Porter.Michelle.Aimsley

Fall 2011

2012-02-08T13:31:00.001-08:00

Aimsley was born the end of August which made for an extremely hot and uncomfortable last couple of months pregnant but an amazing mild fall full of outings and adventures with a new-born.
Once I was able to venture out of the house it was about mid september, perfect time for some beautiful hikes with the fam

We also had some wonderful visitors including the Bowens. We took them all over Colorado in hopes that someday soon they will move here!!! We really tried to be festive by hiking to see the beautiful fall colors, watching scary movies, carving pumpkins, Carmel apples, cornmazes...you name it. So fun to have them out, we love you guys.

And of course Aimsley was born at the start of Daddy's hardest semester...so there was a lot of this action going on. I don't think he minded the distraction.

Baby Love

2012-01-31T21:17:00.000-08:00

Stop growing baby! I keep telling her but she just wont listen. I know this is an obnoxious amount of photos, and I am so sad to admit that I think I have about a thousand more pictures of our baby on my stupid cell phone. Darn iPhones. Here she is in all her glory, I think the first picture is her the first day we brought her home, and the last was taken yesterday, when porter discovered the face she makes when he blows in her face. (Oh, the things we do to our children for a good laugh)

Aimsley has been such a blessing in our lives and quite the addition to our little home. Such a happy, giggling, squeaking, drooling, lovable baby girl.

New Born Shots

2012-01-31T20:46:00.000-08:00

With Aimsley just 9 Days old our fantastic, talented friend Macquel took some pictures of our sweet little bundle. Although they look sweet and peaceful, all moms fail to tell you how much work these shots are; waiting for baby to fall asleep between each pose, sweating thru the heat of trying to keep a naked newborn warm, waiting for all the pee to dry up :) All jokes aside Macquel did an amazing job and we are so grateful that we have these.

Oh Dear I miss her this little, I miss her tan jaundice skin, I miss her sweet sleepyness, I miss her hair.... Baby #2 are you ready!?!? Just kidding. :)

Blessing Day

2011-11-14T10:56:00.000-08:00

Yay, I'm Blessed!

Aimsley was blessed on September 25th, and we were lucky enough to have lots of family come out to enjoy the blessed event. Because she was only 5 weeks she was kind of drowning in her blessing dress...so the pictures of only her were more recently taken :) Thank you to everyone who made it out, having family and friends there made the day even that much more special.

I am so grateful for my amazing husband who gave Aimsley a beautiful blessing, hopefully first of many.

We Love You Baby Girl

Firsts...

2011-11-11T07:23:00.001-08:00

As a newborn you have hundreds of "firsts" in your first few weeks of life. We found ourselves constantly saying "It's Aimsley's 1st car ride, It's her 1st stroller ride, her 1st time to target, 1st movie..." you name it really. For the most part they all make me sad, sad she is growing up too fast. Like the day she switched from new born diapers to size 1, or the first article of clothing she grew out of, her first shots and the most sad for me; the first night she slept in her own room :(. But some of her firsts also make me happy such as; the first time she slept 8 hours straight, her first real smile and her first Halloween. But some of her most special "firsts" were when she met all the people who love her for the first time. I didn't capture them all on camera like I would have loved to but here are a few good ones.

Oh Baby Girl, you are SO Loved.

Having an addition brought us many visitors and we cannot thank everyone enough for coming out and enjoying our excitement of Aimsley. We thank all of you and are so grateful for all the memories made. Even if all Aimsley has are the pictures to remember them by, she feels the love. xoxoxo

Here's to millions of more "firsts" to come.

Labor & Delivery: What Your Mama Doesn't Tell You

2011-10-25T19:13:00.000-07:00

No matter how hard you try to to fake yourself for 9 months by "planning that your baby will come a week or two late" you're body really knows you want nothing more than to have that baby come out 2 weeks early :)

So when I still had a week to go till due date and Doc told me he didn't expect I'd last that long I tried really hard to not believe him. So much so that when I started contracting that night around 7pm I kept trying to convince myself it must be an upset stomach or maybe gas pains, there is no way she's actually coming early.

Around 8am; after ZERO minutes of sleep, and barely able to walk due to my insanely painful "gas pains" I figured I'd better call the doctors office. The nurse calmly confirmed I was having actual contractions I then told her I thought they were approximately 5 minutes apart and the day before at my appointment I was dilated to a 4...she then not so calmly told me to get my booty to the hospital cause things could start moving FAST.

Suddenly, my worry of going to the hospital only to be sent home, quickly changed to a worry of getting to the hospital and it being too late for an epidural. I then, not so nicely, woke Porter up (from his peaceful 10 HOUR NIGHT SLEEP) and told him to drive us to the hospital! We were in a delivery room by 9am and I had my heaven-sent epidural in by 10. From there I was dialated to a 7 and the nurses told me it wouldn't be much longer....but just as labor goes...after 2 movies and 10 popsicles later; our little Aimsley Mae didn't make her grand entrance until 5:19pm.

I am grateful those 24 hours have come and gone. Being a first-timer, labor and delivery is what scared me the most. And now that our healthy little pooping, squeaking, sleeping, eating bundle of joy is with us, I'd do it all over again. Just give me two to three years :).

1.The entire last month of pregnancy all I wanted was Aimsley to come out. Then I felt my first contraction.
2. When I was contracting the entire night before, I obviously couldn't sleep so in hopes of keeping my mind occupied I did mindless things such as laundry, showering, dishes etc. But, the few times I tried to get some rest I would wake Porter up with my loud breathing and he, in his half-asleep state of not knowing what to do to comfort me thought it would help to mumble-out the "crazy dreams" he was having. Really? Hearing about your dreams? You think that's what I want right now hun? I don't even like hearing about those when I'm not in the worst pain EVER.
3a. Although at times I was in pain, I absolutely loved pretending like we were in a movie...frantically running around the house, making sure we had everything, then speeding to the hospital, honking and screaming: "Outta our way! Lady with a baby!" Then when we arrived, Porter throwing our keys at the Valet and shouting: "We're about to have a baby!" and rushing into the hospital.
3b. Reality hit when after checking in we were kindly asked to sit in the lobby till our room was prepared. Lets just say It made for an awkward moment after 20 minutes when the Valet boy came in and saw us still just waiting around.
4. Your doctor isn't on-call today. Dr. Random will be delivering your baby. Typical.
5. Why do labor terms sound so disgusting? Mucus plug, ripening, bloody show. Seriously?
6. You know you have been in labor too long when the lady in the room next door came in after you and delivers before you. Then, the nurses who have been with you ALL day and you've grown to love have to go help deliver lady-next-door and you have to deliver with random new nurse and random Doctor. Perfect.
7. It's hard to imagine the intimacy of nurse holding one leg, Porter holding the other and you...pushing like there's no tomorrow. Porter thought he would be able to not watch, just stand by my head filming and holding my hand. Boy was he wrong. Front seat, right in the action for you Daddy! (He surprised himself, he loved it. It was adorable)
8. Would you like to tear or have an epeisiotomy? A question I wouldn't mind never hearing again.
9. "Okay, we are going to take you off the monitor, you just push when you think you're having a contraction." Wait, What!? Seriously, remember, I got an epidural specifically so that I wouldn't feel those.
10. "Let's pop this baby out" is a term often used. More like "Let's have you push harder than you've ever pushed in your life, till you think you're gonna pass out, and your brains are going to explode out of your head. Okay good, now just do that for 30 more minutes and op, aww your baby's here!"
11. Was it selfish of me that I felt like screaming: "Dammit Porter, HURRY UP and cut the cord already so I can hold my baby!!!!!" I didn't.
12. Finally being able to hold our crying, messy, swollen, cone-headed, absolutely perfect, beautiful little baby girl. Completely Worth it.

There are no words to describe how miraculous that moment is when you see and hold your baby for the first time. Luckily we are able to be here at this time when film and photos may do a better job.

Proud to be "Those Parents"

2011-09-12T16:51:00.000-07:00

Our Baby Girl has finally arrived! Aimsley made it here on August 24th at 5:19 PM weighing in at 7 lbs 2 ounces and 19 and a half inches long. We are completely in love and can literally not get enough of her. I know I have been extremely out of touch with the real world....I have successfully turned into one of "those moms" I said I would never be that is totally obsessed with their kids and can't quite function in real life. I will get around to showing her off on the world wide web one of these days. For now, let me just enjoy sitting around on my donut, in my PJ's staring at our child who sleeps 23 hours a day.Here's a sneak peak of our little love.

Baby Room Reveal

2011-08-22T13:40:00.000-07:00

I wish I had a better camera to capture the true essence of start to finish. Guess you will all just have to come visit to see it (...and her I suppose) in real life) :) Trying to get baby's room together all while you're SUPER pregnant is quite the task. Thanks to IKEA, Hobby Lobby, my man-slave: Porter and Craigslist we stayed fairly close to budget. (Porter would answer differently)

I really could not have gotten much of anything done without the help of my man-servant and one true love Porter. He has been amazingly patient with me over the past 39 weeks and especially here at crunch-time. He has gloriously had the past 3 weeks off from school where he would come home from work to a new "honey-do" list each night...the list was always endless but he did it all with a smile and for that I am beyond words grateful. Here are just a few of him in action.

