Monday, December 21, 2009

Christmas!

About a week ago, C noticed a little scorpion friend sitting on the inside of our window sill. We thought it was dead, so he poked it with a screw driver and the tail went up ready to strike. It was disgusting and scary, but of course he had to get a few pictures before we killed it. Here it is:




Here is another picture of Miss Sara at Thanksgiving. She is just getting so big!



Then, we celebrated Christmas at our house yesterday since we'll be out of town this week. We set up Sara's presents all around the tree. We have some video of her opening her presents that we will upload soon! Thanks Mom and Dad for the Flip! We love it and it's perfect to take videos of Sara. So here is a picture of our tree with all of Sara's presents. Video to come soon...

Thursday, December 17, 2009

What to feed a Toddler...

I've been looking for some new ideas of good meals and snacks for Sara. I found this article at Pampers.com and thought it was very useful. Hopefully you think so too!

Snack Time: Feeding Your Toddler
By: Suzanne Dixon, M.D., M.P.H.
Read Biography Learn About The Pampers Parenting Network

Now that your baby is eating solid foods, you're on the spot to come up with healthy meals and snacks. Young children need to eat five or six times a day, so the snacks should really be called mini-meals. This needn't be as hard as it sounds. Healthy snacks are easy to come by once you know what to look for.


Foods to Avoid- Certain foods are notorious choking hazards for children this age. They include:


Hot dogs (unless cut into bits, such as quarters lengthwise before being sliced)
Whole grapes, whole cherry tomatoes
Hard candies, including jelly beans
Nuts
Popcorn
Raw carrots, celery, green beans, or any hard vegetable
Seeds (such as pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds)
Large chunks of any food such as meat or potatoes
Large chunks of peanut butter — always use the creamy kind, and spread it thinly onto a cracker or toast. Offer this food starting at 18 months. Never give a heaping spoonful of peanut butter to a
toddler.

Year 1: Your 1-year-old doesn't seem to eat anything anymore, as his appetite and rate of growth have decreased. All the more reason to tempt him with tasty, healthy snacks. Babies this age are ready for "finger foods."

Eggs are a good source of balanced nutrition. Babies can use the extra iron in egg yolks. Some babies may be allergic to egg whites, though, so watch carefully for any reaction. Scrambled eggs are a delicious, non-chokable option all day long. Don't worry about the cholesterol — babies need more than you do. Three or four eggs a week are fine. Mini omelets cut in squares and strips are easy to handle.

Fresh fruits are better than just fruit juice. While fruit juice is mainly sugar, fruits themselves are great sources of vitamins and other nutrients. Give your child small slices of fresh, juicy peach — or delicious, squishy bananas — and see how long he can resist!

Applesauce is another clever way to get fruit into your child. Be ready for a mess, since your child will see it as a finger food.


String cheese or small cubes of cheese are a good way to give your child calcium if he doesn't like milk or even if he does. Cottage cheese is also a favorite; again, be ready for a mess!

Carrots and green beans, cooked and diced, make a tasty snack. No whole peas, please.

Potatoes, cooked and diced, do the trick. Watch out for the French-fry habit — too many, too greasy, and too salty.

18 Months: At his age, your toddler needs two or three nutritious snacks a day in addition to meals. Try these:

Unsalted pretzels

Ripe bananas — either cut into pieces or offered whole (more fun for him, more mess for you.)

Toast — the ultimate
toddler food. Try spreading it with a thin coating of creamy peanut butter or cream cheese to give it more nutritional wallop.

String cheese, slices of American cheese, cubes of cheddar — whatever works. If you find a cheese your
toddler likes, let him have it.

Smooth peanut butter and crackers are usually a hit. Spread the peanut butter thinly, however, to prevent your child from choking.

Unsweetened cereal bits — stick some in a cup for an afternoon snack. Part of the appeal for a
toddler is picking them up one by one.

Unsalted rice cakes — big and fun for little hands to hold. These crunchy snacks melt in his mouth. They're even better if you thinly spread them with cream cheese or creamy peanut butter.

Plain bagels — These are a wonderful vehicle for healthy snacking. Cut them into manageable bits or just in half to gnaw on. Add cream cheese, melted and cooled cheese, or fruit puree.

2 Years: Watch your child's diet to make sure he's getting enough important nutrients such as iron, calcium, B vitamins, and protein. With his picky appetite these days, it's hard to know whether he's getting what he needs every day. Here are some nutrient-packed foods that make great, munchable snacks for your tot.

