Sleeping Beauty

I love her eyes, I love her nose, I love her ears, her mouth, her hands and toes. I love her face, her rosy cheeks. I love these pictures.

Just Chloe bein' Chloe

Cute cousins....

Isabella, Tonio and Chloe.

Scrapbooking weekend....

It was supposed to just be one scrapbooking night, but because of my addictive personality, it turned into a scrapbooking weekend! Oby watched Chloe, with his one good eye. ha ha. There was a chemical splash at work and it got in his eye. It turned out to not be a big deal, but he did have to go to the ER, and then wear the patch for awhile. Oby's always good for a laugh, even when something serious happens. Tatum was hobbling around on crutches after his ankle surgery. Then on Sunday Oby had to go to the ER again because of gall stones and an ulcer. I had to get him a medication tray like the elderly use so he can keep track of all his pills and when he needs to take them. I thought I married a young, healthy man, but he's really falling apart! Ha ha. Love that boy.... almost as much as scrapbooking!

Heaven's Very Special Child

A meeting was held quite far from Earth
"It's time again for another birth,"
Said the angels to the Lord above,
"This special child will need much love."
His progress may seem very slow
Accomplishments he may not show
And he'll require extra care
From the folks he meets way down there.
He may not run or laugh or play
His thoughts may seem quite far away
In many ways he won't adapt
And he'll be known as handicapped.
So let's be careful where he's sent
We want his life to be content
Please, Lord, find the parents who
Will do a special job for you.
They will not realize right away
The leading role they're asked to play
But with this child sent from above
Come stronger faith and richer love.
And soon they'll know the privilege given
In caring for this gift from heaven
Their precious charge, so meek and mild,
Is heaven's very special child.

~Edna Massimilla

DREAM BIG little chloe.... love dad

Being a father has always been a dream of mine, to watch my children grow and be happy. From the day we were given bad news that Chloe might not sit, walk or be able to do all the things a parent wants their child to be able to do, I have struggled in dealing with that. But as I have seen her struggle, I realize that she needs me to be strong for her. I have come to understand that it's not what I want for her that is important, but that I will always be there for her and support her. I want her to chase big dreams, to give her any chance to do what she wants in this life. No matter what, she will always be my baby girl. Love you Chloe. -Dad

hope springs eternal

They say there are five stages of acceptance. I feel like, when it comes to Chloe's health, we go through all five stages about once a week! But somehow, throughout the process, divine intervention occurs, and by the time I get to the fifth stage, not only is it acceptance, but it's gratitude as well. This week, we've been dealing with the thought that Chloe may not ever catch up with her physical development. Our ever-optimistic Neurologist told me last week that he wasn't sure Chloe would ever be able to sit or walk. Denial immediately set in, and I didn't talk to anyone about it, except for Oby, and we both quickly ended the conversation with our typical response of, "it's going to be okay." And then, anger, bargaining and depression quickly took their turns. But then.... I consider it no small miracle that I happened across three or four very inspiring stories on the TV or circulating through the internet about children with health problems and their parent's inspiring reactions. I have learned during other challenges in my life to do all I can, to go after what I want, but at the end of the day, to just let go and let it be. Chloe is my beautiful blessing. She is not a statistic. She makes her own rules and has one heck of a determined little attitude. She will be able to do whatever she puts her mind to, I have no doubt of that. I am so grateful for her tremendous spirit and all that I learn from her everyday.

"Hope springs eternal in the human breast;Man never Is, but always To be blest:The soul, uneasy and confin'd from home,Rests and expatiates in a life to come." -Alexander Pope

Always on your side....

My friend Dara has been such a support to me for the past few years. Every chance we get, we meet for lunch, catch a chic flick, go for pedicures, check out the Parade of Homes, get take-out Cafe Rio, watch the Bachelor, play Mexican Train.... we've been through a lot of good times, hard times, and changes together for the past few years. It's been a real roller coaster for both of us, and we've just always been there for each other! So when she told me she was moving to Denver, I was excited for her, but sad for me. We threw a going away party for her last weekend and I'm going to help her pack and wave goodbye as she starts the drive toward her new life. I miss her already, even though I know we will stay close. We'll just do girl's weekends instead of girl's nights. I know that wherever she goes, she will have a story to tell about a guy (or guys), success in her professional life, a fabulously decorated home, rock hard abs from daily gym workouts, and many friends. She has had a rough few months, and I'm so excited for her fresh start! Thank you, Dara, for your friendship, and always know that no matter what, I am always on your side. Thanks for teaching me that part of the 'secret' is a true friend. Love ya girl.

Sunday Drive

We took a fabulous drive up to Logan with my parents on Sunday. We went through the Box Elder Bird Refuge. We didn't stop for any pictures, but it was so beautiful!.... hawks, ducks, seaguls, and a barn owl. We stopped for a yummy meal in Logan. Then we went through a canyon just outside of Hyrum and saw lots of deer, eagles, and moose. Then to Hardware Ranch with a field full of elk. It was a very nice drive and amazing to see all the wildlife!

Valentine's Day Presents

I got the prettiest daffodils and roses from my hubby on Valentine's Day! That's right..... TWO types of flowers! Then, to top it off, he also put together a vanity area for me in our bedroom so I can get ready while sitting. Yes, I'm lazy, and he knows it! I LOVE my vanity. Isn't it cute?!? So is my Valentine! Thanks honey!!!

