Story Of Our Life

Baby Norton

2011-10-25T13:27:00.000-07:00

Introducing...

Stone Hudson Norton
9-25-11
7:34 pm
6lbs 12oz
20 inches
100% Chase

The Story...

Pre-Labor

With 11 days until D-Day, Chase and I decided to participate in some “labor inducing” activities to get things rolling for the NEXT weekend. We ate yummy spicy Mexican food for lunch and went on a long hike up the Provo Canyon Trail. We then decided to go on a fun date night to a new restaurant downtown called Copper Onion, since we were down to two more “child free” weekends. On the way to the restaurant I started having pretty bad back pain. I have had contractions through out my whole pregnancy but never like the ones I was experiencing. I didn’t think much of them and just thought it was probably a sign I over did it that day. We got to the restaurant and had to wait about 30 minutes until a table was ready. By this time I was pretty uncomfortable. The back pains were horrible and I was having mild contractions. Once we sat down the contractions started coming every 15 to 20 minutes. I was in panic mode. This couldn’t be the real thing. I still had 11 days. It was September and my baby was going to be an October baby. The contractions continued through the meal and I was feeling a little shaky with each one. We finally got home around 10:00 pm (ya not a good idea to pick a downtown restaurant) and by this time the contractions were roughly 5-10 minutes apart and definitely stronger. I got in the bathtub and within 30 minutes they had gone away. We figured it was a false alarm and went to bed. I woke up around 1:00 am in sheer pain. The contractions were stronger, longer, harder and closer together. I got out of bed and made it to the toilet to throw up my gourmet meal. I got back in the bathtub as Chase was looking up at what point you should go into the hospital asking me “shouldn’t you know this?” (Side note: I was reading the What to Expect When Your Expecting Book but I was just barley finishing the Labor and Delivery section and couldn’t remember!) I sat in the bathtub for about an hour and the contractions were coming every 3-4 minutes and lasting 45 seconds. Chase installed the carseat, we grabbed the bag and headed to the hospital, throwing up most of the way there.

Hospital:

We arrived at the hospital around 3:00 am. Once at the hospital they put me in a room and hooked me up to all the different monitors. The nurse came in and checked me and I was only dilated to 1/2cm, the same as my Dr. Apt 4 days earlier. I was extremely dehydrated so they hooked me up to an IV to run fluid through me. (I ended up going through 4 bags of fluid) They came back in an hour later and I was barely at a 1. They were going to send me home but since I had a fever of 103 the Dr. told them to keep me there. They continued to check me every couple of hours and I was not progressing at all. The on call Doctor said she would be in around 9:00 am to break my water and hopefully get things going. They gave me a shot of morphine to hold over the pain until the epidural arrived. As I waited I continued to throw up the little amount of liquid that was in me. After a couple of hours the anesthesiologist finally came with the epidural. I was really nervous for the epidural but I can honestly say the IV was worse than the epidural. Once that thing kicked in I was in heaven. What sweet, sweet relief that was. The Dr. then broke my water and checked me… again no progress. They started a little pitocin drip to get things going, an hour later I was only at a two. My Doctor came in and had been monitoring my contractions from home. The baby’s heart rate was dropping to around 55bpm with every contraction (normal heart for a baby is about 150bpm). Since they needed more accurate reading to observe his heart rate closer they ended up doing an internal monitor. The Doctor said he would give me a couple hours to see if I would progress at all and if not we were going to have to do a c-section due to the baby’s dropping heart rate. A C-section was not what I wanted but if that was going to get my baby here safely then a C-section it was. I prayed that I would progress enough to be able to deliver naturally… and all I have to say is my prayers were answered. Within 2 hours I had gone from a 2 to a 5. The baby’s heart rate was still dropping so they gave me a little shot to slow down labor to give the baby a rest. Kind of an oxy moron I thought but it helped. His heart rate wasn’t dropping as low and I continued to progress. Finally around 7:00pm, 16 hours after I had arrived at the hospital, it was time to push. I started pushing and was making very good progress. The baby’s heart rate started dropping to around 44bpm and the Doctor wanted him out ASAP. They brought out the vacuum, which kept popping off his head, and eventually had to do a little snip so he would pop out easier. After only 34 minutes of pushing our little Stone made his debut with the cord wrapped his neck not two, not three but four times. They plopped him up on my chest while Chase cut the cord. That was one of the most surreal moments of my life.

Post Delivery:

They cleaned him off measured and weighed him, gave him his first little shot and placed him in my arms. I fell in love with this little stranger immediately. He was so alert and was following our voices around with his eyes. He looked exactly like Chase right out of the womb. We got to hold him for about an hour. Stone met all his grand parents and aunt Carissa. Then the nursed had to take him to the nursery for antibiotics. Since I had a fever during delivery he had to be put on antibiotics right away to make sure whatever caused me to have a fever wasn’t affecting him.

