The Christian Bandleys

Conversations with a 3 Year Old

2011-03-29T22:46:00.001-06:00

Phillip: "Daddy put this clip in your hair."... "Daddy, do you have hair?" ... "Why don't you have any hair dad?"

Sappy Conversations via Text

2010-06-23T09:24:00.004-06:00

This made my morning...

9:11 am- Christian: "I sure do love you."

9:12 am- Me: "I surely love you too. What can I do to help you be happy today?"

9:13 am- Christian: "Just be married to me."

Dumpster Dive

2010-05-19T20:49:00.004-06:00

This is a story about what you may find when you are dumpster diving with a long time friend. In this story my friend's name is Holly.

We have been planning our friend Bird's baby shower. Bird is having a boy, due in June and Holly and I felt the need to make this shower a special one. (We also needed an excuse to spend time together and to be creative.)

On a recent Friday afternoon, we were driving in a truck named "Snub-zilla". This truck is an old 1942 snub-nose-cab-over-engine gem of my dad's that has a very long truck bed. It is a real treat to drive... especially when and while driving it I get a call from my brother in law that said his 20 year old cousin wanted to know who the hot chicks were that were driving his father-in-law's truck. (Yeah... we are nearing our 30's...)

On this particular afternoon, we were out searching for some fun furniture to acquire and paint to match the style of Bird's shower. We stopped in a field and happened to notice a wicker couch over by a dumpster. We loaded it in the truck and took it home. After sanding, priming, painting, help from Holly and the husband, below you will see the end result. The best part was that we made every effort to keep the project very low cost. The only thing purchased was a little yellow paint. What do you think?

Before & After

BIG HAIR Part II

2010-03-24T17:55:00.001-06:00

Remember THIS? Well we are famous once again. Found on a random blog... I think it's supposed to be people making fun of us but I know that secretly they are all jealous!

For Rent!

2010-03-19T23:17:00.004-06:00

Our home is officially for rent. What a bitter sweet feeling. So much hard work to and accomplishment.... I hope to find someone who will treat it kindly.

1200 sq ft approx, 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom. Original 1940's hard wood floor. Everything else on the inside is new including plumbing, electrical, insullation, drywall etc.

Living Room

Laundry room/ Bonus room

Bedroom

Bathroom
Bedroom
Dining Area in kitchen
Kitchen

HURRAY FOR GIVEAWAYS!!!

2010-02-21T14:44:00.007-07:00

This time of year is probably the hardest time for me. There is nothing to look forward to (except if maybe you are Irish for St. Patrick's Day). The patience for summer has worn off and the anticipation seems hopeless. It is cold and ugly outside...and I am depressed. My cousin Morgan calls this the "winter blahs" and in an effort to find a cure, she is doing a HUGE GIVEAWAY. In fact I am giving away some of my yummy lotions that some of you have been anticipating me making them available. So Giveaway here I come! You should go too! Click here.

A reason to influence...

2010-02-03T13:55:00.001-07:00

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” –Leo Buscaglia

Don't forget about me...

2010-01-21T00:07:00.005-07:00

I will be back and blogging again...soon! So please don't give up on me.

Giddy Up!

2009-10-24T17:36:00.011-06:00

Ashley Thalman Photography took these very fun Halloween pictures of Phillip and I love them!!! What do you think? There is still one more day left if you want to get your kiddo in for a session. Details below.

Birth Mom

2009-09-16T11:10:00.006-06:00

My brother Chance went to Romania and met his birth mom. It was a very spontaneous and emotional reunion. Turns out that he has a half sister that never knew he existed. Thank you for giving me an awesome brother! (birth grandma, Cornelia birth mom, Chance, Annamaria half sister)
Can you see a resemblance?

Giving up the Bottle

2009-08-18T22:43:00.006-06:00

We did it! We gave up the bottle. I had Pip help me take all the bottles and put them in the wagon. We took a walk over to my sister Wendy's house to "give them to baby Kate." "Only babies use babas, not big boys." (Wish me luck!)