My Funny Valentine

So.... ya know how babies change their expressions very quickly? Well, on Valentine's Day, Chloe kept making this new, adorable smile, and I thought it would be such a perfect photo op, while she was in her cute little Valentine polka-dot sweater. But every time I brought the camera around, she gave me this funny blank stare, or just a small smile. Then when I put the camera down, there was that darling smile! Then it went, just like that, for.... however many pictures there are in this slideshow. I never captured the smile, but I captured some funny expressions afterall. Oh Chloe!!!

Valentine's Day Cards

A few cards I made for Valentine's Day. My friend asked me to put these on my blog.

Things I love....

Yes, this is the day of romantic love, but I know when I talk about my romantic love on my blog, I get comments like, "Gag." So since Oby had to go to bed early and I'm bored, I was thinking about some THINGS I love, just for a change of pace. Here they are, in no particular order....

Daffodils. They represent hope and renewal, vulnerability. They remind me of falling in love and the day I got engaged. They were part of my Valentine's day gift from Oby today. Daffodils make me happy.

I absolutely LOVE Mountain Dew, and an occasional Dr. Pepper. Over ice, in a heavy glass. I shouldn't, but I do. There is nothing more refreshing, and sometimes it is the only thing that gets me through the day.... (and then keeps me up all night :)).

I used to not even like TV, but now that we have DVR, it is how I decompress, relax, and multi-task... with no commercials! This way I can indulge in many guilty pleasures; i.e. murder documentaries (Forensic Files, Snapped), reality elimination shows (American Idol, Apprentice, I Love New York and The Flavor of Love), design shows on HGTV (Freestyle, Designed to Sell), and all Sex and the City wannabes - there are quite a few these days.



I love crafting with my mom and in-laws.... scrapbooking, card-making, and whatever ideas I get from watching Martha Stewart and reading BHG magazine. While it's true that I'm not as passionate about glitter as some people are, I do agree that sometimes life needs just a little sparkle!

I love my laptop, er, notebook, as the kids are calling them these days!... It is an outlet for my love of digital photos and blogging. Let's just say I have a very well documented life. I love capturing my memories in jpg form and sharing them with whoever wants to look. I think it makes me more aware of all that I have to be grateful for. It's good for the soul.

I love the mountains. While this is very true, it is also an incredibly funny inside joke I have with my friend Amy... one of those 'you had to be there' things. But all joking aside, I honestly love the grandeur of the mountains and appreciate all aspects of nature. I love that I live in a place with all four seasons. I believe, when truly appreciated, nature evokes humility and brings peace.

Aaaah, music. In my mind, every day and every memory has its own personal soundtrack, full of melodies and lyrics. I love my iPod. I love playing the piano. I love listening to my dad play the guitar. I love hearing people sing. I love singing in the car. Music sets the mood and helps me sort out my feelings when I can't find the right words. I love music.

I couldn't let her first Valentine's Day go past without letting everyone know how much I love her (not that there's ANYONE out there who doesn't know that)! Here are a few of the latest pictures of my adorable baby girl.

Crushin' on my Husband

I have a crush on my husband. Whenever I think of how we met, and how I felt when we met, and how much my life has changed since we met, I am honestly overcome. From the beginning, there was a natural friendship and attraction. It has always been undeniable that he is my one. He is so full of life, and because of that he fills my life and Chloe's life with so much joy. I know our lives intersected at the perfect time to begin our journey together. No matter the situation, he has an undertone of silliness, and helps keep me grounded. I can't keep track of how many times a day he tells me he loves me, and his actions back up his words. I am so grateful for Oby and the love we share. Happy Valentine's Day, Sweetheart!

50 Years Ago...

We had a little celebration for Grandma and Grandpa Bennett's 50th Anniversary and Grandpa's 3/4 of a century Birthday at Market Street Grill. Aside from enjoying some Bennett family good times, we also got to enjoy some fabulous seafood. Mike brought a fact sheet about what was happening in the world the year Grandma and Grandpa were married. I thought it was interesting and wanted to share some facts I found about what things cost in 1958:

House: $30,000

Average income: $4,650

Ford car: $1967-$3929

Milk: $1.01

Gas: $.24

Bread $.19

Postage stamp: $.04

A visit from the Mann Clan!

We were so excited when Travis and Katrina asked us to watch the kids while they went to the Logan temple with Katrina's sister. We hardly ever get to see those kids and love them to death! Wyatt is such a funny little man, he has strong opinions about politics, and isn't afraid of anything. Jake is a little sweetheart and always wants to make sure everyone is taken care of. Aspen is a little firecracker, she is in charge of her big brothers, that's for sure, and she LOVES Chloe! The boys all went to the zoo while us girls chilled at home. Then the boys came home for snowball fights and many rounds of hide and seek. We had a great time and can't wait to see them again, hopefully soon! Stay warm up in Montana you cuties!

Getting ready for Ezekial to come!

Ezekial is due March 10th.... If it's up to Megan, he'll come a lot sooner than that! We threw a shower for her. After all, there's a lot of stuff you need when a baby's on its way! We are all getting SO excited to meet Zeke!!!