Daniel, Stephanie, Chloe, Caid

Piper Maree

2011-12-07T14:17:00.001-08:00

Welcoming our newest little girl...

Piper Maree

8 lb 8 oz

20 inches

11/22/2011 at 1:01 am

(Pictures a little late and a little out of order again...oh well!)

Love this little girl...Grandma Rachel's visit to meet Piper...

First Family Photo

Piper with Uncle Dallen - at 3:00 am after she was born... :)Piper and Grandma Linda - still at 3:00 am...

Nick and Whit's visit Grandpa Keith with PiperGrandpa Bob with Piper

Kids heading out to stay in Price for a few days for the birth.

Last Few Months

2011-09-07T11:06:00.000-07:00

Behind (again)...but here's a few favorite pictures of our lives in the last few months.

NOTE: Pictures are ALOT out of order.

Sold Daniel's motorcycle...sad day! It's not exactly big enough for family right now!
Chloe's annual summer pic! Love her!

Caid's annual summer picture! Love him too (of course)!

Daniel and I in Price for family trip.

Family Picture 2011
(gotta love being pregnant in family photos)

Our sweet little girl to come around Thanksgiving!

The kids favorite thing to do with Daniel...the "double underdog" as Chloe says!

Enjoying Daniel's week off in the summer with a trip to the splash park and get an Orange Julius!

Love when Daniel's home!

One of my favorite faces of Caid (so glad I finally caught it camera)!

Another fun time during Daniel's summer break. Caid loves opening the peanuts at Texas Roadhouse.

Roadtrip...

Grandpa Parkinson gravesite in Washington, Ut.

Only boating trip this summer...stinks being pregnant!

Chloe's sporting her new favorite pajamas (Daniel's shirts).

Sunday afternoon making treats.

Chloe's ABSOLUTE FAVORITE GAME...UNO!!! Played almost nightly...would be played all day if she had her way! She doesn't even need a teammate anymore.

Caid helping with UNO!

My favorite boys!

Heading to get the car from the hospital from Daniel!

Hopefully next update won't be too long after the next girl's born...but not making any promises. Perhaps before she's 1!

Let the HOLIDAYS ROLL!!!!

2010-12-01T05:27:00.001-08:00

Who doesn't love putting up the tree?!? Who doesn't love playing in the tree box?!?

I LOVE CHRISTMAS SEASON!!!

One year down...

2010-06-09T20:19:00.000-07:00

Again, I have been quite a few months behind on posting. But I figured I'd post. Daniel finished his first year of medical school...YAY!!! It seems that Chloe and Caid have changed so much in the past year so I thought I'd post my favorite pics of them. Hopefully I will post again some day in the near future...but until then, here's a post show we are alive! ;)

Unskinny Bobby Giveaway!

2010-03-15T06:13:00.000-07:00

Check out the free give away at the "Unskinny Bobby" on the sidebar of my blog. She has the cutest plates and creative ideas. I love reading her blog. You should DEFINITELY check it out!

A DAY TO REMEMBER...

2010-01-27T05:49:00.000-08:00

A day that EVERYONE should keep on their calendar, a day that should NEVER be forgotten, a day that should NOT include tests (but of course did)...

a day full of fireworks and chocolate...

a day of limitless, wait no - limited (sorry Daniel - still coming in the mail), presents...

and of course...TEXAS ROADHOUSE!!!

HAPPY 26th BIRTHDAY DANIEL!!!

Doesn't he look HOT at 26??? Gets better lookin' each year!!! ;)

More pics!!!

2010-01-07T07:26:00.001-08:00

Another photo shoot...which was SSSOOOO fun (well not the one with the kids...Chloe was ORNERY!!!) But I especially loved the ones with just Daniel and me because it was a few hours without the kids...gotta love that! ;) Thanks again Kristina! Love them! ;)

Lovn' my kids...

2009-12-15T09:03:00.001-08:00

I know I'm a little prejudice, but I love my kids! They are so adorable and I love how Adrian (new cousin-in-law???) caught their personalities...Chloe - a little perky and smothering, and Caid - laid back and just plain adorable! I love these pics! Thanks again Adrian!

Second time around...

2009-11-03T12:47:00.000-08:00

"Practice makes perfect"

...I don't believe this is true in this case. I believe is more like

"Practice makes patience...not even close to perfection".

Despite my fears of having another baby in the home, it has not been as hard as I imagined. I have come up with a list of what may the reason for this...

1) I have learned the art of ignoring a crying baby (not actually crying persay...but I don't jump up when he makes any little sound like I did with Chloe).

2) Sleep deprevation has not hit yet.

3) Caid is just more easy going and good natured than Chloe was.

4) I have a few more "mothering tricks of the trade" under my belt from Chloe.

I think that it is a mix of these that has helped. Life is not bad at all. I feel GREAT!!! It doesn't feel that much more hectic than it was with just Chloe. Chloe and Caid are already sharing a room and he doesn't even wake her up in the night (that was my BIGGEST FEAR before he was born). I'm still missing pictures on Daniel's computer from the hospital but I wanted to post a few pics.

Chloe and Caid's First Meeting

(Thanks Mom, Dad, Emmy Sue, Box/Cox Clan, and Horsley's for watching her while we were at the hospital!!!)

A Typical Day...

First Day at Church...

Doesn't he look so handsome! ;)

Happy Halloween...

Chloe (and Caid) First Time Trick-Or-Treating

Chloe's sayings at the door: "I want one!" - "Peas" - "Tank you"

Skyler and Caid - just happened to be in the same shirts..."I Love My Mummy!"

Daniel Caid

2009-10-29T06:58:00.001-07:00

Finally here at last...

Daniel Caid Garvin

8lb 10 oz

21 1/2 inches

October 22, 2009

Blonde Hair/Blue Eyes

I know this post is a little late...I am still waiting to get some pictures off of Daniel's camera. But I figured I better post that he arrived. Hopefully more pics to come!!! ;)

White Coat Ceremony

2009-09-04T06:50:00.000-07:00

A little late, as usual, but only a few weeks rather than a few months. So actually I am feeling pretty on top of things. But here is the white coat ceremony. I wasn't exactly sure what it entailed but I was impressed. I start thinking back to what it has taken for Daniel to get here, and then where he is going to be in the next four years. Though I should have already known it, it made me realize that a big part of life is over, our time in Cedar City. The first 4 years of our marriage were in Cedar, going to school and working, having Chloe, making plans for where he'd end up in med school that seemed SSSOOOO far in the future - almost not really ever going to happen. Now here we are in the next stage, Daniel in medical school, our family growing even more, making more plans and goals. Crazy how time really does fly! I am so proud of Daniel! I feel so grateful to have him in my life. I look at when we were first married, remember feeling so excited to have found someone so generous, self-sacrificing, patient, yet comical and energetic; I could see all the traits he had that made him a great husband. Now as I look back over the last 4 years, how he has grown and changed, attaining more attributes, sometimes allowing me to see how undeserving I am of him. I honestly feel grateful to have him by my side through eternity. PLUS he works so hard, yet still manages to looks so good :)!

