Family Photo Time!

I don't know why family photo time is so stressful for me?? I guess I just make it that way. Maybe it is because I have to find outfits for everyone that have coordinating colors, I have to pick a time when the "kiddos" are going to be happy, and have to make sure my hair and my daughters bow look "just so". Not to mention getting the kids to look at the camera! All I can say is...thank goodness for digital technology! How did anyone survive without digital? Maybe that is why our early ancestors always looked so grumpy in their family pictures!
Although I do get a little crazy before family pictures, I am so thankful that I can have at least one photo that I can treasure for a lifetime.

Say Cheese!

Jared was able to borrow a neighbor's props to take pictures of Reagan last week. Reagan had her 2nd photo shoot with Dad, (the first one being in the hospital). These are the most precious pictures of yet!

She's Here! Reagan Alivia Shupe

Our beautiful little girl Reagan was born on April 12th at 8:23am. She weighed 8 lbs. 6.6 oz. and was 20 inches long. Reagan was also born with a wonderful thick head of hair which we all love! It looks as though she walked out of a salon with light brown hair and blond highlights. We are so blessed to have her in our home. Babies always bring a little bit of "heaven" with them, and we have no doubt that the veil is very thin in their eyes.

Some of you have already seen some pictures that Jared sent on Monday night, but just in case you haven't seen any, here are a few...

36 weeks and counting....

I know that I might be a little too excited about this pregnancy countdown, but I am so thrilled that I only have 3 more weeks (and one day) before my c-section! I really love being pregnant, but I am READY to see what this little girl looks like! Jared thinks she will be blond like Tanner was...and I think she will have lots of dark hair like our Rylee. Either way, I am soooooo excited to meet this precious little person!

Almost 6 lbs.....and 6 weeks to go!

We are counting down the weeks that our little girl will arrive. I had an ultrasound on Friday and found out that our little bundle of joy is actually pretty big... almost 6 lbs already! Now, I was almost 9 lbs. when I was born, so I guess she must be taking after me since Jared was only about 6 lbs. at birth.

Although Jared and I are super excited about having another baby, we are coming to the realization that we only have 6 short weeks before our 6 years of good sleep will end. Yes, we love our sleep... and we have had it really good since Tanner has been such a great sleeper and doesn't wake us anymore when he arises at 6:30 am on Saturdays. It will definitely be a BIG change, but a WONDERFUL one!

I'm back!...I think.

OK, I have never been good at keeping journals, writing to friends, or even keeping up with facebook on my own computer. I don't know what it is that keeps me from doing these things, but here I am once again trying to keep you informed of what our family is up to. (One of these days, I will make it a habit!)

As you may, or may not know, we are expecting a little girl in April. This has probably been the most exciting and wonderful thing that has been on our minds in the past few months. We have also had a few trials in the last few months that have really helped us recognize what we value most in life...our family and the knowledge that we are children of a Heavenly Father who loves us.

We had a lot of fun during the holidays, and were amazed at how fast they came and were gone! We also have had many family birthday parties, along with planning our first Shupe Family vacation for June with all of Jared's siblings (with families) and parents!

Tanner is doing very well in school and is in his own reading group (if you can call it that with just one person???). His teacher has been sending chapter books home to read on a weekly basis, and he loves it! He is definitely in a "league of his own" when it comes to reading. His teacher has put him at a 3rd/4th grade level, and could go higher once he is doing better with comprehension at that level.

Jared is working hard for our family, and I love him for it! It allows me to stay home and take the time to care for our home and spend quality time with Tanner's education. We have been very blessed these past few months, and are glad to have each other and wonderful family and neighbors around us!

Birthday Surprises in September

I know this is a little overdue, but I wanted to share with you some details about Tanner's 6th birthday in September! We started out with a fantastic friend party on September 19th in which there were 9 friends, games, a sports bounce house and yummy cake and icecream! The kids had a blast with the bounce house and it was well worth the money for lots of entertainment. Not only did we get to use the bounce house for his "friend" party, but we were able to keep it the whole weekend for the price of 1 day! Jared's family came over the evening of the 19th, and we had another birthday celebration for Tanner. His cousins were able to play basketball and jump in the bounce house to their hearts' content! Needless to say, by the time Monday the 21st came (Tanner's actual birthday), he was not ready to give up the bounce house until he saw the Mario Kart game for the Wii that he had requested from us. The rest of the day consisted of Mario Kart, McDonalds for lunch, and Chili's for dinner. (I think we went a little over our budget this year, but it was well worth it to see all the smiles:)

On Friday the 25th, we had a BBQ with my family for Tanner's birthday, and then on Sunday Tanner wore his new blue pinstriped suit to church. He had asked for a suit because he wanted to look like the bishop. I think he succeeded! He was so handsome in his suit.

Grotto Hike

For the past year, Tanner has wanted to go on a hike, but every time we tried to plan it, something would happen! FINALLY on Saturday, we made it to the Grotto in Payson. It is about a 15 minute hike up to a waterfall with many tree trunks laid down to cross. Tanner had granola bars, licorice, and his camera in tow for this L O N G hike. We had a great time as a family, and Tanner thought pretty highly of himself for making it so far. We asked him if he could handle even a L O N G E R hike next time, and he seemed ready for the challenge!

Soccer Star

Tanner is our soccer star! (Jared might say he is, but at this point in his life, he cannot play because of all the injuries he seems to get when playing!) Anyway, Tanner is half-way through this spring season and usually gets an average of 2-3 goals per game. Go Green Pirates!

Fruits of Our Labors

Wow! I can't believe that the last time I posted was Valentine's Day! I am just a little behind......Oops!

