Swapps

One Year Older!

2012-01-29T21:14:00.001-08:00

Here is the first birthday party! I went for a sailor theme for little sailor! And my sweet mother-by-love let me use their house for the party, and helped with everything!

Jayne also made the cake for Will, yes those are Swedish fish, so cute!

I got this idea online and so happy with how it turned out! Those are just soup cans with twain on it.

Here is how the cake eating went:

hummm...

Just digging in:

I thought he would love to just put both hands in and make a mess, but this kid didn't want to waste any crumbs on his hands so he just went straight for it with his mouth! So great!

What?

more, don't mind if I do

Whoa, sugar high..

The party was a blast thanks to all those who came and helped! I do have pictures of the gift opening, but not on my camera.
I love this boy and these past twelve months have been so sweet can't wait for the next year!

11 months

2012-01-05T10:48:00.001-08:00

I can't believe this kid almost a year! Where does the time go?

He is almost walking and has sixth teeth. We had a great time during Christmas and being with our own cute little family. Will could care less about his Christmas presents, and loved eating the wrapping paper. When I come into his room and get him from his nap, he is so sweet and smiley and it melts my heart. I love this little boy so much, and even though its hard to see him grow so fast; I love watching him learn about the world and every little thing in it!

My mom was able to come for a pre-Christmas visit and we had a blast! We love all that she does for us and how much she loves Will. This picture sums it up nicely.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-22T19:10:00.000-08:00

I forgot about this picture I took of Will, and I like it so I'm sharing it because I don't have enough pictures of him on here! At his nine month Appointment he was still (29in) 75% for height but his weight (19lbs 10oz) dropped to 40%. I am so lucky that Will has been such a healthy baby! It really helps my nerves that he doesn't get sick very often and only gets bad when he's teething. He recently started growling, and he does it all the time! It's not a loud one, but rather very soft and gentle. When he eats bananas he likes to take my hand, after he's all slimy, and give me a hand massage it cracks me! He gives me kisses and hugs and I just melt. I love my little boy and his little personality that changes everyday!

Oh, and this is my mantle. I painted the letters and glued the ribbon to the fireplace. What do you think? Be honest, but if you're mean I'll de-friend you on facebook.

Time is sneaking up on me

2011-10-30T14:44:00.000-07:00

Nine months and counting!

I don't know what his stats are, but his appointment is coming, and I'm afraid he's going to be big!

He is always turning his head sideways like this, especially when he is flirting!

He was the sweetest little octopus, and he actually was ok in his costume, no screaming fits. Thanks Ambyr!

Yes we had our first snow storm and while it was cold and wet; it was also quite beautiful.

Now as I write this post the snow is all gone, and we are waiting in the sunshine for the next dump of snow!
My mom and dad came to visit and we had a great time! I'll post some more pictures later. It is so nice to have a babysitter who you know, love and trust. Thanks mom and dad!

And here is Will loving my dad's guitar jamming session!

8 months & update

2011-10-12T20:25:00.000-07:00

Moving was crazy, but we are finally settled in and enjoying our new place! here are the monthly pics of the little man and I don't know his stats., but he's heavy!

Moving!

2011-09-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

Yep we are moving again! This time we'll be going to Colorado. We are excited for the new adventure, but sad to leave everyone here. Now I need to get into packing mode, nobody talk to me, ahhhh!!! Just kidding half our stuff is already packed, thanks mom and dad!

7 months

2011-09-07T20:44:00.000-07:00

These are my kids crazy eye lashes!!

Vacation

2011-08-25T12:57:00.000-07:00

So we took a trip to Denver a few weeks back and I only took 3 pictures, pathetic! We had a great time with Tom and Ash and her cute baby belly! We didn't do a whole lot, since it felt like Will was always sleeping and nights were tough, but we still had a great time visiting friends and family, and having Greg not work at all!!

This is Will's little girlfriend Ashlyn, they are twoish weeks apart and finally met one another and it was so fun to see our friends Mike and Leslie again! We also saw Chelsy, Casey and Griffin and had a blast, but crazy to see Griff so big already!

This was Will's first nap after the trip and was loving the puppy, I'll never leave it home again!

Here is some good ole family bonding time!

Don't mind my eighties hair do!

Like father like son, they always have their eyes closed!

6 Months

2011-08-02T10:04:00.000-07:00

We are in the sixth month and doing well. Will is getting such a personality and constantly moving and wiggling. He has massive quads because he always wants to stand (and he gets them from his mom, no wise cracks please : ). We are loving every second with him and can't wait for his first plane ride to Denver! Hopefully all goes well.

And here are the stats. for the big man:
Height: 27in, 77th percentile

Weight: 17lbs 10oz, 50th percentile

We finally started solids this month, he seems to like it, but I couldn't tell at first.
When I did sweet potato and squash he loved it!

love this little boy, as he grows and grows!

5 months

2011-07-05T12:22:00.000-07:00

This is the little man at five months! (yes these pant are too small!)

Daddy takes care of Will while I teach primary, they get some good bonding time

Ok so we surprised my mom for her Birthday this year and had my brother and his family, down in San Diego, fly up for the occasion it was so fun!

We went to DeYoung museum and saw the Picasso and Balenciaga exhibits. They were so much fun, then we had lunch after and poor Will really wanted uncle Tyler's hot dog!

We then headed to Stow Lake for a paddle boat ride.

After the City we went to La Colina Italian restaurant and we gave her a photo book of her and her famliy, it was such a fun day and my Mom deserves it, love her!

4 months

2011-06-01T14:43:00.000-07:00

Weight: 14 lbs 13oz (50%), height 26in (85%)

I was so excited to find the bumbo on craigslist for 18 bucks including the tray, and he's warming up to it nicely!

This kid is just talking all day to me, its so funny. He's even yelling at me now! He can turn from his stomach to back, and he loves standing.