Not the best picture (at least oof me)...but it was sooo bright and HOT!!!

Daniel's parents came up for it. It felt like such a great day with them there and being able to have them there the whole day. I kept thinking if we were in Wisconsin, it would have been just Daniel, Chloe, and I. SSSOOOO glad that they were there!

Daniel's grandparent's also traveled from St. George to come! THANKS!!!!

This is the same day, before the ceremony, just to show that she was happy that day! :)

Home...

2009-08-28T10:02:00.000-07:00

After living here for a couple of weeks it is finally starting to feel like home. All boxes are unpacked, pictures have been somewhat hung, furniture is finally in a position that Daniel won't have to move it again. (Actually I knew how I wanted the furniture before we moved in, so I feel good that Daniel didn't have to move the furniture like 20 times to get it feeling right... :) GUARANTEE he was glad about that!) I would have posted sooner by our camera doesn't seem to work any more, Daniel has been taken the computer to school (luckily he got his school laptop yesterday so the computer is now mine...yea), and I'm really not a fan of posts without pictures. I know others of you can do it. Perhaps you are just better with your words, but my words can't stand on their own. I need a few pics. Anyways, I took a few pics of our apartment on my phone so they aren't the best, but they'll have to do until we get a new camera, whenever that'll be. For my birthday in June Daniel bought me some teal material, pillows, and curtains. (Normally I want a few shirts or pants, but pregnancy clothes just DON'T feel like birthday presents and make you feel good...at all)! So I have been wanting a change in our living room for a while, but figured I was stuck with the same colors because it would cost too much to change things. So Daniel took me shopping and found some pillows (ribbon to add to the pillows), material to make a pillow, and curtains. Not going to lie, but during the summer I was a little nervous how they would pull together, and I am actually excited how it all turned out. I haven't really decorated here yet, but I love that we have a fireplace. It feels so cozy! :)

I then decided to be a little creative and make a wall hanging. My dad has crates (can't remember the exact word) in his yard from when he gets materials and said I could have one. (I know he won't read, but thanks to Dad!) So I painted it, then added some decorations inside to make it a shelf. My favorites of the decorations are the top left corner, I painted an old pot, then put our wedding flowers (painted a few of those to match), then added a few of my favorite pics of Daniel and me (printed from computer) onto a piece of wood I painted. Then in the top right corner Daniel scroll sawed two G's (one a little bigger than the other), then painted them. The candles were white and green so I painted them to match. In the bottom left corner is a picture of all of our hands taken when Chloe was born. And finally in the bottom right corner is pics of Chloe hanging. I'll change a couple when the new baby comes. I know that it's not everyone's taste, but I love it! And it was all free (including the paint which came from Daniel's parents for my birtday as well...thanks!!! :) )

My next favorite room is the kid's room. All of the furniture is donated from family or friends, or from DI. I think the total we spent on furniture in this room was $15.00. Crib from Melanie, bunk bed from Daniel's parents, toy box from my parents. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THEM ALL!!!! Thanks to everyone!!! And as you can see I have a little obsession with black furniture in their room. I painted it all black. I can't help myself! I think I have a new obsession with painting. I love to paint furniture. Oh and let's not forget that Kim (my sis) helped, actually made because I totally screwed it up at the first, the bedding for the crib. My stinkin' pictures don't do it justice, but I love the bedding. It's lime green to match part of Chloe's bedding.

Oh, and I love the steps going up to Chloe's bed. Daniel made them, (special thanks to my dad for the wood and tools...:) ) and I love them. Chloe moved to a big bed in June so she would be used to it by the time the baby came. She couldn't get in the bed so Daniel made her the steps which turned out PERFECT!!!! I LOVE THEM!!!

Lastly is our room, but it's the same stuff as usual. I just took a picture because I love having our bed back. I have two cinder blocks, two box springs, and a mattress. I LOVE THE HEIGHT! I have to hop into bed. It's sssooooo fun. If you think I'm crazy, you should try it. It is so fun to sleep high. Don't know why, but it is so great!

Anyways, that's all that's been happening with us. Just seems like we have been getting settled for a while. Daniel had orientation last week, with his white coat ceremony last Friday (pics to come when I can get some). Then school started this week and Chloe is already missing her time with Daniel, including myself. I think we were a little too spoiled this summer in Price getting so much time with him. But that's life, eh? :) Well I best be off, Chloe is sick of being ignored and is pulling at my leg.

Man, I wish I had a better camera...she was smiling so cute!

It's a ...

2009-06-13T05:27:00.001-07:00

I know I am not the best at blogging and putting up news...maybe someday I'll be better about it. Ahhhh, who am I kidding... :) But I figured I best be posting about the big things in our lives! We headed back to Cedar on Wednesday to find out what we are having a
BOY!!!
Not going to lie...a little nervous about a boy! :) However, I haven't seen Daniel smile so BIG and for SO long! Obviously he got his wish! HAPPY DAY!

Daniel's FINAL acceptance letter...

2009-05-16T12:14:00.000-07:00

HAPPY DAY!!! HAPPY DAY!!! HAPPY DAY!!!

There's nothing else I can think to even say! :)

Coming Clean...

2009-04-08T12:55:00.001-07:00

Sometimes it takes questions being asked to finally bring out the truth. Thus to put these questions to rest…

WISCONSIN…HERE WE COME!

That’s right, the decision has been made and we will be heading to

Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

in the fall for medical school. HAPPY DAY!!! Next step will be happening in the end of May to look at housing. EXCITING!!! Who would have thought a year ago that we’d be heading to the Wisconsin??? Definitely not us that’s for sure!!! :)

ANOTHER ADDITION

Quick story…a family member (name removed to avoid hurting feelings) stated to me this past weekend, “Stephanie, you’re getting a little pooch.” Thanks SSOOOO much! That’s like saying, “My, my, my, your thighs have grown since the last time I saw you.” Or “Goodness, your seater-ender has a little bit more to it, doesn’t it?” These are NOT comments you enjoy hearing, needless to say! :) But the truth is out…we are expecting again due on Halloween! We were hoping to hold out a little longer in telling everyone, but it hurts too much hearing the whispering of my pooch... :)

So there, finally, all is out in the open! Thank heavens!

Price/Spring Glen...GOING HOME!

2009-04-03T19:02:00.000-07:00

I just can't stop thinking about this....We have always talked about perhaps heading home for the summer before we head to medical school. It was always just a wish in the back of our minds, not sure if it would pan out quite right. Knowing that while going to med school our trips would be limited to perhaps 1-2 trips a year to see family, we wanted to be able to see family a good amount of time before heading out. Well, it has happened. I have just put in our 30 day notice to our apartment managers and it set the ball in motion. How exciting!!! Too exciting!!! It seemed like this was all too far into the future, yet here it is already. Who would have thought that time would go by so quickly, eh? I'm getting a little nervous, exciting, anxious, too many feelings right now! :)

Ending of March...