Cooper's Obituary

2009-08-04T17:57:00.002-06:00

Cooper Hamblin Kofford (a.k.a. "Coop") Cooper was born October 4, 2004 and returned to heavenly surroundings on July 31, 2009. Quinn Macdonald Kofford and Jana Lynn Worsley Kofford (Orem, Utah. Married 23 years) are blessed to have been Cooper's earthly dad and mom. Cooper is the fifth of six children. He is one of four boys and two girls. Cooper loved his sisters and brothers. He loved climbing into bed and snuggling with his sister, Hunter (13), and loved "playing house" with Kennedy (9). His oldest brother, Carson (12) taught Cooper about baseball. Duncan (7) loved playing legos and swimming with Coop. Lincoln (2) was Coops wrestling mate, car seat buddy, and "partner-in-crime." As his earthly family we are amazed at the depth of our love and respect for Cooper and his impact on our family. We will miss him very much. We have been and will continue to be enveloped by overwhelming feelings of love and gratitude. We are at peace including an absolute blameless recollection of the circumstances surrounding Cooper's last day on this earth. As a family, we have felt the love and support of our extended families, neighbors, friends and the community-at-large; and express our thanks. We have been blessed with clarity of mind and peace of heart and soul which stems from our faith in and knowledge of our Heavenly Father's plan for all mankind, and of Cooper's progression in that plan . . . and its eternal significance for our little family. We are certainly biased toward our son and brother and cannot say enough positive about him or his influence on everyone who knew him or came in contact with him. He was always on the go. At home, he was most comfortable outside . . . usually barefoot and in shorts (or a swimsuit) sometimes even in the winter. He had soft, sun-bleached-blond hair that framed his perfect face and little body and accentuated his amazing deep blue eyes. His two huge dimples (one in each cheek), tan complexion, perfect annunciation of every word and syllable, and his sweet voice (combined with his unique twang) are part of what made him Cooper. He loved to giggle and to make others giggle with him. He loved swimming, riding his bike (training wheels triumphantly removed in May), going to Navajo Lake and Kanab, Utah, and eating otter pops like they were going out of style. He loved taking his brothers for self-made adventures into "Randy's field" or to Betty Jo's "bumpy road." He loved chewing gum which usually only further accentuated his perfect little teeth, ear to ear smile and deep Hamblin dimples. He loved to snow ski, going "faster" in the water tube at Lake Powell, and sleeping wherever and whenever he chose. He loved all of his friends, cousins, aunts and uncles and would interact and immediately engage anyone. He also loved both sets of grandparents (Cree-L and Ila Jean Kofford of Bountiful, Utah, and Steven and Cheryl Worsley of Provo, Utah) and the horses, kisses, Christmas treats and unconditional love they showered on him. We will miss such things as hearing him yell-back "I Love You" as he ran off to play. We will also miss kissing his soft puckered lips, his refusal to eat anything healthy, and his causing havoc in church. We will miss holding his hands (even though the rest of him wouldn't hold still), riding bikes to go get snow cone treats, and just playing and laughing together. If you knew Cooper, you experienced a bit of heaven on earth. As parents and as his family, we are grateful to have been blessed with Cooper. Because of our convictions toward Jesus Christ, we absolutely know with no doubt whatsoever--that we will be reunited with him someday. Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 6, 2009 at 12:00 noon in the Hillcrest 8th Ward Chapel, 1035 South 800 East, Orem. There will be a visitation from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. prior to the services at the ward chapel. Interment will immediately follow at East Lawn Memorial Hills Cemetery in Provo. In lieu of flowers, we have asked that donations be made to the LDS General Missionary Fund or Primary Children's Hospital. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sundbergolpinmortuary.com

Cooper Hamblin Kofford October 4, 2004- July 31, 2009

2009-08-02T15:25:00.005-06:00

Little Cooper, I miss your white hair and tan face, but most of all your dimples.
www.cooperkofford.blogspot.com
click HERE for the heart wrenching details.

Up Up and Away

2009-06-09T01:38:00.004-06:00

My brother in law Lance surprised my sister this last Thursday morning at 6am for a hot air balloon ride for their 11th anniversary. Lindsey Loo Photography (lindseyloophotography@gmail.com) was there to capture the date. Linsdey did an amazing job! (email for details on her amazing work)

Happy Birthday Kris!

2009-05-25T10:20:00.004-06:00

So many people I know are always in conflict with their in laws. I am in fact lucky because my mother in law is my best friend. Happy birthday Kris. You are the best grandma anyone could ever ask for. We love you!

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-09T12:15:00.004-06:00

Why God Made Mom’s- answers given by elementary school age children to the following questions:
Why did God Make Mothers? These were some of their answers:
1. She’s the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house.
3. To help us get out of there when we were getting born.

How did God Make mothers?
1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic, plus superpowers and a lot of stirring.
3. God made my Mom just the same like he made me, he just used bigger parts!

What ingredients are mothers made of?
1. God made mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men’s bones, then they mostly used string I think.

Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?
1. We’re related!
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other peoples moms like me.

