Making life a BLISS complete

2009-10-13T14:36:00.002-06:00

The Bliss dairy's will now have milk in the store locally. It will be sold at all Smith stores and in Delta. I am so excited to try it out.

Texas family vacation

2009-09-25T15:47:00.009-06:00

Here are a few pages I put together from our vacation in August to Texas to visit Heather & James' family. Also two pages of Gavin's first days of preschool. We has lots of fun in Texas and didn't want to come home. This was our first family vacation and road trip. The boys handled it well considering how long they were in the car defined to their seats. We can't wait to go back to Texas again to swim in the pool, eat at Brahms, and enjoy family.

Pre School

2009-09-06T09:10:00.003-06:00

Gavin is now going to Pre School and loves it. Gavin has so much fun he doesn't want to leave when it is time to go. He will fight me until I just finally pick him up and carry him out. He is already learning a lot. Gavin loves to point out all the colors he sees and can count to two. He feels so big when he gets to put his backpack on with all his stuff inside. On his first day when it was time to go home, Gavin ran up to his teacher and gave her a big hug. It was so adorable.

Park City

2009-08-08T12:57:00.005-06:00

Bryce Canyon 1/2 Marathon

2009-07-29T15:33:00.004-06:00

I ran my fist half marathon this month and had such a fun time. I went with my sisters-in-law and we all had so much fun we want to do it again next year. I had a time of 2 hours and 5 minutes. My goal was to get 2 hours 30 minutes, so I am happy to have done so well. Hilary got so excited about completing it she talked me into running the Top of Utah marathon in Logan with her. Then in November we will run another 1/2 marathon in St. George. I talked Erica into running the 1/2 also. Nate wants to also, but we will have to wait and see if his foot heals in time. I am so nervous to run a full marathon but am also so excited. I am so glad to be able to run again after not being able to for so long. I forgot how much I miss it.

Liberty & Justice

2009-07-29T15:32:00.003-06:00

4th of July fun!

2009-07-09T08:05:00.006-06:00

We had a fun and busy 4th of July. My family came down for all the fun in Delta. I ran the 5K race with Erica, Hilary, and Darla in the morning. It was so much fun except we had to climb an 8 ft. fence because someone locked it after it had been unlocked. We were also disappointed to find out it wasn't a full 5k.

Nate broke his foot on the 3rd wake boarding so we broke our tradition of going to the res and went to the parade. Owen enjoyed sitting on everyone's lap and Gavin enjoyed eating the candy. Afterwords we went to the park for some good food and a concert in the park. We also enjoyed four wheeling, taking naps, the derby, and fireworks.

We couldn't have asked for a better day to spend with family and friends.

Independence Day!

2009-07-05T11:27:00.002-06:00

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T09:02:00.014-06:00

I am so thankful for the fathers in my life.... They are all an inspiration to me and I love them all dearly. As I grow older, I have the occasion to reflect back on the time with my dad. I have so many wonderful memories. Like when I turned 5 and he took just me on a camping trip which we called the 5 year old hike. He always made me feel special. I love the long talks with my father on the phone and look forward to that every week. He is such a great support to me and always willing to help me out with whatever I need. He is very compassionate and always helping someone out by mowing their lawn or helping someone move something, etc. He is a great example to me and makes me want to be a better person. I have truly been blessed to be his daughter. Now my dad is also known as Papa by my kids. They sure love those visits to papa's house. Gavin begs everyday to be able to talk on the phone with papa.

Nate has been such a wonderful father to our two little boys. I am so proud of him and all he has accomplished. He is such a hard worker, but after a long day he just wants to play with his boys. Gavin is daddy's little boy and always talks about him going to work on the big tractor with the cows and horses. Gavin and Owen always run to the the door and climb on their daddy's legs when he comes home. They can't wait for him to get on the floor so they can crawl all over him and be thrown in the air.

Positive influences are like a ripple effect, something we should treasure and pass along. Thank you for being such great fathers and positive influences in mine and others life.

Sunrise in Delta

2009-06-14T10:42:00.004-06:00

It has been raining quite a bit in Delta lately so we have been cooped up inside a lot. One morning Nate called me and told me to go look outside. I was pleasantly surprised to see the most beautiful rainbow. I created these photo montage pictures, but they don't give justice to how beautiful they were in real life.