2009-03-24T07:52:00.000-07:00

Newest Video! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THIS!!! This is Daniel and Chloe's newest game! I wish I could play, but I am just not as fun as Daniel with this! But I love watching it!

Behind again...I know! Don't judge me, you all have your own problems, eh? :) March was filled with trips to Emily's state basketball (I think that was end of February, oops!) and trips to Denver during school break! Too much fun for me that's for sure! Either way, here's a quick recap of fun...

Trip to Denver...Chuck E Cheese AND Disney on Ice!!!! HAPPY DAY!!!
SSSOOO MUCH FUN!!!

BATHTIME WITH COUSINS...

MARISA GRACE AND CHLOE RACHEL
MOLLIE ANN, SYLVIA MAE, AND CHLOE RACHEL

GIMME GIMME...

2009-03-10T19:04:00.000-07:00

First Five Gimme Gimme

The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me...my choice. for you. This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:

1. I make NO guarantees that you will like what I make! (Sorry!)
2. What I create will be just for you.
3. It’ll be done this year. {translation: you may be waiting a little while}
4. You have no clue what it’s going to be … it may be cards, a poem, a bookmark, something yummy or a complete surprise to you (and me!) … who knows? not you, that’s for sure!
5. I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.
6. MOST IMPORTANTLY: You must offer the same deal on your blog - the first 5 people to comment on your blog (or if you do not have a blog, facebook) get something made by YOU! the first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me …

PS Thanks Trina...I'm digging this idea! :)

Valentine's Day Blog...just for Seth!

2009-02-15T12:10:00.001-08:00

Newly crawling, newly walking...what's the difference? Can it be that much difference? Can it happen that quickly? Apparently it only took a week or so for Chloe. Crawling, PAH! What a bore...that really did get old quickly. Within a week, her once happy crawling quickly changed into a more whiny crawl, trying to follow me around the house. Once we pulled out her push walker and she became content again, following me from room to room, looking almost a bit "drunkenly" pushing her toy. Just to test the water, we started to have her walk a few steps between us without the walker, and before we knew it, she was walking. I wish I could say that it was our amazing parenting techniques, or lack of parenting, leaving her to fend for herself.

Well, Valentine's Day wouldn't be Valentine's without cookies and icing. And not just any icing, but PINK, CREAM CHEESE ICING! MMMM! Now I will not lie, I am cheap. I do not make this icing for anything other than special occasions. And when I make it, I keep it protected, in an air-tight, ziplock bag, hidden in the fridge so that Daniel cannot get to it and eat it by the spoonfuls. It is JUST for the cookies, and JUST for Valentine's Day! I am picky not to waste this icing!

Needless to say in the midst of the celebration, I let Chloe hold the bag. She was enjoying her first taste of this new icing and the bag had a bit on the side. In a momentary lapse of judgment I handed her the bag to lick off the side and allowed myself to be distracted by a "chick flick" on the television. Within moments she had found that pressure to the bag caused more icing to come out! Oh, well!

Proof this icing is addicting, and should not be made too often. This is exactly why I hardly ever make this icing! IT'S DIVINE!

***Chloe after her bath! She has started a new laugh, throwing her head back and laughing hard 3 times! I think she is copying Daniel! :)

Marco...POLO!

2009-01-16T09:31:00.000-08:00

Not gonna lie - this has never been one of my favorite games in the pool. Okay, I have never been much of any games in the pool person due to the swimsuit wearing issue. But lately, putting a new, non-water twist on this game has made this a daily, favorite game in our home. That's right! And who is the MVP of this game...CHLOE!

Hide in the kitchen, the bedroom, the bathroom, and call her name, and BAM - she's there! You got it...another big moment in life...crawling! For some reason though, I thought that in the beginning she would only take a few steps, then sit and rest a little. Then perhaps a few more, then sit again, pondering and enjoying the art of crawling and what she had accomplished. Little did I know that she would have the energy to go around room to room, cupboard to cupboard, closet to closet. Perhaps she had been eyeing the once unreachable areas in our home for months, planning and scheming of every place she wanted to open and explore. She now crawls anywhere she wants, pulls herself up to a stand on most of the objects in the house, leaving a trail of handprints and objects sprawled across the floor! HAPPY DAY! (at least for now :) ...)
=

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

2008-12-07T16:44:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

ODE TO CHRISTOPHER!

2008-11-30T14:30:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday! 30!!!

Holy cow! I'm often told that Christopher and I look alike...so is this what I am going to look like when I am 30???? Heaven help me!

Though Chris and I may look alike here's a couple of things he still holds ahead of me...

1 - He puts the X in Extreme!

2 - A drummer and singer at the same time...what other skills are needed in life? What else can he multi task at?

3 - They say there is a correlation between head size AND mental capacity....but hot air balloons are large and spherical as well, but they're just full of hot air...does this have anything to do with this theory? :)

Anyways...happy birthday to CHRISTOPHER!!!

New York - Still on my checklist!!!

2008-11-20T12:07:00.000-08:00

As children, we begin growing a long list of places we wish we could travel to, a list we will go to "when we are older". I remember dreaming some day I would be able to go to Paris on my honeymoon. In jr. high, I would talk with friends, getting excited dreaming of this trip to Paris, where we would go, what we would see, what we would do. We would browse the internet, looking at pictures, planning this trip.

Since then, I have added a few addition places...

HAWAII

NEW YORK

CHUUK

DENMARK

DISNEY WORLD

A CRUISE (ANYWHERE)

These past few weeks, Daniel has been planning his trip to New York for an interview. In my mind I kept going back and forth on whether to go. I haven't gone with him on any other interviews, but I wanted to go to New York, to mark one of my places to see off my list. But the expense of going kept me from committing to go. But the excitement of perhaps going kept lingering in my head. While driving Daniel to the airport Tuesday morning, I suddenly decided I was wanted to go. I really, REALLY wanted to go, and could go. My bags were packed already for Chloe and I. I just would see if they had any opening on Daniel's flight.

With anticipation, we stood at the desk waiting for the airport attendee to check the openings. My heart was pounding, my fingers were tightly crossed (no exaggeration). Thank heavens - there were openings on his flight. However, it would cost a little more to get this flight because it was last minute. I didn't care, not one bit. So what if it cost a couple hundred dollars more. This would be the only trip I was taking with him, and I could cross New York from my list. It was work it. Just a little more money.

Price raised from about $300.00 to $2.000.00!!! I don't think so! What the crap! Am I just destined to not go! I guess so...it's just not time to make that cross off my list! Maybe next time...maybe we'll end up living there...maybe we'll just have to take another trip...perhaps to Paris, eh??? :)

Laughter...

