Bliggity, Bloggity, Blue

summer staycation

2011-10-22T21:34:00.000-07:00

We got to go to a lot of fun places over the summer (most of which were thanks to Kevin's work). Before it gets too cold, here's a look back:

Art's Festival

Red Butte

The Zoo

Discovery Gateway

This Is The Place

Dinosaur Museum at Thanksgiving Point

our {realistic} romantic getaway...

2011-10-06T07:35:00.000-07:00

Just one more thing about us and our anniversary and I promise that's it! We did plan something besides just a picnic...we had a nice weekend away--just the two of us. We stayed downtown...so not very far away at all...but it's nice to have some time alone together every once in awhile. But as I was thinking back to what we did, I realized that THIS is really what life looks like 10 years later:

*Went to Park City to shop at the outlets. But printed out some coupons before leaving.
*Got massages using a gift card Kevin gave me for Christmas (but I hadn't had time to use yet).
*Ate at fancy restaurants for less as we only went to places participating in Dine-a-Round (this was actually a lucky coincidence).
*Stayed overnight at the Hilton for free using honors points Kevin accumulated while travelling with PwC.
*Went to Mary Poppins. Matinee. Tickets purchased online with a Travelzoo discount code.

And doesn't Kevin look so excited about going?

That's better.

We had a fabulous time. I kept thinking how weird it was to be without kids and to feel like US again...but at the same time, our kids are US now (whoa, I bet your mind was just blown thinking about that one). Thanks again to family for tending. Can't wait for next year...better start checking Priceline stat!

9.13.11

2011-10-03T21:20:00.000-07:00

A few more photos from our somewhat impromptu photoshoot/picnic at the temple on our anniversary:

Okay, I probably should/could have planned a little more ahead on this since...I mean...a 10 year anniversary only comes around once. But anywho, earlier in the afternoon on this day I decided to make a picnic with some of the food we had at our reception (which wasn't much...we had rolls, cheese, and grapes).

And then I thought it would be fun to take some photos...kind of a glimpse into what life is like 10 years later. So...Kevin's just home from work/stressed as can be look, Lily's crazy unicorn (aka piggy) tails, Sammy's chocolate face, and me looking like--well--a worn out mom (who's at least not wearing sweats)...is all totally on purpose.

But in fact, those are the things I love the very most about these photos. Because that really is what life is like now! Had I caught a glimpse of these photos 10 years earlier...holy cow, I don't know what I would have thought. But I'd like to think I'd be pretty darn excited for what was to come after seeing two of the cutest kids in the universe (not to mention one handsome husband).

p.s. How lucky am I to have a world class photographer for a sister who just happens to live a block away from the temple? Thank you again and again Heather.

p.p.s. I promise that's it on the mush for awhile...

same bat time, same bat station...10 years later

2011-09-20T20:37:00.000-07:00

September 13, 2001

Salt Lake Temple

September 13, 2011

Salt Lake Temple

Much has changed in the last 10 years. In fact, much has changed in the last 6 months or so since I last updated this. So cheers to 10 years of married bliss and here's to doing a better job updating my life. Because--holy cow, you blink and look what happens...

S to the G 2011

2011-02-23T20:35:00.000-08:00

The winter blahs were getting to us (can't you tell from Kevin's face?) so we had to get outta town. We all got to go to St. George for the long weekend (and the kids and I get to stick around til the end of the week).

It's been so nice to be able to play outside (Lily and Sam are LOVING it). We've been able to swim and go to the park every day...when do we ever get to do that at home? Thought I could use some of this time to update the blog (since I finally got around to getting photos off my memory card)...we'll see how that goes.

Speaking of the blog~we tried recreating this picture from last year...didn't realize we still have a super sad tiny baby.

p.s. I love Lily's pose at the Jacob Hamblin home...following in her gma's footsteps

p.p.s. 2 words: spring. fever.

2.9.09

2011-02-09T12:04:00.000-08:00

2 years ago today, outside it looked like this:

and my feet looked like this:

until this perfect baby boy was born

(and his feet looked like this):

and I fell in love with this:

and that it made our family look like this:

I love you Samuel Officer, and I'm grateful every day you born into our family.

Happy 2nd Birthday.

decade

2011-01-13T15:18:00.000-08:00

10 years ago today, Kevin and I went on our first date. Well, not really our first date, but our first REAL date.

Here we are 15 years ago-at our senior homecoming dance...but not together (obviously). Though we did almost date the summer before this (and the fall before that).

Kevin and I knew each other for almost 8 years before we really started dating. It only took us 8 months to get married after that.

9.13.01

I tend to get sentimental about insignificant dates and details that don't really matter to anyone else, but ten years ago today is a night I will never forget. It was like for the first time ever we were able to give the idea of us dating a chance. We almost-uh, sorta-dated before that, but for one reason or another it wouldn't work out. I know now it was just a matter of timing for which I am grateful because I think we both had to learn a thing or two before we ended up together.

I love you Kevin. I love that we really are best friends (with benefits?!?!?! you love it.). I have loved the last 10 years--wow, that sounds like so long. But now we've known each other for longer than we haven't. I can't imagine life without you. Here's to many more decades together. xoxoxoxo

Is anyone else...

2011-01-02T12:05:00.000-08:00

...ready for school to start again? Because I think I am (and I'm pretty sure my girl is too).

Christmas was wonderful--one of the best yet.

New Year's resolution #853: get the blog back in business.

If you're wondering why Lily isn't in the group shot with Santa, it's because she was hungry and just wanted to eat her special lunch (see above).

Wishing you all the best in 2011!!!

call the exterminator

2010-10-16T22:13:00.000-07:00

We have a mouse in our house....

...and I simply can't imagine why. It's grossing me out big time-I can't even walk into my kitchen without crunching up my toes. And now tonight Kevin saw it in our front room. Guess I'm going to have to camp out in my bed until it's caught (or at least seal up the chips and put them somewhere Sammy can't reach).

In other rodent news...

...have you seen my son's hair? Yes, that would be a faux hawk/rats tail combo he's sporting. Maybe our pre-children agreement that Kevin could have control over the boys' hair wasn't such a good idea after all.

But Sammy's sort of rockin it, and I think he can pretty much handle whatever...

...that kid is quite the animal.

beware

2010-10-05T20:54:00.001-07:00

do not be fooled by the cuteness of this boy. he single handedly got every single person he was in contact with this weekend sick. i mean, puking their guts out sick. he must have {evil} superpowers...seduces his victims with those irresistable dimples and then leaves them sleepless and helpless with only a throw up bucket as proof he was there. girls...considered yourself warned--you're not going to want to mess with this one.

and p.s. i'm so so so so sorry to everyone in my family (especially the pregnant woman and children) that sammy got you sick. xoxoxo

that's what i'm talkin about

2010-10-04T20:17:00.000-07:00

conference was just what i needed this weekend. that dieterminator is the best...felt like his talk was just for me (especially since it was right in line with what i was getting at in my last post).

how many redheads {+ kevin} can you fit in an elevator?

got to spend some time with these guys...whenever we do get together, it always feels like it's been way too long since the last time we were together. so happy that heather has moved home from new york after an amazing, exciting, movie-like year. can't wait for dave and his family to move from flagstaff to midway after christmas. i am grateful every day for my family...i feel so lucky that they are my best friends.

cousins-april 2010. next year about this time tim & holly's baby girl will join the bunch!

we even got to have max sleepover with us last night. lily wanted him to sleep right next to her in her teeny tiny toddler bed (that she has just about outgrown). i told her they wouldn't both fit-the next thing i knew they were snuggled up together saying "see?!?!? we do both fit!". i made a bed on the floor right next to her...just in case (and when i went to check on them later, lily's was sprawled out on the bed and max was on the ground). in the morning lily said to kevin (while still half asleep), "daddy-max fell off the bed"....yes, i'm sure that's what happened.

my grandpa, hildebrand cousins, siblings, rachel & me at wheeler farm-1987ish? grandpa flet free and started the tractor...most embarrassing thing in the world for his grandkids

we had to say goodbye to cousins today and as they drove away, lily could not control the tears. reminded me of when rachel moved to washington and i honestly didn't know what i was going to do without her (i still feel like that now by the way--good thing she lives a little bit closer now). in the words of elder uchtdorf, "in family relationships, love is spelled t-i-m-e". i love the time i get to spend with all of my family...best times of my life with the best people in the world.

sammy's fake sneezing (and one of his first words)-april 2010

p.s. i wish that sammy sickness the last few days was more like this video...but instead it's been nothin but grossness coming out both ends. it's a good thing he's so darn cute...i've just about had enough with his smelliness.

remember us?