The Doctor later told my mom that had I not had the fever they would have sent me home and thinks I would have gone another week or so. I have no idea why I had a fever and have no idea the risk Stone would have been at with another week of the cord wrapped around so many times. What I do know is someone was watching over our sweet little man and made sure he arrived to us safely.

Thank You:
A big thanks goes out to my nurse Heidi who was with us from the start to finish and stayed 2 hours past her shift to be with me during the delivery. Dr. Smith for keeping our babies health in best interest and doing what needed to be done to get him here safely. Last of all a big thanks to Chase. I couldn’t have done it with out him. (literally I wouldn’t have been in that situation without him haha) He stayed by my side the entire time, slept upright in one of the most uncomfortable looking chairs, calmed me down when I thought I wasn’t going to make it, cheered me on during the pushing and cried tears of joy and relief when he saw Stone for the first time. I love you baby and am enjoying our new crazy life as parents.


38 Weeks

Where the Action Happened

Couldn't Have Done It Without Him

Got My Epidural! Good to Go!


Love My Sister

The Camera Man

Dr. Smith In Action

Our Little Stone

Love My Little Boy


Our Family! Chase Looks Ecstatic, I look Like a Hot Mess :)

Proud Daddy

Grandma Essie (Leslee) Checking things out

Just a little Guy

20 inches Long

All of Stone's Grandparents were there to welcome him.

My Wonderful Nurse Heidi!


Twins :( Stone Had to have an IV too. Check out that racoon eye

Our Goals

Like Father Like Son

Pa Steve

Grammy Deb and GG

Fancy Smancy Dinner!

Papa John

What a trooper! Sleeping on his bed/window seat

So Cuddly

Love my Mom!

Harlow Loves Baby Stone

All of her grand kids (one more arriving soon)

Last Hospital Nap with Dad

Time to Go home!

Chase Getting Stone Ready to Go Home

All Set! Snug As a Bug

Showered With Love: Baby Showers

2011-09-21T20:26:00.001-07:00

Me and My Beautiful Sister: Host of the "Monster Shower"

Our Little Monster

Baby Booties: Thanks Aunt Ronnie!

Who's a hedge hog?

Comfy Cozy Handmade Robe

The Spread

Monster Drink

Monster Suckers

Diaper Cake

More Food!

Baby!

Darci: Host of the Office Shower

Grammy Deb: Host of the Family Shower

Hospital Bag Filled to the Brim: Thanks Lover!!

Score! Stroller

B-Ball Outfit

Baby Boys are Best!

The Decor

Abby

The Yummy Food

Decorated to a T

Game: No #4 is not Chase it is me...

Cute Banner

Stones for Baby Stone

No Room for baby!

Megan: Host of my Friends Shower
Not pictured cause my camera died :(

Pack n Play! Way too nice

The preggos
Kaitlin: Oct 5th Linds: Oct 22nd Kelsie: Nov 22nd

Pregnancy: Cliff Notes Part 2

2011-09-21T19:43:00.000-07:00

I figured with only two weeks to go I better finish up with pregnancy updates so my lil guy (who will probably never care what his mom looked liked prego nor what happened on week 36) will be have a complete documented version of his stay in the womb. So here it goes...

Week 32: Ran a 5K (with the intentions of run/walking but the fact that I was about to pee my pants kept me motivated to finish the dang thing)
Week 33: Stopped running and resorted to walking. The 5k from the week before did me in!
Week 34: Flew to Dallas and threw up on every flight for a total of 4 times. Took Maternity Pictures and had my first baby shower! Started getting morning sickness again
Week 35: Got my first case of heartburn and really short of breath
Week 36: Feet started to swell a little bit. Became an insomniac. Shower number 2. Started getting REALLY hot!
Week 37: Baby Shower's 3 & 4. 50% effaced and dilated to a big fat 0! Did my first batch of baby laundry, and packed my bags for the hospital.
Week 38: Feet blew up like a balloon (let's just say I look like I sprained both ankles) 50% effaced dilated to 1/2 cm (should that even count?... yes!)

Cravings: Fresh Peaches, Jimmy Johns sandwich completed with Jalepeno Chips and a Coke Zero.
Favorite Pregnancy Symptom: Still digging the enhancements, also feeling his little elbow or heel dig into my side. .
Least Favorite Pregnancy Symptom: Water Retention

33 Weeks

34 Weeks

35 1/2 Weeks

37 Weeks

38 Weeks

Pregnancy: Cliff Notes Style

2011-08-02T19:56:00.000-07:00

I thought blogging would get easier once significant life events happened ie. being pregnant. You know, the weekly belly shots, latest cravings, last emotional breakdown, crazy symptoms, but obviously I thought wrong... I guess blogging isn't defined by the events that happen in life but by something else... I am going to go with time.