2008-11-15T10:57:00.000-08:00

Why is laughter the best medicine? Yet, not only regular laughter, but baby laughter to me. I just can't get enough of it. In our lives, there is not huge, exciting things happening. I don't even have a story to tell. I haven't avoided blogging, but more forgotten to blog, because there has not been much going on, well nothing out of the ordinary. It is our regular, busy day in and out routine. Daniel is studying and working, traveling and interviewing. I think, actually I know, he can't wait for this semester to end. I don't think he intended on it being this stressful. But each semester has it's own different stresses, and that is just part of life I suppose.

One stress, or one thing I think we will always struggle with, is ensuring there is daily family time. This is one part of the day, regardless of how stressed he is, I need to have. Perhaps I am needy, perhaps I am controlling, perhaps I am just plain and simply buggy; but I need to know at the end of the day there will be dinner with our family, one moment where the world doesn't matter, including school, work, or anything else. I know, I know, life is busy, but regardless of what is going on, to keep sanity in our marriage and lives, I need to have this time with him, this time as a family and no one else. Please, someone tell me if I am selfish? Is this asking a lot? Even if you say I am, it won't really change my opinion. Perhaps I really am just a needy person! Oh well, he knew that before he married me! :) Perhaps he enjoys a challenge, eh? :)

This post is for no reason, no news, no opinion...just a blog to show off Chloe laughing and say I love spending time with family. That's about it. I wish I had an exciting story! Perhaps next blog I will make up an exciting story to spice up my life, eh? :)

2008-10-31T18:14:00.001-07:00

haPpY hAlloWeEn...

Who's driving this thing???

2008-10-30T14:06:00.000-07:00

A few clouds in the sky, not too much traffic, looks like a seemingly good day for a walk to the campus. Zip up Chloe's coat and strap her into the stroller. Grab the diaper bag, checking there are diapers and wipes for the ride (just in case). Don't forget the Animal Crackers. Snap the keys and phone into the stroller pocket. Just a quick stop at the mailbox, then nothing but "open road" to the school.

Junk mail, junk mail, junk mail, Daniel's mail, Wells Fargo bank statement. What's that sound??? Chloe? Crap! Oh no, not the curb... it's gone over the curb! It landed straight up? Thank heavens! Stop, STOP!!!! Not another curb..."I'm so sorry Chloe! I'm sorry!"

Propping the stroller back up and rubbing her head to soothe her, I glanced around to see if anyone had seen what had happened...hoping this really didn't happen! Who lets the stroller get away from them? It happened within a few seconds! Crap!!!!

Luckily Chloe was forgiving and stopped crying within a few seconds leaving me feeling like she hadn't even hit the cement at all. Perhaps she was just whiplashed a bit from her stroller strap. Perhaps her tears were from being scared and shocked Thank heavens for those straps!

Yet I was not that lucky! About half an hour later signs of the true story and damage done began to show on her little face. Poor Chloe! I hope Daniel doesn't notice! Crap!!! Okay, okay, don't judge me, eh? I'm assuming you've all made mistakes and have your own problems (hopefully)! Maybe not letting your child roll away in a stroller, but maybe something else. Or maybe some day in the future you will have a stroller get away from you...and I will not judge you in the least! I will empathize with you!

POOR CHLOE!!!

TOP SIX!!!

2008-10-26T18:40:00.000-07:00

Now I am not going to pretend I have such an exciting, adventurous life that I have TONS to write about and you all need to drop what you are doing to read all about our lives; but it feels like there has been such great, marvelous, spectacular things that I must list the TOP SIX from the last few weeks.

BEDSPREAD CHANGE

Perhaps to the ordinary person, this may seem like an ordinary thing not to be excited for, but I LOVE WHEN IT'S TIME TO CHANGE MY BEDSPREAD! I received a new comforter for my birthday this past summer from my parents and I LOVE IT! It is a BEAUTIFUL, downy, green perfect comforter! I love going to bed, I absolutely love it - cuddling up in it to just read a little or watch a movie with a cup of hot chocolate. It's the ideal life! The beginning of fall and winter...it just can't begin without changing the bedspread, it's just that simple!

COLORING HAIR

Oh, to be a true blonde! Thank heavens for Kimberly! This past week I was able to have my roots colored. Now I hate to admit this, but I am sure everyone already knows I am no longer a natural blonde. For those of you who did not know this yet I am truly sorry you had find out this way. However, I have resorted to the art of coloring. But not only am I a "blonde", but a cheap blonde. I no longer go to the salon. In fact I don't even buy the expensive hair products to color my hair. I purchase the $3.00 hair products from Wal-Mart! Nonetheless, even I, the cheap fake blonde and pretend hairstylist, enjoy the feeling after spending the 1.5 hours of sitting on a cold toilet with a burning sensation on my scalp, wiping vigorously at the dye to avoid it dripping onto and staining my forehead. Yes, thank heavens for Kimberly to have done this for me! :)

PLAYING THE DRUMS

It is true, I have learned to play the drums! Okay, these are the drums of Rock Band, but I still have learned to play these drums...and what dandy fun it is! I have watched many play, enjoying this talent and skill they have of playing these drums, especially Chris who manages to sing and drum at the same time. Some day I may, with hours and hours of practice that he didn't have to do to attain his skill, attain a small portion of talent that cannot measure up to the amazing ability he has. I have been to nervous to try this...UNTIL NOW! Sitting with my Dad and Emily , who I felt would not judge my lack of skill, I finally picked up those dreaded wooden drum sticks and hit the plastic drums. The beat was invigorating and gave me a high I cannot describe! I cannot lie, I can't wait to play again!

CHLOE GROWING UP

Again, Chloe has had monumental moments already in her young life. It is hard to keep track of them. She has had her fist taste of snow and "Spagetti-O"s. In addition, she took her first treats to church -YEA for Honey Nut Cheerios and Animal Crackers! But one of my favorites is her new joy of sitting up. I love it - having her splashing in the bathtub, reaching for toys, toppling over ALL the time! Someday she will learn how to balance. Until then, she has to endure many bruises, rug burns, and little cuts on her nose to show her determination and trial and error progress!

HALLOWEEN PARTY

Who doesn't love Halloween? Seriously, this is the BEST HOLIDAY! Free candy, freedom to act like a child and dress up, free to watch terrifying movies and try to fall asleep without having nightmares (still haven't accomplished this one)! Bar none, one of my favorite holdiays! But the only thing that could make this better was having a party with Halloween treats with HOT lookin' Halloween shirts! Tell me, don't you all wish you could wearing one of these shirts, eh? :)

DANIEL'S RETURN

After a week of being gone to interviews back east (crossing fingers :) ), he is FINALLY home! Sometimes it easy to forget how life is without your spouse, but when they are gone it is easy to remember how much you depend on them, need them! To avoid the mush and gush, let's just say I'M SO GLAD HE'S HOME! Who doesn't love Daniel, eh? :)

Same sex marriage WILL be taught in school

2008-10-18T09:20:00.000-07:00

Please read...I received this from a couple of friends and wanted to help share this!

