the nugent family

Happy Birthday Baby

2011-10-29T22:20:00.000-07:00

Can't believe 1 year has gone by. You have brought so much joy into our family. I can't imagine a day without your confectious smile and bright, loving eyes.

Your personality lights up a room. Everywhere we go you bring so much joy to others by smiling and interacting. Who knew at one-years-old you could be so in tune with your surroundings. At the gym, the grocery store, restaurants, meetings with clients...wherever you are the center of attention and the life of the party.

I love you. Jax loves you. Matt adores you. Happy birthday baby. You are such a joy in our lives.

At 1 years old:

weight: 24.8 lbs

favorite words: daddy, dad, mamamama, jax

toy: musical playland piano

music: rap and pop (don't ask me, she gets her groove on)

food: peaches

activity: dancing or being around people

practicing: walking

loves: your sippy cup, your daddy

New House, Old House, New House Again...

2011-07-15T23:32:00.000-07:00

We are back at the house we love and missed so very dearly for the one year we were gone. Keim Drive you were missed. We love this house. We worked hard to make this the house of our dreams. Jax is a bit confused at the "new" house and the "old" house. We are loving the pool every day, sometimes twice a day, I am loving my separate office, Lucy is loving the carpet and crawling all over and we are loving the play room. We feel blessed to be back in our ward too!

A New Road: Our path to Life: Happy birthday Julie!

2011-03-03T16:46:00.000-08:00

A New Road: Our path to Life: Happy birthday Julie!: "Happy birthday Julie!" Everyone in Salt Lake please support my friend in her quest for new lungs. Please attend this benefit concert by Paul Cardall in her honor.

Thanks!

Jax's 4-year-old carnival birthday bash

2011-02-20T21:21:00.000-08:00

This year my friend Heidi and I decided to combine forces for Jax and his bestie Marley's 4-yr-old birthday celebrations. I'd remembered my favorite party for my 9th or 10th birthday. My sisters had planned it and used the trampoline and other booths and prizes to create the best backyard carnival ever! It was my most memorable birthday. Jax at 4 may not remember this one, but I will! Who are we kidding at this age they're for us more than them anyway :) It was a lot of fun.

Friends + Carnival Food + Prizes + Bouncy Castle + Face Painting + Games = Good Times

(did I mention the weather was awesome)

all tuckered out after at the end of a busy b-day

go to my friend Heidi's blog for more cute pictures and a break down of activities in case you'd like to throw a similar party: Heidi's Blog

flown (flōn): {filled too full}

2011-02-20T20:41:00.000-08:00

The last couple of months of my life has flown by

Matt has been traveling for interviews for fellowship 30 out of the last 60 days. I've had two clients under contract, one client remodel and three additional closings since Lucy's birth. Lucy is out of the newborn-sleepy-stage and a little trickier to take to work with Mommy. Jax has emerged into an inquisitive and attention demanding 4-yr-old. I keep thinking to myself how am I going to do this? I have felt several moments of regret for life going to fast and too full that I am not able to soak it up and really enjoy it. I am always in a hurry, running late, tired, up late working and just trying to juggle it all.

What do I do to get a piece of my sanity back? How do I less busy my life? I've decided to care less about getting my pre-baby body back and just give myself a little time. How do you moms with 3 and 4 kids do it? I am having a hard time wrapping my arms around two. Any advice here would be welcomed.

Jax's Bad Habit

2011-01-18T19:16:00.000-08:00

So I'm laughing hysterically and have to write this down before I forget. Jax has a horrible habit of going poop in the bathtub. We have been working on making sure he goes poop before he gets in the bath to prevent these mishaps.

Jax is in the tub. From the other room I hear the toilet flush.

Matt yells to Jax: "Did you just go poop in the potty."

Jax: "No Daddy. It's okay, it's okay."

Matt: "What's okay did you poop in the toilet or the bathtub"

Jax: "It's okay Daddy I pooped in my hand and flushed it in the toilet"

Sweet.

Little Buddies

2011-01-18T16:00:00.000-08:00

I love siblings. I love my siblings and I love Matt's siblings. These two are cute little buddies.

with aunt Rach

Jax is figuring out the differences between girls and boys a few of his cute little comments:

Jax: "Mommy boys are dudes..." "girls are Shes"

Jax: (while changing Lucy's diaper) "Where is her penis is it hiding?"

Jax: "Mommy both you and Lucy have butts like Daddy and I, but you don't have penis'.

Holiday Happenings

2011-01-18T15:38:00.001-08:00

zoo lights

decorating Christmas tree

Santa

Making Christmas cookies

Jax and Lucy Christmas morning

Okay so it is evident I'm either non-exsistant during the holiday festivities or I spend a lot of time nursing and behind the camera:)

Lucy's Blessing

2011-01-18T15:23:00.000-08:00

Lucy's blessing was up in Utah at Matt's parents ward. Matt gave a beautiful blessing and confirmed all of the wonderful qualities we knew she possessed. Her sweet spirit has been a blessing in our family and she brings a lot of peace and joy. Love you Lucy!

Happy Everything!

2011-01-18T15:18:00.000-08:00

Happy Everything!

In an effort to get everything else accomplished during the holidays I neglected to send out Christmas greetings. We love all of our friends and family and are grateful for all of the love and support each and every one of you give us. Happy Holidays,

Love the Nugents

she is here, she is finally here!

2010-11-10T09:22:00.001-08:00

Welcome: Lucy Grace Nugent!

Born: 10-26-2010

8lb 6oz

18 3/4 inches

After much anticipation and out of sheer hatred of pregnancy, Lucy Grace Nugent entered into the world two weeks ago. One day after my due date I was induced. At her size and position (OP) I wouldn't have made it any longer.

Lucy's Birth Story:

I headed to the hospital the night of the October 25th with pretty strong contractions. They were strong, but not progressing. I was still only dilated between a 3-4. They admitted me that night because I was scheduled to come in at 7am the next morning anyway.

Note to self: sleep is much more comfortable in my bed than a labor/delivery bed. Not a great night sleep for Matt or I. He was curled up on a stiff IKEA sized couch and forgot to pack shorts. He ended up sleeping in his jeans. I was up all night with all the back labor and the delivery beds are NOT comfortable.

The next morning I showered, flat ironed my hair (if you saw the last birth pictures with Jax you'll know why, they were awful and my greasy hair was a mess). I ate breakfast and took my last walk before they officially broke my water. When they broke my water and started the Pitocin I was still pretty confident I would go natural. I didn't with Jax, but thought the second baby birth might be a bit easier and shorter.