2010-10-01T09:30:00.000-07:00

it's been awhile. okay, it's been like...forever. and to make matters worse the most recent photo downloaded on my computer is from 3 months ago. but we are still alive and kickin...and have many things to catch up on. but more than likely they won't be...but we can at least go forward. so....it's october now. last time i posted anything was the beginning of march. much has happened since then, but nothing too life altering or out of this world. but i'm just realizing that i'm losing a lot of little moments in the mean time that i don't want to forget. so i'm making my way back to the blogiverse (thanks to a friendly nudge from some book clubbers that shall remain nameless :) ).

a little snapshot of life right now (friday, 10.1.10 10:30 am):

kevin is in daybreak at his new job with rio tinto where he is now working as a senior analyst. it's been a busy month or so but hopefully things will calm down soon. he may or may not have left early this morning to play tennis with some co-workers...can't remember what time it was when he kissed me good-bye while i was still asleep. it's been a great job--we feel very fortunate for the way things lined up so that kevin could be where he is now (and our parents are pretty glad we didn't move their grandbabies across the country like we thought we might). when he does have spare time, he's usually watering the grass in our new backyard, updating music on the radio cure (check it out on facebook if you're not already a total fan), or playing the latest halo game i gave him for our 9th anniversary (best. wife. ever. but...he's not so bad himself).

lily is sitting next to me at the kitchen counter coloring a picture that will most likely include valenhearts, a princess with high heels, eyelashes and a pointy princess hat, stars, a tulip and flower, and a dectorations in pink and puhple. she doesn't have school today so she's still wearing ruby's old nightgown but has put on her pink sparkly shoes (even on the right feet). she's been in preschool since august and loves it...now i don't know what we ever did without it. she is such a good girl--a good little friend, a great big sister, and a joy to all around her. i love this girl. she is my favorite and my best and as sweet as can be (and makes me proud whenever she answers me by saying 'you know it, girl!').

sammy is finally asleep after a third 'ahbah'. the kid could live off of milk (but only warmed up in a bottle...still). he's such a silly little guy and you can't say his name without smiling because he's such a cute little stinka. he is obsessed with cars and especially buses. he's still as snuggly as can be and demands binky, baba, blankie, and mama when he goes to sleep (or sometimes dada). he's been saying lots of new words (in his grunty, sigh-ey little voice) and everything he sees is a shock and a wonder to behold. i love him oh so much...the best little boyfriend i could ever ask for.

i should not admit what i am doing right now since i'm still wearing my robe and haven't showered yet. but i've been feeling a little reflective lately...trying to think of ways to bring more joy into my life. i think i get caught up (like lots of people) in feeling i deserve this or that to be happy and then feel let down because whatever that was ended up not being fulfilling. i realized last night that i deserve to have JOY and sometimes obtaining joy takes work instead of instant gratification. and sometimes you just have to take a look at what you already have to remind yourself just how darn joyful your life already is.

happy october, hope to see you again real soon.

just like the red rocks that surround this beautiful city

2010-03-13T21:10:00.000-08:00

We went to St. George a few weeks ago. It rained the whole time, but the sun did come out right when we were leaving town...just enough time to take some pretty cute photos (well, until the kids had had enough). Still a treat and very fun to go on a little trip (especially in the middle of February--with Kevin!).

Now I'm ready to go back or go somewhere with some sunshine (anyone else have major spring fever?). One good thing about a snowy spring day though means we got to do some spring cleaning...so much crapola in our closet. One closet half way down, the rest of the house to go. Maybe it is a good thing that groundhog saw his shadow--I's gots a lot to do.

p.s. for an explanation on the title of this post, please see my hilarious, imaginative husband.

eye spy

2010-02-16T20:09:00.000-08:00

you can tell i'm tired when i start picking at my eyelashes.

tonight when i was giving sam a bottle, he started picking at his eyelashes.

(which--with lashes like that--would be very hard to resist)

kevin and lily were reading this spiderman and friends look-and-find book.

he had taught her all of the characters' names when they read it a few days ago, and she remembered them all and made her daddy proud when she recited them all back (though we're not quite sure what the lizard guy's name is...).

there's nothing cooler (and weirder) than seeing your some of your own personality traits show up in your kids'. but i guess that's what makes you love them so much-because they quite literally have a part of you. but these 2 have got me in the figurative sense as well....

like, big time.

p.s. sorry for the lack of blogging and the really old photos. i need to get all my photos from my memory card onto a disc and then find a computer with space to hold them long enough for me to blog about them. i know, much more difficult than it needs to be (kind of a theme in my life)...but when i do, i've got much to catch up on.

merry christmas to all...

2009-12-22T03:44:00.000-08:00

... and to all a good night!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

2009-12-02T22:05:00.001-08:00

I've always dreaded that question in job interviews (maybe because the jobs I interviewed for I hoped wouldn't still be there in 5 years). Five years ago we found out that Kevin had an internship with PricewaterhouseCoopers, and in Salt Lake nonetheless. We were thrilled because it's so tough to even get an internship with one of the big 4 accounting firms, and even more tough to get one in the Salt Lake office (but this of course was no surprise to me---I mean, it's Kevin we're talking about). So for the past five years PwC has pretty much defined our lives...especially with the time commitment that comes along with it. It's been a wonderful company to work for and such a great experience (and Kevin has worked so hard), but we always knew it wouldn't be forever. So it is very surreal to actually say (in true Bachelor form) that this journey has ended, and a new chapter of life is about to start.

Kevin and Lily at the office 11/19/07

Kevin, I love you. I am so proud of you. And I'm so excited to see what happens next (because I'm pretty sure if YOU put your mind to something, you really can accomplish anything). I think you're amazing and I appreciate all the sacrifices you have made for our family. And you're pretty hot, too. {And with that might I add---will you accept this rose???}

Got me thinking about all that's happened over the last five years. It's been a very monumental period of life for us.

Here's to what lies ahead!

Halloween Highlights

2009-11-25T22:01:00.001-08:00

Since it is Thanksgiving in an hour, I guess I should post some Halloween photos. Lily wanted to be Sleeping Beauty (I guess we've officially entered the princess years). So I thought it would make sense for Sam to be an owl...it wasn't until the costumes came in the mail that I realized they didn't quite go together (should have done a Briar Rose costume for Lily instead). But anywhooo...it worked out just fine and it was a great Halloween. Lily is really getting the hang of trick-or-treating and is already talking about what she wants us all to be next year (right now she wants to be a swan, and it would be awesome if she stuck with that and we could make her look like Bjork). But for this year, here are some pics:

"Little Haunts" at This Is The Place Heritage Park (where I was once again reminded I would have never survived as a pioneer). Trick-or-treating in a down pour, scary stories from a real witch, a train ride, and a costume parade made for one fun family day. But the highlight for sure was the candy cannon (and then all the candy tasted like gun powder).:

p.s. Sam was really there with us too--just all bundled up in the stroller...

Halloween at the office with dad:

Ward Trunk-or-Treat at the church (with a visit from Grandma and Grandpa). Lily didn't want to part with the ladybug Rose ladies. And Beau and Emily made the coolest robot costumes ever! Then we went to Mimi's (where she had some awesome lips that evidently were NOT candy) and did more trick-or-treating:

Needless to say, it was lots of fun and the costumes have already gotten plenty of mileage out of them (stay tuned for photos of Disney on Ice).

Happy Thanksgiving...hope to post photos of that before Christmas!

11.19.09

2009-11-18T23:20:00.000-08:00

for my dream man:

hope it rocks

love you oh so much

Ar{mani} you kidding me?!?!?!?

2009-11-12T16:30:00.001-08:00

VOTE FOR MY SISTER!!!!

Heather entered this photo in an Armani Exchange "Create Your Own Sunglasses Ad" competition. It has been chosen as one of the Top 10 entries!!! Now she needs votes to win the top spot and have her ad shown on their website. Please go to this website to vote for her! You have to fill out a little bit of information (just to make sure noone is cheating) and then you can vote for her once a day until Nov. 27th. Please take the time to vote for her if you can!!!

Hef, I'm so proud of you! Awesome things are happening for you in NYC!!!

"mi parainfamilia"

2009-11-12T09:18:00.000-08:00

I went downstairs and found Lily coloring this all by herself.

And writing our names (all of which she's figured out by herself).

A perfect family portrait-

though I'm not quite sure where the kids are (maybe I just don't appreciate her artistic style quite yet).

We may have to use it for Christmas cards this year.

On a sidenote, Sammy went to the doctor for his 9 month check up yesterday-which was ironic since he's the healthiest in our family right now.

22 pounds 12 ounces of kissable goodness.

We've all been sick this week, and I think we're getting a little sick of being sick.

Perhaps the illness is being represented as the monster in Lily's drawing?

hmmm...maybe I am starting to understand.

niner niner

2009-11-09T20:18:00.000-08:00

november ninth

the boy is nine months old today

and as the old saying goes, these last nine months have gone by a lot faster than the nine before that

right now, some of our sammy boy favorites are:

the one word he's mastered is 'mama'. depending on his mood and how hungry he is, it can be a sweet 'mama' or an angry 'maaaamaaa!' he's also working on 'bahb' (not sure of the definition yet)and 'whoaa'.
he loves being close-ever since he was a newborn baby. sometimes he just needs a snuggle or a hand on his face.
his binkie is his best friend (kevin claims they could sell those things for millions and people would still buy them). he's figured out how to put it in his mouth, and if it's backwards, how to turn it around and put it in the right way.
that smile and that laugh....and oh, those dimples.
he is perfectly happy just sitting with toys. he doesn't roll, he doesn't crawl, he just sort of sits. that and...
he shakes it on command (i'll need to post a video soon).
he loves to eat big boy food. he eats cheerios by the fistful (and he loves to drink water out of a cup).
he loves his sister. she was the first to make him laugh and she continues to do so daily.

we love you sam-o. what did we ever do without you?

what a special night it is

2009-11-08T21:34:00.001-08:00

"Have sweet dreams, mom" Lily said tonight as I tucked her in. Followed by what she tells me every night, "I'll dream about you and you dream about me."

Kevin gives Lily the 'warm blindfold'...a nice warm washcloth over her eyes along with a hand massage before bed. He asks, "where do you want to go tonight?" and she responds with either the beach or the jungle. Kevin then whispers a story about a little girl who journeys off to distant lands to meet wild creatures and other exciting (yet calm and relaxing) adventures.

this all started as a way to get her to keep a washcloth over her eyes while trying to clear up a stye. she would love to have kevin do this every night, but he has told her it's only for special nights. so pretty much every night she says, 'dad...what a special night it is' in the hopes that he will give in.

We read 3 books before bed--because Lily is 3 years old--but she always wants to read more than that (and gets to with new books from the library). Then I hear her reading to herself...and after hearing it once, she can pretty much read a whole book by herself.

(picture above is from this summer when Kevin and Lily built a fort in the front room. and slept in it together--all night)

bedtime is the best time.

Having one of these days...

2009-11-05T09:29:00.000-08:00

...where I'd like to just stay in p.j.'s and do nothing today. And I probably would, too--

if it weren't for this girl:

Who went in her room, picked out her clothes, and got dressed all by herself.

Her shirt was on backwards and she put her pants on upside down

(and came to me giggling like she had done the funniest thing ever).