Dear Friend,
The top issue that has emerged in the Proposition 8 campaign is whether same-sex marriage will be taught in California public schools if the initiative is not enacted. Opponents of Proposition 8 are spending millions of dollars on television commercials telling voters that the Yes on 8 campaign’s claim that gay marriage will be taught in public schools is a lie. Yet a review of public records filed with the First District Court of Appeal in Boston shows these same organizations who claim our statement is a lie fought to make it true in Massachusetts. Specifically, they fought to ensure that gay marriage be taught in Massachusetts public schools, even over the objection of parents who sought an “opt out” for their children. Gay marriage was legalized by Massachusetts courts in 2003.

Further, their assurance that parents can always “opt-out” of such instruction when it is taught is belied by the fact that in Massachusetts, they argued successfully that Massachusetts’ parental opt-out provision should not be permitted.

“These damning public records show that it is in fact the organizations leading and financing the No on 8 campaign who are lying to California voters,” said Yes on 8 campaign manager Frank Schubert. “On one coast of the country they tell judges that gay marriage should be taught to children in school at the youngest possible age. But, on the opposite coast, here in California, they have the audacity to tell voters that gay marriage has nothing to do with public schools.”

Lying…who’s really lying?

The Yes on 8 campaign has been airing television and radio commercials factually presenting what happened in Massachusetts where second graders were taught in class about gay marriage using the book, “King and King.” This book is about a prince who married another prince, and includes an illustrated scene of the two men kissing. In response, the No on 8 campaign has purchased at least $1.25 million in television time to run an ad that says, “They’re using lies to persuade you…[Prop. 8] will not affect teaching in schools. Another lie.” (Source: No on Prop. 8 Ad available at www.noonprop8.com)

In the greatest irony, of course, just two days after the No on 8 “Lies” television commercial began airing, a first grade public school class in San Francisco was taken on a field trip to a lesbian wedding at City Hall, officiated by Mayor Gavin Newsom. School officials said they wished to provide their five and six year old students a “teachable moment.”

It should also be noted that the day after the first Yes on 8 ads began running, the Los Angeles Times reported that "Newsom called the (Yes on 8) ad 'classic distraction' and misleading." Ten days later, he officiated at the above-mentioned and now infamous field trip.

“Not only do the organizations leading the No on 8 campaign want gay marriage, under the guise of ‘diversity,’ taught in public schools, they believe it is important to teach it at the earliest possible age,” Schubert said. Massachusetts begins its “diversity education” to five year old children in kindergarten.

According to legal records on file with the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit in Boston, Massachusetts in the case Parker v. Hurley (514 F.3d 87 (1st Cir.2008)), some of the very organizations who are funding and driving the No on 8 campaign have argued vociferously that gay marriage should be taught in the public schools under the guise of “diversity,” and any attempt to prohibit such instruction – or to permit parents to opt their children out of it – must be stopped.

The following are statements filed in amicus curiae briefs in Parker v. Hurley. The statements show how organizations leading the No on 8 campaign are lying to California voters when they say gay marriage will not be taught in California public schools.

From the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Amicus Curiae Brief: “In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, where the right of same-sex couples to marry is protected under the state constitution, it is particularly important to teach children about families with gay parents.” [p 5]

“Diversity education is most effective when it begins during the students’ formative years. The earlier diversity education occurs, the more likely it is that students will be able to educate their peers, thereby compounding the benefits of this instruction.” [p 3]

(Note: The ADL is a leading member of the No on 8 campaign, and publicly announced they had joined the campaign opposing Proposition 8 on September 9, 2008.)

From the Human Rights Campaign Amicus Curiae Brief:“There is no constitutional principle grounded in either the First Amendment’s free exercise clause or the right to direct the upbringing of one’s children, which requires defendants to either remove the books now in issue – or to treat them as suspect by imposing an opt-out system.” [pp1-2]

“In short, there can be no serious dispute that the books in issue are both age-appropriate and reflect the growing diversity of American families.” [p 9]

“Lexington’s selection of the [three] books…for inclusion in its curriculum is firmly rooted in the long-recognized tradition of public schools as a place for disseminating the knowledge and information that helps to foster understanding between diverse groups and individuals for the overall benefit of society.” [p 13]

(Note: The Human Rights Campaign has organized one of the largest recipient committees to oppose Proposition 8. The committee, Human Rights Campaign CA Marriage PAC (ID# 1307246) has received more than $2.2 million in contributions (as of 10/8/08), including over $100,000 from the Human Rights Campaign itself in non-monetary contributions. The committee has funneled over $2 million of its funds to No on 8, Equality for All (ID# 1259396), the main No on Proposition 8 campaign committee.)

From the ACLU Amicus Curiae Brief:“Specifically, the parents in this case do not have a constitutional right to override the professional pedagogical judgment of the school with respect to the inclusion within the curriculum of the age-appropriate children’s book…King and King.” [p 9]

“This court has astutely recognized that a broad right of a parent to opt a child out of a lesson would fatally compromise the ability of a school to provide a meaningful education, a conclusion that holds true regardless of the age of the child or the nature of the belief.” [p 18]

“First, a broad right of a parent to opt a child out of a lesson would subject a school to a staggering administrative burden…Second, in contravention of the axiom that ‘the classroom is peculiarly the ‘marketplace of ideas’’ [citations], a broad right of a parent to opt a child out of a lesson would chill discussion in the classroom…Third, the coming and goings of those children who have been opted out of lessons would be highly disruptive to the learning environment. Moreover, such comings and goings would fatally undermine the lessons that schools teach the other students.” [pp 22-23]

(Note: The Northern California Chapter of the ACLU has also formed a Proposition 8 opposition committee: No on Prop 8, Campaign for Marriage Equality, a project of the ACLU of Northern California (ID# 1308178). This committee has collected $1.6 million in contributions (as of 10/8/08), including more than $70,000 from the ACLU of northern California, as well as $8,000 from the ACLU Foundation. This committee has contributed $1,250,000 to No on 8, Equality for All (ID# 1259396), the main No on Proposition 8 campaign committee.)

These are the facts. This is the truth about the calculated efforts to deliver gay marriage into our public school classrooms, against the wishes of the people of our state. Voters may differ about how they feel about gay marriage, but there is no disputing that the organizations funding and leading the No on Proposition 8 campaign have already revealed, in their own words, their desire to impose this subject on children in the public schools – ‘whether you like it or not.’

