The Ram House

Craigslist

2009-10-30T10:51:00.004-05:00

What a couple of weeks it has been for me and Craigslist. I haven't looked at that website in forever, and all of a sudden I couldn't stop. But I just kept finding good deals. Granted I had to drive to Plano, Keller, Burleson and Frisco to get them, it was worth it. In the past few weeks we've gotten a kitchen chandelier, a toddler bed for Leilani, an upholstered rocker for $25! and a very expensive vacuum for a good price. The vacuum works so well that even Leilani likes using it. She really is vacuuming.

Honestly, I've sucked up more dirt and dust this week then I even knew was possible. It pays to invest in a good vacuum.

Oh, and Dayne got a new paintball gun (thanks Chris), and it's pretty. I also finally sold something on Craigslist - it took a couple of weeks - I guess my stuff isn't as 'wanted' as I think it is. So some good deals for us - but watch out. Once you start looking for good deals, it is really hard to stop.

My baby...

2009-10-21T23:42:00.005-05:00

My first born is now 2 years old. I know that is not very up there in years, but at the same time, it is... She had quite a week of birthday celebration. We hung streamers on her door and said Happy Birthday when she came out, so she thinks streamers are called Happy Birthday...

I went through all the trouble of making a cake (yes, I need practice) and I turn around and find this! She's looking at me like "what, I told you I wanted cake."

But here she is at her party. I just couldn't resist this fairy costume from Children's Place. It is so Leilani.

And this was her favorite gift. A Disney princess card that sang when you open it. She got a big smile every time she opened. She just sat there and opened, closed, opened, closed...

(Did you know everyone can be a princess? The card says so)

Happy Birthday Baby!

Fascinators

2009-10-10T01:05:00.006-05:00

I have to showcase my sister-in-law. She makes these hair accessories she calls fascinators, and I think they are simply amazing and gorgeous. If I could do my wedding over again, I would definitely have one of these instead. I always wanted the up-swept hair with a large flower on the side. Why I didn't do it... But she has a large variety and I think everyone should check them out. They are a trend with wearing. Check them out here.

Love them!

Photo courtesy of minelolly. The link is also on my sidebar.

Conference

2009-10-05T10:14:00.002-05:00

What a wonderful conference we just had. Was any one else inspired? I loved all four sessions and my favorite talk was by Elder Bednar. Any talk on the family always inspires me. He gave three things that I believe will make any family succesful. 1. Tell your family you love them 2. Share your tesitmony with them 3. Be consistent and above all us don't be embarrassed or scared to do any of these things. I never realized that other people besides myself might be embarrassed to tell their family that they love them (especially since we are all adults). How silly we become as we get older. Another lesson from conference - become as a little child. And no matter how old we become, I know that I can always work on stregthening my family.

I hope everyone got the chance to watch and enjoy. I love conference weekend.

Sep 30th

2009-09-30T21:15:00.005-05:00

These are my beautiful girls in the morning. Wake up, hug mom and dad, get OJ and get in bed to watch a movie.

Leilani sat and read and entire book with me (Are You My Mother?). I was so impressed - this is something she's never done before. But maybe she's more interested now because she recognizes the bird, tree, kitten, dog, etc...

And I don't want to forget little Ava's blessing. She was blessed over Labor Day weekend. She is wearing my dress which Leilani also wore. She is such a wonderful baby! She is going on 3 months (crazy!), is 24 inches and 11 1/2 pounds. She's my baby.

7 Weeks

2009-09-01T00:09:00.005-05:00

We would like to introduce you to

2009-07-11T20:03:00.004-05:00

Ava Cynthia Ram
Born July 10, 2009, 8:08 pm
6 1/2 pounds, 19.75 inches

Old Times

2009-07-09T23:48:00.005-05:00

The other night we had a get-together with some of Dayne's old buddies from the good old days. These boys used to "play" together growing up and are all still good friends. I didn't know any of them then, but it's neat to see who they are now. They are all great guys, and they did a pretty good job at picking out wives. And they all still reside in Texas. Something about this state either keeps you here or brings you back.

This is how it used to be.

This is an example of the wonderful fathers they've become.
And this is how they are now. Family men... My how time flies.

No baby yet...

2009-07-07T22:25:00.004-05:00

I know everyone is on pins and needles about information on the new baby. Well, there is nothing yet, so instead...

I'm going to blog about my fabulous SIL Leana. She left almost 2 weeks ago now for the MTC. She is then headed out to Indiana for a whole 18 months. So far she loves every part of the mission. Her letters are really uplifting and I can't wait to see how she does in the field. Here's to Sister Leana Ram.

