Laugh and Love

Three!

2012-01-29T17:06:00.000-08:00

Three years ago this sweet beautiful girl came into our lives.

Today she is looking so grown up!

Ask her to sing and she will most likely start with a lively rendidtion of Oh my Darling followed by away in a manger or the hallelujeah chours. Of course she never says no to coming up with a new song tied to whatever is on her mind at the moment.

Untitled from Laura R on Vimeo.

She loves to play outside, espcially where there is water! Preferable large bodies of it say, for example, at the beach... She will go from dry and clean to wet and dirty in about two seconds flat.

Ella's culinary tastes are expanding. Her favorite at the moment is keifer but she is still known to down hummus by the spoonful.
Ella loves to laugh and especially loves to be made to laugh. Ever since she was a baby she has been eager to be tickled or teased into laughing. Just the other day I was tickling her under her chin and arms, she was laughing so hard, then took a deep breath and exclaimed, "This is a good game mommy!"

Ella has a love for the gospel. Even at the tender age of three she understands that we can pray and God helps us. A few weeks ago Ella lost a toy she really wanted. After we had been looking for a few minutes she said, "We need to say a prayer". She then proceeded to say the sweetest prayer asking Heavenly Father to please help her find the toy. When she was finished we found it under her bed. Then she knelt again, all without being prompted by me, and prayed thanking Heavenly Father for helping her to find the toy. She sets an example for me of child like faith.

Ella is the light, joy, and adventure in our life! We are so blessed to have such a smart and beautiful girl. Happy Birthday Ella!

Rainy Morning

2012-01-21T09:12:00.000-08:00

When I went into Ella's room this morning she was lounging by her window enthralled by the rain outside. I gave her a good morning kiss and asked how she had slept. She said, "I slept well... Mommy, lets just look at the rain." So we sat looking at the rain. She then decided she wanted to go play in it. I had her eat breakfast first, but then the fun began. She stayed out for about 45 min, getting soaked and having a grand time. I remember a lot of fun times playing in the rain as a child. It made me realize that sometimes I forget the pure joy of a clean winter rain.

Welcome to Our Home!

2012-01-19T19:24:00.000-08:00

This is it, the moment you have all been waiting for!!!

Ok so maybe not but I will show you all anyway. I always enjoy seeing others peoples homes. Mostly because it can be so interesting to see how they organize, decorate and use their space. I love to see how a person makes their home unique. Everywhere we move I take pictures so I can remember where we have been. Here are some for you....

As resident dishwasher, I spend a lot of time at that sink. I am grateful for a window to look out of!

There have been some things to get used to but all in all we love living here! Hope you enjoyed the tour!

Love

2012-01-19T00:00:00.000-08:00

is doing the dishes so your spouse can check out new pins on pinterest.
It is listening to your spouse while they excitedly show you everything they bought for 90% off at Joanne Fabrics, even though you have other things to do.
It is coming home from a hard day at work and taking your family on a walk because they had a bad day.
It is warming up your spouses bean bag so their feet will be warm when they get into bed.

Some days I am overwhelmed by Charles selfless acts of service for me. I love that Man!

He is also very loving father. I mean, seriously not all dad's will do this... :)

Hole in the Bucket from Laura R on Vimeo.

Don't Carpe Diem

2012-01-18T08:41:00.001-08:00

This was a great article, very realistic. This is for the Mothers. Click Here

Sing, sing, sing

2012-01-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

That is all Ella does around here. It is very cute!

Oh My Darling from Laura R on Vimeo.

Sorry I filmed it the wrong way so now you have to watch it sideways...

Park Fun

2012-01-17T00:00:00.000-08:00

We spent the day at the pirate park with Judy and her kids. Ella had so much fun with her cousins! She loves all her cousins and constantly asks when we will see them again. I enjoyed being in the warm sunshine and talking to Judy. I am truly blessed to have wonderful sisters in law.

First Day of Primary

2012-01-16T09:29:00.000-08:00

Ella is now a sunbeam! As we walked to primary I was trying to blink away tears. I was not going to cry! Especially since I had a gospel doctrine lesson to go teach. It was a big step for me to see her transition from nursery to primary, from a baby to a young child. How has she grown up so fast? She walked in a bit worried, I could feel her anxiety about being in the primary room with so many children. Then she saw her best friend, all her worry left! She confidently walked over to sit down next to her friend and didn't look up as I left. She has now gone for three weeks and LOVES it!