And today, it sort of was...and now I'm going to go shower.

The Jo-llis's (or possibly The Tu-nes's)

2009-10-28T21:46:00.000-07:00

What started with these 4:

has led to these 17 (and counting):

I'm sorry I don't have a photo to capture the awesomeness of the 15 (and counting, eh?) of those of us in the middle.

So...36 people in a 12,000 square foot cabin filled with costumes, crafts and catch phrases=one wacky weekend!

p.s. if this makes no sense, blame those twinners in the first picture...

i really, really like this boy

2009-10-21T22:12:00.000-07:00

(and i don't think i'm the only one)

photo: 10.2.09 almost 8 months old

video: 9.2.09 almost 7 moths old

The San Francisco Treat

2009-10-19T22:04:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'm a bit behind on the blog (technical difficulties, once again). At the end of August, Kevin and I got to go to San Francisco (like...by ourselves!) to go to my friend Brianne's wedding. Brianne and I grew up 2 houses away from each other, have the same birthday (just mine's a year earlier) and were basically inseparable as kids. Lily keeps asking me to tell her stories about when I was a little girl, and most of them include memories I have with Brianne. We have recently reconnected (through the powers of Facebook) and even though this was the first time I'd seen her in probably 15 years, it was amazing (though cliche sounding) how the years were erased and it was just like old times again. I love this family and this incredible woman and I'm so happy for friendships like this that are never ending (man, I sound old). The wedding was beautiful and amazing (and really, have you ever seen a more perfect bride in your life?). I'm so happy we were able to be a part of such a special day!

p.s. it also made for a pretty good excuse for Kevin and I to have a nice weekend away together(thanks mom and dad!) :)
p.p.s. so sad I have crazy, mid-blink eyes in that picture of us...

hey dad.....PASS!!!

2009-09-20T20:56:00.000-07:00

the kids

2009-09-03T21:40:00.000-07:00

Thanks Heather for taking these beautiful photos and for capturing a little piece of our every day lives. We love them and you (and man, do we love these kids)!!!

Who are the people in your neighborhood?

2009-08-01T21:36:00.001-07:00

(oh the people that you meet when you're walkin down the street....)

Well, these are the some of the people we've met in our neighborhood (or Sugarhood--what have you).

Have I mentioned before how much we love our ward? I guess I've had to since they started this blog for us. We have made such good friends during the last few years we've lived here. But in some secret meeting unbeknownst to us, they all got together and decided that now that we all get along so well, this would be the perfect time to move away (okay, so maybe there were a few of us uninvited). But to have a chance to take a moment and say our good-byes (thank you Chris Harrison from the Bachelor for that line), we had a barbecue this week over at Liberty Park. It was a good time including:

Bocce ball

and fun times for all!

Some of the little reasons we love our ward:

So whether coming or going (or just stickin around like us!), we're so grateful for the friendships we've made and wish everyone the best!

silver lining

2009-07-29T21:31:00.000-07:00

Isn't this an amazing photo by Sarah Silver?

Guess who her amazing new intern is?

congrats Hef...I'm so excited for you!
(love, your #1 fan)

Lily's Pre-Ballet Class

2009-07-28T23:36:00.000-07:00

Lily took a dance class this summer and it just might have been the cutest thing I've ever seen in my life. Monday was Parent's Observation Day so we got to go watch her in action during her last day of class. Lily loved this class and got excited every Sunday night because when she woke up the next day it was going to be time for 'dance class-ons' (since I kept saying dance class and dance lessons). Lily never lets me do her hair, but always would sit extra still and let me do her hair like a ballerina (but not to worry, it always came out the minute we're back in the car). It's the first time she's been in a class where I haven't been there to guide her and make sure she was comfortable. The first day we got there, she took her shoes off, sat down in the circle of little girls and joined right in. I loved watching her little face look around at the other girls-I can only imagine her thinking 'hey, you guys like to dance just like me!'. And the best is when she would catch a glimpse of herself in the mirror-I could tell she thought she was pretty special (or maybe I just think that because one day on the way to class she told me, "oh, I apposogot to look in the mirror at how cute I am!" I assured her she'd be able to once she got there). I don't know...what can you say about little 3-5 year olds trying to figure out coordination? Here's a snipet:

Thanks to Miss Kim for being a wonderful teacher. And a big thank you to some of her adoring fans for coming...

...who (along with the girl's parents) just might have been laughing and smiling themselves to tears while watching.

rah tah da da duh rah tah da da duh rah tah da da duh duh

2009-07-24T14:23:00.000-07:00

My sista sista Heather moved to NYC 2 weeks ago. Before she left, we had a New York, New York Bon Voyage BBQ with hot dogs, pizza (gross combo), cheesecake, and apples (get it, like the big apple?) to send her on her way. And what better way to celebrate than to eat all that New York inspired crap and karaoke show tunes? I promise there were more people than just us and my parents there, just didn't get more photos. I'm so proud of Heather for going to New York and already she's doing awesome. I'm sure there will be lots of amazing photos to post from there soon! Love you Hefe! Miss you already!

p.s. pretty obvious that Samo is heartbroken to see his auntie go (with first his look of shock at the news and then pure sadness when reality set in)

p.p.s. I have had the 'start spreadin' the news' song stuck in my head for 2 weeks straight...

these boots were made for walkin'

2009-07-15T21:53:00.000-07:00

...or even better for running

Seriously, how cute are these girls?

might even give these ones a run for their money!

(but ladies, no need for tears~the All-American Cutie is here for y'all--if you can squeeze him out of that Bumpo)

dad's day

2009-06-21T22:45:00.000-07:00

to one fantastic father

p.s.

we think these two are pretty great as well

li'l red riding hood

2009-06-02T08:19:00.000-07:00

Seriously...how lucky am I to have a talented photographer for a sister who just happens to need a cute little girl for some of her photoshoots? Heather's latest word for her Words to Shoot By project was TRAIL. I love these images of Lily leaving little bread crumbs--sort of a mix between Little Red Riding Hood and Hansel and Gretel. I think they're beautiful--thanks again Hefe!

Somewhere over the rainbow

2009-05-31T22:14:00.000-07:00

...even better than a pot of gold

Presidential Power

2009-05-22T16:43:00.000-07:00

I wish I could claim that I had something to do with this (because I think it's pretty darn clever), but the girl came up it on her own. One day I heard her playing in her room and she was trying really hard to do something and well...it stuck.

Hope you have a great Memorial Day Weekend (and if you're having a hard time pulling those weeds--you know what to do).

5.18.09

2009-05-18T14:58:00.000-07:00

hope it's filled with yummy treats and sweet surprises

we love you!!!

what a blessing

2009-05-06T21:23:00.000-07:00

We were finally able to have a blessing for our baby boy...had the wait been much longer, he may have needed to sit in a chair. The fellas got a workout holding this 16 pounder, but it was a beautiful blessing and we were so happy to have a chance to celebrate the arrival of our Sam. He is such a blessing to us-such a sweet baby boy that we are so lucky to have as part of our family.

my 2 handsome boys

With a name like Officer, the sailor hat was only fitting (though he doesn't seem to like it so much)

Some of our blessings that were with us that day...thanks for being with us on Sammy's special day!

p.s. what are the chances that 4 cute girls all show up with the exact same dress completely unplanned??

p.p.s. what are the chances that 2 grown men show up with matching outfits as well (being pink paisley ties and pink cuff links)????

whether or not this one was planned is questionnable...

easter '09

2009-04-24T22:51:00.001-07:00

some easter highlights:

going to the bees stadium for an easter egg hunt with 20,000 eggs (along with about 20,000 other people)
dying eggs at mimi's (although mine always end up weird colors...see if you can guess which ones i did--hint: they did not end up looking like this as my sister's did)
the 18th annual easter egg hunt at grandma and grandpa leggat's (along with a delicious easter feast, of course)
going on an 'egg'streme hunt at mimi's (since by the time we got there on easter it was dark outside)
and did you notice my scary-i mean awesomely creative-easter snack i made for lily? she wouldn't eat it...wonder why......

play

2009-04-20T15:11:00.000-07:00

My amazingly talented sister Heather just started a project called Words to Shoot By where she and some of her photog friends pick a word and then take photos based on that word. This week the word was PLAY so she took some pictures of Lily dressing up...love them!

silly books

2009-04-19T20:47:00.000-07:00

Somehow Lily has arranged it so that when we read her stories before bed, we have to read them 'silly'. It would seem the last thing you want to do as a tired parent trying to get kids to bed is have to create a new story out of an existing story and make it different enough to be silly...so Kevin and I compare notes afterwards to see how we can make each book silly without having to recreate it every time (especially since Lily will tell us if we're doing it wrong....am I making sense?). Anywho, I love listening in on Kevin reading silly books to Lily--so far my favorite has been "The Big Blue Turkey" instead of "The Little Red Hen". Or a close second being Disney princess books where he mixes the princesses up (example: Kevin: 'BELLE and the Beast...' Lily cuts in: 'hey, I thought we were going to read this silly!' Kevin: 'oh, I mean.....ARIEL and the Beast....'---she thinks it's hilarious). But for the most part, our silly books end up reminding me of this:

http://www.hulu.com/watch/61232/saturday-night-live-update-jon-bovi?c=0

look familiar?

2009-04-15T14:03:00.000-07:00

Sam and Brielle

Gentry and Lily

It was so exciting to meet the newest cousin, Brielle on Friday. We're so happy the third amigo made it here safe and sound (and our Sammy boy looks ginormous next to her!!!). Sam and Brielle are about 9 weeks apart and their sisters Lily and Gentry are 7 weeks apart which made for total deja vu going to the hospital. Welcome baby Brielle! Hooray for cousins!!!

feeling down on your luck?

2009-04-01T20:44:00.000-07:00

I bet rubbing this belly would help...