I think Will looks pretty manly, but he got called a girl twice today while wearing this! Funny people. Wills is finally in his crib most nights and still wakes up about three times during the night, but its nice to have a schedule, and feel like I can do other things in my life. Let the juggling begin!

this ones for Papa! thanks Dad!

3 months and growing!

2011-05-04T16:30:00.000-07:00

Well, this boy is growing fast as I'm sure every parent thinks of their own child! He loves to squeal at mommy after he's gotten his food of course, and likes to laugh in his sleep. I wonder what's so funny!

He hated the hat, but mean mommy made him wear it

This is random, but my mom's new hospital opened last month and they had face painting so of course I did it! so fun. This was suppose to be the hospital Will was born at, but they were late! At least I can say Will was born in the same hospital as me!

Will and daddy do a lot of this on the weekend:

His three month photo shoot went like this

Whats up mom!

yah I know I'm cute!

you're boring me!

this is what I got when I told him to give me angry

this was angry with a little surprise

love this little man!

2 Months

2011-03-31T13:36:00.000-07:00

Yes, I'm going to keep doing this for his first year of life. Here are the stats on the boy!

Weight: 12 lbs 7 oz (68th percentile)

Height: 24in (85th percentile)

He is just a growing boy, and very active. He loves to kick, kick, kick and punch, punch, punch. He lifts his head very high for tummy time, and then face plants. He loves it when I walk in the backyard at dusk, and hates his shots!

Our good friends Melissa and Vivian came up to the bay area, and I had my first 'shopping with girlfriends' excursion since Will was born! And loved it! Will was just a flirt, but these girls are cute so can you blame him!

I just love being a mom and its facinating watching him grow and change everyday. He is so pure and innocent; I almost go crazy thinking about raising him in this world, but that's why we have the gosple.

Baby boy's Blessing

2011-03-25T11:13:00.000-07:00

Will's Blessing was very sweet and we loved having family and friends there for the big day! Hannah, Adam and Greta were able to come; so much fun and oh Will is a month younger but he's twice Greta's size! Thats our boy!

First meeting with Uncle Tom and Aunt Ashley! He loved them, of course! Forgot to get a pic with Auntie, that means you need to come back Ash!

We feel very blessed to have this little guy given to us, truly a gift!

One Month

2011-03-02T14:26:00.000-08:00

mom what is this contraption!

Will is doing great! He was weighing in at 10lbs 4oz (75th percentile) and 23.5inches (93rd percentile). He's our big boy! I'm loving every minute of him. He eats really well, and it sounds like he's starving every time he eats. He just gulps it down! He got a shot yesterday and mommy teared up, while he screamed his head off! It was the saddest thing I ever saw!

I'm a stud muffin!

Thanks for the blanket Grandma Jayne, I love it!

ok I love this double chin!

what can I say I love this little man!

Update on Will

2011-02-17T09:05:00.000-08:00

Mostly I just have pictures, which are more fun! At two weeks he was 9lbs 1oz (59th percentile)and 22inches (90th percentilce, don't know where that came from!) He's been super easy, but I'm expecting him to get a little more fussy; we'll see!

These polo shots are for daddy!

I'm so luckyI had the camera ready for this.

my relaxed little old man

He's pretty serious

Little Will's birth story

2011-02-03T14:47:00.000-08:00

So I woke up Wednesday and went to my Dr. Appointment she said I was at a 2.5cm and 70% effaced. We scheduled an induction for Sunday night, and she sent me to the hospital to do some Antepartum testing.

1:00pm Started doing the testing and the baby didn't pass the first time so I stayed awhile...

3:30pm Driving home from hospital; feeling more crampy like contractions. So I thought well, I'll shower and get things ready just in case these get more serious.

4:30 Called Greg to put him on alert. 10 mins. apart on the contractions, and my mom comes to help me focus and breathe through the contractions, which were starting to hurt a lot!
5:00 Then I told Greg to get his hinny home now!!
5:45 Contractions are 5 minutes apart, the hospital tells us they will call us back! Greg gets home and my mom tells us to just go to the hospital!

6:00 The car ride was terrible, signing in and getting monitored was torture! I was feeling a lot of back pain with every contraction. They check me and I'm at 3cm 100% effaced. So they say they will admit me (really? no duh was what I thought). Finally I get in the shower on the bouncy ball and Greg is hosing me down while he puts pressure om my back for every contraction! it was nothing I ever felt before, then pop!

700pm My water breaks like a water ballon, such a weird feeling. I get out and they check me again. 3.5cm, What the!!!! I was seriously considering drugs at this point, but my cute husband said I know you can do it, but you make the call. So I get back in the shower and moan and groan about how I can't do it!! But I keep trucking!

800pm I get tired in the shower and come out to the bed and lay on one side griping the side rails, in the worst pain! I ask them to check so I can decide about the epidural. The nurse looks at me wide eyed and says "momma you're at a 9.5". Greg was so happy for me, and the nurse called me her hero. She then has to tell the doc. to hurry back to the hospital cause I'm ready to go! So no epidural huh? holy cow, this is happening.

9ish I get the urg to push like crazy! By this point I'm screaming "ouch, ouch, ouch" because what else do I say? And I don't care how loud I am.

9:30 doc comes just in time and it seems like forever, but I finally feel that ring of fire and they tell me reach down and I feel his head, Wow! Greg was so sweet holding one of my legs being so positive and telling me how wonderful and great I am for doing this. Then I push him out at 9:47pm. They put him on my chest and his big eyes are just staring at me, and Greg and I fell in love.

I was in shock right here and probably getting my stiches, but I was so happy to finally have him

2011-02-02T11:42:00.000-08:00

William Gregory Swapp, 8lbs 6oz, 20 1/2 inches long, Born 1/26/2011

Birth story coming...

Nothing!

2011-01-25T09:41:00.000-08:00

Yes thats right people, this one is not moving out anytime soon! I'm 4 days over and it feels like forever. I'm getting a little stir crazy, and can't sleep at all! I'm totally getting contractions and lost the plug, but other than that nada. Ah feels good to vent a little. My appointment is on Wednesday and she'll tell me what she thinks, but I'm hopeing he comes tonight! Wish me luck!

