P.S.

5 months

2012-01-01T09:49:00.000-08:00

Time is going by way too fast these days. I can't believe Christmas has already come and gone and I can't believe my little baby is already 5 months old.
No one told me how time consuming two kids would be during the day. I consider it an accomplishment to leave my house with my hair done. Wait, let me rephrase that, I consider it an accomplishment to leave the house period. I don't know how my neighbor with 6 kids does it-and I'll betcha her hair is done right now too!

Eva at 5 months (yes, I call her mostly Eva and D calls her Scarlett):
-smiles all the time
-laughs for Elle and sometimes mom
-rolls over from her back to her tummy
-hates puffs or Cheerios
-loves her dolls and blankies and likes to stuff them in her mouth
-LOVES to be held and moving-she never wants me to sit down

Christmas fun

2011-12-20T10:58:00.000-08:00

We went to see Santa at Daddy's workshop

Got silly putting the Christmas decorations up

She made spontaneous snow angels before pre-school (all her idea)

She asked for a princess

She sang with the carolers after her elf scavenger hunt with Zach

She decorated her very own Christmas tree she got on the first day of Christmas

Santa dropped off her Elf on the Shelf (Chippy, princess, claire)

She danced in the snow during the first snowfall

November

2011-11-09T09:25:00.000-08:00

Eva smiled a lot and laughed for the first time. She celebrated her first thanksgiving and had a "camp-out" with her sister.

Elle loves going to pre-school. She can spell her name, mom and dad! She loves Miss Tausha and Miss Emily. They had a Thanksgiving feast where she was an indian and she insisted that they write "Princess Elle" on her costume. She loves doing crafts with mom, like the gumdrops turkeys we made. D took her sledding for the first time and she was a bit scared at first but, then didn't want to stop. She also loved having a snowball fight with dad and watching mom trip and fall all the way down the hill.

Halloween

2011-10-31T08:13:00.000-07:00

After three years of getting to pick the Halloween costumes, Elle put her foot down and insisted on being a mermaid. I had wanted her to be Little Red Riding Hood, but now I think her choice was better. I went as a shark, D a snorkeler, and Scarlett was a goldfish.

We had so much fun trick-or-treating around the neighborhood. Our neighbors get really into it. The houses were decorated like it was Disneyland, and even Mickey Mouse and the Princesses showed up!

Elle's favorite "treat" was the princess tooth brush that the dentist down the street gave out. She also loved a little pumpkin eraser and a can of apple juice that she insisted on drinking as we went trick-or-treating.

Scarlett stayed home and passed out candy with daddy, but she looked adorable doing it!

3rd birthday

2011-09-28T08:33:00.000-07:00

My little baby turned 3. It's still weird to me that time can go by so quickly. We celebrated with a rainbow party (her choice). We played pin the cloud on the rainbow, had a rainbow pinata, did a little rainbow dance, and finger painted rainbow pictures. I made her a rainbow skirt and a rainbow path out of chalk that lead up to the door. We ate rainbow cake, rainbow candy, and rainbow drinks. It was a colorful day, I'll never forget.

I'm still waiting to get pictures from a friend of mine and will add more when they come.

State Fair

2011-09-10T08:03:00.000-07:00

As cheesy as it sounds, the fair this year was kind of magical. Elle and Boston thought they were in heaven with all the rides and treats. They held hands, looked at the animals and screamed on the rides together. Perfect way to end the summer.

Hawaii

2011-09-01T07:32:00.000-07:00

Who takes their 4 week old to Hawaii?...I guess we do. Deboro's earned a trip to Maui through his company, and after a lot of debate, the baby and I went with!

Highlights of the trip-

-The gorgeous views on the road to Hana. And D talking to me the whole time as though he were the tour guide. A British tour guide, I should mention.

-The gigantic sno-cones we ate everyday. D can describe the whole process of how they make sno-cones differently in Hawaii if you'd like to know.

-A fun luau! Deboro's extremely nice co-workers watched the baby for us the entire time and I felt like a got a mini date with my husband. D even pulled me up on stage to dance with him.

-Mama's fish house. Best food I've EVER eaten.

-Shopping in Paia and Lahaina.

--Scarlett slept the whole time on the plane their and back, YAY!

