Oh So Love Lee

I can't believe he's 2

2010-03-21T20:53:00.000-07:00

We had a birthday party for Grady and it was crazy, pretty much like Christmas. He didn't know what direction he was going. We couldn't get him to open his presents and that worked out fine because someone was begging, pleading, prodding, nagging me like crazy to let her open or "help" Grady open his presents. We finally got them all open and then had lots of fun driving the cars, kicking, throwing, and hitting balls and playing with cousins and yes I cut all his beautiful baby curls off :( :( :(.

It's Official

2010-03-10T04:57:00.001-08:00

I am the worst blogger ever! But things are going to change, I'm being very positive here. Here are some highlights of the last 4 months.

Markessa absolutely wishes her birthday was every day.

Grady is not so sure about his first encounter with the snow.

Christmas Lights at the Salt Lake Temple.

Markessa's First Dance Performance. At least she and one other girl are doing the same thing.

I'm just so darn cute - take my picture.

We've got the cheese it down packed!

Mom I did my own hair!!

Christmas Crazy!!

Grandma Boyington's Christmas Morning

Markessa wanted to camp out in the dead of winter, so we camped out in Mommy's room on Mommy's bed for 3 whole nights!! (I had the honor of sleeping sideways at the bottom of the bed.)

Salt Lake Temple - Christmas

Freemont High - Markessa's First Dance Performance

Halloween

2009-11-03T12:07:00.001-08:00

The Halloween low down! We had a pumkin decorating party and Grady and I were having a spectacular day (ha ha). Then we had a Ward Halloween party and Grady again was having a spectacular day. Mommy played one of her songs for the Talent Show. Don't everyone fall over. I made it through without having a heart attack, but I didn't sing it because my voice is on vacation in the Bahamas where it's warm. I surely would have had a heart attack trying to play it and sing it at the same time. Maybe some day. I got to help out with Markessa's Halloween party at school and watch her do the chicken at dance. We went to Grandma Boyington's and Grandma Freeman's then off to the craziest Trunk or Treat ever. We have enough candy to last us till Halloween next year and the weather was absolutely perfect!!

Our Temple Scrapbook

2009-10-05T19:25:00.000-07:00

The temple has brought such great peace to my life and there are days when its' shelter is my only break from the world. I desperately want my children to develop the same love I have for the Lord's Temples, so we are going to visit as many temples as we can and start a Temple Scrapbook. We went to the Ogden Temple tonight for Family Home Evening. Here are some funny pictures of us. I thought I could just take them by holding out the camera, ha ha. Then I figured out how to time the pictures. More funny ones, ha ha. Then we went and had ice cream at Farr's. Of course I got Licorice!! It's the best.

Grady 17 months

2009-09-05T03:27:00.000-07:00

If I ask you if you have messy pants - you nod your head yes.

You take of running, fast, when it's time to change your diaper and you shout, "No" in the cutest voice.

You are the first helper to start cleaning up. (Other helpers include Markessa, Shay, Jaden, McKenna, and Shelby hmm hmm!)

If anyone asks you please to give them something you do it.

You just got tubes in your ears and the doctor said your tubes are among the smallest he has seen.

You love chips and popcorn.

You love your cousins and you shout their names with excitement when you see or hear them.

You have to sit in the big boy booster.

You like to throw your garbage away (AND OTHER NON-GARBAGE THINGS!!)

You love to read books.

You love to hit everything like it is a golf ball.

You kick only with your left foot.

You are a Sports Lefty we think.

You love to jump on the trampoline - you stand at the door and say, "jump, jump."

"Let's Go!!" and then you run.

You love dogs and the bunny.

You get to go to Nursery early and you don't even miss me.

You throw things to people at church and you say "hi" to everyone there.

You no longer sleep through the night.

You are a binki boy!!!!!!

You loves cuddles when you wake up.

You would love your trains if you hadn't thrown them in the garbage.

You love the slide.

You finally got in the swing for a whole minute, only barely moving though.

You love potato bugs and picking them up, playing and squishing them. You call them balls.

You like playing in the sand box, writing bikes, and playing soccer.

Mommy loves you SOOOO much! Keep smiling, playing, and laughing like you do.