Scrambled eggs, hard-boiled eggs — these are a great source of iron and protein. Make mini-omelets and cut them into bite-sized pieces.


String cheese sticks, cheese slices and cubes — a clever way of getting your tot to eat his calcium and protein.

Fish sticks — a dinner favorite and good source of calcium. Combine with yummy mashed potatoes for carbohydrates, and you've got a meal!


Unsalted bread sticks, unsalted rice cakes, toast — any grain product is a good source of B vitamins, and
toddlers generally go for their relative blandness. Try spreading half a bagel with a bit of cream cheese for a healthy combination that's high in protein and carbohydrates

Apple slices, peach slices, plums, orange slices — you can't go wrong with fresh fruit

Dried fruit — cut into bits — and raisins. Make sure you remove the pits from any prunes or dates you use.
Toddlers will love picking minced dried fruit out of their favorite cup.

"Little trees" — steamed pieces of broccoli and cauliflower, stood upright in mashed potatoes. If introduced early, these can become favorite snacks.

Mini-pizzas — Use half of an English muffin or bagel, spread with tomato sauce, top with cheese, and put it in the oven to melt. Cool and serve, and hear him say "Mama mia!"

3 Years: With his many daytime activities and growing imagination, your 3-year-old is busy around the clock, making good nutrition more important than ever.

Scrambled eggs, hard-boiled eggs — great source of iron and protein. Make mini-omelets and cut them into bite sized pieces.

String cheese sticks, cheese slices and cubes — these are a clever way of getting your tot to eat his calcium and protein.

Mini pizzas — Use half of an English muffin or bagel, spread with tomato sauce, top with cheese, and put it in the oven to melt. Cool and serve.

Fish sticks — a dinner favorite and good source of calcium. Combine with yummy mashed potatoes for carbohydrates, and you've got a meal!

Unsalted bread sticks, unsalted rice cakes, toast — any grain product is a good source of B vitamins, and
toddlers generally go for their relative blandness. Try spreading half a bagel with a bit of cream cheese for a healthy combination that's high in protein and carbohydrates.

Apple slices, peach slices, plums, orange slices — you can't go wrong with fresh fruit.

Dried fruit — cut into bits. Make sure you remove the pits from any prunes or dates you use.
Toddlers will love picking minced dried fruit out of their favorite cup.

Fruit smoothies are hits at this age. Add a straw, and you've got a soda fountain special.

"Little trees" — steamed pieces of broccoli and cauliflower. If introduced early, these vegetables can become favorite snacks.
Tuna fish and salmon — mix either with yogurt to make it spreadable and create delicious, nutritious sandwiches.

Breads — bran muffins, corn bread, and banana bread, made with honey and whole grain, are healthier than the store-bought kind. Make a batch, freeze, and defrost for a special but quick snack.

Cookies — choose fig-filled or oatmeal varieties rather than the other sugar types.

Now that your child is a pre-schooler, here are some general guidelines for feeding him: Choose snacks that are high in complex carbohydrates, such as bread, breadsticks, bagels, muffins, crackers, and pasta salads. To make them even more nutritious, add a little protein and fat, such as cream cheese or smooth peanut butter

Any snack that your child can help make is much more likely to be consumed. Put him to work!

Avoid the many snacks marketed to kids that are high in salt, fat, and sugar. Carefully read labels on food products, even those made especially for small children. Try to get a sense of how much salt or fat your child consumes in a day. A quarter of his recommended daily intake of salt, for example, is too much for one snack

At 3, your child needs fewer fats and fatty acids than he did before. Ask your health care provider if he is ready to start drinking low-fat milk.
Dairy products are important, but don't overdo it. Your child needs 16 to 24 ounces of milk (or dairy products such as yogurt or cheese) per day for strong bones and growth. But more than 24 ounces could cause your child to lose his appetite for other foods containing important nutrients milk doesn't have.


Breakfast cereal is likely to become a staple. It's a good choice for a meal or a snack as long as you choose a cereal without too much added sugar.


Thursday, December 3, 2009

Thanksgiving

We had such a great Thanskgiving holiday. I loved being at home with my baby girl for 4 whole days!! Here is a picture my Uncle Leatham took at their house. Thanks again Aunt Karen and Uncle Leatham for having us over. We loved it!