To make sure Californians know the truth, we need you to do three things right now:

1-Forward this email to your friends and family right now, and ask them to forward it to their friends. Every California voter needs to know about this.
2-Watch the truthful ads the No on 8 campaign doesn't want you to see, and donate to keep them on the air.
3-Please volunteer today, and we'll put you out in the field talking to voters directly -- as thousands are already doing. Thank you for all that you do. Please spread the word and make sure your neighbors know the truth before they vote!
Sincerely,
Frank SchubertCampaign ManagerProtectMarriage.com - Yes on 8

2008-10-03T14:53:00.000-07:00

HAPPY DAY! HAPPY DAY! HAPPY DAY!

I've always loved that phrase. You can use it for any occasion... birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, Halloween (my favorite holiday - free candy -who wouldn't love this holiday), graduation day, or simply just any GREAT day...and this is one of those days! Daniel had his first medical school interview in Des Moines, Iowa about two weeks ago and he just received word he'd been accepted yesterday! HAPPY DAY! Though he's not sure if we will be going there, it feels SSSOOOO good to have the pressure off! WHEW! He's in! He still has 5 other interviews set up now, but we'll see what happens! Either way...HAPPY DAY!

a dark, long night...

2008-09-25T08:53:00.000-07:00

Not long ago, a night was spent away from home. With Daniel away at an interview, and knowing the hosts well and feeling they were even family, Chloe and I felt comfortable and excited to be heading to their home. Little did we know what strategizing, plotting, and scheming had been made prior our arrival. Naively we arrived, and were offered a scrumptious and perfectly flavorsome dinner, probably too flavorsome. The conversation seemed lively and captivating. Feeling a bit tired, I (very courteously if I may say so myself) excused myself to bed feeling the evening had been enjoyable. I walked into the basement which had been prepared as our sleeping quarters for the night. The room was captivating. The lights were dimmed, flickering off the new 52 inch LCD television. The fireplace glowed in the corner...okay it wasn't on, but the dimmer lights made it glow. Immediately upon laying my head upon my feather filled pillow I was sound asleep.

Darkness engulfed the night. Carelessly dreaming, I rolled over to find two yellow eyes staring at me. These eyes were piercing me from my own pillow. Immediately I sat up which caused the eyes to lung to the couch. My heart pounding, my eyes jolted around the room. The once soothing dimmer lights now seemed musky and shadowed figures around the room. Cats pounced from couch to couch. Then crouched in front of the stairs, my only escape.

Hours seemed to pass as I tried to calm and reassure myself. But the eyes penetrated through me, finding fear which caused my entire body to shake. I slowly rose and crept past the eyes locked on me, up the stairs and immediately locked myself in the bathroom. Shadows lurked behind the door.

Chloe...oh, no!!! My heart dropped thinking of her in her crib, alone, being circled by those vicious creatures. Envisioning her being stalked and smoothered, perhaps awakening to claws and teeth, caused me to stand up from the fetal position on the bathroom floor. After being mocked on the phone from a supposedly understanding husband, I began considering sleeping on the bathroom floor. Though it was cold, this floor seemed more safe for Chloe and I than facing the world outside that door. Yet, before I knew what I was doing I was finding my way through the darkened house to the host's bedroom.

My knocks started off soft, but anxious and rapid. They became louder and louder until I heard a mumble. After expressing my fears of their "pets", the answer back was, "Just hiss at them and they'll go away..." YEAH RIGHT! I did not have the courage to start a hissing war with a cat who could easily scratch my eyes out.

Fortunately, he crept out of bed and built a fence to fend off the beasts...Let me say, I have a different opinion on fences that will keep animals out. This fence did not bring me peace or security. A fence that keeps out small, innocent toddlers will not stop his ferocious animals, NO SIR! I needed barbwire, spirals and spirals of barbwire to ensure I feel safe enough to fall back to sleep. That little pathetic, dinky, so-called fence did not do the trick AT ALL! Their once calm house didn't feel like a secure home anymore!Creeping, pouncing, and perhaps prowling continued through the night. Though they were physically contained above me, their memories stilled raced through my mind. Their eyes embedded into my mind, their purrs, their claws, their teeth, still have not been erased from my memory.

NOTE: Some names have not been mention to avoid....I don't know, hurting feelings... :)

Quirks...dictionary, anyone???

2008-09-15T12:14:00.000-07:00

Okay, okay, I wasn't too sure what a quirk was. It sounds so cruel and klutsy. I mean I had a rough idea of the definition, but I wanted to make sure I was fully briefed in the understanding before I stated what quirks I have. (Thanks for the tag, Rachael...) SSOOO, for those of you who won't admit that you doubted you knew what the word meant exactly, I have taken the pressure off of you to look up this word.

quirk [ kwurk ] (plural quirks) - odd mannerism: a peculiar habit, mannerism, or aspect of somebody's character
quirk·i·ly adverb
quirk·i·ness noun
quirk·y adjective

I think that I like the word quirkily the best. Example - Daniel has a quirkily way about him. What a great sentence, eh? I love that sentence. My vocabulary has just increased and became more creative. Anyways, here are the quirks in our family...

Actually, as I talked to Daniel about quirks (I still didn't feel very competent with my language and understanding of this word) I realized that we are just opposite in our quirks. So I made this a bit different for the heck of it.

Sleeping Quirks - Daniel needs silence to fall asleep, while I can't sleep with silence. My mind begins racing with thoughts, what needs to be done tomorrow, what happened during the day, multiple deep thoughts about the meat of the gospel (I am a very deep person for those of you who didn't know this about me :) ). Anyways, Daniel can't fall asleep with sound. While watching a show or movie, he has to watch it to the end even if he has already seen it. So at night I fall asleep watching a movie, and Daniel turns it off after I fall asleep so he can sleep. That's our nightly routine. But it works out for us, for those of you who are thinking that I am spoiled with Daniel turning off the television for me. I usually go to bet at 8:30 PM and he stays up a whole lot later than me.

Thinking Quirks - Daniel focuses on one thing at a time. When eating he eats one thing at a time, his least favorite part of the meal firsts, saving the best for last. While studying for tests, he doesn't like to be interrupted because his mind then focuses on whatever I bring up to him, distracting him. When we are eating dinner or playing a game or anything that doesn't involve work or school, he doesn't like to talk about work or school. He likes to focus on where he is, not what he has to do. I, on the other hand, multi-task all the time. When eating, I eat in a circular pattern, taking a bite from each portion of food and a drink, enjoying each portion equally. When we are talking, I am constantly think of what needs to be done, not always enjoying where we are. There is just so much to think about, why confine yourselves to one moment, eh?

Clothing Quirks - Daniel has to always be wearing shoes, inside or outside. As soon as he wakes up, he has to put on his shoes. Immediately after getting out of the shower, he puts on his shoes. I rarely see him not wearing his shoes. I hate wearing shoes. I run to the mailbox without shoes, take shoes off when I enter our house, and even take them off at church and walk the halls with Chloe. They just feel restrictive. My feet need to breath!