So since time is of the essence and I seem to be running out of it lately, here is My Pregnancy (since my last pregnancy post) Cliff Note Style

16 weeks: Started to show, carrying really low
17 weeks: Felt him for sure move for the first time
18 weeks: Confirmed he was a he. Had our big ultrasound.
19 weeks: Ran the Red Rock Relay
20 weeks: Bought our crib. Started craving refried beans
21 weeks: Running started getting very difficult
22 weeks: Chase felt the baby kick, baby became very active. First trip to the beach
23 weeks: My Stomach popped. Started looking pregnant instead of chubby
24 weeks: Ran Ragnar Relay
25 weeks: Started getting swelling from sitting or standing to long
26 weeks: Started getting Braxton Hicks while running
27 weeks: Running was cut down to 25 minutes to manage Braxton Hicks
28 weeks: The top of my belly button started to poke out
29 weeks: I started getting morning sickness again
30 weeks: Thought I was going into preterm labor after a tube ride in Powell... False alarm :)
31 weeks: Retook the Gestational Diabetes test due to the fact that I threw up the entire orange drink 15 minutes after drinking it

Crave the most: Refried Beans, fruit, hot dogs
Least Favorite Symptom: Constant runny/stuffy nose
Favorite Symptom: Moving up the alphabet in cup sizes :) No surgery needed

16 Weeks

18 Weeks

20 Weeks

22 Weeks

24 Weeks

25 Weeks

26 Weeks

27 Weeks

30 Weeks

31 Weeks

Ragnar Relay 2011

2011-06-27T20:53:00.001-07:00

Ragnar 2011 Sweet Cheeks!

Van 1
(minus Lindsay (driver) Kaitlin (photographer)

Van 1

Leg Number One

Baby Girl Hoggan and Baby Boy Norton Bonding
Were starting their love romance early

Picnic on the grass. Why Not!

Nothing Like Some Sexy Sweaty Ladies!

Leg 3
(Not pictured: Leg 2)

Van One All Done!

Good thing no one notified me my belly was hanging out :)

Cute Megan

Krystal and I rockin the back

Finished!!

My little Cheerleader

Lil Runnin Partner
24 1/2 weeks

Two Years!!!

2011-06-24T11:41:00.000-07:00

June 5th (yes I am late) Chase and I celebrated our two year anniversary!

I have never laughed harder than I have in the past two years and have loved every minute of being married to Chase! (Except for maybe the folding laundry part)

Thank you babe for the best two years of my life, with many more to come!

Eating at Bambara

Love him!

The Resturaunt Customized our Menu!

So Yummy!

Go Gators!

2011-06-13T20:42:00.000-07:00

For Memorial Day we took a girls trip plus Dad to visit my Brother and Sister in law in Gatorsville (Gainesville Flordia). Needless to say I became a Gators fan while in the dirty south and scored some Gators Paraphernalia for me the Mr and little guy. GO GATORS!! Thanks to Amy and Ryan for being fabulous hosts, Mom and Dad for making it all possible and my beautiful sister Carissa and my favorite nieces for being the best birth control in the world! (too bad that birth control happened a little too late :)

The Girls

Papa's Girl

So Cool!!

Love you Lester and Steve!

Gator Prairie

So Hot!

Is this where that goes?

What a doll! Love her

Mmmmm... I am not suppose to be drinking this but it's good!

Baby Norton's first time at the beach!
22 Weeks

Twins!
(this comment is for the below picture. No I am not having twins)

Getting Ready to Run the River!
Cute Kendra

Tour Guide Ry

The Golden Nugget

Harlow Elle

Practicing Motherhood...

Sweet Baby Ava

Swimming!!

The Gang minus three.

The WHOLE Gang
(minus Reggie and Chase)

Run Baby Run!

2011-05-27T11:48:00.000-07:00

A couple of weekends ago a few of my Ragnar Teammates/Best Friends (friends before teammates) ran the Red Rock Relay Moab Race! I came to the conclusion that
a) Moab is my new favorite place in Utah
b) I appreciate my pre-pregnant body (but am embracing my sexy new curves even if they are in spots that aren't so sexy)
c) Everyone needs a little girls trip now and then
d) I love running Relays!

A few photos from the race

Two Legs Done!

Baby Mamas

We Rocked the Red Rock!

And now for some typical pregnancy photos. In case one day little guy wonders what his mommy looked like when he was in her tummy :)

16 Weeks

20 Weeks (halfway baby!)

Currently 21 1/2 Weeks pictures and details to come one day :)

Baby Norton #1: The Details

2011-04-17T15:35:00.000-07:00

It all started with a romantic night haha okay not those details!!