Last night I went jogging with Gavin and Owen in the running stroller. Partway through my run it started to rain, but not bad enough to turn around. Then without warning it started pouring. I turned around and called Nate to pick us up. By the time we got home I was drenched from head to toe. These last few days have been crazy. It is cold and stormy and I just can't wait for it tow warm up again.

Crazy boys

2009-06-14T10:26:00.006-06:00

Gavin and Owen wanted to play with Dandy the other day but it was raining
outside. So I put Dandy in a cage in the kitchen and the boys had a blast.
Gavin likes to act like a dog lately so he was loving being locked in the cage.

Owen is the messiest eater while Gavin is slower and not as messy. Owen always
has food all over himself after everything he eats. I sometimes have to give him
a bath after every meal.

Max

2009-06-14T09:38:00.006-06:00

Nate has been wanting a german shepherd for months now and he finally got his wish. Maximuss Ceraliuos Barthamual the Third is his full name. Max is four years old, house broken, trained, and is a Gentle giant. He loves to play stick and catch and he will bark on command. He also enjoys riding in the back of the truck and will just hang out in the truck bed hoping we will go on a drive.

I have never really liked big dogs but the moment I saw Max, I loved him. He is an awesome dog and so much fun to be around. It has been so nice skipping the puppy stage and getting a dog already trained.

Nate has been having a blast with him along with the boys. Nate and Justin went on a four wheeler ride with Max and Ruby (Justin's dog). They wore those dogs out and had a great time. We have been enjoying many of our evenings outside playing fetch. Gavin likes to climb all over Max and Owen likes to feed him a piece of dog food one at a time. I have also gone jogging a few times with Max in the morning. Nate took me on a horse ride the other day and Max tagged along. We have had so many great times with Max and look forward to many more.

Fun at the Zoo

2009-06-01T14:00:00.005-06:00

Gavin has been obsessed with animals lately, so we decided to take a trip to the zoo. Josh, Erica, and Nathan decided to join us for the day of fun. Gavin's favorite animals to see were the Elephants, Rhinos, Giraffes, and Goats. Gavin kept pointing at the animals and saying, "Play". He got really upset when we wouldn't let him play with the Rhinos. Owen was quiet and enjoyed riding in the stroller. Overall it was a really successful and fun trip.

Brotherly Love

2009-05-23T10:33:00.005-06:00

2009-05-01T12:17:00.004-06:00

Gavin loves to listen to music on Dad's new ipod. The headphones are a little big so they don't stay on very long. Gavin gets frustrated, but still keeps trying to keep them on. It's so cute.

2009-05-01T11:46:00.005-06:00

I dressed Owen one morning and we were about to go somewhere in the car. I needed to water the garden first then we would go. Owen played around the yard while I watered the garden. I turned my head for one minute and he decided to play in the mud. So much for a clean outfit...

Kiena had puppies!!!

2009-04-24T09:48:00.002-06:00

A few weeks ago Kiena had puppies. They are so small and cute. It is fun to watch them change from day to day. They are now walking on all fours and opening their eyes. They boys love to play with the puppies. I can't keep Owen out of the dog house. They have had lots of fun holding and looking at the puppies. Gavin likes to give them kisses and tries to pet them softly.

Finally Walking!

2009-03-06T11:13:00.006-07:00

Owen is growing up so fast and has such a contagious smile and laugh. You can't but help being happy when he smiles at you. Just in the past couple of days he has started walking all over the place! It is just the perfect time too, now that it is warming up.

Owen thinks he is a big boy now and has to always feed himself. He screams if I try to help at all. He probably gets more on himself then what he can get in his mouth, but he loves it.

Belt & Hat Obsession

2009-03-06T10:46:00.008-07:00

Gavin is obsessed with wearing his belt and hats. He has to wear them all the time. He sure looks silly with that belt over his outfit sometimes. I love this outfit he put together...pajamas with pants, belt, and shoes over them. :)
Gavin is now talking all the time. He is learning more and more words and can communicate better. He is such a sweet boy and always says Thank you. He really enjoys talking on the phone. It's hard to get him started, but once he does you can't get him to stop. He constantly asks me if he can talk to "Papas" and talks about his new truck.