I labored everywhere I could think of from the medicine ball to the rocking chair to all fours and to the toilet. Finally, when I was throwing up and my contractions were right on top of each other that it hurt to get out of bed, I gave up. I was about 7-8 cm and not progressing. After I got the epidural, I watched a show, listened to music and just hung out with my awesome delivery team. About an hour after the epidural Lucy was crowning and I was ready to go. Three pushes and she was out. Very little tearing and trauma. She was beautiful and nursed right away.

She entered the world to "Welcome to the Jungle" by Guns N Roses an accidental shuffle of tunes coming across my not-so-genius Genius playlist. Just hope she stays far away from the drug influences suggested by the lyrics.

I guess I am a bit of a wuss compared to all of my sisters and mom that have had natural childbirths for all of their babies. In someways having that epidural the first time jinxed me, I just knew how good it feels and how different the labor feels with it (maybe I was influenced inter-utreo by messages of music in the 70's).

pre-delivery

8.6 chubbers

proud parents

delivery dream team

2 days old

3 of Jax's favorite things...

2010-10-07T12:15:00.000-07:00

HOORAY for being 3...oh I am sorry I meant 3 1/2 - don't get it wrong he will correct you.

RAIN (long awaited rainstorms and cooler weather)

Batman!!

Preschool

summer from hell

2010-09-23T10:00:00.000-07:00

The title sums up this summer a bit.

Long story short enduring pregnancy in Phoenix's heat is in itself a feat. In addition, we were thrown quiet a few curve balls over the last couple months...my first flip turned out a flop, Matt's car died (due to an accident) and we moved mid-summer in 113 degree weather (rented out our lovely home and downsized about 1000 sq feet).

(this little face can get you through anything)

After many tears, we are finally adjusting and realizing just how resilient we can be. Around the corner is cooler weather and these wonderful things to look forward to:

Jax's preschool
finishing the nursery
baby Lucy's arrival next month
past the half-way point for residency
finding out where we are moving next for fellowship

spring training

2010-04-11T06:29:00.000-07:00

Easter morning

spring training

best buds

The Shaeffer clan came in town for spring break. We had an event filled week with two spring training baseball games, dinners with Dan's siblings, the easter pageant, easter festivities and conference.

It was so much fun. Jax was thrilled to have all his cousins at his house. He is obsessed with Christopher and wants to spend every minute with him. Luckily, we followed them right back to Salt Lake where Jax continues to follow Chris around and demands for his attention. Chris is so sweet with and patient with Jax. Love these kids!

2010-04-09T18:21:00.000-07:00

Happy Bday My Big Superhero

2010-02-11T23:12:00.000-08:00

Where does the time fly to? Last weekend we were up, up and away celebrating this little guy's 3 year old superhero bday party.

I got a lot of good ideas online and a fabulous pinata from Walmart. My favorite of all would have to be the instructions for making a superhero cape out of t-shirts for less than $2 a piece: http://recycledcrafts.craftgossip.com/how-to-recycle-a-t-shirt-into-a-super-hero-cape-and-apron/2009/11/26/.

Jax had a blast and I believe the rest of the kiddos did to. I on the other hand need another whole year to recover.:)

Wow...long time no post

2009-11-17T20:39:00.000-08:00

Pumpkin painting/carving

Utah Summer

2009-08-15T22:59:00.000-07:00

Jax and I have spent the last month in Utah enjoying family and friends. He spent hours and hours playing with "the boys." We had a blast.

Grandma and all but 2 (Jax and Marty) of her Grandkids

All the Adair girls and mom

My cute mom

Dad + Jax on the Alpine Slide @ Snowbird

Katie's (Mike's girlfriend) baby shower

Housework Sucks!

2009-06-04T13:17:00.000-07:00

Trying to do housework while your kids are little

is like trying to shovel the walk while it's still snowing. (Erma Bombeck)

I'm not sure who Erma Bombeck is (or if anyone reads my blog anymore anyway :)) but I love all of her quotes. I think her and I would be friends - a little sarcastic a little witty and pretty honest.

Our house has been on the market for now almost 2 months. And I'm telling you it is a full time job just keeping it clean. I feel like I am constantly picking up, putting away, vacuuming, mopping, all the stuff most of you probably keep up on anyway... not me. I have no shame in a messy house. Unfortunately a "professional home stager" and "messy" shouldn't be used in the same sentence, especially when I'm hoping most of these Realtors see my magic firsthand and want to hire me for their empty, unsellable houses.

So I have a 2 hour routine I go through every time I have a showing (right now roughly 3-5 times a week). This doesn't even include having all the laundry folded or put away - I've eliminated this expectation for sanity reasons.

The benefit is walking in the door to the clean smell of Clorox clean-up, no dishes in the sink, toys put away, beds made, etc. That part does feel pretty nice!

Happy Mother's Day Mommy

2009-05-19T08:51:00.001-07:00

Okay really is that my Mom? Yes. She is adorable. I am so thankful for her and all that she has taught and instilled in me.

She is the most energetic and positive person I know. She accepts and loves all types of people and embraces all different cultures. Whenever she would drive my friends and I around in Jr high and high school all of my friends were just as excited to be with her as they were with me. She was so much fun and has always been the life of the party.

She has had rich life experiences traveling and living all around the world, learning new languages, meeting interesting people - but with all of this I also know she'd drop any part of her fabulous life if any of her 6 children needed her. She travels all over the country to babysit and spend time with her 15 (soon to be 16) grand kids. All of the grand kids are very impressed with all Grandma's life experiences and think she is about the hippest, happiest grandma around. She also has instilled in her grandchildren as well as her children her love of nutrition, exercise and overall health.

The house in the background is her current "project." She tore down an old 60's ranch style home in Sugarhouse and has been building this gorgeous mansion. She was the designer, general contractor, realtor, etc. She has been intimately involved in every single detail. She is very talented!!

We are so proud to have you as our mom! Love you! Happy Mothers Day!!!

2009-03-02T07:22:00.000-08:00

I love this picture. I can't believe he is already 2!

Loves to ride his bike

2009-03-02T07:11:00.000-08:00

One of the nice thing about living in Phoenix is riding bikes almost all year long. Jax loves riding his bike. I was very particular when looking for a bike for him for Christmas - it had to have a way for me to steer him without having to bend over. We can now ride all over the neighborhood. He loves it!

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

2009-03-02T06:51:00.000-08:00

Jax loves the train park. One of his favorite words is "choo choo." He uses it for buses, motor homes, semi-trucks, fire trucks. Every moving vehicle is either a "car" or "choo choo." This train park is located on 30 acres of land and has an awesome playground and a "choo choo" that rides around the whole park.

this little boy is afraid of nothing

loves his Daddy

the picture is not great, but at least he is smiling

Ski Trip

2009-01-10T16:56:00.000-08:00

At one point in my life I was quiet the snowboarder. For years I was one of the few girls that would head up to the slopes every weekend with a group of friends. I was a daredevil. I wasn't ever great, but I tried to go off jumps, tree trails and into unchartered territory.

