look for her on a wheaties box.

My little sister is a total rock star!!! Ok...she's a total track star... but I think that is even more impressive, don't you? running is hard. running fast is a talent few can claim. She has been living her glory days as an awsome 9th grader at CDJH and smokin' everyone on the track. At her district meet she took 1st place in 12 events (or 13?) and was also named the top female athlete out of the entire district. pretty awsome especially considering up until two years ago she didn't even know she could run fast. this year she stayed after track nearly every day to perfect her craft. talk about hard work paying off!

She is solid. my hero. aswsome. beautiful. I hope you never stop running Krystal Skye... now if we could just get you to run from boys...

yeah- RIGHT!!!

mismatched shades of violet and gold never looked so good...
you see that? It says CHAMPION. yes, we're related.
smokin' the nights...HA!

I told her that I am excited to see her on a wheaties box someday with a little caption that says:

"I went the extra mile... and I ran it faster than you." Ha! Ha!

so me... so not me

red flats. so meso not me.

so me.

so not me.

$1 rentals. so me.

so not me.

so me. boring white. so not me.

so me.

cases and sctratches. so not me.

love jane. so me. so not me.


so me.

so not me.

so me.

so not me. (sorry texters)

so me. don li liger 9 poppy print.

so not me.

so me. yum.

so not me... apple pie

our little man

Ok- my little boy is growing up and rather nicely I might say. Lately he has really been on chivalrous kick and I am loving it. Sometimes when we are getting in or out of the car he will yell, "Wait mom!" and he'll come open my door for me... It is so darn sweet. He also LOVES to bring me flowers and any time he goes outside he bring me back something. Derek said he always says stuff like "mommy loves flowers huh?" and "girls love it when you give them flowers". The other day we were at the park for his preschool and he ran over to me with this HUGE bouquet of flowers that he took from a bush there. They are seriously so pretty and all the other moms were cracking up. I felt sort of bad that he stole them from the park, but you better believe they are in a vase on my table. I hope he stays like this... the world could use a little more chivalry I think.

Last week I took Easton's friend Brynley for the day because her mom is on bed rest... (get better soon Bekah I miss you!!!) and this is a conversation they had in the car... I think it is so funny I was dying!!! I know Bekah will love this.

Bryn: Easton, your eyes are really pretty.

Easton: (sits awkwardly and gets an embarrassed scowl on his face) um... thanks.

about a minute later...

Easton: Your nails are really cool. how did they get like that? (painted)

Bryn: My mommy did it.

Easton: why?

Bryn: Because she loves me!

Bryn: I like your shoes. They are really pretty.

Easton: pause--thanks. they don't have laces.

I was sitting in the front seats trying so hard not to laugh, and wishing bekah were there with me to hear this in person. These two crack me up! I hope they grow up and get married. I can just see how awkward and uncomfortable Easton feels and it is so funny. Bekah took these pictures of them a while ago and they are so sweet. WE love Bryn- she is the cutest sweetest little girl ever! WE had such a fun day together and can't wait to play again soon... I have to add this as well since I am talking about our little man... yesterday he was talking about "his girls" and I was like What?!?!? "your girls?" who are your girls? and he casually replied:

"Sammy and Bryn." duh mom. my girls.

lovin' our little man today.

Memorial day

I just wanted to mention my love and appreciation for all those who have served and continue to serve our county. This past few years their sacrifice has become even more relevant in my life since I have a cousin who's husband is in Afghanistan (see "Brooke and Aaron" on my blog buddies list to read more about them...Brooke is my cousin)and my cousin also Terry also served recently. Having my loved ones in that position really brought home everything they give up. I just know there are hundreds of families who have lost loved ones and others who live without theirs when they are serving. I can not imagine their day to day lives and I am so grateful for all they sacrifice because I know it's one I couldn't make. Thank you so much for serving our country and protecting us and also others around the world!