Nap Time

2012-01-14T12:48:00.001-08:00

Charles: Ok Ella time for a nap.Ella: I don't want to take a nap.Charles: Well, lets clean up your room first.Ella: No, I can't. I am to tired...Later she also used the excuse that she is to sick to take a nap. Funny girl!

Family

2012-01-09T20:21:00.000-08:00

My parents, sister and grandmother came to visit after spending time in San Diego. Charles needed to study so we went on a walk to the park and found some lovely trails!

Overheard

2012-01-07T14:01:00.000-08:00

Ella hands Charles a mirror and has him look into it, "Daddy look at this funny picture!"

Chirstmas

2011-12-31T11:04:00.000-08:00

In picture's because I LOVE my new camera and haven't stopped taking pictures all week!

ince I received it!

Overheard

2011-12-21T11:55:00.001-08:00

Ella snorting: "Mom, I have piglets in my mouth!"

Sunday Will Come

2011-11-29T00:00:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it is hard to know what to say when someone dies. How do you convey your grief in mere words? How do you convey your sympathy in a few phrases? That is where Christ comes in. He know exactly how we are feeling and can convey his love through more than just words. How grateful I am for His Sacrifice and Love.Its been six years since I saw my brother. Six years since we talked, laughed, cried. Six years since I held his hand and kissed his bald head. Six years since he told me over and over how much he loved me. Six years since we said goodbye. After he died I dreamed that we were all in a golden wheat field, my parents and the rest of my siblings. Dressed in white and we were running towards Stephen, he was running toward us and when we met it was a joyous reunion. Though we will probably not be in a golden wheat field, I know that we will see him again. It is that knowledge which got me through the grief of his passing and that knowledge which gives me the hope to live and be happy.So to Stephen, I miss you, I love you and you better believe I will see you again!

I thought this was a good post

2011-11-17T13:40:00.001-08:00

So I will share it with you.

Lots of Pictures

2011-11-05T18:57:00.000-07:00

Some Halloween activities. Elizabeth Cleo and I made caramel apples. So Good! Ella dressed up as Fancy Nancy and loved the whole knock on a door get candy concept. Today I cut Ellas hair. It was getting really long and she hates when I brush it out. Since it is so curly it tangles very easily. This is actually her first real haircut. My friend barely trimmed the front when she was a baby but other than that we have let it grow. She looks older to me. It was a but emotional for me. Sometimes I am not ready to accept that my baby girl is not a baby anymore.

potty trained

2011-10-08T10:50:00.000-07:00

(I forgot to post this a few weeks ago when it actually happened.)Ella is potty trained! Hooray! We gave up diapers when we moved. She doesnt even use diapers for bed or naps. I love it!Oh and dont ask how I did it because seriously, I didnt do a thing. This was all Ella's choice. Hopefuly all of our children are this easy!

The life of a hard working Man

2011-09-18T17:08:00.000-07:00

Charles has been working a lot of overtime. Because of the rat problems Ella stayed at my in-laws for a few nights which meant Charles didn't get to see her for about 3 days. Last night we called Charles at work before Ella went to bed. As soon as he got on the line she says, "Daddy do you remember me?" Charles: of course I remember you, are you going to bed now?Ella: Yes, are you at work daddy?Charles: yes but I am coming home now!Ella: laughing Don't be silly daddy!We all had a good laugh. Today she has been enjoying some quality time with Daddy and loving it!

I smell a rat!

2011-09-15T10:09:00.000-07:00

Well, our blissful newly moved into a wonderful house life came crashing down around our ears this last week. We have Rats. inside the house.IN THE KITCHEN.Disgusting,abhorrent, atrocious, awful, bad, base, beastly, contemptible, cursed, despicable, foul, grim, grody, gross, hairy, heinous, hellish, horrible, horrid, loathsome, lousy, nauseating, obnoxious, odious, offensive, repellent, reprehensible, repugnant, repulsive, revolting, rotten, stinking, terrible, vile, wretched rats.The screen for under the house was left off by the owners for the first two weeks we lived there. They put it on on Saturday. The smell started on Sunday The chewing was found Monday. The sounds started on Monday and the stink became unbearable on Tuesday. We cant even live there right now it is so nauseating. It makes me sick to breath that air. The owners sent and exterminator who put down traps. That was Tuesday. This is a wily rat who isn't about to get caught in a mere trap. Today they are sending someone under the house. I am going to request that we get a cat and that out rent is reduced for the month since WE CANT EVEN LIVE THERE. If you would like to know more about rats click here.