All that has changed after several years without any time on the mountain. I am now a total wuss!! I could barely get off the ski lift. I refused to go on anything but green circles for most of the morning. By the end of the day my body felt the beating. Despite the toll, Matt and I had so much fun with my my sister Angela, her husband Dan, their awesome kids and my Mom.

I have to admit my Mom could Now out ski me anyday.

Happy Holidays

2008-12-21T20:12:00.000-08:00

We are so grateful for our friends and families this holiday season. We are grateful for good health and a beautiful, happy and growing little boy. We are grateful for jobs, a roof over our heads, kindness, opportunities to serve and grow. Most of all were grateful for the atonement and the Savior's sacrifice for each and every one of us.

2008-12-21T19:41:00.000-08:00

I copied this from my sister's blog who chose not to tag anyone, but invited anyone who wanted to, to play. The invitation is extended to you... Copy and paste into your blog. Highlight the things you've done.

1. Started my own blog
2. Slept under the stars (Nights on the trampoline as a kid -- good times!)
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than I can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sung a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught myself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown my own vegetables - this year I promise
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train - through Mexico in unairconditioned trains & in Italy under better circumstances
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitchhiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise (a yacht does that count?)
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of my ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught myself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had my portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten caviar or escargot
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had my picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating -- the turkey on pioneer trek -- not fun.
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life (no but Matt does quiet often does that count)
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous. Yes when I lived in LA as a nanny I met many famous people and their children and nannies.
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Been to a foreign country

I miss Chicago at Christmas

2008-12-11T19:53:00.000-08:00

This is our second Christmas living here in Phoenix. While I love the temperatures - I just can't get over how much I love Chicago during Christmas time. Chicago has so much culture, excitement and great shopping too!!Every year we lived there we went to the annual lighting of the Christmas tree at Daley Plaza, the traditional German Christmas Mart and visited the Macy's Christmas windows. Chicago lent itself to fun Christmas traditions, we haven't created any new ones here in Phoenix yet.

I love this age

2008-11-26T16:43:00.000-08:00

www.maggieholmesphotography.com

I wanted to write down a few of my favorite things about this toddler age. Jax is so much fun now! He understands a lot and interacts with me more than ever before. It is fun having a little budy to enjoy my days with. Ever since his friend Will was in town he started to become much more verbal. His favorite words are:

"DADDDY" over-emphasizing the "DDD"
Cars - every car in the parking lot, not missing one "cars, cars, cars, cars," he wants to make sure I see every one.
Doggy and "woof, woof" He loves dogs. He holds out his hand to let the dog smell him and lick him and then barely touches their fur before getting a little scared.
Juice. Matt got him hooked on orange juice and he loves it.
HOT. Everything that he hasn't tasted he asks "hot?" I guess he is cautious.
Baby. He loves babies and loves to point out every one.
Shoe. He loves to get his shoes on and get ready to go.
Choo, choo. loves trains

He is very independent. Despite the tantrums and the opinions about everything I love this age! I love how much personality he has. I love that he is a little more manageable than at 18-months and I love that he is growing up to be a wonderful little boy.

Our home - before and after

2008-11-26T15:24:00.000-08:00

A year ago at this time we were negotiating offers on a lovely old home in the North Central neighborhood of Phoenix. A year later, we are here enjoying the approaching holidays in our warm, beautiful home. This is our first Thanksgiving/Christmas where we aren't headed to Salt Lake or hosting people here. I have to admit I miss the chaos and excitement of entertaining.

The extremely talented photographer who took the "after" picks for my website is Maggie Holmes.

kitchen/dining before

dining after

kitchen before

kitchen after

living room before

living room after

bedroom before

bedroom after

Jax's room before

Jax's room after

(last years post)

Halloween 2008

2008-11-02T15:26:00.001-08:00

I thought we pulled off the dub-T pretty well.

Jax did not want to wear his dog costume so we changed his into a mini-dub-T rocker child. He loved it. He was the life of the block party. He loved the twin girls sitting by the candy bowl. He was flirting with both of them all night. Can you say ladies man!

Walmart Parking Lot

2008-11-02T15:13:00.000-08:00

This was a bumper sticker on a car in the Walmart parking lot. I wish the "Right to VOTE," could be taken away from certain ignorant people.

Dwell Home Staging

2008-10-18T23:23:00.000-07:00

I passed the state and national salesperson real estate exam. Whoo! This means, I'm on schedule to launch Dwell Home Staging by the end of the month.

Below are elements of Dwell's identity system. I had the opportunity to work with Susan Fireside http://www.winterandconstruction.com/ an extremely talented designer and friend of mine whom I met through working at HBG, the branding agency in Chicago.

Below is the website's homepage design. I've been working with another talented designer Drew Taylor. Check out just the design at http://www.drew-taylor.com/dwell/

The website is not live, but I wanted to pass it on to all of you for feedback. PLEASE provide me with any thoughts, opinions or ideas. The more input the better.

Also, if you have any ideas for the official launch, that would be helpful too!

Halloween Themes

2008-10-18T20:57:00.000-07:00

I love the holidays, but something doesn't seem right pulling out the fall/Halloween decorations when it is still 100 degrees outside.

We're having a block party for Halloween this year. For years, I've anticipated the time when our family can dress up as a "theme." I've been envious of my sisters' ability to sew creative costumes for their children and then get their husbands and children to dress according to the "theme." Well, I finally found a theme that would work with my, often reluctant husband and my child who's new favorite words are "woof, woof."

Here's what we're thinking...

Jax can be a little dog.

Matt can be Duane "The Big Dog Bounty Hunter" Chapman

and I will be his white trash wife Beth with an almost matching mullet

Bring on the dub-T!!

a few more of colorado

2008-09-12T22:47:00.000-07:00

My sister

does it get any better?

2008-09-12T22:38:00.000-07:00

LOVE HIM!

blog world oh how i miss you

2008-09-12T22:09:00.000-07:00

Hello long lost blog buddies. I've been MIA for 2 months - and for good reason. I'm in the process of starting my own business, dwell home staging. I've been busy with real estate classes, working on a business plan, brand strategy, copy, design, website and much more. The process has been so much fun. I've been excited to combine my two favorite things (outside my 2 men of course) real estate and home design.

What I missed...a few photos of our trip to Pagosa Springs, Colorado.

Beach Boys

2008-06-24T08:47:00.000-07:00

I love this picture. Are they not the two best buds you've ever seen?