Gavin is a mess maker. Here he is in the bin of dog food making a huge mess. Every day he scatters the food all over the kitchen, then Owen follows behind him and eats it.

Hawaii: Day 1

2009-02-15T15:58:00.016-07:00

On day one we checked out caves, 3 beaches on the North Shore, and saw a Noni tree.

Aloha from Hawaii!

2009-02-02T10:39:00.006-07:00

Well we made it to Hawaii...Luckily. It almost didn't happen...Just ask Nate.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T12:38:00.002-07:00

Here's what we have been doing this year. Check out this link to see the book.
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AbN3DJk4cs2Tk4

Christmas party in Vegas

2008-12-16T23:15:00.003-07:00

All bundled up and enjoying a hayride down the Vegas strip

Gavin does not like sitting on Santa's lap. He just slumped over his arm the entire time and didn't want to look at him or the camera. Last year he cried and was really scared, so I think he did much better this year. Hopefully next year he will be excited.

Owen just stared at Santa the minute we set him on his lap.
He didn't even take his eyes off his face for one second.

Gavin got his face painted and did a really good job of sitting still.

Dandy

2008-11-06T15:31:00.005-07:00

Getting ready for bath time!

The boys playing outside before it started to get too cold.

We got a new puppy that we named Dandy. He is an toy/mini Australian shephard. They boys love playing with him outside, but he gets too rough for them sometimes. Isn't he adorable!

Halloween cuties

2008-11-01T16:55:00.003-06:00

This year was Owen's first Halloween and Gavin's first time trick or treating. We went to a few houses and Gavin was more interested in checking out everyone's house than anything else. He also liked putting the candy in his pumpkin bucket. Owen slept the entire time in the stroller. It was a wonderful evening and perfect weather for a stroll around the block. The boys sure looked cute in their costumes.

What I was doing...

2008-11-01T09:15:00.013-06:00

I've been tagged by my Aunt Denise, so here goes...

What I was doing...
20 years ago...
1. I was going to my first year of kindergarten.
2. Went on a 5 year old hike/camping trip with my dad.
(when we turned 5 we got to go camping with dad and got a backpack and mummy bag)

10 years ago...
1. I was in 9th grade at Pleasant Grove High School
2. I joined the track team and the marching band (I played the flute).
3. I learned how to better style my curly hair and began to like it.

5 years ago...
1. I attended Utah Valley State college and had received an associates degree the next year in Multimedia Communications Technology.
2. I ran on the Track and cross country team at UVSC.
3. I worked at the UVSC bookstore with my mom.

1 year ago...
1. Gavin had his first birthday.
2. I was 8 months pregnant with baby number two and began driving to Provo for IV iron treatments 2 times a week since my iron was so low.
3. We bought a Toyota Camry since I spilled a full gallon of milk in our Honda on the way home from the dairy. We had the car scrubbed several times, but the smell would not go away.

This year so far...
1. We moved into Justin & Darla's modular home two weeks after Owen was born and couldn't have any visitors because of the risk of Owen getting RSV.
2. We got two horses, guineas, chickens, and a toy/mini Australian shepherd.
3. We bought a Toyota Land Cruiser that runs on natural gas and gas. Our gas bill has gone way down since natural gas is only 86 cents a gallon. Now we just need to sell our car.
4. I'm having a hair crisis. My curly hair is almost gone, so now I don't know what to do with it anymore. It takes forever to straighten, but doesn't look very good curly. Ugh.

Yesterday...
1. Gavin and Owen went trick or treating for the first time.
2. Gavin was a bumble bee and Owen a pumpkin.
3. We handed candy out at Nate's parents home because they are gone to Texas and no one trick or treats at our house.

Today...
1. I'm thinking about going to the annual boutique. I don't plan on buying anything but it is fun to browse and see all the cute decorations.
2. Nate is off work today, so hopefully we can do something fun. Right now he is outside cutting firewood with Gavin. I think I will go join them and play with the dogs.
3. I would like to go on a horse ride, but I don't think it will happen.

Tomorrow...
1. I'll get to sleep in, then get the boys ready for church.
2. Go to church and play with all the kids in nursery.
3. Relax, read a good book, play with the boys.