On your birthday

2011-08-29T09:09:00.001-07:00

Birthstory-
This pregnancy was so different from Elle's. With this pregnancy, I was more sick in the first couple months and a lot less tired in the last trimester. I had gone back and forth if I wanted to try for a vbac or not. I talked to a lot of people who had done both and heard from women who liked the vbac and who didn't. Surprisingly there were a lot of women who said they'd take the c-section. I will probably never know what I'd prefer because apparently my body doesn't give me the option. My doctor said my uterus is most likely tilted and doesn't allow my babies to descend. I wonder what would happen if I was born 100 years earlier and a c-section was not an option. Maybe I don't want to know.
Needless to say, I tried and tried to go into labor on my own. Hikes, garlic pizza, curb walking, you name it I tried it. One false alarm and A TON of braxton hicks later, I reached my due date. By that time though, I was over the c-section worries and i just wanted to hold you in my arms. Daddy took the day off work, we ran a couple of errands, tidied up the house and packed up the car. Grandma came over to watch Elle and bring her to the hospital after the delivery. Once we stepped into the labor and delivery unit I started getting a little nervous about all the needles they were poking me with and the fact that I was about to be cut open. I got into my hospital gown and your dad got into his scrubs and hair net and they wheeled me back into the operating room. I sat on the table about to get the spinal tap and got very nervous and a little scared. Your dad was there for me 100% though. He started talking about what we were going to name you and about what we thought you'd look like. He was smiling and so happy and it helped take my mind off of my anxities. Almost instantly my whole lower body went numb and Dr. Terry and his staff were right there beginning the surgery. They asked me if I wanted a mirror to watch what was happening, I politely declined-and by politely I mean I looked at them in horror and quickly blurted out, "No!...thank you."
Then the nurses and staff all helped us vote on a name for you. At that time we were debating, Amelia, Scarlett, and Claire. Most people voted Amelia and Dr. Terry was the only one who voted Scarlett. At the time I was leaning towards Amelia. One of the nurses commented, "Your the happiest person I've ever operated on!" I thought to myself, 'that's because I didn't take the mirror option.' I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have been the happiest patient if I had known what exactly was going on down there.
Then like magic, Dr. Terry held you up and said, "Here she is!" All I saw was a giant head full of hair. I was shocked! There was just so much hair! I simultaneously started laughing and crying. It was pure happiness.
You had a lot of fluid in you and so you didn't really cry. The nurse kept suctioning you out and called dad over to help. He called out, " She's so cute!" and all the nurses and doctors kept talking about how cute you were and how no one could believe how much hair you had. They put up the mirror at that point so I could watch them weigh you and clean you off.
Then daddy handed you to me and I put you on my chest and told you I loved you over and over again. Your birth will always be one of my happiest memories.
Then they wheeled us back to our room and you met your big sister, Elle. She loved you right away and proudly exclaimed to every nurse that came by, "That's my baby sister!" and you wouldn't stop telling them that until they properly acknowledged you.

The rest of the week at the hospital consisted of lots of visitors and LOTS of time considering names. We later learned that Amelia means "no limbs." So that name was quickly disregarded. I had loved the name Scarlet all throughout my pregnancy but dad was worried people would call you Scar for short. He and Elle liked the name Eva. So we compromised, Scarlett Eva and now we call you both names. Daddy said he now likes Scarlett best but calls you Lettie for short. Elle calls you Evie. And we all can't get enough of you.

Up House

2011-08-13T22:14:00.000-07:00

(Admittedly not my best picture. But the other picture the baby didn't look so happy so I chose the one where I look like I just rolled out of bed. Wasn't that nice of me?)

A week after the baby was born I was feeling a bit antsy to get out of the house so we went on a drive to see the Up house. We didn't plan on touring the inside, but the ticket lady liked the girls so much she urged us inside.
Sidenote- I think I will carry a baby with me everywhere I go from now on, people are much nicer.
Elle wasn't a huge fan of the old man, but she did think the inside was pretty fun. And so did I. The details were perfect and I loved the retro kitchen.

Nice to meet you

2011-08-01T08:17:00.000-07:00

Scarlet Eva Svay
8/1/11 5:41pm
7 pounds 13 ounces 20 inches long

Ready and Waiting

2011-07-25T18:59:00.001-07:00

At the beginning of the summer, Elle and I made a list of things we'd like to do together before baby #2 comes. We wanted to:
-ride bikes around the lake
-take the paddle boat and Kayak's out on the lake
-go to breakfast at Ruth's
-go to the zoo with friends
-take a dip in the pool
-have fun at the splash pad
-play in the sand at the beach
-watch fireworks

Now that we've crossed everything off the list, our days look more like this.

We talk to the baby everyday and try to make her feel welcome. Elle sang her twinkle twinkle little star before bed the other night and tells her everyday to come out and give her presents. I love my days with just me and Elle and will always treasure them, but we are ready for our "baby sister" to come and join us.

Laundry Room Love

2011-06-12T16:09:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to put up wallpaper for years and finally pulled the trigger. The hard part is picking which one to use, there are SO many choices. While, I love how it turned out, it was the "practical" choice and one of the only ones my husband and I could agree on. All my other choices were "too girly" for his taste.

D bought cheap cabinets off of the classifieds and painted them white because we used to have a shelf with all of our detergents/cleaners sitting on it that made the whole room look messy. He also made the executive decision to paint behind the washer and dryer instead of wallpaper because of a lot of reviews he read said that water and steam cause wallpaper to peel up over the years and then it is often hard to find replacement wallpaper and really who wants to have to keep redoing all that work.

I found this wallpaper (thanks to LGN) at Steve's wallpaper.

Mother's Day

2011-05-08T16:41:00.000-07:00

Deboro and Elle got me some super cute stuff for Mother's Day.

But my most favorite gift was a this little card from Elle.

I love being a mom. I feel so lucky to have little Elle in my life and another on the way.

Easter

2011-04-23T14:49:00.000-07:00

This might have been my all time favorite Easter, besides that one year when my aunt Ann created a gazillion egg, egg hunt for my cousins and me when we were younger.
I loved telling Elle about the Easter Bunny and how he leaves eggs with candy and surprises. It was cute how she called jelly beans, "jumping beans" and the rest of the candy, "bunny candy." Even the shoes she wore on her first Easter egg hunt are still called her "Easter egg shoes."
On the Saturday before Easter she had a little hunt in the park with some friends. She loved every second of it.

On Sunday, the Easter Bunny had left her three goldfish which she named, Goldie, Nemo, and Easter Egg. She was obsessed with feeding them. And consequently, they died two days later. She asked if they went to work with daddy so I just nodded my head and went along with it.
Later that day she had her own Easter Egg hunt in our house since the weather wasn't great. The Easter Bunny tried to show up Santa by spoiling you this year.

Then we went to Grandma Peterson's house and she had a huge hunt with her grandma. I'm not sure who liked it more though, her or her 80-yr-old grandpa who ran across the lawn filling his bag with eggs. It was a fun weekend!