Summer BBQ

2008-06-23T12:54:00.000-07:00

Temps soaring well past the hundreds called for a summer BBQ with plenty of cold water and swimming. We had some friends over for the first annual backyard BBQ in our new house. It was a hit. The kids loved it and the adults did too.

the kids enjoying the pool

Jax & I

the adults enjoying the pool (Jared & Heidi, Maury & Me)

the adults enjoying the AC (Lindsey, Jodi & Baer)

Florida

2008-06-22T17:31:00.001-07:00

During our years in Chicago we made great friends that we'll never forget nor let go -Reagan & Luke Hayes, Wendy & Brandon Labrum, John & Jenava Tait and Cameron & Jack Schwieger. The best kind of friends... Sunday afternoon pajamas and movies, date nights, game nights, movies and fun restaurants. Over the years we all grew extremely close through various church callings, pregnancy, child births and other life changes. The hardest part about leaving Chicago was leaving our best friends and family. We love all of them and are so glad to have them in our lives.

the girls and kiddos

the boys and kiddos

the girls

Since leaving Chicago we've all had children and our little families are growing (some a quicker than others). Despite missing John & Jenava, we had a blast with the reunion of our Chicago bunch. We spent the week in Destin, Florida where Luke and Reagan so graciously hosted us in Reagan's parents gorgeous condo. Despite the fear of our active and curious toddler destroying the condo, we had the best time and so many memories to cherish until next year.

Summer Swimming

2008-06-20T21:59:00.000-07:00

Between swim lessons and water parks we can't get enough water to cool us off from this summer HEAT.

We had such a great time in Florida last week. We spent a lot of time in the pool, by the beach and the playground. Our trip was amazing, I'll post more pics later.

He loved his floaties

My little boy is growing up.

The Farm @ South Mountain

2008-05-20T10:40:00.000-07:00

My mom, Jax and I enjoyed lunch and the afternoon at the organic farm in Tempe.
Jax admiring the flowers & more importantly, the dirt!

Loving the hormone-free, happy, healthy free-range chickens!

Admiring all the healthy, organic vegetables, fruits & herbs

My Mom and Jax

I Love Yogurt

2008-05-20T10:38:00.000-07:00

Hurray! for Best Friends

2008-05-20T09:07:00.000-07:00

Jax and Marley

After we moved from North Phoenix Jax and I were both in need of a good friend. Someone who could relate to the unpredictable schedule of a resident's wife - a dinner companion for lonely nights, a shopping buddy, park and storytime buddies and someone to vent to when the babies are sick and the husbands are help-less (working).

We found Heidi and Marley. Literally found! I hunted her down at the train park, stalking her while she was playing with her daughter. When I found out her husband was a first year General Surgery resident. Well, it was a match made in heaven! Even better we realized we lived around the corner from each other. What a blessing!

naked little buddies

We are blessed to have these two buddies to keep us company and be our best friends.

Sisters Health Retreat Weekend in Phoenix

2008-05-07T20:39:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, my sisters all got together for a health focused weekend. My Mom was with us too, but she looks so young she might as well be a sister. We started the weekend hiking Camelback Mountain.

We were able to watch the sunset from the top, which was a little frightening hiking down in the dark.

Adair girls are tough and they do not give up!

We spent the rest of the weekend cooking healthy meals, shopping, running, hiking and swimming. Most of all we just had such a great time being all together without the kiddos. It was fun to see how the influence of our individual life experiences and the dynamics of our relationships with one another have changed over the years. We are all best friends and enjoy each others company more than anything. No drama, just pure down-to-earth fun!

Thanks for an awesome weekend!

Best Friends & Beautiful Weather = Fun Times

2008-04-12T01:35:00.000-07:00

This weekend has been so much fun for myself, Matt & Jax. Each of us have a best Roger buddy to play with. Our friends Mike, Sara & Will came to play with us.

Yesterday, Jax & Will loved the zoo almost as much as Sara & I. We spent today swimming, BBQing and enjoying the last few days of this beautiful weather.

We're having an all night party of craziness (it's 2AM). Matt and Mike are in the middle of a good old fashion Wii tournament, while Sara & I blog & look at Craigslist -- fun for all! Tomorrow we're heading on a hike to Camelback Mountain and to Castles N' Coasters (a smaller, more white trash version of Lagoon). Bring on the mullets!

So Much Fun!! We love these guys & this beautiful weather.

Faith of Our Fathers

2008-04-06T09:40:00.000-07:00

Today is General Conference. Twice a year members of our church, The Church of Jesus Christ and Latter-Day Saints, listen via satellite, audio, internet or any other medium to the teachings of Jesus Christ and messages of the gospel delivered by prophets and apostles.

I put out plenty of toys for Jax to play with and we listened to different gospel topics. My favorite talk was given by the Second Counselor in the First Presidency, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf.

He spoke on the "Faith of Our Fathers." The message he delivered reminded me of my favorite song we sung last year in our Primary program "Holding Hands Around the World." In summary, he explained that no matter what our background or the past religious traditions of our ancestors, the message of the Savior is THE single most important message of our one and only Father in Heaven.

I witnessed this balance first hand in Chicago. Many of the members in our ward there were political refugees that had imigrated their families from countries in West Africa such as Ghana and Nigeria. They would hold their families' traditions and customs very near to them. They would come to church dressed in their traditional headpieces and attire. At the same time they embraced the gospel and the "new" traditions they had been introduced to through their membership in the Church of Jesus Christ and Latter-Day Saints.

The church is in such a global position. We have more members outside the United Stated then inside. All of the cultural differences, customs and traditions are vital to keeping the faith individualized for each and every member. I am blessed to be a member of a church that doesn't see the world or different cultures as "us against them."

One of my most spiritually strengthening times was being in an inner-city Chicago ward. I saw first hand how desperately people needed the gospel to survive. One man stood armless (due to civil wars in his country) on the stand as he bore testimony of his knowledge of the Savior's love and sacrifice for him. Another family, The Johnsons, lost everything by moving to the US. The organization they hired to bring them to the US, took everything from them and didn't fulfill the promises they had made to them. They struggled to make enough money to feed their children. When they were introduced to the church they never took for granted the blessings they received through their membership. All seven children were in primary and I had the pleasure of teaching them. What a gift!

Tagged by Meesh

2008-04-05T22:01:00.000-07:00

What is your Hubby's name? Matt

How long have you been together? Married for six years in June, including dating we have been together for almost 8 years. Our first "date" if you could call it that (Matt didn't pay) was at the IMAX theater. Matt called me the night before and invited me to the Top Gun with a bunch of both our friends. I didn't bring my purse because I figured I didn't need it. When we were standing in line he was excited because he had a free movie pass. I realized he wasn't planning on paying for me, so me and my girlfriend snuck in. That "dating know-how" he never quiet figured out.

Who said I love you first? Matt. We had been dating for 3 months. It was right around Thanksgiving.

Who is smarter? Probably him (it pains me to admit it). I'm better business minded and definitely more artistic. He can learn how to do anything. He taught himself how to wire our house from the 1-2-3 Electrical book from Home Depot. He is smart in a lot of ways. But, I always like to pretend like I'm smarter.

