The Walker's

distracted

2011-04-01T11:21:00.003-06:00

I asked Halle to put her socks and shoes on, and ten minutes later this is what I found...

...two bare feet and a sock puppet. So close.

Motivation?

2011-03-17T20:23:00.004-06:00

I started running again today. The two longest miles of my life! It felt like it took forever! It was a beautiful day, light breeze, and Lonny was home early, so I laced up and took off.

I had my iPod going and the first song was "Fat Bottomed Girls" by Queen. Now if you are unfamiliar with Queen's music/lyrics, you should quickly start listening to this amazing group from the '70s, but don't judge me if any of it offends you. (I've never been good at recognizing the true meaning behind lyrics, and you know how the '70s were... so seriously I'm sorry if any of it offends you) But, my dad taught me well, and I LOVE Queen. However, when it comes to motivational lyrics to get you running to lose baby weight, hearing Freddie Mercury praising girls with fat bottoms (they "make the rockin' world go round" don't you know?) doesn't make this fat bottomed girl want to run faster, farther, or...at all, really. However, I looked deep into my memory and remembered how much I enjoyed it last spring/summer when I was a few pounds lighter and had worked up my endurance so that it was actually fun.

(Amanda and me after the Bear Lake 1/2 marathon...smiling!)

So I kept running. And moved to the next song.

I hear "Bicycle Race" also by Queen. I'm moving slowly and haven't even reached the half mile mark when I hear, "I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bike." And I'm thinking, "Oh, it's true! I would so rather be on my bike right now!" But I continue...and switch the song again, still listening to Queen I hear, "Don't Stop Me Now". Ahh, much better. A truly wonderful running song for those who are looking for something new. My favorite song, and the one I tried to listen to at the end of my long runs is "Defying Gravity" from the Wicked soundtrack. LOVE IT!!!

As much as I love Queen, it might be time to update the iPod to something that distracts me a bit more from running, until I get my groove back.

Any suggestions are welcome...what works for you?

Jorie's Blessing

2011-03-07T10:46:00.009-07:00

We blessed Miss Jorie Louise yesterday and were so grateful to have so many family and friends who could make it. Also, for the priesthood in our families. We are so blessed. Jorie was perfectly quiet during her blessing, which Lonny did a beautiful job giving.

It was altogether a wonderful day.

Four generations: Jorie being held by her Great-Grandma and Grandpa Kunz

Big sister Halle and the whole Kunz side

Jorie with Grandma Sandy and Grandpa Keith

OK. If you think Jorie doesn't look like Halle, may I offer a reminder...

These first 2 are Jorie...

...and these last 2 are Halle.

Does it blow your mind? Sisters for sure. It helps that they are in the same blessing dress just with different headbands. Jorie wore the blessing booties I wore when I was blessed. Such sweet little feet :)

Dumpster Diving...

2011-02-25T11:01:00.004-07:00

I have found I have a lot of time to think during the times I wake up to feed Jorie in the night...at least during the times I don't zonk out too quickly. The other night, the thought occurred to me that one of the meals that was brought to us after we had the baby (a chicken pot pie), was in a tin pie plate, a real, non-disposable pie plate...and I...uh, disposed of it. When the sweet woman in our ward brought it, she had already frozen it and gave it to us to use later. Which is totally the way to go, because so many meals were brought as soon as the baby was born, I was glad to not have to cook in the future when the leftovers were gone. So, we cooked it recently and I remember thinking, "Oh that's nice that she brought it in a disposable tin pan so neither she nor I have to worry about getting the plate back to her". So why did I turn frantic in the middle of the night thinking the pan was actually a real pan? you ask. Well, I realized that I never truly inspected the pan after the food was out of it to make sure it was actually disposable. We finished and I threw it away without a second thought. So, here it was, the middle of the night, and I was making myself sick thinking about having thrown away someone else's cookware. I thought, ok, worst case scenario, the pan is still at least in the garbage outside and I can get it out. And if it is still no good I will buy her a new pie pan...ooh a glass one, and I will ask Amanda to help me etch her name in the bottom, and then she'll be able to use it again to be the compassionate woman she is and give other people food and those people will know that it is hers and they will give it back and no one has to worry ever again!!! (the thoughts were moving at increasingly fast speeds and getting more and more exciting and turned into very long run-on sentences, just like the way I typed it ;)

Even so, I put the baby back to bed and went into the kitchen to...rummage a bit through the garbage, just hoping it wasn't already in the outside trash can. No luck. Krikey. OK. In the morning I will get the pan out of the dumpster.

So, morning came and I waited until most of the neighbors were off to work and the school buses weren't driving by until I pulled the first bag out of the garbage. There were only 2 bags in there, so 50% chance it was in the more recent bag. I brought the foul thing inside my kitchen and while wearing rubber gloves, started moving stuff from the nasty bag to a new bag, thinking to myself, "Holy crap (literally) we are going through TONS of diapers!" and "Who the heck has been snacking on all these bananas! Oh yeah, banana splits, every night, for about 4 nights. I guess I contributed to these nasty peels." Then finally reached the bottom....and....no pan. I didn't realize it had been so many days since we finished that meal! So, time to switch bags. I went back out to the garbage with the first bag, and looked in. If I had so much as GLANCED at the other bag while grabbing the first, I would have seen that the pan was right at the top of the tied bag, practically screaming at me. So I pulled bag #2 out of the garbage, pulled the pan out of the bag, and do I really need to say it? It was disposable.

Moral of the story: When you are awake in the middle of the night and have been awake 3-4 times a night for a month, completely disregard every thought that flows through your cloudy little brain. This should help you avoid finding yourself elbow deep in wet diapers and banana peels.

A Valentine for you!

2011-02-14T10:43:00.002-07:00

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Love it up!