Brown eyed girl

2011-04-06T12:39:00.000-07:00

Lately Elle is obsessed with peoples eyes and loves to talk about the different colors. She will say, "Elle's eye's bown (brown), mommy eye's bown, Bossy eye's boo (blue), Zach's geen (green)...Mommy, what color Zach's mommy eyes?" After I tell her she will sit for a second like she is imagining them and then say, "Ooooh."

I have to admit I'm probably just as obsessed with her big brown eyes as she is with all her friends'.

San Ngin

2011-03-29T21:02:00.000-07:00

Deboro's sweet grandpa passed away last week. He was D's father figure for most of his life. One of his fondest memories is when his grandpa made a kite for him out of chopsticks and newspapers. He would also make him laugh with his jokes, nicknames for everyone and his dancing.

I remember the first time I met his grandpa, D had taken me home to meet his family and his grandpa greeted me with a giant smile, held up one finger and said, "You're number one!" And from that day forward that was the nickname that he gave me. Knowing very little English, he always knew just what to say. D's brother-in-law commented at the funeral that San would always make sure to say, "Hello, Goodbye, and I'll see you soon" to everyone who came through the door. We will see him again soon and when we do, I hope he is holding up his finger in the air and still calling me "number one."

Elle

2011-03-23T13:50:00.000-07:00

We just had some pictures taken at Busath last month and we loved how they turned out. It was a fun change having a studio session because all of the photos we have are more casual. We wish we could have purchased all of them!

Cute things I want to remember that she has said lately:

-She put both her hands on my heart and said, "I hear your heart mama!"
-At lunch she leaned over to my mom and said, "What's up?"
-She came up to me and handed me my wallet and said, "Mommy big present! Open!" The said, "surprise!" when I saw the orange slice she has stuffed in the plastic part where my license goes.
-Everything (anything from an apple to a house) that is big is a "daddy" size and small things are "baby" or "baby Charlie" size.
-She loves when D takes her to go get a Jamba juice and she will say, "Oh, baby Jamba Juice is my favorite!"

Our lucky day

2011-03-21T13:05:00.000-07:00

On St. Patrick's Day we found out we are having another little girl! We are so happy to have another little Elle running around. And most importantly I am so happy that Elle gets to have a sister. I would kill to have a sister so it means a lot to me that Elle gets to have one.

We went to the bakery up the street to get a surprise for grandma.

I'm not sure if Elle was sad because she didn't get to eat the cookie or if she really wanted a brother.

Then we came home and found a surprise from a little leprechaun.

Elle wanted to go swimming right then and there, so we improvised and went swimming in the bathtub. It was a fun St. Patrick's Day I'll never forget.

(I didn't bring my camera so my photos are just crappy iphone pics)

Sundance

2011-02-09T22:09:00.000-08:00

We had a blast going to Sundance for the weekend with D's work. It was really hard leaving Elle, but when we got back it was as though she didn't even miss us. Some of the highlights were:
Hitting the slopes with the gang

Jewelry making with the girls
Our teacher (on the right) was "very friendly" to Kesha (what is she doing with her hand?).

Eating at the most delicious restaurants

And staying in our own private little cabin

We also enjoyed going to the spa and hanging out with fun people all weekend. It was the best weekend I've had in a LONG time! I felt so lucky to get to go.

Sundance details

2011-02-09T18:05:00.000-08:00

dear friend lost her baby. I feel I wouldn't be honoring her and her baby Miles (and frankly just telling the truth) if I didn't include that while we are excited, it is also not as I would have wanted it.
And there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about that.

I read a blog the other day of a woman who lost her baby at two days old. She said throughout all her trials she has learned that one person's joy can be another person's trial and we all must be sensitive to that. I couldn't agree more. When we were trying and couldn't get pregnant it seemed like once a week a friend would call and say they were expecting. While I was genuinely happy for them, it would also bring about feelings like there was something wrong with me or like everyone else was moving forward in the game but me.

So while I am happy to announce that we are pregnant and expecting in early August, I am also deeply sad about Holly's loss, and aware that this can be a sensitive time in people's lives. The old cliche, "You never know what someone else is going through," has never seemed more relevant in my life. I am not perfect, but I'm trying to be more aware of other's feelings and situations.

Legoland

2010-12-27T13:42:00.000-08:00

We spent the week after Christmas in Las Vegas and California. While in California, we spent a fun day at Legoland with Emi and Chloe. The girls helped Elle get dressed in the morning (hence the outfit choice) and so they all looked like sisters. People would stop me and say, "You're girls are so darling." I didn't bother to explain they are cousins, it was fun pretending we had three kids for a day.
Legoland was pretty fun too! I loved seeing all the creations out of Lego's. The Elephant really spit out water and the NYC skyline (as well as most of the other creations) was made entirely by hand using regular Lego's you can buy from the store.

Christmas Day

2010-12-25T14:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas morning was just right. We spent the morning opening presents that Santa had left and eating delicious food. Elle loved all her presents but her most favorite thing she received was her dress up clothes from Grandma. After every present she wanted to try on a new dress.

I asked Elle to show me her pretty princess dress and this is pose she did. I guess she thinks that what they do in the movies.

The delicious fruit pizza my mom made and I ate ALL of!

Polar Express

2010-12-24T15:18:00.000-08:00

To get in the spirit of things, we decided to go up to the Heber Creeper and do their Polar Express night. Maybe not the best idea with a two-year-old that wants to run and play but it was a festive way to celebrate the holiday.

