Two Reasons I Love Today

I am so excited!!!!

6 months already?

It doesn't seem like 6 months ago today this was Elise


She was so little

This is her today

No longer a little baby

We love this little girl

Husband Tag

1. Where did you meet? We met in 1999 when we worked together at the Provo Marriott. Didn't start dating until 2002.
2. How long did you date before you got married? 2 years
3. How long have you been married? 4 years
4. What does he do that surprises you? He can hike 27 miles in one day no problem but struggles to run 3 miles. Also he loves me unconditionally even when my OCD takes over.
5. What is your favorite feature of his? I love his shoulders. I also love that he is tall because I like to wear heels.
6. What is your favorite quality of his? He won't admit it but he is very sensitive to others feelings. He genuinely cares about people.
7. Does he have a nickname for you? Baby cakes, cakes, mama, and pooks
8. What is his favorite color? Blue-Cowboys blue, Carolina blue, BYU blue
9. What is his favorite food? Anything I make and anything from JCW's, something we miss being here in Texas.
10. What is his favorite sport? let me think...FOOTBALL, basketball, soccer, cycling, hiking, climbing really he just likes sports.
11. When and where was your first kiss? He finally kissed me after almost a month of dating. It was at my sisters house where I was living.
12. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? Get it on
13. Do you have any children? Yes, see question above.
14. Does he have a hidden talent? Yes, refer to question #12
15. How old is he? 33 almost 34
16. Who said I love you first? I think we might disagree on this one but I am going to say he did.
17. What's his favorite music? anything really but his favs are U2, Pete Yorn, and Neil Diamond
18. What do you admire most about him? He is his own person. He love the outdoors and it makes him who he is. I admire that he is honest, he is a great dad and husband, and he thinks I am funny.
19. Do you think he will read this? It is a football weekend so he might see it when he is online checking his fantasy football stats.

Bouncing Baby

I took this video of Elise today. She loves to be in her bouncey seat.

Church got out early for us today

yep that's poo, all over Jim. It even got on his shoes!

4 years ago today

We were here


With those we love

Celebrating


That was then

This is now


We are still celebrating


I couldn't have imagined


We would have so much joy

I have the best husband


Happy Anniversary Baby!!

*Thank you to our friend Maggi for the great family photos. You can find her website here.

I Do Not Take it For Granted

I have always wanted to nurse my children. I saw my mother do it with my younger siblings and knew for me it was something I wanted with my own babies. Before Elise was born my mama friends told me that it may take some time and it isn't always easy. I didn't worry too much about it and looked forward to actually being able to try it out.
That first night in the hospital I tried to nurse her but she just wouldn't latch on. Now, in case you don't know I am well endowed. Sorry to be blunt but it's true. My little one had this teeny tiny mouth and it just wasn't happening. Over the next few weeks we would try everyday. I pumped and fed her from the bottle or try the nipple shield which was a very time consuming process, as some of you know. Everybody I talked to including the lactation specialist told me to just be patient and not give up.
I prayed. I prayed everyday that she would nurse.
After 6 weeks of this I didn't think I could take it anymore. I wanted this so badly and I didn't want to give up. I was returning to work soon and knew that I wouldn't be able to keep up the same routine at work. She was going to have to start nursing or take a bottle. After 6 weeks of nipple shields, pumping, and bottles, it happened. I took my friend Maggi's advice which was nurse her and use nothing else and my cousin Stacie's advice of try at least 10min a day. miraculously she latched on.
I know there are many who can't nurse or choose not to. I am sensitive to that, and do not wish to make anyone feel bad. I am just expressing my gratitude and sharing my experience.
For me it is something that I do not take for granted.

Rice Cereal

Now that we are here in Texas and a little more settled in I decided it was time to give Elise some real food, if you can even call rice cereal that. I wouldn't touch the stuff if you paid me. As you can see from her face she feels the same way. It has been fun to watch her face and the reaction of having a different texture in her mouth. I think this cereal thing is going to take some time to get the hang of it.

A New Hat

The mom of one of Jim's classmates made this hat for Elise. I can't wait until it is cold enough for her to wear it. It is darling!

9 Years


I have been getting my nails done for 9 years. That is a long time and a lot of money. I have loved having my nails, they have become such a part of me. Over the past 9 years I have only had 2 people who have done my nails. Marilyn did my nails for 8 years. She has become one of my very dearest friends and I will always cherish the time we spent together sharing our lives and experiences. I love her to death. The second person is Mandy, she had just recently started doing my nails after Marilyn. I was having a great time getting to know her and sharing our life stories.
After moving here to Texas we have decided that the best place for me to be right now is at home with my baby. In order to make this happen we have to make some sacrifices. One I have made is my nails. Today as I sat and cut them off I felt a little liberated, sounds silly I know. I will miss them but if it helps me to be at home full time I am more than happy to let them go.

So Now

I can paint my nails again and these are the little beauties I have my eye on.

Lauren is showing off her amethyst nail polish. I can't wait to have mine!!

NCAA Football 2009
Jim got a new game this week. I was on the computer tonight and looked over and this is what I saw. Elise is going to be a football fan I can feel it! In our house we love football season. I grew up in a house full of fans so naturally I love football too. I am not so much into the video games but since we can't watch BYU here at least Jim can play them.

5 Months Old

Elise turned 5 months last week. Where does the time go? Here are some pictures of her from the last few weeks. She still has her amazing red hair that stands up. She gets stopped by admirers wherever we go. At the grocery store today we had 3 people stop and make a comment about her hair.
She is a true rock-star.

Help! I am a prisoner

Chillin on Mom and Dad's bed

Hangin out in the swing

Sooo cute!!

Elise rolls over all the time. This is her usual position

Sucking on her toes. Her new favorite trick

We Are Here
After driving for 2 days we made it to Lubbock on Friday. My Mom drove with us and stayed until today. To say it has been nice to have her here would be an understatement. It has been a blessing to have her. I could not have made the 1000 mile drive with a 5 month old without her. It was sad to drop her off at the airport this morning. Ever since Elise was born my Mom has been my rock. This will be such an adjustment for us as we have had family and friends close to us for so long. I know this is where we are supposed to be and I know we will make friends. So far we really like it here. The people are so friendly. I will have pictures and more to post later.

We Have Made a Decision
and this is what it involves....

That's right, we are moving to Lubbock TX. It has been a tough decision for both of us but we feel that it is right. Jim will be starting the Marriage and Family Therapy graduate program at Texas Tech University. We leave next week!! I am sad to leave family, friends and a great job. Now the dreaded task of packing begins. Jim was at Scout Camp all week last week and I was in Orlando for work all week. I am a bit overwhelmed but we will get it done.

Baby Elise is 4 Months old
Elise turned 4 months on Sunday 7/20. We are so thankful to have her in our lives. She is such a blessing to us. I love watching her grow and discover new things each day. She comes to work with me each day and she is an Angel. Everybody loves her beautiful red hair! Here are some random pictures from the last month.

Family picture before Daddy went on a long hike somewhere. I can't remember where he was hiking that day. And if he wasn't out hiking Lone Peak today I would call and ask him where he went that day.

Jim at the top....again, I don't know where he is...sorry

4th of July with Aunt Natasha

4th of July Balloon Fest. Notice Dad is not with us, he is home in bed. What?? Who doesn't want to get up at 4:45am to see some hot air balloons? It's tradition.Why does my Mom make me wear these bows on my head!
Dad trying out the Baby Bjorn...she loves it!



I love watching these two together. And if anyone is wondering where Elise gets her beautiful red hair from....