The Irish Family

It's all coming back to me...

2011-12-12T21:51:00.003-07:00

Yes, it's all coming to back to me now. The horrors of sleepless nights and "please hold me all day or I'll cry really loud for a really long time" days stacked with two boys with croupy coughs, a head cold for me and a completely wrecked and mis-shapen body. Why do I keep doing this to myself? That's a really great question and I wonder that myself multiple times a day. Maybe I can't resist how sweet they look when they sleep:

Yep, I'm pretty sure I'll do this to myself again. Not anytime soon, but I don't think it gets much sweeter than this!

HUGE shout-out to Johanna for taking these amazing newborn pictures!! She was SO patient (Taya wasn't so sleepy and did not like to be touched when she did finally fall asleep if you can believe it) and did an amazing job. If you need a photographer - check her out at http://pbjphotographe.blogspot.com.

Baby Sister!

2011-11-30T13:02:00.002-07:00

She's finally here and she's still a girl! I can't believe I have a girl, so crazy. Taya Lynn was 7lb 2oz, 20 1/4 inches and a healthy pink screaming baby. Everything went as planned with c-section and she's been a fairly sleepy baby to this point. The sucking reflex is a little stronger than I remember :), but so far so good. I'll let you know how we're doing after I run out of Percocet.

(1st Game Day)

If you have a weak stomach, you might want to stop looking here! I love these c-section pictures :).

Flag Football Champions!

2011-08-28T21:20:00.000-06:00

Well, champions may be exaggerating a little, but the Dolphins did kick flag football last Saturday! Dylan, and by Dylan I really mean Jeff, has literally been waiting his entire life for this moment. Dad coaching and son playing in the first flag football game of the season. It was pretty cute watching 5 and 6 year olds huddled in football stance watching everything but the ball and constantly messing with/gagging on their huge mouth guards. Dylan did awesome, and I'm only partly saying that because I'm his mom. He ripped two flags and had a good block at one point. Not bad for being one of the little guys!

That's Dylan's buddy Cam. They both play defense a little better than offense, Dylan outside linebacker.

Going in for the kill...

And there it is! His first red flag pulled this season! See that little smirk?

Some diving action...

Another play stopped...

The hand off... didn't go as planned but we'll just leave it at this

Check out that face. That's some serious focus :).

Brothers

2011-07-22T23:09:00.000-06:00

I love this picture. Yup, that's Tyler's foot on Dylan's face (both out cold in my bed). This picture is totally representative of their personalities. Dylan is usually so sweet and concerned with others feelings, and well, Tyler - he is a little different :). I'll sneak into their room late at night and find Tyler has crawled in bed with Dylan and has all but kicked him out of his own bed. They love do each other.

It's a girl! ... Probably

2011-06-16T23:19:00.000-06:00

That's right, it's been like 3 years since I've posted on my blog. No big deal. I only post 30 times a day on the coupon blog, you think I could manage 10 minutes for my family! Sheesh. What's wrong with me?

Anyway, on to the reason you, and by you I mean the two people who actually will look at this blog, are reading this post. I'm 16 weeks and it's a girl, maybe. I meant the ultra sound tech said she was sure, but it's just too good to be true! I'm just not sold :). Don't get me wrong, I would have been 100% happy with a 3rd boy, but a girl is SO much fun! I can't stop buying stuff. I guess it better be girl.

You can decide for yourself:

I bet your glad I shared that ultrasound picture huh? And just because my boys are the cutest ever and deserve some attention:

Fun in Arizona: (Uncle Todd and Tyler finding "Skippers")

All of the Driggs cousins together in a rare moment:

New Family Pics!

2010-11-17T22:11:00.002-07:00

One of my best friends sister took our pictures a few weeks ago and she did such a great job! Thank you Kara!

Halloween Cookies!

2010-10-04T16:29:00.003-06:00

Halloween could be my favorite holiday. I have these great memories of my mom sewing our ornate costumes and spending hours on our hair and makeup. (You are great mom!) A few days ago me and the kid put up all the decorations and, of course, made some sugar cookies! You probably know how that went though, the first 10 minutes are fun and kids help, then after that, it's all mom and not so much fun :).

Here are the boys in action - Tyler thought that since I put a spoon in the icing and put it in front of him it was his own personal serving :).

Here's "our" product:

And here's what happens when you make a 4 year old hold a really heavy plate full of cookies - even though it makes his "arm hurt."

First Day of School! (A little late

2010-09-30T14:48:00.000-06:00

(I drafted this post weeks ago and forgot about it :). Oh well, better late than never!)

How did this happen? I have a kid in pre-school? I'm posting a "first day of school" picture? It's all a little sad for me, but Dylan doesn't seem to notice. I pulled in to the parking lot of his pre-school and he starts unbuckling and says "Thanks Mom, Bye." What?! He didn't want me to walk him in and he now has started thanking me for rides?? I think he thinks he's 15.

We headed out to Pocatello Labor Day weekend to see some family and so I could run in the Pocatello 1/2 marathon.

I pretty much look how I felt in this picture, like I had been run over by a Mac truck... a few times. A little swollen in the face and ankles from dehydration, in pain for sure, but still enough adrenaline left to be unaware of the blisters, raw skin, and the incredibly sore muscles (I wasn't quit prepared for a few of the hills!) It was a lot of fun, except the part when I used every ounce of strength left to push it in to the finish line only to realize it wasn't really the finish line, and I still had 1/4 mile to go!! The horror! I almost died, really....

My "big dog" is 4!

2010-08-06T11:54:00.001-06:00

Today is officially Dylan's birthday! 4 years ago today was when it all started - nothing, NOTHING changes you life like a new baby. I can't believe it I've been a mom for 4 years!

I decided we needed to celebrate with a Disney Cars "friends only" party. I'm not really sure what was going through my mind, but I may have gotten a little carried away with this one - I think the total count of kids was somewhere around 20 - pure craziness!. With the help of a couple of my good friends (shout out Shelley and Season :) ) we seemed to get through the 2, yes 2, hours. As crazy as it was, Dylan had the best day of his life with all of his little friends running around and racing in box cars. Thanks to every one who came!! We had so much fun!!

Happy birthday my sweet boy!

Some of the cars (made from used cardboard boxes):

I had lots of ideas for this party, but unfortunately the making of the cards took over my life and the rest of the party got thrown together the night before (I mean the ENTIRE night ... and morning). The drink station was V8's cafe and the doughnuts are suppose to be Luigi's leaning tower of tires, but as you can see - the tower didn't last very long :).

Here is my little Toe-Mater! Really though, they look alike!

And this picture below pretty much sums it all up :)

New Family Photos!!

2010-07-24T23:07:00.004-06:00

I have been so excited to get some new family pics taken and they have finally arrived! Our photographer, Nena, did an amazing job. Here are some (o.k. - a lot!) of my favorites:

(this kid literally tried to back up into the water the entire time we shot around it - he's crazy!!

(Stay tuned for pictures of Dylan's 4th birthday party! It was so much fun!)

"Big Dog"

2010-07-02T09:31:00.001-06:00

Easter? What?! Seriously, my last post was Easter? My poor, abandoned family blog. Good thing I have renewed my commitment to document our lives on this blog once more :).