Complaint

2009-05-06T23:49:00.005-06:00

Our neighbor called the cops on us last night. Christian decided to mow our lawn last night at about 8:45pm due to the fact that trash day was today and he wanted to put the clippings in the garbage can to be picked up. We had no idea what time it was but it was still fairly light outside. Apparently this really grumpy neighbor of ours was trying to sleep even though all of the lights in his house were on.

Would you be upset if your neighbor was mowing their lawn at 9:00 pm?

Look who's 18 months!

2009-04-14T22:19:00.003-06:00

Late Night Conversations...in Bed Part II

2009-03-24T00:38:00.003-06:00

Me: (blowing my nose) What do we always look at the tissue after blowing our noses?
Christian: The same reason you look at your toilet paper when you poo.
Me: You look at your toilet paper when you poo?
Christian: You don't?
Me: No.... wait, do I?
Christian: How do you know you got it all?
Me: I don't know. I guess I just use a lot of toilet paper. Maybe that is why our toilet clogged tonight.
Christian: Probably...

Big Hair

2009-03-12T15:39:00.002-06:00

I received an email today from a good friend. It was titled " You are famous" and it included a link. I clicked on the link and this is what I saw... "Sexy People- a celebration of the perfect portrait" where people send in their pictures to be made a mockery of.

Yes this is a picture of me and all of my sisters in 1987. I would recommend going to the blog at this link. You will get a kick out of the comments that people have left about the picture and this "big hair". Funny that I have no idea who sent this picture into this blog. But I have my suspicions...

True

2009-03-04T19:45:00.002-07:00

"The only people you need in your life are the ones that prove they need you in theirs." - unknown

Pitty Party Over

2009-02-26T23:35:00.003-07:00

Just when I think that my life is hard, or if I have a bad day I read this blog. Every new post makes me cry. This mother and family has a sick little 11 month old with a heart transplant that didn't take. This friend of my sister's has to make so many hard decisions that are literally life or death for her sweet baby. I THANK MY LUCKY STARS that I have a darling, healthy little boy. 10 days in the NICU with Phillip was hard, but I don't stand an argument with this mom and many others who have had similar experiences. My life is good.

Worsley Sister's Getaway 2009

2009-02-21T15:59:00.005-07:00

For my sister Melissa's birthday this year we decided to abandon snowy Provo and escape to Vegas. This is a few pictures of our adventures; saying goodbye, a full packed car, Cheescake Factory (where we literally licked our plates clean), and a few changes of pants from our laughing adventures.

Happy Birthday Grandpa Phillip

2009-02-08T22:24:00.006-07:00

I was feeling someone around today. Not something tangible but more spiritual...

The last few days have pretty much been the pits. We have been sick at our house with the worst case of the flu including fevers, vomiting, diarrhea (sorry to be so graphic). I don't really know where the last 3 days have gone because its all just a blur of trips to the toilet every 1/2 hour or so, nausea that is unbearable, frequent diaper changes, a lethargic-feverish-whiny little boy who takes a lot shorter than normal naps, 7 up, apple juice, and chicken noodle soup.

But in the silence of Christian and Pip taking a nap I was doing the dishes and could feel something peaceful and different. I couldn't help but think about Christian's dad Phil. And I wondered if it was his calm presence that I could feel. A few hours later I was reminded that it was his birthday. Ah ha! That is what it was! I bet he is around today on his birthday letting us know that he is still here with us as a reminder of how much he loves us and our poor little Pip who is so sick today.

Happy 56th Phil! We think of you constantly.

"How can I love him if he is smoking pot?"

2009-02-06T00:13:00.006-07:00

No matter how rebellious you may think he is, or how ignorant you are, please don't ever say this about your child. Love him unconditionally because he is your son.

Late Night Conversations...In Bed

2009-01-19T00:09:00.006-07:00

Me: "I love you"
Christian: "I love you too"
Me: "Really?"

(pause...)

Me: "Would you still love me if I decided not to wear makeup anymore?"
Christian: "You've pretty much done that already haven't you?"

***and yes, I'm giggling so hard that i just had to get out of bed to post this.

Moisturize

2009-01-09T20:51:00.004-07:00

8 Years ago I became an esthetician. Since then people have always asked me for advice on what products to use on their face and body. Numerous friends and family have called on me many a time to say that their child has dry, irritated skin or a wierd sort of rash. 99% of the time their problem is due to dry skin. Mostly starting with eczema. I never knew what to recommend to them that I could trust to address their problem. The best I could do was to recommend Eucerine or Cetaphil. However the problem with these was that they contain drying alcohols, filling agents, presevatives, and fragrance that can cause more irritation and dryness. For 5 years I've been teaching my students product chemistry and how to make their own creams and lotions from scratch. With many requests much inspiration from Sparks I've started making my lotions so they are available to anyone who has dry skin. (Who doesn't have dry skin especially in the winter?) With basic ingredients they moisturize and hydrate without allowing common irritation that store bought lotions have been known to cause. More details to come soon...