Pretty "Silly" Ballerinas

2009-08-29T21:50:00.000-07:00

La La Lagoon

2009-08-29T21:23:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite rides when I was young was the Music Express. Markessa was so daring to go on it with me. It was so hilarious!! I was laughing so hard I was crying. She was holding on for dear life and sliding all over the place. I think she was scared to death, but she didn't complain once.

A Little Behind

2009-08-29T20:49:00.000-07:00

It might be obvious that I have been a little busy, but I don't want to forget any of the fun we have had this summer, so here it is. We had the perfect weather on the Fourth of July and Markessa was in her first parade, practicing her pageant wave (ha ha) thanks to Grandma :). She got to throw candy with Rachel, Cidnee and Grace in the Farr West parade. Grady and I watched for them and gathered all the candy we could, but since Markessa taught Grady to be so generous he was giving it all away to our parade neighbors. Then we went to the carnival where I spent $2.50 on a snow cone to watch Markessa dump it out before she even got one taste. A good 30 minutes was more than enough for mom and we headed home for naps.

More Fun

2009-07-10T15:08:00.000-07:00

Cold Springs Fish Farm

2009-07-10T14:02:00.000-07:00

Wow I lived in North Ogden for 12 years, but never knew about our little fish farm. Tia, Zack, Carter and Mya met us and within no time we caught four fish. Markessa was more into feeding the fish than catching them. Grady loved every minute of it.

Mommy's Little Helper

2009-07-10T13:49:00.000-07:00

Markessa is such a good little helper. I decided I better take advantage

of the offers to help before she stops offering.

The Tree House

2009-07-10T13:34:00.000-07:00

We loved the Mesa art museum in Arizona, so it is no

surprise that we love the Tree House here.

Happy Mother's Day

2009-07-10T13:29:00.000-07:00

Aunt Katie was such a sweetie to help Markessa make me a Mother's Day treat. Markessa gave it to me and I set it down to walk Kate out and when I came back Markessa said. "Here's your treat Mommy (now it is half eatin.)" I laughed so hard.

Welcome to the Country

2009-07-10T12:58:00.000-07:00

We are still alive and well and livin in the country. Marriott-Slaterville that is. If that didn't get any more country I don't know what would. The kids are lovin it and we spend most of our time outside.

Markessa 3 years old

2009-04-13T21:47:00.000-07:00

Love to make up songs
Don't like to play with the boys at school, but your best friend is the boy next door
Trouble
Learning your letters
Love to dance
Do magic tricks
Love storytime
Love to ride your Cinderella bike
Love to play house and be the mommy
Love craftime
Love family home evening
Love to play tag, hide and seek, tickle monster
Favorite food - peanut butter and jelly
Still have your hot pink poca dot blanket
Favorite question - Can I watch a show?"
Protect baby brother
Make Grady laugh and scream
Make mommy laugh and smile a lot

I love you darlin you bring me so much joy and happiness. Keep dancing, laughing, and smiling.

Rain Rain Go Away

2009-04-13T21:17:00.000-07:00

We didn't let the rain stop us from crazy egg gathering. We got way too many eggs, mostly because they were filled with mommy's favorite candy - reeses peanut butter cups. Ya having a hard time "just saying NO!!!"

Die Easter Eggs? No Dye Easter Eggs.

2009-04-12T15:19:00.000-07:00

I am trying to teach Markessa that some words have more than one meaning, like "butt" or "but". "Mom, we don't say butt!! (With her hands on her hips and her best scowl) So when it was time to dye Easter eggs she looked at me strangely wondering why on earth we would "die" eggs. Super Fun!!

Fun at the Museum

2009-04-12T15:02:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite places is the Mesa Art Museum. We found a new room this week.

So far she hasn't cut up anything too valuable, but she LOVES scissors.

"Okay mom, I'm posing. Hurry and take the picture."

Look what I found in these silly chairs.

Let's get wet

2009-04-07T21:14:00.000-07:00

We wanted to go to the Fountains today, but they weren't working so we made our own fountain at home. Grady is showcasing his first major boo boo. Right smack on his cute little nose. He took a face plant over the threshold onto the cement, then soon after his sister helped him onto his face again. That day was a rough one.