Jorie Louise Walker

2011-02-01T14:50:00.003-07:00

We welcomed the most sweet little love muffin last Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 1:43 pm. She weighed in at a whopping 6 lbs 3 oz and 20 inches long. Lots of dark hair, long fingers and toes, and the most precious scrawny little legs and arms! She is so yummy it makes me cry if I think about it too long. Having a child is so overwhelming the first time, I think I was just trying to make sure I was doing everything just like the books say. But second time around, I have just enjoyed her sweet soft skin, her googly sleepy eyes, sneezes, everything she does (which I realize isn't much yet) but I just want to watch her and squeeze her and kiss her all day long! I definitely was ready to just love her instead of being -for lack of a better word- afraid of her and afraid of everything that a newborn entails. I know this time that I can still function, even with fewer hours of sleep than I desire. I can leave things undone sometimes and it really is ok. And I can be a mom to my sweet 2 yr old Halle too.

Have to show off the super cute blanket my mom had made for Miss Jorie. I love it so much! Louise was my Grandma Taylor's middle name, who passed away 12 years ago. I think it's such a cute middle name.

Proud big sister. Halle seriously loves her "Baby Jorie" so much. The first few days she didn't want anyone else to hold her. I've been nervous to put her down where Hal can reach her because I don't want her to be picked up, but I've been watching her when I do, and Halle just touches her head so soft and sometimes says/yells "Wake up baby Jorie". When Jorie cries, Halle says, "Baby, it's ok....(increasingly louder)...it's ok baby, don't cry!" But she really is just trying to comfort her.

Ah, the bond of sisters. I'm so grateful to have 2 beautiful, healthy girls.

I can't wait to take newborn photos this weekend. Can anyone agree with me that it is time for us to invest in something better than a point-and-shoot? We don't have many great pictures, so these are just a few. After a photo shoot you might even get a picture or two WITHOUT pajamas...on Halle or on Jorie. We pretty much keep it comfortable around here lately.

Quick rundown of delivery: went in to be induced at 6 a.m.; I had been 2 cm and 60% for 2 1/2 weeks and nothing had changed (sigh) - and so we started pitosin; 8:30 almost a 3, Dr. B broke my water; 9:30 epidural -best epidural ever- I swear the administration of it didn't even hurt! I felt like I was in heaven, half asleep for a couple hours; 6cm; I was nauseous and "got sick" several times, which made my nurse think maybe things were really progressing; so, sure enough we were ready to go and everything and everyone was just so calm and comfortable, I still can't believe how quickly it went and 3 contractions later, we were done! I could totally do that again. ;)

We are just so blessed and grateful for another healthy delivery and to have our sweet little Miss Jorie in our home. There really is an exceptional spirit with a newborn around. I love her so much, and it that new love I have found for this new spirit has only redoubled my love for Halle and especially for Lonny. He loves ALL of his girls so much and I am so grateful for him as my husband and "baby daddy":)

The Final Stages

2011-01-17T07:46:00.007-07:00

My pretty Miss Halle at 2 yrs this past October. Again, thanks to Amanda Hansen for her great photos! Halle's growing like a weed and learning new things to tell me everyday ("You need a time out, Mommy" I couldn't argue with that :))

"Blue Steel"

The last few weeks of this pregnancy have come and gone already! We're ready any day now for our little miss to be here. My doctor is leaving town this week (grr!) or else I already would have been going for a daily run to get things moving, but as it is, I'm sort of trying NOT to go into labor. I am scheduled to be induced next Tuesday, Jan. 25th, if I don't have her before then.

31 Weeks

33 Weeks

35 Weeks; Christmas Day- my brother got me a tiny, but cute, Utah State shirt so I ssstrreeeeettcchheedd it over my belly and sent him a picture :)

38 Weeks

Yesterday, Halle told me she loved me, then said, "I love yours belly". She talks about holding the baby and says,"I rock-a-bye baby in the treetop". I love it! and can't wait for them to meet.

I feel like she'll be a bit bigger than Hal was (which shouldn't be hard to beat) especially since I'll be going about a week longer than I did with her. I guess we'll see very soon! Time to go get some nesting out of my system!

What we are up to

2011-01-11T14:50:00.000-07:00

We have been very busy lately and will have more pictures to post soon. The new baby girl is set to arrive in 2 weeks and we are furiously taking care of last minute preparations. The baby's room is getting updated as well as a minor project in the upstairs bathroom. Stay tuned for all the baby pics as well as the pictures of all the painting and bathroom remodels.

Here is a little video about our new adventure. If you didn't know already, we recently opened a Mr. Appliance franchise. Lonny has been running this business for about 6 months now and we are really pleased with how things are going. Don't forget to tell your friends if they need appliances repaired to call Mr. Appliance. I know this is a bit of shameless blog advertising but oh well :)

That is it for now but we will have much more in the near future.

A little bit of everything and preggo pics

2010-11-30T20:20:00.012-07:00

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We went to Kamas, UT to my Aunt Vera and Uncle Darcy's home with much of the Kunz side of my family and had a wonderful meal and super fun company. We played the "name game", a little bit of "Hand and Foot" while a bunch of the group went to see Harry Potter, all before heading out to some 10pm Black Friday shopping at the Park City outlets. Ok, so I've never been there before and of course it was great because of all the sales, but even without, those outlets are awesome! Thanks again to Rachel for navigating our way around to all the good stores- we would have been lost without you (and also thanks again for letting us crash at your place :)) Don't have a single picture to show for it, but I had an awesome time with the girls who came too: Jennie, Millie, Rachel, Heidi, and Ivy Ellen. I got way more than I anticipated, while staying under budget! Mill and I went to Soda the next day with Halle and Sophie, while the boys all came back home to Blackfoot. We chilled at my parents house with my brother Quinten, and got ready to have a fun baby shower for Jennie and her baby boy on Saturday morning. I got to see good friends and family there as well.

This is a very mish-mashed post, full of pretty random stuff.

Haylie Dotson and Halle only 5 weeks apart in age. Haylie's mom, Jenni, is a friend of mine from dental hygiene school and now we work at the same office part time- so much fun- but we don't get these girls together often enough!