Helping me model baby gifts and running ENDless trips to babies R us and Target.

My dumpster-dive rocking chair that I forced him to sand, re-sand, stain, and paint....all while knowing that I may end up being practical and switch it out for a super nice glider we got from Porter's co-worker :) I just couldn't resist though, it's my favorite part of the room. :)

Oh, all the leveling, hanging, assembling, painting, the millions of: "How does this look hun?".....

I love you!!! Now let's get this little lady here so she can boss you around too :) J/k, but seriously.

36 Weeks Pregnant: What Your Mama Doesn't Tell You

2011-08-13T09:58:00.000-07:00

Not sure if both names will be full name or maybe first name Aimsley, middle name Mae...time will tell.

Two more weeks PEOPLE!

1. No matter how many times they tell you...no one can prepare you for the uncomfortable-ness of the 9th month.
2. On the plus side, I officially have a food shelf :)
3. I haven't been able to see my ankle bones in 2 weeks. (glorious swelling)
4. Sleeping. A thing of the past.
5. We babysat our friend's new baby boy for a few hours yesterday. He cried about 80% of the time. Porter was gone when I woke up this morning...reality may be finally sinking in for him.
6. Still waiting for that "nesting" thing to kick in. I have more of the "sit, be tired, and can't move" thing going on.
7. I think I had Porter buy my 7th carton of tums last week.
8. In hopes of going into labor any day now, I have been trying to shower, blow-dry my hair, and pick up the house every day. But the better part of me knows that the one day I look like a greasy, un-makeuped cow and the house is a complete stinky disaster will be the day it actually ends up happening.
9. I think my friend Rachel says it best:
(I think it will make you watch it on the actual you tube website...still worth it :))

"Uhhhhhhh, Get out, Get out, GET OUT, GET OUT!!" She couldn't have said it better.

10. Walking in on your hubby packing "his" hospital bag, totally worth it. :)

80 Miles Strong

2011-08-10T13:17:00.000-07:00

Just in case anyone has been wondering what Porter has been doing while I sit around and gain 30 pounds...my hunky husb has been biking himself into tip top condition. Just this last Saturday he biked the "Copper Triangle"; 3 separate mountain passes that form an 80 mile triangle. Being the good wife that I am, I drove up to catch him at the finish-line....never mind that he flew by so quickly I missed the ACTUAL finish :) Don't worry, I made him re-do it so I could catch him on video :) I will post later.

Although jealous of his capableness that I can't imagine having back someday far away...I was an extremely proud wife screaming like a crazy person at the finish. Good job lover, next time, let's cross a finish line together. xoxo

32 Weeks Pregnant: What Your Mama Doesn't Tell You

2011-07-20T17:45:00.001-07:00

32 Weeks

34 Weeks

1. My feet have grown a half size in length AND width
2. My belly button hasn't popped out...should I be happy or worried.
3. Each maternity shirt I own is acquiring more and more food stains around the mid-section...? Weird
4. I don't trust myself with anything fragile, any full glass/bowl, or remembering anything important. I'm like a child
5. I thought I was being financially smart by putting off getting everything ready for baby, didn't want to get her whole room ready then just sit around and buy stuff...now at 8 months pregnant I'm too tired to get anything done, at my pace everything will be ready by about her 1st Birthday.
6. Sometimes I can't tell if I am being lazy or if I literally just can't get up once I sit down.
7. Instead of me walking Indo, he walks me.
8. Aaaand the laundry begins:

9. My speedo swimsuit is not stretching fast enough with my growing body parts, I'm looking a little riskay in the chest area for the 24 hr fitness pool.
10. Little ninja is finally packing some heat in her kicks, I get startled so easily they always scare me, I gasp loudly, Porter rushes over wondering if everything is okay. I'm always "false alarming" him, by the time the real deal happens he's never going to believe me. :)
11. SLURPEES! Can't get enough of them.
12. Six More Weeks People!
13. Watching Porter happily fold size "new born" pink onsies...makes everything worth it.

Wedding Continued

2011-07-06T11:14:00.000-07:00

The day continued with more Pictures, a beautiful reception and a rockin Dance party...I will hopefully post some of those awesome photos soon. Here is my wonderful Family; my two older sisters, their hubbies, their model children and my "GILF" of a mama :) Why my sister chose to get married while I would be 32 weeks pregnant is beyond me. I got knocked up BEFORE she got engaged....crazy mormons. We had a ball, one nephew got a concussion the morning of, (the youngest blondie) and one fell into the pond during the dance party. Success.

Wedding Weekend

2011-07-06T11:03:00.000-07:00

The Wedding!

Baby Sister got married weekend before last in the Oakland Temple. She married this handsome Gent: Ryan Barlow of Sandy Utah (where all the good ones ore from) She looked beautiful, weather was AMAZING, and the family had a reason to party which is always a good thing.

The ceremony was beautiful, Brad and Scott barely made it from the hospital (because of Wesley's concussion). All the cousins, nieces and nephews waited to greet the newly weds. Then on to the many photos at the Temple. So many photos, that Porter and the kids had to take a little snack break:)

28 Weeks Pregnant; What Your Mama Doesn't Tell You

2011-06-13T17:30:00.000-07:00

1. Tying my shoes has become quite the task. Anything of the sort really; picking up anything from off the ground, getting up from the couch, out of the car, off the toilet.
2. At my last appointment Doc happily said "Looking very good Michelle, looks like you gained 5 pounds last month. Excellent!"
It took all I had in me not to kick him in the crotch...then when he looks up at me sad and confused say, "You know why!" (watch the movie What happens in Vegas)
3. Don't judge me if I don't shave my bikini line all summer. I can't see it.
4. Just realized baby has been having hiccups for the past month. It's all cute and adorable until it's midnight and the darling hiccups don't stop for 45 minutes straight.
5. My mind has not quite caught up with my growing body parts. Therefore I see a space I think I can fit through no problem but my butt (belly, boobs, you name it) gets a rude awaking when I ram straight into the counter, or doorknob, or car door, etc. I have the bruises to prove it.
6. Here is our shower stall...

Small for a regular person. I think I'll be lucky to be able to close the door in 2 months.
7. Had my Glucose test last month. While waiting the full 60 minutes to get my blood drawn I'm pretty sure I puked 95% of my bright orange sugar drink up. Turns out I passed with flying colors. No one tell my Doctor why.
8. My little sister is getting married in a week in a half. I tried on my size 14 dress she bought for the knocked-up bridesmaid. Let's just say they do make maternity clothes for a reason, turns out 7th month pregnant women don;t seem to fit in even plus size dresses.:) Sorry I'm ruining your wedding Nikki xoxoxo
9. No, we do not have a name picked out. No, the babies room is not ready. And Yes...I still have 2 and a half months left. Yikes!
10. Having your Husband drive from garage sale to garage sale wife-less looking for an "eggs-er-saucer"...priceless.

Four Years Strong

2011-06-02T16:11:00.000-07:00

Our Anniversary came and went, filled with work and unpacking our house. I had big plans in mind to go somewhere nice to eat, go to a movie (which we haven't done in months), and loose 10 lbs. Those somehow all failed but we did end up having a great night with a sunset dog-walk, take-out sushi (don't worry, only cooked crab rolls for me), and a red-boxed Country Strong. I even got dressed up for the night but quickly changed back into Porter's shirt and comfy santa PJ's when we came home with food and movie.

I believe on our third anniversary we received our wedding video....no thanks to the video company going under before finishing our pre-paid purchase :) Therefore I know many of you have not seen it. I can only get the first of three downloaded so here is the first part of our day....second song is our luncheon, quite boring but fun for P and I to have. It's so fun to remember that amazing day (minus the weather). I can honestly say it was the happiest day of my life. Although I miss my flat tummy and Porter his full head of hair, these past four years have been so full of love and laughter. I have Porter to thank for that, he is the greatest husband and I thank my Father in Heaven for that everyday. I cannot wait to start our family together and watch him become the greatest dad.

May the Fourth be with You from Michelle Foulger on Vimeo.

24 Weeks Pregnant: What Your Mama Doesn't Tell You

2011-05-23T12:03:00.000-07:00

...No you're not just seeing things. My eyes ARE shrinking into my growing cheeks. Plus my face swells in the morning time...

...my other cheeks look similar to this mamas...

1. Nice day, wanting to get some exercise. Jog 100 yards, have to pee so bad I have to turn around and walk home. Saddest part: I actually consider that exercise. I guess I'll stick to swimming, a little pee never hurt anyone right? :) Just Kidding...mostly.
2. Bought a 400 dollar Dyson. Some call it nesting. I call it; the only way I'm not giving away our 80 pound hair-ball before baby arrives. (And yes, I did spend an entire friday evening vacuuming our 900 square foot apartment...Best. Night. Ever.)
3. Open the fridge, what am i looking for? Call my mom, why am I calling? Show up an hour early for work, show up an hour late. Burn yet ANOTHER tortilla. Im losing my mind.
4. Completely blow up at Porter, he has to leave the house and let me cool for a bit, he returns an hour later, I completely forget why I got so upset, he calmly reminds me it was because he used OUR bathroom instead of the guest bath to make DooDoo. Get mad all over again.
5a. I get mad and cry at Porter for not being interested in feeling our Tiny Ninja kick. Hours later get even more mad when he wants to touch me TOO much. I then laugh because he still has 3 more months of this...he crys.
5b. "Unreasonable". Porter's new word for me....can't figure out why.
6. Steve, the drive-thru guy at Taco Bell knows me all too well.
7. I pee my pants a little every time I sneeze...no thanks to allergy season, laundry's really been piling around here.
8. Our moon-lit lovers walk on the beach in Mexico was rudely interupted by one of us having to pop-a-squat in the sand half way through.
9. Is it wrong that I am much more weirded-out than in awe that I can feel actual baby's body parts from outside my belly?
10. I just learned it's good to eat certain fish while pregnant but to keep it to 12 ounces a week...Does it mean I'm a bad mother if I possibly ate 4 pounds of fish when we were in Mexico for 7 days?
11. Little lady's newest trick: wake up an hour before mom's alarm clock goes off in the morning and practice her karate moves. Oh the joys.
12. Catching your husband smile at any baby girl he sees...all worth it.