39 weeks

2011-01-17T09:22:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness I'm ready! I'm ready to meet this little man that I've been attached to for nine months. Even with less room in there he is still so active! My mom, dad, and nephew Luke got quite the show from him as he rippled across my belly with his bum or leg for a while.

When I went to the doc's on Wednesday she said I was at 1cm 50 % effaced. Its not very much, but I was so happy to hear something was happening! Greg and I are making all the preparations and deep cleaned the car to set up the car seat.

Greg is also very excited to meet this little man. He's so cute; he feels bad that the baby has less and less room in my belly, but wants the baby to go completely full term(to be healthy). Aww mixed emotions from daddy, I love him!

And so here is my last profile picture till I head into the hospital. Pretty in pink, ha! Or just big.

And to clarify, my due date is this Friday, and I'm just waiting till he comes, no induction plans for now!

Happy Anniversary!

2011-01-04T22:18:00.000-08:00

Well we passed the four year mark of marriage, and it has flown by. I still feel like we are college students dating and having fun, but I guess my pregnant belly changes that picture. So lucky to have this man as we start our little famliy.

Happy New Year from the Swapps!

P.S. I got my first rude pregnancy comment, through the mouth of one of my primary kids. Her parents were wondering if I was having twins! Parents shut up around your kids!

37 weeks and things!

2010-12-29T14:20:00.000-08:00

Ok here are some updates and family pictures!

Here is the baby blanket I knitted and laying on top is the onsie tie project that was easy, but took me forever to get done! Very happy with both.

We almost didn't get Ty and Ambyr in the picture...

But they caught up with us! P.S. don't have guys take the picture, poor Grace is totally hidden.

Here I am at 36.5 weeks. He is big!

It was nice to see Angela and Desiree!

Here's our whole Swapp Family!

2010-12-16T07:57:00.000-08:00

30 weeks

2010-12-06T08:31:00.000-08:00

I'm almost to 34 weeks now but I wanted to make sure I got my 30th week documented. Greg and I just went to our birthing class and it was great! I feel like it helped me put my birth into perspective, so it seems bearable. Greg knows all the little relaxing techniques, and I can't wait to put that to good use. I feel good because I solidified my birth plan, but I know that things can change and now I know where they might change and why. I'm still very nervous, but I feel a little better and I know I get a cute little guy on the other end of this! So I would reccommend a birthing class to everyone out there considering. Even Greg thought it was worth it!

I also wanted to share a little of our Thanksgiving. We had such a spiritually uplifting time with the family and made lasting memories. Ed and Jayne are starting their adventure in the Dominican Republic, and I'm so excited for them. We are so glad we got to spend time with them before they headed out, and can't wait till we can see them again. They are such wonderful parents and members of the church. They are great examples to Greg and I, and will be to our baby boy. We love and will miss them deeply.

Baby Shower!

2010-11-15T11:58:00.000-08:00

Well I'm at 30 weeks now and my wonderful sister-in-law Ambyr, threw me a shower, with the help of my other sister-in -law, Allyson. Here are a few of the pictures.

Here is my mom and I, She did a lot for the shower as well.

This is one of my childhood friends Connie, She was so sweet to me and to my big belly! All the decor in the background was sewn by my sis-in -law, amazing!

So since I'm having a little man Ambyr's sister Hannah found these great mustaches for all our guests to take pictures in to celebrate my little man. I think we make these mustaches look good!

Tere, Ambyr's mom, Love her!

I don't know how Ben got in there, and his looks totally fake! : )

my mom and I

These are the two responsible for the cutest shower!

It was absolutley adorable and so sweet of them both, Love you guys!

P.S. I got the stomach bug that night and had to go to the ER to get fluids in me! terrible, but I'm much better now. At least the shower was great!

26 Weeks

2010-10-18T08:27:00.000-07:00

Ok I'm just trying to be good about documenting the pregnancy, its not all about me! The baby is doing well and moving a lot! he has strong movements and it still makes me laugh everytime. Greg is amazed with how my tummy keeps getting bigger, and he is so helpful and sweet. I love it!

Besides getting faint a few times here and there (and in the doctor's office) I'm doing well. Greg is doing well too. His hours are still long, but I still get to see him every night; what a wonderful husband I have. He's such a hard worker!
Next post I'll show my knitt baby blanket I'm working on, and the cute things my mom got for the baby, for a great price!

Boy or Girl?

2010-09-03T08:57:00.000-07:00

Greg and I are having a BOY!! We are very excited for this little guy. I think he'll be a handful cause when the ultra sound tech would poke down on him he would kick and punch back; oh man! Iguess whatever mother's instict I have was right ( I really had no clue, its a 50/50 guess people)
Anyway, the ultra sound was amazing and everything is developing nicely which makes me very happy.
Now we have the task of pick out a name, which is fun, but hard.
Thanks for all the guesses, it was fun, and the very nice comments!

19 weeks!

2010-08-24T19:05:00.000-07:00

Well I thought I would put up my first bump shot for anyone who cares! Mostly its for my own record keeping. (And I included a picture of Greg and his new kobe shoes he got for his birthbay)

I'm not getting too sick anymore, but my stomach always feels like its churnning. Now I get heartburn, and a huge appetite! I felt the baby move a week ago, and it was so crazy to me. It was a hard kick or elbow and it made me jolt my leg. I know I'm going to have a fighter; he/she will be a tough one. It really is a miracle happening in there!

We will find out on September 2nd what we are having! So this is all I can think about right now! If you have any guesses leave a comment!

Either way I will be a happy momma!

