Wyatt Nelson Bradley

Wyatt Nelson Bradley

I am so in love!!

Jackson Hole

Thanks brother for inviting us to Jackson Hole with your gorgeous, fun family.

We had a blast!

Mattman and Run for Bun

Jeremiah's family has been through so much in the past 5 years; with a sister who was re-diagnosed with a brain tumor (but is doing very well now), a mom diagnosed with a terminal disease, a scare with kidney failure on the cowboy's little guy, beautiful Bunny's passing, and now with Matt's cancer. Really, I am so impressed with this family and the way they have dealt with everything that has come their way. They inspire me!

I couldn't ask for better in-laws. I could hang out with them every day, they are so fun! (and completely inappropriate:)



This guy is amazing! Due to a very aggressive cancer that was found in his foot, he just recently (about 4 weeks ago) had to have his leg amputated just below the knee. (for some good writing and great inspiration go to his blog.) We have all been so worried about him, but he has handled it with the best of attitudes. From day one he has been joking and laughing about it. I couldn't be more impressed with his attitude!

Hudson thinks Matt is the coolest! He will hop around on one leg and say "look Mom, I'm super strong like Mattman." And now every time we talk about being tough, his reply is always "but not as tough as Mattman." Or, I will see him with a stick pretending it's a crutch and he will be telling Afton to call him Mattman. It's pretty adorable! Another reason Matt's a-okay- he puts up with us jamming to Justin Bieber on our car rides to his work......i think for Matt, this could possibly be more excruciating then the phantom pains.

Also, there will be a 5k run for bunny (oct. 9) and silent auction & dinner (oct.8) held in behalf of our much missed Bunny. Go here for all the details.

37 down, 3 to go!!!

Only 3 weeks to go until baby's due date.......

and we couldn't be more excited to meet the little guy!!!

Or big guy.....as someone nicely told me at the end of church today that they think I am having a 10 pounder:), and Miah nicely tried to tell me it was just the dress:)

So I made him come home and take some pictures so I could see just how big I am. There's no denying it, that belly is pretty big!!

But I love everything that comes with it and am still pretty comfortable, so no complaints here.

It is very hard for me to write about something so dear to my heart, but I would feel very ungrateful if I didn't thank all of you who left text messages, flowers, dinners, and such sweet comments below regarding my sweet sister-in-law, Bunny. It has been greatly appreciated. I can't believe how much love and support has been shown during this tragic time. It is inspiring and very humbling. It shows what a great person Bunny was, and how many lives she touched.


I often think about the last time I saw Bunny. She called and asked if we wanted to have a picnic at the park with her and her 2 beautiful girls. Of course, we did! Every other time I have gone on a picnic, everyone brings there own food. Not with Bunny. She told me not to worry about food. She showed up with tuna fish sandwiches, chips, fruit, drinks, and dessert. Not to mention a tuna sandwich and a pb&j for me, just in case I was nervous about eating the tuna. (Being pregnant and all.) I think about all the things we talked about that day. I think about all the things we planned to do this summer. (Take kids to splash park, cowabunga bay, and Thanksgiving point.) She was at such a good place in her life and I felt this from her that day. I remember leaving and having such a feeling of love and gratitude for her, as I often feel for all my sis-in-laws.

I will miss Bunny's compliments. She gave the best compliments EVER! When she told you something, you knew she meant it. I remember most of the compliments she gave me, but more importantly, I remember the way I felt when she said them. I can remember more than a few times when I tried to blow them off, and she would grab my shoulders, look me in the eyes, and say "no Erin, listen to me. I wouldn't say this if I didn't mean it". I will miss those kind words from her as they always meant so much to me.

I will miss Bunny's treats. I love living so close to Luke and Bunny as we were often recipients of her "baking days".

I will miss taking trips with Luke & Bunny. We were lucky enough to go on many family vacations with them, but also as couples to San Francisco and Florida. So many special memories from those trips were made. (and plenty of "Erin" moments.) I remember after the Orlando trip, Bunny told me she was glad that I was in the family, because it made her look a lot smarter, and rightly so..... I may have lost my bra, (only to find I had two bras on later) on one trip, and bought a halter top thinking it was a skirt on the other. I will miss us laughing at those (and many other) "Erin" moments .

We will all miss so many things about Bunny, but I truly feel that Bunny has been an instrument in the Lord's hand in bringing many people (myself included) to remembrance. It has really put things into perspective and made me realize the important things in life. She lived such a full life in her 29 years which, no doubt, has inspired many. She was very blessed to have been loved so deeply by her dear husband and girls, and in return, they were adored by her!! (Prayer's are still needed and appreciated on their behalf.)

Boy, am I grateful to know I can see this cute, dear friend again one day!
Bunny, I will be forever grateful for your friendship and wonderful example!

I sure love me a good summer rodeo.

Especially when when these two good lookin cowboy's are my date!

These are the days

I often think about how one day my kids will be all grown up, and I won't be able to snuggle them anytime I want.

It makes me so sad.

I try to take full advantage of it.

Some may say a little too much, as the kids just recently moved out of our bed and on to the floor next to our bed.