So far this summer has been great! And in more than just a "Seriously So Blessed" way. I've had a reality check these past few months and have re-prioritized my life. Blah blah blah, gag - I know that's what your thinking, but really it's been great. My kids and family are number one - I always knew that, I just know it more now. I've made much more time for my kids and even me! I have been having lots of fun playing outside with my kids and making new mom friends :).

Anyway, on to the good stuff! Dylan had a big day Wednesday! He decided it was time for his Dad to take the training wheels off his bike. After hearing that his friend Cam had learned to ride without training wheels, he was convinced he could do as well. So Jeff took them off, and he took off! I've never seen Dylan so proud of himself. All day yesterday, he kept calling himself a "Big Dog" and asking if he could go play with his friends (so he could tell them the news of course).

Here he is, the Big Dog himself:

Happy Easter

2010-04-06T08:00:00.000-06:00

The Easter Bunny (who happened to be covered in flour), visited our house! He made a serious mess - I'm still finding grass everywhere :).

I was trying to get a pic of them together and that was the best I could do (And yes, Dylan is wearing shorts over his pants - he's obsessed with basketball short right now - thank you Tiffy.)

Below would be the "bunny feet" chocolate chip pancakes we ate for breakfast - I fooled Dylan anyway :).

My boys, of course, were super aggressive during the Easter egg hunt and had to be pulled out mid way to allow for other children to find some eggs. TY especially loved it!!

Ooooh I love this little face! The picture below (he's eating jelly beans) make me want to go wake him up right now and give him kisses!

Dylan's Swim Lessons

2010-02-24T22:32:00.010-07:00

Swim Lessons are one of those times during my week, when I am so in love with my little Dylan (I always love him - but you know what I mean!). He is the cutest little google wearing boy ever! He seriously is a fish and can't get enough of the pool! If the teacher isn't talking directly to him, he pretty much hangs out on the step and snorkels the entire lesson. Occasionally, his snorkeling will be interrupted by short burst of leg and arm flailing, which he considers his "big arms". Oh, and I almost forgot, his "dolphin" moves/spasms are pretty funny as well. They mostly consists of him sticking his buns in the air while bring his knees to his chest then straightening them as fast as possible in a repeated motion. None of the above listed moves get him anywhere! He's not exactly water proof at this point, even though he thinks he is :).

I'll let you watch some of his moves:

Warning: You may get dizzy watching these videos - they get a little better as they go along, but I'm not so great with the camera. I would have also cropped the videos to the important parts, but I don' t know how, so you get the full clips! And fell free to laugh at how dumb I sound in the background! It's one of those things when the camera is rolling, you automatically start talking weird and sound really dumb.

I'm Back!

2010-01-24T22:17:00.008-07:00

My poor, sad, blog. So much for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and even Christmas - the prime blogging holidays! Oh well, better late than never.Just FYI - I'm going to talk a lot so feel free to skip to the pictures.

Here are just a few updates for journal purpose, I know this may be cheesy, but I know my mom will at least love it!

Tyler is the cutest little tiny 1 year old. He is soo little - like the 4th percentile little. I know one day (if I'm lucky) I'll have the huge massive Jaba the Hut baby girl that will put my two little skinny boys to shame. He may be the size of a 7 month old, but he's is so active. He starting walking toward the end of his 10th month and has been trying to run ever since. He's not so great at talking, everything still sounds like gobble gobble, at least that's what Dylan thinks (think Thanksgiving). And even though he can't verbalize his feelings, he will definitely let you know if he's mad at you. I'm not sure where he learned yelling from :).

Tyler somehow manages to keep up with Dylan as well. In fact, they have actually had a few roll on the ground, baby fingers pinching skin and grabbing hair fights, very funny. One of my favorite things about my sweet little baby is how much he loves to "give loves". He will cuddle on my shoulder and make little baby sounds as he wiggles to get as close as possible. Every morning he comes in my bed and literally mauls me to death with slobbery kisses and hugs as he flaps his little body all over my face. If I mention or push him even in the direction of his dad, he get mad at me! Not that he doesn't love his dad, of course he does, but some moments are just mom moments.

Dylan started Joy School last year with all his little primary friends. He absolutely loves it! We are still working on the whole alphabet thing :), but he loves every second of it. We will be starting swim lessons in the next month and I can't wait to see his cute little cheeks squished by over sized goggles. You know what I'm talking about. Baby goggle faces are the best. Of course, anything that has to so with sports, or that his dad likes, he likes. "Next year" he plans to play football, soccer, tennis, and baseball. Everything is "next year." Santa is the best thing that has ever happened to him, and me. Any item that interests him at the store, "maybe Santa will bring that for Christmas." Yep, maybe. That means no more melt downs! Well, less meltdowns.

Age 3 1/2 is much easier than 2-3. Much. We are best friends.

Some of my favorite pictures from the past month:

Tyler turned 1 year old on Dec. 23, while we were visiting Arizona.

Christmas was so much fun with all the little cousins. If you know my family, I bet you can guess which sister made the cute nativity costumes - Tiffany of course. The kids entertained us all with the angel/Tinkerbell busting some seriously inappropriate dance moves during Angels We Have Heard on High and Mary literally using her shawl to dance with the angel, again, inappropriately.

(Dylan wasn't so happy about the situation)

Ty was more interested in climbing on the presents than actually opening the presents

His signature move:

A Sad Day

2009-10-12T12:57:00.004-06:00

Dylan walked into my bathroom while I was getting ready, "Mom, I need to cut my hair." I was busy doing my own hair, "No, your hair is cute, you don't need a hair cut."

"No, mom, I ALREADY cut my hair!" My heart dropped. I turned around to see that Dylan was right, he had already cut his hair. It was bad.

I found this by my fabric scissors:

Nana did the best she could, but now my little boy looks like this:

He bawled and held his face the whole time Nana cut his hair - he was devastated!! "My hair!, it's too little!"

You can probably see it still needs to be touched up - Nana couldn't hardly stand to cut any of it while he was crying. He keeps telling me not to say it's cute - "It's too little, it's not cute."

A MUCH Needed Update

2009-09-27T19:41:00.006-06:00

I've done it again. I've gone months without a posting and now I'm overwhelmed with where to start. No need for any more delay, I'll get started with the family trip to Bryce Canyon. This was SO much fun! Jeff was a little sceptical of spending a vacation in the middle of the summer camping outdoors in southern Utah, but he was not disappointed. The weather was great and Bryce Canyon is an amazing place to visit. (plus Winnebago camping is more fun than tent camping :))

After Bryce I headed down to AZ with the boys so spend a little time with the fam. We had lots of fun swimming, going to the Dinosaur museum, the cabin and having a birthday party for Dylan. Everyday was party with cousins, aunts, uncles, and of course Nana and Papa to play with.

This is actually my great grandfather's (O.S. Stapley) carriage displayed in the museum!

The birthday that kept on giving - after we got back from AZ Dylan's second celebration:

A Weekend Away

2009-06-20T23:11:00.007-06:00

Last week we had a much needed mini vacation in McCall. A friend invited our family to stay in their GORGEOUS cabin through the weekend. It was soo nice! Perfect.

Dylan got car sick on the way up so we made a quick stop and walked around, and threw some rocks in the river.