Change

2011-09-05T13:22:00.000-07:00

We have been busy! We have moved to a lovely 100 year old bungalow with a great backyard. We love it!With this move Charles and I have decided that we are going to take a break from the internet. I will still get on at the library or at my in-laws but we are not getting it at the house at least not this month. We will see how it goes. I think it will be nice to take a break, already we have seen a difference in the things we do, We dont feel this need to be checking different websites all of the time. The sad part is that I wont be updating my blog very often so you dont get as many cute pics of Ella . :( Guess you all just need to come visit our new home instead! :) Here's to change!

Yesterday

2011-08-10T13:41:00.000-07:00

Was just about as good as the day before

Luckily, so far, today is a lot better.

Today...

2011-08-08T21:22:00.000-07:00

Was a day.
Ella woke up dressed up and decided she wanted "snacks" for breakfast. (Snacks to her mean something super fun like raisins or fishy crackers.)
I secretly took her blanket and washed it. Two minutes later she figured out it was gone. Then she realized where it had gone.
Meltdown.
I distracted her with the camera...

Went to Costco.
Melt down. Almost kicked some poor bystander with her foot.
Luckily Aunt Emily was there to save the day. Ella just loves her! If I say, Ella lets go over here she yells NO! If Aunt Emily asks the same thing she says with a smile, Ok! Love it :)
Go home. unload, Put Ella down for a nap.
Girls afternoon out!
Come home....

I had a small moment of panic when I walked in and saw this. I knew that I would have gotten a phone call from Carla if she had gotten seriously hurt but I ran upstairs just to see her for myself. Thankfully she doesn't even have a bump or bruise. She was climbing it and somehow when it tipped she got caught in the triangle it made when it hit the bookcase. When I was holding her I had the distinct impression that she had been protected because of her prayers. Every time she prays, Ella says please bless us to be safe. This is just another testimony to me that the Lord listens to all of our prayers, especially those of the little children.
I fed her dinner, gave her a bath and then put her to bed.
Charles hadn't come home yet (still isn't, poor guy) I hadn't tried to move the dresser without him. I decided to go check on Ella. I knew that no matter how tired she was the allure of all that stuff might be to tempting to stay in bed.
Went into her room. Ella is trying to cut her blanket up with scissors. I told her that she wouldn't want to hurt her blankie by cutting it. She started to cry and told me, "I want to hurt blankie!"
Took them away tucked her in. Left.
Checked again five min later. She had gotten pens pencils and highlighter and colored on herself.
Took those away and decided that the stuff had to be moved tonight. Everyone pitched in and we moved the stuff to the hallway...

I tucked Ella in again and turned out the light.
A few hours later I went in and found her like this...

Yes, that is highlighter on her chin. I will wash it off in the morning.
It looks like she was sitting and then fell backwards asleep. She was snoring loudly. I guess she has had a pretty exhausting day...

(Check out the wall... oh boy. We need to move before Ella does anymore damage to this poor house. I guess when all is said and done, if I am still laughing at the end of the day things are alright. :)

I Never know

2011-08-08T07:03:00.000-07:00

just what she will be wearing when I get her in the morning... :)

Well...

2011-08-01T08:02:00.000-07:00

She is ready for the day! :)

Our Week

2011-07-26T10:34:00.000-07:00

Full of fun, projects and r&r. Loving it! Ella planted some sunflower seeds in May and they are starting to bloom! I made her a sunflower skirt from some scraps so she got to pose by her flower in her skirt. I have been busy getting ready for camp. It is only five days away! The pennant banner is for our cabin. It was really easy to make and is a really cute decoration! Strawberries were on sale for 88 cents a pound so I made freezer jam and bottled some strawberry lemonade concentrate. Bottling was a complete waste of time, next time I will do it in pint size jars instead of quarts. Ella and I have been goofing off just hanging out and going on some adventures to the beach. I am glad it's only July. I am so not ready for the end of summer!

I finally was able to make her two french braids look presentable. Lots of practice went into that!

Watch and laugh

2011-07-21T10:05:00.000-07:00

Its kinda funny...

Prayers

2011-07-17T15:38:00.000-07:00

Ella is pretty cute and sweet when she prays. We went to the zoo about a month ago. ever since she prays, Thank you go to the zoo...

We spent the last week house sitting for my fabulous sister in law Judy. Charles was able to just work from his laptop saving him a long commute. This meant that every time he had a break and during lunch he came out and played with Ella and the dog. They would go out into the backyard and roll around in the grass. Ella had a lot of fun. Charles has been working a lot so she hasn't seen a lot of him. After the first night she prayed all on her own without any help,

Thank thee my daddy stayed home and played today.

