Beautiful Baby

We had these pictures taken for Chloe's 1st Birthday. I can't believe it's almost been a year since they placed her in my arms. I think you can see heaven right in her eyes. She is so beautiful and precious and my special girl.

Good ol' Friends

So - back in the day, for two years, I lived in the cutest house in Sugarhouse with two of my favorite roommates and friends ever! We haven't been all together in years, but tonight we had a BBQ at Jamie's house. It was just like not a day had gone by. I love friends like that! I love these girls, they are the best! Oh, the things we've been through together! Love it.

Dianna (aka Double D), Jamie & me

Poor Chloe is fighting a bug, is cutting two teeth, and is extremely shy, so she wasn't at all herself, but she was a good girl - and cute as always!

Jamie's little man Mason is such a cute and happy boy!

Dianna's cute little ones - Emily and Easton - eating ice cream cones with Jamie's little Sadie. Such cute kids!

'Next Week' is finally here....

Okay, I have a new strategy for finally getting rid of my baby, comfort food, and Mountain Dew weight. I am announcing on my blog that I am going to truly start eating healthy and exercising tomorrow. (Eat less and move more - hmmmm.... what a novel concept.) By actually doing a blog post about my resolution, maybe I'll be too embarassed to still be lazy and eating terribly in front of any of you. I have been telling myself, Oby, and anyone who will listen, that I am going to start 'next week' for I don't know how many weeks. Well, 'next week' is finally here. Seriously, this time! Here's to reaching my goal weight in 3 months.... I've got several boxes of 'skinny clothes' up in the attic I'm dying to wear again (if they're still in style, that is).

Our Little Linus

Our poor nephew Henry is always sick! He has asthma and a lot of allergies, and it seems like something is always wrong with his poor health.... but nothing his Spiderman sippy cup, blankie, Buzz Lightyear PJ's, pink teddy bear, and Mommy can't fix!

I think he looks like Linus in this picture.

Oh, so I mentioned the asthma and allergies. I forgot about his ear infection and the fact that he fell down on Nana and Papa's driveway - forehead first!

Chloe was cutting a 3rd tooth today also, so she wasn't have a good day either, which means none of us were having a good day. PJ helped Nana make Rice Krispy treats to try to help all of us feel better - and it worked!

Sidewalk Art

Taylor is in town, which means..... hair makeover time! And boy did I need it! When she and I got back from doing my hair, we were greeted with the following chalk art pieces done by Henry and Nana.....

Taylor.

Me. (What's with my nose? I dunno, but overall, I think I make a pretty hot sidewalk person, if I do say so myself.)

And last but not least, Nana, Goldie & Henry.

The Circus

For a fabulous circus act, starring Taylor, PJ, Tami & Henry, please see the Circus Video below. They give a new definition to circus freaks! =)

70's Party

To commemorate 'The Big 30' we went retro, back to the decade of my birth! It was complete with bowling, pizza, polyester & vintage T's. Thanks to everyone who came and helped me ring in my 31st year in style.... 70's style that is!

A Milestone

I got a message from a neighbor yesterday telling me that a gift had been delivered to her house since I wasn't home, and that I could find it on her table. I was anxious to get there and find out what it was!....

It was this fabulous spring bouquet from my sweet husband. I think it is SO pretty!

For some people 4/20 means 'it's time to smoke pot,' Adolf Hitler's Birthday, the date of the Oklahoma City bombing, or the date of the Columbine shootings. Basically, it symbolizes a lot of negative things in the world. But for me, it symbolizes a birthday, and this year was a milestone. Here is a picture of my birthday cake made exactly as I like by my mom, and decorated by my nephew Jake. For those of you who are counting, there are 23 candles there. That number is unfortunately inaccurate. I guess Jake was 7 candles shy. That's right, people, I'm 30! Aaaaah! I can't believe I'm that old! But I've been told 30 is the new 20. Oh hell, I can't do my 20's again! (sorry for the language, but it's just appropriate for how I feel about the subject) I'd just like to be 30, thank you very much. =)

Henry's Two!

Here are a few pics from our nephew Henry's Birthday party. What a cute boy!

Happy Birthday Henry!

Grammy's House

Every time I go to pick Chloe up at my mom's house, something is going on! Today Jake and his cousins, Brody and Colby, were running around with airplanes and throwing popcorn kernels.

Then Jake had a soccer game. His soccer outfit is pretty cute!

Chloe was worn out from all the activity and found the perfect spot to sleep - on her Grammy's shoulder, on the rocking chair! My mom is such a good Grandma. We are all so lucky to have her!