Born to be wild

2009-03-25T22:01:00.000-07:00

Well, hopefully not too wild. But one thing's for sure, these two little cousins were born to be best buddies. Sam and Blake are 5 days apart (oh, and in typing this, I realized I messed up on the notation on the picture...whoopsies). In Kevin's family there are 15 grandkids (including the one on the way) 12 of which are girls. It's been so fun to have these 2 little boys born together and we are already loving watching them grow up together, especially since one is tall and skinny and the other is slightly round and chunky (I'm not naming names or anything...).

JoLynn and Henry brought Blake to the hospital to meet Sam. We just laughed and laughed as the two of them just cried and cried...

I get to bring Sammy over to see Blake when I go to work, so JoLynn and I love the photoshoots where we just can watch them together (ad just laugh and laugh some more...).

Can't wait for what's ahead (until they get about 7 or 8 and into trouble........).

sibs

2009-03-25T21:16:00.000-07:00

I love my siblings. I don't know how my mom did it with 5 kids in 8 years, but I'm sure glad she did because my siblings are my best friends. It's been so fun to watch Lily sort of warm up to the idea of having a sibling-it takes some getting used to after being the one and only for a few years. And Sammy already just loves her. He smiled for the very first time last week and it was for his big sister. Every night before Lily goes to sleep she gets 'daddy time' and 'mommy time' where we each read some books with her and spend a minute alone with her. The other night she said "what about 'Mo time'?". I put Mo-mo by her on her bed and she just had this cute little look on her face-she loves her little Mo. And I must say, he is already having to put up with a lot with having a sister--as seen here:

Do you remember this from your childhood? This record was a staple of my childhood, and now Lily has discovered and loves it. She had to put her tutu on and dance to it and made Sammy wear a little tutu also--poor little brother, I don't think it will be the last time. Don't mind my singing--I get a little carried away in wishing I were Janeen Brady...

Nothing ever happens on Mars

2009-03-13T13:12:00.000-07:00

boring...boring...boring...

Kevin took Lily on a Daddy Daughter Date last Saturday. We started telling her about it earlier in the week because for her the anticipation is almost better than the actual event (in fact, when I asked her what her favorite part was she didn't really have an answer). She asked almost hourly if now she could go on her daddy daughter date~I told her that on the morning that she woke up and dad was home would be the day (she happened to wake up before Kevin left for work on Thursday and was so excited...whoopsies!). So we had kind of told her what they would do, but that day she had it all planned out in order for Kevin...they took Trax to Gateway and saw the bubbles (the fountain), went to the planetarium, had lunch at McDonald's, and then got cookies from the cookie store (I might have thrown that one in there to make sure I'd have one brought home for me...). She had so much fun and can't wait for the next time she gets a special date with her daddy!

twosies

2009-03-03T13:39:00.000-08:00

Baby #2...

wants to eat every 2 hours
gained 2 pounds and grew 2 inches in 2 weeks
had projectile #2 while I was changing his diaper (got all over his crib, sheets, bumper, etc.)... twice
has 2 cute dimples (just like his sister)
is already getting 2 big (?)
has made life twice as nice...

Sam the [little old] man

2009-03-02T13:54:00.000-08:00

Some photos over the past 3 weeks with the new little dude. Amanda--this is for you!

More-o the Sam-o

2009-02-24T10:04:00.000-08:00

Sorry for not posting more photos of the wee one sooner. My hands have quite literally been full since this little dude wants to be held constantly! But hey, I'm a mom--I can multi-task...if words are misspelled it's because he's resting on my typing hands at the moment! I have really enjoyed having two kids--wasn't sure how the transition would be. People kept telling me it's either having the 2nd or the 3rd that is really hard...so far this has been pretty great and I love what having a new baby has brought to our family~already we wonder what we ever did without him.

I will post some more photos from home soon, but for some photos of Sammy's birthday check out my sister's blog. How lucky am I to have an up and coming photographer for a sister that was willing to just hang out at the hospital to take photos? And she did a fabulous job--thanks Heather-you're the best!

A little about the big sister...

Lily is doing great and is such a good big sister. Every morning she sees Sam and says, "Mo!!! Oh...his eyes are open! He's so cuuuuute!"and when he cries she says "What's wrong little Mo?" or "It's okay baby brother" or if we're in the other room she says "we better go get Mo". She always helps me by handing me blankets or pacifiers or what have you~I'm tellin ya--I got my hands full! Well, and maybe that's also because she doesn't like it when other people hold Sam...she tells them "that's Mom's baby!". She is just great and I am very proud of her for adjusting so well.

An explanation on the name...

When we found out we were having a baby boy, I asked Kevin what names he liked. He just said, "I really like the name Sam". Right then I thought to myself "Oh great, that's it". Kevin doesn't me now though because starting then I fought the name Sam--hated it! I'm sure I told lots of you that I cringed at the thought of the name Sam. But I could never find anything that I loved and Kevin always felt really good about Sam (I'm convinced mostly so he could name his son after Sam Bean of Iron and Wine). That's how I felt the whole time I was pregnant with Lily--that it just should be her name (okay, so maybe I was just jealous that I didn't come up with the name or have the same feeling I did with Lils). So combine all of that (and a little bit of me giving in), and Sam it is.

And for the record, none of names on my shortlist would have worked--he's for sure a Sam...well, for the most part. We got so used to calling him Mo--it sort of stuck and we all call him that almost more than we call him Sam. So another reason the name worked is that with Officer for a middle name (which is Kevin's grandfather's middle name--was his mother's maiden name) we can call him Sam-o... We love our little Sam-o!

One more thing...

I think the reason 2 kids has been so great is because I've had so so so much help! I am so grateful for all the help that family, friends and neighbors have given--I am in awe at the kindness that comes pouring in when a baby is born! Thank you so much~loves to all of you :).

so this is love

2009-02-14T12:03:00.001-08:00

Introducing...

2009-02-12T08:30:00.000-08:00

Samuel Officer Leggat

February 9, 2009 1:56 p.m.

8 lbs. 12 oz. 20 inches

more photos to come. we're all doing great!

and they're off!

2009-01-23T04:07:00.002-08:00

We were so excited to hear that JoLynn & Henry were expecting at just about the exact same time as us...and then shortly after to find out Bryan & Heidi were too! This little guy is so lucky to have cousins that will be his same age--we can't wait til they all get here! Now it's just a race to the finish. Sorry Heidi, you're not allowed to win this one~don't want Ellie coming too soon. Now we'll just see if our nameless boy wonder can beat out Blake...

Greats of '08

2009-01-07T14:07:00.000-08:00

***Warning: This became a lot longer and a lot sappier than I originally intended it to be. I guess it's one of those "I use my blog as my journal" posts. Feel free to speed read, scan, or just skip all together!!!

Looking back over this past year, here's a snap shot of some of the things we'll remember about 2008:

TOP 8 GREATS OF 2008

8. Painting the house

What an undertaking--our big project for the year was to paint the house, and Kevin did all of this himself with a little help from a paint sprayer. All was going well until the sprayer got clogged and stopped working with one side of the house left to go. Kevin ended up painting the west side of our house with a roller~took him longer to do that one side than the rest of the house put together! His other big project this year was organizing his man shack garage. He made "shells out of sticks" as Lily would say (shelves out of 2x4 and what not) and then spray painted it all black to make a tool bench in the garage~AND he can park his car in there now, too. My favorite part is the "art project" he did with all of his Smith stickers and posters--I'll have to take some photos.

7. Our big family vacation: St. George

I loves me a vacation. This year, however, we decided to stick close to home with our biggest trip being to St. George in the summer (by the way, this is the only photo I had of the 3 of us and I have some weird look on my face and Lily's eyes are closed--awesome). We were able to go to the cabin quite a few times and Lily and I joined Kevin in Sun Valley twice when he was there for work (she still talks about it--every day she tells me, "Mom, I NEED to go back to Sun Zalley"). With Kevin's busy work schedule and this darn pregnancy, we've really just enjoyed being home. But I'm still hoping we can at least cross a state line or something this year!

6. New Calling

Something I wasn't really expecting and still not quite feeling up to is my calling as our Stake Relief Society Enrichment Counselor. Not exactly sure how I ended up here, but I do know that it was through Heavenly Father hearing my prayers and knowing me personally. After President Hinckley died, I (like lots of people) sort of was reevaluating myself and decided I really needed to try to have the spirit with me more. I fasted on that first Sunday in February for this--and fasting is something I'm not good at (especially after getting out of the habit with pregnancy and nursing). But this Sunday (even though it was Super Bowl Sunday) it was very easy for me and I just felt peaceful all day. Later that week, I got called into the stake president's office and was asked to accept my new calling. I still don't feel like I am the most worthy and certainly not the most knowledgeable for this, but it has been a really great calling for me and just a blessing~I have really enjoyed getting to know and serving with the ladies in my area. The biggest challenge this year was putting together our Women's Conference in May while our president was out of town for a few months...right after we got called--talk about the blind leading the blind! Luckily it turned out really nice...which reminds me~it's almost time to start that all over again!

5. 360

This photo is old lame~there is a new level of lameness in town--and it involves Kevin's new Xbox 360. I'll tell you now, it's the beginning of EPICNESS (or epic nerdiness, if you ask me). Somehow, Kevin westsided his way into getting an Xbox 360 without us having to spend any money for it. So that's what he got this year for his birthday AND Christmas (at least it was cheap, right?). I sometimes forget that I married such a geek...but it's been great fun [for him] so far. More to come on the epic geek night (12 hours of Halo 3) to come...

4. Working (for mom) and Playing (for Lils)

Around my big 30th birthday this year, I had a bit of an identity crisis...mostly feeling like I needed something more to do to keep me busy. So I started looking for a job and very luckily and gratefully started working for my brother-in-law, Henry. It has been just perfect--I work one day a week for a few hours, and while I get to use my brain for more than just nursery rhymes, Lily gets to spend time with either Grandma or Mimi. It has worked out just great, and I think it's good for all of us, but especially Lily. Whenever I come to pick her up she tells me to go back to work. She is so blessed to have two grandmas that love her so much and how lucky is she to be able to spend one-on-one time with them?