Today I saw that my vegetable garden is GROWING! Yea! I love being able to see the wonderful food growing from such tiny seeds. I especially love the part when we get to EAT the food from the garden. I am not very patient for that part.

Speaking of growth, our son Tanner is growing too fast! He is 5 years old but has a big heart and intelligence of an 8 or 9 year old. Anyway, I went home sick from work today because of a bad migraine (which I only get about twice a year...unlike Jared who gets one biweekly). I brought Tanner home with me after resting at my mom's house for several hours. When we got home Tanner wanted to make me some toast to help me feel better, and then proceeded to tell me if I kept that down, then I could have some FRENCH TOAST! Wow. (He has sure picked up on the bland foods...working up to more tasty foods.) After I ate his toast, he gave me a hug and told me he hoped that I would feel better. Those moments of pure Christlike love from a child definitely are "fruits" of long hours trying teach them to love as Christ did. I love you Tanner!

Happy Valentine's Day!

I just want to say that I just love my cute husband and children! They are the loves of my life and I am very blessed to have such a wonderful family. Happy Valentine's Day! I hope everyone has a wonderful day! Oh...and make sure you tell your sweethearts you love them!

YUCK...BEING SICK

OK, I was going to do better this year with keeping up on my blog entries, but in my defense, our family has been battling sinus infections and the stomach flu for the past month! I do not have too many things that I absolutely hate, but the stomach flu is one of them. I felt like I was going to die! Unfortunately, for Jared and I, we had it at the same time, and so Tanner was left to fend for himself! The Wii was our babysitter last Saturday as we both lied in bed unable to move. Poor Tanner! He was so sweet and offered to take care of us both, because he knew how we felt. (Tanner had just finished recovering from a week of the stomach flu.)

Congrats to those of you out there who have not caught this nasty round of the flu. I would not wish this stomach flu on my worst enemy! I guess we all have to experience sickness to be thankful when we are well and happy!

2009...A NEW YEAR

Well, we are officially into 2009 by almost 5 days! We are very excited to find out what 2009 will bring for the Shupes. We have made some goals as a family, and we are looking forward to achieving them. The year started out wonderfully at midnight 1/1/09 when Tanner was bouncing off the walls and loudly blowing Jared's old trumpet to bring in the new year! Traditionally, Jared's uncle Kelly, blows the bugle every year out in their front yard. (The whole neighborhood knows it is Kelly!) This year Tanner joined him with the trumpet, and they were a terrific duo! Tanner's cheeks were so filled with air that they looked like they would POP!

We pray that all of you will have a fantastic 2009!

Merry Christmas! Only 3 days left!

To all of our friends and family who read this blog (once a month)...Merry Christmas in 3 days! We hope you all have the happiness and peace this season brings. We love you!

Change is Good...Right??

I am experimenting with different templates for our blog. I am trying to make it as pretty as all of my friends! I am not very fast nor intelligent with these kinds of things, so you will have to bear with me as I find the latest and greatest in the blogging world! As soon as I get it as I want it, I promise to be much more dilligent in updating often. Keep checking back!

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, What a Funny Boy You Are!

Tanner has always been a good sleeper. He started to sleep through the night at 4 months old, and has been a wonderful sleeper ever since! We often take pictures of him while he is sleeping...one, because he won't wake up with a flash going off in his face, and two, we get some of the funniest pictures of him while he is sleeping. One of these pictures is when he fell asleep on the bathroom floor after using the bathroom...(We didn't include the rest of the picture because I am saving it for his future spouse! Hee Hee!) Tanner really entertains us and we absolutely love it! Enjoy the pictures!

A Little Thought

A year ago yesterday, we buried our little girl Rylee. I am especially thinking about this because I am remembering the sweet spirit that accompanied us that day. It was the kind of comforting spirit that cannot be described. I know that Heavenly Father's Plan is very real! It is that knowledge that has carried us through this year. I am thankful for my family, and know that we can be together again. We love you Rylee!

Happy Birthday Tanner!

Although it is a few days late for this, we wanted to post pictures of Tanner on his 5th birthday!

Tanner had a blast with the 3 parties he had for his BIG day! Jared and I on the other hand, had a hard time accepting that our little boy was turning 5 already. We told Tanner he could not grow anymore, but he said "I have to grow up!" We are so proud of him and how BIG he is getting!! Happy Birthday Tanner!

Maine Happenings....

In September, Jared and I were able to go to Portland, Maine for 5 days. Jared was there on business, and I tagged along for a vacation! I used up every ounce of gas in the rental car by driving all around Portland and surrounding cities. Most of the time I was by myself to shop, browse, eat, or just drive the beautiful roads of Kennebunkport. I didn't have anyone there whining about taking too long...it was bliss! I was able to spend time with Jared eating wonderful breakfasts at the hotel in the mornings, and then going out to dinner in the evenings. I think this was the 1st time we have been away together since our honeymoon! (How pathetic is that!)

Tanner was able to stay with grandparents...so he was thrilled! Of course, Grandma Shupe spoiled him by taking him to the zoo, the aquarium and even to dinner! He wants to stay at grandma's house again soon. Who can blame him? Grandma & Grandpa give him toys, lots of playtime, and basically anything he wants. Aren't grandparents the best!

Here are some beautiful coastal pictures from our trip. You definitely know you live in a desert after you come back from a place like this!

Blogging...

Well, here we go! I am trying out this new "blogging phenomenon." Tanner is so excited about this, that he wanted to name the blog "FUN" and post all of his pictures on it right away! That didn't exactly happen, but we hope to have some pictures on it soon!