Summer 2014

I'm seriously dying to get caught up so I can blog like usual. But catch up it is.

After Chloe's terrifying seizure episode in May, we decided to do a 72-hour EEG to see what was going on. We've done them before and it was not a big deal. This time, however, Chloe developed a stomach bug on the first day. So as you can see from the pictures below, with all the electrodes, wires, hair cap, and a sick little girl (who would still sometimes be very happy, which is the cutest thing ever and never ceases to amaze me), it was quite awful. She even ended up in the hospital one night to get IV fluids. She goes through so much, but she is always so sweet.

EEG

IV fluids at Primary Children's Hospital for dehydration

Sweet get well gifts from friends

 

Sam, of course, got the viral bug a few days later.
This was his first time being sick and it was so sad, but so sweet.

Random cuteness from the summer:

Sam's first time at Bear Lake. Loved it!

Cascade Springs. Beautiful AND accessible hike! Awesome!

Oby and I on a lunch date at Scrud's - downtown Ogden. Fun!

Downtown Ogden date continued.
Scrud's burgers rule.
This doll in an antique store was unquestionably one of the most
terrifying things we have ever seen! Yikes! But hilarious!

Learning to clap.

4th of July!

Just hanging out in Park City

This outfit, though!

At Oby's cousin's wedding. So silly, so fun.

Silver Lake. One of our favorites!

Looking amazing in their Sunday best!

Sam's face!!!! :D

Floated the Weber River with Oby's family.
Always the best time!

Went to Wicked with Taylor and her gal pals. Amazing!

Wyatt and I went on a bike ride with Chloe in the Wike at Jensen Nature Park.

So awhile back, we had considered getting Chloe a service dog. We went through a rigorous application process and got approved! But after much consideration, I decided a service dog was just not a good fit for Chloe. They require a great deal of care and ongoing training, much more than a typical dog, and the organization we were going through required an annual trip to California. Ummm....that just wasn't always going to work for us, time wise and financial wise. So I put the idea of a dog on the back burner. Then my dad asked if I thought our family might like a Havanese puppy. His dog, Cruz, is a Havanese and he had looked into studding him out (is that the right phrasing? LOL!) and we could have the pick of the litter. I think Cruz is a cutie and they don't shed and....I said okay let's do it! So a sequence of events occurred and .... we got to pick a puppy! I initially picked a girl, but Oby decided he'd rather have a boy so we picked a little black and white cutie patootie who we named Tuxedo and call Tux. I mean...He is just so cute!

This was Tux's sister on the day they were born! Meep!
I think we planned to call her Hannah, but it wasn't meant to be.

The puppies with their mama on the day they were born.

Tux - about a month old. :)



Tux - the day we took him home!

My two babies in the double stroller
Yes, I got a lot of looks for this!
Tux had a vet appointment and I only have so many hands
so the double stroller worked, okay?! :D

February 2013

February was busy, but fun....

Chloe and Tracker

We had a fun date for Valentine's.... we did a staycation at Little America. We strolled downtown Salt Lake, got sushi, went to a museum, caught a movie, went hot tubbing, and just enjoyed being together!

My cousin, Amy, threw a CUTE Valentine's Day party!

Chloe had a HORRIBLE stomach virus in February! We took her to the ER because of dehydration twice. Ugh, it was not fun. But she was still her sweet, smily self (most of the time).

Probably the biggest news of February was that (drum-roll please....) I quit my job!!!!! It would take way too long for just a "catch up" post to explain in detail all the reasons and miracles that brought this about, but let's just say I'm grateful Oby supported me in the decision because it was time. Emotionally, spiritually, and physically I was spent and ready to dive in to my true roll as mother. My last day of work was the last day of February. I have to say, though, even though I detested my job at MRIoA, I did love many of my co-workers and miss them to this day. However, even there was a rough transition period back into my roll as stay at home mom, it was worth it and I'm glad every single day.

Love Date!

Goodness gracious, it's been a long time since I blogged! Chloe went to sleep at a decent hour tonight so be prepared for a photo dump!

