And the bedding....

An empty crib no more...now we just need a baby to put in it :)

Finally something baby related

Since I have not posted any pictures baby related I thought I would today. Me and D spent the weekend working on the the Baben's room - oh and we have decided to name her Holland, so I can stop referring to her as "Baben". Anyway, we worked on Holland's room this weekend. Below are the pictures and one of my 6.5 month pregnant belly...only 10.5 weeks to go...woot woot!

The Belly - 10 1/2 weeks to go



The Crib & Changing Table




The Dresser D Built & The Frame Wall/Art I made



The closet - D reconstructed, it used to have only one long bar across the top

Well.....

We are having a GIRL!!! And I could not be more excited. Her profile looks like she has my nose, and the doctor says she is a "little chubby" - I LOVE chubby babies. 4 1/2 months left to go until we get to meet her.

What's in a name...

How did you all come up with what to name your children? D and I will find out what we are having in just over 2 weeks. We have a name for a boy down, but for a girl are having a difficult time agreeing. Did you let other people's opinions affect you? I really have a standout favorite name for a girl (and D likes it too), but everytime I tell anyone I get a weird reaction. I just want a name I love. Will people eventually just see your child as that name and nothing else would work, because they love them unconditionally? It is such a huge responsibility...woah!

A long way to go but....

http://babynamey.com/b/mjwgo7ccmfrgk3raijzhk3tomvzhy7brgezdcnzvhf6hy.png

This image was so much cuter...:)

My new home office...

Well today is day 1 of working from my home office. As you can see, unpacking is still in process. I woke up at 6 am and went to work. I work predominently with the East Coast, so my main work hours will be 6am-3pm - with a few West Coast clients thrown in afterwards for good measure. I am used to working long hours though, so it should not be a problem. We no longer have a guest bedroom however, so if you plan on visiting (but really who ever does) - I will need some major warning :) (That was really for you Jenny). I am praying this new situation works out well for everyone. This will be a dream job for me. Same job I had before, minus the hour commute each way. Wish me luck.

Tragedy...too close to home.

James Ian Stanley Innes
January 13, 1949 - July 19, 2008

This past Saturday tragedy hit much too close to home for me. My boss and dear friend James Innes was killed in a helicopter accident in Southern Utah. I have worked for James as his "right-hand" for the past 5 years - just me and him building a company from the bottom up. We have had our ups and downs, but we always worked through everything together and were an amazing team. James was a very skilled helicopter pilot with over 15,000 hours in Hughes 500 models - the type of machine he was flying that day. His son Andrew (30), also a close friend of mine was also taken in this tragic accident. I have such a heavy heart as James was not only my boss and friend, but also a father figure many times. I will miss him so much, and will try to make him proud carrying on his business as successfully as I am able. I love you James.

Happy Birthday to me...

For my 28th birthday this year me, my sister Megan and her daughter Madi hopped on a plane and flew to California for some fun in LA shopping and a couple days at Disneyland. It was good time. This picture just makes me laugh. We stayed at the Grand Hyatt in Irvine, and this sign was posted in the hallway...some kids having a laugh I guess.

Saturday we boarded a plane at 8:30 am, and arrived at Long Beach Airport around 9:30. I love getting that extra hour back when traveling further West. We spent that day shopping in "the alley" in Los Angeles. This is where they have the most amazing knock-off purses and clothes. We got some really good finds...probably spent WAY too much money. In fact I had to buy an extra travel bag to carry all my goodies. The second day we headed to Disneyland for day 1 of our park-hoppers.

