby pool was a must and he LOVES it!

Happy Mothers Day

2008-05-12T11:23:00.000-07:00

Happy Mothers Day mom. My mother is such an amazing women and is my best friend. She always leads by example and sacrifice is her middle name. She is always in tune to my needs and does all that she can to make my life just a little easier. I love to go over on Saturdays with the kids to hand out, laugh and have a good time. She always listens to my stories, and if you know me that is alot of listening, and she always comments and has the best advise. I am counting the days til we move back to Gilbert so instead of being 25 miles away, I will only be 2 miles away from her. Thank you for being my mom! Love you!

Wow, It is crazy to think that that I am a mother now to two beautiful boys! It is such a joyous feeling to know that they chose me to be their mom. We had such a wonderful Mothers Day! The fam came out to our house to celebrate not only mothers day but also Spencer's B-day. Alan made his delicious chicken enchiladas with red sauce and we hung out and watched Monsters INC. I was so lucky to get a CRICUT machine and cant wait to scrapbook. So happy mother's day to all the mothers out there!

Bestest Friend

2008-05-12T11:03:00.000-07:00

Abbie is one of best friends from high school and has recently moved back here to the AZ. We swam together, went to high school together, laughed and cred together, and got into plenty of trouble together. We have been through so much together and I love and appreciate her friendship.

I was so lucky to have a friend of hers donate an awesome crib for my youngest, Jackson and even luckier when she drove it out to my house!!! Friends like her don't come around very often!! Love you abz!

The Shumway Camp Out

2008-04-30T11:52:00.000-07:00

Well, we actually did it! We went camping last weekend with Dal and Autumn and their family and a family from our ward. I was skeptical at first, having a 8 week old baby in all, but we had a BLAST!! We camped out at Water Wheel, which is 7 miles east of Payson, right along the bottom of the Verde River. We all had so much fun especially the kids since they were able to roam outside all day. We arrived on Friday night and got all the tents up before we started a fire. Kaden really didn't know what to think about it all. He had a hard time walking with all the uneven ground, but before long he was a natural. At home, Kaden is constantly at the pantry door wanting to eat so as soon as he found the bin with food,he felt right at home. The first night was FREEZING! I bundled up Jackson and he slept in a plastic storage bin. It was a perfect little bed, thanks to Autumn helping me set it up. Kaden was in his porta-crib with blankets over it. They didn't budge once all night.
In the morning we started a fire to stay warm and started breakfast. Alan made bacon and eggs for everyone and then we lounged around all morning. The river was about 25 feet from our camp site so the kids had fun playing in it and throwing rocks. Later in the day we took a hike up the river to check out a water fall, but it got pretty warm and Jackson was getting cranky so we headed back. Alan made stakes and potatoes for dinner! YUM. Alan is the best cook ever!!! After a few smores and a few Dr. peppers we all turned in for the night.
That night was much warmer and we all got some sleep. In the morning we packed up and headed home. We cant wait to go again in a couple of weeks!!!!!

Alan getting a bite to eat before all the fun begins.

The big boys of the camp!

The camping crew

Kaden and his cousin Summer are enjoying the sport of rock throwing.

"Hey if no one is going to feed me, then I'll get it myself!"

Baby Jackson was such a great little camper!

Kaden's favorite camping activity.....throwing rocks

Rise and shine little campers.

Jackson D

2008-04-18T13:22:00.000-07:00

Jackson is growing so fast! He is only 7 weeks old and I have caught him cooing and he is starting to smile. The best is when babies cry and as soon as they hear your voice they start to calm. I love it!! He is such a good baby and is a good mix between Alan and I. For the last couple of nights he has slept 8 hours and hopefully will cut out the last feeding on his own. Then we are on our way to the 12-13 hour nights of sleep. YEAH!!! We will see. I owe it all to the best book in the world, " Be Baby Wise." I wont get started on how wonderful it is, but I encourage every mother to at least read it to see if it would work for them. I keep trying to remind myself that all the laundry, toys, and dishes can wait, cause are children are only this little once.

"AH CUZ"

2008-04-18T11:28:00.000-07:00

Kaden and Jackson are so lucky to have their favorite cousins, Summer and Teegon, live right across the street. They have so much fun together and are so entertaining for us!!!!

"Mom I want to be a big boy!"

2008-04-18T11:20:00.000-07:00

Every time we go to the park, Kaden loves to try to use the big boy toys. He is so cute when he tries and then looks at me for help.

2008-04-14T16:37:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we blessed Jackson in our home ward out in Queen Creek. Wow, it seems like just yesterday we blessed Kaden and now I have another. Of course I forget to check if his blessing outfit needed to be cleaned , and sure enough there was spit up from Kaden all over the front. See Kaden had projectile spit-up til he was six months and thank goodness Jackson hasn't ever spit up. Just my luck!! With a little tooth brush scrub and some shout, you could barely notice the big yellow stains:).