Our little "Butterfly Fairy". She wasn't so sure about being a fairy because she didn't really know what they were, but she loves her butterfly shirts, so butterfly it is.

Grandpa Corey and Grandma B with Halle and Sophie

Halle LOVES the little family of dolls (one in each hand and her pockets) she got from Grandma Sandy for her birthday...Oh and she loves Grandma Sandy :) Such a cheeser!

Now for some pregnant pics: While pregnant with Halle, I felt so awkward with my changing body, the weight gain (oh the weight gain, ugh!), plus the fact that I didn't want anyone at school to know about it until I had passed clinic (lots of career oriented instructors- didn't want them to think I had a weakness ;)) made me less than enthusiastic to track my progress of the whole process. This time, being under much less stress and knowing what to expect has made this pregnancy so much easier and enjoyable-ish.

I took a bunch of pictures the first trimester...but they pretty much all look the same- no change, so then when things started changing, I kind of quit taking pictures. Whoops.

End of Sept. About 22-23 weeks

Comparing baby bellies about 26 weeks

Oh this picture is priceless! The look on her face as she so willingly poses for her "baby belly" picture plus her saggy diaper exposing her little hip bones. I LOVE THIS GIRL SO MUCH! Can't wait to find out what her little sister is like :)

My reaction after seeing the last picture on the camera after Lonny took it. I couldn't stop laughing and this picture makes me laugh every time I see it, like she's looking down to see what is so funny!

I actually have a photo from this very week, and it has been imported and I can see it in my photos, I can see it when I go to upload photos onto Facebook, but when I try to upload it here, it just doesn't exist. Dang. Well, I will tell you this much... a lot has changed in 5 weeks from 26 to 31 weeks :)

My Miss is 2

2010-10-13T14:29:00.011-06:00

Miss Halle June had her 2nd birthday on Monday, October 11, and I am so amazed, proud, and in love with who she is becoming. She has quite a personality, which includes a whole lot of drama queen, but she keeps us smiling so it's all ok. She speaks pretty well already, but from week to week I'm surprised at how many more sentences I'm starting to realize she is saying.

Lately every time I cough or sneeze, she'll stop whatever she's doing (including barking like a dog) to say, "Ya k, mom?" And I tell her, "Yeah, I'm ok Hal" and she just goes back to her little world. Makes me laugh every time!

She loves her cousin Sophie, gives her hugs and kisses all day, and still calls her "baby" so I think it might be a bit confusing for her to understand that there is a baby in my belly because Sophie is getting so big.
She has been sleeping in a twin bed for a few weeks now and I am SHOCKED at how well she transitioned. In the mornings and after her naps she will sit and call my name until I come get her instead of just coming out- which I love- but I'm pretty sure she just doesn't want to give up her binky any sooner than she has to because she knows she can only have it during nap and bedtime- but that's working well for us too.
She loves her morning Gogurt "gucker"
Wears shoes to bed almost every night, but we love going to peek on her and just take them off
WILL NOT wear socks or jackets- it's been a rough transition from summer to fall :)
Has a pretty major sweet tooth, so thank goodness she loves to try flossing whenever she sees me floss and lets me brush her teeth most of the time.
Also loves hot dogs still and lately I've been making lots of soup and she is a big fan.

Here are a few pictures since I have been so bad at posting new stuff for such a long time now.

Just snackin'

Best buddies

Kunz cousins: Payson, Sophie, Halle

Learning to floss...

Trying so hard to get her swimsuit on :)

We got just a "taste" of Bear Lake this summer...looks delicious, right?

We LOVE this girlie!

For the record...

2010-09-22T17:03:00.002-06:00

I really have attempted to blog...recently even. I've been too lazy for about 6 months now to figure out how to get our photos resized on this Mac (which I love) so they will upload onto blogger. As you may have noticed, my posts for at least 6-7 months have been picture-less, though I really have a GORGEOUS little Halle who I would love to share with you. But alas, I am once again just leaving something quick without figuring things out.

Just thought you'd like to know that this little babe we are expecting in January is another GIRLY GIRL and I am so excited for Halle to have a little sister!

Have a great day- I'm off to stay in a MANSION in Jackson until Sunday with my office...yeah, we're that cool!

Jesse

A ticker says a thousand words.....

2010-08-04T20:22:00.002-06:00

......is that how it goes?

Confession

2010-06-01T22:36:00.003-06:00

I have been just a little bit MIA for awhile now, but I've got something I have to get out in the open to relieve a little guilt. :)

Lonny and I both love Burt's Bees chapstick. It actually heals lips instead of just feeling like I put vaseline all over. So, whether it's birthdays, anniversaries, valentine's day, christmas, etc. we always give each other a Burt's Bees chapstick with cards or presents or whatever. We seem to lose them easily, rarely finishing one all the way to the end, and always NEED a new one by the time the next Excuse-To-Give-A-Card-And-A-Chapstick-Event comes around.

A month or so ago, we had both lost ALL of our beloved chapsticks and all I had on hand was a Burt's Bees Pomegranate flavored chapstick. It should work the same, right because it's the same brand? Alas, no. It is NO GOOD for me and I shant allow it to touch my lips. (Same goes for the Honey flavored one-- Only original!) However, as is the case with all sorts of stuff we hate to use, but keep around anyway, it is the only chapstick in the house that just WON'T get lost. Lonny started using it. Then, magically one week, 2 Original Burt's showed up in the dryer (Lonny's pockets) and there is a standing rule, that I check my own pockets when I put my pants in the laundry- I do not check every pair of pants before I put it in the washer. And, anything I find from doing laundry (cash or chapstick) is officially mine.

Then, I realized I have 3 different bags I was randomly using for my church/purse/change of clothes/diaper bags and ended up finding 3 more of my magical Burt's Bees best friends.