Holiday Highlights

2009-01-06T00:15:00.022-07:00

Lights & decorations, a Chaotic Family Nativity, assembling toys, matching Oobees, a surprise present for momma, Rockapella,
Friends & Family, and a new friend for Pip.

Motorcycle Trip November 29 2008

2008-12-01T02:04:00.003-07:00

A Worsley Thanksgiving

2008-11-29T14:02:00.007-07:00

Apparently running water is hilarious...

2008-11-09T13:12:00.004-07:00

I am sorry to those of you who may be offended for showing my naked child. I just couldn't resist...

Halloween This Year

2008-10-30T01:13:00.002-06:00

Phillip is ONE!!!

2008-10-26T22:35:00.003-06:00

One years old... Not my baby anymore.

Phillip's Party

2008-10-26T22:32:00.004-06:00

For Phillip's birthday we had a fire in the backyard at Grandma's and cooked hot dogs and ate homemade chili. The kids were able to pick their own pumpkins out of the patch in the garden. It was so much fun.

Dare to Compare

2008-10-13T23:15:00.003-06:00

Most People who know my sister Wendy and her kids will say that Phillip reminds them of Thomas. I wanted to see of myself so I decided to match some pictures up to do a comparison. Both pictures are of Pip and Thomas at about the same age... What do you think?

Moab October 2008

2008-10-13T22:35:00.001-06:00

Some go fishing. Some go hunting... Mine go wood cutting.

2008-10-13T22:07:00.010-06:00

At least once a year the boys in the Bandley family go on their own retreat to retrieve wood. This year they went down by Price to cut some high quality pinion pine. We burn the wood at Kris' house and sell some of it. The guys had a great time with only a few mishaps (Stefan cutting his leg with a chainsaw within the first 10 minutes & the wind blowing sand into everyone's eyes). It looks like they had a productive outing.

New Smith Baby

2008-10-13T16:43:00.001-06:00

My sister Wendy had her baby at 10:38 this morning. They haven't decided on a name yet. The babe was 7 lbs and 19 inches long. Darling.

Good Bye Great Grandpa Bandley

2008-10-11T00:50:00.006-06:00

Grandpa Louis Bandley passed away tonight on his sweetheart's birthday. What a reunion it was for him to go see his wife Carol, and his son Phillip. We will miss him.

Growing

2008-09-04T11:35:00.003-06:00

Phillip has grown so much in the past couple of months. It has been so fun to see his personality develop and his sense of humor change. Christian has said to me on numerous occasions "Can't we stick him in a box and give him a pack of cigarettes to stunt his growth?" Nice one Christian!

Phillip will be 11 months on the 16th.

Pip is 9 Months!

2008-07-16T16:14:00.002-06:00

2 Years Ago Today

2008-06-29T13:17:00.004-06:00

Happy Anniversary Christian. I Love You.

8 Months on June 16th

2008-06-18T23:45:00.002-06:00

The baby with many nick names...otherwise known as " Pip, Pippers, Piperooney, Rooney, Little Bug, Bug Person (hence the name of our blog), Stinker, Felipe".
Did I forget any?

Can't get over this face...

2008-06-04T00:54:00.004-06:00

I just had to post this one. Phillip is with his aunt Jenni and smiling at his mom (me!). He is getting so big at almost 8 months and is such a happy kid. He is the best and I am the luckiest mom to have such a smiley happy-go-lucky baby.

My brother Cameron Graduated!

2008-06-03T01:13:00.002-06:00

Cameron Graduated from Provo High School this last Thursday. I was amazed at how many people from my grade that I graduated with who had siblings that were my brothers age. There was probably at least 20.

Perk at Home Spa

2008-05-17T22:48:00.005-06:00

I am getting ready to open my spa at home where I will offer affordable spa treatments to friends and family (all of you who may be interested). I need you to help me pick a logo. Let me know which one is your favorite, or parts of each one that you like, and which one fits me the best...

Thanks Megan for the ideas and designs!

Thanks Amelia!

2008-05-09T23:55:00.009-06:00

Every spring the women in my family get together in Mesquite NV for a "sister's retreat". We get together for a few days to hang out, relax, attend or teach classes (I taught a basic skin care), and enjoy eachother's company. I roomed with some of my cousin's my age one of them being Amelia Lyon. She was able to capture a few photo moments of Phillip and I. Here are my favs. Enjoy!