Memorial Day

2009-05-27T21:55:00.001-05:00

DisneyWorld

2009-05-26T12:38:00.022-05:00

Last month we went to DisneyWorld with Heidi, Travis and the kids. We were really excited for a vacation and DisneyWorld is always a fantastic place to go. The parks are amazingly clean and detailed. I can only imagine the amount of planning and work that goes into it. The trip began with an early morning flight that went well until Leilani threw up her all her OJ and then some on the descent. Luckily she was still in her PJs and it didn't seem to bother her at all. Dayne and I were much more disgusted then she was. We met up with the Jeannerets and headed to our hotel, Pop Century, where Leilani was given her first pet; a rock named Rocky. Apparently it's a tradition for that hotel because the hotel represents all the pop phenoms of the last 50 years and pet rocks were a thing of the 70's. And then it was straight to Animal Kingdom.

Leilani's first character greeting. She was scared to death, but after a few more times she warmed up to them. The second character she met was Meeko from Pocahontas, but none of us could remember the poor guys name. We had to wait for him to autograph Leilani's book. Poor, forgettable Meeko...

Dayne and Leilani in the middle of a jungle walk.
In front of the Tree of Life. They have a very good 4-d show underneath this tree that is based on "A Bug's Life". Needless to say, at some points you were kind of grossed out.
The next day at Magic Kingdom. The kids had just finished defeating Zurg in the Buzz Lightyear ride.

Leilani met a couple of characters this way. She woke up just in time for Buzz Lightyear.

She is so spoiled. Aunt Heidi would have carried her anywhere.

Getting ready to ride Dumbo's Flight. She loved this ride and Alladin's Magic Carpet. She showed no emotions during the rides, but the minute they ended she was immediately wanting "more". And she would get a little upset that we had to get off...

The amazing fireworks show at Magic Kingdom. Probably better then most 4th of July shows and they do this every night!

Next day at Hollywood Studios.

This person was part of the noon parade. We know they are supposed to be a girl, but we're not for certain...

What Dayne wants to be for Halloween.

The whole gang with Mickey Mouse. We did really well at meeting most of the characters. We got Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Donald, Goofy, Buzz Lightyear, Stitch, Meeko, Frozone and all the Princesses including Mulan. I might be missing some.

Leilani with Belle. This girl earned her spot as a Disney Character. She was probably the best we met the entire time.

At our Princess Banquet in Epcot. Very nice sit down dinner where you meet all the princesses. The boys weren't too keen on posing with princesses but we promised that nobody at church or school would ever know.

Example of Tyler's embarrasment.

Cinderella. We don't have this movie so Leilani didn't know who she was.

Ariel.

The kids on their Kim Possible mission.

View of our hotel room. Our hotel was surrounded by hugh replicas of pop culture like Big Wheels, 8-Tracks, rubik cubes, etc...

Getting ready to leave for the airport.

A great trip. It was hard and long days for an 18 month old but fun anyways. We probably won't go back for a long time because we don't want the "magic" to get old.

Official Start of Summer

2009-05-24T15:33:00.003-05:00

The weather was good and the time was right. So Dayne took Leilani out for her first backyard-sprinkler adventure. She takes a while to warm up to any water source and is afraid of water near her face. Which is odd because her father comes from a family of fish. But sources say that Dayne didn't like the water when he was little either. By the end of the afternoon she loved the sprinkler so much she wouldn't let us shut it off even though she was standing there shivering and turning purple.

Camping

2009-05-21T23:01:00.006-05:00

We actually do things at the Ram house. I'm just not the best record keeper. Many of you excel at that talent. However, last weekend was a big Moon get together. We haven't gone camping as a family in many years and so we headed out to Lake Tawakoni in East Texas and had a great time until we were rained out the next morning. Our weekend basically went - set up camp, cook, eat, clean, watch old Moon slideshow, "sleep", clean, cook, eat, pack up, rain, go home. The eating was good, we just wish we got to do some more of our other planned camping activities. As Anna pointed out, it was a whole 18 hours. We did make up for that by showering and getting together Saturday night for hot dogs and a movie.

Oh what a night!

2009-03-31T15:29:00.004-05:00

Dayne and I finally drop into bed around 11 pm last night after a long evening of preparing our taxes - when you run your own business it gets that much more interesting. We're exhausted and as I lay down I notice some flashing light. Was that an electronic device or lightening? It continues - must be lightening. Then we hear the first rain drops fall and Dayne realizes he didn't cover up his prized grill. On go the lights and the robes and we run out to the backyard to cover the grill in the rain. Mission accomplished, we fall back into bed and try to fall asleep, the rain pounding on the roof. This is good because our lawn really needs water (we're trying to regrow some of it).