Now for the guilt. Lonny wasn't complaining about the Pomegranate stick, nor the fact that it gave his lips a soft touch of glossy color ;) so I sort of...maybe... kept all 5 sticks for myself. And hid them...a little. Now I know it was wrong. I KNOW! But when I'm in charge of all of them, I know where they ALL are! Plus, I can put one in every bag I use, and not forget that's where they are and not have to worry about going a few weeks, well, days....ok hours!!! I can't go a few hours without a nice reapplication of the sweet nectar of life that makes me feel alive!! (I promise I am not addicted.)

So.....Lonny found my stash. I hadn't even had a chance to deposit them into all their happy little homes to keep me surrounded in Burt at all times, when I hear from the bedroom... FIVE BURT'S BEES!! You have 5 Burt's Bees! (Lucky I have a super patient hubby).

(you can tell which 2 went through the washer and dryer)

And that's pretty much where the story ends. Only a few days later, and we are back down to 2 Burt's Bees. But don't worry.....it's almost laundry day ... muahahahah!

The Gazelle

2010-04-12T19:49:00.004-06:00

The time has come to make, and more importantly, KEEP goals. I recently realized I will almost never accomplish something big unless I really want to. That's why it is so hard for people to keep their New Years Resolutions. They make the goal because that's what you are supposed to do at New Years. The best way to know if you are really ready and willing to make a change is anytime except New Years. At least for me. I can be talked into doing something, but if I don't have a true desire, I might not pull through as well as I should.

So, finally, I've decided for myself that I am ready to RUN! It's something I can measure. I can get faster, or at least stronger, then, I can participate in a race and recognize accomplishment! I definitely need motivation, like a race, to get me out and training.

And thanks to Charish and her awesome schedule, Amanda and I have running fools! We were both running (separately) last summer too and would usually go to Jensen's Grove in Blackfoot. It seems no matter what time of day I happen to be running, a certain man, affectionately known by us as "The Gazelle" would be floating along. You know the type. Short sleeves, shorts, a hat, no need for music, just galloping across the path. Even before we ran together, we both knew who the other was talking about when mentioning the Gazelle. For instance, "The Gazelle ran laps around me again". Or "I was wearing a beanie and gloves and tried to take them off really quick because I saw the Gazelle coming in his shortie shorts and didn't want to look like a pansie." (That was just last week) He intimidates me and we've never spoken! I guess I just know running is his sport and I just do it because I've already paid the bucks for registration and I feel like he knows that's the only reason I'm here :)

Anyway, you know how people who run say they enjoy it? I honestly thought they were lying, but I think I am starting to get it...a little bit. It gets a little better all the time.

Good or bad, the date it set: June 12th in Bear Lake- Half Marathon here I come!

A favorite sound

2010-02-28T09:39:00.003-07:00

It's warm (relatively)... the sun is out and birds are chirping!

I was having some serious winter blues yesterday, but all is forgotten and forgiven because the birds are back, baby!

Two thumbs WAY up!

2010-02-09T12:02:00.002-07:00

I know we are about 5-6 weeks behind the rest of the world, but Lonny and I finally saw Avatar (in 3D) and I almost couldn't sleep that night because I loved it so much! I almost cried when it was over because I wanted more!
I am practically in love with this movie.
I love the Na'li people.
I love Pandora.
I love "Jakesully":)
I love the flying creatures-(there were too many strange names and I really can't grasp onto that type of stuff without it spelled out in front of my eyes.)
I love James Cameron! Brilliant man, in my opinion.

I've realized in the last few years that I am totally a sci-fi geek and I am proud of it! Bring it on.

I've heard rumor that it will be a trilogy, so we'll see. If there are sequels, I'm afraid I will be one of those people dressed up waiting in line to see the midnight showing. AH! I'm one of them!

I was a little nervous to see it in 3D because I've heard it can make you feel dizzy, and let's be honest, Ive been known to get sick after "the swings" at Lagoon. No joke. I get motion sickness from everything. But the 3D didn't bother me at all.

If you haven't seen it yet, hurry up and go to it while it is still in theaters! You won't regret it!

Family Pictures

2009-12-06T16:34:00.005-07:00

Courtesy of the wonderful Amanda Hansen

October 2009

City Creek Trails, Pocatello, ID

2009-12-06T16:32:00.000-07:00

Our Little Punkin Eater

2009-11-08T20:55:00.005-07:00

We have had a nice month or so. Halle had her first birthday (almost a month ago) and seriously made a haul. So many presents! Thanks everyone for coming! Our camera died before cake, but we have copies from family. She has been a happy girl and working on walking more and more each day. I realized she was walking more at Lonny's parents house and at my sister's home and noticed that she just slips too much on our wood floors, and chooses to crawl instead. She's getting there though. She's just super funny and we're loving having a one-year old!

I was certain Halle would be grossed out by the pumpkin guts, but she had no problem reaching in, pulling stuff out, wiping her hands off on her belly, and eating slimy pumpkin seeds. I really am not kidding when I say she will eat ANYTHING!

Can't get enough of this girl

She was our little pumpkin this year but absolutely would not keep her "stem hat" on. Silly girl- she knows her hair is too cute to cover it up!

Happy Fall! I love the season so much. I've realized I really enjoy raking leaves on a nice crisp fall afternoon. I've already raked a bunch, but I'm sure I'll get more chances; hopefully the weather will stay nice long enough to get the yard cleaned up again, or else I might change my mind about enjoying raking leaves. What can I say, I'm a fair-weather fan.

Cancun

2009-09-27T15:59:00.008-06:00

Warning: lots of pictures and lots and lots of words. I originally planned to just put of pictures, but I can't not explain them! I learned so much and the tour we went on was by a man named Helaman and you guessed it, he's a member. He is so knowledgable about how the Book of Mormon ties into the Mayan ruins. He said there are many archaeologists who have been trying to interpret the hieroglyphics for a very long time, with no luck. We know that the language won't by interpreted until the Lord decides it is time.

First things first! We were in the ocean at about 8 am. Cloudy skies, looks like rain, and we were the only ones out there but it was awesome- actually pretty warm water! Next we were at the pool with a "swim-up" bar where we were the only ones drinking non-alcoholic pina-coladas and other fruity drinks.