This would be Dylan's first time on a boat/driving a boat. (I know it has to disappoint my boat-loving family that Dylan is almost three and has never done this!) I'm pretty sure my siblings were all skiing by this age :).The cabin was right on a beautiful golf course, which Jeff took advantage of the first evening. I took this from their cabin's balcony - (that's Dylan in the cart w/ Jeff).

(Feeding some fish)

Life has been pretty laid back. My two baby boys love each other and have started interacting so much more. Dylan literally tackles baby Ty and baby LOVES it! He'll smile and laugh at Dylan all day. He's also starting to "talk" a little more (Dadadada) and is even getting up on his knees. He's thinking about crawling anyway.

This shot was taken though the screen door (smart - I know) so its hard to see what's going on. One of Dylan's new favorite things - going to the bathroom - outside. That's right his pants are down and the underwear on its way. My sweet neighbor lady caught him doing this in my FRONT yard last week. Great.

I just have to share some of my obsession with you guys. I know most of you don't really care about this stuff but I feel like I need tell every person I know!! I just get so excited. All of this for less than 5 buck. Seriously, there 15 boxes of hefty zip locks in that mix and 14 boxes of butter.

Catch-Up

2009-05-24T22:30:00.006-06:00

I have some serious catch-up to do. Sorry family! My personal blog has been neglected these past few months. Bear with me, this could get a little long - and random.
Lets start with Easter, I know, that was forever ago.

This is THE happiest baby you will ever meet! I love him to pieces!
Kassidee, Dylan's cousin Cam and Dylan, BFF's!
Scoping out the eggs
Uncle Ryan (a marine) "Ronnie" at the fair

This one is for you mom! My beautiful Tulips, planted by my mother and I two falls ago.

Before you call CPS, Let me explain. My poor sweet baby and I tripped (I was holding him outward chasing aer Dylan) and fell, hard, on the concrete a month ago. I seriously thought I had brain-damaged, if not killed, my baby! It was the scariest, most terrifying moment of my life. One CAT scan, a pediatric neurosurgeon, and a hospital overnight-er later, we were all home and healthy. Well, except for this nice shiner my four month old sported for another week.

Two days later, his eye finally opened!

I look gaywad, I know. I had to document this though. I ran with my mother-in-law and her cancer survivor friends in the Race For The Cure 5K a few weekends ago. It was so much fun! I loved running and felt such an overwhelming sense of gratitude for my health and that of my families. There were so many supporters and survivors and I am proud to have participated!

Dylan got his first "real" bike! He has already got the hang of it.

Say Cheese!

2009-04-14T22:22:00.005-06:00

Dylan and Tyler got their pictures taken last week, thanks to my mother-in-law, Jil, who actually made the appointment. I kept procrastinating and Ty's already 3 months old, it was definitely time! All week I prepared Dylan and made him practice smiling and saying "cheese." He actually said cheese to me the other day when I told him to "look" at something. Funny. Anyway, they turned out cute.

I Love Coupons

2009-04-13T19:17:00.004-06:00

I love coupons with all my heart. I just posted on the coupon blog, Discount Queens ,my latest couponing adventure.

My total spent: $28.92.

My total Saved: $290.26.

How did I do this you ask? Call me and I'll tell you or look at the BLOG! We have 20 authors positng and if you want to join in on the fun let me know. The more the better!

I'm So Out-Numbered

2009-04-05T13:22:00.008-06:00

Boys everywhere! How did this happen? The tally is now 3:1. Between playing "tackle", "shooting hoops", and of course, just plain beating random items with baseball bats and golf clubs, I am surrounded by all things boy. I do love my little boys. Dylan and Ty LOVE each other. It is so sweet watching them "talk" and interact now. Ty was fussing was I'll was cleaning so I asked Dylan to give brother his binky.Things got a little too quite so I looked over and found Dylan reading one of his favorite books to Ty! He was trying explain to him the different names of the truck and what they did! Tyler had even rolled onto his side to face Dylan and was totally looking at the book and "talking" back. This was probably one of the best moments ever.

Rough-housing with dad, one of his favorite activities

Some cousins from AZ. Aunt Tiffy's girls.

Tyring to be like dad, of course.

Watching a dumb boy movie - that was quickly turned off after some unnecessary violence.

First experience with rice cereal! This kid is ALWAYS hungry.

Tyler's favorite friend

He's yelling at his friend - getting mad.

And now he's swatting at his friend - definitely mad.

And friends again.

For my Husby

2009-03-10T23:32:00.007-06:00

Jeff is always asking me why I don't love him enough to post one of those "I love my husband because he is so perfect and so is our marriage" kind of things (no offense to anyone who does - Jeff wishes you were his wife :)). Even though this post isn't exactly that, it is just for him.

The boys and I have been having some fun in the nice warm sunshine of Arizona. A much needed escape to a place not so freakin' cold and cloudy. I love the waking up to the sun shining! It makes me happy inside. The only thing missing is daddy.

I know you miss your babies so here you go honey, some love from Arizona. I hope you feel better today! Love you!

At the PHX zoo

Yep, I'm riding camel. Not so fun for me but Dylan loved it.

Baby Ty and I aren't looking so hot in this one but you take what you can get.

Papa's swimming lessons, love it!!

This would be Dylan getting dominated by Addi on the trampoline. Any one surprised? :)

"Where's Nawnaw?" His new favorite phrase.

Jackson's B-Day

My sweet baby who is getting so chubby because nurses every hour on the hour.

Home Sweet Home

2009-02-20T21:21:00.005-07:00

Oh how I have missed my bed. My poor sweet baby Tyler has spent the last four days in hospital being pocked, prodded, and suctioned (seriously suctioned - have you ever seen a deep suctioner?). Needless to say there was zero sleep happening. Apparently the nurses, respiratory therapist, resident interns, doctors all have different schedules and can't coordinate night-time/early morning check-ins. Really though, is it really necessary for all of them to undress him, take his temperature, listen to his chest and the worst - check his blood pressure? The plastic couch-bed and the "free" hospital food didn't help. Enough complaining though, it's all over with now and I am so glad to be home with my healthy baby. I can only be grateful, so many little babies and kids have to stay so much longer, or worse, never get to leave. Anyway, I love both my boys and am so happy to have two normal, healthy kids. I guess a few days on the Pediatric floor helped to put things in perspective.

He was a pretty content and even happy baby post nasal suctioning. Notice the baby-sized hospital gown. So cute.

(Pre-RSV)

The "head massage." Baby gets one of these multiple times a day.

Brother

2009-02-04T11:14:00.005-07:00

I love my two little boys! The coupon blog has taken over my life and I've neglected our family blog - sorry family. Here are a few pictures of Dylan and "brother."

So excited for church!

I know for people who have average+ size babies these thighs probably don't look chubby but compared to Dylan Tyler is a chunk! I have never had little squishy thighs with creases to love on! They are so cute to me!This is actually the start of a big smile - I took the picture too early.