20 Weeks Pregnant: What your Mama Doesn't Tell You

2011-04-26T20:15:00.001-07:00

22 Weeks

What I actually feel like

1. Officially only one pair of pants left that I can button up.
2. I'm down to only one puke a day and peeing just 3 times a night. It's all very exciting.
3. I now sleep with 5 pillows minimum.
4. I find myself finding excuses to tell even random strangers that I'm pregnant...just so they don't think I'm fat.
5. "Miss nurse, please don't make me get on that scale."
6. My hips are bruised from only being able to sleep on my sides.
7. Hun, I know it's 72 degrees in our apartment, that's why I'm turning the air conditioning on.
8. Amazed and grateful to have a supportive, patient husband who still unconditionally loves me and is somehow still attracted to the crazy pregnant lady that is me.
9. Breaking down and finally going maternity shopping...it's just as terrible as I imagined.
10. I can't sleep at night because I'm so excited to find out what we are having, rollover to discuss excitement with Porter...he's fast asleep on his stomach. I resent him.
11. Seeing our 3/4 of a pound babe's private parts and realizing it's a girl...totally worth it.

16 Weeks Pregnant. What Your Mama Doesn't Tell You.

2011-04-19T12:18:00.000-07:00

Before lunch.
(This isn't the best shirt I know but these were the only pictures we had. You're gonna think I'm enormous by 20 weeks, trust me)

After Lunch.

What I Really feel like.

1. All of my clothes shrank.
2. After trying to lead a healthy active life for 26 years, this whole sit around eat, and gain a few pounds a month thing is not being handled too well.
3. Yay, NBC Thursday! Crap, I fell asleep again.
4. So. Sick. Of. Food.
5. We haven't gone to a movie theater since December.
6. I haven't pooped in 3 days.
7. Can't do: scrambled eggs, Porter's colonge, cayane pepper or metal jewlery.
Won't Do: Cook healthy meals or 8am ward council every Sunday.
Shouldn't Do: Walk anywhere near Nordstrom Baby department.
8. Bra shopping, haven't done that since the 8th grade.
9. "Yes Porter, I AM wearing your pajama's again. And yes, it IS 2pm. Get used to it.
10. The whole "feeling better by 2nd trimester" thing. Total sham.
11. Goodbye waist. Hello Headaches
12. Asinine acid reflux every night around 10pm followed by puking. If I puke up rainbow colored tums one more time...
13. Distinguishing the difference between gas bubbles and actually feeling our little ninja baby...all worth it.

12 Weeks Pregnant: What your Mama Doesn't Tell You

2011-04-09T18:59:00.000-07:00

**Forward: Before you read my personal pregnant journal know that I am sarcastically serious through out it all. Some excerpts might be a little TMI and this is not to deter anyone from getting pregnant :) More just comic relief for the every days of pregnancy, and for all you mamas who know exactly what I'm going through and can laugh with me. Although the majority of it may sound some what awful, I really have never felt so blessed and overjoyed to go through this amazing process called motherhood.

I don't have an official "12 week" belly picture...but I figure this pretty much sums up the month.

(Porter took this picture laughing the whole time saying: "But hun, you'll wanna remember this!" as I'm screaming: "shut the door, you're disgusting!"....Look at me now, I can't believe I'm actually putting it on my blog)

1. I can officially keep a conversation going smoothly on the phone or in person with Porter while puking
2. Everyone tells you about the barfing part but fails to mention the loss of bladder control WHILE barfing part. It makes for a hilarious-horrible time.
3. Unused dog-poop bags come in handy for car pukes...till you run out.
4. I already feel as if I am not appreciating my 1st pregnancy. I know next time around I will laugh at how easy I had it the first time with no kids.
5. Pepperoni pizza and Cheeseburgers. My go-to snacks. (yes, I said snacks)
6. "No sir, I will NOT be picking up my dogs poop." Thanks for asking though.
7. No matter how many minutes a day I spend over that ONE toilet we have Porter somehow still refuses to clean it. And no matter how many times he beckons me into the candle-lit bedroom I'm still feeling nauseous...I guess it all evens out right?
8. Im pretty sure this baby is the size of a pinto bean...peeing 5 times a night...really baby...is that necessary?
9. Have nothing to wear; start crying. Can't find the car in the Target parking lot; start crying. Cute hubby brings me home a new shirt, awwwww, notice it's a size L; start bawling.
10. Beef. It's what's for dinner.
11. For 5 short minutes we see our gummy bear of a baby move for the first time...totally worth all 12 weeks.

2011-04-08T22:12:00.000-07:00

We are going on 4 years of Marriage which in the LDS world may beg the question...."And no kids???" To that endless question we have been hearing as of late I'll give you all some google image answers:

We have been blessed with 10 nieces and nephews and I have nannied 12 different kids over the past 3 years so we are under no illusion that having children is a magical, blissful time.

Although...you may be wondering "Then why post a complaint about kids you don't even have?" It can only mean...

Yes, yes we are 20 weeks pregnant, And ecstatic.

We know that raising a family will be the hardest thing we will ever do. We know we can kiss sleep and our savings account goodbye. But we also know it will be the greatest most rewarding job of all time. We have thoroughly LOVED our 4 years of child-less marriage and would not change it for the world, but cannot wait for our eternity to be parents. Wish us luck, even though we think we may be prepared, we know we're in for a rude awaking come August 30th.

PS...It's a GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(Stay tuned for my pregnancy diary updates)

Best. Christmas Card. EVER.

2010-12-15T15:30:00.000-08:00

Jolly Holidays! from Tia Bowen on Vimeo.

Thanks for makin' us look so in-love and dang good Tia!

Meet two of my Nephews...

2010-12-05T16:19:00.001-08:00

Yeah, they're pretty cool. Ten and seven...and yes, they DID go to church like that.

San Francisco For the Sistas

2010-12-01T19:04:00.000-08:00

Spent a much needed Ladies weekend in Danville a couple weeks ago. We had the ultimate girls weekend filled with manicures, pedicures, shopping, eating, movies and staying up late laughing. SOME of us even squeezed a 6 mile run into it as well. Spent a day in the city where I have NEVER had better weather, I was preparing for snow-ski attire on 8:00am in November in San Francisco, but it was a blue-bird 70 plus degrees. Crazy.

In my sister Rachel's words; preparing for the weekend mostly went down like this: (keep in mind we are all on a 5-way phone call)

Michelle: Come on ladies it will be fun, lets run a race in San Francisco. It's only a 10K.
Nicole: Yes! I'm in, I just ran 7 miles this morning.
Rachel: Really? Can't we just get together and hang out?
Denise: I'll only do it if someone will walk with me.
Rebecca: Nope - no fun. I have been working my tail off out here in Phoenix - no way am I coming on a trip to wake up early and run.

Michelle and Nikki talked us all into it. Airplane tickets were bought, babysitters arranged, just one small item overlooked - signing us up for the race. According to 3 of us - AWESOME!! We had a great weekend of shopping, eating and movies. Then on race day, the young ones woke us all up and convinced us of taking them to the City so they could "sneak in." As we pull up we hear the starting gun go off and the announcer yell "They're off!" Out of the car hop Michelle and Nicole and run through the starting point 3 minutes behind the pack. Us oldies walked it far behind them. The weather was GREAT - I've never seen a nicer day by the bay. We finished it off with a walk across the Golden Gate Bride. Fun Weekend.

(Thanks for letting me plagiarize your blog Rach, takes me right back to high school. Copy. Paste. Done.)

Newport Beach with the Ladies

2010-12-01T18:54:00.001-08:00

Last month Me mom and two of the three sisters flew to Southern California for cousin Breanna's wedding. Quick trip with beautiful weather, good company and even better dancing!!!

These Days

2010-11-09T13:23:00.000-08:00

Today was Denver's first snow! Although we are so excited for the ski season the fall has been so beautiful here. In reality Porter spends most of his time studying and working and me nannying and watching all my shows, but we try to have SOME fun as well.

We went on a hike to try and find fall colors but we pretty much just found mountains with pine trees.

Here we are being bandits because we may or may not have "accidentally" taken our sweet bandana napkins from the restaurant home with us.

Last weekend we had friends visit for the Halloween weekend. We spent it making yummy meals, carving pumpkins, decorating spooky cookies and having scary movie marathons.