Hygiene Quirks - Daniel enjoys brushing his teeth, after every meal, at morning and bedtime. He has Colgate minty freshness constantly on his breath. I am not going to lie, I hate brushing my teeth. Daniel has to remind me most of the time to brush my teeth. It just feels like a waste of time, standing there, brushing back and forth, staring the mirror while I drool and cannot contain the foam that is developing in my mouth and is splattering down in the sink. Does that sound like fun to anyone else? :)

So, now to hear about anyone else's quirks? Kim, Melanie, Michelle (when you start a blog :) ) and anyone else who wants to...I am not so good at singling people out.

A DAY TO REMEMBER

2008-09-10T19:16:00.000-07:00

MARK IT ON THE CALENDAR! September 10, 2008 - Chloe rolls over! Who would have thought that Chloe learning to roll over would be the highlight of the day, maybe week, or perhaps month! Heck, I've seen Daniel roll over before and to tell you the truth, it wasn't that exciting. Perhaps he doesn't have the skill and poise that Chloe does! He is a bit more shakey than Chloe too. Anyways...HAPPY DAY FOR CHLOE!!! And not just once, but FIVE TIMES! She probably could have done more, but I think she was getting a bit frustrated - it could have been that each time she'd reach her goal of getting to ber back, she'd hear loud clapping and cheering and immediately find herself in the same position she had just worked so hard to get out of! Of course I can understand her frustration, but I just coudn't resist the temptation!

Michelle & Stu

2008-09-04T12:02:00.000-07:00

HAPPY 4th YEAR ANNIVERSARY MICHELLE AND STU! Yes, I know it was yesterday. Just knowing Stu, he probably had a surprise for Shell (just like every year) :). Perhaps roses, dinner, and perhaps a gift (which I have no clue what it would be)... If he didn't do this, I may have just got him in trouble. (oops, sorry!) Anyways, I was just thinking about them and realized a few things I have learned from watching their marriage that I have tried to apply to my own...

1) No special occasion is necessary to surprise each other...I have had numerous phone calls with Michelle stating how Stu would surprise her at work with roses, or take her some where special for dinner (where she got to get all dazzled and dressed up), or take her shopping for clothes (gotta love that).

2) BYU is #1! Okay, okay, I haven't applied this to our marriage. We still don't even watch the games. But this is one truth known to the Ripplingers. My last phone call with Michelle on Saturday let me know that Stu is no longer the only fan in the Ripplinger family, but she has become one herself! :) Who would have thought!

3) Enjoy taking care of each other...I remember one conversation with Shell talking about doing dishes (my least favorite chore in the house, along with laundry). She was expressing how she hated when Stu would help with the dishes or do the dishes by himself. She said she enjoyed doing the dishes for him, it was her way to do something for him. This has made me look differently at doing the dishes (not that I enjoy it more...it'd take a lot more to do that :) ).

ANYWAYS, Happy Anniversary! Love you guys!

OREOS - FINALLY!!!

2008-09-03T17:07:00.000-07:00

YAY for solid foods - though these pictures don't show it, Chloe actually loves her food now. This was Daniel's first time feeding her. I came home from the store and this is what I found. She was obviously loving life.
Also, I was EXTREMELY excited to start using her high chair - I LOVE HER HIGH CHAIR! It's one of my favorite pieces of furniture in the entire house. It's so easy to clean with it's removable top of the tray and I love the wood. (Thanks Mom and Dad and Emily)! One day I decided to just put her in it and give her a Oreo cookie. I know, I know...she can't eat an Oreo yet. But I was thinking, what food would I want for my first day in the high chair...a cookie, the best cookie the in whole world - A DOUBLE STUFFED OREO! And I always give my baby what she wants...or what I want! Okay, okay...she didn't eat the oreo. And I may have taken it back and ate it myself. :) Don't judge me, eh? You have your weaknesses too!

Sundays...

2008-09-03T09:46:00.000-07:00

Sundays are the best day of the week - Daniel doesn't have to go to work or school or study or do homework. He just gets to PLAY with Chloe and me (of course Sunday activities...not really playing...). Now our typical Sunday now includes a walk to church. No, this isn't that big of a workout with the church only being less than a block away. But it's actually fun to walk there. Probably one of Chloe's favorite parts of Sunday. Sunday has also now become Daniel and Chloe's day of bonding. The second week in church I was called as pianist in the primary so Daniel takes Chloe for Sunday School and Priesthood. Daniel says that Chloe likes Relief Society much better than preisthood. His first couple weeks with this "daddy daughter time" didn't go quite as he planned...actually most of the time was spent in the hall. But no worries...luckily home is still fun!

Daniel Brett...

2008-08-29T14:05:00.000-07:00

As I looked at my blog, I realized that the posts were a lot about Chloe and so I thought it would be fun to talk about Daniel a little...he will not like this that much. Oh well!

1. What is his name? Daniel Brett Garvin (Danny to friends, Dan to teachers, Daniel Brett to me)

2. Who eats more? It depends - Daniel can go long periods of time and not eat anything (a whole day when his schedule gets hectic). I NEED MY REGULAR MEALS! But when we compare serving sizes, Daniel wins by a landslide...I can't even compete.

3. Who said, "I love you" first? I did...and Daniel just smiled. He didn't say anything back. But then after 15 minutes later he said it back. I say he was just trying to make me feel better. He says he was just enjoying knowing I said it, then realized he hadn't said it back and quickly got to saying it. Yea right, like it takes 15 minutes to realize it? Which is the truth, eh?

4. Who is taller? Thank heavens that Daniel is...and I can where my stripper boots and he still beats me by an inch! That's one of the main reasons I love him! If he was any shorter I don't think it could have worked out! :)

5. Who is smarter? Daniel is...I wish I could say that I was but I can't. But I guess it depends on what area....nah, he's got me beat!

6. Who is more sensitive? Daniel - I am more organized and to the point and sometimes put feelings on the back burner. Daniel is more alert to how people feel and ensuring their needs are met. I should have read these questions prior to answering them. I am beginning to see Daniel is looking better and better and I am not so much.

7. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Daniel does right now. We switch it up though. At our old apartment I did. I think it depends on where the alarm clock is. It is on the right side of the bed and Daniel has to get up earlier to get to school so he sleeps on the right side. Chloe is my alarm clock so it doesn't matter where I sleep.

8. Who pays the bills? Well Daniel set up the automatic withdrawal for most of our bills so I guess he did those. But for the others, it varies, depending on who remembers first. However, I am the one to record it in our budget - I love recording and keeping track of it!

9. Who cooks more? That would be me. I love cooking Kimmi's rollls and breadsticks for dinner. Plus I enjoy getting the table set and have all the cooking dishes done prior to having Daniel come for dinner. This enjoyment only started after moving into our new apartment and now have a place for our table. Now I love making dinner and eating at the table!