Snow Day

2010-12-24T13:35:00.000-08:00

The first big snowfall I bundled Elle up in her snow gear and we made a snowman, ate the snow and attempted to make snow angles. The snow angles didn't go over so well and Elle ate an eye off of the snowman but it was still a fun day in the cold.

Family Photos

2010-12-23T09:04:00.001-08:00

My talented friend Erin took our family photos this year and we couldn't be happier with them. She made choosing a Christmas card photo a difficult choice this year.

Santa

2010-12-20T13:06:00.000-08:00

Halloween

2010-10-31T11:50:00.000-07:00

I had a hard time deciding what Elle should be this year. I debated everything from an Indian to little red riding hood. She was insistent on being a cat or more specifically Holly's kitty cat "Jo Jo." So for the week before Halloween she went to the mall, grocery shopping, friends houses dressed up as Jo Jo.
I love homemade costumes though, so I decided to see what I could make. This owl costume seemed to be calling her name.

Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-15T12:43:00.000-07:00

We love going to Peterson Farms Pumpkin Patch. Elle loved to run through the corn maze, ride the tractors and pick out pumpkins. She would point to one and say, "Mommy pukin," then point to another and say, "dada pukin," and then she find a small one and say, "baby Ellsie pukin."

Goodbye Summer

2010-09-30T19:15:00.000-07:00

Elle and I have a tradition of going to the beach and saying goodbye to the summer. This year I had to carry her home with her little legs kicking in frustration. When I put her down she would run back to the sand.

I don't blame her. Goodbye summer. See you next year.

Then we walked barefoot over to Jack's house and he tried to cheer her up. I think it worked.

Room Make-Over

2010-09-15T09:21:00.000-07:00

I have the coolest neighbors!
A friend of mine needed a little pick-me-up. So while she was out of town, two of my darling neighbors gave her a room make-over! Could you imagine coming home to this?

They asked me to reupholster the bench. I was apprehensive to say the least, but I really wanted in on this fun project so I agreed. I love the way the room turned out. It's bright and happy and full of charm. Oh, and the new mattress is so comfortable I'm surprised she ever gets out of bed.

One

2010-09-09T09:23:00.000-07:00

LOVE this post on TOMS blog. I am blogging this as a nice reminder to myself.

"I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do."

- Edward Everett Hale

*photo thanks to "benefit of hindsight" on flickr.com

Pigtails and Pony Rides

2010-09-05T05:37:00.000-07:00

We went to the Salt Lake County Fair...

Ate some horrible-for-you-but-oh-so-yummy food.

Played a game or two.

And won a prize for Elle!

We had fun feeding the goats.

...for about two seconds.

So we moved onto the pony rides which were much more fun.

Two Side-notes:
1-I kind of think Elle looks like Dora. Such a tempting Halloween costume, but I don't think I can do the character thing yet.
2-The pony man assured me that these ponies are treated well. They get breaks and water often and are from nearby stables that take pride in treating their animals well.

Charlie

2010-09-03T15:04:00.000-07:00

Charlie Schultz is the cutest thing in my little world right now so I thought I'd share a couple pics of Annie's baby. Born Aug. 6th.

Camp Out

2010-07-22T15:36:00.000-07:00

We had a blast at our annual summer camp out with my family. Elle made her first s'mores and didn't know what to think. But she loved playing with her second cousins and running around in the mountains.

At the pier

2010-07-12T00:31:00.000-07:00

Loving...
this summer.
the lake.
sunshine.
our neighborhood.
twirling barefoot.
this girl.

Happy Dad Day

2010-06-20T22:07:00.000-07:00

It's no wonder Elle is always saying, "Dada, where are you?"
Everything is more fun, exciting, and just plain better when he is around.
D is an amazing dad. He'll stop at nothing to make sure his little girl is happy.
Whether it be running down the street to stop the ice cream man when she is sick or taking her to the pool even if it's closing in 15 mintues, he's always thinking of her.

Elle is sure one lucky girl
...and so am I.

Everything is never as it seems

2010-06-13T18:32:00.000-07:00

Race for the Cure

2010-05-08T16:57:00.000-07:00

We ran The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in celebration of our friend John and his darling wife Thessaly Barnes who is battling breast cancer. She is one of the most strong, beautiful, smart women I know. John and their kids are so lucky to have her.
And it's no doubt that John, with his witty humor and big kind heart, will help her through this "race" every step of the way.

**Top picture is of a couple I saw during the race. No idea who they are but I was touched by the little story they told just walking through the race together.

Where my Peeps at?

2010-04-03T12:09:00.000-07:00

This Easter looked more like Christmas than Easter. Elle had her Easter egg hunt in the snow complete with a snow"bunny." She loved looking for the Easter eggs and putting them in her little basket that she picked out all by herself and refused to even let go of it to pay for it.

Elle's favorite Easter present was a pair of boots that her Aunt Debbie picked out for her. She wants to wear them EVERYWHERE we go. She loves to even wear them around the house and say, "boo...boo" meaning boot, boot.
We had a jam-packed weekend and a lot of fun.

You know how it seems like one egg is inevitably going to break in the boiling pot? D's cousin made this clever Humpty Dumpty egg with it this year and I thought was too cute not to share.

Happy St. Patricks Day

2010-03-17T07:49:00.000-07:00

Rupert, ID

2010-02-23T13:44:00.000-08:00

The quaint little town of Rupert, Idaho is so charming I hope to go back very soon! We visited the dairy (the middle picture) and took in the country side. I'm pretty sure there are more animals in Rupert than people.