My family also always remembers my sister Trisha on memorial day... her birthday was this weekend and I really just wanted to do something to remember her. So, today Derek and Easton and I went hiking and although we got a little rained out and our hike was short, it felt good. She loved hiking and I know she would be happy knowing that that is how she was remembered today. I love you Trish and miss you every day.

managing...

so... lately I am REALLY feeling busy with managing these stinking apartments {phone ringing}and although life is great and it feels good to be 1/2 way through school- I am feeling sort of funky. I am really feeling to onset of summer because of the strange heat wave we had last week and the Onslaught of student that are calling to rent apartments. So seriously I am not exaggerating when I say my phone rings on average 20-30 times a day between the hours of about 10-5 generally are the worst. Not exaggerating a bit. {phone ringing}So... I am a little burned out and really wishing I didn't have to work so hard... I wish I were just independently wealthy or that I knew an old couple going on a mission in our ward so we could house sit for the next two years instead of babysit 56 crazy and at times ornery tenants. I need to say sorry to anyone (and especially Camber) that I have not called you back yet... I get really REALLY sick of talking on the phone which I have always hated anyways. It is not because I don't care about you or miss you... It is just that I feel like if I talk on the phone one more time my ears might fall off. literally. {phone ringing}I really feel like quitting sometimes ad believe me I would if I didn't feel so stuck. In fact the other day this thought acctually crossed my mind: "I really wish I were prgnant so that I could be really sick and justify quitting." disturbing- I know. {someone outside my door wanting to write me a check for moving in} do you see how annoying it is to be interrupted so many times a day? Is this really what I signed on for? {phone ringing}. Is it time for American Idol yet?

Today I am asking myself... how do I manage managing?

Derek had his white coat ceremony and he is offically in his third year and working in the clinic now! I am so proud of him!!!

look what I can do!!!

my new BABY

Here is the latest edition to the Ames family. Its a girl. *wink*

I has the most fabulous mothers day. Easton gave me his first ever "school project" mothers day gift. I loved it and I could tell he worked so hard and was so proud of himself. I got a week in Utah then all weekend I got spoiled by my in-laws who were here for Derek's white coat ceremony. We went all over Portland and out to eat and just had a ball. Derek cleaned and cooked and did all the office work and I am feeling so happy. To top it all off I got my new camera (that I have been saving for FOREVER I should add) and that sure makes getting back to reality a lot more bearable. today I am one happy mommy.

where to begin???

what a crazywonderful last couple of weeks I've had! It has been a whirlwind that's for sure. I am so happy to finally be able to post these pictures of of my wonderful new nephews! I has such a fun few days in Utah with them and tried to savor every minute- even I was amazed at the bond that formed immediately and how much you can love a little person you've just met so much. They are truly such a blessing and I want to thank Shelly and Boyd for having the faith and courage to bring them into our family. some things are universal... since Atnoyios (Jonah) doesn't s[peak much English... we had fun making noises and laughing at each other. my mom can whistle really load which he thought was hilarious. so did all the other kids... and so did I.
Most of the pictures I tool were of Jonah eating or sleeping... he didn't sit still for much more than that. He can really pack down the food and I was astounded at what he ate. Wow. That is all I can say! He also has horrible jet lag that first day or two.. poor kid. we were all just staring at him and kissing him and hugging him and he didn't even flinch!
he is so full of life and joy. he is learning so fast and is going to fit in perfectly. Easton is excited to meet him and race him... he loves to run. My favorite is when he says; "ready, steady, go!" i love his cute smile, and laugh and his accent and I just love this kid!!!
This is Sammuel. He is the best baby in the world. I thought Easton was an angel, but this boy takes the prize. I didn't hear him cry even one time the entire time I was there. he sucks his little finger and just melts all our hearts. All the nannies at the orphanage loved him and I think their nickname of "Heysami" will stick forever.


While they had an amazing and eye opening trip in Ethiopia, Boyd and Shelly were happy to be home! You can read here ( http://stewartfam-shelly.blogspot.com/) for more about their trip...

I love this picture of my beautiful sister. She and Boyd have so much love to give and are such loving and giving people. I have felt so blessed to watch them throughout this process.