Ek' Balam is a place of ruins similar to Chichen Itza, but not nearly as huge. They have found many ruins that have not been restored yet.

Standing on top of one of the buildings where the high priest lived. The group of trees behind my head is another ruin that hasn't been restored. I thought at first that our tour guide meant that it was behind the trees, but it is under the trees. These building were not just found sitting fully put together. They are covered in dirt and have become a hill with trees all over it. It's amazing how much work it must take to restore just one building. They would number each stone, take it off, clean it, and reattach it all like a puzzle!! Crazy and amazing!
The bigger building on the far right of the picture is the temple. We didn't go inside, but even from the carvings on the outside of it, it is obvious that it is a temple.

Quiz in a baptismal font.

Can you see that there are dark skinned people facing a single light skinned person?

View from very high up on the temple. The building right above my head is the one I was standing on a few pictures above.

These next few are at Chichen Itza. I remember in 6th grade learning about Mayan and Incan History. We learned about a game they would play that had stone walls with small hoops on both sides and someone was sacrificed at the end of the game. This picture shows one of the walls and at the end of the field is the large stone place where the high priest would sit. At the end of the game he would decide if the loser or the winner was the one who was sacrificed. It was an honor to be the one sacrificed. Our tour guide brought up that we learn in the scriptures that it was always the best that was sacrificed, so it may have been more frequently the winner of the game who was sacrificed.

It's kind of hard to see, but this picture shows 2 men facing right. The men are wearing padding or armor, which tells us this game was pretty rough. They all also have a stick of some sort stuck through the nose. Interesting. The picture is from the stone at the base of the walls of the game.
Each wall had 3 sets of 2 teams of 7. In other words, the game consisted of 2 teams of 7 people each. 7 symbolically means perfect, so between the 2 walls there are 6 sets of teams, and the 7th was the team who played in the game. Each set of teams on the walls showed one person from one of the teams beheaded. The loser, or the winner whichever it was.

Close up of the place where the high priest sat during the game. One of the few examples where you can see where there was color on the stone. I can't even imagine how elaborately these were all painted at one point.

smooch

The famous Chichen Itza. I'm not sure why this is underlined, but I can't seem to change it at the moment. Each side of the temple is a season: fall, winter, summer, spring. This location is where you can stand on March 21st (spring equinox) and when the sun sets you can see the shadow of a serpent coming down the steps. The base of the steps are serpents heads and with all the levels of the temple, it looks like a squiggly serpent coming down. 16 days before the 21st is when the shadow is first seen, but it only shows 6 squiggles (for lack of a better word). On the 21st is when there are 8 squiggles. But 16 days after the 21st is when the sight is more impressive, which is when the steps show 9 squiggles. What day is that? April 6th. Coincidence...I think not. Also, on April 6th at sunset, the shadow of the building itself points to another building in the plaza area right to where a statue sits called Chac Mol (sorry no picture). Chac Mol is reclining on his back and is holding a plate up kind of on his chest. This is where the heart is placed of someone who was sacrificed. We are asked to give a broken heart and a contrite spirit, but because the Lamanites had become wicked, even giving a broken heart had become perverted from what it originally meant. Chac Mol is thought to be a symbol of Jesus Christ who they were giving the broken heart to. It's sad that so much of the truth had been changed or lost.

At the resort where we stayed, there was live entertainment every night. Fire dancers, Mayan dancers, and this night was a band and a mechanical surfboard. Of course, Lonny couldn't pass that up! Most people need to be drunk to try something like this, or shouldn't be drunk to try it!

Why not- I'll try!

We went to an "Eco-archaeological Park" called Xcaret. I don't have a picture of us floating the underground river, but it was my favorite part!

Lots of animals, including mannatees, jaguars, sting rays, sharks, dolphins, sea turtles, iguanas everywhere, wild boars, flamingos, and lots of other birds and fish.

That isn't us in the water, but I love the shot of the dolphins jumping over them!

So relaxing and beautiful. Even though it was the rainy season, the temperature was never below 90 during the day, and the rain was warm and usually really refreshing. We loved this trip and would love to return someday!

2009-09-15T20:44:00.003-06:00

This feels like the fastest month of my life! In short, my brother Quinten, affectionately known as Quiz, came home from his mission to Birmingham, England on the 2nd of Sept. We've been to Soda each weekend for Labor Day and his Mission report and have had so much fun! (Side note: learned to play the card game "Five Crowns" with my card shark cousins and I loved it so much I went out and bought it! So, needless to say, game night at the Walkers is an open invite).

Because Quiz has seen very little sun for the past two years, and because we have heard of "Book of Mormon tours", our whole family is GOING TO CANCUN ON THURSDAY!!! I just started packing today and I am giddy with excitement... probably won't sleep tonight...or the next night. Halle will be staying here in Blackfoot and I am looking forward to being able to just play, but I already miss her and I'm not even gone!!! She knows who her momma is and calls me by name (Mama, not Jesse) and I'm just trying not to think about how much I am going to miss her by the time next Wed morning comes around.

Anyway, please wish us a good trip, because it's kind of, not completely, but sort of hurricane season and we just really want a couple days of sun, due to the original reason we are going. Plus it's Mexico, so come on!!
Our fresh-and-never-been-used Passports are ready to go and so are we!! Have a good week!