We hear thunder approaching which I don't mind because who doesn't love a good Texas thunderstorm? A few gigantic cracks of thunder later and our power goes out. Just as I'm thinking that it's going to be a little warm without the fan on and hope that the food in the refrigerator doesn't spoil, the power comes back on. Phew. But the burglar alarm also comes on. The previous owners had it installed and we have never tried to mess with it. So it starts beeping harmlessly at us and we try to figure out how to stop it, when lo and behold we set off the actual alarm. An ear splitting siren starts reverberating through the house and I start mashing the control pad trying my darndest to shut it off while Dayne holds a pillow over the siren trying to muffle it, while we both wait for Leilani to wake up. After mashing the pad does nothing, I start ransacking the house for some Brinks alarm information that I know I saw once somewhere... An eternity later Dayne finds a phone number and I start calling. A few different numbers later I get a hold of Shalonda. Wonderful Shalonda. She sends me scrambling for some screwdrivers and puts me on the hunt for the Brinks power source which should be in one of our closets. It's one of those things you barely notice when you move in and never think about again. I find it in the master closet behind a shelf and start un-screwing, vehemently. Yanking out a black cord later, it mercifully stops. We drop everything and get back into bed at midnight. And now we're so worked up we just lie there.

Sweet Leilani, she never woke up and has no idea what happened.

Carnations

2009-02-26T13:42:00.009-06:00

Last week we had an amazing fondue party with some of our amazing friends. I really do love parties even though every time I am finishing things right at the very last minute (and often after the last minute) thinking I should have started earlier! But despite my lack of foresight, I thought it would be fun to decorate. I always love having flowers at our get-togethers because they are instant, easy decos. And carnations are one of my favorites even though they get a bad rap. They are cheap, easily fill up a vase and they bloom forever. My Valentine roses didn't even last a week and these babies are going to live on in eternal glory. I also hung some paper lanterns for fun which everyone thought I had up has general home decor. It was a party, let's decorate!

Valentine's

2009-02-17T13:34:00.004-06:00

Dayne and I are not big on Valentine's Day. We've just never done anything so we don't have any expectations, which actually works out really well. So when the doorbell rang Saturday morning and I didn't see anybody through the peephole, I thought it was just a solicitor or ding-dong-ditch, until I opened the door to find roses that Dayne had sent. He's so great! I love having things sent to me. For some reason it makes you feel special. We then spent most of the day digging dallisgrass out of our front yard - so romantical. But that night we did go to our ward Valentine's Dance which I highly recommend for everyone next year. Dayne and I love dancing so it was the perfect way for us to spend the night. Behold the complimentary "prom" picture below provided by the Bennetts. I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend as much as we did.

Number 2

2009-01-30T23:22:00.003-06:00

I am sure that most of you know by now that Dayne and I are on our second child in two years of marriage. When you look at it like that it sounds kind of crazy, huh... I'm 17 weeks along and had my first appointment with the midwife this week. Apparently everything is great and I can't tell you how exciting it is to hear the heartbeat and feel the first little kicks. And right now they are little. No, we are not finding out what "it" is going to be. With Leilani I always called her "it" or "they" and people would always say "you call your baby it" or "you're having twins?". No, but what else are you supposed to say. So I will continue to call this one "it" or "they" and continue to face the questions.

We're excited for this addition and I have high hopes that Leilani is going to be a great big sister. A month or two ago, I opened one of her first baby dolls that came with a bottle. She instantly picked it up, cradled it and began feeding it. I never taught her that so it must be natural instinct! And the other day, she had to put a dolly in our cradle, kiss it, rock it, cover it up, kiss it again and continue to rock it to sleep. I defy any of you to find anything as cute as this!

Happy Birthday Dad!

2009-01-26T21:33:00.012-06:00

Last Saturday, the part of the Moon clan that resides in Texas gathered to celebrate another year of our great Patriarch. What a wonderful father we have. He always compliments my cakes. Doesn't he look handsome?

How do you resist this face??? It wasn't even her Birthday and she steals the show.

This is how the night began.

This is how it ended...
Happy 39th Dad!

Also, if anyone asks you to play Bananagrams, do it. Great game.

P.S. Thank you for all the comments. It makes me feel special that you actually care.

January

2009-01-20T13:49:00.007-06:00

So these are my favorite pictures from Christmas. The first because it is soooo Leilani. She spends most of her day looking at me like that. I'm not sure why...

The second because everytime she held up this pair of socks it was like she was holding them up in Victory! And we cheered every time she did. Needless to say she kept holding them up and we kept cheering...

The third picture just because this is how she runs around most of the time. At least her accessories are coordinated.