I tag my Dad, Darla, and Loreen

Like father, like son.

2008-10-15T15:02:00.010-06:00

When dad goes to mow the lawn Gavin just stands at the door looking out and cries until I let him out to help. Well every time I do, Nate gets upset because he can't watch him and mow at the same time.

So when I was at the store one day I saw a lawn mower that blows bubbles. I bought it and set it up the next day. Gavin absolutely loved it. He loved it so much he could not part from it even for a second. He pushed it all around the house all day long. When it came time to go to bed he cried and cried for it.

The next morning when I went to get Gavin from his crib I saw him sitting in his crib with the lawn mower. I guess when Nate put him to bed he decided to let him sleep with the lawn mower so he would stop crying and go to bed.

The next day I refused to let him sleep with the lawn mower but when he woke up in the morning the first thing he did was point at the lawn mower and cry.

The lawn mower has now lost the magic it had for those first few days, but Gavin still loves to mow the lawn with his dad...he is such a big helper.

Playing buddies

2008-09-18T21:16:00.004-06:00

Gavin eating watermelon from our garden.

Owen crawling on the tonka truck

Gavin and Owen playing together. It was adorable while it lasted. . . about 30 seconds.

Bath buddies

2008-09-10T16:37:00.007-06:00

Gavin and Owen having fun in the tub...

Squash eater

2008-09-10T16:23:00.002-06:00

Gavin's favorite vegetable is squash. I can't believe
how much he likes it. He gobbles it down like it is
candy. Here he is on the couch eating his bowl of squash.

Busy boys

2008-09-08T13:30:00.004-06:00

The boys were having fun in the swing and bouncer while I was
cooking and I realized that it was quiet. I looked over and both the
boys were fast asleep. I love it when they nap at the same time.

Owen trying to crawl up on me.

Gavin sporting his new hair cut. He was in a bad
mood so this is the best pic I could get.

Owen playing with the watermelons we picked from our
garden. He has so much fun crawling all over them.

Good morning

2008-09-02T13:52:00.000-06:00

Cookie

2008-09-02T12:54:00.001-06:00

Ready to eat

2008-08-26T09:18:00.005-06:00

Owen thinks that he should be able to eat food too when we eat dinner. He has to sit on someones lap at dinner time or he will just cry the entire time we eat. He tries so hard to grab food off everyone's plate. Gavin likes to share his food and sometimes I will catch Owen with food in his mouth. Owen does get to eat baby cereal though and loves it. Soon we will try baby food and before we know it he will be eating at the dinner table along with the rest of the family. They grow up so fast.

Out for the count

2008-08-23T21:16:00.006-06:00

Gavin is always on the move and refuses to take a nap even is he is tired. Eventually he will finally collapse somewhere around the house. Here are a few pictures of him sleeping.

Watermelon

2008-08-22T16:19:00.005-06:00

We picked our first watermelon from the garden. We couldn't believe how big they got. It was very juicy and delicious. We planted lots from a seed packet but they all died. Instead of buying a new packet of seeds we decided to try planting seeds from a watermelon we had bought from the store. We didn't know if it would work but as you can see it was successful. I think we will do it this way every year now.

Payson Lakes

2008-08-19T15:19:00.005-06:00

I took the boys to Payson Lakes with my family a few weeks ago. We had a blast. Gavin loved playing in the dirt and getting as dirty as he could. Owen was such a good baby and tried his first cereal. He absolutely loved it and couldn't get enough. We had amazing food and enjoyed roasting hot dogs and making smores. We had such a wonderful time playing family fun, visiting, boating and relaxing on the lake. This camping trip was so fun I want to come back every year, but with Nate next time.

Riding horses

2008-08-19T12:12:00.006-06:00

Gavin loves horses. It has become his favorite word. He is constantly saying it. I think it is so cute because he whispers it every time he says it. It was one of the first words he learned. The first thing Gavin wants to do when we go outside is to see the horses. Lots of times Gavin will stand at the door looking out calling for the horse wishing he could go outside with it.