Let's see, I think the first thing to catch up on was our Valentine's Day fiasco. Oby called me a week or so before Valentine's Day and even though we had already talked about it and I already knew the plans, he called me with a sweet voice and asked me on a date. "Tara, I was wondering what you're doing next Tuesday night? I've got tickets to the Lady Antebellum concert and I was thinking we could go to Little America afterward..." So darn cute, I love him!

We had long been awaiting this concert. This is one of very few bands that we 100% agree to be 100% fabulous! And we were going to take Wednesday morning off work, get room service breakfast, and hit the hot tub before returning to reality.

But reality struck too soon... Chloe came down with Strep throat, lovingly shared it with me, and I battled three nights of fevers, the worst of it being on, you guessed it, Valentine's Day.

Silver lining to the story? Oby was able to sell the tickets to a co-worker who also shared a love for Lady A with his wife and their two teenage daughters were already going. It ended up being a wonderful family date for them and that made me happy.

And another silver lining? We were still able to use our stay at Little America that weekend when Chloe and I had our fevers under control (although the FIVE fever blisters on my lips were anything BUT under control)! If you live in the Salt Lake area, I highly recommend a stay-cation here. I just LOVE their pool, the prices are reasonable, the room service fabulous, and did I mention I love their pool?!?!.... It has a lovely view, it is the PERFECT temperature, and you can go from inside to outside and since the temperature is so lovely, even in the winter it's fun to swim outside!

Chloe had so much fun. This girl just LOVES to kick and splash!

She also just LOVES her daddy!

The next day we took the scenic drive home, jamming to Lady A the whole way! It wasn't the romantic Valentine's we planned, but it was filled with LOVE nonetheless. (Awww!)

Catching Up

I've been a major blog slacker this week, but don't worry it's because I've been having FuN!!!

We went to see The Civil Wars in concert on the night of our anniversary. This was truly the best anniversary date I could ever have dreamed up! I had permagrin from the moment I stepped into my favorite Salt Lake venue, then the grin just widened when Rayland Baxter hit the stage. I am so sad that there is no decent version of The Mountain Song he sang that I could share with you or that I could put on replay for myself. Fortunately, though, I do have The Civil Wars songs on repeat and they all make me blissfully happy! Without question, the live version of Barton Hollow was my favorite part of the night, which shocked me because I don't usually prefer the mainstream songs - but WOW! It. Was. Amazing. THEY are amazing! The radio edit just does not do justice to the real deal -- nor do any youtube videos, unfortunately. Poison and Wine was another favorite performance. (That song was used for a SYTYCD routine last week, did you see it?!?) Oby really usually does not like going to concerts or anything like it, but he really likes The Civil Wars and surprisingly loved Rayland Baxter. So he was just a delightful date and I was so blissfully over the moon happy and in love! What better way to celebrate 5 years of marriage? I can't think of anything!

I'd do a more formal review of the concert, but it's already been done so eloquently here - no need to repeat, right? It has absolutely nothing to do with my being lazy.... ;)

Speaking of being lazy, we spent the rest of last week and this weekend sitting on the beach at Bear Lake. This was my song for that getaway (minus the dolphin impersonation, of course - hahaha!)....

Come and open up your folding chair next to me.
My feet are buried in the sand, and there's a breeze.
There's a shadow, you can't see my eyes.
And the [lake] is just a wetter version of the skies.

When we weren't lounging in our folding chairs, we were chilling on the Relaxation Station. I could go on and on and on about this thing, but let's just leave it at this - get one. You'll thank me later.

I just set my alarm for 6:30 a.m. Back to reality in the morning, I suppose. *sigh*

Expect pictures from our Bear Lake trip soon (delayed mainly because of SD driver malfunction -- any tips are appreciated!) We had so much fun, I can't wait to show it off!!!

I hope everyone else had a lovely holiday weekend as well :)

p.s. I know this post is ridiculously disjointed, repetitive, and grammatically incorrect, but I'm too tired to edit. Maybe tomorrow? haha yeah right.

High Five For My Obi-Wan

In honor of today's five-year wedding anniversary, we are accepting virtual high fives!

I planned to write something about how Oby and I met for today's post. It was going to be adorable, quirky and fun, filled with lots of inside jokes and sweet memories. Ours is such a silly and charming love story ~ it's my favorite one, in fact.