Not thinking I was pregnant at all and wanting something to do on a wintery February night, I took a pregnancy test but had thrown away the instructions the month earlier (there were two in a box and I figured I would remember what the results looked like). I did my thing, waited, and looked at the test. "What the heck do two lines mean again?" I thought to myself. It was an early response test so it didn't have the typical plus sign negative sign. I racked my brains and could not remember if two lines meant positive or negative. I walked down stairs and said "Well I think I might be pregnant." (I know fun way to tell the husband right haha) Chase says what do you mean you think you might be pregnant. I explained the situation to him we frantically started googling images for positive pregnancy tests and sure enough mine looked like the positive ones. Chase wasn't convinced and thought I should take a few more (5 more to be exact) all which came out positive (I had the instructions this time). We went out for a celebratory Slurpee and that is where Baby Norton #1 Begins.

The Pregnancy: Week by Week
Week 5- Found out I was pregnant. Really tired but could not sleep
Week 6- Started getting really nauseous. Craved Broccoli like crazy.
Week 7- Started getting morning sickness and throwing up every day.
Week 8- More throw up usually just in the mornings. Frequent urination set in (gotta love it)
Week 9-First Dr. Apt. heard the heart beat and saw the little bean :) We told our families and I "ran into" my sister at the Doctors (our Drs are in the same building and we happened to have an appointment at the same time. Can you say coincidence)
Week 10- Told our friends and people at my work. Craved Greek Pasta Salad from Costco which they no longer make!! What?
Week 11- Morning sickness got a lot better and pretty much diminished. Craved Parmesan Gold Fish crackers and oranges
Week 12- Started getting a bump (that looks more like I ate too much)
Week 13- Finally could make it through the day with out having to take a nap. Both Grandmas spoiled the little babe like crazy.
Week 14- Had my second Dr's apt. Accidentally found out we were having a BOY!!
Week 15- Craved Apples, got a Mom Car (thanks hun and sorry you had to part with your truck)

The Proof
(I wasn't kidding about the 6 tests!)

Little Guy's profile

Legs and Bum
(I swear he has Chase's ghetto booty. Chase claims it's too early to tell)

It's Official!

2011-04-06T22:33:00.001-07:00

That's right! We will be welcoming a new little bundle of joy into our home on
October 5th 2011!

Can Someone Say Slacker?

2011-03-15T21:51:00.001-07:00

Wow! It has been 5 months, we have celebrated 5 major holidays, and have almost finished the winter season and I have yet to blog about one experience. Well here goes nothing...

Just a few of the things we have done in the past 5 months (another catch up if you will)

Made Yummy and Sticky Carmeled Apples

Carved Pumpkins (aka celebrated Halloween)

Santa brought Chase an iPad
(Very very spoiled!)

Sledding Down our backyard hill and almost dying
Here I come!
Miss Benltie Girl
Mr Chase Sporting the mountain man beard
Park City will Most (not all) the girls
Monster Truck RallyOur SWEET Suite Attendant (your the best Katrina)

My attempt of getting a shot of Chase at the rally.

(his attempt to avoid the picture)

As you can tell my creative brain has stopped functioning. With a job that requires you to write ALL DAY LONG (might I add creative writing all day long) it gets tough to fire up that brain again at 11:00 pm. So until next time...or Shall I say 5 more months :)

Bahama Mama!

2010-10-17T19:28:00.001-07:00

No I know what you are thinking... I did not become a Bahama Mama, it was just the only thing that rhymed with Bahama beside Lama and I didn't think Bahama Lama was suiting... Besides the point. We went to the Bahamas and had the best time of our lives!! But how could you not with the two most awesome people in the world, Chase and Kaitlin Norton, I mean Abby and Devon Rasmussen. This was the first time we have ever vacayed with just one other couple and let me tell ya, you learn a lot from living in the same house as another couple for a week.

For instance....
Devon lives in a musical, Abby really likes to wear Falcons apparel, Devon has to be "lubed" with sunscreen every 30 minutes, Abby is Ms Activities info.
But it doesn't stop there...

You learn about each others bathroom schedules, eating schedules, (feel in the blank) schedules. You see things you may not want to see, and hear things you may not want to hear. But all in all you have the best dang time of your life! How could you not with memories like these...

Port Lucaya

Waking up to this every morning.

And this...

Seducing Chase

What no fish tacos!

Henry's Ribs

Taxi Limo

Long walks on the beach
(to go to Henry's and eat the best ribs ever)

No mom, these are swim bottoms not underwear

Henry
(Did I mention he makes good ribs)

Getting Ready for some Snorkel

Deadman's Cave
(no not our men someone elses)

Snorkeling
(you can't miss us just look for the big yellow life jacket aka Abby)

Short walk back to the hotel
that turned into a wet disaster
(four fours!)

