The Pitcher Family

Lots To Talk About

2012-01-17T18:51:00.000-08:00

With Tyler out of town for a couple of weeks, I have a bit of extra time at the end of the day to catch up on blogging and scrapbooking.

Since my last post, we have found out the we are expecting a little boy that we have decided to name Bannick (keeping with the "B"'s)! Brollin is SO excited to share a room with his little brother, probably because he doesn't sleep in his room! We tried coaxing him into a sports theme room but to my initial dismay, he picked superhero's. And I said "initial dismay" only because sports is a little easier and more accessible than Super Hero's. However, thanks to Pinterest, I've got lots of DIY ideas that even Tyler will be able to help me with.

Christmas and the New Year have been very good to our little family. The California weather is beyond perfect. Braxton rides her bike to school every day; Brollin spends most of his time out back with Kelly Kapowski; Tyler is able to cook out on his Traeger almost every night, which to him is a dream come true! Braxton is doing great in 3rd; she finally has a great teacher and some great friends. Brollin has done SO well in pre-school, better than expected! All of a sudden he talks in complete sentences, counts to 20, and even started sharing with his sister! (kind of).

The baby and I are doing fairly well. i guess I should say, the baby is doing great...I, on the other hand, am a horrible pregnant woman. I guess that's why the doctors all said "no more babies". It started with a little echoli, then some high blood pressure and now justational diabetes. What's funny though, is this is the best I've felt through every pregnancy. I get super sore when I walk but I really do feel great. We've got most the clothes and swings and things all ready for this little guy to get here. We've decided to have his blessing here in California because it's too hard to fit it around everyone's schedules. So we're planning it around Tyler's!

I hope everyone has a great week this week. And hopefully I can get some more recent pictures up soon!

Baby Pitcher #3

2011-10-06T16:31:00.000-07:00

Here we go again! To say that we are in utter shock would be an understatement! We have been told since we were pregnant with Brollin that we would be unable to have more children. So you can imagine our initial disbelief at a positive pregnancy test. But here we are 5 weeks along and due June 2nd, 2012. It will have to be another scheduled c-section but we are so ready! We can't wait to see this beautiful little blessing! Our shock has turned into amazement and pure excitement!

Chicken Cordon Bleu

2011-08-24T08:16:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Thin sliced ham
Thin sliced Swiss cheese
Crushed Cornflakes
4 T. butter, divided
2 T. flour
1/4 c. milk
1/2 tsp. instant chicken bouillon
Pepper to taste
1/4 c. shredded Swiss cheese
2 T. Parmesan cheese
1 tsp. parsley flakes

Roll chicken, sliced ham and sliced Swiss cheese together, secure with a toothpick. Refrigerate in sealed container 1 hour.
Roll in melted butter (2 T.) and crushed cornflakes.
Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes.
While baking, whisk butter (remaining 2 T.), flour and milk together. Then slowly add bouillon, pepper, shredded Swiss cheese, Parmesan cheese and parsley flakes.
Pour over chicken when done!

Enjoy!

Back To School

2011-08-23T09:59:00.001-07:00

Another school is upon us and it's hard to believe that our little girl is starting 3rd grade. She has such a love for school and truly excels in all that she does. She never fails to amaze us. Good luck to everyone on another wonderful school year!

Old Glory

2011-07-05T12:19:00.001-07:00

Old Glory, the Stars and Stripes, the Red, White and Blue. No matter what you call it, our flag stands for freedom. On the 4th of July, I am reminded of the principles of freedom that I so often take for granted. On a daily basis, I don't always stop to think about freedom, as it is something that I have never lived without. So when I see the flag flying, it is a simple reminder to me to be thankful to live in a country where I am free.

Gavin's 1st Birthday

2011-06-20T15:38:00.000-07:00

(at least some) Of The Gang is back together again! It's so great to have the Foret's and Leuck's close by again; we have missed our friends dearly. We were able to get together for Gavin's 1st birthday. It was almost like no time had passed; the kids started up again like they had seen eachother yesterday, not 2 years ago! I am so thankful for the great friends that we have created in this crazy military life; they have truly become our family!

Memorial Day Weekend in San Fran

2011-06-11T17:59:00.000-07:00

We had such a great Memorial Day Weekend with my mom and Chance here! We were able to head down to San Francisco, with our original intent to hang out on the beach but do to weather we just walked around Pier 39 up to Ghiradelli Square! It was so great to see them! I wish more family would come visit!!!! ;)

Spring Break in Utah 2011

2011-05-08T21:08:00.000-07:00

I decided to take the kids for a week in Utah; see, Tyler has left for the month and sometimes the kids have a hard time dealing with his absence, so what better way to help them then to take them to Grandma's. My wonderful Dad came and drove us the 11 hours to Utah. The first few days, Brollin and I were really sick but we tried to do as much as possible and see as many people as time would allow. I regret that we didn't get to see everyone but we will be back soon.