All About You at One

2009-04-07T20:57:00.000-07:00

Toe Head
Blue Eyed Blue
So BIG
So Sweet
You feed yourself
You RUN
You climb
You love music and to dance
You have eight teeth and four molars on the way
You say Go, Oh, Mama, Dada, Chugga, Tickle, More, and Sissy
You love putting things away, and getting them out
You love playing tag, ring around the rosies, hide and seek, peek a boo, and wrestling
You are my Cuddle Bug
You could play outside all day
You give mama things when I ask
You love story time
You wave bye bye and hi
You are ALL Boy
You are Papa's Boy
You love playing with the kids
You are a tease
People say you will be a movie star - if mommy would let you :)
You bring us all so much joy

Turning One is so FUN

2009-04-07T20:15:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Grady's first birthday at the McCormick Ranch Train Park in Scottsdale. The kids seemed to like it :). Grady loved his Mickey Mouse balloons, but he wasn't very interested in hitting Mickey with the bat, so we just let him push him around. He also was not going to get messy (at least with cake) no matter what we tried. Happy Birthday baby. We love you.

So Sleepy . . . Anywhere

2009-04-07T20:02:00.000-07:00

Tiny Dancer

2009-03-11T21:57:00.000-07:00

Today was Markessa's first dance recital. She was absolutely darling. Yes they are all doing different moves at the same time, but that is what made it so entertaining.
One little girl ran off crying and when she came back Markessa tried to give her a hug, but her friend didn't want one, so she gave her friend on the other side a hug. She is without a doubt born to dance.

The Happiest Place on Earth!! Woohoo!!

2009-03-11T20:51:00.001-07:00

The Princesses

I'm loving this . . .

The Hundred Acre Woods

Arrr Matie

Look what I found.

Protecting the Castle.

Still Happy

A Bugs Life

It was so fun to take the kids to Disneyland. We all had so much fun - I couldn't have asked for a better vacation. My mom and I drove (and I was having some serious detour, taking the wrong path, heading in the wrong direction, selecting the wrong freeway, getting off the wrong exit , issues - and I am being really nice to myself.) Good thing I get over 415 miles on my tank of gas. Great laughs. We missed the beach, but we went to Disneyland three days in a row and we nearly saw and did everything. The kids loved the hot tub and just playing at the hotel. Here are some pictures of the fun.

Quote of the Day

2009-03-11T20:33:00.000-07:00

I love Markessa's little funny statements, so I started calling them the "Quote of the Day." The other day on the way to school I decided to sing children songs to the kids, I used to only listen to kid music in the car when Markessa was little, so I was feeling bad for Grady. Anyway this is what Markessa had to say about it. "Mom I think you can get sick from singing too many songs." I guess that was a good way of saying STOP SINGING MOM! Right? Well it's not going to happen. I can't make it through a single day with out at least a little ditty coming out.

Poor Kitty

2009-03-11T20:29:00.000-07:00

So I killed a cat last night and I had no idea what I hit, so I turned around and drove by. Both kids were crying in the car and I didn't know what to do so, I just went home. Well, Markessa was clearly upset about the white kitty, but today in our morning prayer she said, "Please bless Jesus will take care of the white kitty." I love her little prayers so much, they make me feel better about killing things.

Can I get some cooperation? Please?

2009-01-18T22:10:00.000-08:00

So I watch Regis and Kelly about once every six months and I just happened to turn on the TV when they were announcing their Baby Contest, and I normally would not enter my kids in a baby contest, but they are giving away $175,000 toward college education, so I am on a mission. I need to get a cute picture right? Well Markessa cracks me up, at least looking at the pictures now she does. At the time it wasn't very funny. Here are the pictures in chronological order. (I did have to bribe her with candy to even get started.)

OK Break out the CANDY!!

It is starting to work.

OK we're done.

The first one is usually the best anyway.