Update on Baby Ty

2009-01-22T21:16:00.005-07:00

Has it been 4 weeks already? I can't beleive that Ty is almost a month old. So far so good - Dylan has adjusted better than I could have ever expected. Besides shoving baby's binki in his mouth, the ocasional head "rub", and trying to play catch with "brother", Dylan mostly ignores Tyler. That's good news for everyone. As far as Tyler goes, he is so NOT a Dylan baby. He's already starting to chunk up and little baby rolls on his thighs! This has to surprise anyone who has known Dylan. He keeps me up all night with his grunting and constant need to nurse every hour. Did I mention that Dylan doesn't seem to want to nap everyday anymore? Perfect timing Dylan. Anyway, life has been a little crazy at the Irish house but well worth it. Here are some pictures:

Ty in the hospital: (they put all the christmas babies in these cute stockings)

This is actually after Ty's baby blessing at 3 weeks. My mom was in town and put together the whole thing, thanks momma! Ty's 1st bath after his umbilical cord fell off:

Here is Dylan and Ty in the christmas jammies I sewed before Ty was born. Don't look too close, I'm new at this sewing thing.

Tyler Driggs Irish

2008-12-26T19:07:00.004-07:00

Baby Ty is here!

6lb 12 oz

19 1/2 in

These pictures pretty much say it all from beginning to end. They may be to graphic for some of you, look only if your ready to see a little blood.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-22T19:50:00.006-07:00

Santa came a few days early to the Irish house this year. Because this baby seems to like the womb and refuses to come out by himself, Christmas morning came on Sunday for Dylan. He was still a little too young last year to get the whole present thing but this year he caught on fast. It was so much fun watching him get so excited over each little toy he opened. It all culminated to him unwrapping him the trike he had been begging for for months. He has been riding it all over the house and has even started to get a hang of peddling! To top everything off, Dad and Dylan went out to play in the white Christmas snow (perfect timing!). Today was Dylan's last day being an only child so Jeff and I spent the day with him taking him out for lunch followed by a mom and Dylan cuddle session/nap, and ended with baking sugar cookies after dinner. As ready as I am to get this baby out of me I can't help but feel some -or maybe a lot of- anxiety about bringing home a little baby that is guaranteed to completely change Dylan's little world, and probably not for the better for the first few months. I know he'll thank me later (maybe) and anyway, it's too late now! Wish me luck, in 12 hours I'll have a new baby!

Snow Day!

2008-12-14T18:08:00.002-07:00

Dylan had his first snow sledding experience today. Last year he was just a little too small to really enjoy the snow but he is already loving it this year! After and hour or so of sleigh rides behind a 4-wheeler and Dad pulling him around the neighborhood in and out of gutters he still wasn't ready to come in.

And for those of you wondering if I'm still pregnant the answer is an unfortunate yes. A week form Tuesday is my scheduled induction date so I don't have much longer. Cross your fingers that I go into labor before then, the hospital is not where I want to spend my Christmas.

2008-11-20T21:45:00.002-07:00

So, I don't know when I became this craft loving/coupon saving/Joann's shopping stay-at-home mom but these things have slowly taken over my life (much to the surprise of my family). I had the hardest time adjusting to being a full time mom - the transition from a college life where all day everyday was spent with peers in the lab or library working or studying to the life of a homemaker where all day everyday was spent nursing, changing diapers, and more nursing was more than difficult. Am I getting to personal for the blog? Anyway, I am happy to say I have finally learned to embrace my new role and can now realize how lucky I am to be able to stay home and raise my little boy. The craft store obsession and coupon clipping are just ways to add some sort of variety and brain activity to my life. Who knew Mod Podge could be used for so many different things? I love that stuff!
Enough rambling, the point of this post is to tell anyone who cares that a couple of us coupon lovers have started a blog - KrazyCouponLady.blogspot.com - so we can help each other stay on top of deals. It has links to all the coupon sites and anyone who wants to contribute should let me or any other contributor know -the more the better for everyone!

Crazy Coupon Lady (and Halloween)

2008-11-08T18:25:00.008-07:00

I have officially become that crazy coupon lady who spends a half hour checking out annoying all other costumers and cashiers. Most of you probably already know about the Albertson sale this week and all the crazy coupons that you can print for it but I am so excited that I have to share. Thanks to a few bargain/coupon savvy friends - Katie, Heather, Joanie -I just purchased $638 worth of groceries for $77!! That's crazy! I know!! I can't stop saying that. And I'm sure there are lots of ladies who saved even more. Granted those are Albertson prices but I still got some great deals. Let me just tell you what I got:

48 - ALL liquid detergents (32 loads)

10 - BC Cakes mixes

10 - BC Frosting

18 - BC cookie pouches

8 - Progresso 32 oz chicken/beef Broth

13 - Wish Bone salad Dressings

16 - Green Giant frozen boxed veggies

6 - Green Giant frozen bagged veggies

14 - Pillsbury refrigerated cookie dough rolls

4 - Boxes GM cereal

10 - Dove shampoo and Conditioners

The detergent obviously made up most of the purchase, I had double coupons for ten making them $.17 each, the rest were $.67. The boxed veggies were free, the shampoos were about $.17, the Salad dressing were something like $.30, etc... I realize that this won't have a huge impact on my grocery shopping but I buy all these things and they are all good for at least a year or more. The best was when on one particular checkout (I had doubled coupons) the cashier actually OWED ME .$20, CRAZY!!! Albertsons paid me to take free groceries!

Here is a picture of SOME of the items:

Enough about coupons, here are some Halloween pictures, Dylan sported two different costumes this year. Jeff just couldn't let go of the Yoda costume from last year and since it actually fit him this year he wore it for a while before changing into his favorite costume, the dinosaur. He loved wearing it made dino noises the entire night.

Family Pictures

2008-11-01T19:15:00.003-06:00

More family pictures! For all of you who requested belly pics this is about as good as it gets - no nude belly will be shown. Mine's not so cute after baby number one turned my entire midsection into a strech mark. So here we are, me and my seven month prego puffiness and all. Don't be surprised if you see a similar picture on your Christmas card.

Something other than Politics

2008-10-15T21:34:00.003-06:00

I'm getting tired of seeing SNL and Cambell every time I pull up my blog! Anyone else? Two weekends ago we traveled to good old Pokie (Pocatello for non-Idahoans) for the Irish family reunion/grandparents B-day party. Dylan discovered 19 other cousins he never knew existed along with more great-grandparents, uncles, and aunts. It was a lot of fun and I was glad that Dylan finally got to spend some time with Jeff's Dad's side of the family. Even though he won't be able to ever know or be spoiled by his Grandpa Irish in this life, at least there is plenty of family around to remind him about his grandpa and how much he would have (and does) love him.

Not much else has been happening around here. I have my 29 wk appointment tomorrow, that means the glucose testing so cross your fingers for me! The sad part is I kind of like the drink so I'm more dreading the scale than anything else. Month six was the big weight gain last time (OK, so was month 5 & 7 :)) but I have been trying to "eat sensibly" this pregnancy, just liked my previous AZ doc told me to do after two 10 pound months. I have just had an insatiable appetite and I know I'm going to regret those extra pounds after delivery. My pregnancy jeans are even getting tight and I couldn't even keep them up two months ago :(. Oh well, too late now. I've officially been scheduled for a repeat c-section on Dec. 23, so less than ten weeks left! I know, I'll be spending Christmas in the hospital unless I go into labor before then. It's the earliest they'll schedule me and I don't want to risk a possible Christmas day b-day. My poor baby! Thats what happens when you don't think ahead.