Easter was SO awesome; we had a Saturday Easter Egg Hunt in Riverdale then dyed Eggs. Church, more Easter Egg Hunts and an amazing dinner courtesy of my Daddy. The rest of the week was filled with Soccer, dinosaurs, massages, family and talent!

I truly have the most loving and amazing family in the world. I am so thankful for the blessings that I have!

Brollin Turns 3

2011-04-17T16:00:00.001-07:00

It's hard to believe that our little boy is 3 years old. We waited for him for so long. He has brought the most amazing spirit into our home; blessed us with such sweetness. Its hard to believe that this little guy can make me cry and laugh all at the same time! He truly makes our home a happier place!

Our Cute Little Family!

Blowing Out his Candles!

My Birthday Boy!

Spring Garden

2011-03-29T09:51:00.001-07:00

My new favorite hobby these last 2 years has been gardening. As Tyler told me recently, my thumb is getting greener by the year! My mother passed on this amazing gardening book that she had used for years, which I use like a bible. I have 3 areas that I am currently working with: my veggie garden has green onions, tomatoes, carrots and green peppers. My window garden has rose bushes, mint, crokus, 2 different types of ferns, and hydrengas. Then I have 3 pots with poppies and all sorts of other flowers. This, besides scrapbooking, is one of the most cathardic things I have ever done! I love California weather that provides the opportunity to garden year round!

Anniversary Time

2011-03-22T17:25:00.000-07:00

8 years...Wow! It seems like just yesterday we were too shy to even talk on the phone to each other! I knew from the first moment I saw a picture of you (thanks Kenz) that you were the one for me! From Dallas to Utah to Dallas to Denver to Dallas to Layton to Bluefield to Layton to San Antonio to Bluefield to Spokane to San Francisco...thank you Tyler for the most amazing journey! I love you with all of my heart!

Happy Birthday Tyler

2011-03-15T10:12:00.001-07:00

It was Tyler's 26th Birthday yesterday. His Dad and Oldest Brother Brian were able to come for the weekend. We had such a great time with them. We went down to San Francisco, ate at some great places and the 3 boys were able to catch a movie! We just wish they would come more often! Tyler is the most amazing person I have ever met in my life. I'm glad that we were able to celebrate him and all that he does for us.

IFly SF Bay March 11, 2011

2011-03-11T22:40:00.001-08:00

Today was truly one of those days where you go back, look at the pictures, and fall in love all over again with family life. Tyler, Braxton and Grandpa Jeff got to play inside the indoor wind tunnel. Brax and Gramps were going for the first time and as you can plainly see, they had the time of their lives!

Tyler in Belize- January 2011

2011-03-04T08:20:00.000-08:00

Tyler got to spend 2 amazing weeks in Belize, South America. He had such a great time fishing in the ocean and hunting in the jungle! He got to explore Mayan Ruins, which was his favorite part.

Chrsitmas Clothes

2010-12-13T10:35:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, I made the kids get dressed up in their Christmas outfits so that I could take some pictures for our Christmas card. Braxton did great, as usual but Brollin is so hard! He refused to stand still! We got some great shots though and got some use out of their outfits!

I Don't Think Bro is on the Nice List

2010-12-01T10:25:00.000-08:00

So this was our second attempt at meeting Santa. Brollin started off the evening super excited to see Santa; saw Santa from upstairs, waved hello and he was ready to head out the door. Little did he know, that we were on our way down to sit on his lap. Bro was less than enthused! He threw the biggest fit; going between Tyler and I (whomever was standing farther from Santa) to covering his face with not only his own hands but mine and Ty's as well. Finally, Tyler sat on the flor in front of Santa and held Bro in place so we could get a picture! Holy cow!

Thanksgiving

2010-11-30T15:56:00.001-08:00

This was our first Thanksgiving with just us four. We've always had friends or family to share this holiday with, but I have to say...it was really nice and quiet. The kids played while Ty and I cooked; it was just the perfect day! All the food was amazing and everyone slept great. I hope everyone had as great a Thanksgiving as we did!

Bro thought he should be the official taste-tester!

Finally time to eat!

Tyler carving our beautiful Turkey!

The Sunday after Thanksgiving.

Disneyland Oct. 23-27, 2010

2010-11-14T16:49:00.001-08:00

This was such a great vacation. It was so nice to see everyone and get all the cousins together. Halloween was the perfect time to go. The decorations were incredible and we had the whole park to ourselves; the kids were able to ride every ride multiple times in a row. I was so thankful that Ty was able to be there 2 days out of 6. Better than nothing for sure!

My favorite picture! He truly was in heaven standing next to Lightning McQueen

Granny's only rule for the trip: You must have either ice cream or a churro in your hand at all times!

The cousins always have such a great time together. I just wish it could be more often.