I started and stopped writing the story a couple dozen times this week, but I've decided that, for now, the story belongs in the sacred places in my heart where only I can go. Yes, I'm selfish like that.

Just know that Oby truly and without question came into my life at the exact right time and was the perfectly imperfect person who I instantly knew was an ideal match for me. I knew I could and would always love, trust, and adore him. And he has always let me know that I am the only one for him as well. He tells me every day both in word and action.

I love my "Oby-Wan."

Here is a video I put together. This was something I thought I was doing for Oby, but it ended up to be a gift for myself. To dig back through pictures and relive some pretty special moments made me feel some of those same feelings. One of the most prevalent feelings I remember when I was dating and decided to marry Oby was peace. Even the day of our wedding, I remember so vividly being worried that I wasn't excited enough. Don't get me wrong, I was blissful! I was SO thrilled! But the overriding emotion was peace. I knew, unquestionably, that I was making the right decision to marry this man. And if I could go back today, I would still choose him.

Five Years from Tara Bennett on Vimeo.

Songs:

I Do by Colbie Caillat

Better Together by Jack Johnson

Let it be Me by Rosie Thomas

Many of my friends tell me I don't deserve Oby... everyone who knows the pair of us knows that he is the good one. He lives these words of wisdom, and I just try to be as good as him....

Marriage is not a noun;
it's a verb.
It isn't something you get.
It's something you do.
It's the way you love your partner
every day.

~Barbara de Angelis

I just had to throw in this picture because it's cute.....


Happy Anniversary, my sweet friend! I love you! I love us!

Love Notes

A love note to my sweethearts:

I love you both so much!

Thank you for giving me a life filled with joy

and kisses and hugs and laughter and

immeasurable happiness!

Valentine's Day was filled with love

(just like all the other days)

and special (just like all the other days),

and that's how Valentine's Day should be....

just like all the other days!

Chloe got a little license plate for her wheelchair.

Oh my wordie, isn't it cute?

She sent love notes to her

classmates, teachers and therapists at school.

Her Valentine love notes had a special symbol on them,

and also included Hello Kitty magnets and

"Chloe's Sunshine Playground" chapstick,

plus the girls got bows for their hair!

I meant to make a mailbox for Chloe to take and receive her love notes,

but didn't remember until the last minute.

So instead we decorated a gift bag,

and I think it turned out pretty cute!

That night Chloe stayed with Grammy
(thank you, Mom!!!!!!)

So Oby and I could go on a date.

It was amazing!

Mindy Gledhill sure knows how to fill the air

with love notes.

That girl can sing!

She sounds better in person.

How is that possible?

It was fun and whimsical and special.

I felt like a teenager

~giddy with excitement~

...crushin' on my date...

it was

perfect.

xo

Love Songs Day 14

To Oby:

I think this is the perfect song for Valentine's Day
"Be my honeypie,"
is essentially asking, "Won't you be mine?"


This song just reminds me of US...
When I hear it,
I imagine us dancing, being silly, laughing.
I love you. I love us.
Happy Valentine's Day, Sweetheart!




To Chloe:

I think when many people see us,
they feel bad.
They misunderstand our life SO much.
YOU are amazing!
You give nothing but joy and love!
We live such a charmed life together with daddy.
I love this life.
Thank you for the Valentine's gift
a new charm for my bracelet.


It is just perfect
because it represents YOU
and the charmed life we live together.
Happy Valentine's Day, baby girl!!!





xo

Love Songs Day 13

To Oby:

Baby,
You've got what it takes!




To Chloe:

Grammy always sings this song to you
I just love the words
and the melody....
so sweet, so fun, so YOU.
I especially love this part:

Ya make my life a mess, yes
A mess of happiness
About you, about you
Cause I love you a bushel and a peck
You bet your pretty neck, I do!

xo

Love Songs Day 12

To Oby:
These lyrics make me think of you

"I will tell you I will love you
love, love, love you."

When we first fell in love and were married,
I couldn't believe how often you would tell me you loved me.
I liked it. A lot.
For some reason, though, I was afraid if you told me so much
that it would get old or lose its sense of sincerity.
I was wrong. I love it still.
It doesn't get old. It doesn't feel insincere
because it's not just words.
You really do love me with your actions.
And guess what?
I love you too.