Here's a cute picture I stole from Jeff's cousin (thanks Mallory!). Dylan at the reunion:

So Funny!!

2008-09-29T23:20:00.001-06:00

This one is for you Kristen! If you guys havn't seen this already it is hilarious! The clip is a little long but worth it.

No More Campbell Brown

2008-09-17T22:08:00.003-06:00

I usually stick to posting pics of Dylan but I can't contain myself anymore. Anyone else watch CNN Election Center? I can't stand Campbell Brown! No Bias, No Bull? Right... Is CNN serious? I just wrote my first complaint to CNN and encourage all 3 of you who actually look at my blog to do the same. I don't care who you vote for, (but really, who could seriously vote for Obama?) Campbell Brown is an out of control supporter for Obama and obviously can't contain herself while "reporting." I'm not even saying I love McCain, I just can't handle watching Campbell Brown campaign for Obama on CNN anymore.

So maybe I need to up the excitement level in my life.... I know that's what your thinking. I'm sure my sisters will make fun of me for posting this..

Air Show

2008-09-15T18:22:00.006-06:00

Mountain Home Air Base had an air show this weekend so, with 3 uncles active in the marines , a pilot for a great uncle, a Papa that used to fly his own plane, and another Papa who served in the airforce, we had to go. Dylan had lots of fun and the trip was actually very informative thanks to Papa Miles.

Here Comes the Groom

2008-09-04T23:32:00.008-06:00

I know this is random but I just can't help but post some of these pictures. I just received unlimited access to ALL of the photos taken at our wedding thanks to our photographer cleaning out old files (and my mom of course). I think the photographer had a serious crush on Jeff, my bridal pictures turned out to be more groom than bride. I giggle every time I look through our wedding album. Let's just say I had no idea Jeff would be so into posing for the camera, can you say Rico Suave :)?

I'll try not to bore everyone and post just a sample, you can imagine the many more.

If you can't tell, Jeff was totally working my grandma in this pic.
And Jeff trying to work me... or the camera, I'm not sure :)

Airplanes, Cupcakes, and A Rodeo

2008-08-30T14:00:00.000-06:00

Dylan had another little B-day party for his Idaho family and friends. The cupcakes (my lame excuse for a birthday cake -I was kind of b-dayed out by this point) were a hit and Dylan always loves any reason to be the center of attention. That night the Irish/Miles fam headed out to the Caldwell night rodeo. Definitely an interesting crowd, but Dylan had so much fun. He loved wearing boots and watched the entire event with wide eyes and lots of "whoa"s and horse noises. Those boots were his new favorite clothing item for the next few days and yes, he was seen sporting khakis and cowboy boots at church that Sunday. I just have to throw in a few pics of Dylan with the airplanes. His BFF Landon took him to visit his grandpa who works on private jets and helicopters for a living. Dylan had so much fun!

Happy Birthday Dylan!

2008-08-14T19:28:00.000-06:00

Dylan turned two last week right after we came home from visiting the family in AZ. He played non-stop for 12 days with all his AZ cousins and finished the trip off with a fun little birthday party. We both came back exhausted from all the fun, glad to be back in our own home but definitely feeling a little "homesick" for my family. Needless to say he and I were both spoiled rotten with shopping trips, movies, and so many kids around at all times to play with. I brought an extra suite case back full of maternity close and b-day presents for Dylan including his new big boy bedding that I had been drooling over in the pottery barn catalog for months! Thanks mom! Dylan and his cousin Addie became quick BFF's and had serious fun playing dress up (to Jeff's disappointment). I had so much fun hanging out with my mom and sisters who all live down there now :(. I miss you guys!

Just so you know, I did not put any of this on Dylan, he came up the stairs with Addie looking just like this!

Dylan's B-day kept going when we came home to Idaho, Nana and Papa Miles bought Dylan his very own truck that he loves driving around the neighborhood. BFF Landon came over so they could cruise together. The video below hopefully makes those dress up pictures lees painful for jeff to look at. (FYI, I can't take the credit for putting the video together, that would be the work of Landon's mom Joanie).

2008-08-02T21:58:00.000-06:00

My baby was looking a little scary on the ticker, (you were so right Joanie) this one is a little better but not much. Does anyone have a cute baby ticker?

It's a Boy!

2008-07-25T18:19:00.001-06:00

I think that's all I need to say. Everyone thought this one was a girl but they were so wrong! I am way excited, I love boys, I think a have a tender spot for them since Dylan came along. Jeff is even more excited, basically b/c he thinks I'll shop less now. He's right.

Family Pictures

2008-07-19T15:57:00.000-06:00

My friend Joanie took some cute family pictures of us this weekend so I thought I would share!I'll post more when I get them.

Pee Pee in the Potty! YAY!

2008-07-15T22:43:00.000-06:00

That's right, Dylan went pee pee in the potty for the first time yesterday. He mostly uses his potty as a stool to reach items in cupboards or drawers he's not suppose have or, can be seen on a regular basis wearing the inside cushion ring as a "hat." Not yesterday, we made some serious potty training progress. After some "encouraging" with candy and the park, Dylan sat on his potty and pushed out a little bit of pee. I don't think he really needed to go but he wasn't about to pass up the chance for some chocolate. We aren't actually "potty training" at this point but at least he knows how to use the potty when he decides he wants to. We actually took a picture of him in action, I know its sideways, blogger loaded it that way.

Deleted My Widgets

2008-07-10T21:07:00.000-06:00

I deleted my widgets again. I can't figure those crazy things out. I think I have almost everyone that has commented recently, all five of you blog readers, added to the blog list but if you don't see yours send me a comment and I'll add you.

Yep, I'm Prego!

2008-07-01T21:17:00.000-06:00

I am so glad I can finally say yes when asked if I'm prego now. I look 2-3 months pregnant at all times thanks to my post pregnant stomach muscles that will never find their way back together again. I've gotten asked (w/ a finger pointed at my stomach) when I'm due on too many nonpregnant occasions. Embarrassing I know, I don't even know why I'm blogging about it. Anyway, I'm sure all of you know by now that I am expecting number two, crazy right?! I feel too young to be married and have two kids, I'm sure this only happens if your LDS. Baby's due date is Dec. 31, but you can count back at least 10 to 7 days from then b/c of the whole c-section thing. Yep, that puts the poor baby's b-day around Christmas eve. I guess we didn't really plan that as well as we should have. Too late now :)! This pregnancy hasn't been as easy as Dylan's which was sooo easy/fun besides the stretch marks and post saggy everything. I can't complain too much though, there are many people that struggle to conceive and some that will never be able too, plus being able to basically grow a human being from two half cells is amazing! After every chemistry course I took in college I became more and more amazed of the system. I still can't believe it all works most of the time, it seem all most impossible that it would on paper. Am I being too cheesy? Anyway, I'll save all my complaining for my husband, and maybe my mom, since she's much better at relating and showing concern :).

I was going to start this post with a really cute picture of Dylan in a onsie sent from aunt Candace that says "I'm going to be a big brother" but, Jeff has broken our camera. Don't expect any new pictures for a while, it's going to take some time to break down my tight wad husband (who I love) into buying a new one. I only have a few pics taken by my friend Joanie (Landon's mom). His hair looks a little crazy I know, bed hair.