Cruise Moab May 2008

2008-05-08T00:50:00.008-06:00

Every 6 months Christian and I and some of his extended family take a trip to Moab (our 2nd home) and go off roading in our cruisers. The following are some of my favorite pics. Thanks to Ian's photo ambition, we got some great shots.

Our little family

Our FJ80 Toyota LandCruiser

new rear locker, 35'' mud terrain tires, and freshly powdercoated wheelsNick & Hillary's FJ80

new 5'' lift & mud terrain tires

Action shots:

Brak going across the crack on Golden Spike trail.

I am pretty sure that if this picture was filmed on camera you would hear all kinds of obscenities coming out of Denise's mouth. (sorry about the poor quality, I just had to post it)Josh in his the FJ60- that poor cruiser has taken a beating yet it is still running strong!The whole clan and our matching shirts. It has turned into tradition that we take shirts down and have the t-shirt shop put a design of our choice on them.Oh the many faces of my little Pip. I just can't help myself but to show off these pictures of my little bug and his first experience in Moab.

Christian and Josh BFF's

"just two guys... having a good time"

Check it out, 5- fj55's. One of my dream cruisers. I will have one some day...possibly when money grows on trees. An abandoned winshield in the middle of Metal Masher trail

Update

2008-05-05T10:38:00.000-06:00

It's been so long since I posted and SO much has happened. It was a busy month so I thought I would highlight some of the big things that took up most of my time.

Sunday April 6th- Christian's Grandma Julie passed away.
Tuesday April 8th- I went into the emergency room with horrible pain, to find out that I had gall stones.
Monday April 14th- Grandma Julie's Funeral
Wednesday April 16th- Phillip turned 6 months old. Surgery to have my gall bladder removed. (Boy did that suck! Recovery seemed worse that my c-section)
Monday April 21st thru Monday April 28th- Covered a day shift of teaching plus my own shift working 12 hour days. (Whew, I am glad that is over!)
Wednesday April 30th- headed down to Moab, Utah for some off road fun with Christian and the fam. Stay tuned for more to come on our trip. Until then, here are some pics of one of my favorite trips to Moab with Christian.

Hike to Delicate Arch- Moab December 2005

2008-04-15T15:54:00.000-06:00

Click the image to enlarge if you can't read.

In Honor of an Absent Grandpa

2008-04-03T00:19:00.000-06:00

Grandpa Phillip Bench Bandley died 1 year ago. Boy the time has flown! He is greatly missed.

In honor of this anniversary we are having a very appropriate weenie roast this Friday April 4th 6:30pm at Kris Bandley's house. Please come and bring a treat to share. Hope to see you there!

Party at My House!

2008-03-22T22:48:00.000-06:00

The date is this Wednesday, March 26th at 6:30pm. Come take a looksee at the best books for kids of all ages (including adults)... USBORNE Books. Light dinner will be served.

Changes on my party...

2008-03-07T13:47:00.000-07:00

Well Wednesday won't work for my party because of a church function that will prevent the friends in the ward being able to come. So I will announce when I will be having my party. I know that it will be in the next few weeks...

It's a party, and YOU are invited!

2008-03-06T23:52:00.000-07:00

Well, I have signed up to sell Usborne books. I LOVE these books so I thought that I would make it possible for me, my friends, and family to get them. In celebration of our house being done (almost) I thought I would put together a house warming/Usborne book party.

Where: My House- (email me if you have never been here)
When: TBA

It will be open house style so please come over just to hang out and eat with us. Hors d'Oeures will be served. Yummy!

Flower Test...

2008-02-28T00:27:00.001-07:00

I took this test and I am not sure if it is really accurate... Does this describe me? I don't really know if I agree... "Mischief is your middle name, but your first is friend. You are quite the prankster that loves to make other people laugh."

I am a
Snapdragon

What Flower
Are You?

Thanks Alecia for the link!

Welcome to My Thoughts

2008-02-27T00:04:00.001-07:00

Randomness... I thought I would share.

1. I think I have found a new favorite treat. Peanut M&M's.

2. Husbands cannot multi-task while they are being a dad... can't do the dishes, go to the pharmacy, do laundry, or even talk on the phone...

3. I really miss this guy...

4. I am really lucky that I have 6 older sisters. They each have a different way in which they help me.

5.I am affraid that Phillip won't be able to grow up with any grandpas.

6. It really sucks to be without a washer & dryer, and a dishwasher...

7. I am so happy that Phillip has such a great Gram.

8. Being a mom is so much harder than I ever thought.

9. No matter what I do, I will always stress.

10. Does anyone else feel like this?

11. Friends are the best.

Happy Birthday Melissa!