To Chloe:

i wished for you
and you came true



xo

Love Songs Day 11

today's songs are simple
~and fun~
the lyrics are about love
the tunes are upbeat and happy
...a great representation
of how I feel about
my two sweethearts


To Oby:




To Chloe:



xo

Love Songs Day 10

Both Oby and Chloe's songs today are by the same artist
JJ Heller
I love her
and the way she expresses love
through song
Enjoy!

For Oby:

If you were a boat, my darling
A boat, my darling
I'd be the wind at your back
If you were afraid, my darling
Afraid, my darling
I'd be the courage you lack

If you were a bird, then I'd be a tree
And you would come home, my darling to me
If you were asleep, then I'd be a dream
Wherever you are, that's where my heart will be

Oh, do you know we belong together?
Oh, do you know my heart is Yours?

If you were the ocean, I'd be the sand
If you were a song, I'd be the band
If you were the stars, then I'd be the moon
A light in the dark, my darling for




For Chloe:

When I hold you in my arms, Love
Something changes
It's the strangest feeling
The things that used to matter
They don't matter to me
When I see you
And you're smiling
How my heart aches
So full it is about to break
You make me believe in love

I could never count all the ways
That you change me, Baby
Every day the sky is a deeper shade of blue
When I'm with you

When I hear you, and you're crying
It resonates, Dear
In a place I didn't know was there
You make me believe in love

Beautiful baby
You're sweeter than strawberry pie
Just like the morning
Your smile brings the sunshine

xo

It's my dream to one day be a brilliant lyricist. Like this gem, JJ, or Mindy Gledhill or Johanna Stahley..... Someday, folks. Someday.

Love Songs Day 9

To Oby:
Well, we made it through our minor rough patch.
It really was so trivial.
I'm sorry that I let some things get under my skin.
In the end, we laughed about it, like we always do.
We planned our Valentine's weekend.
Life is good.
Life is better with you in it.
Thank you!




To Chloe:
I'm in heaven when you smile.
I'm in heaven when I snuggle you to sleep
and you cling to my shirt.
I'm in heaven when I come home from work
and you greet me with such excitement,
kicking, squealing and blowing kisses.
Pretty much any moment with you
~that is my idea of heaven~



xo

Love Songs Day 8

To Oby:

Maybe it's love song overload? I dunno, but today it was hard to come up with a love song dedication. Quite simply, it's not one of those blissful-over-the-moon-twitterpated-with-my-hubby days.

Yes, there are times where I consider impeaching myself as President of the Oby Fan Club, because I'm not such a huge fan. But I know that after a few minutes or hours, I'll put back on my "Oby is the best husband ever," flair pins and fall in love all over again. And give you bucket loads of hugs and kisses and forget all about what even started my irritation in the first place.

In many ways, I consider this sincere admission a declaration of love just as much - and possibly even more - than the other days. Because it's an expression of unconditional love. I know you love me unconditionally as well and thank heaven for that because I know I'm not the easiest girl to love. Even though we make each other a little bit crazy sometimes, I still think we make a pretty great team.

A Little Bit Crazy by Jess Penner:




To Chloe:

one of my favorite moments with you and daddy
was last November
in Vegas
it was COLD
we were snuggling together trying to keep warm
while we stopped at Bellagio
to watch the dancing waters
i'm forever grateful to Aunt Aisha
that she captured this moment
it was a good moment with YOU

the song that played with the dancing waters
~Your Song by Sir Elton John~
i had never cared too much this song until then
maybe it was the dancing water, yet
it was impossible to watch the dancing water
i couldn't keep my eyes off you
you were soaking in the water and the music
then you were letting us know in your own special way of communicating
"i LOVE this and i LOVE you guys!"
you kept blowing kisses to daddy and i
and you even blew kisses to the dancing water
it was so sweet and even profound
almost a life-changing moment
one of those instances where time seemed to stand still
it was perfect
for a non-verbal child, you still are able to purely express
~LOVE~
and i have seldom felt so much love from you
as i did in that magical moment
love and gratitude for your family
i hope you felt the love we were giving back to you
i hope you heard the message of the song
~how wonderful life is when you're in the world~
we love you and are grateful that you love us
it is an honor



xo

Love Songs Day 7

To Oby:

To Chloe:

I think this song is lovely
And YOU are lovely, baby girl
I will love you forever and a day



xo

Love Songs Day 6

To Oby:
I hope this doesn't seem like a cop-out,
but the lyrics really just sum it up.