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Turkey Day!

This is a year to be thankful for and it's almost over. Here is a list of this years highlights...

Cam's graduation from Law School
Trip to Hawaii
Move to Arizona
Starting my MBA
Sara turns 1
Bought our house

I am turning 29 in 2 weeks and can hardly believe it. I have the best little baby girl in the world, my cute husband who has worn red every day for the past 2 weeks in honor of rivalry week (Blah!), our very own house, new calling, cooler weather... so much to be grateful for. Hope you all enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday and don't have to watch too much football, if you don't want to.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Quick Update

Sara is officially 1 year old and cruising all over the place. She talks all the time, loves to make lots of noise (like her momma) and is walking so well now. She gets so excited when she sees string cheese or hears the bath start to run. Sara likes to read books and play with her little car. She says 'hi', 'momma' and 'dadda' and she loves to clap and wave. She loves to go on walks and swing on the swing. We are so happy Sara is our baby.

For her birthday, we opened presents (thanks everyone!), had a nap, got some pictures taken at JCPenney, had another nap, and then had cake. I can't believe she is already 1 and just getting so big. She is looking more and more like a little girl each day. (pictures to come...)

We finally closed on our house Friday and should be getting the keys sometime this week. I am so anxious to get moved in and settled. It has been a long time coming and it's finally here. We are really excited and grateful to be able to buy such a great house. It's perfect for us. Please, come to visit anytime!

Friday, October 16, 2009

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Monday, October 5, 2009

Poor girl!

Her daddy is brainwashing her. Look what happens while mom is at work...


I'd be crying too if my dad made me wear that!

Friday, October 2, 2009

It's a bloggers world!

What did I do before there were blogs? Seriously, I remember spending hours browsing on the Internet when I worked for D.E, N.T, and W.F, (the abbreviations are just in case they decide to track me down and charge me for misuse of company property and wasting time). I couldn't have possibly be spending thousands of minutes each day shopping online. Right? I mean, what did I do before there were blogs?

I don't have the Internet freedom at my current job as I've had before, so I can only occasionally hop online for recreational purposes and there just aren't enough minutes in the day to read the ever so witty and creative blogs out there.

I can't believe how many amazing, smart, talented people there are that make money actually writing a blog and I am the sucker that reads it! I just love the witty banter on blogs like dooce.com and loraleeslooneytunes.com. Can there just be a little more time in the day for me to waste away surfing the net? I guess it's my own fault. Unless I want to sacrifice my sacred hours of sleep or the time I spend watching really important TV, like Project Runway, ANTM, Real World/Road Rules Challenges (What happened to you Johanna?), the Rachel Zoe Project, Law and Order (all 3 of them), Modern Family (a new and hilarious sitcom), the Office, Survivor: Samoa, Supernanny, everything on HGTV, and whatever else may be on...

Maybe it would be easier to get my employer to loosen up their 'no wasting time on the Internet' policy.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Remember?







Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Happy Birthday, Dad!

I know I'm a little late, but my dad turned 55 this month. He is officially a senior citizen. There is a t-shirt I saw while walking around in San Diego that said, "Gimmie my D*$N discount!" (only it really said the bad word) I wish I would have gotten it for him, but I didn't. So since I didn't get him a t-shirt or send him a present, I wanted to share 55 things I love about my dad.

1) His idea of dinner consists of a Diet Coke and a bag of Peanut M&M's - a perfectly balanced meal.

2) He is so wise and always knows the right thing to do

3) He likes to watch shows like "Big Brother" and "Desperate Housewives"

4) He took us to Yellowstone for vacation EVERY SINGLE YEAR - I mean, seriously, how many times can you see Old Faithful! And I loved every single minute of it, even if I didn't act like it.

5) When I was in High School and we didn't see each other much, I would leave notes on the garage door for him to come talk to me at night when he got home, and he always did.

6) Even though I may have caused only a few of the gray hairs, he always believed I would make the right decision

7) My dad seems to find his friend Richard driving in the most random places

8) He would prefer to wear blue jeans any day!

9) My dad played the tuba and thought it was a great idea for me to join band. Even if it's the dorkiest thing in the world, I loved it and am so glad I did it.

10) You could ask my dad to go to Ron's and he would be delighted to take you.

11) Even if we didn't need anything at Sams, we went almost every single Saturday and would get Sonic for lunch after.