I think he was singing itsy bitsy spider in this one (doesn't he look like he-s about to do something bad?).

So sweet!

This one is self explanatory. He likes doing this and I'm pretty sure he learned it from his dad.

Dylan's Favorite Things

2008-06-05T19:33:00.000-06:00

I know it's been a while so here you go, lots of pictures of my little boy. Since it's mostly my family that looks at my blog, that's why I have one, I don't feel as weird posting all these pictures of Dylan. I thought I would do a little update on my almost two year old and his new favorite things (minus Dora - we're trying to ease her out of lives -I can't handle her, the map, or backpack anymore).

This 1st pic is of Dylan on the way to the zoo, you can see how excited he was! The Boise zoo has maybe 6 species total, half of which are never to be seen in their cages, but Dylan loves it anyway.

This might be the best part of the zoo for him - the giraffe slide. We probably spend more time here than looking at the animals.

Here is Dylan in the middle of one of his increasingly popular tantrums, he was so mad, kind of funny.
Dylans new favorite activity - "driving." He would spend hours in the front seat of the car if I let him. He pushes all the buttons including the horn -with his tummy - that's what he is doing here. Dylan and BFF Landon having a snack - they are so funny together.

Here is Dylan helping himself to a snack. He found a box of cereal in the pantry and poured the whole thing out. You can tell by the look on his face he knows he is not suppose to be doing this - he's been in time out for it before.

So Dylan loves to sit on the bathroom counter while I do my hair and makeup. He says "pretty pretty" and pretends to put makeup on with me. In the time it took me to brush my teeth he had opened my mascare and applied it to one eye. Scary I know, but still kind of funny. The 2nd pic is my favorite, he really does think he looks pretty!

More Flower Pictures

2008-05-02T22:04:00.000-06:00

OK, everyone is probably tired of seeing flower pictures but, my tulips just finished blooming and I needed to post these for my mom to see her how her hard work paid off. She also purchased the rocker in the picture so I thought this particular picture would be appropriate. Dylan mostly just likes to pick the flowers then tear them to pieces, when I'm not looking of course.

I've been bathing Dylan in the sink for the past week and he loves it! I don't really know why, all his toys are in his bath and there really isn't much room to move around but he asks for it every night now. I think he is probably too old/big for sink baths but Jeff appreciates Dylan's effort to conserve water (which really means saving us a few bucks on utilities). Every dollar counts according to Jeff! So this was a lost dog that Dylan found on one of our walks. It ended up belonging to a neighbor but Dylan loved every second of the few hours we actually had the dog. For those who don't know, Dylan is obsessed with dogs. He squeals with joy anytime we see one (even on TV) and cries for hours after we force him to leave it's company (or the dog food commercial ends and I stop rewinding the DVR to watch it). That being said, this was the best day of his little baby life! You can see the sheer joy in his face (this picture was at least an hour into following it around). Dylan never let the dog get more than a few feet away and just kept saying "doggie!"

That's My Cousin!!!

2008-04-16T21:55:00.000-06:00

This post might be super cheesy but I am so proud of Ali She actually did it! I am so excited for her! I am so so so proud that my cousin (Bette-Sue -the mom in the pic- is my dad's sister) made it to the finals and beat out all those super obese guys to be the first female biggest loser! She looked gorgeous. She looked like the Ali I remember seeing when we would visit growing up. Ali totally showed off how competitive Driggs girls can be -for better or worse. She was always athletic growing up and I think that gave her an advantage. YAY! I am so excited!! Way to go Ali! I am so proud of you along side the rest of the fam, you really are amazing!

My Little Sweatheart Boy

2008-04-02T22:08:00.001-06:00

I have decided it's time to purchase a treadmill. As much as I love going to the gym and love the kids club, it turns out that the kids club doesn't really love Dylan. How could anyone not love Dylan you ask? He is so cute right? Maybe it's because he loves to play catch with other children -when they're not looking and not so much with balls but more with cars and trucks (or anything hard for that matter). Or, it could be the way he loves to "wrestle" other children (much larger children) till they cry. And of course there is always his two favorite games of baseball and golf which basically translates to using anything stick-like to hit the nearest toy -or child. Dylan has been officially kicked out of kids club, again. After four children were injured and one sent home b/c he was inconsolable, the kids club workers found me on the treadmill and asked me to remove my child from the building. This is so embarrassing but I can't really 100% blame Dylan. All of the above mentioned games his dad taught him in good fun. Dylan loves to play rough with dad and laughs hysterically when he gets balls thrown at his head or gets pushed to the ground. In all fairness I don't think he is tying to be mean, he is just trying to play, most the time. So, if anyone has any suggestions on treadmills (or parenting) let me know!

The picture below is of Dylan ringing the doorbell. He loves to do this but it gets kinda boring for momma to stand there and hold him while he pushes it a thousand times so he figured out a way to push it himself. Jeff and I were in out of the house so the door was ope. Dylan went inside and found his Diego car pushed it out to the front door and maneuvered it so that it would slide around when he stood on the steering wheel. I'll probably get a call from social services for posting this.

And this would be Dylan after applying/eating my eyeliner. I caught him in the act saying "pretty pretty".

Happy Easter!

2008-03-29T17:25:00.000-06:00

Here are some pictures form Easter. My mom wanted some pics in front of the flowers in case your wondering why we are outside - it was cold as you can probably tell. There still isn't any other growth going on in the flower bed. I know I look gaywad in this pic- whatever.

This is actually form Jeff's uncle's wedding. ITtwas on St. Patricks Day, fitting for the last name Irish, and those are little plastic clovers on Dylans face

My Husband Jeff

2008-03-17T13:56:00.000-06:00

I've been husband tagged-

So I usually don't do tags (b/c I'm lazy) but since most of the blog has been about Dylan I thought it might be fun to tell y'all about my hubby Jeff. By the way - Happy St. Patricks Day everyone, after all, it is our family holiday. Go Irish!

What is his name? Jeffrey Rex Irish

How long did you date? Not very long at all. I was actually kind of in and out of another relationship and we were really good friends for a few months then only really seriously dated for 4 or so months before we got engaged. Yikes! That sounds scary when I actually write it down, we must be Mormon.

Who eats more sweets? Definitely me!! I love love love sweets. Any kind, any where, I'll eat it. Jeff is addicted to salt. I don't use the word addicted lightly either, he uses the pour side of the shaker instead of the holey side. That's just Jeff's personality though, once he decides he likes something he goes full force with it.

Who is taller? Jeff, he's 6' and I'm almost 5'6.

Who is the better singer? Neither! We both are really really awful. Jeff might say he is only b/c I sometimes catch him trying to sing "pretty," you know, with the hand covering the ear so you can here yourself better. :) just kidding honey!

Who does the laundry?This is kind of a funny question b/c just last night I was picking up the house and Jeff was helping me fold laundry. He kindly informed me of how much he helps out around the house (which he actually does) and with the laundry (which he doesn't). So I asked him if he knew what kind of laundry detergent we use. He looked a little caught off guard and said ALL. Wrong, we use TIDE. Easy mistake though, so I asked him liquid or powder? He said powder, wrong again! We have used liquid for forever! He got the point and promptly thanked me for being such a good wife, he can be so sweet.