Who does the housework? Me. Although Matt is a HUGE contributor to our home. Surgeon by day, electrician, landscaper/sprinkler repair man, wood worker, painter by night. He does it all. All the neighborhood men are a little jealous of his skills.

Who sleeps on the right? Me, always.

Who pays the bills? I'm trying to take it over. He has paid them since we got married. I'm learning Quicken.

Who cooks dinner? Me I LOVE to cook and think about crazy concotions. I hate recipes. He is awesome at breakfast, especially swedish pancakes and waffles.

Who drives when you are together? Always Matt.

Who is more stubborn? For sure me. Although, we are both pretty stubborn. We both always want to be right, a cause for conflict in our marriage.

Who kissed who first? He kissed me first. He tried to go in for a kiss on the first night. Not that I didn't kiss plenty of boys on the first night, but I DENIED him. Only because I really like him and I didn't want it to be just a fling (oh and because I was dating someone else). He remembers it differently. Two days later we kissed.

Who proposed? He did - it was the best day ever! I had severe bronchitis and went to the DR that morning. When I got home my Dad told me I should shower and get ready, I looked at him utterly confused. Next thing I knew I was blind-folded by his friends and taken on a scavenger hunt down "memory lane." Starting out at a Olympus High School, then to Skyline High School, next to Downtown SLC and so on. Each place had a rhyming poem and key people from my past. He even had my best-friend Rose and her boyfriend following us filming the days events. The best clue was downtown SLC, he had his older brother Adam dress like a homeless person holding a sign that detailed the next clue. Adam had coke bottle glasses on and grungy clothes, I would have never recognized him. It was awesome. Oh wait, maybe the best clue was his friends in their underpants running around in the snow (with the clue in their underpants). Yes it was very random. After a full day of scavenger hunting, the last clue was an invitation to dinner at the restaurant at Hotel Monaco. He was so nervous during dinner. After dinner we went to temple square. At that point, I was getting anxious. Enough already get on your knees and propose!!! But nope. Next stop The Nugents. At his house he composed a song for me and played it on the piano. It was beautiful. To top it off he had his backyard decorated with Christmas lights, playing "our song," he finally knelt down and proposed. Watching from the porch were all of our family and friends. IT WAS AWESOME!!

Who has more siblings? Me - I have 5 (8), he has 3.

Who wears the pants? For sure me.

I tag Katie Hadfield, Sarah Rogers, Heather Staley & Heidi Ogao

Jax is Walking

2008-04-05T21:48:00.000-07:00

I don't have pictures or a video yet, because it was just a few steps and I've been trying to recreate it and he won't do it again... however, it's official right on his 14-month-old mark. Jax is walking! Whoo, hold on tight and enjoy the ride!

New Easter Chair

2008-04-05T21:22:00.000-07:00

Jax loves the new outdoor chair grandma and grandpa Nugent gave him for Easter. He uses it as a walker around the house. We had a lot of fun with Matt's parents over Easter weekend, in spite of Jax being sicker than a dog. Too bad we didn't get a pic of him in his Easter clothes. Between missing birthdays & no pics on holidays, I am not fulfilling my mom duties properly

This boy loves to Eat

2008-04-05T21:15:00.000-07:00

No matter what you are eating or who is eating it, Jax wants some of it. He'll walk up to perfect strangers trying to grab their food from them. The kid eats a full cheeseburger by himself. He loves all food including all fruits and vegetables. I think meal time is for sure his favorite time of day. I wonder who he gets this from???

Jax & His Youngest, Most Adoring Uncles (Luke, Sam & Max)

2008-04-05T21:04:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun with my Dad, step-mom, Diane (Done) and my three little brothers. We went to Spring training baseball games, the phoenix zoo and botanical gardens and mexican restaurants every night. The best part of the trip was my Dad's daily jump in our ice cold pool. Although the weather was great mid-80s, in Phoenix we don't heat our pools, so it is still too cold for swimming. Well if you know my Dad, the cold didn't stop him. Anything he could do to win the affection of his 3 youngest. I remember when he used to eat red aunts & have burping contests with us. Nothing changes! We love you Dad.

The "Tri"

2008-04-05T19:30:00.000-07:00

You might have thought by the title of this post I was going to blog about a recent triathlon Matt and I ran. Actually no. I am speaking of the "trifecta" of disease that has affected our little guy over the last few months.

First, croup hit in January. He was so sick. It broke mine and Matt's hearts that we had to pin him down every night to give him breathing treatments.

Next, towards the end of January and on thru his birthday he had double ear infections and RSV. We never did get around to having a big birthday bash because Matt and I were sick as well.

Then in the middle of March he caught Rota virus. If your not familiar with this one, it basically tears out your insides. Poor little guy had severe diarrhea & throwing up for over two weeks.

On a positive note, he is feeling much better and back to his crazy, hyper and happy self. WHOOO! I am much more sane when he is healthy. Aren't we all?

Jax

2008-02-27T20:08:00.000-08:00

Wow do I love my son! He is amazing. His personality is coming out so much now and he is so much fun to be with. Yesterday, he just kept looking at me and making goofy faces trying to get me to smile and laugh. He has been so curious and cuddly and is learning so much lately. He loves his drum sticks, he uses them to make music on everything. He also speed races over to the dishwasher whenever it is open, he plays peek-a-boo and laughs histerically with his daddy. He wants to copy everything I do, especially brushing teeth, drinking from water bottles & eating with utensils.

I am loving being a Mom. I also love our new neighborhood. The kids arrive home from school at 3:30 and all come sit on the lawn and play with Jax. I have three 4-year-olds on our street and they love taking turns holding Jax.

Life is Good.

Jax Devouring His Birthday Cake

Fun with Cousins & Mini Trip to So Cal

2008-02-21T18:18:00.000-08:00

We had so much fun with the Pauls. Michelle, Brent, Morgan, Isaac & Ethan came to Phoenix for Morgan's gymnastic meet. She did very well and placed in almost all the events. Congrats Morgan!! We had so much fun! Grandpa (My Dad) surprised the Pauls by coming in town for Morgan's gymnastics meet. We went to the train park, on hikes, to the Phoenix Zoo. We even took a mini-trip to So Cal.

Jax and I stayed with the Hadfields in Newport. Jax and Will had some good old boy time. We went to Disney Land with the Pauls & Aunt Rachel, the beach and the tide pools.

Love you guys! Miss you already!

Happy Birthday to You...

2008-02-04T10:59:00.000-08:00

Our sweet little monkey turned 1 year old today. Unfortunately, he is sick on his special day :(. We just got back from Utah yesterday and I think his best birthday gift was playing with his Dad all morning.

