Whitaker Family

Just Because...

2010-05-06T10:49:00.000-07:00

We visited family down in St. George over Spring Break...here is Tycen with his cousin Miley!
Shawn and I took Tycen to go see Disney On Ice! He was in heaven...Shawn and I had a really fun time too!

Whitney decided (with the help of a Sharpee Marker) that her eyebrows were not dark enough...she is a woman who takes action!

Whitney with cousin Miley playing in the backyard in St. George!

Tycen went to the dentist for the first time...NO CAVATIES!!! YIPEE!

I have found that I enjoy looking at other's blogs rather than posting my own...sad! I think it is because I have such a S--L--O--W computer so it takes forever to post pics and than the finished product! I need to be better though.

We are still alive....PROMISE

2010-02-05T08:36:00.000-08:00

Tycen and Daddy playing with his castle from Grandpa and Nana
Shawn, Me, and Andrea at PF Chang's for Alysse's 24th Birthday

With my family at The Provo Towne Center to watch the ball drop on New Year's Eve

Ice Skating

Tycen's most adorable little ice skates...they were so tiny!

Tycen, Mommy, and Annie going ice skating @ The Peaks

Tycen and Whitney watching "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse"

Fun at the Mall Fountains

Whitney enjoying Tycen's 4th Birthday Dinosaur cake

Tycen got a Jamba Juice and McDonald's gift cards for his birthday. He was so excited to be able to buy his favorite treats with his "own" money!

With two little ones, pre-school, dishes, laundry, vacuuming, my sweet husband, working, job hunting for said sweet husband, family get-togethers, picking up, dusting, making food, cleaning bathrooms, etc. I am having a hard time keeping up on my blog. We had a wonderful holiday season 2009. Spent with family and friends. Tycen was sooooo much fun this year for Christmas. He really understood Santa and all the fun holiday-ness. Infact, he didn't sleep at all Christmas Eve night because he was so excited. (Made it really hard for Santa to actually come :) ) But he managed, and it was probably my favorite Christmas to date. Whitney got this adorable Cozy Coupe Car that she absolutely loves. She loves to watch "Super Why" while in her car. 2009 came to an end and 2010 began. New Year's is always a bitter sweet time for me. I get sentimental about leaving the great old year behind, and I definetely get anxious to see what the new year brings. Life is great and we are just counting our blessings. It is so sad how sometimes it takes something like the devastating earthquakes in Haiti and such to really make us remember how blessed and grateful we are for all the wonderful little things. We are definitely excited to see what the new year has in store for our family of 4!

Back in Business(Enjoying the moments...)

2009-12-13T15:03:00.000-08:00

Our Family September 29, 2009
Tycen 3 years old!

Whitney 17 months old!

So it has been a LONG time since I lasted blogged. Our digital camera was stolen on the 4th of July this past summer and I have been so sad that I haven't had anything to document our lives. Of course my parents and Shawn's parents have their cameras and have done an amazing job, but it is not the same. So, my parent's Christmas gift to our family was a new camera and they gave it to us a little early so that I wouldn't miss out on anything else that my darling children are doing. Whitney is now 17 and 1/2 months old and Tycen is 3 but will be turning 4 next month. Tycen started pre-school with Mrs. Heap at Wonderland Academy this past September and he is learning so much everyday. He can say the "Pledge of Alligence". Pretty impressive. Little Miss Whitney is talking up a storm, but she is basically the only one who knows what she is talking about. :) Well I hope that everyone's Christmas preparations are underway and that everyone is taking the time out of their lives to enjoy the moments! Happy Holidays!

Faces you could "FALL" in love with!

2009-09-30T09:20:00.000-07:00

Whitney enjoying the beautiful leaves

"Want one?"

Lovey Dovey in the Fall!

Tycen being ever so handsome!

What a fun day we had taking pictures in the beautiful fall leaves! We got all the colors and the kids absolutely loved playing in the leaves! What a wonderful day!

Petting Zoo!

2009-08-28T19:37:00.001-07:00

This past week we went to the Thanksgiving Point Petting Zoo! Tycen and Whitney loved looking at all the animals and they even got to ride on a pony named Clancy! We went with my good friend from our ward Rita, and her little boy Asher. She also brought her niece, Neveah. Tycen had quite a little crush on Neve! It was an extremely HOT day which made the kids a little high strung but it was worth it and so much fun!

Tycen with Nevaeh

Whitney and Little Asher

Mommy, Tycen, and Whitney on Clancy the Pony!

Fresh Starts...and New Beginnings!!!