The Happiest Jail on Earth

2009-01-18T21:37:00.000-08:00

We went to the Train Park with our friends Julia, Carter, and Hunter who came back to visit from Puerto Rico. We miss them so much. Here are some pictures of us on the train and in jail "let us out!!" :)

2008 Reflections

2008-12-31T21:39:00.000-08:00

In Relief Society on Sunday the teacher handed out a piece of paper with 90 spaces for each of us to list all of the things we were grateful for in 2008. I haven't started it yet, but I thought about it and at the very top would be my two amazing children. I wrote these poems earlier this year about each of them. There is so much to be grateful for. I hope we can reflect on the past year and find many joys.

A Breath (For Markessa)

I realized time slips away so easily and you grow up more every day.
Taking moments to a far distant place, where I long to go and stay.
Now I know - every second is so rare, as I catch myself stop and stare
At your beauty and zest for life, I wonder what I've missed so far.
I can't take for granted what has been given to me
So I stop and look - watch and see.
Then almost like slow motion it seemed - time held its breath for me.

Sweet Wonder (For Grady)

Sweet baby, sweet wonder
It's you that brings me peace
When I can't sleep - I rock you
I hold you and look into your eyes
You look back with awe
Sweet baby, sweet wonder
I need you more than you need me
I can't wait till morning, so for now
I'll just dream

Where's Santa

2008-12-31T21:20:00.000-08:00

"Mom where is Santa?" Markessa thought Santa was going to be there when she woke up. I guess I didn't explain that he only came and left evidence that he was there. Too much evidence!! As always. Happy Christmas!!

Just because I'm so cute!

2008-12-31T21:18:00.000-08:00

My first school program

2008-12-31T21:10:00.000-08:00

Posts are a little out of order, but here are some pictures of Markessa and her little class performing in their first Christmas program. It was so fun to watch.

More Sticky Fun

2008-12-31T21:03:00.000-08:00

The pictures speak for themselves. Super Fun!!

Christmas Fun

2008-12-31T20:45:00.000-08:00

Markessa loves Christmas and so we went all out this year. (Well we didn't get around to the Christmas shower curtain, but we thought about it.) We made all the traditional christmas treats, but the cookies were the best. When we were frosting them I asked Markessa if she wanted one and she said, "No mom they are for my friends!! (I had no idea she had 100 friends.) Here are some pics of my little helpers :).

I like the camera. Can you tell?

2008-11-22T20:39:00.000-08:00

Who needs Kiddie Kandids? Right?

Some Motivation

2008-11-22T20:32:00.000-08:00

If you make it fun or there is something I really want I will go get it. It isn't quite the traditional way of crawling it's kind of like a frog jump, but it is super cute, but mommy thinks everything I do is super cute!!

Birthday Marathon

2008-11-22T20:11:00.000-08:00

Well we hope she won't remember her birthday marathon next year, because we don't want to get into the habbit of having three birthday parties. We had a party for her in Utah, so when I told her we were having another party she looked very surprised and asked "will there be presents?", then after the second party I told her we were having another party, she asked, "will there be presents?" Some fun from the parties.

She finally got a hold of him.

2008-10-28T16:11:00.000-07:00

My sister has been saying for 6 months now, that if we dressed Grady up and put a bow in his hair he could pass for a girl. Well, she got a hold of him and thank goodness we didn't have a bow or a dress because I am sure his dad would not have been very happy. Anyway, what do you think?

Trunkin and Treatin

2008-10-28T15:33:00.000-07:00

So I pretty much wanted to pull my hair out by the time we made it to the church and then my sweet little Annie Oakley started crying again. This time she actually had a reason to cry. The whole crew dressed up in Country attire and we were supposed to get our pictures taken in the back of my sisters truck on a bale of hay with a bunch of pumpkins. Well we were late, my favorite thing, and it was too dark to get pictures, but I had to stop off at the truck and drop off my jacket. A local dog started to bark, something caught Markessa's attention and BAM!! she ran into the tale gate and cut her nose and started screaming. Of course I had no hands to pick her up until we got inside. Now this was not the first time her nose bled today. We went to Jaden's basketball game and she and Shay found a bunch of little girls to play with, on the bleachers, surprise, surprise!! Out of the five girls mine had to be the one to trip and fall on her face and get a bloody nose. She bounced back quickly though. Anyway, dinner was utter chaos, an extension of getting ready, so I was thrilled when we finally went trunk or treating. Markessa is the ever polite trick or treater always saying thank you. Last year she said, "Trick or Treat, please." At every door.