Happy Birthday Jax! We LOVE you. This has been the best year of our lives because of you. Thank you for all your smiles, giggles, kisses, hand holding, cuddles, hiccups and hugs. Our lives will never be the same!!!

Happy 2008!!!

2008-02-03T00:35:00.000-08:00

As you can tell we are a little late sending out our cards. If we don't already have your address please send it my way via email.

Thanks!!

Almost There...

2008-01-20T19:02:00.001-08:00

It has been a difficult few months keeping a crawling, curious kid away from gaping holes, chunks of drywall, piles of demo and exposed tack strip. Last Friday, the challenges of acting as the general contractor and the headaches that come with that title paid off. The bulk of the remodel came together. Matt and I stayed up painting all hours of the night in preparation for this week. Carpet was installed on Monday, cabinets hung Tuesday and Wednesday, appliances and counter tops installed on Friday and last the sink was hooked up on Saturday. HURRAY for a working kitchen!! Oh the blessings of a dishwasher and sink. I love the conveniences of modern day living. I keep staring at our house asking myself "Is this really mine?" It feels so grown up.

Today we went to church, watched Sunday football, ate Sunday dinner in our new kitchen. And for the first time in months had a "typical" Sunday in our new beautiful, livable home. Life is good.

Oh How I've Missed You Blog World...

2008-01-20T18:44:00.000-08:00

Hi Friends!! Many of you have asked where I've been the last few months. Since December 12th we have been BUSY remodeling our new house. I have several pictures for you to enjoy!! The first set were taken during the remodel (over the last few weeks).

Jax enjoying is new play spots in the kitchen cabinets.

Our kitchen (the bathroom)

Our kitchen half way done.

I've Been Tagged...

2007-12-01T20:16:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I was tagged by my sister Michelle a few weeks ago. With hosting Thanksgiving and traveling out of the way I'm finally ready to reveal 5 Little Known Things About Myself.

1) I'm addicted to HGTV. I love watching home renovation and design shows. I have to laugh at how much time I spend watching others remodel, renovate, design... do, do, do as I sit, sit, sit and watch the shows. Hopefully, the inspiration will come out in our remodel.
href="http://www.orbitsatellite.tv/programming/images/HGTV_HD.gif">

2) I love themes for everything. This obsession carries over to the kitchen. I love to cook. If I'm making something Italian or Thai or of that nature and Matt puts out chips and salsa, I promptly put the chips and salsa away. I can not mix "snacks" that don't fit with the dinner theme. I would rather spend extra time making a "Asian influenced salad" to go with an Asian cuisine than making a regular salad.

3) I hate carnations. I had them so much; for no other reason than they're ugly. I don't like the food coloring dye they add to them --they look fake. When Matt gets me flowers (rarely and usually because he's in trouble) I have to inspect the bouquet for carnations. One of our first Valentines, I took the bouquet and threw half the flowers in the trash immediately. I didn't realize how rude that looked until it all set in (in my defense, he had known I hated carnations).

4) I hate hard rock, but lately crave it when I exercise. This afternoon I couldn't wait to drop of Jax in the daycare and get to the treadmill and my IPOD. I was so excited to get pumped up to Matt's Tool Mix. I feel really energetic listening to it when I am running. However, the same songs disgust me if he tries to play them in the car.

5) I love all things spicy. I add jalapenos and hot sauce to everything.

Our New Home

2007-11-23T21:38:00.000-08:00

Starting December 12th Matt and I will be in a new residence. Our new home is a spacious 4 bedroom, 3 bath home located in North Central Phoenix. We fell in love with the neighborhood, the neighbors and the home's potential. For those of you who have keeping up with our home search, this home was #1 from my previous post "House Hunters Phoenix."

These aren't the best pictures and definitely highlight the homes "Grammy" baby blue and yellow feel -- just use your imagination! A little carpet and paint and this place will be beautiful. Best of all plenty of room for visitors and a pool (hint, hint). Did I mention the weather here is beautiful right now?

Thanksgiving Feast

2007-11-23T21:28:00.000-08:00

With all the rush of the day I never did get any great pics of the table or family and friends. Here are a couple pics of the festivities.

My Boys

2007-11-21T21:09:00.000-08:00

Love These Two! Does it get any better? I am so thankful for both of them and all the joy they bring into my life.

Two Week Trip to Salt Lake

2007-11-20T19:17:00.000-08:00

We had so much fun in Salt Lake the last couple of weeks. I was able to go to lunch and have playdates with my high school friends. The first week Jax and I stayed with my sister, Angela. We spent quality time with the Shaeffer family as well as my Dad and Mom, Matt's family, my sisters and mine and Matt's friends! The vacation was so much fun. We got home with just enough time to spend 3 days at the grocery store to get ready for hosting 20 people for Thanksgiving! So much fun! I love parties!

I'll post more pics of the trip & Thanksgiving after the next few crazy days are over.

The Nugent Family at Zak's wedding

My Mom and I and SAD Jax at Zak's wedding

At Melissa Evan's new house with Rose, Brittany, Melissa and I

November Is Here...Eek

2007-11-05T08:28:00.000-08:00

I get excited when I have a lot to look forward to, but I also get a little overwhelmed. We have a busy month. All fun stuff. Zak, Matt's younger brother, is getting married in two weeks. Jax and I leave for Utah tomorrow. After the wedding, we fly home and Matt's family comes here for Thanksgiving. That's right Martha and I are hosting Thanksgiving! We should have at least 15 people join us. If the temps stay what they've been we will be eating turkey and stuffing pool side!

Grandma Nancy is the Best

2007-11-01T00:20:00.000-07:00

For those of you who know my Mom she is awesome. I spoke to her earlier today and she was driving out to Sheree's house to see all of her kids on Halloween, then to Angela's to see all the Shaeffer kids and last to Mike's to see Charlie. She even dressed up for Halloween too! How fun - I wish we lived closer to her.

Halloween at the Hospital

2007-10-31T23:16:00.000-07:00

Tonight, Halloween night, I sat without a thing to do. Our townhome community doesn't offer the best streets to trick-or-treat on and I didn't make plans soon enough to tag along with a friend. Let's face it Jax doesn't really trick-or-treat anyway. So, rather than staying home and curling up to a scary movie I got decked out in my costume "A Devil wears Prada" and got Jax dressed in his monkey costume and headed for the hospital where Matt works. We took candy to give to patients, nurses, DRs and other hospital personnel.

It was the BEST!!! Jax loved every minute of it. Not only did he get to spend time with Daddy, he got SOO much attention from all the nurses and patients. Who doesn't love a monkey with big blue eyes, a big smile and two new teeth. He was absolutely adorable!!! It was so fun for me to see all the hospital staff Matt works with. But most of all it was so fun to see Matt interact with his patients. He has awesome bedside manner and is so caring and respectful! He was really busy, but rather than pushing us aside he brought Jax in with him as he consulted patients. He was so proud of his little guy. And we are so proud of him. Thanks Matt for all your hard work!!! ...too bad we weren't there late enough to see the Halloween crazies.