3. Co-op Dinners

Again, a really bad photo, but it has all the elements I needed--Amber and me, our kids, and food. At the beginning of the year, Amber and I decided to start a dinner co-op where we each cook once a week for all of us. And just like that, a guaranteed home cooked meal twice a week (well, for the most part anyway--except when I had to order a pizza a few times...). That in itself is probably the most home cookin' Kevin's had the whole time we've been married. It's not that I don't like to cook, I just really have a hard time doing it for just 2 (and a half) of us. It's been a great way to try cooking new things--even though most of the time my meals turn out like Sunday dinner--and to try all the exotic things Amber makes. Now we've just got to get back in the habit--Kevin's just about had it with bringing home the Wendy's 99 cent menu!

2. How much we love our Lily girl

Everyday I look at this girl and just feel so lucky that she is a part of our family. She is just about perfect in every way...with a splash of sass. She has this ability to read my every emotion, and won't let me lie if I'm feeling a little off (I get asked at least 5 times a day, "Mom, are you happy?" How could I not be happy with this girl!). My very favorite thing to do with our little family is on weekend mornings when we can bring Lily into bed with us and just snuggle and giggle for a little while. It's going to be strange to go from just the three of us to four-I mean, I know I'll love our baby boy equally, right now it's just hard to imagine when my heart's already so full.

1. We're having baby #2~and it's a boy

Ya, that pretty much sums up the year...feels like this pregnancy has lasted forever. But now with just a month to go, I'm hoping to stop with the complaining soon! There's been lots of anticipation, lots of emotion (what, me? emotional?!?), and lots of Subway sandwiches (gross that I craved them!). We're so excited about this new year and this new addition to our family (and not being pregnant anymore!!!). And Mo's getting pretty excited too--I'll tell you what, this boy is a mover and a shaker! Does that mean he'll be all over the place once he's got more room? I guess he is a boy...

2008 was a great year especially because of our great families and friends. Here's wishing everyone a fantastic 2009!

rock 'n' roll, baby!

2009-01-06T13:55:00.000-08:00

So far, this girl's a singer. I'm always surprised at how good Lily is at remembering lyrics to songs. She gets to spend lots of time at Grandma Leggat's and comes home singing songs I've never heard...and I always say, "must be a Grandma Leggat song". She loves going over there and playing the piano and singing~especially when she can jam out with her cousin Gentry (as seen in the photo and here). But I especially love it when she remembers songs in her own way...for example:

"A whole new world!!! A Jasmine place I never knew!" (The classic Aladdin song with a twist...she sings this really, really high too)
"I'm a mean old witch with a hat.......and He has sent me here" (A combination of a Halloween song she learned from Grandma Leggat and "I am a Child of God")
"A B C D E F G-H I J K M O U S E" (abc's and Mickey, of course)
and my favorite for the holidays: "Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree...I love to see the temple!" (the tunes are actually quite similar...)

Oh, and one other thing I need to document is that Lily loves Coldplay. Every time we're in the car listening to the radio she says, "Mom! This is Coldplay!"~sometimes she's right, sometimes she's not, but it always makes me smile.

and p.s. at least Lily has the rocker hairdo--I'm thinking it's time for a bob and some bangs since she only likes her hair "down and cuhly" and will hardly let me brush it. Any thoughts?

We can hardly stand the wait

2008-12-23T15:59:00.000-08:00

Have a wonderful Christmas. We love you all!!!

Phat Phamily Photos

2008-12-14T20:22:00.001-08:00

...and remember, that's phat with a p-h! Okay, so it's been awhile. We've had some technical difficulties, once again. We got a virus that shut the computer down for a bit...that got fixed, but now I still can't download new photos from my camera. So anywho, here are a few from a little photo shoot my sister Heather did a few weeks ago. It was close to nap time so Lily didn't last too long, but we got a few good ones. Though I don't know why I thought having family photos done while 7 months pregnant was a good idea...oh well, posterity maybe!

99 bottles of beer on the wall

2008-11-06T22:15:00.001-08:00

Root beer, that is. Actually for me it's been more like 99 bottles of Caffeine Free Diet Pepsi lately (which makes you think...what's the point, really?). But the true title of this post should be 99 days until baby bottles...yup, 99 days til this baby boy is due. But who's counting? Oh wait, I totally am.

STILL?!?!?! Has this been the longest pregnancy ever for anyone else? I guess I started out with a few misconceptions: 1) I figured that since I'd been through this before, the second go would be easier... 2) Boys are supposed to be easier pregnancies than girls. Neither is true! And nobody warned me about how hard it is to have a toddler (in the heart of the terrible two's) whilst pregnant!

Okay, enough complaining. I should be grateful we still have 99 days since I've only bought this little guy one thing. And I panic just about everyday when I try to figure out how this is all going to work...how everything is going to fit...how the Lils is going to nap (it takes her quite awhile to get to chill out--that probably comes as a shock, I'm sure) in the same room as her baby brother...how I'm going to get 2 kids into our car that locks and unlocks by itself..........

I remember being pregnant with Lily and just worrying so much about giving birth or breastfeeding or just having a newborn! But it just happens--like it's happened throughout all generations of time--and you get through it. I know it will be the same with this~we'll get it all figured out and everything will be just fine.

I can't wait to meet this little dude. I just wonder what he'll look like (mini Kevin? boy version of Lily? red hair?!?!?). He is so active already~I just imagine him in my belly poking at everything wondering "what does this do? what's that for?". I swear he was trying to watch the Utah football game tonight. He already makes us so happy. Lily is always kissing my stomach and when I say "hey, who's kicking me?" and she says "silly Mo!" (oh, she's decided that we should name him Mo....I think she got it from Wall-E. Her choices are either Mo or Eggo~so for now we call him Mo). It will be so fun to have him in our family.

While I'm ranting...I did wake up to my first charlie horse this pregnancy the other night. And it's only a matter of time til these feet swell up~aye, aye, aye! Oh well...I can handle it for 99 more days. Besides, after 99 days I'm going to have to figure out a way to get rid of these 9 million pounds I've gained this time around (and still with 99 days to go!!!!!!!!).

Okay, that's out of my system. So now~99 days to come up with a name....

and what about all the september moons?

2008-11-04T13:43:00.000-08:00

well, here's one: So, once again I seem to be having technical difficulities and my camera will not download new photos onto the computer. But I realized I have a bunch of photos from a month (or so...) ago that I never b-logged. So here are some September high-li-lie-la-lie-lie-lie-lie-lights (Kevin-you LOVE it).

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For our anniversary, Kevin surprised me (okay, after I made him plan something) with a night up at Snowbird. It was the first time I had ever spent a night away from the Lillers (about time, right?! oh, and she loved her sleepover at Mimi & Papa John's). Oktoberfest was going on so that was lots of fun and then we went up the tram for a stargazing adventure that night. It was freezing but fantastic since there was a full moon. There were telescopes set up so we could see many a constellation and a close up on Jupiter.

************************************************************************************

For my dad's birthday, we had him take the whole fam to the fair (happy birthday to who?). I don't remember the last time I went to the fair, and to be honest...I wasn't sure how long I'd last. I mean...

since the safety of the rides is questionable...

and I'm allergic to all the animals (though Lily sure liked them)...

what's a girl to do? Why--try all of the greasy fried fair food, of course!!!

Well, we couldn't leave without some friendly competition. The fellas duked it out with squirty water guns with the hopes of winning some random stuffed prize. Luckily, Kevin won this turtle for Lily (just don't mention that he was on the kiddie gun preset to win the game).
The only thing that would have made it better was if my dad would have gotten a temporary tattoo with a heart and "Marilee" etched into it. Oh well, maybe next year. It sure was fun to bond with the fam (we just missed Dave and his family!).

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Since I can't do a post without mentioning how great our neighbors are, here are some photos from Amber's 30th birthday bash. We love any excuse to get together with the wardees!

(I don't know why these photos are so tiny--I'll try to fix them Amber, I promise!)

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And last but not least, here are some cute pictures of Lily and her (2nd?) cousin, Ruby. Rachel and I used to love wearing matching outfits, so when the girls got soaked at the Gateway fountain we HAD to go get them so new clothes to wear.

Okay, so that's what happened in September. Hopefully I'll finish catching up soon. Story of my life!

My Man-tag Montage

2008-10-13T13:26:00.000-07:00

My sister-in-law Myndie man-tagged me. So here's a little bit about my main man, Kevin.

What is your husbands name? Kevin Michael Leggat (aka Dukester, K-Dawg or if you ask him-Big Ticket)

How long have you been married? 7 years (oh, and 1 month today!)

How long did you date? ummm....technically/officially I guess 8 months from first date to wedding. But we'd known each other for about 8 years before that. We came close to dating a few times during that time, but I guess the stars hadn't quite aligned yet.

How old is he? 30 (though he will be 31 next month).

Who eats more sweets? Well, since I am a Tullis--that would be me. He claims to not have a sweet tooth, but that's a lie.

Who said I love you first? I did, and here's why...it was a few days before Valentine's Day and I could tell Kevin was going to wait til then to say it. I thought that was cheesy so I spit it out.

Who is taller? He doesn't call himself Big Ticket for nothin---he's 6'2", I'm 5'6".

Who can sing the best? Kevin was president of Men's Ensemble so he totally does. I sing more though with the Lilleroos...I'm perfecting my princess vocals.

Who is smarter? I'd like to think we compliment each other. We used to write papers together for our senior english class (I typed while he b.s.'ed) and I did his math homework while we were dating.

Who does the laundry? I do...even if it takes running out of EVERYTHING before I get around to it.

Who pays the bills? Me...though he's the accountant of this family.

Who mows the lawn? We only have a little front lawn right now, but Kevin mows it~even with a perdy diagonal pattern to it.