Pumpkin Man

2008-10-28T15:07:00.000-07:00

Markessa had her second Field Trip, wow I can't wait for a normal day of a school again. She didn't want to do anything with the group, she just wanted to play with the toys. The only reason she wore her hat, was because there was a cute little cowboy who was wearing his. Well, that didn't last very long. She could have played on the tractor all day, good thing she shares pretty well when it's not her stuff. She did interact with the Pumpkin Man and even let him put his pumpkin head on hers and mommy's (loved it). All the kids got to pick out a pumpkin and get their picture taken. Then we went on a scavenger hunt and ate doughnuts. She asks if we can go see the Pumpkin Man every day now.

Sew not simple, but I did it!

2008-10-28T14:57:00.000-07:00

Most of you know I am not really excellent at anything (except writing resumes and farm animal sounds), I just try my hand at a lot of things. Well I was pretty much forced to make a Halloween costume for Markessa, but I learned quite a bit about sewing and maybe by the time I am 100 years old I might be excellent at it. Anyway, with much assistance I did it. Here is the little model showing off just before our field trip to the Pumpkin Man.

Wonder is Wonderful!!

2008-10-24T10:09:00.000-07:00

Well I wasn't planning on going to Pizzeria, mommy's favorite pizza place, but I had to stop the tears somehow and we were already out and about. It actually turned out to be one of the most enjoyable outings. Markessa has just fallen asleep for a two minute nap, so I was a little worried how it was going to turn out. She of course wanted me to carry her, but I had to carry Grady in the carseat, so I promised I'd hold her in the restaurant. We picked our seats and while we were waiting for our pizza I held Markessa, while Grady was still in his carseat on the table. We were just playing and dancing and all of a sudden mommy spilled a 32 oz glass of ice water all over us. Markessa was in shock crying and I was beet-red laughing and trying to calm her down. Thank goodness for the FISH TANK!! Markessa loves to circle back and forth from side to side watching the fish, so that was a good distraction while I cleaned up the mess. Then Grady started to get restless, so I got him out to look at the fish. (By the way the whole left side of my jeans front and back were soaked, but it didn't seem to matter.)

This is where my story finally makes sense. It was the most beautiful site, to see such sweet innocence turn into wonder and amazement as he looked at the brightly colored fish for the first time and how they moved. Then as he tried to catch them, but was blocked by the barrier of glass. Not comprehending he tried again. His eyes glued on the little swimmers, he continued to try to get through the glass to get them in his little hand. He was so peaceful as he took in the new creatures and it's a moment I'll treasure forever. I didn't escape teasing from the waiter and laughter from my audience for the blunder, but that made our outing even more fun.

Another little wonder that we experienced a few weeks ago, was the kids first snow fall. The fourth earliest snow storm in history. It was a Sunday morning and when Markessa woke up I told her there was a surprise outside for her. It took her just a few seconds to realize what her eyes were seeing and with that same wonder and amazement a huge smile lit up her face. "Wow!! Mommy it's on the roof tops and on the ground." Later she asked if she could go play in it and I said, "well we need gloves, boots, pants, a coat, and a hat." She said, "no I only need feet."

Pumpkin Party!!

2008-10-19T19:03:00.000-07:00

The attention span at the pumpkin party was about 4 minutes. It would have been longer if I would have let Markessa mutilate the pumpkin with the poker. At least I was able to get her to sit by the pumpkin and get pictures. It was actually a "you better sit by this pumpkin that I cleaned out and carved all by myself or else" requirement. Grady loved the pumpkin so much he thought he would see how it tasted. He takes a bite out of just about anything these days, so this wasn't much of a surprise. By the way I am not the best pumpkin carver, so I went with level 1 pattern.