Farewell

2008-08-13T23:25:00.005-06:00

This is a picture with all my sisters-in-law (except Lindsey) at the farewell party for Heather, Spencer, Zack, Claire, and Mason before they went home to Texas. We had a fun time with them this summer. Nate enjoyed working with Spencer and Zack at the dairy and misses their help now that they are gone. Claire was a great help and was always willing to babysit Gavin and Owen when I needed a little break. We enjoyed watching the boys card tricks, riding horses, camping, playing nerts late into the night, and relaxing and visiting. They sure will be missed.

Southern style dinner

2008-08-13T22:12:00.003-06:00

Nate is always telling me how good the food in Texas is and how much he misses it. He said that he often ate Okra for school lunch in elementary school. When we planted a garden he wanted to plant Okra. I had never heard of it but was willing to give it a try. One day Nate decided he was going to make me a Texas style dinner. It consisted of Chicken fried chicken, okra, masked potatoes, gravy, and corn on the cob. It was amazing and the perfect comfort food. I would have to say that Nate is an excellent cook.

Chicken Fried Chicken

2 cups flour
1 T pepper
1/2 T salt
2 T paprika
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 T lemmon pepper
2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts

Mix flour, salt, pepper, lemon, pepper, and paprika together in a large bowl.
Mix the 2 eggs and milk in another bowl. Dip chicken breasts in egg batter then flour ingredients-repeat once more.

Carefully submerge in heated oil. Cook until golden brown on both sides. Approximately 4-6 minutes on each side. Watch carefully - don't burn. Remove and let drain on paper towels.
Drain most of the oil but save the fried bits of the breading and add to a country gravy.

Fried Okra

2 cups flour
2 cups water
1 tablespoon hot sauce
2 cups saltine crackers finely crushed
12 oz frozen okra individually cut
Canola oil for frying

In a large bowl whisk the flour, water, and hot sauce together.
Place the crushed crackers in a separate large bowl.

Add a handful of okra to the flour mixture and toss to coat evenly. Let stand fifteen seconds. Using a slotted spoon, remove okra and dredge in the cracker crumbs until well coated. Remove okra to a large baking sheet. Repeat this process with remaining okra.

Heat oil to 350 degrees. Carefully place a portion of okra in hot oil. Do not overcrowd. Deep fry the okra for about 2 to 3 minutes or until it turns golden brown, stirring occasionally.

Remove okra from oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Makes 6-8 servings.

Dip the okra in mashed potatoes and gravy and enjoy.

Rain

2008-08-01T18:07:00.006-06:00

On Sunday night as the day was winding down, the boys were in bed and Nate was at a meeting; I had the evening to myself. It was raining outside and memories of running and playing in the rain as a child ran through my mind. I have always loved rainstorms and for some reason they have always fascinated me. Maybe it’s the smell of the rain or the sound of it hitting the roof while you are safe inside, or the beauty of the earth as the sun comes up after the storm.

I couldn’t help but contemplate life as I went outside to enjoy the rain. I thought about life like a late summer rain storm. The thunder and lightning, the on-then-off-again cloudbursts, seem to control the moment. Soon the slow uneven raindrops turn into rain-sheets swept across the sky by gusting winds.

But later, the rain will slow and gradually stop. The sun on the western horizon will shoot through a small opening in the storm clouds, and the sky will turn to a panorama of changing colors. Deep ambers, brilliant golds, cool wet blues, and translucent white will brighten the once-grey heavens.

The work and worry will pass as quickly as summer’s refreshing storms. Then autumn will arrive and memories will be sweet as they recall those cherished summer days of growing.

As I came inside soaking wet, I felt so much peace and joy about life and love for my wonderful family. When I parallel this to my day-to-day struggles, I know that the storms will come and go which helps me look beyond the present and into the future.