We had so much fun - well accept for one incident that happened at California Adventure. I won't go into the sordid details, but Megan almost got beat up...long not so funny story. Geez people, we just wanted to find out which Disney character we were most like. :) And I thought Disneyland was the happiest place on earth. There sure are a lot of grumpy people out there. It was a long VERY hot day, but the crowds were minimal and the lines were short. Apparently Sunday is the day to go to Dland. The next day we

Day 2 began with us getting in line for CA Adventure at 9:15 - the park opens at 10. We got into line that early because there is a new ride which opened 13 days prior - Toy Story the ride. This ride had a line of and hour and a half all day the day before. Apparently, a lot of people had the same idea as us, so there was a mad rush to the ride (at the VERY back of the park) when the gates opened. We only had to wait in line for about 15 minutes, and the ride was AWESOME. It is a 3D ride, where you get to shoot at things, and get a score at the end - you know I love a good competition. Kind of like Buzz Lightyear on crack... Anyway, after the ride we went and ate breakfast and had a more mellow day. The parks were a lot busier on the 2nd day. This was my actual birthday, so I got to wear a "Happy Birthday" Disney pin with my name on it. Every 5 minutes a castmember would wish me a happy birthday - so much fun.

We got to ride everything we wanted and had a great time. I love Disneyland so much and can't wait to go back. It is definitely my favorite place to be. That night we went home after the fireworks show, picked up some In'N'Out and ate it in bed at the hotel - yum!

Yesterday morning we got up and headed out for a day at Irvine Spectrum and South Coast Plaza and a quick stop at Trader Joe's (my first time there). A few of our favorite places from growing up in So Cal. At Irvine Spectrum we ate at Wahoo's (my absolute favorite) and got some amazing yogurt from Pinkberry - oh my goodness, when will they bring one to utah? We did a little more shopping until it was time for our flight and by then we were all ready to get home to our guys. I had so much fun, but I definitely missed Darren more than anything and was so ready to be home with him.

And to end this post - my favorite picture from the trip....

Flickr Post - Courtney

1. Go to www.flickr.com2. Type in your answer to the question in the "search" box3. Use only the first page4. Copy the html and paste for the answer.





1. Your First Name?
http://flickr.com/photos/davidgutierrez/2440778497/

2. What is your Favorite food?

http://flickr.com/photos/jeffcam/364590052/

3. Favorite Dessert?


http://flickr.com/photos/lybouchard/1205588362/

4. Favorite Hobby?
http://flickr.com/photos/52657704@N00/331152398/

5. Favorite Drink?
http://flickr.com/photos/dotsara/2253760893/

6. Where did you Grow up?
http://flickr.com/photos/soulcookie/8684516/

7. One word that describes you?
http://flickr.com/photos/person-qtr/2204274220/

8. Dream Vacation?
http://flickr.com/photos/melody_am/2071543582/

In case the pictures don't come out, the following were my responses:

1. Chelsea
2. Wahoo's
3. Strawberry Sorbet
4. Favorite Hobby
5. Lemon Drop Martini
6. Mission Viejo
7. Fashion
8. Milan

Weekend Fun

I apologize ahead of time for the camera phone pictures - I am not the best photographer :) This weekend was so much fun. Friday after work I went home and went rollerblading with my good friend Lissa and her baby Brianna. It was such a good workout. After that I went home and spent the night at home on the couch with a good movie. Darren had headed over to a friend's house and I was exhausted so I opted out.

Saturday morning my friend Lissa and her two kids piled into the Tahoe and headed to Salt Lake to meet Liz with Chloe and Jack (spencer's kids). We picked the kids up and took them to Lagoon with us for the day. We had so much fun. The picture above is Chloe being brave and raising her arms in the air on The Tiki boat ride. The kids loved Lagoon. Me and D got them season passes for their birthdays, so I am sure this will be a mainstay activity this summer. We spent about 5 hours there and decided we had had enough fun in the sun and went home. That night D and I took Chloe and Jack to dinner at Spencer's restaurant, MacCool's. He has so much fun showing off his kids to his co-workers and the regulars there. After that we took the kids to our house for a slumber party and some movie watching. We watched the BEE movie and went to bed. Spencer picked the kids up the next morning.