And, if one of them is taking a nap, I can't help but cuddle up next to them and think about how these days don't last long.

(This little one loves to play wedding. And I get teary eyed almost every time she does.)

Today me and my bff were at lunch, kids running around driving us crazy.

And some lady stopped us and told us to cherish these times.

Her kids were all grown up and she was saying how she would trade us in a second.

I am grateful for her reminder.

These really are the days, may we all cherish them!!

Bunny, I miss you!

What Is This Thing That Men Call Death

What is this thing that men call death,
This quiet passing in the night?
‘Tis not the end but genesis
Of better worlds and greater light.

O God, touch Thou my aching heart
And calm my troubled, haunting fears.
Let hope and faith, transcendent, pure,
Give strength and peace beyond my tears.

There is no death, but only change,
With recompense for vict’ry won.
The gift of Him who loved all men,
The Son of God, the Holy One.

- Gordon B. Hinckley

Afton's Pre-K Graduation

Afton had her Pre-K graduation last week. It was adorable! I can't wait to see what the future holds for this little one as she has all the energy, and passion one could desire.


As for now, this little bundle of energy is determined to be a hair braider, or fairy when she grows up.

Afton, I wish you all the happiness in the world!

I love you, my little bug!

another birthday shared,

another birthday enjoyed.

(my parent's think it's quite humorous that i used to demand a birthday week, and now i really don't have one at all.)

truth is, i'm more than happy to share such a special day with such a sweet girl.

and am grateful for a sweet hubby that makes sure I feel special on this day as well.

afton definitely takes after ME in the "milk your birthday for all it's worth" department.

all day it was.... "i can't believe your asking me to clean on MY birthday" or "are you really going to get mad at me on MY birthday?"

she is a bit of a dramatic one.

but i sure adore her and love to hang out with this little girl.

she is so fun!

i love you afty, and feel so blessed to be your mom.

HaPpY EaStEr

so tired after a long easter egg hunt.

Hope you all had a wonderful Easter! (and didn't get sick eating candy like me.)

love, us

Cancun....or Baby Moon....

Our little family of four jetted off to Cancun a couple of weeks ago.


It was perfect.


Truly.....


PERFECT!


With lots of quality family time,


Beautiful white beaches,


Blue, blue water,


And plenty of relaxing.....for me anyway. (The Mr. said he kept getting stares from people, and he was SURE they were thinking how cute HE, a single dad, was for taking his kids to the beach by himself.)


But I think I had a pretty good excuse.


The lovely morning sickness.


Yep, baby #3 on the way!


If I can have a trip like this before every baby, we just might never stop having em'.

Hudson-girl

Yesterday, I asked Afton if she would get Hudson dressed and this is what he showed up looking like. (un-phased mind you.)And again today. Not a bad pick, if everything weren't on backwards.





We decided a hair cut would be good, so when Afton does dress him up, he doesn't look SO much like a girl.......

Or maybe I just need to stop being lazy and dress the poor boy myself. - What a sport!

San Francisco

I L.O.V.E this place.

But I loved the company even more!

Temple Square

Little Cowboys

Hudson was so excited for his first cousin/friend sleepover, where he wouldn't have to play dress-up, dolls or princesses. The little cowboy's played just that the whole night.

Both of my kids thought it was unfair that they had to sleep on the couch while William got to cuddle up to us in our bed. The kid is just so dang cute and cuddly!

We sure like him.

LOVE HIM

Hudson buddy, you made my day today when you ran up to me, gave me a hug, and said "Mom, you are my favorite thing in my whole life".


That just might make up for the last week of you being a terror.


And you, are my most favorite little boy in my life!

Even though, as I write this {supposed to be} cute post, you just told me you were going to poop and pee all over my magazine because I wouldn't let you look at it. Gross.

couldn't help myself

We have a rule around here, no decorating for Christmas until after Thanksgiving.






But while the Mr. was taking a nap yesterday, we just couldn't help oursleves.

Today I was inspired by this wonderful sister and friend of mine. I am not a great writer, as she is, in fact, I am a terrible writer. Which is why I usually let my words speak through the thousands of pictures I post. However, her words got me thinking today, so here goes....



This past little while I have thought so much about ME. I have been so absorbed in what makes me happy. I used to pride myself in always thinking about everyone else, but I can see that I have gotten off course. This is a sad thing. I want to be more like Miah's grandma who just passed away. What a life she lived. With 14 kids, she didn't have time to be selfish. She was up every morning before the rest of the house, everything organized, everything ready. She was an amazing woman who lived a life of quiet service. At her funeral, I found myself thinking; Do I serve enough? Do I care more about the comfort of other's than myself? Do I sleep on the floor when there aren't enough beds (sorry friends)? It is time for change! I want to rid myself of all selfish desires so I can become the person I want to be.



You must be the change you wish to see in the world. -- Mahatma Gandhi

Girls Trip '09

I really have been so blessed with amazing friends, and these girls are no exception. A few of our friends from High School made our way down to St. George for some good ol' girl time! We all love it, We all need it! This trip was entirely too short, but it sure was fun!

We missed all of you who couldn't join us this year.

Can't wait for girls trip, 2010