2008-02-20T12:28:00.000-07:00

My sister Melissa is 29 years old today.

A Morning with Ashley

2008-02-18T23:42:00.000-07:00

Well my friends, Ashley Thalman is amazing. Not only do I say this because she is my best friend, but because she has this real natural talent for capturing the simple and sweet personalities of anyone that she photographs. Her latest photo victim was my 4 month old baby boy, Phillip Matthew. She came over saturday morning and hung out with us and took some amazing pics. The following are a few of my favorites.

Proud Brows

2008-02-17T23:58:00.000-07:00

After a few bad waxings at a local beauty school that turned her beautiful brows into tiny pencil thin lines, Morgan has been growing out her eyebrows for a while. After days of hearing her say how much she can't stand how outgrown they had become and how itchy they were, she sent me a text message this morning that included a picture of her upper right side of her face and the text said "I can't deal with these brows. I'm ready!" (View her story about her brows here on her blog). So she came over tonight to have a brow makeover. I waxed her and then tweezed to create a new shape for her. I think they look so great. I hope she is happy with them.

My Little Bug Person is 4 Months Old!

2008-02-17T00:35:00.001-07:00

A Belated Thank You...

2008-02-16T20:10:00.000-07:00

The day Phillip was born he was transported to the Utah Valley Regional Medical Center to be admitted to the Newborn Intensive Care Unit. He had breathing difficulties and was in the NICU for 10 days. This time was so stressful and hard for me.
I cannot describe the anguish and sadness that I felt when the American Fork nurses told me that I would have to recover at AF Hospital and that Phillip was going to be sent to another hospital. To have gone through 10 months of pregnancy... nausea, heartburn, swollen legs, sleepless uncomfortable nights etc... all with the anticipation that you will have a beautiful healthy baby when its all over. This was not what I got. What a terrible thing it was to have an unexpected C-Section and a baby that I couldn't see or hold because he couldn't breathe, then to be told that we had to be separated for at least 72 hours. I had a lonely recovery in that room in AF. It is something that I don't want to think about ever again. One night after a long day of being with Phillip in the hospital, Christian told me that he wanted to take me to the house to gather a few things. I walked into Phillip's room and saw this...

Amidst all of the heart ache of watching my little bug struggle to breathe, and post pardom depression, little did I know that my sisters had been working so hard to finish Phillip's room. My sister Michelle made his crib bedding and curtains, Wendy bought picture frames and helped put the room together, Jennifer bought the curtain rod and I am sure she gave Michelle moral support. I know that others assisted in the process to make this little room so spectacular.

THANK YOU to my sister's and Christian who worked so hard to surprize me. I will never forget it.

My Husband and His Cruiser Obsession...

2008-02-10T00:18:00.000-07:00

What am I going to do with a husband who is consumed by one of the most expensive hobbies? I am however grateful that it is something that we can do as a family. We can't wait to take Phillip to Moab this spring. I need warm weather.

Confession...

2008-02-09T12:33:00.000-07:00

I went to bed last night without washing off my makeup for the first time in over 10 years.

Happy Birthday Grandpa Phillip

2008-02-08T22:34:00.000-07:00

It's grandpa Phillip's Birthday today. He would have been 55 years old. We miss him...

Spare a Square

2008-02-05T13:25:00.000-07:00

One of my pet peaves is when someone uses up the toilet paper on the roll and doesn't put a new roll on the dispenser. Instead they get a new roll out and set it somewhere in the bathroom like the back of the toilet or on the edge of the bathtub. Why is it so hard to put the new roll on?

What is your pet peave?

Honeymoon Suite + 7 Kids

2008-02-03T22:16:00.000-07:00

Well Christian, Phillip and I spent this weekend at the Koffords house (my sister jana's)watching the kids. Quite an adventure let me tell you... Jana and Quinn built a big beautiful new house and we were lucky enough to go stay in it and watch the kids, 6 to be exact, 7 including Phillip.

Hunter- 12 going on 20, Distracted Christian all weekend from helping with kids, meals or the cleaning. She did help clean so that saved me.

Carson- 10, Snowboarded, sledded, got his lip cut open from a snowball thrown by Christian (nice one honey).

Kennedy- 8, Freckle faced, best baby Phillip sitter. Wrote a report on Helen Keller and Played with Phillip like a doll all weekend, Phillip actually fits in her baby doll stroller. Kennedy "Dado" is the greatest little helper.

Duncan- 5, Going through a rebelious naughty stage (hopefully just a stage). Whined all weekend and said "no" to everything anyone asked him to do, got put in 'timeout' and missed church for refusing to reach down and put his hand in the toilet to get out a toy he had thrown in it.