Who pays the bills? Jeff pays most all the bills. Might as well put his accounting degree to work since he doesn't work as an accountant anymore. I will say that money budgeting is something that Jeff is very good at. My idea of budgeting use to be buying a pair of Citizens jeans of eBay instead of a department store, then eating green beans and frozen burritos the rest of the month just so I'd have enough to buy that pair of designer shoes (off eBay of course). Priorities have definitely changed thanks to my smart husband!

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Jeff

Who mows the lawn? Jeff loves to mow the yard, something he got from his Dad.

Who cooks dinner? Me, Jeff does make a great breakfast though.

Who drives? Mostly Jeff, sometimes me. Driving isn't really a talent of Jeff's though he'd probably say the same about me. He has a permanent speed of 30 mph. It doesn't matter where he's driving or if he's turning (very scary), he might as well put cruise control on.

Who is more stubborn? We both are, that's why we work as a couple though. He doesn't let me get away with anything and vice verse. He does almost always apologize first though. I love you for that sweet husband!

Who kissed who first? That question is very controversial in this house. He would only kiss me on the cheek and was taking forever to kiss me so, I leaned in to kiss him as close to the lips without actually touching them and he moved (on purpose) and so we kissed. It was about time, but he will tell everyone I put the moves on him.

Who asked who out? Jeff asked me.

Who proposed? Jeff proposed. He surprised me and had dressed up like a knight in white tights and everything. His roommates even pushed him into the room where I was on a "horse" that was previously their entertainment center.

Who is more sensitive? Me, I can be emotional at times :). Surprise anyone?

Who has more siblings? Technically Jeff, he has 8 but 6 are step-siblings, I have 5.

Who wears the pants? Both of us.

That actually was fun! I love my sweet sweet husband very much! He is a perfect match for me, a great dad and still makes me giggle every day, I can't ask for more than that!

NO

2008-03-12T21:46:00.000-06:00

"No" is Dylan's favorite new word. He can say it in many different ways and tones and and loves to say it all day long no matter to who or what. Mom, friends, toys, complete strangers minding their own business at the grocery store, he doesn't discriminate who he tells no. I guess I can't really complain too much, after all, we know who he learned that word from (there goes mother of the year). I guess it is a step up from "mine" though, a word which Jeff proudly takes full credit for. Why you would teach your child to say mine and then giggle every time he says it is beyond me. I've learned to pick my battles. Anyway, on a brighter note, literally, my little buds of sunshine have finally bloomed!! I love it! I have to give full credit to my mom for these little buds of joy! She is the plant/flower pro and having lived in Pocatello for a few years herself, knew how much these tiny cute flowers would mean to me after a long Idaho winter. Dylan has even been able to play outside this past week and has discovered how to blow bubbles all by himself. It's a work in progress and every now and then I'll catch him licking the bubble wand instead of blowing :) gross!

Introducing Brandon

2008-03-12T20:58:00.000-06:00

This post is dedicated to Brandon, Dylan's, um, godfather? I'm not really sure what to call him seeing as I'm not catholic and Brandon as of late, has not been fulfilling any of his godfather-type duties. Poor Dylan has only seen him twice -ever- and hasn't seen a dime in godfather child support. Brandon was good friend of Jeff and I during college and so, even though Brandon "didn't really like kids" we decided we might be able to change his mind, and named him Dylan's back-up dad. A couple weekends ago Brandon came to visit and really brought his A-game. Since Jeff is kind of a work-oholic, Brandon took Dylan and I to the zoo for the afternoon. I just have to say we looked like a pretty cute family. A Dylan - Brandon connection was definitely made b/c that evening Dylan laid next to his back-up dad on the floor with his blanket and binky ready for a good cuddle session, so sweet! So, I would just like to end this ode to Brando by letting all those girls out there trying make Brandon the father of their children (and there are many due to his amazing womanizing skills - seriously though), I have full faith that Brandon will be a great dad to all their babies.

Dylan misses you already and sends his love! Come back soon!

There is Hope!

2008-02-19T10:02:00.000-07:00

This past week has been SO much warmer, almost hitting the 50's a few days. The best news is that there is no visible snow anywhere in our yard and I can finally see those tiny little crocuses poking through, YAAA! Dylan even got to go to the boise zoo last week with his BFF Landon. We were pretty much the only ones there so the two little guys just ran around like crazy, just grateful to be anywhere but inside.

My mom and I planted a ton of these little flowers and I cant wait to see them bloom! My life is so exciting!!

This could be Dylans favorite thing to do, the dishes. He actually put away a couple spatulas the other day, in the right drawer! Even Jeff still has issues with the "right drawer thing."

Is It Summer Yet?

2008-02-09T23:31:00.000-07:00

I think I have cabin fever and I am pretty sure Dylan does too. It has been snowing non-stop here and I am going crazy!! It is too cold to go or do anything but what did I really expect when I agreed to move to Idaho? Jeff assured me Boise was much more temperate than our previous residence in the arctic (aka Rexburg). I am not so convinced. I try to take Dylan somewhere at least once or twice a day like kids club at the gym or a play date but it must not be enough. He has started bringing me his shoes, a coat, or keys and then waving and saying bye-bye. When he finally realizes mama is not taking him anywhere, he gets very angry with me and proceeds with a temper tantrum. There is hope though, under all that snow the crocuses my mom and I planted last fall are starting to poke through! I am so excited. I will post some pics later (when I feel like braving the weather).

Dylan also just had his 18 month check up. He ranked in the 5th perc. for weight - surprise -and about average for everything else (ok ,so he might have a little bit larger head -80th perc - thanks to the Driggs genes). To anyone that has spent any time around this little boy this is a phenomenom! Dylan out eats any child I have ever met. A few nights ago, he ate three, yes three, peices of pizza! This is not an abnormal size meal for him. At any rate the Doctor has given me orders to do anything we can to chunk this little guy up. Operation chub master flex includes extra butter on everything, ranch dressing for a side, sour cream toppings, and heavy cream mixed with anything put in his mouth. It sounds a little unhealthy but its doctors orders so I guess we'll see if it works. I'll keep you updated!

Here are a few pictures of those skinny little legs!

He is so sweet sometimes!

Not all the time though, a few seconds later...... (classic temper tantrum)

He LOVES chocolate milk! Since we are doing anything to put meat on his bones, choclate has been a great way to get him to chug extra whole milk and cream. Anytime the fridge is open, he will grab the chocolate bottle and bring it to me with his sippy cup.Another kitchen utensil used for entertainment purposes (forget about the chest full of toys two feet away). This particular one serves as a microphone most of the time - he is actually singing into it in this picture.He is kind of a strange kid. He loves to eat raw oatmeal and has figured out how to open the container using his teeth. Can you imagine the messes he has made with this new trick?