Dancing Queen

2008-09-09T22:26:00.005-05:00

I love how babies love music. Leilani will dance to anything from the Bonanza theme song to swing music. She gets a big grin on her face and starts bouncing her arms to the music. Her latest trick is spinning in circles and "snapping" her fingers (more of a wiggling in imitation of mom and dad). I've even noticed her practicing walking backwards - so many things we take for granted as adults.

Moment

2008-09-08T17:44:00.005-05:00

September is here (can any one tell me where August went?) Not that I mind too much. For some reason I get really excited about Fall which turns into excitement for Thanksgiving and then for Christmas. But I have a "thing" against wishing time away so I try to live in the moment. And for the moment, my life is Lelani, Dayne, work and home; in that order, I think. Dayne might think he's at the end...

Leilani grows terribly more intelligent by the day - talking on cellphones, putting on makeup, carrying her purse and daddy's credit card around, feeding herself and I swear she's not 16 though she already has the habits.

I've been working part time for Dayne's company which takes up more time than you would think, I mean, it's only part time right? (Melissa I don't know how you did it.) And the company seems to be going well. I'm also trying to work on my callings which are Visiting Teaching Coordiantor and Public Affairs Director. I didn't even know that calling existed let alone what it meant and it doesn't look like it going to be easy. Primary is looking like a piece of cake comparatively. I've also tried to pick up some new talents like sewing. It's been exciting but also difficult when your daughter wants attention every 5 minutes. How did any mother ever accomplish anything!?

This summer has been great with travel and fun. Dayne and I are both 25 now, though he claims 22. I went to see my sister Heidi in July and we all went camping at Turner Falls later in the month. We've also been spending as much time at water parks and in pools as possible - though never enough for Dayne. If Leilani allows there will be more pictures posted of these events and events to come.

Splish Splash

2008-07-02T11:23:00.007-05:00

This last Saturday was the GP1 annual 4th of July party at the Harshaws. We went because Dayne will take any excuse to go swimming even if it's not his ward. We were there for more than 4 hours and that still wasn't enough... But we had a great time. This was Leilani's second time in a large pool and she has taken to it like a little fish. She has her own little turtle floatie that she'll sit in and paddle around the pool - all by her self. Eivan got a fun little digital camera for his birthday that can go under water, so needless to say, that provided most of the entertainment for the day. Let me tell you - it is hard to take a picture underwater while trying to not let air out so you don't have a million bubbles coming out of your nose and smile at the same time.

Monil, Eivan and Dayne all won the swim races in their age group, and Monil even beat Eivan when they raced the winners against each other. Dayne then went on to win the watermelon seed spitting contest. You can't beat those Rams. I tried to get some sun on my legs and I believe I was mildly successful, so I win too! And I have to say I love the last picture of me and Leilani. Her skin is just so young, smooth and beautiful. It's a pity we all have to grow up because I know we all must of had skin like that at one point.

Baby's gone

2008-06-25T11:54:00.005-05:00

The last Moon child has finally left the nest. My little brother Jordan graduated high school and is off to BYU. He has already shocked us all by how well he as done in one week. He's taking college courses, working and making tons of new friends. We are all so proud of you Jordan. Good luck with the 4 a.m. custodial! I know people who have done it, so it can be done.

Nathan and Korina

2008-06-22T22:51:00.006-05:00

Yesterday my little brother Nathan officially became a married man. His wife Korina is a darling girl and we are all excited for them. However this last week has been a lot of work. With my sister planning the whole wedding, we were up many a late night. But now it is over and the whole thing went beautifully. These are some bridal pictures I took of Korina in my guest room. We didn't have time to go anywhere, so I'm pleased the the results. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Moon!

Utah

2008-04-25T17:01:00.002-05:00

A little bit of an update. I've been in Salt Lake/Provo for the last week and Dayne joined me (thankfully!) on Wednesday. So far we've been to Temple Square, all around BYU and today my brother Adam graduated from BYU in Construction Management. His wife Anna is very glad to be out of here. I'm just guessing but I think I'm right...

Since Adam's graduation was at 8 am, meaning we had to wake up at 5:30 to get ready, drive and get a good seat, his college provided breakfast for everyone afterwards. That meant all the cinnamon rolls, bagels, orange juice, milk and BYU chocolate milk that you can eat. And if anyone knows me, you know I LOVE BYU chocolate milk. And to get it for free made it that much sweeter. I am now a big supporter of BYU's School of Technology.

On a side note, I ran into the wonderful Karon May the other day at University Mall. She is still sweet and beautiful, and for anyone that knows her - she does not look 4 months pregnant. I look more pregnant than her, and believe me, I'm not. So here's to the blessed Karon.

And I forgot the usb cord for my camera, so pics will have to wait until I get home.