My First Field Trip

2008-10-19T18:45:00.000-07:00

Markessa had her first field trip. We went to the Pizza Man in North Ogden. This is where Papa Shaw got pizza for mommy every Wednesday night growing up. The pizza always came with a little cup of mints in the center of a huge "sausage and mushroom" pizza. First the kids got to watch the giant mixing bowl mix the dough, they waited (patiently) for the dough to finish and then it went through some sort of "smasher". After that they cut it into pieces for breadsticks, where they were supposed to twist the dough. Markessa wouldn't even touch it. Then it was time to make their own pizzas. Yeah, Markessa wouldn't do that either. She did however, carry the pizza over to the large oven. The kids ate breadsticks while they waited for the pizzas, but we didn't end up with the right pizza and you guessed it Markessa wouldn't eat it anyway.

First Day of School

2008-10-19T18:42:00.000-07:00

Markessa and I are doing a Joy School and we are loving it. Here is a picture of her on her first day.

First Haircut

2008-10-19T18:08:00.000-07:00

Well I was putting it off as long as I could, but everyone said it was time to cut off his precious curls. Since Aunt Katie is the ever talented HAIR MAGICIAN, she got the honors. Here are some before, during, and after pictures of our blondie.

Guess Who?

2008-10-08T20:43:00.000-07:00

Picture 1 Picture 2

Markessa saw a bunch of her baby pictures and she kept saying they were Grady, so I thought I'd see if anyone out there could tell the difference.

Gratitude

2008-10-06T20:59:00.000-07:00

President Thomas S. Monson spoke about gratitude this recent General Conference and the message really spoke to my heart. Remembering what we are grateful for should always be at the forefront of our minds.

A few favorite things . . .

Miracles (Markessa and Grady are my miracles)
Answered prayers
Memories
Holding little hands
Kisses and hugs
A friend who is always there
A family's love
Mountains
Tiny Toes
Silly songs
Lullabies
Chocolate
Cuddles
Sunshine
Reading bedtime stories
The Hymns and Primary Songs
Forgiveness

I really am this sweet.

2008-08-01T00:22:00.000-07:00

Fourth of July cont . . . .

2008-08-01T00:15:00.000-07:00

Fourth of July

2008-08-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

I am a few weeks behind on blogging, but at least my house is clean and almost back to organized. I have all of Markessa's closet organized and labeled. The "Closet Monster" has started on the Laundry room Pantry, and soon will move to the bedroom closet. Watch out honey!! Anyway that is why I am behind, but we had a wonderful time in Pinetop and Springerville for the Fourth. Here are pictures of the parade, our time in the car, hunting for Sasquatch, and smelling the flowers at Aunt Veda's.

Utah Fun

2008-07-08T22:10:00.000-07:00

We had a great time in Utah and we loved the break from the heat. We spent a lot of time with family and we miss you all so much.

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-07-08T22:09:00.000-07:00

Welcome Baby Katelyn!

2008-07-08T21:58:00.000-07:00

I had an awesome experience while I was in Utah. My sister had her third baby and she let me come to the hospital for the wonderful event. Here is a picture of our sweet little cousin. Isn't she adorable.

Lagoon

2008-07-08T21:53:00.000-07:00

We had a great time at Lagoon with our cousins. Kessa's favorite ride was the swings. Grady slept all wrapped up in his winter clothes and blanket. At least they got used a couple times.

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-07-08T21:50:00.000-07:00

Let's dress up.

2008-07-08T21:26:00.000-07:00

Markessa loves to play dress up and so Grady loves it by default as well. Here are the latest highlights.

Who me?

2008-04-22T21:18:00.000-07:00

Just being cute

2008-04-22T21:15:00.000-07:00

I smiled today..

2008-04-22T21:09:00.000-07:00

Grady smiled at mommy today. I couldn't get him to do it again, but this is a half smile.

Bathtime

2008-04-22T21:08:00.000-07:00

Playing babies with Sissy

2008-04-22T21:03:00.000-07:00

Our bundle of joy . . .

2008-04-06T17:08:00.000-07:00

It's about time you might say, and I would have to agree. Here are some pictures of our little Grady. Born on Easter weighing in at 7 lbs. 6 oz. and reaching 19 3/4 inches long. He is a very sweet baby, so that means I am in for it later on. Just like Kessa. Kessa is such a good big sister and she loves to hold him and sing songs to him. Enjoy!