We had a pumpkin carving competition us vs. Cam & Tia vs. Blake & Terese...Here is our spooky final product. (totally took 1st place :))

Here is the Bowens carved pumpkin....if you look closely you can see Edward scissor-hands, right? Ha, Tia could have gotten a little frustrated half-way thru.

We all drove down to Colorado Springs to go to a University if Utah football game. They beat Air Force Academy which was a pretty fun game, got to see a bunch of skydivers and jets even flew over before kick-off. But most importantly we ate at a favorite BBQ place called Rudy's. We grew to love this place when we lived in Austin but haven't had it since. YUMMMMM.

After the game we drove up to Breckenridge and stayed a couple nights in a condo just below the slopes. Sadly we didnt take many pictures :( but it was fun, it was snowing and we hung out in the picturesque mountain-downtown. THe saddest part of the weekend was the burnt apple-pie. POrter was so excited to eat it he thought it would be a good idea to turn the oven on broil to make it cook faster....here is the result. :( We had an amazing halloween weekend, so fun to be with friends in the mountains

Fall O Fall

2010-10-16T14:33:00.000-07:00

Now that we are here in the great state of Colorado, Autumn is upon us. The days are nice but the nights are chilly, time for; sweaters, home-baked goods, fires, spooky decor, and dark nail polish. My favorite time of year. Unfortunately we have been having camera AND Video camera mal-functions so we have not taken nearly as many pictures as we would usually...but here are some highlights. (A "CA to CO moving" video is in the works, stay tuned)

3 speeding tickets later...one in each state we crossed, we made it to beautiful Denver.
The Rockies are green and enormous, we have tried to take advantage of the weather before it starts snowing! (there is actually snow on the mountain tops already)
Porter's first day of grad-school. He looks smarter already. CU's hottest MBA student by a long-shot.

We've been biking...hiking...

Camping...

In honor of 3 birthdays; Porter and Cam's 29th, and Tia's 25th we met the Bowen's for a weekend of camping "half-way" in Santa Fe New Mexico. Not many pictures to reveal but we spent the weekend hiking, eating, camp-fireing, and numerous intense games of hearts. Perfect weather and now we can check Santa Fe off the bucket list of course :)

Denver Temple

Went to a Giants vs Rockies game with friends. Of course we went to the ONE game that the Giants lost....but still a fun game. Great stadium with an amazing view of the Rocky Mountains.

It's ben a good fall so far, can't wait for Halloween. The Holiday season is coming on fast!

Our 2010 Summer in a nutshell

2010-09-02T10:54:00.000-07:00

Now that Summer has come and gone... here's what we were up to:
(Forgive me for the insanely long "catch-up" post. Feel free to break it up into several days of viewing)

This is our summer in Reverse. :)
Spent good old pioneer day in SLC. Campfire with yummy tin-foil dinners. Then maybe some not-so-exciting sparkler-fest...but is sure looked like we were having the time of our lives right?

Went to a cousin's wedding at Draper Temple, Kelsey looked beautiful and we danced the night away at the reception.

Porter's Mom and brother came out to visit to soak up the FREEEEZING Bay Area weather. Despite the cold we were so excited to have them, and we were Jam Packed busy for 3 days. We spent a day in San Francisco. Ghirardelli, Fishermans warf for some delicious seafood, De Young Museum, more seafood, shopping, trolleys...the works.

We also spent a morning in Muir Woods...so beautiful.

And we spent a whole day in Santa Cruz/Capitola enjoying a little warmer weather, board-walk, mystery spot, enough taffy to make you puke, and ended the day delicious Pizza My Heart picnic on the beach.

So fun to have family come visit. We love you guys!

Over the summer we spent a ton of time by Grandma's pool with the littles. Here's big man WES in is sweet "swim-safe" contraption designed by his mama. Needless to say he looked amazing.

Had the Taylor Family Reunion in Southern California. It was a great success. Spent most of the time in Disneyland but also had a beach day full of body surfing and picking sand out of every inch of your body for the next 3 days. Another day of touring disney studios where we got to walk on to sets and view new movies being made.
Here's a picture of most of the gang..I believe there was about 65 of us in total.

Carter's favorite ride...so cute.

Porter is screamin' over California..Get it?

So precious

Thanks to our Disney Uncle who organized the whole reunion we had VIP service the entire week. And I mean serious VIP status. We stayed at the Grand Californian Hotel inside the park, got to the front of lines, private/reserved seating for all the shows, meet the cast, and as shown in this picture below we were let into the park earlier than the early admission guests. Nikki and I are pointing to all the pissed off guests behind the rope :) Thanks Brig, it was an amazing trip.

Who's the Favorite Aunt??

Here's Aunt Nikki Trying to sneak through the parade past the Disneyland Worker...It didn't go too well. The Hardcore worker actually shoved the rope in her face multiple times (almost on the verge of violently) while she was trying to dodge it.

Spooky Haunted House

Micky's quite the ladies man

The babies on "lock-down" in their strollers

Carter before Space Mountain

Carter after Space Mountain

To celebrate our 2nd & 3rd year of blissful Marriage us and our BFF's the Bowens went on a Mexican Riviera Cruise. We lived it up Mexi style visiting; Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta.

Eight crazy days of: fun, sun, food, and soft serve.

So Here is to two successful Marriages. Don't be confused with the spouse swapping, everyone needs a change of scenery at times right?

Port and I put a serious Slip n' Slide together for the kiddies.

Lake Tahoe College Roommate Reunion Trip. Fun.

And don't forget Summer Concerts!

All and All we had a fantastic summer of family and friends. Now it's back to school and work. Wish us luck!

From Danville to Dublin to Denver

2010-08-31T11:49:00.000-07:00

Porter and I are officially in Denver. School started last week for Port and the first thing he said when he got home Monday night was "So...I'm not at USU any more." Welcome to Graduate school my love. Besides all of the studying over all Denver has treated us well.

After a long drive from California we arrived at our "new" apartment a little...shocked. Let's just say that we will NEVER be choosing a place to live over the Internet with out seeing it in real life AGAIN. EVER. So, after one scary night on an air mattress and apartment hunting the entire next day we have moved into a place I wont have to carry my pepper spray in my bra at all times. :) We do not have internet yet but as soon as we do I will be posting pictures.

For now I am job hunting and getting to know the city, Porter is working and studying, and Indo is loving the most dog-populated city in the country...he has definitely made the most friends. We miss our friends and family but are happy to be only a couple states away.

xoxoxo

San Francisco is for Lovers

2010-05-17T16:46:00.000-07:00

The begining of this month Porter and I celebrated our 3rd anniversary. We have officially been married as long as we dated. We stayed in San Francisco for the night, the weather was beautiful, we biked the city and ate wonderful food.

I sure love this boy, we have seriously enjoyed these past few years. There has been some downs but over-all it has been filled with ups :) With each year I have felt we have grown to understand, love and appreciate one another more and more. So here is to you year THREE:

Untitled from Michelle Foulger on Vimeo.

Destination Denver.

2010-05-03T17:41:00.000-07:00

It's been decided, University of Colorado here we come. MBA for Porter, big fat question mark for me. We are extremely sad to be leaving family but are excited for our next adventure together. Please come visit :)

Happy Birthday Dad

2010-04-09T11:30:00.000-07:00

A true mountain man, I'm thankful for him teaching me to love the outdoors.

Happy Birthday Mama

2010-03-29T19:08:00.000-07:00

My beautiful Mommy had a birthday yesterday. So here's to the greatest mom who has raised 4 wonderful girls. Thanks to her we all turned out fantastically.

Mama D from Michelle Foulger on Vimeo.

Brian Bennion Taylor

2010-02-02T17:01:00.000-08:00

Brian Bennion Taylor, a devoted oldest brother of nine, a loving son and a treasured friend, passed away at age 19 on January 22nd after battling with severe illness.

Brian was born in San Diego to George and Marian Taylor on February 21st, 1990. After two years in San Diego and Pocatello, Idaho, Palo Alto was his home for 16 years. An avid reader as a child, he began to read, at age five. He would wait for the newspaper each morning to study sports statistics and he conversed with adult fans on the standings. He attended Hoover Elementary and was recognized as a gifted student there.

Adventurous, athletic, bright and ambitious, Brian was happy as he served others and as he spent time with extended family and friends. He loved the outdoors and his warm smile and loyalty were a magnet to friends of all ages throughout his life. He was fun-loving, curious and determined. His love for athletics and music were contagious. He aspired to a career that would use his skills in communication and teaching.

A Gunn High School graduate in 2008, Brian loved varsity wrestling and tennis. He was an Eagle Scout and he received a gold presidential service award for giving over 250 hours of service within a year's time. He was the service chair for the Gunn student body and he was a homecoming prince in his senior year. He also served in many youth leadership positions at church.

Brian held diverse jobs as an umpire, a counselor for Foothills Tennis and Swim Club, a lifeguard, a camp leader for 25 children, an award-winning Cutco salesman, a law assistant, and a ranch hand in Idaho.

The first unrecognized symptoms of Brian's illness were repetitive, looping thoughts during his sophomore year in high school. School became increasingly difficult, and some relationships were more strained as he had initial symptoms of a mood disorder. He was still involved in so much and contributed to so many causes and attained great success in his endeavors. He began his freshman year at Brigham Young University in the fall of 2008. However, his illness was escalating and he returned home after several months.