OHHH Cute!

Right before Devon got his Record Deal
(Thanks Timmy and Footloose)

View from our balcony

Twinners!!

"I like to Snorkel"

Not Pictured.... The Canal Plunge, endless nights of Yahtzee, Golf, Kings High and Wizard, Night Ocean swims, Footloose's Corn Rows, Karoke, Abby and Devon's sheets getting stolen, Bahamian Dominos, Cookies and Cream, "We out of Coke mon.", waking up to a crazy lady in the airport, the casino incident and having the best time with the best of friends.

July In a Nut Shell- Whatever that's suppose to mean.

2010-08-11T20:27:00.000-07:00

I can't say I recall where the summer has gone but lucky for me I took some sweet pictures to remind me of all I have done.

From biking to racing, hiking to parading (I tried to rhyme) we were able to finish off July with a bang (literally) you gotta love July fireworks! One of the most important things we did was not documented, despite the lack of documentation its true.. we no longer are living on a mound of dirt but a mound of beautifully landscaped lawn. Shout out to Chase and his posse of family, friends and neighbors and I guess I will include you Dad even though you showed up just in time to grab a slice of pizza and watch the of premiere of the sprinkler show ;) Thanks everyone for helping, we really appreciated it! Now on to the proof that despite what we thought, we really did have a great July!

Park City 4th of July:

Looking like pro bikers.

Watching the Park City 4th of July Parade,

blending in with the locals.

Beautiful Park City Rail Trail

Hobbler Half Marathon:

Need I say more?

Draper Days:

The annual Draper Day's Parade Picture.

Harlow giving the approval.

Bentlie posing for the camera

Norton Family Outing:

Wait a minute.. is he smiling?

Check out those genes.

Cute Jenica cuddling baby Pax.

After a little bribery, a smile.

Provo Half Marathon:

Typical Kaitlin face.

Carly and I after rocking the race!

Yes we did plan to wear the same outfit.

The best part of all:

Beautiful Linds was sealed to Corby.

Catch Up...

2010-06-07T17:20:00.000-07:00

Who would have known how hard it is to blog once you have procrastinated on SO many events... so here goes my game of catch up.

ALOT has happened in these three measly months.

The 4 of us celebrated our 2yr anniversary.

Bentlie got attacked by a dog.

The result of the attack.

The result of an expensive emergency procedure.

My little baby and sister moved back!

The result of an allergic reaction.

I acquired 3 new roomies.

I left my husband for these sexy girls.

I starred in the movie Flash Dance.

I ate ALOT of gourmet food.

I swam with wild sting rays.

I learned how to survive a boat crash.

I celebrated Cinco de Mayo and turned 23.

I became their favorite aunt Kaitlin.

Bentlie had her first experience at the lake.

and enjoyed the sand a little to much.

I celebrated the best year with the best husband!

And played a nice game of catch up.. hope you enjoyed.

Here's To You...

2010-06-06T20:41:00.000-07:00

Here is to the first year of the best time of my life.
I love you babe. Happy first anniversary!

We didn't see it coming....

2010-02-28T12:36:00.000-08:00

Projectile: capability of being impelled forward as a missile.

Last Wednesday Bentlie lost her woman hood..
As we were driving home from the Vet
she started smacking her lips and convulsing.
Expecting her her to be a little sick
after the surgery we were ready...
I stuck my hand under her mouth
ready to catch whatever was about to come out.
Then it happened...
Vomit Projected from her mouth
all over the dashboard and steering wheel.
Then she turns into Chase's Lap and starts to throw up
again and again and again.

And all I could do was laugh.....
It was one of those somebody trips, falls and gets hurt
but you can't help to think of how hilarious it was.

Chase looks at me vomit covered and said "Do something"

I was helpless! I couldn't do anything..
Twenty minutes later, vomit everywhere we finally made it home.

And yes... Chase is alright.

A few much needed pictures

My Baby Girl

Chase and I on our Hike in St. George
(no we are not naked)

Me by the sweet waterfall

Chase by the same sweet waterfall.

Bentlie, Wussing out because the water was cold

Bentlie and her best friend Maggie (Lindsay's Dog)
They love each other!

Dog Parks, iPhones and Sunshine

2010-02-02T19:36:00.000-08:00

So this past weekend we decided to go to St. George for a little fresh air and while we were there we....

Took Bentlie to the Dog Park for her very first time!

I have never seen her more happy in her life and would have to say I was a little proud.
You see Bentlie is a very pretty pup. She is full of energy and loves to play, so naturally she was the center of attention.
I was loving this until the chauvinistic Beagle came along.
You moms think it's tough watching your kid get pushed at the play ground?
Try watching your 5 month old pup get mounted!
It was horrifying. I ran my butt over there as fast as I could and pushed that Beagle off.
Where was his Mother!