Cooper- 3, Darling dimples, corrects every wrong word you say. Recently potty trained "Buffy, come wipe my bum!".

Lincoln- 15 months, Snottiest nose in the world, hair tuft like a birdie, walks around yelling something in another language. Woke up Sunday morning drenched in his pee cuz the diaper was too full.

Phillip- 3 1/2 months Really confused about the 6 insta-siblings he acquired overnight. Woken up everytime he went to sleep from the noise volume. Paranoid parents from the exposure to snotty-nose kids.

Christian- 333 months. Lethal snow ball thrower, doesn't ever want 7 kids.

Buffy- 26, loved the amenities; jetted tub, laundry in the walking closet. Doesn't want the maintenance of a 5,000 sq ft house.

Welcome Red Rug

2008-01-31T09:54:00.000-07:00

The much anticipated rug has been laid! Christian & his fam got this red rug for me on Christmas 2006 and ive had it in quarantine ever since to protect it from all the remodel dust and dirty shoes we have had in our house while working on it. (apologies ahead of time Christian, for how anal I am going to be about keeping it clean...that means no work shoes in the house). We are getting our appraisal today making the perfect occasion for me to show it off. Please tell me what you think about it.

Welcome to Your New Home Little Subaru

2008-01-29T23:27:00.000-07:00

I sold my 2002 Subaru Impreza Wagon about a month ago and found a new little Subaru that is more affordable for us now since I am not working at my full time job anymore. This little guy... commuting to salt lake 4 nights a week, we will spend more time together than Christian and I will for the next who knows how long. Sad reality.

Life Update

2008-01-28T02:16:00.001-07:00

Well it is 2.:16 in the morning and I have spent the past 3 hours laying in bed wondering why I can't sleep. So I decided to turn on the TV and watch my favorite, food network, and check out blogs. I can't help but notice how everyone keeps their blogs updated with new posts at least every few days. I wonder how you do it? How does a blog become such a priority in so many peoples lives? And where do they find the time? I have a house to remodel, a husband to feed, a baby to take care of and a job to work for and I barely find the time to brush my teeth in the morning.

Anyways there has been so much happening in my life and I thought I would take some time to update my blog and share the latest.

2 weeks ago, I went back to my job of over 3 years SkinCareRx, and worked for 3 days before deciding that I could no longer work there. There are many reasons that I choose not to share, but it was one of the hardest decisions to make because I feel like I helped raise the company since I was the longest working employee there. I started when the internet company was so small and now it has grown to have over 50 employees. But things have changed for me now because of Phillip. I will really miss that place and most importantly my friends who I worked with.

I got a Job offer teaching 4 nights a week at Skin Works School of Advanced Skin Care. I have taught there off and on for the past 5 years and I am glad to be back teaching the night class. I feel my level of stress has gotten lighter as I am enjoying teaching and there is less demand on me. It feels good to work less hours per week and be able to spend time with Phillip. It is also great because Christian gets to spend time with him when he has him at night while I am at work.

We have been working really hard on the house. Well, I shouldn't say we, Christian has been working really hard on the house. I am just the one that gives him anxiety by always talking about the step ahead instead of focusing on the current project. Christian has done the insulation, electrical, and drywall in the last bedroom and is working on putting the new sub-floor in. After that is done, we need to put up the base board, trim and crown before painting. I am so glad that this remodel is coming to an end. It has taken far too long and I am so sick of it.

I have been focusing on stocking our kitchen with food and cooking necessities. After 3 very expensive trips to the grocery store, I still don't believe that it is cheaper to cook your own food rather than going out. I am keeping track of receipts and will be making comparisons using the last few months of eating out and the next month or so of cooking in to see which comes out cheaper. I will let you know.

Saving the best for last, Phillip has started to giggle deep belly laughs. They are rare but every once in a while I can get him to do do it. He is 3 1/2 months now and I can't believe he is getting so big. It is getting harder to hoist him up into the 4 inch lifted LandCruiser to put him into his car seat base. It has turned into a quite a jossled experience for Phillip. I guess it is just preparing him for all those off road experiences he has to look forward to in Moab in the years to come...

To all those who have left comments...

2008-01-23T20:40:00.000-07:00

I started to feel bad today because so many people from my life, past and present have left comments on this blog for me and I have not yet had the chance to go to their blogs and acknowledge or reply to them. For all of you I am glad that you found my blog and I am happy and thankful for your comments. Someday I will find the time to respond. Til then Ill try to keep my blog updated.