ABDC

2010-02-17T07:56:00.000-08:00

If you aren't familiar with ABDC, it stands for America's Best Dance Crew. Oddly enough my husband watches this show not me. That's even where the inspiration for his Halloween costume came from this year (and how he managed to convince his co-workers to perform a dance at their office).

Anyway, I heard him laughing downstairs and had to see what all the fuss was about. I thought it was pretty humorous myself. Keep watching, the end is the best.

Sidenote: You have to know the Kanya West VMA story to get it.

Be Mine

2010-02-12T07:00:00.000-08:00

This little girl has stolen my whole heart.
Happy Valentine's Day.

Halloween on Christmas..well, almost.

2010-01-06T12:15:00.000-08:00

D joked the other day that we should celebrate Christmas on Dec. 27th so we could get all our presents after they go on sale. Not a bad idea, except I'm not sure the presents are the real reason we celebrate....hmmm, maybe we shouldn't be skipping church so much.
But this got me thinking. Since this little bee was sick over Halloween why can't we just have a Halloween do-over? We may even do a little trick-or-treating tonight!

And it gave me a chance to use the new lens D got me for Christmas. Thanks honey, that sure was nice of you!

Christmas

2009-12-25T14:24:00.000-08:00

We loved going to the Festival of Trees. Our favorite trees were a tree decorated entirely with candy (of course that was our favorite!) and the Dr. Suess themed tree.

We also enjoyed the lights at Temple Square. However, we went on the coldest night of the year as evidence by Elle's face in her Eskimo coat and the women's gloves that D is wearing because even he was that cold.

Both D and I agree that Christmas morning was our favorite day of 2009. Opening presents with my family and Elle was (excuse the cheesiness) kind of magical. Seeing her eyes open up when she opened up the package fake food that my brother gave her was worth every penny.
There is nothing like celebrating Christmas with children, it's almost like experiencing it for the first time all over again.

Dress up shoes

2009-12-02T13:36:00.000-08:00

I sure wish they made some of Elle's shoes in my size. But they look cuter on her anyway.
Today while playing dress up I decided to take some pictures of her little shoes to put in her baby album. I have a picture of the shoes I wore on my wedding day framed and hanging in my closet, who knows maybe one of these pictures will hang in her closet some day.

To You From Her

2009-11-27T11:44:00.000-08:00

We have a tradition in our family to go around the table and say what we are thankful for before we eat. It's my favorite tradition that we have. I am so thankful for my friends and family. I consider the people in my life my most prized possessions and I often wonder if they know it. I know I don't express it very well, so luckily Elle made a cute little card to tell you all how thankful we both are for you.

Sorensen Family

2009-11-22T13:17:00.000-08:00

It's so much fun to photograph GORGEOUS people! And little B has got to be the happiest baby boy I've ever seen. Not even a peep came out of him during our little photo shoot.

She walks...and steals

2009-11-16T06:53:00.000-08:00

Elle learned to walk (thanks to Tatum)! We went shopping over the weekend and I guess she REALLY wanted this pair of pants. Every time I set her down she bolted for the door with them in her hand and she thought it was pretty funny. The sales lady at the store on the other hand, DID NOT.

Schultz Family

2009-11-02T18:01:00.000-08:00

The Schultz's are one of my favorite little families on the planet! It's impossible not to like these guys, they are the nicest, most hilarious family ever. I love little Boston so much sometimes I forget that he's not actually my child.

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T20:57:00.000-07:00

Elle had a rough Halloween this year, but we tried our best to show her how fun it can be. Cool costumes and free candy, what more could you ask for?
Dwight, from the office, even showed up at my doorstep tonight. Well, it was a seven-year-old version of Dwight with some pretty cool parents because his costume was dead on.

D and Andy even got into the fun and choreographed this dance for work. They went as the Jabbawockeez! In case you can't recognize their sweet dance skills, D is the one on your far left in the front, and Andy is two over from him in the front.

A+D=Elle

2009-10-20T17:08:00.000-07:00

We had our family pictures taken this weekend by a very talented friend and photographer, Erin Eichelberger. You know when you find that really great deal on that great pair of jeans and you run out and call all your friends? Well, I feel like Erin is that great pair of jeans.
If you need your fall or holiday family photos taken, I highly recommend her. She's fantastic and affordable. I don't love being in front of the camera, but she made it so fun and easy. I am thrilled with our family photos.

Check her site out here.

Goodbye summer

2009-10-18T13:26:00.000-07:00

I made this little dress for Elle awhile ago
we walked over to the beach
and sat in the sand.
See you next year summer.

Elle & Asher

2009-10-13T12:11:00.000-07:00

How romantic. This picture just kills me! I always wonder what she is thinking about.

Thornton Family

2009-10-11T12:00:00.000-07:00

Ralph Lauren Baby's newest baby model. Well, he should be anyway. James is the most darling little preppy boy EVER.

Harvey Family

2009-10-10T16:35:00.000-07:00

Lynda is a make-up artist. You can tell right? She is amazing and the camera loves those gorgeous green eyes of hers...I do too.

Purple Chair

2009-10-09T00:16:00.000-07:00

I scored this chair at the DI today for 30 bucks.
And we are working on keeping both shoes on...not going so well.

ONE big celebration

2009-09-30T14:00:00.000-07:00

We celebrated the big 1 this week.
We celebrated the best year of our lives.
We celebrated our loving friends and family who have helped us tremendously this past year.
We celebrated the words dog, mama, dada, and even the very seldom word bird.
We celebrated scooting and refusing to crawl like the other babies.
We celebrated eating everything in sight.
We celebrated giving high fives and kisses to everyone she meets (even pictures on the wall)!
We celebrated five teeth and messy hair.
We celebrated the most joy we have ever felt.
We celebrated Elle.