2009-08-26T12:24:00.000-07:00

Alysse, Andrea, and Me (bad camera angle :()
Chasten & Alysse "The Happy Couple"

The beautiful bride!!!

What a beautiful woman!

Well my blog received a face-lift! I finally learned how to somewhat customize my blog! It feels good. My husband looked at it and said, "Wow, it is like scrapbooking without the mess!" Nicely put my darling. Everything is going great! We are waiting to see if Shawn gets an interview for a job that he applied for (keep your fingers crossed) and I am still at home with my kiddos!

My sister Alysse got married to Chasten Crouchet on August 15, 2009. They had a Fairytale Wedding. They are very happy together and it is fun to have a new member join our family. They got married in the Salt Lake LDS temple and had their reception in my uncle's backyard. It was beautiful. Well here is to fresh starts (with my blog :) and to new beginnings for my beautiful sister ALYSSE! P.S. now that she is married I made her create a blog for her little family-- chastenandalysse.blogspot.com

1st Birthday Princess!

2009-07-02T12:15:00.000-07:00

Whitney the Birthday Princess!
She got her first baby doll for her birthday and she is in heaven!

Playing with Tycen and Aunt Annie!

"It's my birthday and I'll cry if I want to..."

Whitney with her "Princess" Build-A-Bear!

Eating birthday cake with Aunt Andrea!

Make A Wish!!!!!

Whitney's Princess Birthday Cake!

Our Family on Miss Whitney's Birthday!

Oh Little Miss Whitney! What would I do without you. You make me want to be a better person. Because of you I try harder, I laugh harder, and I love more! Thank you for letting me be the one you come to when you are sad. Thank you for letting me hold you ALL through the night! :) Thank you for letting me be your Mommy! I love you with all of my heart!

Already????!!!!!!

2009-06-23T19:38:00.000-07:00

Whitney at almost 1 year old!
Whitney the day she was born! (July 1, 2008)

My sweet little "Princess Whinnie" is going to be one year old on July 1st! I cannot believe that it has been a year. We are throwing her a Princess Party at the Park! She is such a cuddlebug and I am so grateful for her and the opportunity of being her Mommy! She says "Dada dada" all the time but in the last week or so she is starting to say "Mama" too! What a gorgeous little lady you are Whitney! Mommy and Daddy love you with all of our hearts...Tycen too :)

Spring Time Pictures!

2009-05-11T12:27:00.001-07:00

Whitney being "Cuddly"

Tycen Loves his Momma!

I love this little face!

Another family picture!

What a doll! Love her so much!

Our Family Easter 2009!

Whitney 8 1/2 months old!

Tycen 3 years old!

My Spring Time Sweeties!

Tycen LOVING Whit!

VEGAS VACATION!

2009-04-20T11:50:00.001-07:00

Tycen and Whitney in the Venetian Hotel!

The members who did BIG SHOT!

Waiting in line to up in the elevator in the Stratosphere...I am freaking out!

My twin bros. being "G" in front of the Bellagio

The whole family in the Venetian Hotel!

My family and me and the kids (Shawn had to work :(...went to Las Vegas for the weekend. We had so much fun! Although I missed Shawn like crazy, especially when I needed help with the kids! We went to all the hotels. Tycen and Whitney loved all the lights. Tycen's favorite was going to the M&M Factory. And the most fun for me...and scary...I went on the BIG SHOT on top of the STRATOSPHERE! Holy Moly it was SOOOOOO scary! I was crying, no really, I was sobbing out of fear. When I think about it, I get sick because I am terrified of heights but I am so glad that I did it! I CONQUERED VEGAS BABY!

I WAS TAGGED!!!!