Weekend Trip to Northern Arizona

2007-10-07T21:22:00.000-07:00

This weekend was so much fun! We were together as a family and loving every minute of it. Jax kept looking at Matt and looking back at me, smiling at both of us. Matt and I thought for sure he was excited to have his family all together. We rented the cutest log cabin 17 miles out of Flagstaff. It was soooo much fun! We saw the leaves changing colors, visited a town called Mormon Lake and visited Flagstaff. I told Matt I want to move to Flagstaff someday. I loved it!!

Happy Birthday to Me!

2007-10-02T22:57:00.000-07:00

Who will be the first to wish me a happy 28th birthday? Ready, set, go....come on you nocturnal bloggers one of you has to be out blog stalking this fine evening.

Photo Shoot

2007-09-27T21:23:00.000-07:00

Cutest pics of Jax around the club house of our town home community!

#1 Won!

2007-09-27T14:31:00.000-07:00

Okay so #1 for Now,,,

Matt loved it! We loved the neighbors, the feel, the potential. As I mentioned earlier, this house has been beautifully maintained. Which, means less costs associated with deferred maintance. Although, it still needs some updating, it allows me to design the kitchen, pick out carpet, paint, exterior updates...etc.

Matt and I agreed #2, while it is totally remodeled, it's small and you can't change that. Also, it has already realized any possible appreciation with all the upgrades the last owners completed. The third, is too big of a project. At the end of the day, it needs 50K of work and the neighborhood and school district won't sustain a property value much higher than what it's listed for.

We still have more houses to see and more neighborhoods to expore. We'll keep you posted on how the house hunting goes.

Check out these before and after pics of mine and Matt's first home in Sugar House.

House Hunters Phoenix

2007-09-26T00:11:00.000-07:00

For those of you who watch HGTV (bless your heart) you know the drill. Matt and I are going house hunting tomorrow. We haven't narrowed down the location we want to live in, we're still exploring Desert Ridge, Scottsdale and the North-Central Corridor area. Tomorrow, I am taking Matt to see my 3 favorites in North-Central Phoenix. By the way, North-Central is an awesome area it looks like you're in a totally different city with nice big trees...and I don't mean cacti. It's like a sugar house neighborhood plopped into the desert. And it's right around the corner from Matt's work.

House 1:
Classic 50's rambler on a nice size irrigated lot with a large pool. This is a very well maintained house. The outside of the house needs a nice coat of paint and the powder blue carpet would need to be replaced. The neighborhood is incredible with houses well over 1 mill just around the corner. This neighborhood also boasts the best schools in Phoenix.

House 2:
Beautiful Remodel! I mean beautiful. Hardwood floors, awesome kitchen, incredible master bath. The backyard is the size of a park - without a pool. The neighborhood is also beautiful. The only downside is the size. It has one less bedroom than the other 2 and less living space.

House 3:
ALOT of Potential. This house would be a project. This needs new kitchen, new floors, new everything. The price is $50,000 under the other 2 and in this market we could probably get it for well under asking. Location is still good, but not as good as the other 2. Great curb appeal and awesome square footage. Even a separate entrance for the guest bedroom (hint, hint).

If you have any thoughts or would like to add your experiences to this process please feel free to post comments.

New Fun Blog: CrabMommy

2007-09-16T21:18:00.000-07:00

I blogged yesterday of my troubled day. I'm still working on the attitude of gratitude. In the meantime, I uncovered this awesome "whinny" mom's blog: http://www.cookiemag.com/magazine/blogs/crabmommy and http://crabmommy.blogspot.com/. Unlike her, I do love Motherhood, but it is fun to hear her vent about Motherhood woes. I especially love the piece about the The Martyrmeter.™ I would be the 1st to own one - as my sisters all know I love to compete.

Every new set of parents plays the martyr game. Which of you is doing more? Is it the breadwinner slogging through a deadly job to provide the dough? Is it the stay-at-homer, dealing in tantrums, playdates, and interminable wiping of orifices?
Don't argue. Get a MartryMeter™!
A two-pack handset (one per parent) and docking station combo, the MartyrMeter™ takes the guesswork and arguing out of the competition for the title, Most Put-Upon Parent. Simply log your activities into the handset (see attached sheet of coded chores); at day's end, plug the handset into the docking station, where the MartyrMeter™ will compute your daily miseries and stack them against your spouse's. Rest assured, our computational device has been programmed for complete accuracy. Winners may rest their case!
Note: the MartyrMeter™ Deluxe Edition® comes with a built-in lie detector. Do you suspect your spouse of fudging numbers and fibbing about times? Does parent-on-duty say the baby woke at 5am but you think it was probably closer to 6am? Just grab that Meter, and let our patented motion and heat sensing technology track your spouse's blood pressure while he or she holds the handset. If he's lying, we've got his number! Game Over!!

Michelle Saves the Day

2007-09-15T19:02:00.000-07:00

So I've been having one of those feel sorry for myself days. Matt's been at a conference all week and weekend. My normal "weekend" breaks consists of Matt taking over and giving me a few extra hours of sleep or a few hours in the afternoon to run errands without a baby - I live for those breaks! During this year of residency "the intern year" on average Matt is home twice a week before 9 or 10PM. Today I woke up with a positive attitude and was doing pretty good all day. Then tonight Jax had an enormous breakdown and I just starting feeling sorry for myself. I was just on my sister Michelle's blog and saw her most recent post titled "Half Empty or Half Full?" She talks all about teaching her children an attitude of gratitude (I wish I still lived by her so she could teach me that lesson again today). Anyway, she also posted the poem below. It's pretty uplifting and to say the least saved my day. I am blessed to have a husband that works sooo hard. When does he get his "break?" I'm grateful for a wonderful baby who seldom has enormous breakdowns. Enjoy and hopefully you won't need this as much as I did...

BE THANKFUL
Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to? Be thankful when you don't know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn. Be thankful for the difficult times, during those times you grow. Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement. Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character. Be thankful for your mistakes, they will teach you valuable lessons. Be thankful when you're tired and weary, because it means you've made a difference. It's easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment come to those who are also thankful for the setbacks. Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings. - Author Unknown

Check out my Slide Show!

2007-09-05T15:25:00.001-07:00

Jax is 7 Months Today!

2007-09-05T14:56:00.000-07:00

I can't believe Jax is already 7 months old. Where has the time gone? I just can't believe all of the milestones over the last 7 months. He started out a little peanut that ate, slept and pooped. Now, he is sitting up, flirting, grabbing like crazy (mostly my hair and food), concentrating on toys, shifting toys from one hand to the other, wanting anything that mommy has. Still no rolling over -we've decided that the weight of his head makes it too difficult to gain momentum.