Polka dot First Birthday Party

2009-09-28T13:40:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Elle's first birthday with polka dots and our closest friends and family.
Elle's BFF, Boston Schultz, gave her a Fruitloop necklace that quickly became her favorite gift of the night! She liked it better than the kitchen that I got her.
My favorite memory was when Elle went to eat her very own cake she refused to put her hands in it and instead grabbed the fork, handed it to me and wanted me to feed it to her. How lady-like!

Cambodian Ceremony

2009-09-21T15:16:00.000-07:00

Two years ago today, D and I were given a traditional Cambodian blessing.

Three lovely Cambodian Ming's did my make-up and helped me get dressed three times throughout the ceremony. I've never been that pampered before.

A monk chanted a blessing in Cambodian while our family and friends tied strings of blessings around our wrists. It didn't even matter that I couldn't understand a word the monk was saying, it was really special to experience a piece of D's culture with him.

Top photo taken by Jonathan Canlas

Triathalon

2009-09-19T14:17:00.000-07:00

Dave came out to do the triathlon in Daybreak and we had a blast cheering him on!

Elle wore Dave's number, lucky 518, on her shirt and looked out for him intensely near the finish line. Dave did an awesome job! He may have even talked D into doing it next year.

Three cheers for Dave!

Paint Job

2009-09-14T17:43:00.000-07:00

I went through this model house in Daybreak last weekend and decided it's about time to break out the paint rollers. I love the blues and greens they chose with little pops of color.
The whole house had just the right amount of modern mixed with classic. It felt young without feeling too abstract. The simple colors and classic designs gave me the inspiration I've been needing to head over to the paint store (and maybe a stop at the rug store as well).

We heart U!

2009-09-04T09:28:00.000-07:00

Like mother, like daughter. Elle was more into the people watching and the yummy treats than the game. GO UTES!

The Force

2009-08-12T20:55:00.000-07:00

What to do on a lazy afternoon when you and your husband need a little laugh? Well...this is what we chose. And I highly recommend it. We laughed for hours about this. Okay, we're still laughing.
May the force be with you.

Summer of '09

2009-08-05T22:52:00.000-07:00

This summer has a different feel to it than others. For us anyway. It's not as carefree or action packed as past summers. No zip lines in the jungle or pina colada's on the beach. Instead it's bike rides around the lake and shaved ice in the parking lot. Neither past nor present is better than the other. Just different. Older, slower, more introverted I guess.
Next summer I will look back and say that summer was full of best friends, family and gratitude. That summer I learned. Grew.

Kate and Nicole

2009-08-01T12:39:00.001-07:00

Kate and Nicole were so much fun to take pictures pictures of. I'd kill for their green eyes.

Cooper

2009-08-01T10:27:00.000-07:00

This little guy decided to take us up on our offer and join us last night at the lake. He has the most gorgeous eyes and cutest little chubby cheeks. More pics to come, but I couldn't resist posting these two.

Summer Nights

2009-07-31T09:19:00.001-07:00

Our favorite summer ritual has become walking (or biking) around the lake. Come join us if you'd like.

Happy Birthday To My Sweet, Beautiful, Wonderful Wife!

2009-07-24T00:42:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Alana! I am the luckiest man in the world to be married to you. You mean the world to me and you have brought so much happiness to our family. I am so honored to be your husband and forever grateful to have you in my life.

27 Reasons Why I Love You!

27. Your gorgeous smile and perfect teeth
26. The way you make everyone feel welcomed and invited
25. The sweet fireworks show you get on every birthday
24. Our love of Chick-Fila
23. Your way rad friends
22. Our family blog
21. Your are a princess
20. The walks we go on
19. How you love to Travel
18. Your amazing photography and love of arts
17. Best sandwich maker ever
16. Your nicknames - Pantas, AJP, and AJS
15. Your adorable little feet
14. Your love for your family and friends
13. The cute pics, emails, and texts you send when I’m at work
12. I am a better person because of you
11. How cool and stylish you are
10. How intelligent you are
9. How thoughtful you are to others
8. Your beautiful eyes
7. Your cute laugh
6. The best Mother in the world
5. Our amazing beautiful family we have
4. Most beautiful woman in the world
3. The joy you bring into our house
2. Gave us our baby Elle
1. Knowing we will be together forever!

9 Months

2009-07-08T08:24:00.000-07:00

That nine months of pregnancy seemed like eternity. But the following nine months flew by faster than I ever knew possible.

We love you very much Elle's Bells, Pantas, Bear cub, Cubby, Elle Peanut, Princess Poop Bottom.

Rainbow Connection

2009-06-28T14:59:00.000-07:00

Why are there so many songs about rainbows
And what's on the other side?

Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection,
The lovers, the dreamers and me.

-Kermit the Frog

Pot of Gold?

2009-06-26T19:52:00.001-07:00

Tonight we discovered what's really at the end of the rainbow. Don't believe what those leprechauns have been tellin' ya.

photo taken with D's phone, hopefully I got some better pics with my other camera.

Dear D,

2009-06-22T07:22:00.000-07:00

I wrote a lifelong to-do list before I met you. I wrote, have a house with a guest bedroom so friends and family could feel welcome to stay. I wrote, travel to foreign countries with best friends. I wrote, find confidence in who I am. I wrote, find someone I can trust whole-heartedly.

I wrote these things because I know what it is like not to have them.
But little did I know I would I check them all off with a single act, marrying you.

I am overcome with how blessed I am to have you as my husband.