Granite Bay, California, was Brian's home for most of his last year, where he lived on a beautiful 240 acre cattle ranch, surrounded by his devoted family. With characteristic determination, he struggled to work at a sandwich shop and then attempted wrestling and taking classes at Sierra College. He sought help from caring professionals at UC Davis. Finally, Brian spent most of his last two months at the UCLA and Stanford Medical Centers where he received excellent care. He was faced with diagnoses of bipolar disorder and then schizophrenia. His acute illness affected every aspect of his life.

He is survived by his parents and eight devoted siblings: Bradley, Tessa, Gregory, Kallan, Mark, Melissa, Sarah and Benjamin. He is also survived by two great-grandmothers, Marian Wilson and Ethelyn Taylor; four grandparents, Henry and Colette Taylor and David and Connie Bennion; 25 aunts and uncles, and 41 first cousins. Brian's favorite times were summer family reunions each year. The number of extended family who will cherish close memories of him far surpasses these numbers. We rely on our faith, which assures that Brian is with loved ones and a caring God while we wait to see our treasured son again in the next life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Brian Bennion Taylor Legacy Fund, see instructions on his website BrianBennionTaylor.com. The contributions will fund research on schizophrenia as well as provide mental health support for those in need.

Bri-Guy,
Thanks for the amazing memories and all the times you made me smile. I hope you're busy preaching the good word up there and just busy being a rock-star. I will love and miss you until the day I see you again. -Michelle

2009-12-09T19:13:00.000-08:00

Count my MANY blessings:

A loving husband, who officially after 2 and a half years of marriage doesn't have to be asked(nagged) to make the bed, unload the dishwasher or find something to eat by himself when I'm not home.

Living so close to a wonderful mother and sister...who may or may not need the occasional babysitter, furniture mover, laundry do-er, holiday box-mover...etc. (wouldn't change it for the world you two :))

Amazing, loving friends who...for the most part live hundreds of miles away yet I still feel closer than ever to.

Coming home to the craziest, hairiest, happiest dog in the world.

My mom's house at Christmas.
My mother-in-law's home cooking.

My loving, adorable, crazy nieces and nephews.
My testimony of the true meaning of this Holiday season which tends to keep me somewhat grounded when I want to buy EVERYTHING for everyone.

Spent Thanksgiving weekend with the Fam, beautiful weather, lots of Turkey, dirt biking, sardine playing, and gun shooting.

See for yourself:

Don't know how to make it bigger for y'all to see better....anyone know...? Tia?

Halloween 2009

2009-12-04T20:21:00.001-08:00

80's Halloween, murder mystery dinner Party...+ 12 pack Rockstars+ spooky cabin in the woods + dance parties +6 best friends ='s One SWEET Halloween.

Our dedicated friends drove out from SLC to spend Halloween with us in Tahoe. We had quite the marathon weekend of hiking, eating, dancing, bon fire-ing, and scary movie watching.

Classic Porter. As we all sat around the campfire talking, we realized we were missing someone. There's Port, standing like a freaky freak off in the trees.

What's a holiday with out Mormon drinking games???

Take 'er down Tia.

These pictures don't quite capture the weekend, but it was WILD. Thanks so much for coming out and being such amazing friends Bowen's, Cope and Terese. See y'all and a few weeks! xoxoxoxo

AGGIE PRIDE

2009-12-04T18:33:00.000-08:00

Not quite sure who I should be more proud of; USU kicking BYU's butt in basketball...or my scandalous little sister, and cousin cheering them on???

You be the Judge:

http://connect2utah.com/content/video/?cid=65362

Yosemite 2009

2009-10-14T18:18:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we took a few days off and went camping in beautiful YOSEMITE national park. The original plan was to meet a bunch of our Utah friends there; camp, hike, play, what not. But...as plans tend to happen no one actually made it out except for Porter, Indo, and myself of course. Luckily Porter and I like each other enough that we really had a blast. The weather was surprisingly warm, crowds were light, rivers not too freezing to swim in and soooo beautiful.

Yes, above really is an actual brown BEAR. There we were just busy riding our bikes enjoying the gorgeous scenery...when Porter abruptly stops and whispers "Was that a bear?!" (As if the bear might hear him and attack) But I definitely didn't believe him, I was actually laughing when I got off my bike to look at...what actually was a momma grizzly bear just munching apples up in a not-so-stable apple tree. And yes, bears do run rampant in Yosemite so I guess it wasn't so wild we saw one, but so up close and personal was pretty cool. And it was cool until oblivious Indo, after about 10 minutes of watching finally realizes what we're looking at and starts barking at her. For the first time the bear stops eating and stares Indo down...we then hopped on our bikes and booked it as fast as we could outta there.

Half Dome. 18 miles, 10 hours, and 2 giant blisters later...WE DID IT!

Couldn't walk the next two days, totally worth it.

Thanks Yosemite, see you next year.

So Porter got a Video camera for his birthday...okay so I gave it to him but it's really for me. I know all you wives know what I'm talking about. So above here is the first attempt of putting US into a music video. We're pretty much in fast forward the whole time in order to fit the entire trip in, kinda makes ya sick I think :) I've got a lot of learning to do but it's much more entertaining than pictures.

"Weddings. I LOVE weddings. Drinks all 'round."

2009-10-14T14:47:00.000-07:00

We went back out to UTAH the very end of August to Celebrate Britts REAL wedding in SLC. The Lovely Couples.

The week was amazing cause we were able to spend time with friends that we never get to see. Here we are at the luncheon in the Joseph Smith building with some of the ladies.

Porter performed a heartfelt little diddy for the happy couple. (J/K) Looks pretty believable though right?

Pretty Chelsea, one of my oldest USU friends that I never see cause she and husband live all the way in Virginia! So fun to spend time with her.

The GREEN bridesmaids, in all their glory.

Here is my bestest friend Eliza, her and hubby are living in Texas. It's a good thing people get married just so we all get to see each other! She is so beautiful, especially 7 months pregnant! Yay, it's a girl and she will be so gorgeous like her mama. We were able to have a little baby shower while she was out, so fun. Love and miss you Lize.

Here are our sexy photographers.

There's the beautiful bride, she looked amazing and the wedding was a blast.

Yes. She did have THAT many bridesmaids.

And Yes. We were the favorites.

Jet-skiing at Jordanelle.

Look at that HOT mama.

We were also able to do some camping! Just one night, but a lot of fun, thanks Tia for organizing it.

Sleeping arrangements; us three in a two man tent.

Carson in the car.

Happy birthday Cam and Tia, Porter really loves you in this picture.

And in this one, I thought we were supposed to be looking fierce...apparently some people didn't quite understand...

Yay for Utah

AUGUST, Continued.

2009-10-07T14:40:00.000-07:00

Porter & I went to the KEITH URBAN concert. I Loved every second of it, and surprisingly so did Porter. I just love Keith, his music, his sexy Aussie accent, and he puts on quite the performance. Here we are showing our love.

I tried to sneak into his tour bus, hide, and wait for him until after the show....stupid security guards.

The concert was up in Sacramento in the ARCO arena, also the home of the Sacramento KINGS. This picture below is a little shout out for my girl B-Davis. "How 'bout them Kings?"

Here I am, helping Keith out with a new single he's working on entitled: I wish I would have met Michelle before I married Nicole. Needless to say, it's pretty touching.

Can you tell we're totally sweating from all the rocking out, here we are when Keith played our song; Making Memories of Us. (It was our first song we danced to as a Mr. & Mrs.)

After the concert we headed up to Beautiful Lake Tahoe. Spent a nice romantic weekend, hanging out at the beach, swimming, sleeping, biking, hiking.

As usual, Indo had the best time.

Next stop was Auburn CA, for Britt & Jacob's pre-wedding reception. It was fun to see them as always and get down with the entire DAVIS clan. In true Davis fashion, the real party didn't get started until after all the guests left. :)

Sweatin it up, again.

Rest of JULY thru AUGUST

2009-10-05T15:45:00.000-07:00

I forgot to tell everyone that We got a new nephew...Welcome Wes Edgren! He is way huge now, I think he is about 5 and a half months actually but he is a beautiful baby and now my sister Rachel has FOUR kids! :) Good luck with that.

But the rest of July was mostly spent with Family, like I said earlier, my sister Rebecca and kids were in town just about ALL summer which was a BLAST.

Here we are at greenbrook pool. All the sistas.

And here we are swimming again at Grandmas.

In July we also went to this place. THE RANCH, north of us a couple hours. Don't ask me how My sister and husband get to use it sometimes cause I don't understand it but it is beautiful. A giant mansion with six master bedrooms, a private lake, hundreds of acres, and plenty of toys.

Kate and Porter gearin up to get down to the lake.

All of us look ready to RIDE

And I pray my little girl will someday look like this adorable rolly chick. AKA: Kit Kat

Back at home Carter & Sammie Lou rocked the swimming pool after some lessons given by Grandma Ski.

Yay for Summa Time

JULY

2009-10-05T12:12:00.000-07:00

The month of July was filled with road trip to Utah, Independence Day, food, family, and friends.

One of our best friends Tosha got married in Logan on the 1st of July, I was lucky enough to be a bridesmaid and party the whole day, cause as all of you know other people's weddings are the best, you just smile for pictures eat, dance and love it up.