Had to buy Chase a New iPhone!

So Saturday Chase ditched me for a little male bonding time (love ya babe)
and went golfing in Mequite with some buddies.
While there he managed to drop and lose his iPhone.
Was I mad? Of course not, I was thrilled!
This means no more iPhone games.
Those of you with husbands that own iPhones know EXACTLY what I am talking about.
But needles to say he got a new one as soon as we got back.

Played in the Sun!

Oh how much I miss St. George! We went hiking and took some quality photos on my high end phone, I roll with a sweet Samsung. I went running every morning and managed to get a few honks, (ya I still got it). And soaked up some Vitamin D.

Overall we had a great weekend!

Struggles of Blogging

2010-01-24T19:06:00.000-08:00

About seven months ago...
after countless days of blog stocking...
I decided I needed to start up my own.
And this is where my blogging life began.
At first it was easy...
Wedding, honeymoon, new house, Harlie's death, Miss Bentlie,
then is started to get tough...
What does a girl write about?
-I don't have any kids,
-I haven't gone on any vacations lately,
-I'm already graduated.
So what else is there? What possibly would interest whoever reads my blog to keep reading?
I could tell you that Bentlie now knows how to give a high five, lay and shake,
or
that she has lost almost all her teeth.
I could tell you that Chase spent the whole day watching football playoffs
or
that he is the best husband in the world.
I could tell you that I work 40 hours a week and long for the days that working out and laying by the pool in St George was a daily ritual
or
that Bentlie is almost 5 months old and about 22 lbs,
but is that really what people want to read about?
Headlines like Bentlie's first day of puppy school!
Or Finally Potty Trained!
Go Colt's or I Miss St. George?
Well those lucky few (and I mean very few) of you that do read my blog,
I do apologize because until Chase gets his priorities right :)
and decides we can have some Mini Nortons...

That's what your getting!

Meet Miss Bentlie

2009-11-18T18:05:00.000-08:00

As many of you may know we had a loss in our little growing family...
Our puppy Harlie was put down after a bad accident.

I had a very hard time with that and felt like a huge chunk of my life was missing, if anyone has every had a puppy before you know that they become a huge part of your life with all the attention and potty training, pooper scooping and so forth.

It was coming to a time that I really felt like I needed a baby because technically, I lost mine. Well Chase started to panic a little and lo and behold he surprised me with a new baby....

Meet Miss Bentlie (no we do not have a fascination with naming our pets after vehicles, it just happened that way)
Bentlie is now 8 weeks old and has been part of our life for almost 2 weeks. She loves to army crawl under the coffee table, hide under the bed when it is time to go in the basement and chase her little stub of a tail. She is still pretty young and gets really scared/sad when she is alone. We have had a lot of fun with her so far and welcome her into our home.

Tag Your it!

2009-11-18T17:10:00.000-08:00

1. Where is your cell phone? On the coffee table.
2. Your hair? down, straight, with a dang cute black headband.
3. Your mother? hard working, creative and determined
4. Your father? patient, understanding and loving
5. Your favorite food? Anything Spicy
6. Your dream last night? Dang I can't remember.
7. Your favorite drink? Diet Dr Pepper soon to become water again
8. Your dream/goal? To continue to move up in the company I work for, have some mini Nortons and live happily ever after.
9. What room are you in? Family room aka the TV room.
10. Your hobby? Running, boating and I am starting to get into making crafts.
11. Your fear? Losing my husband
12. Where do you want to be in six years? A mommy of a couple of kids, a part time Events Coordinator at Zrii, and possibly in a new home (although I'm loving the one I'm in)
13. Where were you last night? Watching the Ugly Truth with my husband.
14. Something you aren’t? Patient!
15. Muffins? Almond Poppyseed from Costco.
16. Wish list item? New Car, a baby and summer!
17. Where did you grow up? Draper, roaming the neighborhood barefoot with my childhood friends.
18. Last thing you did? Rescued my yelping puppy then took her out in the freezing cold to wait for her to do her thing!
19. What are you wearing? Black dress with leggings (typical outfit of mine)
20. TV? Off, but I love the Office and House.
21. Your pets? Bentlie and the late Miss Harlie
22. Your friends? Girls
23. Your life? Very Blessed.
24. Your mood? Excited because Chase just got home!
25. Missing someone? My sister and Niece
26. Vehicle? Mazda 3 yo!
27. Something you’re not wearing? Earings (I really wish I could say undies)
28. Your favorite store? Costco
29. Your favorite color? Blue
30. When was the last time you laughed? Just barley when I thought Chase kicked Bentlie across the room when really he picked her up with his foot.
31. When was the last time you cried? The day Harlie died and the whole week after.
32. Your best friend? My sister
33. One place that you go over and over? Besides work, I'd have to say Costco
34. One person who e-mails me regularly? If IM's count, Chase.
35. Favorite place to eat? Cafe Rio, Yoshi's and Pei Wei

*I tag Jodie and Kelsie!