12) My dad is the smartest person I know and I know a lot of people.

13) My dad is the most humble person I know and I know a lot of not humble people. (including myself)

14) I made a little note that said, "I love you, Dad" and he kept it in his car for years.

15) I still have his old cell phone number and work number memorized because I knew I could call him anytime.

16) He agreed that an emergency expense included a spontaneous visit home from me while I was a college student in Idaho

17) My dad fully supported my decision to go on a mission

18) And he wrote me a letter every single week

19) Got any good blonde jokes?

20) My dad trusted me. He has always seen more potential in me than I may have seen in myself.

21) He used to weigh himself everyday and write it down on a little yellow legal pad in his bathroom drawer. I liked to sneak in there and see the numbers go up up up... or down down down. (probably due to the stress of me as a teenager)

22) Quick Trip anyone?

23) I can only recall 2 mistakes my dad has ever made. I am sure there are more, but I can only think of 2.

24) He used to have one on one chats with us on Monday nights for Family Home Evening. I remember looking forward to those visits.

25) I remember one time when he answered his cell phone during a meeting at work. I don't know if he was just trying to get out of the meeting or not, but regardless, I appreciated that he took the call.

26) He has always been very supportive of my decisions, even the bad ones. He knew I would come around - and I did.

27) My dad loves football! and BYU, but mostly BYU football

28) My dad is a good friend. He has had many of his friends for over 30 years. He is a good and loyal friend.

29) He has a great sense of humor. You just have to listen carefully.

30) He is currently serving as a mission president in the Chile Osorno Mission

31) I know he is the best mission president those missionaries could possibly have

32) He is the most loving person and non-judgemental person I know, and remember, I know a lot of people.

33) He loves to go for drives in his Jeep

34) My dad is very thoughtful and caring of others.

35) He doesn't like the smell of hospitals, but if you are in one, he will visit you.

36) Sonic Happy Hour is his favorite time of day.

37) He loves to spoil my mom with beautiful dresses and bathrobes, or dresses that look like bathrobes.

38) My dad has great taste in music.

39) My dad picked the best woman in the world to be his wife and she is my best mom.

40) He worked really really hard every day.

41) My dad has always said, "The more you save now, the more you'll have later." Or is it, "The more you buy now, the more you'll have later?"

42) He is patient. And trust me, the people in my family require a lot of patience. (especially me, and my mom, and my sister, and...)

43) His favorite color is Red, I mean Blue.

44) My dad can read and read and read.... he never gets sick of reading. Maybe that is why he's so smart!

45) He takes great pictures, especially of his feet.

46) We could go on a cruise once a month and he would be a happy camper!

47) My dad thinks baby Sara is super cute, and so do I.

48) He allowed my mother to give us rhyming names because she was on drugs and I love it.

49) My dad has a Facebook page

50) He got a special phone set up, so I can talk to them in Chile any time I want.

51) He always says just the right thing at just the right time.

52) When I was a little flustered with Sara one day, he bought her a walker to help keep her busy. (I am so grateful for that little walker)

53) My dad has always put his family first and I never doubted it.

54) Even though I haven't been the easiest child, teenager, and adult to deal with - I know that he loves me and thinks about me and prays for me every day.

55) My dad is perfect. Not in the sense that he is freed from sin, although he may be that, he is perfect because he is my dad and I love him.

So thanks dad for being my dad. And thank you for picking my mom and thank you for loving me.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Here are some updated pictures of our little Sara. She is 11 months this month! Almost a year old... I need some ideas for a good Halloween costume. Her birthday falls just a few days before Halloween this year (and every year). I'm thinking sumo wrestler. What do you think?

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

All Time Favorites

I was chatting with a friend this weekend and got the idea to post my favorite books. I've really enjoyed reading the last few years and have read many many great books. I wanted to compile a list of my TOP 5 FAVORITES! And keep in mind, this list is subject to change.

1) Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series by Ann Brashares (I was so sad when these books finished. If you've seen the movies and haven't read the books, you've really missed out. The books are SOOOO much better!)



2) The Glass Castle by Jeannette Wells (This book is amazing. It's an autobiography and unbelievable at times.)



3) Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner (It's not as dirty as it sounds, but hilarious! I was laughing out loud so much while reading it. You'll love Cannie)



4) Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella (This book is another laugh outloud funny one. I was a little disappointed when I saw the movie because I just loved the book so much. If you haven't seen it, skip it, and read the book instead)



5) Fishbowl by Sarah Mlynowski (The format for this book is a little tricky, but a great one. I just loved it)



If you decide to read any of these books or have already read them, let me know what you think. I'll keep adding or replacing as I see fit. If you are looking for some other great authors to consider, I have never been disappointed by the following:

Jane Green
Meg Cabot
Sophie Kinsella
Jennifer Weiner
Lauren Weisberger
Emily Giffin
Jodi Picoult
Jen Lancaster
Sarah Dessen
Judy Blume
Jerry Spinelli

So... happy reading!

Monday, August 31, 2009

Flag-er-Staff

We went to Flagstaff, AZ for the weekend with our friends, the Hadlocks, and had a great time. We hiked this area called Walnut Canyon. I was too short to stand up straight in the caves, but it was a blast!

Friday, August 21, 2009

First MBA paper

I just got my grade back on my very first MBA paper. This is what the professor said, "Your papers read like you talk – they need to be more academic in nature… that is what is going to be expected in the program. " I think it's a compliment that my papers write the way I talk, but I understand what she is saying. I got a 12.5/14 - not bad. Guess next time I need to write more like someone from academia and less like myself.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Haircut!

So I'm getting my haicut tonight by my beautiful cousin, Melissa. I am really excited because I haven't had a haircut in about 3 months. (Thanks, Ashley!) Right now, I am deciding exactly what kind of 'do' I want. Here are a few options....










I'd love to do something like this, but I'm afraid C wouldn't like it too much. What do you guys think?






Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Whatever you do...

DON'T GO TO J.CREW! Oh my, I went in there Saturday with a friend and they have the cutest stuff ever. You will want one of everything - at least I did. I fell in love with this white t-shirt for $45 and this beautiful cardigan for like $98 or something ridiculous. It's a crime to charge that much for absolutley amazing clothes, right? Just save yourself the torture and avoid the store all together. That's my plan. Right, C?



Sunday, August 2, 2009

Visit to Heber

Sara loved playing with her cousins, meeting Nana and Papa, and having lots of attention on our trip to Heber. My dad has recovered well from his operation and will be back to normal if he continues to take it easy (DAD!) We had all the siblings and baby cousins together and it was so much fun. Everyone got to experience Sara's amazingly loud cry, screams, and cute smile. She is just getting so big. We realized after a few leaky diapers that her bum is just too big for a size 3, so we are now on to a size 4 diaper. Here are a few pictures...


Our Family


Sara and Papa


Trying on new shoes

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Baby Girl is 9 Months

This weekend is going to be so exciting! Sara will finally be getting to meet my parents. They are currently serving as missionaries in the Chile, Osorno Mission and have been there for a year. Sara was born after they left and we thought we wouldn't get to see them for 3 years unless we made the trip down to Chile (which we are planning to do later this year). But my dad had to have surgery on Monday and apparently the doctors recommended having the surgery in the US. The operation went well and he is in recovery mode.

So Saturday morning we are flying to Utah to see them. My whole family will be together and I can't wait. My brother, his wife, and their 2 almost 3 daughters will be there along with my sister, her husband, and their 2 little girls. Sara will get to play with all of her cousins and I just know she's going to love it. She loves to play with other kids and can just sit and watch them forever. She is so inquisitive and curious, always looking around and wants to be part of all the action. She has started talking to us in the car. She'll say, 'Ah' and we say 'ah' back. It will go back and forth for quite some time. I think she is going to be saying "momma" in no time.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

B-O-R-I-N-G

I feel so boring. I've been browsing around other people's blogs for a while this morning and you all are so fun and adventurous. I feel like we are just fuddy duddies sitting on our bums here in AZ. Granted, we have a few good excuses like C studying for the bar and me working full-time. But honestly, we need to get out and be more fun. We do fun things on occasion, maybe we just need to be better at documenting it. We will try to do better. I promise - we really can be fun, sometimes.

I am officially working full-time at the University of Phoenix and so far it's going great. I actually enjoy being back to work, but I sure do miss my time with little Sara. She gets so excited when I come in the door. She flails her arms and gets a huge grin on her face. I just love it! I hope she always reacts that way when she sees her momma. I am super excited to be starting my Masters in a few weeks. I've always wanted to go back to school and I'm finally doing it.