Porter and I were married in the Logan Utah temple as well, with that said, I absolutely love going to weddings there. Brings me back and makes me happy. And here we are now, two & a half beautiful years later thinking....holy crap, it's only been 2 & a half years!? feels more like 20. :)

Lovely Ladies Hunky Hubbies

Congrats Tosha & Cade, love you.

We spent the rest of the week with the in-laws. Here we are golfing it up. And in case you're wondering, I am really terrible at golf.

This picture is a shout out to my mother-in-law Deb, who gave us our bed. And I truly do LOVE it.

The FOURTH of JULY was spent playing some slip n' slide baseball.

Followed by, more slip n' slide.

Picnic with the fam.

Touch football at thanksgiving point.

And topped the evening off with some romantic fireworks of course.

APRIL thru JUNE

2009-10-02T20:24:00.000-07:00

So, Moving right along into spring-ish time. I am realizing now why I haven't posted in so long and that is because we are kind of BORING. We are both working, don't have cute kids to give you pictures of, don't have much mulah to go cool places, and at this point still living with my mom. ;) Any how, I will still touch on what our spring time consisted of.

We were lucky enough to have some awesome friends come out and visit us from Utah, Mark and Cam. They rule, we went to the city, saw movies and partied.

There we are riding the famous trolleys in SF above

We mostly just hung out with family and adorable nieces and nephews. My sister Rebecca from phoenix came out for about....oh, ALL summer long. Brought her two darlings and we lived it up, Grandma's house style.
We went to plenty of GIANT's games. They may not have had the best season this year, but they sure have the best stadium of all time.

Spent some time at the beach...a little too cold for swimsuits in May though.

Went to the county fair...those of you who know me know I love love love fair rides, especially the make you barf ones. I love the thrill that they may break down at any point, and especially the quality fair ride workers, quality people. So we bought out all ride wrist bands and against my wonderful hubby's wishes; rode just about every ride there. Sadly by the end of the night O was feeling a little woozy. First time I got sick from spinney rides....:( Does this mean I'm getting old?

We had the pleasure of team teaching ten four-year-olds in primary for about 8 months... Thanks for the free birth control Danville 2nd ward.

On a more serious note, they may not have listened for crap, but they were dang cute. We actually got pretty attached.

Due to being DINK's (dual income, no kids) we've had endless amounts of date nights,

here we are in the City.

Yay for adorable Sammie Lou

More baseball

More nephews/nieces

Come June, we decided it was time to cut the cord and move into our own place. Only about 15 minutes south of Danville to a lovely windy place called Dublin.

Had to drive this sucker all the way from Sandy UT. Did you all know they just let any one with a licence drive one of these things??? And they're not easy, I advise you to never get close to one of these things while in motion. Ever.

And welcome to our humble one bed one bath 3rd floor pent house apartment. I need to post some pictures of it actually done and decorated. Much cuter.

Thanks to mama D my Kitchen was organized and whole place painted in just a few days.

And thanks to other mama D we sleep on the most comfortable king size bed ever made.

More Visitors, yay! Our BFF's Cam and Tia Bowen came out to visit the end of June. We mostly just played at the beach, ate good food, watched movies and loved it all up cause we live so far away now. :(

Two hunkilicious boys showering together anyone?

We went to the Santa Cruz Beach boardwalk

Apparently the rides were pretty exciting.

Thanks for coming and staying with us Bowens, we love and miss your butts. Come back.

Party on.

MARCH

2009-09-26T18:26:00.000-07:00

Annual Lake Tahoe ride Trip 2009

For about six years now friends have been making the trek out from Utah to south lake Tahoe once a year, sometimes more to have a rockin' good time. Filled with good skiing, great friends, food, dance parties and some serious lovin'. This year was no different, it was so great to have everyone out, we had some serious spring skiing this year. porter's two younger brother's came to keep us entertained and make us feel old out on the slopes.

Fierce-some Four-some. Tahoe Style.

Thanks for coming everybody! And hope everyone is gearin' up for 2010.

I don't even remember how to blog

2009-09-26T16:19:00.000-07:00

So it's been extremely long since we have blogged last, not that we have too many followers or anything but sorry, and I'll try to work harder at it. But thank you to all you avid bloggers cause I love, love, love to be able to see what everyone is up to.

I'll try to hit our 2009 highlights month-to-month for ya.

FEBRUARY

We went on a cruise to the Caribbean. It was amazing, beautiful, perfect weather, and as always; way too much food. We took one million pictures, sorry i didn't narrow them down too much, and they are basically all the same...just porter and I, again, and again, and again. Scroll quickly if you're not into that, but if you are into two attractive people on beautiful beaches in swimsuits...stay tuned.

our ship was the best part:it was brand new, big pools, hot tubs, water park, rock climbing, golf, surf simulator (porter's favorite) , endless entertainment, sweet gym, a clean room sheets and towels 10 days in a row, not many obnoxious kids running around, plenty of dance parties and eat your heart out buffets/restaurants.

Poolside

Theater room, performance every night

Relaxing at the beach, cute masculine porter :)

First night on the ship was dang windy!

Surfing it up. We spent a lot of time here at the flowrider, Porter got pretty good.

Here we are in San Juan

The next day we were in St Thomas. This was are favorite day, we woke up extra early (my mistake) Your room in the ship are so dark you never know what time it is.:) But we went to beautiful Meagan's bay. Cause we were there so early we were just about the only people there. It was amazing.

Here we are at our own private beach. Beautiful.

After the beach we boated to the island of st. John, went on a hike and ended up at honeymoon beach and snorkeled.

The next stop was st. Maarten. Fun shops and beautiful island. We mostly just hung out at the beach.

Endless amount of diet coke. Thought of you mom, every time I ordered one.

Clubbin it up.

our last stop was an island off of Haiti, very hot yet beautiful. Royal Caribbean owned the island and hired a boatload of Haitians each day to come work on it, it was pretty cool to talk to some of them.

Here I am at the end of the ten days feeling 10 pounds heavier.

Oh yes, and we were there on Valentine's, quite romantic.

So full.

Here are our Cruise BFF's Liz and Josh from Holladay UT. We spent lots of time with them, fun to have met them and partied Mormon style.

Memorial

2009-04-10T13:40:00.001-07:00

Porter's dad's funeral/memorial was about a week after he passed in January. We were able to drive out to Alton, Ut to attend it.

Alton is quite the town, for those of you who have never heard of it; (hopefully everyone) Alton is about an hour and a half north east of St. George. It's population is 132 and I believe 130 of them are active LDS. Although it blows my mind how incredibly small it is...it sure is beautiful, and the residents have giant hearts, who all truly loved David.

The Foulger side of the family owned a big piece of land in Alton, and David has always loved the town, the great people and even the tiny-ness of it all believe it or not. He has lived in Alton off and on thrughout his life. A few years ago he started his life long dream of building his own home in his favorite place. besides a few finishing touches he was able to complete his home before he became too sick. Th finished product is pretty amazing, he did a wonderful job. The home is customized, effeciant, and beautiful. We were all so grateful he was able to accomplish his house before his passing, and hopefully many will be able to enjoy it knowing the builder was such a wonderful man.

Porter spoke at the service, he was a little nervous but of course did an amazing job re-calling some of the greatest moments he spent with his father; on the hill, skiing.

Our bestest friends were also able to make the long trek down frim SLC; Cam, Mark, Britt, and the Bowens. We are so thankful for them, their support, love and friendship. We love you guys and were so grateful you were able to make it, meant a lot.

And Deb sure was a proud mama getting to have all four of her kids at the same place, at the same time. Steph and David (porter's older sister and hubby) flew out from St Louis...yay! (oh Jordan, some things never change)

Oh Cam, although you are a little red-headed height-challenged boy we still love you to death and know you are quite the CATCH!...Ladies??

(above) Classic.

And of course we couldn't leave with out showing off Alton's STOP signs. These are for real, they only have about 4 STOP signs in town but you sure do notice them!?

Porter with a couple of his step siblings; Hanna and Hank. He has four so we're missing Jared and Carmella but these two are closest Porter in age and it was great to spend time with them and re-call old high school memories of living in Alton with their dad.

(quite the stories! yikes!)

Superbowl!

2009-04-09T12:44:00.000-07:00

Superbowl Sunday was spent in Sandy this year, we hung out with family and friends and ate lots and lots of football snacks! The boys even "rented" TV from Walmart...Deb was not too happy about that but it sure was nice to watch the game on!

Cousins came over, they're getting so big!

steelers' cheerleading section

Brandi was even able to stop by! She's one of my oldest college friends, she was actually the first cool girl I met the day I moved into the dorms which I was so grateful for. Since then, she has moved many many times, served a mission in Japan and is now living back in Utah. I love that girl and was so happy to catch up with her. And you all know Tia of course, but did you know she does hair?! Just one of her many talents really. Thanks T.

And of course we didn't miss Jordan's birthday, 17! wowza

Welcome 2009

2009-04-09T11:42:00.000-07:00

After Christmas we continued the annual tradition of Tahoe, skiing, birthday, new years fun!

The little Ed kids were quite the skiin fools

We all had high hopes for Carter and his first time skiing...ended up into a little disaster and of course him and Sammie ruining each other.