Well well well

2010-07-06T11:04:00.000-07:00

So I have no fun cute way of announcing this, so I'll come out and just say it! Greg and I are expecting a baby, and we are very excited about it! We joined the "summer pregnancy class of 2010" because as you reading this I'm sure you're thinking of ten other people who are also having babies. Anyways we are about 12 weeks along, and our due date is January 16th.
I've been getting night time nausea, but haven't thrown up yet (knock on wood) and I'm just very tired. Cravings include: El super burrito, avacado and all fruit! I can't stand popcorn, honey, and saltines.
Greg wants a boy, I want a healthy baby and I have no inclining as to what we are having. I am leaning towards a boy; we'll see.
No pictures yet, since I just have an awkward pouch at the moment.
We found out the same day Greg got his new job offer, so we had to let everything soak in! I think its finally hitting both of us we going to have a little one, and we are overwhelmed!
So there you go, another baby story, and it's all ours.

On the road again

2010-06-05T09:07:00.000-07:00

Yes we are moving to San Francisco! It all happened so fast. Greg got a new job with UBS in the city (He's very excited about it). And I'm very happy to with my family! We are moving next week and until then we will enjoy beautiful Southern California.
More posts to come, but it will be a little since I still have all my packing to do!

Hey hey!

2010-05-06T22:12:00.000-07:00

I don't know what to say in the title. Anyways man I feel like time has been flying by. I've been exhauted with working at 24 hour, but I love the free membership. Our gym is known for the spin and yoga classes, and they are awesome!

Greg's Birthday is on Saturday, and just wanted say I love him and happy birthday!

Marriage Season Part Deux

2010-04-02T12:42:00.000-07:00

Just forgot some cute pics of the Swapp girls!
We had a fun time.

The beginning of this post is down at the bottom and this dumb computer won't let me move it, and I'm not typing it again! Enjoy...

This is the Sam boy, he is big and full of love.

Madaline and Ella are so cute, they cracked me up the whole trip.

Greg was loving little Max, he has a little buddy to play ball with now.

love those girls!

this is Lance and Mai, the happy couple!

She is also wearing her highest heels too, and still has at a foot of clearance!

this is her imeadiate family, she has eight brothers and sisters and

lots of cute nieces and nephews.

Da boys!

Cute little Ella and handsome uncle Greg!

Speaking of weddings we went to Utah recently for Greg's little brother's wedding. We went a few days earlier so we could spend some much needed time with the Swapp family. We were all there together finally! Greg and I got pretty attached to our darling nieces and nephews. We did fun things like rock climbing, Ella was a champ, and Ashley and I didn't do too bad ourselves. I didn't get pictures of the reception, but it was a blast and we even got to see Ben and Allyson,. such fun. Mostly we loved all the family time we had together as we celebrated such a happy time.

Marriage season

2010-03-31T13:22:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago my best friend, from back home, got engaged, and I was there! I was suppose to pick her up at LAX and then I got a phone call from her fiance an hour before her flight, telling me hes going to propose at the airport! So I'm rushing down there and barely make it. I was the picture taker and snapped a classic shot of her face as she saw the poster, coming down from the escalator! Those pictures are on facebook, but I got some good ones after the fact.

Angela and her new rock!

Angela I'm so excited for you and can't wait for you to start your journey with Marcos. So excited I got to be there for that; love ya and see you soon!

Like a school girl!

2010-03-15T21:25:00.000-07:00

I feel so giddy (hence the title of this post) because of all the fun things coming up this month!
I finally get to meet my best friends fiancee, and see them so cute and in love! Then Tom and Ashley are coming to visit( I hope they still are) and we'll go to Disneyland. Then we get to go see Greg's youngest brother get married, and see all the family that we haven't seen in almost two years! So yah just wanted to blurt that out cause I'm excited! P.S. not to rub it in to those in cooler climates, but it was a beautiful 75 degrees today, so that put me in a good mood!
Sorry Allyson, I also get to see my brother Ben and his wife Allyson! ha ha thanks for reminding me!

Finished!

2010-02-28T18:48:00.000-08:00

Yeah! I finally finished my own project. It is very amature, but it I feel like a pro because it was hard for me. My mom gave me an old sewing machine (super old!) that works very nicely for my basic sewing needs, and viola! here it is...

(P.S. there's our new ottomen)

I guess what moved me to finally finish this was that I got a job at 24 hour fitness, so I wanted to do it before I got busy. Don't worry I already gave myself a pat on the back ; )

So funny

2010-02-04T09:42:00.000-08:00

I guess BYU-Idaho loves my husbands face(who wouldn't; )! He has been on the website twice and in the alumni magazine. I just think its so funny, but if you're interested here is the link:

http://www.byui.edu/advising/

Scotters

2010-01-28T13:35:00.000-08:00

I can't believe this guy is leaving for his mission in four days! He's the baby of the family and he's the last on both sides of our family to go. Scott is such an awesome young man and I can't wait for him to go on his mission and gain such amazing life changing experiences. We will miss you, love you scotty!

December 30th

2009-12-30T11:10:00.000-08:00

Caution: this is a little sappy and gushy, and not intended for to make people feel like they have to leave a comment about it, it is just me feeling the writting powers ooze out of me about my husband and three years.

Well it all started with me hating the fact that BYU-Idaho was the only school that accepted me. I really didn’t want to go! And it all started with someone saying that hey if that’s the only one that let you in then you’re ment to meet someone there. Boy, were they right! I first saw Greg in the library and I thought to myself and my roommate Ashley that I wish a guy like that would ask me out! Low and behold he came to my apartment that night as a wing man. I don’t want to sound sappy and ridiculous, but when we went on our first date I knew he was going to be in my life. I used to think it must be impossible to find the one person you’re going to spend eternity with. Now that I have found him I count my lucky stars, or blessings. And I love the country song “I thought I loved you then” especially the part where he says “How can I love you more, but I’ve said that before”. So incredibly true, and exactly how I feel. Happy Anniversary Greg.

Thanksgiving

2009-12-07T15:17:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was so fun up in the Bay Area with the fam. We had a great time and lots of great food. Here's a peek.

I love these kiddos, can't get enough of them!