2009-04-11T11:35:00.000-07:00

25 Random Facts about Your's Truly!

1. I bite my nails! Like to the point that they look like Frodo Baggins from Lord of the Rings. It is really embarressing and I hate it but apparently I have no self control when it comes to nail biting!
2. I love the smell of new clothes and I will wait until I absolutely HAVE to wash them. In this category I also love new sweats. After you wash a sweatshirt or sweatpants they never feel the same.
3. I am really OCD...and I am not just saying that. I really have a problem! Right now I am obsessing about getting Whitney some new onzies. Yesterday it was about getting a dog...etc. etc.
4. I collect Disney's Sleeping Beauty things...
5. My dream car has always been a Black Jeep Wrangler...when I was little I wanted the one with the plastic windows!
6. I have every episode of "Saved by the Bell" and "Full House" memorized.
7. I wear socks to bed because I can't stand to have cold feet.
8. I knew I was going to marry Shawn before we even kissed or started really dating.
9. I have danced professionally at DisneyWorld...I am a Disney fanatic!
10. I hate it when people chew with their mouth open...the sounds that you hear are SO gross!
11. I have arthritis in my hips, knees, hands, and feet.
12. I hate to weed and go running. If someone really wanted to torture me they would make me weed while I run!
13. I have a pillowcase that I absolutely LOVE! I have had it since I was born...it is a periwinkle blue and it is silky and the most comforting thing ever!
14. I grew 13 inches in about 2 years in jr. high...growing pains are super painful!
15. I never went on more than one date with the same boy in high school! It is awesome because now when I look back at all the dance pictures I am with someone new.
16. I have had the same best friend since 1st grade: Mary Cathleen Harper Dick!
17. I hate it when it is tax season because I hate all of the tax commercials on t.v.
18. I am obsessed with alligators, crocadiles, and sharks! "Shark Week" on the Discovery Channel is my fav. and I tivo every show! The cool thing is that Shawn loves it too and so we get treats and cuddle on the couch and watch SHARKS!
19. I secretly think I am Beyonce''s alter ego: Sasha Fierce!
20. I love all Mario games on the Nintendo. I am also really good at them!
21. I love seafood but hate fish! Crab, lobster, and shrimp are my favorite.
22. Brick Oven is the best! There Ranch dressing is to die for and if you know me at all you will know that Ranch is its own food group in my eyes.
23. I want at least 4 kids and I think about what I want to name my future children ALL the time!
24. I LOVE to watch "So You Think You Can Dance!"
25. Most importantly...I have the hottest husband and the MOST gorgeous kids in the whole world!! I am the luckiest girl in the whole world!

I tag: Mary Dick, Mindy Smith, Amara Lavaki, Alicia Green, and Annette Wassom

A Phoenix Wedding!

2009-03-23T14:17:00.001-07:00

Our Family outside the Mesa Temple

Steve, Brett, Tyler Kerwin, Jo, Spencer, Andrew Wood, Tyce Erickson, Scott Sommers, Todd Bergner, Lance Hydrick...Shawn was helping Chad in the Temple!

Shawn, Scott Sommers, Chad Metz, Shiloh, Steve

Shawn and Chad Metz: Boys will be Boys!

My kids taking a bath before we left for PHX!

So I LOVE Phoenix! I have never been there but the weather was fantastic and it reminded me a lot of California but it had a lot of the Mormon culture as well. We went down for Chad Metz and Katie Cox's wedding. Chad is Shawn's best friend and we just love Katie so much too! They were married at the Mesa Temple. We took Whitney with us but Tycen now costs to fly and since we were only going for 3 days...his grandparents begged to watch him! It was a nice break but OHHH my heart ached for my little boy Tycen! Whitney missed him like crazy too. Even though she is still so little she knows when her best friend and big brother is gone! Well congrats Chad and Katie we love you guys! And we loved our "mini" vacation! Yeah for sunshine and warmth!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

2009-02-19T12:01:00.000-08:00

Well yesterday was my 25th Birthday! I can't believe it! A 1/4 century. I had the most wonderful day. First I woke up to Tycen saying: "Happy Birthday Mommy, I love you!" Does it get any better? I don't think so! Then Shawn, Tycen, Whitney, and I went to Brick Oven for lunch, I love that place! Best salad bar in the world hands down. Then Shawn surprised me by not going into work all day! We went and hung out at Target (again another love of mine) and then went to my twin bros. basketball game. They play for Mountain View and are amazing! We dropped the kids off at my in-laws house and Shawn and I went to see "He's Just Not That Into You!" (Not the best movie...like don't waste your time!) But then the best part was that Shawn surprised me with a suprise party! For the last little bit I had told EVERYONE that I wanted to go to Classic Skating and EVERYONE makes fun of me! So Shawn put together a party at Classic! It was without a doubt the best party EVER! I got to show off my mad skills (and I fell down really hard twice...still paying for that) and everyone that I love was there and we all just had a blast! Then my sisters came to our house and we dualed on our WII System. P.S. I rock at Mario Kart! Thanks to everyone who made my day very special! If my 25th year is as good as my 25th birthday...I am in for a real treat!

Swimming in Winter!

2009-02-14T14:56:00.000-08:00

Whitney LOVES the bungee swing!

She has found her tounge!

Swimming with Mommy!

Tycen thinks that he is so big swimming all by himself!

Swimming with Mommy!