Sunday morning after the kids left, D and I headed to our usual breakfast at Mimi's Cafe, and then decided to brave the freezing cold weather and head to Lagoon again. We did not wait in a single line all day. I think in total there was about 60 people in the park all day - trust me when I said FREEZING weather. We went on about 5 rides and called it a day and went home to take a nap. After our nap we went to see "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" with some friends. This movie was HILARIOUS, and I would definitely recommend it! We went to a new movei theatre in Ogden to see the movie. This movie had a full restauarant menu (mexican food, soup, burgers, pasta, concessions, etc) and had assigned seating - like an airplane. Weirdest thing ever, but so cool. After the movie we headed home to watch Desperate Housewives on Tivo and called it a night. It was a jam packed weekend filled with a lot of fun....and I am already ready for another one!

It's been a while...

Well we just got back from a quick trip to Vegas. It was so much fun, and a much needed break from Utah. I won $500 on a $5 Wheel of Fortune machine, while D was much luckier and won $500 on a $.01 Wheel of Fortune machine. So essentially I trip was paid for with those two wins. Friday morning we flew in a did a little shopping at The Fashion Show. That night we got dressed up and went to dinner at The Cheesecake Factory and then went dancing at Pure. We spent most of the night in The Pussycat Dolls Lounge, which was so much fun. The show is so sexy and fun. I would love to have the confidence to be in something like that. The next day we got up and grabbed some In N Out burger...can't go to vegas without In N Out, and sending Spencer a picture text to be jealous about. Then we went and watched the NCAA games at Hooters with some friends. That night we got dressed up again and once again headed to Cheesecake Factor - something about being in the Forum shops we love I guess. Then we went to Tao Beach for some dancing. It was amazing up there - the weather, the people, the music. After Tao we went to O'Shea's for some karaoke. It was a blast. The next morning we had ALL day before our flight out at 9:40p. We spent most of the time at The Palms playing some slots. Then we saw the movie "21", and then had some dinner at La Salsa Cantina before heading to the airport. I have been so exhausted this week at work from having such a packed weekend, but it was definitely worth it. Monday I decided we already need another vacation and put the deposit down for a cruise in November. Has anyone been on a cruise that can give me some cruising advice? We are going through Mexico ie: Puerta Vallarta, Mazatlan, Cabo...etc. Should be so much fun. Sorry no pictures - I have no camera :(

Something must be in the water....

So I just received confirmation yesterday that a 4th sister is pregnant. Holly is due in October with Baby #38. And Melissa just found out today that she is having a girl. Exciting times in the Bridges family. I think they are all just waiting for me to now jump on the bandwagon :) I guess I am just not one to follow the crowd anymore.

Baby Craze

I just received this as part of an email from my mom...."That means #35,36 and 37 are coming this year." Meaning grandbabies #35, 36 and 37 - all from my siblings. Wow!! Kelly, Melissa and my sister-in-law Liz are all expecting. I think that when I finally decide to start having babies, all of my sisters will be done having babies. Does that mean that my kids will be spoiled rotten since they will be the "babies" of the grandkids?

A new purchase...

Darren thought it was time for an upgrade to his vehicle, so this weekend we made the trip out to Boise Idaho and purchased a new car for him. We got a 2007 Chevy Tahoe LT - White. It is amazing, so I may end up stealing it :)

Gasparilla, Tampa, FL - 2008

Well we just returned from a long weekend in Tampa, FL at Gasparilla. Now for those of you that don't know, Gasparilla is sort of like Mardi Gras...with pirates. A long time ago the Mayor of Tampa was trying to stir up publicity and tourism for the town, and created Gasparilla. On the day of Gasparilla a bunch of ships come to shore loaded with pirates (and they dress up very well - think Pirates of the Caribbean) and these pirates take over the city for the day. They have a huge parade and everyone throws beads into the crowd. Anyway, it is SO much fun, and something me and D have started going to as a tradition every year. My boss sends me for work (since our Broker lives in Tampa), but it is way more fun than work.