I'm gonna love you ~ always




To Chloe: We decided to name your playground 'Chloe's Sunshine Playground.' It seemed an obvious choice. One time a city councilman asked why we chose that name. I did my best to explain, but it wasn't until he met you in person a few weeks later that he truly understood. He said to me, "Ah, now I see. She simply lights up the room. She IS sunshine. The name is perfect!"

Oh yeah I’m looking at the sun
Me and everyone
Looking at you

What’s new?
I guess I’ve never seen
A world so green
Than here beside you

This day is the perfect day
There’s nothing in our way
This is our time

I know what I’m holding in my arms
Keep it safe and warm
Just you and me now

Oh yeah
I’m looking at the sun
My darling young one
Here beside you

Right now
Before our world so green
Grows cold and changes scene
And the nights get darker

For now
I’m looking at the sun
Someday the rain might come
But I love the sunshine



xo

Love Songs Day 5

To Oby: You know, before I met you I had rules. I had to date someone at least a year before even considering marriage. That was before I knew that falling love had absolutely nothing to do with rules or rational decision-making. I truly had no choice in the matter. I just simply knew that I had to give you my hand and my whole life too.




To Chloe: Papa used to sing this song to me when I was a little girl. He even sang it on my wedding day. And now we sing it to you, our sweet little miss blue eyes.

xo

Love Songs Day 4

To Oby:
I imagine us singing this song in the car
just like two silly kids in love
You really do make me happy
Thank you




To Chloe: Lovely, wonderful, precious.... just a few of the words I use when I'm bragging about you. It's like a pandora's box when I start talking about you - I simply cannot stop!



xo

Love Songs Day 3

To Oby: I truly am grateful that "all the wrong turns, the stumbles, the falls... brought me here." You have now idea how lucky I know I am to be HERE with YOU.




To Chloe: There is little I could add to these lyrics.
Ditto, ditto, ditto.....



As I watch you lying in your bed,
I bow my head
And I thank God for this child that He's given me
You're not different, you are perfect like you're supposed to be

So baby, no matter what happens in this life
I will always, I will love you,
I will love you my baby

And as I watch you learning to do things
I never thought you could do
I'm amazed and I'm so in love with you
And even through the hard times,
I don't know what my life would be without you

So baby, no matter what happens in this life
I will always, I will love you
I will love you my baby

There have been so many struggles on this road
But God will see us through, this much I know, yes I know
'Cause I love you more every day
And nothing in this world could ever take that away

So baby, no matter what happens in this life
I will always, I will love you,
I will love you my baby, my baby, my baby, my baby....

xo

Love Songs Day 2

To Oby: I never believed in love at first sight. In fact, I still don't. But after meeting you, I definitely believe that you can have an instant connection. The first time I met you, I literally felt a spark and I knew I wanted to feel that way for a very long time.

To Chloe: I adore you. That adoration consumes me - heart and soul. And I don't adore you out of any sense of motherly obligation. I adore YOU - that person you are way deep inside that is so full of joy and love and mischief and mutual adoration.
It's a lovely feeling!



xo

Love Songs Day 1

As part of my Valentine celebrations, I'm dedicating a love song to my two sweethearts every day for 14 days. Ever since I was tall enough to toddle over to the piano keys, I've been in love with music. Ever since I met Oby, I've been in love with him. Ever since I met Chloe, well, you get the idea..... What a better way to express my love than through something I love: music and lyrics. The only problem is narrowing it down to just two songs a day. But I'll do my best!

To Oby: Thank you for being a true companion in every sense of the word. You are the best friend and partner I could ever ask for. It is an honor to experience life with you by my side.

To Chloe: I've been singing this song to you since ever since I was expecting you. I never knew just how much these words would ring true.... there really is no one quite like you. You are such a special soul. I like your eyes, your nose, your face, your toes... but I LOVE you!



xo