10. Who is more stubborn? Me...I hate to admit to it. But isn't stubborn a good thing?

11. Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? I think we are both good at this...we don't like arguing and are quick to take the blame just to have the argument end.

12. Who has more siblings? I do, with 5 siblings and 3 siblings-in-law (Chris, Kim, Michelle, Nicholas, and Emily - Emily, David, and Stu). Daniel has 4 siblings and 1 sibling-in-law (Melanie, Thomas, Megan, and Dallin - Seth). Is sibling-in-law a word, Mom?

13. Who wears the pants in the relationship? What does this mean? I don't think either of us wear the pants. I think Daniel presides, but we both make decisions. Hmmm...

14. Who do you like to do together? Anything really...I know right now we enjoy playing with Chloe and trying to get her to roll over, or talk, or laugh. I also know that Daniel wants to go the "Dark Knight" movie...he loves his comic movies...

15. Who eats more sweets? Definitely me...I love treats, especially chocolate...okay anything sweet. Daniel has more self control than I do in this area.

16. Guilty pleasures? Well, I would have to say they vary. But probably top of the list hat never changes is going to Cold Stone...it's something we love having any time.

17. How did you meet? Well, Daniel remembers seeing me at a jr. high dance, admitting he had a crush on Cassie Warburton (now Hahl). No surprise though, everyone was digging on her then. :) It hurts that he brushed by me to get a dance with her but I guess that's something I have had to live with. But my first memory of Daniel is in a science class as sophomores in high school.

18. Who asked who out first? Daniel asked me right after I turned 16. We went miniature golfing inside his church.

19. Who kissed who first? Well, I think even Daniel will admit that it was mutual and we met in the middle. It was on February 9, 2002 after MORP. It took a year for him to hold my hand, then another year to kiss me. Let's say we were slow movers...

20. Who proposed? Daniel did. He took me to all theses different places that meant something to us in our past (where are first date was, where we first held hands, where we first kissed). I was impressed he remembered all of these places. He'd only been home for a month from his mission so I thought we were just remembering our relationship. I was completely shocked when he proposed. This time it took me 15 minutes to answer him.

21. His best features and qualities? Easy-going, patient, GOOD LOOKIN', hard-working, understanding, HOT, goal oriented, adventurous, HANDSOME...need I go on! We all know he's perfect for me!

22. Tag, you're it. Who do you tag? Kimmi, Mel, Michelle, eh? Whoever wants to do it. However, I didn't realize that it would make me realize that Daniel is a lot better person than I am. I should have already realized it though, eh?

Good Shoppin'...

2008-08-24T16:39:00.000-07:00

This last weekend we headed into Orem for some shopping and were able get Chloe's picture taken at Kiddie Kandids. As Kim said, it's hard not to spend money. If Chloe didn't look so dang cute I could have resisted. I think I'm a little bias though. Not only did we get cute pictures, but I got TWO pairs of pants at Old Navy for $12.00 each (HAPPY DAY!!!) My last good pair of jeans had received it's final hole. But now I have TWO amazing pair of jeans that are long enough and were priced perfectly for me. And they look fabulous if I do say so myself :). (Probably the price is was makes them look so good.)

The best thing we purchased though was a suit for Daniel for his interviews. He has his first interview for med school September 18th in Iowa and his old suit had a hole in the seater ender (we must be hard on our clothes). But he looks mighty fine in his new suit...mighty, MIGHTY FINE! What a great weekend of shopping...if I don't think of the money we spent... :)

Taking a Dip...

2008-08-21T07:58:00.000-07:00

This summer, every spare minute I've had I have wanted to go swimming. I am not necessarily a swimmer by nature (nor do I enjoy swim wear) but this summer was different. Perhaps it was being able to finally fit back into a bathing suit (a feat that while pregnant I thought would never happen again). Or perhaps the heat was just kept getting to me. Or maybe it was the desire to put Chloe in the water and see how she would react. There are so many possible reasons...anyways, I wanted to post up some of my favorite dips in the water.

BATHTIME WITH CHLOE...

POOL WITH EMILY...

BOATING WITH DAD AND MOM...

Parkinson Grandkid's Day

2008-08-20T08:49:00.000-07:00

A day filled with men shaving their legs, donut eating contests, balloon volleyball, ole fashioned marbles, good cookin', no napping leading to a few major crashes at the end of the day. How could it have been better? :)

Simply Family II

2008-08-19T19:32:00.001-07:00

Make a Smilebox photobook

NEW HOME SWEET HOME!!!

2008-08-17T20:11:00.000-07:00

We finally moved! After 2.5 years of

managing apartments we are finally simple tenants, and it feels great. I had forgotten how good it feels to leave the apartment without feeling guilty thinking that someone will be coming. Or having to get permission and make arrangements to leave for the weekend. FREEDOM! :)

Our beautiful kitchen WITH a dining room - Small I know - but it still a dining room nontheless. HAPPY DAY!!! I hated using our table at the other apartment because it was up againt the washer and dryer. But happy day to sit down to dinner at the table without staring at our washer and dryer!

Our bedroom - Of course green, and plenty of room now that storage is not stuffed into our closet. In our old apartment, our closet was stuffed (very creatively and tightly) to hold all our storage. It feels so good to be able to open the closet and see the back wall.

Chloe's room - I love her crib...mostly because it's black I love the quilt that Kimmi made (that will never be used, only looked at. It's too cute to be used and spit up on :) ).

How cute is this too! A small terrace (or porch)...it's the closest thing to a backyard than I can get and I'll take it!

Anyways...this is our new home and life is feeling great! Have I mentioned I love going as we please. Something I have missed oh so much! :)

CHLOE RACHEL

2008-07-09T11:33:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Emily Box Cox for the tips on blogging. I started back in November, but became frustrated and didn't start again. So here it goes again - second time's the charm. I figured I'd start with our newest addition - CHLOE!

BORN: May 2, 2008

WEIGHT: 9 lb 13 oz

LENGTH: 22 inches

EYE COLOR: blue

HAIR COLOR: blonde (with natural curl - who would have thought)

LIKES...

TIME OF THE DAY: Mornings - between 7:00 and 9:00

DAYTIME ACTIVITY: Bathtime, swinging in the carseat, and eating (a given)

CLOTHES: just a onesie or her diaper (it's a bit hot - the less the better)

DISLIKES...

TIME OF THE DAY: Right before bedtime and naptime...or perhaps that's my least favorite...

DAYTIME ACTIVITY: Tummy time...ugh!

CLOTHES: any 0-3 month clothes (they are too snug for her already)

Autumn Leaves...

2007-11-25T07:12:00.001-08:00

HALLOWEEN

2007-11-08T14:52:00.001-08:00