Who cooks dinner? If dinner gets cooked, it's usually me (thank goodness for the co-op or I'd never cook). Kevin does gracefully call on his way home asking if he needs to pick anything up though. But when Kevin does cook, it's always fancy shmancy. Once for Christmas he made me a filet mignon with a reduced red wine sauce and a lobster tail on top with a sprig of rosemary sticking out on top of that. That's right...he MADE it!

Who drives? He usually does when we're together. Lily likes it when daddy drives "sast".

Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? Me, wrong?!? Never!!! We're both a little stubborn, but once we talk it out we both take the blame.

Who kissed who first? Kevin. Kissed. Me. It was after we'd been watching a movie with another...friend at my parents' house. He was ever so slowly leaving and kept saying "I can't kiss you" and I said "okay" but low and behold, he gave in (I'm pretty much irresistable I guess).

Who asked who out first? ummm...well the details are a little fuzzy. I guess on our first official date (though it may have been a few years after our first official kiss) I asked him out. The family I nannied for had some tickets to the opera they couldn't use so they gave them to me. If you want to know details, it was "Rigoletto". I spent the day trying to find something to wear (what do you wear to the opera if you don't want sequins?) and then picked Kevin up at his parents' house in the (mine at the time) silver buggy car. Marin answered the door and I was surprised that she didn't know who I was because I felt like I knew his family pretty well (but mostly just from group events, I guess). Anywho, she ironed his purple Regis shirt and tie and then we headed downtown (he drove). We decided to just park and then try to find a place to eat. After walking into like 5 restaurants with long waits, we ended up at Bambara and sat back at their bar (where it was nice and dark and quiet and romantic...especially after being in lots of loud places). Oh, as we were crossing the street to get there, Kevin grabbed my hand...and I didn't let go the rest of the night. After the opera, we went to Blockbuster and rented "28 Days" and bought chaco-tacos for dessert (that's HOT). It was a great first date. 1.13.01.

Who wears the pants? Lily.

The rules for this tag: answer questions about your spouse, list names of people you are tagging in your post, then leave a comment on their blog letting them know they've been tagged.

I'm tagging......Rachel (since she just did a post about her men) and Amber.

love you kevin xoxoxoxoxo

i'm so glad when daddy comes home...

2008-10-01T15:53:00.000-07:00

Lake Powell 2007--this was the only way we could get Lily to take naps

Kevin got home from a work trip this afternoon right before Lily was supposed to take a nap. He read her some books and tucked her in and we decided to lay down ourselves for a little while. Well after about an hour of Lily singing, reading her books out loud ("and dey lived happiyee eva afteh. dee end!"), and a lots of asking for mommy and daddy, Kevin went and got her and brought her into our bed. Within two minutes she was deep asleep all snuggled up with daddy. She just missed him and wanted to be close~super cute moment of the day :)

it's a...

2008-09-28T10:42:00.000-07:00

BOY!!!

pink or blue?

2008-09-24T14:47:00.000-07:00

Okay, what do you think--boy or girl??? We find out Friday what we're having, but I have NO IDEA!!! I'm beyond any sort of mother's intuition. But one thing I do know for sure--this one is going to be the best big sister!!!

Sunny St. George

2008-08-22T09:24:00.000-07:00

We had a fun trip to St. George a few weeks ago.

Lily loved swimming with her cousins:

and she couldn't wait to go to the temple:

Lily and I stayed for a few extra days with Mimi and Naht-Nah. I always love the time we get to spend together as four generations. We drove out to Zion's and stopped in Grafton on the way where Naht-Nah's grandmother taught school. We had a great time!

Summer highlights (other than the ones in my hair)

2008-08-05T13:16:00.000-07:00

So, we really have been having a fun summer, even though it doesn't look like it. Here are some of the highlights. Take a look, won't you?

1. We painted our little mint green house tan. Now it's all grown up (but still so little):

Before:

(this was taken before we moved in---shown here for the maximum effect)

During:

Ya, that's right, my man and his spray gun (too bad it broke and he had to do the side of the house using a roller!!!)

After:

Ta dah!

2. Attended a few sporting events:

Bees game

(ok, so this was more EARLY summer, like spring-hence the coats-but we went to another game later in the season and it was freezing too!!!)

ReAL game

3. Lily and I have had some fun play dates with friends:

Petting Zoo at Thanksgiving Point

(miniature) Pool Party at Rachel's

We also had a fun time at Liberty Park/Tracy Aviary, but I forgot my camera. Next up is the zoo if you'd like to come along!

4. Kevin's knee surgery:

Well, maybe not FUN, but he took a week of vacation for it???

Lily was the best little nurse and gave daddy lots of kisses to make him all betta

5. Outdoor concerts:

Cousins' dance review

Lily and Gentry watching the dances, anyway. Photos by Aunt JoLynn (she always takes the best pictures!)

Andrew Bird at the Gallivan Center

(plus Wilco, coming up in August...)

And we've just had fun being together and enjoying summer! Hope it's been a luscious summer for you as well!

Oh and there's been one more exciting thing about this summer:

me: "Kevin--we're pregnant"

xbox: "Double Kill!"

me: "no seriously, the test is positive"

xbox: "Gained The Lead!"

me: "so...we're having another baby?!?!"

xbox: "1 minute remaining!"

me: ________

xbox: "Total Annihilation!!!"

Baby Legs #2~due Valentine's Day 2009

4th-o-July

2008-07-26T20:47:00.000-07:00

Always late but worth the wait, eh? Thanks Kevin for that all too informative last post...
Anywho, we went up to the Leggat's cabin for the 4th of July and had lots of fun:

~Going to the Oakley Rodeo (which, by the way, should be pronounced ro-DAY-oh~like the boulevard~ because of all the nice cars that were there)

(Lily learned what it takes to be a real cowgirl)

~Going to the Park City Parade

and observing the stars and stripes (emphasis on the STARS, if you know what I mean)

~and just enjoying our time at the cabin!

Hope you had a...

Whoever said nothing good happens after midnight?

2008-07-14T15:45:00.000-07:00

So this past week I've been recovering from my knee surgery which, subsequently, required me to be drugged up and my back for 3 days, knee propped up over my head. During this time (most likely due to the sweet narcotics), everything has meshed together in one big sea of movie clips, T.V. shows, a couple chapters of "Into Thin Air", XBOX and work. There was one night though, that (the rest of this sentence should be read with a pirate accent) I remember as if it be but yeserdee. It was around midnight and Becca and I were just ready to call it a night when I noticed that the HDMusic channel was featuring Radiohead's "From the Basement". What followed was one of the most magical hours of television that I've ever seen. Becca and I just sat back a revelled in the brilliance of Thom Yorke and company. Here is a clip of one of the songs from the show. Ironically it's one of the damned sexiest songs in the world. Good thing I was drugged and unable to move under my own power because with Becca's new 'do and mood of this song, it would've been baby makin' time. So, turn the lights low, the music up and let the magesty of Radiohead wash over you.

How do you do?

2008-07-06T19:58:00.001-07:00

Or should I say, how do you like the new 'do?

Fun with the photo booth never gets old...

Aloha Naht-Nah

2008-06-13T10:12:00.000-07:00

My mom just emailed this photo to me from Hawaii. She took my Grandma there for her first time (after only being on an airplane twice in her life). Naht-Nah (as Lily calls her) keeps pinching herself because she can't believe she is really there~she was practically running to see the ocean. I might be SLIGHTLY jealous, but to see this smile on Grandma's face just makes me so happy!

Relay for Life

2008-06-10T09:47:00.001-07:00

We participated in the Relay for Life over the weekend with Kevin's work. It's such a great event and we had a really good time~even though it was FREEZING!!! We're just glad that we didn't have to walk at 3 in the morning. You gotta love Lily's outfit--the large t-shirt over the pj's, not to mention the crocs over the pj's~oh, and the high ponytail--it's an awesome look (well, you do what you gotta do to stay warm!). We may have done more talking and eating than walking, but it's always worthwhile to take part in a great cause!

wow

2008-05-31T21:13:00.000-07:00

How awesome is this? This is our friend Ryan Barker and the photo he has on his Facebook account. Too good--the shorty shorts, the 'stache, Jared Fullmer holding a fan so Ryan's hair is blowing in the wind, the pose AND the serious silhouette?...it's near perfection.

Lillerina/Boot-scootin' Lily

2008-05-25T11:08:00.000-07:00

Now, I promise I won't care if Lily doesn't dance when she's bigger~I will support her in whatever she does. But in the meantime, it's hard to resist a slight nudge in that direction with stuff like this! My mom had this tutu made for Lily for her birthday. When I was 2, I wanted to be a 'rina' and for Christmas I got a blue leotard, tights, and tutu that I LOVED! So Mimi did the same for Lily. We tried putting on Enchanted music for her to dance to, but she was confused because "icaseeit" (I can't see it). So we put on the movie and thus she was distracted. But I've got a feeling this is going to be a treasured gift for a long time~thanks Mimi!

Lily was also lucky enough to get her very first bike from Grandma and Grandpa Leggat~pink and purple with streamers too?!?! She is so excited and for now loves scooting around on it while she figures out the pedals, or-as you can see,-it makes for a comfortable lounge chair. She even got her first helmet~wow, what a big girl! Grandparents are the best!!!

Lily vs. The Candle

2008-05-20T16:03:00.000-07:00

Lily got pretty spoiled for her birthday--it was a weekend's worth of celebrations! So this was another cake where she got to blow out candles (on her actual birthday). She had already blown this candle out with the same gumption twice before, but wanted to do it "umotime"~one more time. I don't know what my favorite part of this is--the camera shaking from me laughing so hard, Lily doing the happy dance after the candle has finally gone out (with a little help from dad), or Kevin's german accent singing "happy birthday"...you tell me!

Come on, vaminos!

2008-05-20T13:34:00.001-07:00

For Lily's birthday, we had a BBQ with the fams along with a Backpack Adventure! Kevin was the map and told us that to get to Cupcake Cavern~
First: you have to twist in time to go across Dinosaur Lake
Then: you have to get through the Rocky Forest without Swiper the Fox (aka Tim) getting your candy
Then: down Lava Slide ~ and that's how you get to Cupcake Cavern!
The kids got treats at all of the stations to take to the Cupcake Cavern where the decorated their own cupcakes. They Did It!!!!