Brollin had a blast on EVERY ride!

Shopping for souvenirs.

We had to get a quick picture in before Ty left us!

2010-11-14T16:27:00.000-08:00

I know I said that I was going to update this at least once a week and then haven't been on here for a little while, but this time I speak the truth. I love going through everyone's blogs and reading about their family's, especially when we live so far away from our familys. It's such a great way to keep updated.

Here are just a few pictures to get started. Brax getting ready for school and a day in the life of Brollin!

2010-08-16T19:58:00.000-07:00

I want my husband home! Tyler has been in Korea for one week now and has 2.5 left. Usually his TDY's are not this bad but I haven't been ab;e to talk to him; only via Facebook at 3 am twice. He is the most incredible man I have ever had the honor of meeting. He loves his family with all of his heart and being! He is a great example to all that know him! I can't wait to have him home again. It's amazing the longing you feel for just a simple hug when it's not readily available! We love and miss our big daddy so much!

Summer in Utah

2010-08-05T10:22:00.001-07:00

This summer, we spent 2 great weeks with our family in Utah. I think we literally did almost everything possible! The Rodeo, Lagoon, Days of '47 Parade, BBQ's, Water Slides, Slumber Party's and Birthday Party's! Even Chane's softball game! We had such a great time but it was really nice to come home and spend some time with Ty before he leaves us for Korea!

Scrapbook

2010-07-07T20:20:00.000-07:00

So I have just finished my sister-n-law Jades' scrapbook and so now I am trying to find some to do...(hint, hint)!! So if anyone is interested, just let me know!

We're Back!

2010-07-07T17:41:00.000-07:00

I'm Back! I can't believe it has been over a year since I have posted something on here! It has been a CRAZY year; We moved to California, right outside San Francisco, we lived in a hotel for 4 months, Braxton started the first grade, Ty a new job, Brollin started physical therapy, I lost both my Grandma and Grandpa Cottrell...it just keeps coming. We are all doing great and having a ton of fun. Coming up this month we have the 24th in Utah, Ty is headed to Korea for a month and Brax is celebrating her 7th Birthday. My goal is to update at least once a week! Let's see how well I do!

Spirit Week

2009-06-04T12:18:00.000-07:00

This week at school was Braxton's Spirit Week. She also got to stay a whole day for 1st Grade practice! I can't even tell you how boring this house is without her bouncing around everywhere! She only got 4 days of Spirit Week because they get Friday off.

Monday June 1, 2009 Hat Day

Tuesday June 2, 2009 PJ Day

Wednesday June 3, 2009 Career Day

Thursday June 4, 2009 Crazy Day

From jumping to "The Pink Eye"

2009-06-01T12:01:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of Ty jumping out of a C-130 (I think, he'll die if I put the wrong plane). It is so incredible to be able to walk out our front door and see Ty doing such a fun and amazing thing. He truly leads an incredible life. I wish more people were able to see him in action! Braxton, Brollin and I are so lucky to have such an amazing man in our lives!

Poor Brolli has "The Pink Eye" as Brax refers to it. I hate this...there isn't anything you can do for them. It's so sad! But true to himself, he doesn't go one second without a huge smile on his face!

Brollin's 1st Birthday

2009-05-16T10:58:00.000-07:00

Little trucks and mounds of dirt...
Band-aids on those things that hurt...
Climbing trees and running miles...
Our little boy just makes us smile!
Our little boy has turned one! We celebrated at the FunSpot with all of our closest friends. He had so much fun but just like his big sister when she turned one, he wouldn't touch his cake! funny kiddos. The only thing that would have made it better was to have our family there. Thanks to everyone for all the support this past year!

We're Back!

2009-03-26T14:41:00.000-07:00

Wow! Well I am pretty sure most everyone has given up on me as a blogger, but I'm back! It's been a little crazy around our house; Tyler got home after a 3 month deployment and we are just now getting back to normal.

Brollin is crawling like crazy, trying so hard to walk, pulling up on everything and pulling out everything else! He's got a ton of teeth and his hair is completely out of control. He is such a momma's boy but when he is looking for fun, he goes straight to daddy! Ty missed so much with him; he is so excited to be catching up!

Braxton has lost her first tooth. She wiggled and waggled it for weeks and finally last night she 'let' Ty pull it out. He actually grabbed it and wouldn't let go until it came out. She is still doing great in gymnastics and is about to start swim lessons and T-Ball. Tomorrow she is getting the Anderson Elem. Student Of The Month Award! We are so proud of her! She is such an incredible little girl!

Ty and I are doing great! We just celebrated our 6 year anniversary! It has been the best 6 years ever! We went out to dinner at The Melting Pot and believe it or not, that was our first date in exactly a year. He has been gone so much, it is great to finally have him home for a few months! We are getting ready to go to Hawaii in 3 weeks! I am so excited! This is going to be our first vacation together (we have never even been on a plane together)! It is a much overdo vaca!