He's a natural ; )

It was so exciting to find out where my little brother is going on his mission. I can't believe he's going, it was just yesterday that we learned to play our first computer game. Anyway Pittsburg watch out for Scott, Scotty, Treps. Love ya Scott I know you'll do good!

Pillow Project

2009-11-13T15:20:00.000-08:00

So I am not very sewing savy but I'm halfway through this project and I'm very excited about it.

Here is a preview. I still don't know how I want to arrange them on the pillow, but if anyone has any ideas pass them along.

I either want to do a square or cirrcular pattern. Anyways this is my little project, its fun and even I can do it!

Fall is in The Air!

2009-10-11T14:53:00.000-07:00

Fall

I love the fall, and even though the weather is always sunny down here you can still feel the slight changes that reflect the season.
Some resaons why I love the fall are:
I get to light apple and spice candles, I bake more, I read more and do crafty things, and I get to see Family!

In fact Greg's Parent's came into town Conference weekend and we gave them the grand tour of Irvine, (mostly we played tennis and ate, two things I love). We had such A great time, the beach was beautiful, and they are so sweet. Jayne even got me started on the project I'm undertaking. I going to make some pillows for my couch finally. I got this very cute idea from my sister-by -love Ashley. She's doing a quilt of these yoyo things (I don't know exaclty what to call them) and I loved it so I thought I would try a pillow since I have no skills in sewing department.
anyways I'll post pictures of it when I'm done. Anywawys thanks Ashley for teaching me how to do it and thanks Jayne for giving me the jump start.

Good shot for taking it ourselves! Here is the Beautiful Newport beach

Update

2009-09-20T21:19:00.000-07:00

Well this girl has finally got herself a job, and though it is not in hospital adminitration I really like it and I'm learning a ton. I work for a personal injury law firm as a case manager assistant and its very interesting; we get a lot of intesting people too. I also call a ton of medical providers all day long so it feels like I'm very close to hopitals.
Anyway Labor day was great with Greg's fam, wish we had pictures, but oh yah I only had 25 minutes to pack!!We love family and can't wait to see them again! As always I wish we had more time with them.
I think that's about all for updates, that was boring huh? Well better boring and safe than eventful and disaterous.

Viva Las Vegas

2009-07-06T16:27:00.000-07:00

Here is what we have been up too since the finish of my education, its been lots of fun!

Some June Fun!

Greg and I were able to spend a weekend in San Diego with the family, it was a June Birthday Bash! The girls all went to a tea party!

This wasn't just any kind of tea party, it was a princess Ariel tea party (she is my favorite princess by the way so I was thrilled) Hannah was so cute and such a good little princess. We had a blast, Ariel even sang, it was so fun to be like a kid again.

Then we celebrated the June birthday's including: Joshie, Seth, Tiffany and myself.

It was so cute Josh didn't like the string from the hat and it was in the way of him blowing out the candle.

We had yummy cupcakes from this place called cupcakes squared. They were rich and filling! As you can tell we loved them! It was a great weekend.

The 4th of July

We had a nice surprize this weekend when Greg got friday off and we were able to go to Vegas and meet up with some of our favorite people Tom and Ashley. This was my first time going and it was fun. It was a little too hot and a little dirty, but hey that's what Vegas is all about right? just kidding, we saw great hotels, got in some great shopping (sorry about the purse Ashley, maybe someday soon ; ) we even saw the Trevi fountain, amazing! I was glad we were able to be with family on the 4th.

The Brothers

Thanks for the fun Tom and Ashley, lets do it again soon!

2009-06-05T15:52:00.000-07:00

And here are some pictures!

This is at the staples center with our good friends Jimmy and Ann-Marie!

Luke was so cute with his new baby sister. He was very tender and protective of her.

And here she is Grace, so Beautiful! She was so calm and very hungry

JUNE

2009-06-04T18:22:00.000-07:00

Wow! Time has flown, I still have one final left, but then I'm done! I feel a little lost right now, I know I want a job right now, but I don't know what I want to do! Oh well I'll figure it out.
I was able to go to SF this past weekend and see my best friend Angela home from her mission and see my new beautiful baby niece. It was such a fun trip to see everyone and watch my cute little nephew Luke.

When I got home all I wanted to was sleep and relax on my birthday. My sweet husband sent me roses and the next day we went up for a romantic gettaway at the Four Seasons Hotel. He is too sweet!

And I finally watched Twilight on my birthday, and I thought it was good, the book is better, but I still liked the movie.

Mother's Day

2009-05-11T18:56:00.000-07:00

I know I'm late on this as well, but I do have amazing mothers in my life.

My mother-by-love is an beautifu, amazing woman, and I am so lucky to have married into this family.

She has been an angel to me, and been super mom to all her boys, Love you Jayne!

There is also my mother, what a great mother she has been and continues to be to me. She has done so much in raising me right, I appreciate all you do mom. You are beautiful inside and out and everyone knows it. I know Grandma was a very exceptional mother to you, because she was a great grandmother to me, and you followed her footsteps. Can't wait to learn much more from you.

Love, love, love you mom.

Also I can't forget my sisters out there, Ambyr you're the reason I had a beautiful wedding, and you're a great mom. Jenn you are an example to me of motherhood with all your darling kids. Becca you do a great job with Hannah and Josh. To the rest love ya and keep it up! HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Happy Birthday Honey!

2009-05-11T18:43:00.000-07:00

I know I'm late since Greg's Birthday was on Friday, but better late than never!

Greg is the sweetest husband, and he is so patient with me. I'm so glad he was brought into this world and I was lucky enough to find him. He never wants to make a big deal out his Birthday, but I am anyways. Here's to a good 25 years and many more, Love you!

Wedding!

2009-04-27T13:25:00.000-07:00

I'm doing this now before I forget! This weekend was so nice. Even though the weather wasn't the greatest the temple grounds were beautiful and so was Allyson. Ben and Allyson are so adorable and happy, and we are so happy for them.

It was so fun to see Heather and Sam.

I just loved how happy and excited Ben was to be married, he is such a sweet brother, love him!