Dear Miss Harlie...

2009-11-02T09:18:00.000-08:00

Dear Harlie,

Last night was tough baby girl, one of the toughest I have gone through in a while, but from each of our trials and hard moments in life we come out stronger, I will come out of this with a greater understanding of love, loss and and never taking any life for granted. You are the first thing I have lost that is close to me, and if the movie is true I will see you again in heaven. Daddy told me that you were up their watching over our little babies, please take good care of them and let them know we can't wait to see them. I am going to miss you Harlie girl, you brought so much joy during the short time we had you. I will always remember our first night together and how you instantly cuddled up next to me. I will miss my lunch buddy and taking you for walks during my hour break. I will miss you licking my legs when I get out of the shower and sitting on the rug next to me until I leave for work. You were always excited to see us no matter if we left for 3 hours or 10 minutes, you would wag your short little tail as fast as it could go. You never got mad at us and anytime you were in trouble you would cuddle up to us letting us know you were sorry. You were learning so well and finally learned how to go potty outside. I will miss racing up the stairs with you and watching you wrestle with Dad. He was so proud of how well you were learning and was almost done teaching you how to run with me. You were such a joy to be around and we will truly miss you. We put all of your stuff away this morning and it was so hard to let it go, but between you an me I kept Mr Giraffe and will keep him safe for you until we see you again. I have never seen Dad cry before but I know it is because he loves you just as much as I do. We know you are in a better place today and are in no more pain. We love you baby girl and will wait for the time that we can be together again.

Harlie Norton
July 26 2009- November 1 2009
"Every Little Thing's Gonna Be Alright"

A Family In Need

2009-10-11T19:16:00.000-07:00

A family in Chile that Chase became very close with while serving his mission had an unfortunate accident last week. This family, with parents who work multiple jobs to help their kids through school lost everything in a house fire. Chase has put together a fundraiser to help raise some money to send this family. If you would be interested in donating to the cause please visit http://www.nortechdesign.com/donations.htm Every little bit helps. Please spread the word, copy this link onto your blog, a little bit can go along way, from small and simple things great things will come to pass. THANKS!

Harlow + Harlie = Homeless

2009-09-27T08:17:00.000-07:00

While we have been waiting for our house to finish
we have been living with my parents in
Hotel Ensminger.
My sister has also been crashing there because her husband
had a career switch in the middle of her pregnancy and headed off to
sunny St George. On September 11
we added a 6th person to our humble abode and welcomed in my favorite niece Harlow.
About a week later me and Chase had the brilliant idea of getting a puppy, whiling living at my parents house, who are not pet owners, and while caring for a one week old baby. We just couldn't pass up those puppy dog eyes.
The outcome of our new addition.... the Norton's basement floor.
Love truly is a sacrifice, love you Harlie

All about.. Well who else.... ME

2009-08-27T21:42:00.001-07:00

For all of my followers you ever you may be
Here is a little post all about ME

-I close my eyes while I brush my teeth.
-If I ever have a song stuck in my head I sing
the primary song A Child's Prayer to get it out.
-I never skip out on breakfast.
(come on its the most important meal of the day)
-I have a tremendous fear of Birds.
-I sneeze in a series of two.
-I always do my hair before my makeup.
-I get a rush when I spend money on something really cute.
(The reason I do not own a Credit Card)
- I am a total "Blog Stalker" and finally had to get my own.
-I absolutely love the way Chase Smells after he
has been Barbecuing.
-I am a sucker for Milk Duds
and Choc Covered Cinnamon Bears.
-I have ridden on an Elephant.
-I love apples.
-All of my injuries happen on my left side.
-I plan out in my head what I am going to wear the next day.
-I have to dunk all of my cereal in milk before I eat it.
-I love watching the news.
-When I am in an awkward situation I laugh to feel comfortable.
-My favorite color is blue.
-I started using 'Mane and Tail' shampoo cause
I heard it helps your hair grow and I'm hooked.
(side note.. it really does work)
-I am a Cinco de Mayo baby.
-I am definitely tone deaf
but sound amazing in the shower.
-My family established the nickname Keent when I was little.
-I broke my hand and have a plate and four screws in it.
-My most missed pre-wedding outfit our my white shorts.
-At one time in my life I had three rabbits
all of which died.
-I used to have a pet duck...
betcha cant guess what happened.
I hate needles and shots.
(wheww I get light headed just thinking of them)
-My least favorite weather is the wind.
-I love the summer.
-I have been to Disneyland 17 times.
-I was bored enough to make a post all about me.
-And you were bored enough to read it.