We miss everyone so much and for the first time in 3 years we are all pretty home sick for Utah. As our kids get older and we see our families doing all these fun things together, it is hard to sit back and observe. We can't help but feel that our kids are missing out on so much! We love everyone and I promise from now on, I will be better!

Brolli's Turn for Fun

2009-02-20T22:09:00.000-08:00

Now that Brolli is moving around, his favorite place to go is the Fun Spot. It's all padded and he loves for Brax to send him down the slide. He always has to watch Brax roller skate and now he gets to have fun as well.

Brollin + Laila = BFF

2009-02-07T20:22:00.000-08:00

Talk about BFF! Bro and Laila are joined at the hip! Her name was actually his first word; LaLa. When I go and get him up in the morning, he looks around, "Lala, Lala..." and as soon as she comes into the room, he waves and will throw a fit until I put him down. She will lay her head in his lap and let him pull her ears. I am so glad to have such a wonderful dog that loves my kids! She is just ready for her daddy to get home, but aren't we all! 30 DAYS!

OMG TY!

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

Ok Ty! No more complaining! Here are some pics of me and one of Brax head on! Even all the way around the world, you are still so demanding! But I still love you!

A New 'Do'

2009-02-02T08:52:00.000-08:00

Finally a new 'do' for Brax. This was a much needed change for her. So with Grandma Eileen here, it was a perfect opportunity. Brax sat so good and after she was all done she couldn't stop staring at herself in the mirror (what else is new; TYLER).

A Wicked Winter

2009-01-20T17:13:00.000-08:00

These are some pictures taken around base. The news said that this is the worst winter Spokane has ever seen. They have had over 50 roofs callapse as you you can see. Trees are broken literally in half, power is out all over the city because of the deep freeze we are now experiencing. That's actually how I spent my birthday; holed up in my room with the kids and plenty of candles trying to stay warm.

Roller Skating Follies

2009-01-18T20:17:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting to take Brax roller skating for SO long. It was one of my favorite things to do when I was little. My mom would take me and my best friend literally every Saturday when we lived in Albuquerque. Although I didn't get to skate with her, I had so much fun watching her. And she loved every second of it. She begged me all morning Sunday to go again, but we have to wait until Friday!

A Little Face-Lift

2009-01-15T14:06:00.000-08:00

Sometimes when Ty is gone, it's the only chance I have to spruce up the house a little. He doesn't like to bother with stuff like that, but I love it! I painted the one wall in my living room and a wall in my bedroom. (I would show a picture of my room but I have new furniture coming and a closet organizer coming so it's truly a mess.) Next up, the kiddos room!

A quick update

2009-01-10T13:14:00.000-08:00

Yeah!!! My internet has been down for 2 weeks now and finally someone was able to brave the weather and get out to help me! This is so typical with Ty gone... everything breaks; my computer and now my vacuum broke. The weather has been so bad here that all the roofs have been caving in, Brax has had no school, all the roads in and off base have been closed, so needless to say we have been trapped at home since Christmas Day. Even our grocery store has been closed, opening only for a few hours a day, letting in only certain amounts of people to just get necessity's. thank goodness for food storage. My drain pipes have all fallen off my house and for two days we were completely snowed into the house. It took 2 of our housing guys with salt, kitty litter, shovels and plows to get us and 2 of my neighbors out. Don't even ask how Laila held it for so long! Good Girl! Tyler is doing great! He spent New Years in Amsterdam partying it up in the Red Light District! And has gone snow boarding in Munich and Austria. What a rough life! We miss him so much! Under 60 days now!

Christmas Eve

2008-12-26T16:31:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve is the busiest day for us. The last 3 years now we have had a Christmas Party at our home with all our friends in the neighborhood. So I mostly cook all day, but for 5 years now Brax and I always start the day making Christmas cookies. She then picks her 3 favorite ones to give to Santa, Mrs. Clause and the head elf, then 9 carrots for the reindeer. She writes out her letter to Santa which I make her do on scrapbook paper so i can immediatley put it in her scrapbook (this was the 1st year she herself wrote her letter and list!) Ty takes her out front to sled and through snow on her, his highlight of the day and we finish with Brax and Bro opening some presents (the ones not from us, i.e. cousin presents and the ones from Grandparents).

Christmas Sunday

2008-12-26T16:25:00.000-08:00

I love the Sunday before Christmas. Its very possibly my favorite Sunday of the year. I love singing Christmas songs and listening to the primary and our Ward Choir Sing. That's when it starts really feeling like Christmas. Our Ward also only has Sacrament which is something new for us but has started a nice tradition in our family!