Thursday was a nightmare. We missed our morning direct flight to Tampa, FL and ended up having to take a later flight through Ohio and then onto Tampa. It was my first time in Ohio (Hi Steph). We did not get to Tampa until 10:30pm. So we went directly to the hotel and went to bed.

The next morning I had meetings all day. Then that night we have cocktails and hor'deurves at the Yacht Club. The Yacht Club is actually where Jeff Garcia (Tampa Bay Buccaneer's Quarterback) lives, so that was a lot of fun. I met tons of people from Credit Suisse, AIG, Prudential, etc. Very beneficial for my career. After that we just headed home, because we knew the next day would be very long.

Saturday morning came and a limo picked us up and took us to my Broker's aunt's house right by the bay. There we had some breakfast and mimosas before walking over to the tent's directly on the bay and parade route. We stayed at the tents for about 5 hours and after catching tons of beads, mingling and eating a lot of cuban food we called it a day and headed back to the hotel to get ready for the night. We got ready and then some guys from our Broker's office and Credit Suisse took us to dinner at Flemings and then out for a night of dancing at this club called The Blue Martini. We had so much fun. We got back to our rooms around 4am and got some much needed sleep.

Sunday came and me and D finally rolled out of bed. We had a VERY long 5 hour flight back home to SLC and the snow. That was probably the hardest part for me, leaving 70 degree weather to come back to a terrible snow storm. Anyway, we had the time of our lives and can't wait for next year :)

Wow, it has been a while since I have posted in this thing. Sorry no new pics, but Darren sold our camera and we have yet to purchase a new one. We are going to Tampa in a week and a have and I hope to have a camera by then, to share some pictures with everyone. It has been a busy time in our household. Our roommates (Spencer's family) recently moved out so we have our quiet house back, we have knocked quite a few items off our household "to-do" list including a fence, complete sprinklers and grass, new couch, flat screen for the bedroom, etc. It is always fun for me to be able to cross things off. I also got a "procedure" done in November and it was the best decision ever. Ok ok, I got my boobs done, and I love them. Lately we have just been working VERY hard and trying to enjoy life. As I said we go to Tampa, FL in a week and a half for a long weekend. Every year on this same weekend the city of Tampa has what they call Gasparilla. It is like Mardi Gras (with the beads, drinking, parades, excitement, etc) but in Tampa. My boss sent me and D last year because our insurance broker is from Tampa and throws a huge party all weekend long. My boss decided he would send us again this year and I am beyond excited. Other than that we are looking for new cars...and are not having tons of luck. Darren wants a new F150, and I would like my same car, but with a newer body style. I currently drive a Lexus RX300, but the mileage is getting so high it is time to get out.

We had a fun and exciting Christmas with LOTS OF SHOPPING, good food, family and fun. It always depresses me a bit when Christmas is over and a new year begins. It just feels so hard going back to the beginning of something you just ended. Maybe it is just me that feels that way though. Our goals for the new year are basically just one - Finish and Furnish the Basement!! We have been thinking a bit about selling our home to upgrade, but I love our neighborhood and we live 2 streets up from our best friends...you can't beat that. So, we decided the next best thing would be to finish the basement exactly how we want and kind of create our own upgrade. I am very excited for this process to begin. Within the past few months I have finally finished getting the upstairs (1st story of our rambler) exactly decorated, painted and furnished how I want it. Now time to attack downstairs. So that will be taking most of our time.

I have not been able to see my trainer for 6 weeks due to the surgery, but am headed back to the gym tomorrow. I am so excited. I had gotten down to 124 lbs and 11.4% body fat, so I am nervous to get back on the scale. I am feeling good, but know I have gained a little bit over the holidays. We shall see. Wish me luck.

Anyway, that's about it for now. I have to get back to work as right now, I can barely see the top of my desk and today is an early day because we are throwing my boss James a surprise birthday party. And I promise I will try to get this thing updated more often.