Arizona is getting hotter and hotter, but we just stay inside or go to the pool. C has been doing a great job of studying and the bar is finally in 2 weeks. I can't wait until it's over and done with. Then maybe we can have a little more fun around here!

Friday, June 12, 2009

Working Girl

After several months of searching and one amazing interview - I got a job at the University of Phoenix. I start my job on June 22nd. I certainly have reservations about going back to work, but some excitement as well. I've always enjoyed working even if I haven't always enjoyed my job. But I am feeling nervous about leaving Sara. We found a nanny that is going to help watch her a few days a week, so C has as much time to study for the bar as possible. And luckily, when the bar is over, C will be the one watching her full-time. They will have some great daddy-daughter bonding. I just hope she doesn't forget about her momma.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Unpacked and in Hawaii

So we got to Mesa safe and sound. Cameron arrived just a day after me (thanks Wes for going along with him). We stayed with our friends, the Hadlocks, for a few days while we got ourselves organized. Thanks J, K, C, and baby for the super comfy bed and crib for little Sara.

Our stuff arrived safe and sound from ABF U-Pack. It is a great way to move, if anyone is looking. We got almost entirely unpacked thanks to my cousin Melissa and her little helper, Sydney. The entire kitchen, baby's room, and master bedroom are all finished. Just a few things to get organized in the living room, office and bathrooms. We only had 2 bedrooms in Nebraska and we have 3 now, but the storage space is filling up fast. Looks like it's time to sell more stuff or maybe I'll have a "Just Moved" sale and invite people over. I am willing to accept any reasonable offers for unpacked boxes. I honestly will probably never miss what's in them anyway and all the ones that say "C's stuff" will be 50% off.

After being in AZ for approximately 4 whole days, we packed up again and headed to Hawaii. We've been staying in O'ahu for the week and it is beautiful! We've had a great time and I'm glad we came. As soon as we get home I'll have tons of super cute pictures of Sara in her swimsuits and us hiking, swimming, and me... SURFING! That's right and I know you won't believe me until you see the pics, so I'll get them posted ASAP. Thanks to Andrea and her ever so patient little Savannah and Brinley, we were able to go surfing at a beautiful beach. Well, I hate to brag but I was the only one that actually CAUGHT a wave (besides Andrea, of course).

But don't worry Nebraska - I still think of you more often than I should. Even in the beautiful green mountains and on the warm sandy beaches of Hawaii, I miss you.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Happy 6 months and Good-bye Nebraska



Sara is officially 6 months old now and got her shots last week. She is now 18.4lbs and 28.5 inches. We are so happy she is a healthy little girl. I saw her first tooth poking through this morning and she is now sitting up all by herself. It's amazing how much she changes every week. We are excited for our move to Arizona and hope she is patient with us getting settled.




And... this is our last week in Nebraska. We had our going away party Saturday night - Thanks to everyone who made it and we missed those that didn't. We are certainly sad to go, but excited for the new adventures in AZ.

Thank you to all of our friends who have made this truly a great experience for us. You feel like family and we are sad to go, but we are looking forward to a reunion some day.



We will miss you all.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Going Away Party

Come join us as we say "good-bye" to Nebraska!

Parkers Rib Ranch
6440 O Street
Saturday, May 2, 2009
5:30pm

We'd love to see you all there, just let me know if you are coming so I can give them an accurate seat count. Thanks!

Monday, April 20, 2009

Dear Nebraska,

My family and I are moving away in just a few short weeks, but before we go - I want to let you know how I feel about you. I love you Nebraska! You have been a great home for us. We found you right off of I-80 and are so happy we did. After driving down 'O' street and realizing this is where we'd spend the next 3 years of our lives, we took a deep breath and made the most of it. You have made it easy for us, Nebraska.

We moved in on your hottest day of the summer in 2006 and C was ready to turn back around, but we stayed. We love our little apartment on Abbey Court and even considered naming our baby after it. We love the great places you have to offer like Runza, Braeda, Culvers, DeLeon's, and the crushed ice machine at 33rd and Holdredge. The Winter Quarters Temple, the Omaha Zoo, Husker Games, the College World Series, the NCAA Gymnastics Championships, and St. Elizabeth's Hospital.