Moab

Oby went four-wheeling in Moab with some of his friends for the weekend. I thought he was going to thoroughly enjoy being away from the ol' ball and chain, but instead he has called me about 100 times since he left and claims to miss Chloe and I a lot! He told his buddies that next year instead of 'dude fest' he just wants to do a trip with all their families because he'd rather be with Chloe and I. We miss him too, but mostly I'm just jealous he gets to be four-wheeling in 70 degree weather while I'm working on claims. But apparently, next year, I get to go! Hooray!!!!

Hope

Today I just happened across a quote about a caterpillar changing into a butterfly. Sometimes the simplest moments can have a profound effect on me. This little reminder evoked a powerful feeling of hope and encouragement that I have never experienced. I was reminded that nothing ever stays the same and nothing is ever exactly as it seems. Chloe is so amazing. I am in constant awe of her sweet, happy, determined soul. Everyone can see the beauty within her. Complete strangers who know nothing of her condition comment on her special presence, something not visible to the eye, yet we all see it. She is my little caterpillar that could! I am so grateful for the lessons she teaches me. I never cease to be amazed by it all.

All Together

Tami & Mike with the grandkids all together!



Taylor and the boys flew in from NH today. Since Ezekial was born, this is the first time we've had all Oby's siblings together with all the kids! The only people missing were Pete and Nick. Aisha made her famous shrimp and we had Marzipan cake to commemorate Tami's half-century Birthday. The kids played so well together and gave Chloe lots of kisses as usual!

I never realized our nephews are so talented! PJ did a fabulous singing/signing rendition on the classic Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. Tonio wrote a song dedicated to Isabella and sang it for me. The videos of these talented young men are below for your viewing pleasure!

New Strategy

Chloe's Occupational Therapist came for a session yesterday. She talked about some other babies she had worked with who had suffered from delayed development after having Infantile Spasms. She said sensory therapy and working on the vestibular system helped immensely. We are going to start using repetitive, rhythmic therapies with music and motion and I feel so optimistic about it! I feel confident she will one day be able to develop and reach her milestones, so she can discover the beauty of the world around her, the possibility within her, and be able to play with her friends and cousins.

Aaahhh.... SPRING!

What a pretty day it was today! We went on a drive, then went to a park to stake out where we want to have Chloe's Birthday party in just a few weeks. Chloe just loves being outside! You couldn't wipe the smile off her face if you tried. She's my happy girl!
We hope this warm weather keeps up because we LOVE being together outside!

Birthday BBQ

We threw a Q for Oby's big day.... food, friends & good times.

He may be a year older, but he's always a kid at heart!

Party girl Chloe was there to wish her daddy a Happy Birthday!

I love my cuties.

Growing Old

Today is Oby's Birthday! It is fun growing old together.

I love you, Sweetheart!

Reading Chloe's Thoughts

Sometimes Chloe makes certain expressions and I have to wonder what she's thinking about. Tonight when she was doing exercises, she suddenly cranked her head around and gave me a look. I just knew exactly what she was wanting to say....

'Does this onesie make my bum look big????'

She is, afterall, her mama's girl.

Antelope Island

We listened to the 2nd session of conference while driving through Antelope Island. We enjoyed seeing the wildlife and Chloe was a good girl, so it was a nice day!

Conference & Breakfast

We went to my mom and dad's house to watch the 1st session of conference and had a yummy breakfast! Jake was there and schooled his grandma at Checkers.

SURPRISE!

We threw a surprise party for Tami's 50th Birthday!

She really was surprised!

Chloe wore cute new sandals!

And had a good laugh with her Papa.

day at the park

Oby and I had the pleasure of watching my niece and nephew, Aspen and Wyatt, today while my brother and sister-in-law went to a wedding! We love having them over because we don't get to see them very much since they live in Montana. We went to Layton park to enjoy the cool spring weather, feed the birds, and play in the park. They had a great time and Chloe LOVED being outside! Then we came home and had a peanut butter & jam picnic in our backyard. I love those kids.

Mason

My friend Jamie's 6-month-old, Mason. What a cute boy!

Spring in Utah...

Oby is working days again (hooray!) which means he is home at night.... which means he can watch Chloe while I have scrapbook night with my friend Jamie! I had already packed all Chloe's winter clothes up in the attic. That was before I heard it was going to snow and be cold all week! What the heck is up with that anyway! But Oby didn't let the cold weather stop him. He and Chloe went on a walk and we had to make do with layering her spring/summer clothes to keep her warm. We call this look 'cold spring shabby chic.' It's SO in right now. =) I'm so glad Oby supports my scrapbooking addiction and is such a good daddy. And I'm so glad Jamie was able to come hang out with me AND that she brought Cafe Rio for dinner. That's always good!