Back up, catch up & wrap up

2008-05-15T01:16:00.001-07:00

Well hello to you in blogger land. It's been awhile since the last post. As Morgan says in Enchanted, "It's been pretty busy around here". The next few posts are some updates on whassahappenin. Hope everyone is doing well!

looks like trouble...

2008-05-15T01:03:00.000-07:00

Marin's been in town for a bit before she departs for exotic adventures in Jackson Hole and India (and perhaps a truly exotic career in Pocatello) . Although I didn't get any photos of her the other day, I did get a few of 2 mischevious little girls fascinated with Grandma & Grandpa's fountain. We love watching Lily and Gentry play together--it's been so fun to watch them grow up together (just 7 weeks apart!). I'll get some more photos of them and the rest of the fam up soon--maybe showing their faces next time :)

Women's Conference

2008-05-15T00:25:00.001-07:00

Well, here's my excuse for why I've been a little out of touch lately. I was put into our Stake Relief Society's presidency at the end of February (crazy, I know) and right away we had ward conferences to attend, speaking assignments to fill, and there were meetings already scheduled for the stake's women's conference scheduled in May. That was all fine until our wonderful president, Sarah, had to leave town to take care of her father who is ill. She ended up having to attend to him until just a few weeks before our conference. So, although it was a bit like the blind leading the blind, we had a great committee of women from the stake who helped us so much and in the end we had a wonderful, beautiful and I must say inspired conference. It was so neat to be on the other end of something like that and to see first hand how the Spirit guided us through the entire process~I was overcome with gratitude. Thank you again to all that helped and supported this conference! Now I have got to get some laundry done!!!

this month is such a special one, it's birthday time for you!

2008-05-14T23:46:00.001-07:00

It was Wes' birthday over the weekend and we were pleased as punch to watch Holden as Amber took Wes out on the town to celebrate.

Upon further inspection, you might be able to see why Kevin would happily watch Holden again anytime. The best part was that before these photos were taken I told Kevin, "see, we could totally handle two kids". A mere second or two later, Lily peed on the couch right when Holden was waking up from a nap right when I was in the middle of making a cake. Hmmm.....is that karma trying to tell me something?

Then we went to the Warrens' for cake and ice cream with some of our neighbors that we just adore (oh, though Kevin and Lily don't seem to be adoring my pose). Happy Birthday Wes!!!

27 dresses

2008-05-14T23:07:00.001-07:00

My sister recently had her 27th birthday. We had fun at the Golden Phoenix with some friends the night before and the party continued through the weekend at Mimi's. Lily loved being a good helper blowing out the candles (and so did Kevin????). Heather has become one of my closest friends--I've been trying to figure out when that happened (when I was younger I wrote in my journal "Heather: hate" and we would lay in our beds fighting over whose turn it was to turn off the light that night). I am just amazed at the person she is now. She is so talented--I mean really--she's a photographer, a chef, a triathalon-er, a knitter and the list could go on and on (and she's beautiful!!!). We talk to each other every day and I depend on her way too much. See, this is why I can't get behind on blog posts--they get way too sentimental. But thanks Hef, for all you do for me! Hope you have a great year!

b.t.w.--she's updated her dance photos here.

almost 2 and...

2008-05-02T16:06:00.001-07:00

Crazy 8's

2008-04-30T11:47:00.000-07:00

Rachel tagged me with this one. I could probably just copy most of the things she said, but I figured since I've never done a tag, I'd give it a go.

My 8's

8 things I'm passionate about:

Kevin (I mean, how could I not be, he screams passion!)
Lillian Jane
My family and my friends (they're pretty much interchangeable)
Finding any excuse to have a party or just get together with my homies
Right now, the stake women's conference
Finding the perfect gift for someone (bonus points if it's on sale)
Travelling--seeing new places or even just to get out of here for awhile!
My testimony

8 songs I can listen to over and over again and not get sick of:

Sweet Escape by Gwen Stefani (or anything of hers)
Snow by Red Hot Chili Peppers (reminds me of when Lily was born)
Dark Night Of The Soul by Loreena McKennitt (Kevin song...Dante's Prayer is a good one by her, too)
Windmills by Toad The Wet Sprocket (been a fave since high school)
The Way I Are by Timbaland (especially when Lily is dancing to it~and yes, I am 30, not 15)
Boy With A Coin by Iron and Wine (that one's for you, honey)
2+2=5 (The Lukewarm) by Radiohead (just to name one Radiohead song)
Consider the Lilies by the Mo-Tab...I'm a sucker just for the title alone, what can I say?

The past 8 books I've read:

The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory
Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury
How Green Was My Valley by Richard Llewellyn
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
A Girl Named Zippy by Haven Kimmel
Sink Reflections by Marla Cilley
Princess Academy by Shannon Hale
Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer

(It's a good thing I've got book clubs, otherwise it looks like I wouldn't read anything!)

8 things I say often:

Don't panic
I'll figure it out
Kevin, you're so inappropriate (the verbal form of a head shake or eye roll)
Let's just talk about this later...
Lily! Lily! Lily! Lily! Lily! (all day)
Where to start...
I really need to do some laundry
I'm sleepy

8 things that attract me to a friend:

They will actually ask for your help when they need it~even if it's just a caffiene free diet Dr. Pepper run
You would actually call them if you needed some help
Being with that friend makes you feel more complete as a person
You can pick up right where you left off--even if you haven't seen each other for awhile
They genuinely want what's best for you and encourage you (and vice versa)
You've got to be able to just laugh and laugh together
You can have a real conversation together once in awhile, and a whole lot of silly ones, too

8 random things about me:

I'm really bad at shaving my legs~you'd think I'm 12 with all the cuts and missed spots (it's the knees! They can get tricky!)
I can remember at least a part of almost every dance I've ever been in (Kevin loves this when a song I danced to comes on and I have to prove that I've still got it)
I love those Haribo gummy frogs and any time I see them at a gas station, I have to buy some (they're hard to come by)
In my secret life, I'm a wedding coordinator
I am an official BYU graduate even though I only spent 1 semester living in Provo (majored in Marriage, Family, and Human Development and minored in Modern Dance)
Apparently, I can still remember my choir folder number from high school...I remember lots of useless little details
I worked at Snowbird doing housekeeping when I was 15 and hated it so bad I would cry every time I went up the canyon. I think I faked mono to get out of working there!
When I think of a happy place, it's usually Lake Powell

8 things I want to do before I die:

Live abroad for a time while our family is young
Learn how to take neat photos and use Photoshop and while I'm at it, Illustrator (so Heather doesn't have to do everything for me)
Cook a Thanksgiving dinner myself (or at least the turkey...but not this year)
Get lots of stamps in my passport
Set a goal, work really hard and dedicate myself to reaching it and reach it!~not just talk
Get involved in my kids' activities
Be happy with life at the present during all stages of life--not looking forward or backward
Just see my family happy

8 things I've learned this past year:

Staying at home is a huge blessing, but it also takes some getting used to
Just about all the words to Disney movies like Cars, Cinderella, Enchanted, etc. and quite a few cartoon theme songs as well
There's no such thing as busy "season" in Kevin's work
I get easily overwhelmed at the prospect of a new project
As a homeowner, projects never end
Heavenly Father knows us personally and answers our prayers...even if sometimes it's in ways you're not expecting
A little extra vitamin D can go a long way
I'm one lucky girl

The 8 people I want to do the 8's:

Kevin (as if)
Amber (since she's in a blogging slump)
Wes (since he'd like the part about listing his favorite music & since Amber's got the whole slump thing going on...)
Hever
Hory Cow
Ruth (a little introspection before the 30th birthday)
Karin
Heidi

Dance on the Edge!

2008-04-25T09:55:00.000-07:00

Hey all you former HHS Dance Co-ers--check out this photo my sister Heather did! This one's not even the coolest either. She is the new photographer for Dance Company, working with Heidi Clark who took Robyn's spot. Heather is selling some of the photos at the concert (yes, Dance in Concert is going on this weekend if you're looking for something to do--nothing better than running into the B man at the old stomping grounds!). Anyway, I went last night to help her with selling them while she did the concert photos. I was telling this girl that was a sophomore dance company member "Oh, I was a sophomore on dance company.....15 YEARS AGO!!!!" What's up with that???? That's half my life ago!!! So weird. Heather will be updating her blog with more photos, but you can check some of last year's out here. Way cooler (in my opinion) than Ryan's stuff.

*P.S. Did you know that "So You Think You Can Dance" starts May 22nd? Set your DVR's!!!

Get your kicks on Route 66

2008-04-23T15:21:00.001-07:00

Well, it's been awhile since the last post because I went to Flagstaff to visit my brother and fam with my mom (Lily tagged along too). It was so nice to get out of town! And to make it even better, it was sunny and warm so we just loved being outside. Lily loved seeing her cousins again and was constantly saying, "Abe! What are you doing!?" or "Kai! Where are you going!?" etc. etc. etc... We miss them already and Lily's been asking, "where cousins go?" Thanks again to Dave and Myndie for letting us stay with them, and to Mimi for taking us. We needed it! The next few posts are of some of the things we did on the trip.

that's my boy....er, girl

2008-04-23T15:17:00.001-07:00

That night the girls went shopping and Dave stayed with the little kids. Lily saw her cousins in the bath and had to get in with them. So, when we got back from shopping Lily was dressed in Kai's clothes that Dave had put her in and she loved it! She slept in them that night and was so sad to take them off in the morning. She had so much fun playing with the boys' cars...with the outfit and the mullet hair, she easily could have been mistaken for a boy (which is so funny because she also always sings princess songs and dances...at least she's well rounded).

Radiator Springs

2008-04-23T15:13:00.001-07:00

We went to Sedona on Saturday and after watching Cars with Lily a million times, I really felt like I was in Radiator Springs! It was so pretty and it felt like we were really on vacation since it's such a tourist attraction. Fun, fun, fun.