A Smile that Melts Your Heart

2008-01-12T18:46:00.000-07:00

Well, Daddy must have the magic voice because every time he talks to Phillip he goes crazy and smiles really big. I had to share a few pics of him because it is one of the best parts of parenting... seeing your child smile. Is there anything better?

Kitchens getting closer...

2008-01-07T17:54:00.000-07:00

Today a big milestone was made in progress of our house. We got our backsplash laid in our kitchen!!!
After purchasing this home July 1st, the day after we got married, we have replaced most of the drywall & insulation, have run new plumbing and electrical, completely gutted the kitchen and bathroom down to the sub-floor. It has been the biggest project Christian and I have undertaken (doing 95% of it ourselves) and we are so happy to see it coming together. We can see a light at the end of the tunnel. More pictures of our house to come soon...

Events that have happened during the remodel process of our house:
-Christian quit cleaning pools with my brother-in-law, Lance Smith, and got a new job working for US Synthetic (and has to work almost every Saturday since)
-We got pregnant
-Christian's Dad Phil passed away from brain cancer (we miss him so much)
- We had baby Phillip
- Baby Phillip was in the Newborn Intensive Care for 10 days due to premature lungs and fluid asperation during c-section birth.
-I sold my subaru (so sad to see it go)

Some of our favorite people in our little buddy's life...

2008-01-07T17:36:00.001-07:00

Jeff Abram PA Phillip's Pediatrician & Kathryn Hardy (Certified Nurse Midwife)
Jeff is the best doctor! Kathryn saw Buffy through her whole pregnancy and helped deliver Phillip. If anyone wants great doctors I would highly recommend Jeff and Kathryn.

These 2 guys are the best! They are some of grandpa Phillip's best friends & we love them. Rick Gill (Provo, Moab) & Mr. Mike (Gunnison).

Great Grandpa Bandley And Uncle Jeremiah. Uncle Jere makes Phillip smile almost as much as his daddy does. We are wondering if Phillip confuses him for his dad sometimes.

Grandpa Junk (Worsley) & Grandma Kris with Great Grandma Julie
(Ill post later to tell the story on how Grandpa acquired the name " Grandpa Junk")

Our friends Matt & Whitney Nelson, Aunt Karalue Bandley Anderson
It is clear that Matt does not have a child because if he did, I am pretty sure he would know how to hold one... :-)
Uncle Rees & Aunt Lynn Bandley came down to see us from salt lake. Aunt Lynn makes the best banana cream pie!

Last but not least, Auntie Ashley- Mom's best friend.
Ashley has helped me through the most challenging times in life and has been a big support with little Phillip.
Those of you wondering why your picture is not here? It isn't because you are not important, it is most likely that I don't have a picture of you (Alecia).

Anyone Interested in a Rust Free Cruiser?

2008-01-03T20:45:00.000-07:00

I had high hopes for this cruiser that I found and purchased in California 7 years ago, before Christian and I ever started dating. I have found other things more important in life than a sweet cruiser. We need to sell it so we can get our house loan and we have had no luck or even interests in it. It is such a gem because rarely do you ever find an original rust free cruiser. You can see our ad on ksl HERE. Please pass the word along. $6,000 Or Best Offer. Any Questions?

Merry Christmas to me!

2007-12-28T17:34:00.000-07:00

This year Christian and I decided not to do anything for eachother for Christmas since I haven't been working due to my long maternity leave from work and because now we have a little one at home. Phillip is actually what we consider the best Christmas gift (not to mention most challenging gift) we could have ever asked for. However I got an unexpected bonus from work so I decided to get my Canon Rebel SLR that I have been eyeing for quite sometime (ever since I was the amateur photographer for work). I am so excited that now I have a decent camera to take pictures of our little family, especially little Phillip. Here are some fun pics of me trying to figure out the settings.

Phillip's Profile - We love his little nose!

Bathtime- He has finally figured out not to worry and that the bath really is okay.

2007-11-17T22:05:00.000-07:00

My very best friend Ashley took our family pictures today and she did such a great job. Thank you so much Ash!

2007-11-17T22:04:00.001-07:00

The Daddy Buddy

2007-11-14T22:38:00.001-07:00

Phillip's Grandpa

2007-11-14T22:34:00.000-07:00

Little Phillip has big shoes to fill...

The Fantastic Four!

2007-11-14T22:28:00.000-07:00

Jonas, Oliver, Owen & Phillip
"Bandley Boys 2nd Generation"

Our Little Phillip

2007-11-14T22:24:00.001-07:00

Our little guy was born October 16th and spent 10 days in the Newborn ICU. We are so happy that he is home and that we don't have oxygen tubes anymore!