As you can see Allyson looked so beautiful in her dress,

and I loved the dresses she picked out for us. Thanks!

I wish I had more pictures, but the day was very busy and fast. The reception was perfect and it was so great to see many cousins That I haven't seen in a while, as well as old friends. The day was lovely and I wish them the best: Love you Ben and Allyson!

Who's next?

What we have been doing!

2009-04-17T11:58:00.000-07:00

Well I have been absorbed in school and I am almost to the finish line. We have had some fun things happen over these past two months. First and very exciting Greg's brother, Lance, came home from his mission in Tokyo. It was great to listen to the wonderful stories he had, and there were plenty since he is 6'7'' among plenty of shorter Japanese people. He looks great and we surprized everyone by coming out for his homecoming. We had a blast with the fam.

Hilarious!

Still tall as ever.

Of course the boys had to go out and play ball with the neighborhood boys, they're only 10 years older them, so cute.

We took a long drive by the coast finally! It was beautiful.

Tyler, Ambyr and Luke came down for a fun weekend, love them, we had such a great time. We got up to Hollywood, and that's the last time I'm going, it's too crowded.

Luke and I got to play a round of golf in the front yard, he is very good and very cute. Ambyr looks great, and I can't wait to see the baby when she comes!

Next post will be Ben's Wedding, can't wait.

Our Irvine Place

2009-03-01T21:44:00.000-08:00

So I finally got my act together and took some pictures of our place! Here it goes, I know you're dying to see ; ).

Yes I let Greg pick out the colors of our towels, go cougars!

Night time view

Daytime veiw

So there is the humble abode, I'm still getting used to the idea that we are staying here for awhile. I'm still doing school and learning some good stuff (especially my institute class), but excited to be finished. Greg is doing well at his job, and enjoys it. We got called to family history center trainers and are learning lots! Anyways that's life for now!

2009-01-11T13:54:00.000-08:00

So here is how we spent our Christmas break:

We have some amazing friends we made in Rexburg and we are going to miss them all. Alisha and Adam we are going to miss you guys! We had so much fun with you guys and we can't wait to see your baby when "it" comes.

Then we made the treck to our new place here in Irvine, CA. It's all unpacked and put away now, but is was a mess when we left for San Francisco. I'll post another one when we have everything up.

We got up to the Bay area and had so much fun with my family.

My little nephew turned Three! He is so big now and so in love with trains. "uncle Greg, can blah blah blah trains!" as he brings you the iphone to look up trains on you tube. Love him.

But don't get to close if you're not the one helping him look up the trains. I like to think he is sweetly touching my chin and not pushing me away.

Just the fam hanging out.

It's not a real family get to together if there is no wrestling. Especially with uncle Ben!

This is my sweet cousin Taylor; she really is a doll.

These houses were all decked out, I loved it, the whole block went all out!

Yes we did a little rocking out to rock band.

After Christmas we went on a beautiful hike of San Bruno mountain. Great veiw.

I love having a sister-by-love from the Bay area. We got to have breakfast with Tom and Ashley before the new year, it was good to see them.

Anyway for new years Greg and I decided to get sick, so it was a blast! We got to see Allyson, Ben's fiance, and had a great time with her. We also celebrated our two year anniversary, man we are old. We had a fun break and I am so grateful for wonderful friends, family and a loving husband. We had a great 2008, we'll see what unfolds in 2009!

Love to learn new things!

2009-01-06T13:39:00.000-08:00

Ok so I have been meaning to do this all semester long since I have been taking really interesting classes for my major of exercise science. I’m just going to throw out some random facts, and tid bits, you can take em or leave em. I just found these things to be interesting and many of you may already know them. Here goes:

1. When you are trying to loose weight the best way is to decrease your diet by 250 to 500 Calories and loosing only 1-2 pounds per week. 30 min of workout maintains, while 45-60 min looses weight. Mypyramid.com has a good food processor to help keep track of your caloric intake.
2. This is for men out there trying to bulk up through high protein diets: excess protein is converted into fat by the body. So you need more Carbs to bulk up muscle, as well as protein.
3. If you are eating a good rounded diet (fruit, veggies, whole grain, and meat) vitamin supplements aren’t needed, (unless your doctor advises you to take them!)
4. When you start to feel thirsty you are already 2-3 % dehydrated. If you work out pretty hard make sure you get fluid in you that contains 6-8 % Carbs and 110-115mg of sodium (Gatorade does the trick).
5. When your child is 8 years check them every month for scoliosis, they can change 3-6 degrees in their spine per month, till they are 10! Much easier to correct if caught early.
6. So we have a muscle on our abs that goes across us horizontally, doing sit ups doesn’t help it. Everyday you should come up with a cue (like doing the dishes, coming to a red light or doing my hair) for yourself and bring your bellybutton to your spine. Suck it in! This will help further tighten those abs.
7. Ok last one and I’m done. Don’t let your kids sit in the ‘W’ (opposite of indian sitting, their legs are all the way out) position it might cause bone torsions in their legs, meaning there legs won’t align right.

Sorry just wanted to share some fun things, Hope you learned something heck I know I did!

Christmas time is Here!

2008-12-14T19:28:00.001-08:00

We had such a fun Christmas party this year with our friends. We did a big dinner and dessert, with a guys against girls gingerbread house contest. We also did white elephant gifts and watched elf. It was a fun filled night and I need more pictures of it! the're coming.

The club house movie theater where we watched elf.

The girls of the party.

Ok I'm done for now till I get to our place in Irvine, and Celebrate Christmas in San Francisco! If you can't tell I'm very excited, yeah!

Graduation

2008-12-14T17:58:00.000-08:00

Wow I made it through the semester! I can't believe that I made, and it's all done. We are done with our little Rexburg town, and I'm feeling a little sad. Anyway this is major catch-up from this whole crazy semester.

Getting ready to walk.

After the whole thing.

Nicole was there, for fun!

This was all who made it out, in the freezing weather! Thanks again for coming.