Zoo Lights

2008-12-02T11:15:00.000-08:00

I so recommend Zoo Lights! It was absolutley beautiful. Even Brolli loved it. Some of the animals were asleep, and some exhibits were closed, but the animals that you could see were awesome. Running around, playing, swimming and the huge Bengal Tiger was roaring the whole time. We had the whole place to ourselves and we loved every second of it.

Bolt

2008-12-02T11:07:00.001-08:00

It was such a great week with my dad here. The kids love it especially because he spoils them rotten. He took them to Madagascar and Bolt, treated Brax to lunch twice at California Pizza Kitchen and sat hours on end with Brolli when he wanted no one else to hold him. He drove Cami and Garrison all the way to meet their father just so my sister wouldn't have to. He treated us all to dinner and Zoo Lights and I'm sure I'm forgetting much more. I hate that he won't be able to come for Christmas and that it will be another 6 months before I see him again.

Happy-Belated Thanksgiving

2008-12-02T10:54:00.000-08:00

So our first Thanksgiving in 7 years without Ty went by quietly. It was a hard day for me which I cried for most of it. The silver lining...I hadn't had Thanksgiving with my parents in 6 years. It was so great to be able to spend it with them. After dinner we went to Sparetime Family Fun Center for 2 hours of bowling! It was such a blast, even though my mom killed all of us! 1 MORE WEEK UNTIL TY IS HOME!

Warning; a really long pitty party!

2008-11-23T01:28:00.000-08:00

For whatever reason, this has been the longest week ever. I miss Tyler so badly and usually I keep myself and the kids pretty busy when he is TDY and the time flies. So naturally when we came down to Utah, I thought for sure the time would go by even faster...boy was I wrong. Maybe its the fact that we just went through the Temple and had literally no time to celebrate after. He left so soon. These back-to-back-to-back trips are killing me and my sullen attitude rubs off on the kids. I try so hard not to cry on the phone to Ty, I know that only makes it harder on him, but sometimes when I hear him say "hi baby!" I can't help it, I just lose it. During the days its not so bad, but at night when its time to put the kids to bed, i can't help but feel our family is incomplete at that moment. I know how important his job is and how much he loves it but I get so jealous sometimes.

I have to tell this story about him and I: During my senior year in high school, my dream was to go to LA and be a back-up dancer. Britney Spears was holding open auditions the end of September for a new video and I had been invited. I had a dance scholarship to SDSU in San Diego. I was already to leave at the end of summer, my mom had my apartment ready and waiting, i had transfered to the Nordstrom down there, ready to work for MAC. But 2 weeks before I was to leave, my best friend/sister came down to Dallas for a visit. And with her she brought some pictures of prom, and immediatley I asked "who is this?" (pointing to Tyler) She told me all about him, how funny he was, "Mr. High School", even about his girlfriend (obviously that didn't stop me)! I then talked to him on the phone a little bit later that evening, I couldn't stop smiling! I prayed very hard about my decision to go to San Diego, always feeling that it was not quite right...By the end of the week I had called and broke up with the boy I had been dating for 2 years, packed my car and drove to Utah. My parents arranged a small basement apartment in Bountiful for me to stay in, I found a great job at a doctors office in Ogden and last minute taken my scholarship to Weber State. I met Ty in person 3 days laletr and we have been inseperable ever since!

i never believed in fate, destiny, any of that stuff until Ty. He still gives me those butterflies in my stomach, that nervous/akward feeling when he comes home early from work. I love being the mother of his crazy children and most of all; being his eternal wife. I really needed this time to rant and rave over my husband. You wouldn't believe how theraputic this has been!

Disney On Ice

2008-11-18T19:29:00.000-08:00

Granny spoiled them with there choice of toy. Brax picked a heart septer that lights up and spins

Here they are enjoying their $10 snowcones!

The dragon from Mulan was really cool...the whole show was really amazing, except for when Buzz LightYear fell in his triple axel and then again fell into the wall.

NKOTB Forever!

2008-11-17T09:38:00.000-08:00

After waiting 6 long months, the night finally arrived! it has been 20 years since our last New Kids On The Block concert...way to long if you ask me! We were able to find our original shirts, pins, Jamie's locket and my earrings! People were going crazy asking if we had found our stuff on E-Bay, another good reason to be a pack-rat! We got to see Donny (my fav!) at the will-call doors, he came out and was touching people's hands. Then when we went through the door, they upgraded our tickets to 7TH ROW! Natasha Beddingfield was absolutley AMAZING and of course so were the boys! NKOTB Forever!

Remarried and Sealed

2008-11-14T18:53:00.000-08:00

I don't have the official pictures yet, but here is one that my sister took of us. It was such an incredible experience. And the best part was getting to share it with all of our family. Thank you so much Brian and Emily, Jen, Alicia, Kristi and Eric, Ryan and Shalee, and Jamie for being there in the Temple with us to share in all the joy and blessing that we have worked so hard to get. We love all of you so much and couldn't have asked for a more special day!