"TRICKERY"

2009-08-25T13:59:00.002-06:00

What do you do when you realize your 10 month old truly thinks of ways to outsmart you?
My sweet baby girl has always been a really good napper. She acts sleepy, clingy, and puts her face on anything soft: pant legs, my face, my hair, any blanket, burp rag or hand towel she can get her hands on, shoes... you get the picture. Anyway, two times now today she has shown me her tell-tale signs that she just wants to be laid down. Both times, she grabs her blanket, never fusses, and acts like she's about to take a nap. Earlier, I went in to find her covered in wipes, with wet pants because she had sat on a pile of them. How did she get wipes in her crib you might ask? Well, my awesome tri-purpose hand-me-down crib- (and this is in no way sarcastic-- I LOVE THIS CRIB) has a changing table attached to one end where I have always kept her diapers, wipes, lotion, etc. Well, now that "little miss thang" can stand and thinks she's too big for her britches, she reaches up over the side of the crib for anything she can touch. This morning's treasure: wipes. I am posting about this because I laid her down 30 minutes ago or so and she has been so quiet, I was just sure she's asleep, but I currently hear movement and quiet "talking" sounds that usually mean "I am pretty darn content at the moment". I know I should go up there, but I'm afraid of what I will find, because, yes, I left the wipes in the same place they were this morning. I guess you live, you learn.....to move the wipes.

Painting the house

2009-08-16T21:04:00.006-06:00

Jesse is taking a little nap right now so I will be blogging without her permission. Last weekend we braved the slightly unfavorable weather to get our house painted. We have been planning to do it all summer but have been so busy on the weekends that we haven't been able to get to this project as soon as we wanted. Well, we finally got it done. I'm not sure these pictures give it justice, so you may have to come visit us to get the full effect. I think it looks much better...now we just need to paint our grass:)

To Bone & Back & loving summer

2009-07-12T17:56:00.007-06:00

This summer, some of the people I work with at the dental office decided to run the relay which starts in Idaho Falls called "To Bone and Back". It is 20 miles to Bone, ID, and 20 miles back. In total a 40 mile run/ 8 team members= 5 miles each. They have the course broken up into 5 mile legs. I was going to run the last leg which was mostly flat since I am probably the least experienced runner (my own fault) on the team, but i ended up doing the 4th leg which included several hills, the last one being quite a doozy. But we really had a good time!

Me, Kristin, Emily, Kristy, Shaina, and Paul before the race- getting pumped up- can't you tell? the other 2 members of our team, Katie and Lynn, had to come up later.

My cheering section!

The "passing of the baton" - actually a small plastic bone- to bone and back- you get it.
Listening to my Black Eyed Peas- my main go-to music for running. Good beat, a couple songs are very motivational "Give it whatcha got". Don't mock it till you try it.
The whole team at the end of the race. Glad we did it, glad to be done, will definitely do it again. Note to self: next time train by running a hill once in awhile!

We've been sort-of busy so far this summer, but we're having a great time!

We finally were able to take Halle on a bike ride in this bike trailer Amanda let us borrow- so now we know we definitely are going to get one for ourselves. Halle had a great time, though she is sort of too small for the straps.

This was how she ended up both times she came along- our first clue that the straps were kind of ineffective.

We were able to see my Grandma and Grandpa Kunz over the 4th of July weekend. My cute grandma is so great!

Lovin' Baked beans=JOKER FACE

I was finally able to let Halle try out her swimsuit this summer at Ross Park. She loved just sitting and splashing in the kiddie pool, which I realized she can do at home just as easily, but at least we were able to get out of Blackfoot!

By the way: "Little Miss Halle Bear", as her friends call her, is now 9 months old. Here's where she at:
Teeth:2
Mobility: TONS! Mostly army crawls, but will do the regular crawling for a minute until she falls on her belly, then she really takes off. Pulls herself to standing as often as possible. It is her new favorite thing to do.
Talking: Still loves to squeal on occasion, but mostly makes little high pitched, but soft, "dramatic sounds" like she's telling a story about all the things that go on in the day.
Kisses: open mouthed of course. Tries to give kisses even with her binkie in her mouth and ends up just pounding her binkie into our faces.

We're just loving life and having a great summer!!

I LOVE PILATES!

2009-06-16T21:52:00.002-06:00

Just thought I'd share one of my sort-of-new loves. I first took pilates lessons with 2 friends at ISU on the pilates equipment which is still my favorite form of pilates- resistance with springs mostly... very effective. But I have been going to mat pilates as frequently as possible lately and loving it too. That's all. Just loving pilates. I hope you all have a hobby or form of activity you love too! Oh- also I love having sore muscles. It lets me know I've worked them just right and if I could keep my hands off chocolate long enough I might actually start seeing results. Did I mention I also love chocolate?

My Little Cruella DeVille

2009-06-09T20:05:00.007-06:00

More pictures to love thanks to Amanda Hansen and her mad skills.

Blinking or not, I just love this face!

I have got to remember that the pictures post in backwards order, and unless I want to do a bunch of cut and paste, they always end up in the wrong order. By the way, I currently dislike Lonny's Mac because it is missing a few keys and a right click button. aaaghh! There were about 4 more pictures on this post a few minutes ago but

Hey everyone! It's me...Halle

2009-05-19T17:40:00.008-06:00

I think it's time for you to know my view of things. I have a personality and I'm not afraid to use it. Here are a few random things that are part of what make me the lovely, happy, silly, naughty, wonderful baby that I am.

1- I LOVE chocolate pudding.
2- Prunes look like chocolate pudding but do NOT taste like chocolate pudding.

3- I love being pushed in the stroller when we go on walks. When I am in the big stroller I usually just lounge with my feet up on the bar in front. As far as the small stroller goes... sometimes it can get scary depending on who is pushing me.
4- I prefer to be awake for all 3 hours of church regardless of how cranky it makes me through at least 2 of those hours. We all get a lot more out of the lessons when I stay awake for all of it.

5- My jumper is my friend most days. It is a place for me to do what I want. I can jump, sway, squeal, or just stare while mom makes dinner. If I think mom has spent about 10 seconds too long paying attention to pretty much anything but me, I can get her attention pretty quick with just one big sound from these cool vocal cords that get me almost anything I want.

6- I am a sucker for someone whistling at me. I am such a pretty girl. I know this because everyone tells me all the time.