Wheeeee!!!!

2008-04-23T15:11:00.001-07:00

While Dave and Mimi went to some art galleries in Sedona, Myndie and I stayed with the kids at a local park. It was great for them to be able to play after the long car ride. Oh, did I mention that Sadie and Lily had matching outfits? Down to the shoes and hairdo's. Lily loves, loves, loves the slide and went down it at least 85 times. She sure has nice cousins to go up and down the slide over and over with her--Sadie even squealed with her, it was so cute!

that's 2 hands!

2008-04-23T15:06:00.001-07:00

We were able to be with Sadie for her 10th birthday. I can't believe she's that old! We made some yummy crepes for breakfast with some mango/blueberry concoction Dave made. Myndie made an awesome ipod cake and Sadie couldn't wait to blow out the candles (especially since after that was present time). We made blue cotton candy with Sadie's new cotton candy maker--needless to say, I was excited she got that for her birthday. We went on a fun bike ride with Kai and Lily in tow. That night we surprised Sadie with a candy bar poster that was much more fun for us than for her (thinking up marv-rolo-us...brilliant!). And that night we watched Nancy Drew. Not a bad way to enter double digits, if you ask me!

head, shoulders, knees & TOES!

2008-04-15T21:44:00.001-07:00

Wow, thanks again to Amber for putting together a super fun evening (and to everyone for coming, I felt so special!). Using my birthday as an excuse, some of the ward gals got together at a hygienically questionable yet cheap nail salon close by and had manicures and pedicures-it was fantastic! The best was walking into church the next day and seeing all of these pink toes. Now it just needs to stop snowing so we can wear sandals again!

p.s. if you couldn't tell, the snork toe you're seeing belongs to yours truly....those hairy mountain men have nothing on me!

Ahh, nothing better than being pampered...

...except if you squirm when your feet get scrubbed like these two!

Don't we look refreshed?

The boys came over too, and why wouldn't they want to with a spread like that? Oh, and Lily may have found a new boyfriend--Ben (don't worry Holden, it's only because he's much more mobile than you right now).

Thanks again girls!

Man-Crush

2008-04-10T11:55:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, I am not an avid blogger. In fact, just the opposite. Becca writes the posts, I manage the music. . . it's a good relationship. It allows me to maintain my critical view of all bloggers without feeling too hypocritical. Sometimes though, I feel blogs can be very useful. Baby announcements, wedding dates, major life events, family photos. . . yada. . .yada. . .and so on. That being said I feel that I have a serious announcement that has been weighing on me for years now. The only way I can get it off my chest is to 'come out' and scream it from the roof tops.

I have, and have had, a man-crush on the following bearded musicians for quite some time now:

First and absolutely foremost: Sam Beam of Iron and Wine as seen here

As close second: Jim James of My Morning Jacket as seen here

Third: Ray Lamontagne as seen here

Last but not least: Ben Bridwell of Band of Horses as seen here

I feel like a weight has been removed from my shoulders. Becca, I hope you can learn to forgive me. . .

Easter Greetings

2008-04-08T20:47:00.001-07:00

Little late, but hope ya'll had a nice Easter. This year, Lily discovered how fun it can be! She loved finding eggs and loved finding out that inside the eggs were treats! Mimi was so sweet and took her Easter dress shopping-and boy, is she a lucky girl! The day before we went with Mimi & Papa John to see real baby chicks, ducks & bunnies at none other than the IFA! We also dyed eggs at their house that night. The Easter bunny left some eggs at our house but didn't hide them very well and Lily found them in about 5 seconds flat. Then we went to Grandma & Grandpa Leggat's for another hunt (by this time she was a pro) and she had a blast! Maybe next year we'll have to let that bunny know that she's up for a challenge! Happy belated Easter (but it's supposed be around this time anyway, right?)!

Cousins

2008-04-08T13:28:00.000-07:00

We had such a fun weekend with the Flagstaff cousins in town. I heard Lily this morning saying "Sadie? Abe? Kai Kai? Mac...x?"-she misses them already. Luckily, we're going to go see them soon unless I can't get out of jury duty (and this will be my second time in 2 1/2 years! Is that normal?)! We had a great time together and can't wait to see you guys again!

Thirty--check. Flirty--still got it. Thriving--you bet!

2008-04-06T22:36:00.000-07:00

Wow, are you impressed--new photos?!? It's amazing what can happen when you empty your computer's recycle bin. Wow, what a weekend. I've officially been spoiled rotten...so far the thirties aren't so bad! My cute brothers along with Kevin planned a surprise party for me Friday night. I was so surprised, in fact, I had to borrow clothes from my hip mother to look at least semi-ready to party. Dave and Myndie were in town for the weekend, and that was fun enough for me, but it was so so sweet of those boys to put something together for me!!!

The girls had fun chatting and seeing how big the babies have gotten...

...while the boys happily watched whatever sporting event was on at the time.

Then things got happenin' with an air hockey tournament. I, of course, was out in the first round (not that I had much of a chance anyway against Myndie the pro!). The finals came down to my bro Dave and Kevin with Dave being crowned the champion...but I'm sure there'll be a rematch.

Polished off the night with some cake (Tullis style with an unnecessarily oversized candle--usually due to not having birthday candles on hand--go big or go home, right?).

It was a fantastic evening that just continued into a wonderful weekend. I just feel so lucky to have such a supportive and loving family and great friends!

Thanks again to everyone for making my birthday so special!

I love you all so much!!!

Mimi

2008-04-03T09:23:00.001-07:00

Today is my mom's birthday. She's telling everyone she's 29, and even though she could totally pull that off, it's a little weird since I'm turning 30 in 2 days. I love my mom so much and here's a few reasons why:

1. She always knows just what to do to make you feel better. I call her everytime Lily is even remotely sick. But it's not just that, she has always been so good at making bad days go away (even if it means getting in the car and driving to St. George).
2. She is always hip and knows what's in style for the season. If you're ever wondering what the in colors are this spring, she's your gal! She's so much more in style than I ever could be.
3. She knows how to make everything look just right especially with her artsy little touches. There's no where I'd rather be for Christmas than at her house.
4. She loves pumping Radiohead full blast in her red buggy car on her way to work early in the morning.
5. She loves, loves, LOVES her kids and grandkids and always, always, ALWAYS does way too much for us!!!

We love you, Mimi!!! Thanks for everything you do!

Happy 29th Birthday!!!

Mamma Mia

2008-03-27T08:39:00.000-07:00

Lily has called me by many names--first it was mama or just plain ma, then mom and when she really wants my attention--Baca for Becca (which led to many yells of "Mom! Mama! Maca! Baca!"--you see the progression). But this week she has started calling me mommy for the first time. There's something about being called mommy that makes me feel like a real mom. I think it started because her bum's been hurting her so bad (darn those diaper rashes) which makes being called mommy even more sweet--because well, you know, when you're in pain the only thing you want is your mommy. Lots of times she says it in her fake baby voice (which, by the way, she's already mastered), but I'm falling for it against my better judgement...that girl's got me wrapped around her little finger.

Daffodils

2008-03-26T11:53:00.000-07:00

Still haven't gotten my computer cleared out enough to add more photos, but don't worry, some super cute ones will be coming soon....it will be totally worth the wait, I promise.

Today I saw the first daffodils blooming across the street. What a perfect flower for spring--so bright and cheery and hopeful. It's been a long winter and I think it's supposed to snow tomorrow, but it has been so nice to feel the warmth of the sun and have the longer evenings especially with the beautiful few days that we've had.

It was such a nice weekend for Easter, even with it being early this year. I loved that it came just when it's getting warmer and the symbolism that springtime provides--that-just like the daffodils-there is hope and that has been given to us through our Savior. Hmmmm....Ijust realized that our Enrichment meeting tonight might be talking about the same thing---I'll have to add more to this post once it's over.

But seeing that little daffodil today made me happy and I wanted to pass that along. With that, here's a thought for the day:

Look at the trees, look at the birds, look at the clouds, look at the stars... and if you have eyes you will be able to see that the whole existence is joyful. Everything is simply happy. Trees are happy for no reason; they are not going to become prime ministers or presidents and they are not going to become rich and they will never have any bank balance. Look at the flowers - for no reason. It is simply unbelievable how happy flowers are. ~Osho

Nacho Lily

2008-03-13T09:06:00.000-07:00

Your skills plus my skills--in the ring---tag team!

Might I digress...

2008-03-05T13:26:00.001-08:00

Due to technical difficulties (aka-no space left on the computer), I'll have to put some old photos up--again. This is from the shower we had for Wes and Amber pre-Holden. I put photos up of just the ward because they're the only ones that leave comments, and thus the only ones that care (just kidding). The best part was that since it was a couples shower and the boys didn't know how to handle it, they all watched sports in the kitchen and the girls chatted about high chairs and hooter hiders in the living room. Anyway, we had lots of fun and it was more a party for us because it was a great way to get to know everyone better. Now someone else is going to have a baby so we can do it again!

In honor of Leap day

2008-02-29T11:19:00.000-08:00

This one goes out to all the So You Think You Can Dance fans out there! These guys have nothing on Kevin and Chris though...

Lily loves...

2008-02-25T14:27:00.001-08:00

books. She has to take one to bed with her every time she goes to sleep. Some of her favorites lately have been Art by Patrcik McDonnell, Little Pea by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, and Walter the Farting Dog Goes on a Cruise by William Kotzwinkle, Elizabeth Gundy and Glenn Murray. I'm always looking for new, different books for her (particularly those with neat illustrations). Any ideas? What have been some of your (or your kids') favorite books?

Ode to Joe

2008-02-19T11:48:00.000-08:00

Happy 31st Birthday Joey!!!

We celebrated my brother Joey's birthday last night and obviously from the look on my mother's face, it was sooome party.

Here's to the world's greatest uncle!

(well, one of them anyway)