You have endless windy days and icy days and steamy hot days, but you have cheap golf and a nice bike path. You have rows and rows of cornfields that can be beautiful with the right set of eyes. You have the Trendwood Ward and strawberries on sale, and the friendliest grocery stores. You have big tall trees, beautiful flowers, yucky brown lakes, and the West Nile Virus.

I love that people don't care whether you drive a fancy car or a beat up one, wear designer jeans or not, have the latest hairstyles, or a big diamond ring. But if you don't wear red on game day - they know your name and you're "that guy".

To the state who brought us our little cornhusker and the best 3 years of our life so far - Thank you! We love you and we'll miss you Nebraska.

Love,
US

ARIZONA or Bust!

It's official - we are moving to Mesa, Arizona in just 3 weeks. I can't believe it is time already, but we are very excited. We found a great place to rent (thanks Jared, Kim, Wes, and Ashley) for a while until we decide what our long term plans will be. It's a 3 bedroom, 2 bath townhouse with a 2 car garage. I am so excited about having a garage and a place to store all our stuff! We won't be needing winter coats for a while - that's for sure.

But we will sure miss Nebraska. It has been a great home for us the last 3 years and we are so thankful for our friends and 'family' we've made here. It wouldn't have been the same experience without them.

If you'd like our forwarding contact info and I don't already have your e-mail, post a comment with your e-mail address and I'll get it to you. Thanks!

Friday, April 17, 2009

New Jeans!

I got these jeans for $23 at TJ Maxx. Love them!





And I love TJ Maxx.

Saturday, April 11, 2009

To my sweet lady K,

I am writing this letter with a sense of obligation, but in no way does that lessen the sincerity of the things I will say. K, my Rooder, I am continually impressed with your skills and abilities which you have developed after your 'retirement'. You have handled the many roles that you have undertaken for the benefit of our family with grace and have excelled at each of them. Your willingness to give up your career path in an indication of your character, as well as your devotion to our child and God's commandments and admonitions of the living prophets.

I love you and I am grateful that I get to watch you share your gifts as you selflessly serve others by using your talents on a daily basis. However, those individuals you serve and befriend are only privy to a glimpse into the depths of who you are and what I love. I look forward to watch you venture in to motherhood, knowing that all of your previous experience has prepared you and in this, the greatest calling of your life, you will only again excel.

Aside from all you do, I love you for who you are and for being a true friend and companion. If I don't let you know these things often enough or fail to in the future, know that they remain true and don't be afraid to offer a gentle reminder.

K, you are the best! I am glad that you are mine and that you chose me. I am reminded why all the time, you will be the greatest mom. I love you, Lady.

C


(This is a letter I found today while cleaning out my nightstand. C wrote it to me while I was pregnant with Sara. It is a good reminder to me of all I have to be grateful for. Oh, and just an FYI... C calls me Rooder)

Thursday, April 2, 2009

TooooBs




Sara is now 5 1/2 months old and 17lbs. Yes, she's quite healthy and we love it! This Monday, Sara will be getting tubes in her little ears. After 3 ear infections, we decided to get the tubes and say 'good-bye' to ear infections for good! (hopefully) I know she'll be a little scared about the operation, but I honestly think the worst part for her will be not eating for 8 hours. If you can't tell, the girl likes to eat. She will do great and we are really happy she will be feeling better.




She is starting to really love rice cereal, take great naps, and laugh so much.


Friday, March 20, 2009

Telling Time

I added a new clock on the side margin on my blog. This is for 2 reasons:

1) I have a tendency to lose track of time while I'm blogging and I thought maybe others feel the same

2) I really can't tell time without the numbers. I have to count the little dots until I get to the right one. I have a watch with only dots on the 12, 3, 6, and 9. All I can do is tell you it's between 12 and 3 or 3 and 6 or 6 and 9 or 9 and 12. I am not good at telling time. My mission companions were always annoyed with me because I would have to ask them to read my watch. I did finally get a watch with all the numbers on it, but I picked this clock to put on my blog so that I can practice.

One good thing about vacation is that you never really need to know what time it is! Have a great weekend.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Heading to C-A-L-I-F-O-R-N-I-A

Did I spell California right? Yes, I think so. My spell checker wouldn't catch it with all those dashes. Anyway, yep - Sara and I are flying to CA here in a few hours to meet up with C for a week long vacay (as my friend Cori says). We are really exciting for some fun in the sun. However, Sara has decided she wants to fit in with all the other babies in Nebraska and catch RSV. We are working with a nebulizer and hope she is back up and running (not literally, although she did roll over twice yesterday. Woo hoo) soon. It should be a fun trip. After a week in CA, we head to AZ to explore and hopefully find a place to call home for the next little while. I am very anxious to get settled in Mesa. This is certainly an exciting and daring part of our lives, but we are up for the adventure. I will be working for a while so C can study for the bar exam. If anyone has any info on jobs - that would be greatly appreciated.