7- I LOVE MY TOES!!
8- I have a bald spot on the back of my head with a thicker band just beneath it (a mullet) and I have no intentions of allowing hair to grow in that bald spot. I like it bald. It makes me distinguished, like an old man.
9- Bath time is the best. One time mom was using one washcloth to clean my body and when she put it away to use the other washcloth to clean my face I swiped it in a real quick-like manner and sucked ALL my filthy water out of it......It was the best day. (the water is not yellow- I am sitting on a bath sponge)
10- As it turns out, my mom has been putting girly headbands and bows, flowers, etc.. on my head- almost every day of my 7 1/2 months! I sure wish someone would have informed me sooner. I love her reaction when she sees that I have not only pulled the bow off, but also pulled the headband around my neck! Grandpa Corey is so proud of me- he hates my headbands- he says I'm just as cute without them and he is right!
11- When I'm not too busy to hold my own bottle I like to twist it back and forth in my mouth; this usually results in milk running down my cheeks into the crevice of my neck or into my hair. Also, it is so much fun to do, I forget to actually drink the milk and get angry when I realize I am still hungry!

12- HAIR, plain and simple. I LOVE hair. The feel, the taste, the reaction, the power of pulling it closer to my face and the owner has no control for at least a second or two....it's like an addiction!

13- Mom thinks I will be a dental hygienist someday because if you are holding me and I can see your teeth... I gonna grab 'em!

14- Dad thinks I'll go into marketing because I can sell him anything with just my smile!
15- Sometimes I just take a minute or two to get acquainted with Dad's wallet.
16- Dad and I like to dance cheek to cheek through the kitchen. I usually let him lead.

17- When my diaper comes off I do one of two things. 1- stick my belly out so it looks really big! -or- 2- look for ANYTHING that is away from me and flip to my belly so I can catch a few more seconds "commando"

18- Grandpa Corey thinks I am a show-off. I like to pull my binky out, put it back in. I do that 5 or 6 times, then, flip it around a few times and put it in upside down, you know, just for a change.

19- This is where I end up before crying out that I am done napping or ready to get up for the day.
20- Three words: I LOVE CAESAR!

Just in case you were wondering....

2009-05-08T15:06:00.004-06:00

Here are a few VISUAL CUES that maybe, just maybe, your child has grown out of her bouncer...

This all took place over several minutes and she was repositioned almost every time I caught her trying to escape.

Please don't ask about her pajamas... it was laundry day.

Pinewood Derby for Big Boys!

2009-04-25T19:06:00.007-06:00

The Elders Quorum in our ward wanted to relive their childhood and have some friendly competition, so they held a pinewood derby. Either a regulation car or a no-rules car was allowed. Lonny opted for no-rules and remembered a car he built in a science class in middle school where there was a string wound up around the rear axle and attached to a mouse trap that would snap, causing the string to turn the axle in a quick-like manner and consequently go faster and farther. So turns out- it doesn't work very well on derby cars.

Lonny had to put extra weight on the back of the car to get it to sort of do something, hence the large pieces of metal haphazardly hot-glued to the bottom and top of the car. I thought I would explain in case you thought he had a really hard time figuring out what a spoiler was supposed to look like.

Don't worry- your eyes do not deceive you- that sure is a skull-and-crossbones that my adult husband is drawing on his car. Here's the finished product.

Even though this car doesn't have the appearance of German engineering, it ended up winning quite a prize. One of the most coveted, sought after titles went to my guy Lonny and his sweet mousetrap car.... "Worst of the Worst". At least that's what I would title it if I could. It's true, out of the 4 modified "no-rules" cars, Lonny's car was the only one to never win a race (in fact, I'm not sure it ever made it to the end of the racetrack). But his proud ladies were there to cheer for him to the bitter end. We love him and are so proud of .... um.. well he... his good sportsmanship!

Half a year old!

2009-04-16T21:42:00.003-06:00

Halle is such a big girl now! This is a picture of her on her half birthday. Yes, her hair looks reddish in the light, but it is still falling out slowly (I thought she'd be bald by now) and extremely blonde hairs are emerging on the sides where she currently looks bald. She's our "Little Miss Blue Eyes!" Love this girl so much!

We took a trip to Salt Lake a few weeks ago, just to get out of town and we really had a nice time. The weather was beautiful during the day we spent walking around temple square and shopping. Plus, we got to visit Gordon and Chelsi in West Jordan- so good to see you guys!

Halle pictures...finally!

2009-03-10T19:56:00.010-06:00

My good friend Amanda offered to take pictures of Halle as a gift to me, and I must admit, it is one of my favorite presents! Halle was so photogenic and we had so much fun. These are a few of my favorites that Amanda edited. There will probably be new pictures soon, because these were actually taken 6 weeks ago- so a lot has already changed. She will be 5 months tomorrow- it has gone way too fast, we're just loving every minute of it.

Bachelor Time!

2009-01-20T10:40:00.002-07:00

I'll admit it- I love watching the Bachelor! This season I've been watching with Lonny's mom and sister, and with Halle, of course, by the way- she's a fan too! I never really got into it until my first semester of the dental hygiene program, when all we did was study and then watch our weekly shows. We would watch, then discuss during one of our labs during the week, students and professors alike (Jann) would take part in the conversation. Seriously- how else were we supposed to make it through these weekly 3 hour labs without poking our eyes out with a discoid-cleoid? I have to mention there is a girl on there this season, who coincidentally happens to be a dental hygienist and (this is for you Ash) she seems to be the one who always is doing impressions - or you could call it "making fun" of the other girls, sometimes right to their face. Sorry to those who read this and don't get the joke, but I don't have my dh girls to chat with for 3 hours every week so that we can collaborate and decide who truly is best for this season's bachelor. I think Molly or Jillian- who do you think?

My baby girl is already 3 months old and loves to squeal: morning, evening, relief society, she doesn't care where or when she just half-closes her eyes and lets loose- she's so funny! Sorry no pictures, I'm not on my home computer- but believe me, she just keeps getting prettier!