Sometimes I feel so lucky I just want to freeze and not do anything to ruin what I have. Like when we got that really good deal at that store and you just wanted me to shut up, pay the guy and go before anyone could tell us it was the wrong price. And then when we got in the car we burst out laughing and celebrated about our good find!

And other times I just feel honored to be chosen as your wife. Like when we were at that funeral and the mother who just lost her son ran into your arms and said, "It's alright, my other son is here today." And then she glanced at me and smiled and without any words she told me how lucky I am to call myself your wife.

I love our guest rooms where family and friends come and stay. I love our trips and friends we travel with. I love that you help me feel more confident than I once did. I love that you taught me to trust whole-heartedly. But more than any of that, I love you.

And so today I feel lucky and honored to write a new to-do list with you.
Happy 30th Birthday.

Love,
AJS (formerly AJP)

Asher & Elle

2009-06-16T20:47:00.000-07:00

These two had a little date at the library today. More pics to come, but I couldn't resist posting that little puppy dog face and those pretty little lashes. Those two sure know how to accessorize, I might add.

Easy Weekend Projects

2009-06-10T22:18:00.001-07:00

These pillows were my quickest project yet. While D ran to the store to get some Ben&Jerry's, I whipped out these bad boys and fluffed them up before he got back!

I found some cute fabrics that were calling Elle's name and decided to make her a skirt out of them. I still have to put the trim on the pockets but I like how it turned out so far.

Oh, how I love projects! Seriously something is wrong with me, while friends sang karaoke in my basement, I couldn't resist the sewing machine. Katie and Dave need to have a re-match by the way! And man, I wish I had a video of D singing 'Sweet Escape.' "I know I've been a real bad girl..."

Blog Beauty

2009-06-08T08:22:00.001-07:00

I was SO flattered when Marta asked me to be part of her panel series this week. It's all about one of my guilty pleasures, make-up! When I was a little girl I would rummage through my grandma's make-up box and try out every product in the box. Okay, okay I still do this.
Check out her beauty panel series, you might be surprised by some of the different beauty secrets the girls revealed. I was!

Photo by Jonathan Canlas

Prettiest Freakin To Do List

2009-06-03T18:30:00.000-07:00

I am queen of the to do list. Who isn't? Something about crossing an item off the list just feels sooo good. I also love reviewing it and seeing what I have accomplished. Oooh, I love just thinking of it.

I'm not one of those sophisticated bloggers who links posts and does shout outs. But these are too pretty to resist! And I cannot believe they are FREE.

Erin at Vale Design created these little beauties. Visit her blog to download.

Marta, the blog topics list is screaming your name. Okay no, it's much too polite for that, it's more like, "Marta dear, won't you please print me off and use me?"

Orange Chair + Ikea Rug

2009-06-01T21:46:00.000-07:00

Every time I go to Ikea I debate buying this rug for a play room for Elle. I've tried bribing her by telling her if she starts crawling (or moving AT ALL) then she can get a play room. She seems pretty content sitting still playing with the toys within arms reach though. Lucky for me, Bonnie also shares my love for this rug and bought it for her nursery, so I shot pics of it and I now admire it from afar.

Ella Grace

2009-05-31T22:42:00.000-07:00

Bonnie and Jon let me photograph their beautiful little girl. I fell in love. Her little dainty features are to die for.

1965?

2009-05-31T11:54:00.000-07:00

Me: Is this what we would look like if we were back in 1965?

D: Were inter-racial marriages even allowed back then?

Elle: Do you think I need a hair cut?

Photo by Cait

Poppy

2009-05-30T09:53:00.000-07:00

My Violin

2009-05-28T18:25:00.000-07:00

I wish I hadn't given up playing the violin. I watch those dancers on SYTYCD and wonder how some of them can get up on stage make a fool of themselves, hear the judges rip them apart and then smile to the camera and say, "I know I can dance! I'll never give up on my dream."
I wish I had something that I was that passionate about.

And speaking of SYTYCD, remember this guy? CRAZY!

Kids Frame

2009-05-22T10:34:00.000-07:00

Babysitting project. We picked up a little Martha Stewart craft kit and made cute felt frames. Okay, okay I made them while Elle slept and I tried to teach Boss what an owl says and the difference between a whale and a fish. But if they were a little older I just know they would have loved them! At least I did.

An elephant also comes in the same kit for only $5 at Roberts.

Baby Talk

2009-05-21T06:53:00.000-07:00

Here Comes the Sun

2009-05-18T22:57:00.000-07:00

Yay sunshine, nice of you to show up...finally!

middle photo taken by Annie.

Sad

2009-05-09T07:16:00.001-07:00

D thinks it's mean that her frowny face makes me smile. It's just so cute all scrunched up. She looks like a little old Asian woman.

She was just sad we had to leave before they cut the wedding cake. "But mommy, I want some butter cream frosting!"

Memories

2009-04-29T14:09:00.000-07:00

I lost something that means a lot to me. A camera. My little point and shoot. I was filming Elle and set it down when she tried to eat it, and haven't see it since. Sad is an understatement.

It holds the memory of her first time eating, first time rolling over, countless baths and mornings when she would wake up laughing and I would crawl on the floor and video her without her knowing. I know that I also hold these memories, but I loved watching them over and over and showing her grandparents. I always thought about the day that I would show them to her and say, "Look that's you!"
Meanwhile, I have looked everywhere and found $60, my Ipod, and our honeymoon photos. Glad to have these things back plus the J.Crew coat I spent the cash on (hey it was like free money), but I desperately want our camera back too. Sigh.

Alas, here are some of the honeymoon shots I found. We went to the Dominican Republic.