This is the graduating gang, we were pretty excited and pretty tired.

Congrats Ryan. It was fun to graduate with with everyone. It was an amazing comencment with President Clark and President Uchtdorf. They had such inspirational and powerful things to say. I feel ready to take on the world and make a difference; we'll see what happens. Really though I never thought that going to Rexburg, Idaho was going to have such an impact on my life, but it did. I found my Husband and received my degree, I will never forget This place.

I know you get really cold mom so thanks for making it all the way for my special day it really meant a lot to me. You too Dad.

These are all the pictures I have, but I will get more soon!

We have awesome friends here and will miss them so much. Also the environment here in our little bubble is amazing and we know it won't be anywhere else, but we are excited to go somewhere for more than six months, and start a new adventure!

TAG

2008-10-12T11:47:00.000-07:00

I have been tagged again. Iknow I don't have time to do this, but I need a break from studying.

1. What was I doing ten years ago?
-well I was only eleven so I don't know, getting braces, playing volleyball, eating?? who knows

2. Five things on my to do list:
-study for my church class
-study for Anatomy, sports nutrition, Exercise physiology, chemistry
-cook dinner
-talk to family
-oh and study some more!

3. Five of my favorite snacks:
-Grahm crackers(you know it Alisha)
-Cinnamon rolls
-goldfish
-Fruit
-Christmas time oreos(the red ones)

4. five things I would do if I were a millionare:
-go all over Europe or just travel
-buy a house, for all my family
-SAVE!
-give a lot to the church to have more temples everywhere!
-and then travel to those temples

5. five places I've lived:
-New York
-San Fran
-Irvine
-Rexburg
-Umm that's it

6.Five jobs I've had:
-hostess
-nanny
-assistant
-bank teller
-physics tutor

thats it. I don't know who to tag whoever wants to do it and sees this please!

My life is all about school and these 20 credits I'm talking! I'll post how I do in December. Just kidding I'll post before then.

Swapp Family vacation

2008-09-07T20:22:00.000-07:00

This is our fun Swapp family vacation, on the Outter Banks of North Carolina. We were right on the beach and that was all we did, which is what I loved. Such a beautiful place.

I don't even need to say anything he(Maxwell) is so cute!
These next four pictures were taken by Madeline, such a big girl now I can't believe it.

This was taken off a pier at sunset so pretty, All Greg could think about were the sharks that were in the water down below.

These are our family pictures. Ashley is very talented and her page looks more professional.

It took a little while for us to take a good shot...

But it turned out alright.

It's just us cute Swapp girls.

I clicked a picture of the house we stayed at on the beach, it was so fun.

This is the golf Course that Greg wanted to live on, so I said only if I could have this house. It was a really amazing golf course.

This last picture has nothing to do with the Swapp family vacation, but it was the end of our summer fun so I just added it( I also didn't want to do another post). This is at my Dad's day care center for genentech. He is really proud of it and shoud be, it was an amazing place; good job Dad it looks awesome.

Anyway this will be my last blog for a while, sine I will be taking 22 credits, but I'll try to slip one in. Wish me luck, Please!

more pictures

2008-09-07T11:29:00.000-07:00

We had a fun family outting to the city; first stop was the exploritorium. Luke and Greg had a blast, we all had fun being like kids again.
I finally got Greg to Sausalito, my favorite little place near the city.
isn't my mother just an angel?

We love uncle Greg.

Of course we had to get Luke some ice cream and he was loving it.

These pictures are so hilarious and cute. We were sitting in a park in Sausalito, when all of the sudden Luke starts talking off his clothes, Ambyr thought he was hot so helped him out of them. But Luke wanted it all off! He wasn't naked long, but he still kept running around like a free spirit. He is just too cute, and funny!

It was a nice day, but this is so typical San Fran weather! The fog rolled in and turned cold, but only after we enjoyed our nice sunny day.

2008-09-07T10:33:00.000-07:00

On our first day back to San Fran after our stay in Irvine, Ambyr wanted to celebrate her birthday at the beach, so here we are celebrating at the beach.

This one is called little boy vs. Ocean
Such a cute little muffin!
This is how many pictures it takes for Greg and I to look good together in one photo.
still don't think we took one where we both look okay. Ha oh well we had fun.

These next few are lovers at sunset.

The final product!Anyway Ambyr is such a great mother, wife, sister, and friend. Anyone who comes into her life will be blessed by her friendship. It was such a fun birthday Ambyr, hope you had fun too! Love ya.

still more pictures

2008-09-07T10:11:00.001-07:00

Our Last weekend in Irvine we were visited by Seth, Becca, Hannah, and Josh. They stayed till Sunday, and we had fun with them.
On Saturday we watched the kids all day, while Becca and Seth went to San Diego to celebrate Becca's Birthday. Josh was attatched to Greg at the hip. Anytime Greg left the room, even to go to the bathroom, Josh would just look so hurt and start crying till he came back.
He was so cuddlely and cute!
Hannah, I hope, also grew a little closer to her aunt Darlene. At least by the end of the trip when asked who she wanted to marry, she would say Aunt Darlene. They are both cutties and we love them.
I would a picture in front of the Newport Beach temple and I finally got it.Hannah also loved her uncle Greg.

Pictures!

2008-09-07T09:53:00.001-07:00

This was our 4th of July weekend. We spent it with Jimmy and Ann Marie, some friends from school, at El Segundo, near LA.
We rode bikes on the beach. Greg rode one with pink flames, he looked so cute, just kidding.
El Segundo is such a cute town, it is very charming and everyone was very friendly, especially Ann Marie's family which we didn't know we would be crashing their family party!
After all the party hoping we did we went to watch fireworks at the field, they were really pretty. Here are our friends.
This was the field, very crowded, but very worth it.

Pictures!

2008-09-07T09:45:00.000-07:00

This is the cutest picture of my nephew Luke. I got to watch him get a hair cut; good thing the lady had lolly pops or else I don't think he would have lasted.
These next pictures are of Heather after her endowment, Her and sam are so cute; so happy for them.