Secret Public Entry

2008-12-11T15:18:00.000-07:00

Jesse has already warned me that I am not to blog without her permission but she didn't put this picture up and I thought that it was pretty funny. This is a common look from Halle. This look means "Dad, could you get Mom cause you don't really know what you are doing." I am sure that I will get a look from Jesse just like this one when she finds out I'm blogging without her approval.

2008-12-08T18:53:00.000-07:00

Zonked out after her first full day at church. It was rough on both of us. Thanks for the cute socks Laureen!

This picture was from today. Lonny got her this shirt before she was born when he was in Pennsylvania for work. Of course they couldn't leave without stopping at the Hershey factory and yes, he brought me some chocolate too. Halle is starting to be so alert now, though smiles are still few and far between. She is so much fun and I still can't believe how different she is in just 2 months. This morning I thought, "I can't believe she's going to be 3 months this week." Then I realized- she's not- she's going to be 2 months this week. I don't know what I was thinking- I guess I knew the time was flying by so I must have thought it was going even faster than it was.

These pictures are of her first mani-pedi. I painted her fingernails and toenails first when she was about one month. I love that she fell asleep with her fingers spread like she was afraid to mess them up! I have been wanting to blog since then, but our internet is spotty. (ok I'll be honest- our neighbor's internet is spotty. We had full intentions of getting our own internet service when we moved (we used our neighbor's in pocatello too), but low and behold, we had excellent signal, and seriously- what is the point in paying for it ourselves if there is perfectly good, unsecured internet flowing right through our windows?) So, this is why our blogs are rare, except for when Lonny throws in his own two cents while at work. Don't worry- we are done being hooligan free-loaders. We are going to join the rest of you and be grown-up internet subscribers soon :)

We're just hanging out at her cousin Michael's 1st birthday party.

Anyway- it may be awhile again, but here's a little bit of catch up until next time!

Blessing and Catch Up

2008-12-08T18:38:00.000-07:00

Halle June was blessed Sunday Dec 7 by Lonny, who did such a great job. We had all our immediate family (minus my bro on a mission) plus my mom's dad and both my dad's parents. It was such a special day and I am so grateful they were all able to make it. My mom bought Halle her dress, my sister, Millie gave her the cute bracelet, and my friend Chelsi Wood made her booties (which I forgot to put a picture of the booties up, but I will because they are amazing). She looked so dang cute, I took tons of pictures, but I'll only put up a few.

Halle with her cousins!
Halle with Payson then Halle with Michael & Brooklyn

Thanksgiving

2008-12-02T11:39:00.001-07:00

This year for Thanksgiving we were in Bern, ID with Jesse's family. Her Grandma insisted that we all wear white shirts so that we could have family pictures taken. One thing we didn't know was that the picture was going to be taken outside where it was not warm and we would be facing directly into the sun. We really aren't mad, we are just staring into the sun.

Just kickin' it with mom

2008-11-19T16:21:00.000-07:00

I was looking through some pictures and thought that this was a pretty funny one. Jesse has a little sling that she puts Halle in if she is just going to be walking around doing things. Here is the birds eye view.

Some of you may know how exhausting it can be to sleep all day.

More pictures of the last 3 weeks

2008-11-03T16:44:00.000-07:00

Posing

I'll be honest, I though these PJs were sort of goofy looking when I first saw them, but they were one of the only things that fit her, so I put them on her and it makes me laugh whenever she wears them because they are still goofy looking, but so dang cute on her!

Cousin Payson (20 months old) holding Halle.

Spending time with Dad- wide eyed

These last two pictures are of my friends from Dental Hygiene school. Brooke, holding Halle (4 days old), and Jenni holding her baby Haylie--such a pretty baby! Haylie and Halle are about 1 month apart, both live in Blackfoot, and have no choice but to be friends. We had to take a picture of the 2 of them for the future!

I am adding more pictures because Hope seems to "NEED more pictures!" :) I always thought blogs were pointless because it was just a bunch of pictures of everyone's kids-- which it is, but now I know why that's what people post- because that is what we take pictures of when we have kids! I finally understand! Keep in mind, she is only 3 weeks old, so we don't really do anything or go anywhere. Someday our pictures might be of us with Halle doing something instead of just pictures of her laying there. You understand.

Our 1st "Halle"ween

2008-11-02T14:24:00.000-07:00

Our "Frightfully Cute" Halle in her Halloween outfit

Who does Halle look like most?

2008-10-27T21:12:00.000-06:00

I was holding Halle while she was right in that zone between asleep and awake; her hair was crazy and sticking up all over, with her big eyes that would open and close, then open really big and I caught a glimpse of.... Christopher Walken. I know, I know what you are thinking- he is not an attractive man- why would I accuse my perfect baby girl of resembling him in any way? If it makes you feel any better, it made me laugh out loud to think of who I glimpsed, and I didn't say "Ah, my baby looks like Christopher Walken, how sweet!" I really did laugh, then quickly smoothed down her hair and wrapped her up in a pink blanket.
If any of you see this said actor when you look at my gorgeous baby, please spare me. I would like to think I have just been watching too much television these past couple of weeks :)

By the way, she has gained almost a pound since she was born! Now I feel much less guilty when she goes 5-6 hours during the night without waking up to eat!

2008-10-19T10:17:00.000-06:00

1 week old

2008-10-19T10:15:00.001-06:00

New Addition

2008-10-19T09:40:00.000-06:00

Halle June was born on October 11, 2008 at about 6:00 pm. She weighed 5 pounds 11 ounces and was 19 inches long when she was born. She wasn't due until the 20th so we weren't exactly ready...but we are finding that a week wouldn't have made much of a difference in our preparedness:) As you can see, she was born with quite a bit of dark hair which is frequently styled in the famous baby mohawk. She is such a good little baby and we hope that she can be patient with her new parents.

Halle June Walker

2008-10-19T09:38:00.001-06:00

Proud Dad

2008-10-17T22:21:00.000-06:00

First Post

2008-10-17T22:16:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone! I think we are a little behind the curve but we are finally starting a blog. We just moved from couple status to family status so we can officially start a blog. We will post pictures of our new little family soon.