As I was reading today this passage caught my eye which went along with my thoughts…
Many today feel troubled and distressed; many feel that, at any moment, the ships of their lives could capsize or sink. It is to you who are looking for a safe harbor that I wish to speak today, you whose hearts are breaking, you who are worried or afraid, you who bear grief or the burdens of sin, you who feel no one is listening to your cries, you whose hearts are pleading, “Master, carest thou not that I perish?” To you I offer a few words of comfort and of counsel. Be assured that there is a safe harbor. You can find peace amidst the storms that threaten you. Your Heavenly Father—who knows when even a sparrow falls—knows of your heartache and suffering. He loves you and wants the best for you. Never doubt this. While He allows all of us to make choices that may not always be for our own or even others’ well-being, and while He does not always intervene in the course of events, He has promised the faithful peace even in their trials and tribulations.
Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Finding a Safe Harbor,” Ensign, May 2000, 59

Nate's grasshopper solution

2008-07-27T22:43:00.004-06:00

For the past several weeks we have been battling grasshoppers. They have been driving us crazy. We can't even go outside without being covered by these pests. Nate came up with the perfect solution...Guineas and Chickens. Nate and Justin went to the dairy at night when the birds were roosting and captured them. They brought them home and released them in our garden. Guineas are loud birds but luckily they don't stay by the house all day. At night they all come back and roost on the swing set. As you can see they have made themselves comfortable.

Grasshoppers

2008-07-27T22:01:00.006-06:00

Find the grasshopper in our garden. It blends right in so keep looking...

These little pests are invading our yard and garden. If you take one step outside you are covered in a swarm of grasshoppers.

If you look close you can see grasshoppers all around Gavin. They are the little white spots. The picture does not do justice though to how many there really are. It is something you just have to see in person.

Future buddies

2008-07-27T21:25:00.006-06:00

Gavin wants to play with Owen, but doesn't realize he isn't old enough to play. Gavin loves to climb and roll all over Owen. Most of the time Owen hates it but sometimes he doesn't mind. Owen likes to watch Gavin and you can tell he wants to join in with him. I can already tell that when Owen is more mobile they are going to be good buddies.

Family Pictures

2008-07-24T08:34:00.004-06:00

The entire Bliss family was in Delta for Independence day, so we decided to get family pictures the next day. I think they turned out well. Everyone looked so good. Gavin did not want his picture taken, but with 31 kids one is bound to be upset.

Our first garden

2008-07-20T19:18:00.011-06:00

This year we planted our first garden. We started most the seeds inside but when we planted them outside they died from a big rain storm. We bought more plants and now the garden is growing well. We planted peas, carrots, beets, green onions, sweet onions, squash, zucchini, cucumber, okra, lettuce, tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, watermelon, grapes, raspberries, strawberries, and cilantro. We planted some plants too close together, but altogether we did a good job. Next year we will learn from our mistakes and improve the garden. We are loving the Squash and zucchini right now. I have been making zucchini bread and Nate and Gavin can't get enough. Here are some before and after pictures.

A day at the Res

2008-07-20T19:03:00.002-06:00

On Friday we went to the Res with all the cousins. All the kids had a blast playing in the sand and water. Owen loved laying in the sand and tried to eat it. Gavin loved digging in the sand and playing with his cousins. It was a fun and relaxing day.

2008-07-17T07:31:00.009-06:00

I've been trying to teach Gavin how to eat with a spoon on his own lately. The other day I made mush and I was trying to help him eat with his spoon. Gavin did not want me to help or even touch the spoon. He was so frustrated that he couldn't do it on his own but was determined to do so. I had to leave the room to tend to Owen, but when I came back, Gavin had the bowl in his hand slurping the mush down. I can just imagine him saying in his little head, "Forget the spoon! It's easier eating straight from the bowl." Surprisingly he ate most of the mush and didn't make too big of a mess.

Owen is getting stronger day by day. He is now supporting himself in a sitting position. I was able to snap a picture of his first time doing this. Owen loves to bounce and move all over the place. It's hard to hold him because he will not hold still. He doesn't stay on his back long if I set him down because he instantly rolls over to his tummy. He always has to be moving and loves all the attention he can get.

Growing Boys

2008-07-08T16:24:00.007-06:00

Owen is rolling over from his back to his tummy all the time now. He is my little sunshine baby. He is always smiling and giggling. He sure is growing up fast.

Gavin is always on the go. He loves to climb, explore, and be outside. Gavin is learning lots of new words. Today he learned truck. It is so fun to watch the boys grow and learn new things. They sure bring us lots of love and joy.

Independence Day

2008-07-07T09:07:00.005-06:00

We had a fun day on the boat at the res. Gavin loved the water and didn't want to go home. We spent the rest of the day taking a long nap, eating good food, enjoying good company, and having fun.