Back to REALITY...

2009-08-13T20:14:00.000-07:00

For the last month and a half we have been learning the struggles of newlyweds... on the reverse side.

-What it's like to have a shower that can host a TEN person bath party
or
-Have a bathroom that is the same size as the master bedroom.
-Standing at the bedroom window and overlooking the entire valley
and
-Having a refrigerator and freezer that could store food for a family of twenty.
Lets just say we lucked out with knowing some very generous people...
But now... we are back to reality
due to a special addition that should be joining our family within the next month
(which I am keeping a secret because I am a firm believer of the jinx curse and can not jinx myself on this one)
We are moving into Hotel Ensminger until the beginning of September

Advantages? Of course

Save on rent
Sneaking food from Mom's pantry
Mixing my laundry in with theirs (difficult bc Chase is MUCH smaller than my Dad)
Pancake Sunday
Alternating cook nights
Boy who thought moving in with the Folks could be so great?

Watch out Mom and Dad here we come.....

It's Like Rain on Your Wedding Day

2009-07-30T19:53:00.000-07:00

On June 5th my life changed forever!

I started cooking, cleaning and doing laundry,
sleeping on one side of the bed, constantly
keeping the bathroom fan on and learning
what the word health insurance means.
if you haven't guessed yet I became a wife,
might I note to the most amazing
man I have ever known
(Cheesy? Yes! but people say cheesy things when there in love)
We were married in the Salt Lake Temple and I claimed my theme song "Ironic" by Alanis Morissette. Me along with 44 other brides were blessed with very good luck!

After we shot a 3 hour spread for the "Hottest Couple of the Year"

And "Checked In" to our Hotel
(get your mind out of the gutter)
We topped off the night with the most AMAZING reception.
Planned by the infamous Leslee Ensminger
Thanks mom for catching the "Vintage Vision"

Thankyou to everyone who celebrated with us
and made it a night we will never forget.
Thankyou to my hairdresser
Carissa Lewis
Thankyou to my wardrobe crew
Deja, Ashlyn, Olivia & Madison
Thankyou to the Manager of the Landscape Team
Steve Ensminger
and
Thankyou to our photogtaphers from
Phiz Photography
For the MANY wonderful pictures.

.... and Mom I have to admit you were right...

The Taco Cart was a hit!

Last of my SMALL Stars

2009-07-20T21:21:00.000-07:00

For the past three years I have been teaching for Southern Utah STARS two of which I was the show team coach to 10 of the cutest girls!

They kicked butt at all their competitions
and made me so proud when we finished our last competition
taking First at our National competition in Vegas.
I miss all you girls so much and want you to know
how proud I am of how much you
have improved over the years.
Thank you for working so hard.
I know I worked you to death!I love all my little "show stoppers"
keep up the hard work and make me proud.
Love Miss Kaitlin

MEXICAN HONEYMOON

2009-07-19T13:32:00.000-07:00

We went on the most AMAZING Honeymoon, to Puerta Vallarta... and didn't even get the swine flu but....

We went repelling down a waterfall, ziplined across the jungle and looked like freakin
professionals while doing it.

Hard hat, check. Gloves and belay rope, check. Harness up my @ss, CHECK!

We had so much fun playing at the beach every day, laying by the pool reading my book while Chase patiently (not so much) waited for me to finish a chapter it was just to hard to put down.
We went snorkeling, saw some sweet sea creatures and our tour guide put a starfish one my head!

We went on the most amazing tour where they served you a buffet dinner on this island that was lit only by candles and tikki torches muy romantico (what can I say I picked up some spanish)

In addition to all the fun things we did during the day (and night)
We ate

And ate

and ate

and ate and ate

and ate until we could no longer eat any more Mexican food
and spent our last day eating at
Chili's!

On our way to the Rhythm's of the night tour

Do you really think that life jacket
is going to save him?

Being serenade for $5 a song

(gotta love Mexico)

Thank you Chase for the most amazing Honeymoon!
I love you so much and love being your wife!

First Time In Zion

2009-06-30T12:23:00.000-07:00

Me and Chase (Chase and I) Just for you mom
Went to Zion for my first time!
We hiked up the Hidden Canyon Trail
It was so fun (Scary at parts) and not to hard, at least for us
(thanks to Hiking 101) we Did BUZZ
right by people taking breaks on the side (amateurs)
good thing we are hiking pros!

As Nice as Chase is he did make Me carry the pack ;)That's what wives are good for anyway right?

I decided to hike up to this little cave little did I know coming down would be a lot harder then going up and would result in a red dirt TUSH!

Good thing I can't wear short shorts anymore...