The Foulger's put on quite the new years' fire work show. I think we set them off at about 7:30 PM and we were all asleep by 10. Rockin New Years for us!

The famous sledding hill!

My darling mother-in-law surprised me with an early birthday party in utah with a home-made carrot cake! yummmmm, my favorite. Thanks cute Deb, you're the best.

And I celebrated my real birthday in Tahoe! 24, Yikes.

And ended the trip with some more skiing, look at those rockstar grandparents!

Not so White Christmas '08

2009-04-03T11:43:00.001-07:00

This year we spent Christmas with my family in California. It was filled with lots of family, food, and good memory making moments.

We did the traditional San Francisco trip to see the lights and just enjoy the Holiday atmosphere.

Here's the happy couple in about 10 years or so. (I'm thinking we can just time-share my sister's kids till we retire, then we'll pass them back off of course.)

Sisterly love. (bec, it's possible that the blonds are taking over!)

Whos kid's are these?? (above)

Also in December we went out to phoenix to bless the newest addition of our family; Kate Colette Damron. She's 5 months now and beautiful.
While there we got to ride the polar express and meet SANTA! Porter was extra excited.

And who knew the north pole had a pool?

This shot is one of my all-time favorites. Baby Got Back.?
Baby Kate's blessing. Classic Carter shot.
Gotta love Christmas Morning shots

Santa brought us season passes! Isn't he the best?! Pretty sure that's another reason why we'll hold out on kids for another 10 to 12 years.

Wowza, all and all we had a fantastic Christmas, thanks to all, already can't wait till 2009!

Fast Forward Updates

2009-04-02T14:33:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving 2008.
This past year the holidays were an extra special time for Porter and I. We were able to drive out to Utah on 4 separate occasions to spend time with Porter's dad; David Foulger.
As most may know David was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer (melanoma) just last October and passed away January 21st of this year. Although I have only known him just over 5 years I could not have asked for a better father-in-law. We continue to love him and cherish what we have learned from him. He is truly missed by all who had the opportunity of knowing him. David was not only an amazing father-in-law but an all-round great person. He loved life, he always found a way to see the positive in all things, even right up to the end of his time here on earth. He raised two wonderful children (one of them I am particularly grateful for:)), and was the greatest grandfather of all-time. His life had its ups and downs but he smiled through it all. We are grateful for his example, for his testimony and for all that he has taught us.

Here we are at Grama Foulger's in SLC for Thanksgiving. She may be the cutest little old lady I know.

The next shots are when we came back to Utah right before Christmas. We stayed at Porter's dad's home in Alton (So. Utah), along with Porter's sister Stephanie, her husband David and their adorable four kids. It was a lot of fun spending time with them cause they live in St Louis and we never get to see them! :(

I'm pretty sure Uncle Porter had the most fun, wrestleing, karate, and playing in the snow.

And of course it was so great spending time with David.

Here's all the cuties; Emma, Ethan, Brianna, and Little David.

Pretty sure we were able to get the WHOLE town of Alton in this shot. Seriously.

Just Another day at the Office

2008-11-07T14:48:00.001-08:00

Here's a shot of porter and his boss John hard at work. These and a bunch of other boys including my dad and brother-in-law brad took the week off to dirt bike in lake tahoe. FUN!

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T12:09:00.001-07:00

Porter and I may not have costumes yet but Indo may be the best looking hot-dog ever!

We carved pumpkins at the Edgrens. Me and Sammie did the skelleton and porter carved Jack the pumpkin king!

Happy Birthday Mama Bec

2008-10-26T18:48:00.000-07:00

Happy 28th bec! Wish we could be there to celebrate with you and your cute family. Thanks for being the "brown" aka responsible Taylor sister, we'd be lost with out you. Miss you so much and can't wait to see you sooner rather than later...hopefully! We love ya.

Happiest Place on Earth!

2008-10-21T17:00:00.001-07:00

DISNEYLAND! The Taylor family might actually be obsessed with Disneyland and porter has most definitely caught the fever, he was more excited than I was by far this year. The Halloween decorations were all up and running which made it even more exciting.
Pirates of the Caribbean...Lou was not too sure about it.
Tower of TERROR!!
Gram and Gramps, really feelin the new ride in the California park
Sammie Lou's got on her crazy face
I don't know the reason for the face...Haunted house maybe???
Princess Sammie, meeting a real live Princess. She was in total awe, it was adorable.

I hate Goodbyes

2008-10-21T16:38:00.000-07:00

So I had to say goodbye to my little summer cuties. These are a few pictures of the two kids that I nannied for up in Park City, I really grew to love them. We had a lot of fun, and I am so grateful for the experience. Aren't they the cutest!?

Fast Forward

2008-10-21T16:04:00.000-07:00

We have not blogged in quite sometime...so here it goes.

We spent a lot of time with family. Went to some SLC Bees games and fire works on the 24th of July We spent time with Friends

And we did a whole lot of Hiking, biking and camping. We knew we would soon be missing the mountains in our back yard

It was sad to leave Porter's grandma's house and it is still sad to not have deb's home cooked meals every sunday!!! We love and miss our family and friends out here in California, but that just means that everyone needs to come visit. xoxo

Happy Brithday Mama Rach

2008-08-02T13:12:00.000-07:00

Happy 31st Sister! We love and miss you and your cute family, Hope your day was great, wish we could be there. xoxo

California Love

2008-07-27T11:21:00.000-07:00

We have had a pretty good summer here in the SLC, but last month we spent 2 weekends in a row in California and I have not gotten around to posting them. We had a great time, vacations are the best~! We hit the beach in Pajaro for a Taylor Family reunion

We went to a Giants Baseball game, here's spoiled Carter with his new SF Giants glove and ball AND hat

After the baseball game we were off to Lake tahoe for the 4th of July Here we all are on the boat getting ready to watch the fireworks on the lake, beautiful.The next weekend we went to Danville for Coleman's baptism, we mostly just hung out by the pool and relaxed.Is there anything cuter than a 2-year-old in a bikini???

Congrats on your baptism Cole, we love ya!

The Whole 13.1 Miles

2008-07-26T15:14:00.000-07:00

So, we are sure that you're all dying to know how our big half marathon race went...now looking back on it it was awesome and we are so happy we ran it. During the race, I don't know if we felt the same...especially me cause I got some pretty horrible stomach cramps at about mile 8.5.

The past 10 weeks we have been "training" for the big race which took place in Bryce canyon. Training was going well up until about 2 weeks before the race, that's when we lost our steam and went to California 2 weekends in a row. Anyways, all and all we did well, we both finished in just over 2 hours, the weather was perfect and the scenery was beautiful.
Here we are lookin ready to run at about 5:45amAnd we're off, all 1300 of us. If you look closely you can see Porter in the middle of the pack waiving.Thanks to my cute father-in-law we got some pictures through out the race, he also drove us to the starting point, which meant waking up at 4 AM! and waited for us at the finish lineThis is about Mile 4 Mile 6ish
And of course Indo was our biggest fan, cheerin us along all the way!
...Who knows what mile...

Yeah, we made it!!! Alright TEAM FOULGER!

The Race is ON

2008-07-18T16:47:00.000-07:00

Everybody wish us luck, we are headed south to run a 1/2 marathon...tomorrow!!! Yikes! We will be sure to let you know how it goes!

Porter Gets Lasik

2008-07-01T21:50:00.000-07:00

After a much needed 26 years of dealing with contacts, glasses, and bad vision Porter got Lasik eye surgery. Porter's long time friend Jared works for a doctor who performs Lasik so we had it done thru them. As of now he is still in recovery but things are looking good...literally!

Say bye to those glasses hun

Here is the screen I was able to watch to see what was going on

And after about 12 minutes...he was done!

I'm a nanny again!

2008-06-06T19:55:00.001-07:00

So, I'm sure you'll all be seeing much much more of these little cuties but meet Whitney and Griffin Williams. I'm nannying them over the summer. They are two adorable, fun kids. Whitney's 4 and Griff just turned 2, they live in a beautiful home in Park City, and I'm extremely excited to spend the summer with them. And I'll be sure to let you all know if this experience ends up giving me baby fever or if it will be amazing birth control! I'm banking on the latter. :)

Oh To Be a Dog

2008-06-06T19:30:00.000-07:00

On a warm day last week we called for our darling dog Indo,... after looking high and low we found him here...in a nice, cool, refreshing mud pit. Wouldn't you love to know what pets were thinking at times like these. We're pretty sure he was laughing at us, especially when him and his neighbor friend; Scotch ran through the house immediately after their mud bath.

Oh, mama, Indo can hardly wait to come live at your house in a couple months!!!!

Happy Birthday Mama Tucker!

2008-05-20T15:48:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Debbie! We love you and are excited to celebrate your day with you! You're the greatest , thanks for your constant love and support.

Love your favorite son and daughter-in-law; Porter and Michelle

A Night with Kalai

2008-05-18T23:31:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know who Kalai is, you're missing out, download some of his jams. He calls his music "urban-vintage" and he's pretty amazing. He's an LDS artist and I'm sure all you Utahns' have heard his stuff one way or another. He is originally from Alaska but he and his family are currently living in the Salt Lake area. Our friends Quinn and Lindsay have some connections and he offered to play in their backyard! Port and I have been to a couple of his concerts up at Utah State but it was pretty cool to hear him in such an intimate setting. He is a great guy, and an extremely talented musician. If you're listening to our playlist right now; this is him, and if you click the first you tube icon you'll hear him perfom one of our favorite songs on the Jimmy Kimmel Show. It was fun cause he was part part comedian, part musician...who knew?