2008-01-14T21:36:00.000-07:00

I just have to say that I love my baby more than anything but I think that the part of him his dad contributed is finally starting to reveal itself. (Everyone knows that the mother only contributes good and beneficial traits and male is responsible for the rest.) Let's just say we might be entering the terrible (and terrific of course) two's a few months early. Dylan recently helped mama decorate the house walls with his creative artwork. Did I mention he prefers using black and impossibly permanent ink and will only draw directly on canvas (aka the actual wall), not the multiple color books or with the washable crayons purchased for him. He also has become such a helper in the kitchen. He is great with the cheese grater - the walnut hardwood floors require a little more effort to grind than cheese but don't worry - Dylan is strong enough to grind them right down. The can opener is also a great tool to add character to the floors - almost as good as a hammer which he always seems to find (Jeff only has a million of them). He is great with other tools as well, screw drivers are his favorite thing to poke - I mean stab - mom with when she isn't watching. I don't even want to think about the many utensils, kitchen accessories, sippy cups, etc.. lost due to Dylan's infatuation with the trash can. I can't help but love that little guy though, he is just too cute -even when he is gouging our leather couches with car keys. How can you deny love to that cute face? Here are some classic sweet and innocent pics.

Just catching up on some reading mom.

This is definitely an uh oh , I think I might be in trouble look.

How could you stay mad at something this sweet?

2008-01-05T11:13:00.000-07:00

Happy New Year everyone! We are back home from our holiday vacation to Arizona where Dylan had the time of his life playing with his cousin Addie, Nana, and Papa. It was great to be able to spend some time with my side of the family. I think Addie (she is almost 3) taught Dylan a few things while we were there. Not only does he think he can talk now but he also thinks he can do whatever he wants (things he knows he is not suppose to do) and then give mama a hug and kiss to make up for it. OK, so most of the time it works. I can't help but give in when gives me all that love - I used to have to force kisses out of him. He tries to say everything now and if there is nothing to say then he just makes up noises. It's very cute. Enough bragging I guess, here are some pics :).

Here is one of Christmas card pictures ( don't know why it looks fuzzy):

Wedding Pictures!

I realize that I never posted any pics of Traci's wedding. I don't have very many but here are a few. All the kids loved dancing on the floor at the reception - you can see that in these pictures.

Dylan is so breaking it down in this one - he LOVES to dance!

Yes, this is Todd's new girl! She has to be the perfect match for Todd! Look at that hair - all natural! Maybe a wedding? :)

Jeff thinks he is way cooler than he really is :)

Christmas Time!

2007-12-03T22:31:00.000-07:00

I love the holidays! We have put up the Christmas decorations and Dylan has already started to tear them down (those "balls" on the tree are too irresistible). We have even put up are first real - fake tree last week! I use the term "we" lightly - Jeff mostly watched football (the tree scratched his hands when he tried to fluff the branches) and Dylan, well, you can imagine the kind of help a 16 month old provides when colorful ornaments and beads are involved. I do have to give some credit to Jeff for putting up the outdoor lights. He was so excited to finally have our own house to decorate that the most the house lights were up - and individually clipped to ensure uniform distribution - the day after Halloween. They aren't exactly the white lights I requested but Dylan seems to enjoy all the colors so I guess I shouldn't complain - even if our neighbors might :). The Irish's are officially ready for Christmas!

Happy Halloween!

2007-11-07T17:51:00.000-07:00

Traci is officially married!! That sounds crazy, I know. It was even weirder watching it happen. The marriage happened last weekend in AZ so most of the Driggs fam was there for Halloween. All the cousins had so much fun and I think most of us adults did to. It would definitely be an understatement to say that my mother got a little carried away with the decorations. All of us sisters and mom too of course (it was her idea), dressed in matching witch costumes and watched as the best decorated house in the neighborhood frightened small children to tears. Don't worry though, the older children got theirs when they reached the candy and mom explained that the head suspended in the glass ball belonged to her sister, whom she had murdered. It was a lot of fun and Dylan had the time of his life playing with all his cousins. I'll post wedding pics as soon as I get them.

This was a costume preveiw in Idaho. Yoda left his light Saber in Boise.

Addi and Ella dressed up in matching witch costumes too - so cute!!

You can already see candy drool on his costume if you look close enough - compliments of Nana.

This is Dylan at the Phoenix Zoo with all his cousins. He is petting the stingrays in this pic.

2007-08-23T15:02:00.000-06:00

So I'm not so great at this blog thing. I guess I'm as on top of blogging as I am with returning phone calls and remembering birthdays :). We just celebrated Dylan's 1st birthday! I can't believe it! Dylan and a few of his friends got together at the neighborhood water park, ate some cupcakes, and opened some presents. As you can see by the 1st picture Dylan wasn't a big fan of the baseball cake I spent forever making! After lighting a candle in it and spooking him with the birthday song he did not even want to be close to the cake. Don't worry though, he helped himself to a cupcake (and a few more cupcakes left unattended be his unsuspecting guests :)).

Our little family also just returned from a much need vacation to the Caribbean. We cruised with most of the Driggs gang minus a pregnant sister and a brother in law school. Most of us (Jeff not included) came back with tans and a few extra pounds (o.k., Jeff might be included in the extra pounds part - just kidding honey!). I promptly lost those few extra pounds and a couple more once I got back to Idaho and that bite of hamburger I ate off the ship in Grand Cayman didn't exactly digest as planned. A couple days of vomiting got me right back to shape.

Jeff and I are getting ready to tour the Jamaican jungle via zip line in the pic below. Trisha and I enjoyed it more that Jeff who felt that there was a much more hiking and walking than the tour description illistrated ;).

Below are just some misc pictures of Dylan.

He pretty much thinks he is the coolest with his ipod chillin in his Go Diego ride.
Just helping dad put the yard in!
Dylan's Favorite (girl) cousins, I just had to put these baby girls in my blog somehow.

2007-06-06T23:37:00.000-06:00

Hey fam and friends here are some more pics of you know who. Things are well here in Idaho, and they will be even better in about two weeks when we move into our home! Hallelujah!

this pic is for you Stu-dog! jeff thinks he is as cool as you pops.

I think he might love his dada!!

Yes you are seeing clearly, my child is wearing sweats with a hoodie in june. I live in Idaho remember?

Dylan's first hair cut! His hair really wasn't to long but he was definitely reaching mullet status.

This is at the neighborhood water park. There are usually a ton of kids running around this cement pad with water spouts spraying in all sorts of ways. Dylan thinks he is one of the big kids. I love these pics b/c you can totally see his curly hair, even his little mohawk curls - especially when it is wet.

Dylan loves to give kisses, we are still working on the whole closed mouth- no tongue thing :)!

The Irish Family!

2007-05-15T12:11:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone! to the request of my family I have started a blog so now everyone can see pics of baby Dylan. I might have gone a little overboard with all the pictures but I can't help myself, he is so cute. I hope you enjoy!

Tamra

This is about 6 months. He is a pretty happy baby as you guys will see by the rest of the pics. He is kind of a show-off!

Yes, that is a notredame hat, you will see this will be a reoccuring theme thanks to dad.

This is dylan in action before he could crawl and rolled everywhere.

My first experience with jello!

This is about 7 1/2 months I am so handsome!

At the zoo with aunt Tiffany and my cousins in Utah. Ella let me use her pretty pink stroller!

Daddy is helping me walk.

I am soo big!!

I might be a little bad sometimes : )

My first ride! Pretty sweet huh?My first pool!How sweet is this?