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-04-06T17:00:00.000-07:00

Daddy a Pirate!

2008-02-24T22:09:00.000-08:00

I haven't been very good at sharing humorous stories, so I am trying to be better. Markessa loves Saturdays and the time she gets to spend with daddy. Markessa got to make her first trip to the "Greatest store on earth - (according to Ryan)" - Harbor Freight. While they were there Markessa saw a man wearing a bandanna and immediately made an association with Peter Pan, Disneyland, and Halloween. "Look daddy, a pirate. Yo Ho Yo Ho a pirate's life for me Arrrgh!" I wanted to know what the "pirate's" reaction was, but Ryan didn't stick around to see what that would be.

Be Mine!

2008-02-11T09:21:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Here are a couple pictures of our little sweetheart wishing you lots of love at this special time.

Pucker UP!

2008-02-07T22:10:00.000-08:00

We thought this was a cute picture of our 2 year old that already has to have a say in what she wears.

I Freezin!!

2008-02-07T22:01:00.000-08:00

I know some of you think it's not possible to be "FREEZIN" in beautiful Arizona even in the winter, but we use the word when it gets down to 40 something, so Markessa has picked it up and uses it when she gets out of the tub or shower.

Ho Ho Ho!

2008-01-07T14:16:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Christmas and enjoyed seeing many of our family members. We hope all of you had a special day too. Now that we have Markessa we have more Christmas spirit and we love decorating the house and the tree. (Not redecorating the tree after the tree stand breaks and the tree falls over.) Christmas day was really relaxing. We stayed in our pajamas all day and didn't go anywhere. Ryan's favorite Christmas ever!! Markessa got "a kitchen and a doll house" and spoiled rotten with way too many other things. We have to build a playroom just to house all the new toys.

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-01-07T14:13:00.000-08:00

Kessa's 2nd birthday - 2nd celebration!!

2007-12-10T16:33:00.000-08:00

It was Kessa's first birthday in Utah, with the Shaw side of the family. It was crazy fun and she loved every minute of it. Her cousins Makenna and Shelby, and Rachel and Cidnee couldn't give her any more attention. We opened presents and had the yummiest cake and rootbeer floats. Then can you believe this, the adults got to visit. I don't think I saw Markessa the rest of the party.

Kessa's 2nd Birthday - 1st celebration!!

2007-12-10T16:19:00.000-08:00

Present from mommy and daddy. A Barbie Bakerset. Kessa was at the store with me when I picked it out. Big mistake. When I tried to wrap it she went nuts. I finally got her calmed down and told her she could have it later that night. The second she woke up from her nap, she was asking for it, so when her party got cancelled there was no way we could wait.

Naughty Kessa

2007-12-10T16:15:00.000-08:00

Well it was too quite for too long, so you know what that means. Artwork on the wall, and a lot of artwork. At least now when she looks at she says, "Naughty Kessa."

Buzz Buzz Buzz

2007-12-10T14:51:00.000-08:00

It was Markessa's first Halloween out and about and she loved buzzing all around. We went to our ward chili bake for dinner and then went trick-or-treating in our neighborhood with cousins Ryker and Ashlyn. The dads took the kids first. It was dramatic, but short-lived (they lost Ashlyn.) Then it was the moms' turn. My favorite part was Markessa's enthusiasm and manners. "Trick or Treat - Please," she would say at every door.

Spooky Fun

2007-10-21T20:25:00.000-07:00

We decided to be festive this year and go all out. It wasn't easy finding a costume for a "pregnant biker chic," but we managed. Jesse James was my HOT date, but he failed to show up with a bike - what's up with that? The baby biker was trying to steal all my bling, but she got tired of it eventually (she has a short attention span.) We had a fun time at the party explaining that our tattoos were not real and watching Pirate Pete dance around.

Where are da girls?