LOVE BIRDS

Not to be too cheese ball, just seems fitting for the occasion and the pic.

Tiger?

2009-04-28T14:21:00.000-07:00

D's friend Darrin emailed us this look-a-like. I think it's pretty darn close, which leaves me thinking...they say it's bad to fantasize about other men, but does this count? Come here tiger! rrrawr.

Lately I've been wondering...

2009-04-27T07:34:00.001-07:00

what the appropriate age to stop breast feeding is. Luckily, my darling friend Tiffany showed me this video. Question answered?

French Kissing in the USA

2009-04-26T08:12:00.000-07:00

Elle had her first kiss this week! I think Crew may be her new BF. Sorry Boston, looks like Crew is taking after his dad and workin' the ladies. Crew went in for the open mouth kiss and then kept saying, "More, more." Elle was happy to oblige.

Bloom

2009-04-20T20:33:00.000-07:00

In my version of heaven spring lasts forever.

But for now I'll just enjoy this tree in our backyard.

Ribbon Headband

2009-04-16T07:09:00.000-07:00

I don't really care for those headbands with huge flowers on them but she does need something to tame that hair down. So we made some with ribbon (and elastic) we found at the craft store.

If you have any tips for how to control that hair PLEASE feel free to let me know. I have tried blow drying it but that just makes it more fluffy. I have tried some products but they just make it look too overdone for a baby-but I could just be using the wrong products. Her pediatrician actually thought I styled her hair this way. Oh no, it has a mind of it's own and they sure don't teach you baby hair styles in that birthing class.

Just Playing

2009-04-14T21:29:00.001-07:00

My favorite way to waste time you ask?
Playing around with my photos. I love giving life to old photos and creating new photos.
Here are the photo's on my photoshop screen right now:

Sprout

2009-04-14T07:09:00.001-07:00

I made these little favors for Chelsea's baby shower this weekend. Chelsea is the most amazing florist. Really, you should check her out. She did a beautiful job for my wedding as well as Holly's. So a potted plant seemed fitting for her.
I liked how they turned out-thanks to Mandy's mom for letting me use her vinyl lettering machine!
DIY-Pot from Ikea 49 cents
Soil from Home Depot 2 bucks (one bag filled eight pots with extra soil to spare)
Grass packet from Home Depot 1 buck (used two packets for eight pots)
Vinyl lettering from Roberts 5 bucks (Came with two sheets-only used 1/4 a sheet)
$12 total for all eight pots.

Next on my list-clean my kitchen windows.

Easter Egg

2009-04-13T10:34:00.000-07:00

Elle loved the Easter egg hunt! We filled some eggs with rice puffs for her but she thought the plastic egg was the best part.
She has gotten really good at sitting up, but she isn't quite an expert yet. She topples over from time to time. She sure was determined to hold onto that egg!

A-Z Style: Houndstooth

2009-04-06T12:45:00.000-07:00

From argyle to houndstooth, we taught Elle about the essential classic patterns in the world of style. Next lesson, how to sit like a lady.

Half Way There

2009-03-30T13:28:00.000-07:00

13.4 lbs and crazy hair. Smiling, rolling, laughing when you kiss her belly and her toes. Loves her feet and her dad. I spy on them reading together in the rocking chair.
Elle likes bright lights and car rides too. "Ma ma ma," I love to hear her say. But most of all I love those big brown eyes that search for me throughout any room. And those little chubby arms that say "come hold me please." And I do.

March Madness

2009-03-22T15:05:00.000-07:00

Conversation while watching Arizona play some other team.

Me: What does a center do?

D: You mean the position?

Me: Yes.

D: Block shots, play defense and rebound. They are the tall players.

Me: If I were a professional basketball player what position would I play?

D (without any hesitation and in a completely serious tone): the bench...for sure.

It's funny because it's true. I like that he added "for sure," just in case I thought he was on the fence about it.

If you only do one thing today

2009-03-16T16:52:00.000-07:00

You must check this blog out. May be the best blog in the UNIVERSE. If I were on the committee for the best blogs out there, this one would win the little icon to display on their front page with pride.

P.S.

5 months

Christmas fun

November

Halloween

3rd birthday

State Fair

Hawaii

On your birthday

Up House

Nice to meet you

Ready and Waiting

Laundry Room Love

Mother's Day

Easter

Brown eyed girl

San Ngin

Elle

Our lucky day

Sundance

Sundance details

12 weeks.

Legoland

Christmas Day

Polar Express

Snow Day

Family Photos

Santa

Halloween

Pumpkin Patch

Goodbye Summer

Room Make-Over

One

Pigtails and Pony Rides

Charlie

Camp Out

At the pier

Happy Dad Day

Everything is never as it seems

Race for the Cure

Where my Peeps at?

Happy St. Patricks Day

Rupert, ID

ABDC

Be Mine

Halloween on Christmas..well, almost.

Christmas

Dress up shoes

To You From Her

Sorensen Family

She walks...and steals

Schultz Family

Happy Halloween

A+D=Elle

Goodbye summer

Elle & Asher

Thornton Family

Harvey Family

Purple Chair

ONE big celebration

Polka dot First Birthday Party

Cambodian Ceremony

Triathalon

Paint Job

We heart U!

The Force

Summer of '09

Kate and Nicole

Cooper

Summer Nights

Happy Birthday To My Sweet, Beautiful, Wonderful Wife!

9 Months

Rainbow Connection

Pot of Gold?

Dear D,

Asher & Elle

Easy Weekend Projects

Blog Beauty

Prettiest Freakin To Do List

Orange Chair + Ikea Rug