Pictures!

2008-09-07T09:38:00.000-07:00

Here are all the pictures I promised to post from this summer. These are from when we went to Jay the veh's wedding at the oakland temple.

Overdue tag!

2008-08-30T21:39:00.000-07:00

Sorry Becca here it is.
4 Jobs I have had:
1. Hostess at El Torito restaurant.
2. Assistant for a furniture sales rep.
3. Nanny
4. Bank teller at Wells Fargo.

4 movies I would watch more than once:
1. Sabrina (the newer one).
2. Pride and Prejudice ( new one).
3. Harry Potter.
4. Sound of Music.

4 Places I have lived:
1. New York.
2. Rexburg, ID.
3. Irvine, CA.
4. Millbrae, Ca.

4 Places I have to/ visited:
1. Spain.
2. Germany.
3. Italy.
4. France.

4 Favorite Foods:
1. Italian.
2. Mexican.
3. Mediterranean (especially hummus)
4. Sweets, any kind of thing with sugar.

4 Places I would like to visit:
1. England.
2. Greece.
3. Japan.
4. Scandinavian countries.

4 Things I am looking forward to:
1. Finishing school, cross your fingers!
2. Getting my hair cut.
3. Learning where we are living in January(where my husband will get his job).
4. Seeing my friends in Rexburg.

4 Friends I am tagging:
1. Ambyr
2. Alisha
3. Chelsey
4. Lauren

EARTHQUAKE

2008-07-29T15:14:00.000-07:00

I know I have born and raised in California, but I have never felt an earthquake! Not that I remember anyways( I was two for the 1989 one). Honestly I was scared to death, it's such a powerless feeing and you don't know how much it will shake or when it will stop. This brings a whole new meaning to me when I read in the scriptures that the Lord causes the earth to shake, its scary! This one was in L.A. it was 5.8, but for us here in Irvine it was only a few seconds and not very bad. I called Greg right away, once my service was working, and he calmed me down. Anyway I am a true Californian now.

Coming to a close

2008-07-24T14:48:00.000-07:00

The time has flown by so fast here! I'm happy to say the Greg still loves his internship we'll see in a few weeks if we are coming back here. They might make him an offer or we might get a better one somewhere else. Anyway I finish school next wednesday and I have to say five week sessions are intense, I don't want to do it again! I should be studying right now for finals, but I can't focus for the life of me, so what else better to do then blog ; ) I have to put in my two weeks notice at wells Fargo tomorrow and I'm a little sad, only because I like the branch there very much (sounds like a chrurch term Huh?) But in case I had any doubt about if I liked being a bank teller or not it's confimed I don't. After school my agenda will be as follows: part-time work, Packing slowly and not very much stuf, and then I'm hitting the pool and the workout room as much as I can. This is so i can be ready for vacation, sounds like I'm getting a head start; Greg and I are also trying to become tennis pros. It's never going to happen for me. Anyway I hate writing too much and I still can't post pictures! When I get back to school be prepared for many. For now I'm waiting for our stay here in Irvine to come to a close and vacation to start.

Wow

2008-06-23T16:44:00.000-07:00

The top is me in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The next is Greg doing a little surffing on the ship.

Well, its been awhile, I haven't even been that busy, just working and doing random school stuff. I had to register for a random music class at BYU to keep enrollment status and I'm done training and working now. I also started class at UC Irvine and I'm interested to see how it will go. Anyway I decided to post some old pictures of our honeymoon its been a year already! Greg and I like it down here, except when it's really HOT! Those are wow's more later.

JOB

2008-05-19T17:16:00.000-07:00

Well I finally got a job at Wells Fargo! That's it Yeah.

IRVINE

2008-05-09T09:03:00.000-07:00

Well I've been down here in Irvine for almost two weeks and I still don't have a job. I love the area and our place; I can go right down to the pool anytime I want and get all the sun I was deprived of from Rexburg! What I love is that Greg loves it here and he is so excited about his internship. I am so lucky to have such a dedicated husband. It was his birthday yesterday and we had a fun time, celebrating. Poor him though he only had me to celebrate with. Anyway he is my amazing husband and I love him. He even told me that I could just take it easy right now! Don't worry though because I am getting a JOB hopefully. Anyway that should be the title of my next post, cross your fingers.

New York

2008-04-29T18:06:00.000-07:00

So whats with all the New York pictures? Well I decided to go back in time to right after we were married and moved straight to New York. Now you can stop wondering what the heck we did there. We really did have a fun time and who knows maybe we might go back!

Oh No!

2008-04-28T18:04:00.000-07:00

This is Josh he is so cute!

This is Madaline(left) and Ella (right). Greg and I adopted them for a family picture.

This is the Lukester, Love this little Boy!

I have the cutest nieces and nephews in the world. I was able to spend two weeks with my nephew Luke and he is so sweet. My favorite little sayings of his were "oh no!" with the hands on the face and "oh sorry Auntie nana". When he figured out that my name was Darlene and not Hannah he wouldn't call me auntie just Darlene (he is very formal). Anyway the next cutest thing was when Hannah Rae saw Luke and they were so happy they would cry for each other from their cribs. Josh was just adorable and so fun to hold and feed and even change his dipper. My niece on the Swapp side, Ella, I'm happy to say has happy memories of me. I don't see them very often, but my mother-in-law has just informed me that she loves horses and she just bought one and named it appaloosa Darlene. I'm very much honored. It was such a fun two weeks with my family and very busy. I was assistant wedding helper to Ambyr for Heather's wedding and everything was beautiful. Once Sunday came around I happy it was over and to be with my sweetie pie again. I took some great pictures, but I'm sad because we just moved and I forgot my camera cord to download all these sweet pictures I took so it might take a while before they get posted... I hate moving!

First addition

2008-04-21T14:04:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally sat down and started my blog. I don't know what else to put right now, but I'm sure I'll get the hang of it!