SLC Temple...Here We Come

2008-11-05T12:31:00.001-08:00

AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I am SO SO EXCITED! I just got off the phone with the SLC Temple and finally got an appointment for Tyler and I to take out our Endowments and to get sealed to our beautiful babies! I absolutely cannot wait! We have been waiting for this day for almost 6 years now, and for whatever reason it has taken us this long to get to this point, we can truly appreciate all the trials and struggles we have gone through. It has made us the strong family that we are today and it has gotten us to this point in our marriage where it has never been better!

November 11, 2008 9 AM Session

Front-Yard Picnic

2008-11-05T10:22:00.000-08:00

Braxton has waited for 3 1/2 weeks for her daddy to get home so that she could have a picnic in the front-yard with him and Bro. She had me make their favorite lunch, shells-n-cheese. On the rare occasion that he is home for lunch, she requests that every time; that is hers and her daddys lunch! Please though, don't ask about the headband!?

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-03T09:33:00.000-08:00

Another freezing halloween in Washington! We started out with a spaghetti dinner at Laura's with the Leuck family followed by a wintry evening of trick-or-treating. Braxton literally ran back and forth across the streets making sure no house was left un-treated.

Braxton and her partner-in-crime Lilly.

The scariest house on the block

This is her 'boyfriend' Logan Leuck

The 3 freezing mommies

Polar Bear Bro...it was just too cold to have him out that long in a costume.

School Party

2008-10-31T13:44:00.001-07:00

Party on the bus! Brax was so excited to dress up for school today, but I only got her to smile this morning when a large group of boys started walking our way. Uh-oh Ty...she's going to be trouble!

Your chariot awaits!

Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

2008-10-31T08:31:00.000-07:00

It's time for The-Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at the library! This is something we get to do every year and it's so much fun! They start with story time, snacks, crafts, trick-or-treating down the aisle's and end with a haunted house...really it's an isle with bats hanging down from the top shelf. Oh well, Brax went through 5 times!

Our own party!

2008-10-30T16:09:00.001-07:00

These are the times when I hate being so far from any family. I try so badly to have our own little family traditions and we do, but as this is the 4th Halloween in a row that Ty has missed, it is always just Brax and I. Don't get me wrong, I am trully so thankful for the time that I have with her and her incredible little spirit, but I would also love for her to be able to share this with her cousins and other family. People on base do the whole Trick-or-Treating part of Halloween but that's about it. Oh well, for now its great and we have so much fun! This is Brax's favorite holiday and loves every second of it!

4th pic on the 4th file

2008-10-30T16:02:00.000-07:00

Cute idea Alicia! I love it. This is was the 4th picture on our file. Braxton was 3 years old and playing at the Hoogle Zoo. She thought the elephant trunk would be so fun to sit on until it made the elephant sound and scared her to death! She tells that story to anyone that will listen!

Congenital Torticollis

2008-10-27T11:52:00.000-07:00

This morning, our baby Brollin was diagnosed with Congenital Torticollis. I noticed that his head was not developing the correct way and he was very behind in rolling over and sitting up! They pretty sure it happened when he was born. Even though he was a c-section baby they still had to use a vacuum to get him out, tearing his neck muscles. The worst part about it is with our insurance, I have to wait 7-10 business days for a referral to start his physical therapy, which only puts us at 1 session before we come down to Utah. He's still perfect to me!

What is congenital torticollis?

Torticollis, also known as "wryneck," is a condition in which your baby's head is tilted. The chin points to one shoulder, while the head tilts toward the opposite shoulder. Treatment is necessary to prevent your baby's face and skull from growing unevenly and to prevent limited motion of the head and neck.

What are the symptoms?

Your baby's head is tilted to one side. The chin points to one shoulder, while the head tilts toward the opposite shoulder. Usually, the head tilts to the right and the chin points left, meaning the muscle on the right side is affected. You may notice that your baby cannot move his or her head as well as other babies. You may also notice a lump in your baby's neck muscle.

What causes congenital torticollis?

Congenital torticollis occurs when the neck muscle that runs up and toward the back of your baby's neck (sternocleidomastoid muscle) is shortened. This brings your baby's head down and to one side. This is known as congenital muscular torticollis.

Experts don't know what causes the shortened neck muscle. Some experts believe that the muscle may sometimes be stretched or torn during the baby's birth. The tear causes bleeding and swelling, and scar tissue replaces some of the muscle, making it shorter.

10 Days Is To Long

2008-10-25T10:12:00.000-07:00

After 10 excrutiatingly long days, Ty was finally able to call us this morning! It was so great to hear his voice and hear about all the fun stuff he has been able to do while TDY. He's literally been 4 wheeling and shooting guns for 10 days straight... he has such a tough job. I am so glad that after working so long, sometimes 2-3 jobs at a time that he has a job that he loves so much and gives him the opportunity to do such amazing things! Now, I just can't wait for him to get home!