Shawn works at the Lehi Legacy Center and so the kids and I go swimming there about once a week! Tycen and Whitney absolutely love to go swimming. Tycen will even go down the "BIG GREEN WATER SLIDE!" Please ignore the raccoon eyes from my mascara! ENJOY!

The New Ride!

2009-01-22T21:25:00.000-08:00

That's right! We got another car! It is a 2007 Hyundai Entourage! I am so happy, it is like I am 16 again because now I can go anywhere/anytime! Thanks Shawn! I love you and the new ride!

MORE PICS FROM MOM'S CAMERA :)

2009-01-10T10:00:00.000-08:00

My Grandma Smith with Baby Whitney!
Tycen on Christmas Eve, helping Santa make TOYS!

My mom sledding on New Year's Day!

This is Jackie-O! My mom's new puppy that I found for her. She is a purebreed Papillon

and is seriously the cutest puppy ever! She was rescued from a puppy mill...so sad.

Tycen and my sister Annie being CRAZY!

Random Pics!

2009-01-10T09:32:00.000-08:00

My Hubby sledding on New Year's Day! What a Babe!
Mommy and Whitney watching Daddy go sledding!

Our family on Halloween! Whitney was Sleeping Beauty, Tycen was Prince Philip, I was

Malificent, and Shawn was a scary dead butler!

This was from when Whitney was first born. Daddy/Daughter time!

Holding Whitney for one of the first times! She is my sweetie!

My mom needed to download her pictures from her camera onto our computer so I have a BUNCH of random pictures from the last year...they are pretty self explanitory, have fun looking!

Merry Christmas from the Whitaker Family!

2008-12-23T19:29:00.000-08:00

Catching Up!

2008-12-23T18:08:00.000-08:00

Well here are some pictures of our family and what we have been up to since the end of October! I am horrible that I have not posted them sooner...but Happy Holidays and Enjoy...!

Here's the thing...

2008-12-07T13:53:00.000-08:00

Okay, here is a thought...once a woman becomes a mother they automatically should not be able to get sick anymore! Am I right? I mean think about it, we, (mothers) seriously cannot afford to be sick for even a nanosecond. Yesterday I had the 24 hour flu. In reality, it wasn't that bad, but I still couldn't take care of my kids let alone my home yesterday. Tycen would come into the bedroom, sit on my bed, and say, "Mom! Wake Up!" Then I would tell him that I was sick and he would say in such a sweet voice, "Oh Mom I sorry!" He was so sweet! Shawn had to take care of Tycen and Whitney yesterday, which I really appreciate, however, my house was a complete disaster last night!

So to re-emphasis my point, it should be illegal for mothers to get sick! Everyone suffers, not just the 'sicky'! I am sure that many of you agree!

P.S. I am feeling much better now...good as new! :)

AND EVEN MORE WONDERFUL PICS!

2008-10-26T22:43:00.001-07:00

EVEN MORE...

2008-10-26T22:34:00.001-07:00

AND MORE...

2008-10-26T22:25:00.001-07:00

MORE PICS!

2008-10-26T22:16:00.001-07:00

OUR TRIP TO DISNEYLAND!

2008-10-26T11:41:00.000-07:00

We had the most amazing time at Disneyland this past week. It definitely was one of the best weeks of my life. Tycen absolutely loved everything! His very favorties were watching the Disney Parades, meeting all of the characters, the character shows, eating at a character lunch, and he also loved the Monsters Inc. ride! Whitney was such a wonderful baby the ENTIRE time! She was so happy and such a sweetheart! Shawn's parents treated us to so many fun things! Shawn and I also had a great time! Enjoy some of our pics...we took almost 400! :)

DISNEYLAND HERE WE COME!

2008-10-15T11:55:00.001-07:00

Shawn's parents Christmas present for our family last year was a trip to Disneyland. The reason we are going now is because I was pregnant at Christmas time last year and we wanted me not to be pregnant and have the baby be a little bit older. So here we are! I can't even express how excited I am...Disneyland is my most favorite place in the whole world and now I am going to be taking my children there! Tycen is so stoked...he can't talk about anything else. "We fly to Disneyland in the sky"! He repeats it over and over. I also have to give him the countdown till we go...by the way after today it is 2 days till we go!

We have a 4 day park hopper pass to Disneyland/California Adventure. We will be hitting up the beach on Beverly Hills one day, visiting Shawn's mission (Long Beach) one day and we still haven't decided what to do the other day.

Shawn turned to me the other night and smiled the biggest grin! I said "What's Up?" He said that he was just so excited to see our kids' faces when they see Sleeping Beauty's Castle for the first time! Well I will definitely post pics when we are home...stay tuned!