2007-10-09T16:17:00.000-07:00

The girls were here!! It took them awhile, but we were so glad to see them. Especially Markessa. Every morning she would wake up and ask, "Where are da girls?" She couldn't wait to start the day playing with Cidnee and Rachel. Uncle Glen was sad a first, since he wasn't getting any attention, but soon enough he heard, "Come on Glen." As she'd drag him off to play babies or playdough. Lisa got to go to her first Cubs game even though they didn't win. I stayed home with the girls and we had a "Girl Party." We went to Kierland - one of our favorite entertaining spots and the Zoo. We would have taken more pictures of the fun together, but you know who - wouldn't sit still long enough.

Disneyland

2007-10-09T16:12:00.000-07:00

Mickey's House!!

2007-10-09T15:57:00.000-07:00

We had a great time at Disneyland, although Markessa would have preferred to chase her cousins around than go on any rides, we managed to get on a few. She rode Buzz Lightyear a few times, the Tea Cups (her and mommy's favorite), Dumbo, It's a Small World, The Carousel (both a few times), and two other spinning rides that did mom in. Oh I almost forgot some animal boat ride and her favorite - Pirates!! (NOT) It was a disaster - both times she cried the entire time. Although her favorite Disney song is now Yo Ho Yo Ho!! She loved Toon Town and getting pictures with the characters. We went to Mickey's House, Donald's Boat, and played at Goofy's playground. All in all a super fun vacation!! Thanks to Grams and Papa for the wonderful trip and all the Aunts, Uncles and cousins for all the fun!!

California "Beach" Dreamin

2007-10-09T15:34:00.000-07:00

Markessa and I (mom) got two days at the beach, but I was to big of a wimp to get in the freezing cold water. Since I ran the second the water brushed my feet, Markessa did the same, but she was content to play on the beach and search for sea shells, so mom got off the hook easily. Here we are just as the water catches us. Here is Kessa with Grams and Grandpa Lee and cousin Carter as they entertain her while I probably have a snack.

Beach Day 2 - Houston we have a problem! Mom needed a break from all of the walking so we opted for a beach day. Ryan, Markessa, and I drove down to daddy's old stomping ground - Newport Beach and saw all the old hangouts. It was a whopping 68 degrees, but that didn't stop daddy from trying to get Kessa in the water. Of course, she was content playing in the sand. But we all know how persuasive and determined Ryan can be. Some how he managed to get Kessa in the water. Now we had two favorite things we had to drag her away from. It was a fight, but ultimately the hungry mom one. We had to break our little California girl's heart and leave the beach.

Sea World

2007-10-09T15:19:00.000-07:00

We had the wonderful adventure of exposing Markessa to Sea World and the largest scariest fish she'd ever seen (Shamu.) Instead of excitement and wonder we had blood curdling screams and a flood of tears. Ryan had to take her out of the stadium to get her calmed down. Needless to say all she talks about now that we are home is Shamuuu! We enjoyed some of the attractions and sites at the park and here are the pictures.

Lake Powell August 2007

2007-08-23T16:50:00.000-07:00

As you can see we didn't rough it this year at Lake Powell, and there were no complaints from me. From the pictures you won't even think I was there, but to spare everyone the horror of my "maroon" hair and a deathly white tan, I decided to keep control of the camera. One of Kessa's favorite things to do was swim in the "Tot Tub." Otherwise we were on the beach or in the water. We did get her behind the boat in the tube with daddy, but of course we forgot the camera. Kessa also caught her first fish with daddy. There were lots of firsts and probably not lasts as we look forward to many years ahead at beautiful Lake Powell.

Our Monsoon

2007-08-23T09:39:00.000-07:00

Well Markessa hasn't liked driving in the rain since she was a baby and that hasn't changed, but she does like playing in it and t he puddles left behind. We didn't get much rain this year, but here is what it looks like when we do.(Stylin glasses from OshKosh)

Why would you go to Arizona in June?

2007-07-15T15:42:00.000-07:00

Well here are some pictures to show you why. We know how to cool down even when it is blazing hot - swim, swim, get wet, splash, and get wet. My sister Diana and her two kids Jaden and Shay flew in to enjoy hot fun in the sun. We went to two different public pools and two splash parks, besides swimming out back every day. It was so much fun, she will be back next year!! Can you guess which kid came to visit and which one is from Arizona? Maybe their tans will give it away.

2007-07-06T17:19:00.000-07:00