We also got to hang out with Mark, shaylie, Britt and Jacob which is always a good time

Rock on Kalai

Porter's Last First Day of School

2008-05-18T22:50:00.001-07:00

Porter started school at the University of Utah last week. He's got three more classes to go then he's done! Who knows if he is actually done with school I guess, but with his under-grad at least. Either way, he sure looks good for his possible last first day.

The Real "Loud Family"

2008-05-18T22:30:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day: Sunday Dinner at the Tuckers

My family has nic-named my oldest sister Rachel and her three kids "the loud family", of course there are louder families than theirs out there but I'm not quite sure if any of them can top my Aunt-in-laws three girls Olivia, Emily, and Sarah. These girls are the cutest yet loudest things you'll ever meet, and of course, they can't leave Porter alone, what kind of girl could really? :)

I told sarah to smile and she gave me this pose, dead serious.

But we had a wonderful mother's day, great food and great family. Thanks Tuckers!!!

Ode To Our Mothers

2008-05-12T22:02:00.000-07:00

Happy Mom's day to the two greatest mom's anybody could ask for. We love you Denise and Debbie so much. Thank you for your constant love and support you give to us, you are so beautiful inside and out. And we decided that having two amazing moms is the greatest gift of marriage!!!

And of course, happy mothers day to all the mother's in our lives; Debbi Foulger, our sisters; Stephanie, Rachel, and Rebecca, and our Grandmothers; Grandma Ski, Tucker, Taylor, Foulger, Dalebout, and of course Grandma Felt. We are so blessed by all of your examples to us, we love you all and appreciate your strength, your love, and all you have taught us. But most of all thank you for your testimonies of the gospel that shine through all you do. With out a doubt you have helped us become the people we are today. We love you all so very much!

Bee's Game

2008-05-12T21:03:00.001-07:00

For our friend Kory's birthday we went to dinner and the the Salt Lake Bee's Game. We got to the game a little late and as we were walking in it seemed as if everyone was flooding out, the score was 1-8 in the 5th inning. But thanks to out cheering and good luck they actually ended up winning the game; 9-8.

It was pretty fun hanging out with all our old single friends...we were the only married couple there...now looking back, we were the only couple period. We sure love those guys though. Oh, and kory, Welcome to the 27-year-old virgin club. That is one club Porter is proud to NOT be a member of. :)

And the best part of the game was that we ran into Jayleen. Isn't she such a cutie.

Jay baby, it was good to see ya and we are excited to hopefully play with you and Clint this summer!

4943 Marilyn Drive

2008-05-12T20:45:00.000-07:00

Our Summer home! Thanks to the Felt family we will be living in Porter's Grandma's home in Holladay. We moved in last week and have really enjoyed it, although Indo might be the most grateful due to the half acre of land he gets to run around in. We are so grateful for Debbie and all that she has done for us and our new home!

One Year Down...Eternity To Go

2008-05-12T19:55:00.000-07:00

May 4th, 2008. So we have been Married for a whole year, and still like each other! We spent the weekend in Park City. We stayed at resort at the base of Park City Ski Mountain.

We went to Park City in hopes to Mountain Bike...due to Utah's winter lasting till MAY we were forced to rent road bikes and take a nice, beautiful ride...which ended up being the ride of our lives. Over 3 hours we basically rode up two mountains and all the while trying to out-ride the storm coming in. But once we got back and re-fueled we really had a great time and it was an amazing work out.

Who's that studly man???

There's Porter telling me to stop whining and catch up :)

Whew, we had such a good time. I love you more and more every day Porter, thank you for the amazing weekend and most of all the greatest year of my life. I'm so blessed to have you and your love Forever and Ever!!!

We're College Grads!

2008-05-12T19:12:00.000-07:00

We actually did it. It's bye, bye Logan, Utah for us. All in all, we are a little sad to leave the place we met, fell madly in love, wed, and spent our first married year, but... we are ready to leave and are we are excited to start our next adventure. I received a bachelor's degree in Social Work, Porter will graduate with a Finance degree in August after finishing his last 3 classes at the U of U.

We will miss little Nikki and pray she will be able to make it in Logan with out us. We love you Nikki and going to college with you for a year was so fun, you're such a fun sister and can't wait to play with you this summer!

For all of you that don't know about the Utah State "A"...It's a platform on campus that a couple stands on, kisses each other, which makes them a "true Aggie". As we can all guess; Nicole must be a "true Aggie" by ten-fold...but we thought this was a pretty comical pic

Spring Has Sprung

2008-04-30T17:55:00.000-07:00

After about 7 long cold months, winter might actually be coming to a close here in Utah...All we have to say is bring it on!!!

I Pronounce You: CAM & TIA BOWEN

2008-04-30T13:57:00.001-07:00

Cam and Tia really went through with it...April 26th 2008. The weekend was Jam-packed and we loved every minute, Porter and I concluded that weddings are so much more fun when they're not yours. Cam and especially Tia looked beautiful, and we are so happy for them. Our best friends marrying eachother!!! I don't think it get's better than that!!!

It all started off with a wedding dinner friday night at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building...here we are being oh so fearsome...as a foursome.

ELIZA came out for the event of course, and we had such a good time, it was so fun to spend time with her. I love you and miss you like crazy lize!!! Porter and I were lucky enough to attend their sealing..It was beautiful, you guys are such great examples and we are so blessed to have you in our lives.

Here we are waiting for them to come out of the Temple

...Trying to wait patiently although it looks nice and warm outside...it was really FREEZING!!!

Yay...they Really did it!!!Brittany baby...you're next!!!Boys will be boys
Tia's bridesmaids!!! So many, so crazy right nowSorry so many pictures and so many similar, we just couldn't help ourselvesThose are all our real eyes...honest.Keep me Warm hunky hubby!!!

Don't let this picture fool you...we were SO cold, the cute blonde to my right is Tias new sister-in -law; Cori, she's 95 lbs, and she really almost died!!!On to the RECEPTION

My darling mother-in-law, so gorgeous. Love you DebDancin' time, this band rules, they played at a school event a few years back and I had so much fun, after they performed I told them they're going to play ay my wedding someday. They didn't believe me. But, two years later there they were; playing at our wedding. Six months after that they played at chelsey's and six months after that Tia's. They seriously ROCK! Thanks Gearhead, we love you!

And...the're off. The boys filled their car with, well, trash, sorry Tia.Thanks Scoffields and Bowens for a great party and for two great kids, have fun on your honeymoon! And welcome to the married life. xoxo

Endowed Tia

2008-04-30T13:47:00.001-07:00

Two weekends ago we had a fun-filled pre-wedding wedding weekend, first there was a shower for Tia, then on Saturday morning at SIX AM we biked a marathon in SLC with the scoffields, then had a BBQ at grandma and grandpa scoff's, then went to Tias endowment session. The weekend was a blast, we will get all the pictures up when we get the rest from friends..but here's a couple

Could they BE any cuter...

2008-04-21T11:37:00.000-07:00

...We don't think so. Here's Drew, Carter, Coleman, and Sammie Lou, four of our nephews/nieces. Miss and love you cuties!!!

Happy Birthday Dick-Dick!

2008-04-13T21:42:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Daddy, wish we could be there to celebrate it with you!!! Thanks for all that you do for us, we love you. P.S. Who's that old dude in the background? Who's he kidding, he'll never make it up Killi!

Bonfire season 2008 has officially begun...

2008-04-13T18:54:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we went up Providence Canyon; Shot some skeet, cooked tin-foil-dinners, and tried to enjoy the some-what warm weather.

BOYS, GUNS, & DOGS: Don't you wish your Husband was HOT like mine...Don't-cha?
Tia finally found the final member to complete our FEARSOME FOURSOME!!! Aren't we so feirce...except for michelle, who looks mentally hanicapped?
The lovely ladiesYou let him know who's boss Indo!

Cam Bowen's "Man-Shower"

2008-04-13T17:34:00.000-07:00

Porter and some of his buddies put together a male-wedding party for Cam, or as Porter called it; a man-shower. Port brought Cam a pretty sweet costume to wear to dinner... including a "ball and chain" prepping Cam for a blissful marriage :) Sorry Tia... The boys all pitched in and bought Cam a new X-Box...again, sorry Tia
Party on, Rock Band!!!

Taylors come to Logan

2008-04-10T09:53:00.000-07:00

Mom and Dad Taylor came into town to watch Nikki's end of the year dance show
Our little princess... Nikki danced her booty off as usual, it was fun to watch
Porter and his many ladies out to eat after the show
Thanks mom and dad for coming out, it was a lot of fun, love you and see you soon!

Tia's Getting Married!!!

2008-04-10T09:25:00.001-07:00

...And she couldn't be happier... We had a shower for her at our place, we had a good time and she got some fun stuff...
And as you can see, some extremely SEXY stuff :)...
We love you Tia, and are so excited for you and Cam, only two and a half more weeks till the wedding! yay, thanks to everybody who helped out with the shower.