Book of the Week

2008-10-21T13:25:00.000-07:00

These past 2 weeks my book club has been reading The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. This story follows a young girl that has been murdered by a neighbor but her body was never recovered. Now, i know what you are thinking but its really not a sad book per say... more a book of hope. It deals with the grief process in almost every conceivable way and i think what makes it such a good book, is that you can identify and empathize with at least one character and their feelings of loss. And Susie's description of heaven makes your heart fill for this little girl; the fact that she has to be able to understand certain things for them to be in her heaven shows just how young and naive she was, never really getting to experience life.

Pumpkin Bingo!

2008-10-21T12:54:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite time of year! Besides the wonderful tips to the various farms surronding us, there is all the wonderful fall activities; pumpkin bingo, haunted houses, apple picking, and Braxtons most favorite, jumping in leaves! Her school put on Pumpkin Bingo and just her luck, Brax was one of the first winners! Their prize was a nice big pumpkin, although of course she had to find the smallest one! The only thing missing was Ty and we can not wait for him to come home!

Green Bluff Farms

2008-10-20T15:12:00.000-07:00

We were so excited this year to be able to take Brollin for the first time to one of our favorite places... Green Bluff Farms. It wasn't a very nice day but it was the only day that Tyler had off, so we jumped at the chance. Of course Ty had to have the largest pumpkin he could find; it was over 40 lbs. We had a great day taking tons of pictures, eating pumpkin dounuts, hot apple cider and hot chocolate!

Dallas: HomeSweetHome

2008-10-13T17:54:00.000-07:00

I thought I would share some pics from my best friends wedding in Dallas; my once upon a time home. The kids and I flew down on Thursday and met my mom in Dallas. Friday was such a busy day; bridesmaid luncheon, rehersal and rehersal dinner. Then the beautiful wedding, pictures and reception on Saturday. It was great to see my friends; all of them I haven't seen in over 4 years. I can't believe how much I missed Dallas and all the amazing shopping; but definatly not the traffic!

Book Club Book Of The Week

2008-10-07T18:27:00.000-07:00

These past 2 weeks our book club decided to read The Friday Night Knitting Club after being highly recommended by one of our members sisters. Not a bad book by any means, definatley an easy reader, but I don't know if I would recommend it to my family... only if they don't mind ultra-feminism. The main character is a super strong willed woman but the writing I found to be uncohesive. The description of the book was far from the actual story line. Yes there is a Knitting Club but very little to do with it. No actual dialoge in the Club, only amongst the characters in their lives outside of the club.

Our Family Sign

2008-10-05T19:37:00.000-07:00

Made with My Cool Signs.Net

Our Home

2008-10-05T18:01:00.000-07:00

This is the other side of our living room! our favorite place in the whole house!

Our little living room! I wouldn't change it for the world. I have got to watch my babies grow up here!

My favorite part of my yard... my beautiful tulips!

I thought that I would post some pictures of our house. Who knows how much longer we will be here and its so far away that most our family won't have the opportunity to come and visit. This was our first real home and I am absolutley in love with it. We are in a succluded col-de-sac and within walking distance to 3 parks, Braxton's school and a wonderful walking trail.

More Sad News!

2008-09-24T21:30:00.000-07:00

Today we found out so more saddening news! Tyler will not be able to accompany us to Utah in November! Here is his schedule for the next 6 months; Dallas (HRI) Oct. 5-Oct. 12
Las Vegas (Red Flag) Oct. 16- November 5 Georgia (Jump School) Nov. 16- Dec. 5
Germany (Deployed) Dec. 28- March 10, 2009!
I am still in shock and ah! right now! I have no idea what I am going to do while he is gone. Should I stay in Utah and take Brax out of school, soccer and gymnastics just to be close to family; or keep her life semi-normal and me struggle with no family? The obvious answer is to stay here but I don't want my kids to see how bad I am hurting without their father!?

Sad News!

2008-09-23T10:20:00.000-07:00

We just got news about 10 minutes ago that Tyler will be deploying to Germany for 2 1/2 months starting in December. I am so proud of him for all of his hard work and dedication to this country, but most of all, our family. He is such a strong example of love and devotion. I don't know how we are going to tell Brax but she is going to have the hardest time without her daddy. Hopefully though, Brax's school won't mind if we come down to Utah for a few weeks or so. But thankfully, we have a small vaca planned to Utah in November so all of our family can see and spend time with him before he goes. I love you Ty. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me. Everyday when you dress in your uniform, you make this family proud! We are going to miss you more than you will ever know, and we'll count the days till you get home!

TEETHING BITES!

2008-09-15T20:03:00.000-07:00

HOW DOES THIS THING WORK?