Above are some of my favorite pics over the last 7 months.

Tribute to Aunt Marge

2007-09-02T09:54:00.001-07:00

For those of you who know the Adair family, you know Aunt Marge. Aunt Marge lives in Northern California and just recently retired from a 35 yr+ career teaching school.

I have many special memories of Aunt Marge. I thought I would share a few as a tribute on her birthday.

Aunt Marge has such a passion for math and geophraphy. We took a month long road trip around the US (which is in itself a very entertaining story that I can share another time), Aunt Marge would spend countless hours with Rachel, Sheree, Mike and I reviewing state capitals and times tables. She would use visual mnemonics; creating elaborate stories to help us remember whatever she was teaching us. I still am awesome at times tables and know most of the state capitals.

Next was Christmas, Aunt Marge was Christmas! She would finish teaching school, pack up her rust orange 1970s Buick Skylar and head to Salt Lake. When I say pack up I mean her car would be filled with Christmas gifts for all six of us Adair kids. She would shop weeks before Christmas and find all sorts of gismos, socks, underwear, videos and her classic gift of a case of ramon noodles and macaroni and cheese for each of us. We would each get a special day to wrap presents with Aunt Marge. When Christmas day came she was just as excited as all of us. My parents did a wonderful job of Christmas every year, but Aunt Marge was such an added bonus!

More recently, shortly before Matt and I were married we entertained the idea of buying a "fixer-upper" in the foothill/sugarhouse area. We knew with my Mom's expertise in real estate and remodeling and Matt's "can do" attitude we could have a fun project. Aunt Marge helped us with the financing and expenses of the remodel. Thanks to her and my Mom, Matt and I had a beautiful first home!!

From the "BOOM BOOMs" (her name for the loud thunder), to Aunt Marge's summer school to rationing cheese portions to family vacations - Aunt Marge has been an integral part of our lives.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUNT MARGE! WE LOVE YOU!!!!

California Dream'n

2007-08-30T00:33:00.001-07:00

Jax, Matt and I just got back from California to visit Aunt Rach in LA and Katie and Ty in Newport Beach. Matt and I took off from Phoenix late Friday afternoon. Of course - those of you who know him - Jax was a perfect angel the entire 6 hour drive. Saturday morning we coveted our best friends Katie and Ty for living minutes from the beach, in one of the most beautiful oceanside cities, Corona Del Mar. We sat in their living room and envied their hurricane vases filled with freshly gathered seashells, wetsuits, beach towels and surfboards strewn over the back patio and the eculyptus trees. Ohhhhh the eculyptus trees. Well needless to say, Matt felt bad that I didn't show the same kind of enthusiasm for Phoenix upon first arrival. I do love Southern California. Next stop LA. We traveled up the coast, well actually the 405 to LA. Matt left on Sunday and we spent the rest of the week chillin' (is that still a hip word?) with the ladies. Rachel's friend Heather and her 1-year-old Berkleigh were also visiting from SLC. We had such a fun time lunching in West Hollywood, sunning in the eclectic Venice Beach, shopping at the Grove and we met up with my two pregnant best friends from Chicago, Wendy and Reagan for a night out in Beverly Hills.

Did we see any stars you ask? Of course! I have included the photos of all 3.

First, I made a fool out of myself trying to spark up a conversation with "Kube." Does anybody recognize that name? Well if not, than you did not get hooked on my favorite Santo Domingo High School student of the 1990's hit TV show Parker Lewis Can't Lose. Okay so it only ran for 13 episodes - but I did still faithfully watch all 13. He is also known as "Jerry" on ER.

Next, we dinned at The Farm in Beverly Hills next to the cute and stylish Rachel McAdams. And I guess I am partial to our Rachel - next to one another our's is cuter.
Last but not least, (okay so probably least) we saw the ex-beau of Halle Berry. You know the cute guy with dreads.
He was shopping at Forever 21, so I don't think he is doing to good financially without the help of Halle..but hey I was shopping there too.

I would have to say the highlight of my trip was excusing myself from the fabulous Beverly Hills cafe, The Farm, to escape to a dark door stoop and sing my baby to sleep. I reflected on where I was in my life back in 2000 when I moved to LA and looked at my life today and I felt so incredibly blessed - It is exactly what I always wanted.

The Nugent Family Blog Gets a Face Lift

2007-08-30T00:15:00.000-07:00

Wow! So obviously I am a horrible blogger. I first could not figure out how to log in. Three weeks later I've decided to update the whole look. I tried to create a custom header and that has now taken me all night - I am not a graphic designer. I guess that will have to come later. So before I stay up through another night feeding I thought I would decide on a generic template.

Like Father, Like Son

2007-08-29T21:38:00.000-07:00

Several of you commented on how much Matt and Jax look alike. I couldn't help but share this photo of Matt at about 6 months...we can rule out the mailman.

Jax

2007-07-06T00:17:00.001-07:00

Graduation Cruise in Chicago - June 2007

2007-07-06T00:12:00.000-07:00

The Valley of the Sun

2007-07-05T22:53:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends and Family,

Welcome to our family blog. While Matt is staying busy playing Dr. Jax and I are looking for new hobbies - I thought we could give blogging a try.

We have officially arrived to the valley of the sun. Since our arrival the tempatures have soared well past the hundreds. A big Thank you to global warming for a hot 115* 4th of July.

Did you know a total of twenty thousand people died in the U.S. between 1936 and 1975 because of the effects of heat and solar radiation. Just a little tid bit. I guess a little morbid. I wish I could add the sound bit that plays after those commercials "The More You Know."

A few observations I have made about Arizonans ( I think that is what they/we are called):

1. Big Trucks. The bigger the better. Most of them are driven by women who way less than 100 lbs.

2. Everyone is thin. I don't know if it is the heat or the lack of hobbies such as eating. I guess coming from Chicago with 6 months of winter we can pack on the pounds and nobody notices.

3. Everyone is tan. I see several elderly women who look like the older woman on Something About Mary. It reminds me to keep wearing sunscreen!

4. Horrible drivers. I guess no matter where we go in the country we can't escape this. A lady tailed me and then flipped me off today for going 5 over the speed limit on a residential street.

5. Everything is brand new. Historic buildings are considered anything built before 1980.

6. Everyone is from the Midwest. Matt & I thought we were sounding exciting when we would tell people we just moved from Chicago. Unfortunately, everyone else is from Chicago too.

That's all for now. On a positive note, everyone has welcomed us with open arms - we have already met wonderful been warm and inviting people.

We have enjoyed being here, despite the heat - we'll be counting our blessings come January.

We love you all. Come back for more updates on the Nugent Family. Next we'll talk about some of Matt's interesting OR stories.