I won't be posting for a while since I will be basking in the sunny sun sun, but we'll catch up later.

(I just re-read this post and I sound delirious, probably because it's after 3am.)

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Spring is Coming!

I am so ready for some warm weather and it's finally here, for now. I feel so invigorated and energized when I wake up to a warm, sunny, not windy day like today. After a few long and dreary winter months - it's about time. I guess this is getting me all ready to spend the summer in Phoenix.

Yep - that's the plan. We are heading to Phoenix. I have been buying Sara shorts and tank tops. We can't wait to go swimming every day. I say 'we' because I know Sara will just love swimming. It's going to be a great summer - I can tell.

Here is a pic of Sara at 4 months. Unfortunately, she is fighting her second ear infection. The first round of antibiotics didn't work so we'll try again. I'm excited for her to be feeling better soon.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Dumpster Diving

So I was leaving my apt complex this morning and noticed this sitting by the dumpster:



You better believe I snagged it and washed it down with Clorox.
It's as good as new.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Spelling

I made it to the school spelling bee in third grade and lost with the word "again". Who knew it wasn't spelled "agaian"? Why not just agen?

Sometimes I wonder why words are spelled the way they are. Like Wednesday, for example. I avoid the word all together because I am never quite sure how to spell it. I just abbreviate with Wed. Why can't it just be spelled the way it sounds... Wensday. No one actually pronounces the d, do they? And exercise... why isn't it just spelled exersize, for crying out loud.

Luckily blogger has spell check and underlines my misspelled words for me, but when I write on my calendar or in my journal... no spell checker there.

What are some other words... okay, the whole "I before E except after C" rule - not always true and Y is sometimes a vowel. What? I get that spelling is important most of the time. Like the time when a friend shared a little kids paper with me about a horse, only he forgot the s. It changed the whole story.

I know - beautiful. How about buteifull? or Wy spelled Why - since when were silent H's important? Dessert and Desert. They say you want more dessert, so it has an extra s. But sometimes I want more desert. Then what? And what about effect and affect. What's the difference anyway?

Okay, I need to stop. I've worked myself up in to a grammar frenzy and for what? Nuthin.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Dear Sara,


You are now almost 4 months old. Time has gone by so quickly, yet it seems like we've had you forever. You weigh 14lbs and are 25 inches. You seem to get bigger every day. I love to see you smile all the time and even laugh a little now and then. Most people think you look like me now and compared to my baby pictures - you do.

You love to bounce on my knee and ride in your stroller. You fall alseep in the carseat every time and sometimes I drive around the block just to give you a few extra minutes of sleep. You sleep best when I hold you, but I'm trying not to do that so much anymore. I think you'll get used to sleeping on your own more and more.

You don't really cry very much anymore, but you do shout, "Ahhh" when you want my attention. I try to give you a little tummy time every day and you are holding your head up so well. You are learning to sit up and love to stand. So far you only get milk to eat, but I'm excited to introduce you to all the best foods in life.

Your dad and I love you and look forward to each and every day. You have changed so much in just the last couple of weeks and it is wonderful to be a part of your life. I hope you always remember how much we love you.

Love,
Momma

Monday, January 5, 2009

What have you done?

I copied this from my friend Lori - thanks.

What Have You Done? To participate, just copy and paste in your own blog, and bold all of the things you have done. It's kind of fun!!

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Seen Mount Rushmore in person
101. Learned to play an instrument

After completing this, I realized there are a lot of things I haven't done. Here are few I have that weren't on the list...

102. Served a mission
103. Had an epidural
104. Been an extra in "Touched by an Angel"
105. Ran a stop sign
106. Kept a journal
107. Shopped the Magnificent Mile
108. Watched too much reality TV
109. Closed my eyes during a movie
110. Gone skeet shooting

Friday, January 2, 2009

Sara's Special Day

With cousins, Alison and Emmy

With Mom and Dad in her beautiful blessing dress (made by my mom)