Brolli Bro

2008-09-15T19:57:00.000-07:00

Oh my sweet little Brolli! How fast they grow up! We waited 2 1/2 years for him and now he's going on 6 months old! He's eating cereal, fruits and veggies! He sits up almost by himself and loves to pull Braxies hair! What a cute boy you're growing up to be!

Bus Rider

2008-09-05T12:14:00.001-07:00

Wednesday was Braxton's first day on the bus! So not my idea but she absolutley loves it. She is almost too independent for my liking. It payed off however this morning; Brollin was still asleep after a week long fuss-fest so I was able to leave him in bed while we walked to the bus stop located conveniently behind our house! As the bus pulls away she squishes her face on the window...what a great Good-Bye!

PIG OUT IN THE PARK

2008-09-05T12:05:00.000-07:00

It's Tylers favorite time of year... PIG OUT IN THE PARK! Every year Riverfront Park puts on this huge festival where all the local resteraunts come set up booths! Ty will spend easily $75 on just himself! Braxton loves the live music and her and I usually share a piece of Pizza Rita Pizza! This year we went with The Seprish Family (Bri and Em ditched us this year) so we had someone to share our chocolate dipped cheescake with; not that we rally shared but we did stand in line together!

2008-09-02T12:59:00.000-07:00

Kindergarten

2008-09-02T12:55:00.000-07:00

Today was Brax's first day of Kindergarten. She was so excited she couldn't eat breakfast. Tomorrow will be her first day riding the bus, which was her idea not mine! It was nice to have some time with Brolli but i was excited for her to get home!

To sleep or not to sleep?

2008-09-02T05:35:00.000-07:00

Good Morning! Or is it? You may be wondering why it is that I am up so early. Not because of my 4 month old, nope, he is sound asleep and will probably stay that way until 9:oo am. No it would be because of my husbands snoring. I even moved out to the couch in the middle of the night to try and get some rest, but no...it only got louder after I left due to the fact that there was no one in there to pound him in the chest when it got to loud! He of course doesn't wake up the kids because they usually are snoring right along with him! As for the silver lining; I was able to get my laundry done before 5:30 am and take a long, hot shower without anyone trying to get in with me! And now I can read before Brax gets up for her first day of school!

It's A Beautiful Morning!

2008-08-27T21:16:00.001-07:00

Today was one of those days that you look back on and smile! For no real particular reason it was just a great day. Braxton's open house was this afternoon. They started with an ice cream social which she loved because we don't let her eat ice cream and then she got to go meet her new kindergarten teacher which actually turned out to be her old preschool teacher. Then we went out to lunch, did some shopping and watched Ty at his football game. My kids were behaving and even though Ty lost his game he was in a really great mood (usually its one or the other; the kids are horrible and Ty is happy or the kids are good and Ty is grumpy). Our friends Danny and Rachel just had a little girl this evening and it makes me want to have another one soon. Now if I could only talk Ty into it!

No Idea

2008-08-26T11:17:00.000-07:00

So I still have no idea how to do this thing. HELP!!!

Braxton is starting kindergarten in 1 week! I can't believe it, but it is a welcome change. After a not so great summer, I am looking forward to fall; Dallas in October, The Temple and New Kids On The Block in November!

The Pitcher Family

Lots To Talk About

Baby Pitcher #3

Chicken Cordon Bleu

Back To School

Old Glory

Gavin's 1st Birthday

Memorial Day Weekend in San Fran

Spring Break in Utah 2011

Brollin Turns 3

Spring Garden

Anniversary Time

Happy Birthday Tyler

IFly SF Bay March 11, 2011

Tyler in Belize- January 2011

Chrsitmas Clothes

I Don't Think Bro is on the Nice List

Thanksgiving

Disneyland Oct. 23-27, 2010

Summer in Utah

Scrapbook

We're Back!

Spirit Week

From jumping to "The Pink Eye"

Brollin's 1st Birthday

We're Back!

Brolli's Turn for Fun

Brollin + Laila = BFF

OMG TY!

A New 'Do'

A Wicked Winter

Roller Skating Follies

A Little Face-Lift

A quick update

Christmas Eve

Christmas Sunday

Zoo Lights

Bolt

Happy-Belated Thanksgiving

Warning; a really long pitty party!

Disney On Ice

NKOTB Forever!

Remarried and Sealed

SLC Temple...Here We Come

Front-Yard Picnic

Happy Halloween!

School Party

Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Our own party!

4th pic on the 4th file

Congenital Torticollis

10 Days Is To Long

Book of the Week

Pumpkin Bingo!

Green Bluff Farms

Dallas: Home*Sweet*Home

Book Club Book Of The Week

Our Family Sign

Our Home

More Sad News!

Sad News!

TEETHING BITES!

Brolli Bro

Bus Rider

PIG OUT IN THE PARK

Kindergarten

To sleep or not to sleep?

It's A Beautiful Morning!

No Idea

Dallas: HomeSweetHome