Whitney is 3 Months Old!

2008-10-11T18:31:00.000-07:00

I can't believe she is 3 months already! Here is my cute family! Enjoy!

Why?

2008-10-07T15:02:00.001-07:00

Why and when does a child suddenly feel that an hour nap is sufficient? Now I know that some people are going to hate me because I have been spoiled with my son's napping; but, Tycen, until recently, has always taken at least a 3 hour nap in the afternoons. Now, all of a sudden, he feels that he only needs an hour, IF THAT! I really enjoyed my 3 hour break. It was a very much needed time for me to do house work, work, and just to have some me time in the day. I guess I would have just liked a warning: "Hey Ashlyn! Tycen is growing up and is not needing as long of a nap!" Would that have been to much to ask? WHY?!

More from the Ranch...

2008-10-03T11:06:00.000-07:00

Our family going on a hike in Weber Canyon...Whitney showing her beautiful smile...and Tycen pouting on the trail because his feet were tired...poor little guy!

Pines Ranch!

2008-09-28T20:15:00.001-07:00

On Saturday Shawn, Tycen, Whitney, and I all went up Weber Canyon to Pines Ranch. Shawn's half brother's family ownes a cabin up there and we go every year to visit. It is so beautiful up there and we always have so much fun! Tycen loves being free and hiking around. It was a wonderful Fall day! Thanks Matt and Melenie!

Whitney's Blessing!

2008-09-01T19:12:00.000-07:00

We blessed Whitney on August 31, 2008! It was such a beautiful day and she was so adorable! It was a wonderful day filled with family and friends!

2008-08-22T09:31:00.000-07:00

New Pics!

2008-08-22T09:25:00.001-07:00

Here are some new pictures of Whitney and our little family! Whitney started smiling at 6 weeks old and now giggles and everything. It is so cute! We are so happy!

SICK IN THE SUMMER....

2008-08-04T13:02:00.000-07:00

When I found out that I was pregnant with Whitney in November, I was so excited because she would be due in July, the summer time, the time when people are not sick, right? NO! I swear there are just as many sick people in the summer as there are in the winter. My 2 1/2 year old son, Tycen, got a cold and of course gave it to my brand new baby Whitney. She is only one month old...I am so frustrated! But being sick is just a part of life and it is too bad that we as humans have to learn that lesson SO early in life!

Okay enough complaining...

So Popular...at least with my children! LOL

2008-08-01T22:48:00.000-07:00

It is a Friday night and almost midnight! I am sitting on the couch in my home watching "Alice in Wonderland" with my son. I am so extremely tired because I have gone back to work and have a newborn. However, I know that Tycen is not receiving the same amount of attention as he did before Whitney was born so I am cuddling with him tonight. It is amazing how a mother has to continue to divide her time and attention between more and more children, yet she stays just one person. But it is a blessing and I am so happy! We got rid of Tycen's pacifier just a week and a half ago so along with having to adjust to a new baby in the house, he also lost his favorite thing in the whole world! Poor little guy!
Whitney is exactly one month old today...I can't believe it! It has gone by so fast. She has gained a pound since she was born. She is a beautiful, healthy baby girl. I am so grateful! She also loves to be with Mommy!
So, I guess you could say that I am EXTREMELY popular right now!

OKAY...HERE WE GO!

2008-07-30T16:03:00.000-07:00

So this is my first blog...new to this whole thing. I thought that I was pretty cool by having a myspace page and a facebook page, but then I learned that in order to really be cool you have to blog. So here is my attempt at being really cool. I don't really know why anybody would be interested in what I do during the times that I am awake but here we go...

Whitney, my second child, was 4 weeks yesterday. My son, Tycen, is 2 1/2. I don't know how I got so lucky to have a boy and a girl. It is really fun. However, the hardest thing I have done up to this point, and I have done some pretty tough stuff. Everyday is a challenge but I love it. Whitney was born July 1st. She was 7 pounds 4 ounces and 20 inches long. She looks a lot like Tycen but is much more feminine, which is a good thing considering she is a girl! Tycen is a great big brother, but we are going through an adjustment period. He loves his little sister, but he doesn't want me to give her any attention..CHALLENGE! Tycen calls her "Princess Whinnie" it is adorable.

Shawn, my husband of just over 4 years, just finished his bachleor's degree in Physical Education and Outdoor Recreation Management in April. We are now on the job hunt. We could find ourselves anywhere. That is both exciting and scary! Well, hopefully I am going to post some pics now and if everything works out and I can figure this thing out then there will be more blogs to come! STAY TUNED!