My family fortunately was able to come and bring out Grandma Shumway for the very early meeting. We sure miss Bekah who is up at the Y and Danny who is serving a full time mission in California, who is by the way coming home in July!!!!! We also missed very much all the family in California who weren't able to make it out. It was awesome to have my brother Spencer, who received the Melchizedek Priesthood last week, stand in the circle. Very cool since he will be leaving on his mission soon. Also my father, brother-in-law Dal, and other brothers from the ward stood in. Alan gave the most beautiful blessing and the sweet little baby didn't even cry. For the most part, I was able to scribble down the blessing to put into his baby book. I bore my testimony that morning and expressed my love and gratitude to my Heavenly Father for blessing me with these two beautiful children and the comfort I have knowing we are sealed together as a family for eternity.We stayed and went to our classes which was fun to have my mother there and of course all the girls in the ward were goo-goo over Dallin. We all went to my house and BBQ chicken and finished with a family activity of watching the Master's golf tournament. BORING!!!! but besides the that, it was a wonderful day.

Here we go again!!!!

2008-04-11T21:29:00.000-07:00

Well if you didn't know Alan has been testing through various fire departments for the last year. It is a very drawn out process and very draining. He got through to the second interview for Chandler back in November and they only picked 30 guys out of 100. Well obviously he didn't get picked, but that was ok.....on to the next department. Three weeks ago he tested with Tempe and today we got the letter asking for an interview!!! Yeah!!. We are at least moving in the right direction. So keep your fingers crossed....well keep you posted.

The New First Presidency

2008-04-09T21:58:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful picture to look at! Sure is a wonderful thing having these men lead us in these latter days. Not having President Hinckley in conference brought tears to my eyes, but the work continues. I am excited to have President Monson as our current Prophet, Sear, and Revelator.

Future Ball Player

2008-04-09T21:02:00.000-07:00

Kaden is 18 months old and I am constantly trying to find things to entertain him. My brother Dallin had an older tee ball set that Kaden was trying to use. The darn thing was so heavy and Dallin only had metal bats. Poor kid couldn't lift the bat. So I got this cute little ball set and he went to town...for about five minutes. Dang it.:)

Sweet Little Jackson

2008-04-09T15:09:00.000-07:00

Jackson was born into our family on February 27, 2008. I originally went to the hospital to get induced -yes I do have an amazing Doctor- but I soon started to have contractions on my own. With in a couple of hours of the heavenly drugs, I gave about two pushes and Jackson was finally here. It was the best delivery ever and made me want to have another....well maybe not for awhile. When we made it home his older brother Kaden greeted him with a smack to the head. Well it wasn't that brutal but he was probable wondering who the intruder was. Now Kaden says, "Baby!" and kisses him on the head. Jackson is a wonderful baby and I enjoy every moment of motherhood.

I Love My Food

2008-04-09T14:55:00.000-07:00

Kaden insisits that I not watch him while he eats. Now I know why!

I Ride, I Ride!!!

2008-04-09T13:43:00.000-07:00

My brother and sister in-law live right across the street and own a little quad. Every single day right around 4'o'clock Kaden starts begging, "I ride, I ride". Alan isn't home yet and I'm usually tending to Jackson, so the alligator tears start and they don't stop until Alan walks in the door. This has been going on for about 3 weeks and I am about to go nuts. Kaden is so cute though and when he finally gets to go for a ride he jumps up and down and sprints to the door.

2008-04-09T12:37:00.001-07:00

How it all got started...

2008-04-09T09:02:00.000-07:00

Finally I have started this dang blog!!! It is very addicting and fun to learn how to use ! Well in a few words or so, I will catch everybody up on my life. I met my husband, Alan Shumway, thru a mutual friend in November of 2004. It was love at first sight, he proposed in May, and we were married in the San Diego Temple on August 14, 2005. He had a house in Gilbert that was rented out by a whole bunch of guys from the single s ward, so we bought a house way, way , way out in Queen Creek. We are still living out here and since then, we ahd our beautiful sons, Kaden 18 months old, and Jackson who is just 6 weeks new. Alan is a supervisor at a landscaping company and is currently testing through several fire departments. This process has been very frustrating, but....we wont give up. I have worked for Portable xray and ultrasound of AZ for 4 years as a xray tech and absolutely LOVE IT! I will go back to work sometime at the end of May. For right now I am loving every moment of motherhood. I don't mind going back to work since I have a killer shift 5 pm to midnight and Alan is an excellent father and loves to do his part. I couldn't be more thankful for my life.