Such a thoughtful sweet girl!

Just a friendly hello

2011-07-16T20:39:00.000-07:00

from your neighborhood spider girl.

The Echo

2011-07-15T08:29:00.000-07:00

’Twas a sheep not a lamb
That strayed away in the parable Jesus told,
A grown-up sheep that strayed away
From the ninety and nine in the fold.
And why for the sheep should we seek
And earnestly hope and pray?
Because there is danger when sheep go wrong:
They lead the lambs astray.
Lambs will follow the sheep, you know,
Wherever the sheep may stray.
When sheep go wrong,
It won’t take long till the lambs are as wrong as they.
And so with the sheep we earnestly plead
For the sake of the lambs today,
For when the sheep are lost
What a terrible cost
The lambs will have to pay.

C. C. Miller

Silly Ella

2011-07-14T12:48:00.000-07:00

Last night we had just finished Ella's pre-bedtime routine, instead of hoping into bed like normal she sits down and says nonchalantly, So guys what do you want to do today?

Charles and I stared at each other and then started laughing.

Love this girl!

Good Morning!

2011-07-11T07:32:00.001-07:00

Trek

2011-07-01T07:30:00.000-07:00

The Youth at church are going to trek around in the wilderness of California for three days while dressed in pioneer era garb. I am making said pioneer garb. Here are the bonnets.
Charming, no?

Let me tell you those girls are going to be outfitted well!

Good Books.

2011-06-30T18:57:00.000-07:00

We read a lot. When we go to the library we usually get 15-30 (sometimes more) books. I remember as a kid going down to the library once a week and getting at least one novel for each day of the week. Then we would stay up late and read them under the covers. I love reading with Ella and finding good books can be a challenge. She adores Fancy Nancy books but I needed a break. These are some favorites from the most recent library trip.

This is a book I am trying to find. I keep forgetting to ask at the library...

What books do you like to read?

2011-06-30T13:34:00.000-07:00

You all need to make some of these today.

Seriously, so good!

The little green monster

2011-06-26T16:50:00.001-07:00

That's what Ella looked like after she found the green permanent marker in the living room.

Oh boy...

Fruit...

2011-06-20T16:59:00.000-07:00

It's in season, and let me tell you we are having fun canning!

Cactus Spring I- Pad App Book

2011-06-10T19:25:00.000-07:00

Remember when Amy and I produced and animated an I-Pad book? Well It is in the Apple App store, and it was featured for a couple days on under the "New and Noteworthy" section. Pretty awesome! So if you, or someone you know has an i-pad, i-phone or i-pod touch. Please go buy it. I think you'll be happy you did!

To purchase click here

Zoo and other matters...

2011-06-10T19:07:00.000-07:00

My camera served me faithfully for the last 7 or so years but it died last month and we still havent bought a new one. Sad, very sad. I blame my lack of posting on that fact alone. After all I do realize the only reason anyone checks this blog is for cute pictures of Ella so I figure why post without pictures??? I stole Carla's camera for a few things. I love her camera. Perfect pictures every time.
I just love the faces Ella makes when I take pictures. Classic.

Possible the ugliest cupcakes I have ever made. Seriously, I was lazy in decorating so the grass looks like a green worms instead of grass. Oh well, they were a hit for the Camp Kickoff and certification activity.

Our Piratical Adventures

2011-05-19T05:42:00.000-07:00

Loving this New Song

2011-05-18T07:18:00.001-07:00

Sunday Snapahots

2011-05-17T07:45:00.000-07:00

Learning how to tie knots for girls camp. Ella did a pretty good job. :)

Thanksgiving Point

2011-05-17T07:41:00.000-07:00

Fun times with some cousins. Ella kept trying to go back for another pony ride, apparently she loved it!

A Happy Ending

2011-05-17T07:38:00.001-07:00

Lime Ricki

2011-05-16T13:43:00.000-07:00

While in Utah I have been searching for modest swimwear. I found this super cute store. We went there today and I found this perfectly wonderful bathing suit.

I also found out that Ella and swimsuits stores are not a happy combination. She was cool as a cucumber when we arrived, ohhing and awing over all of the fun suits but as soon as I started to try them on she decided that she wanted to be in on all of the fun. She started by pulling all of the bathing suits she could off of the hangers and then taking off her shirt and pants. Every time I tried to take the suit away she started to scream. Loudly. So I figured, well it is keeping her occupied. I quickly realized that this whole process was very frustrating for her. She liked the colors of suits but they weren't her size and she kept telling me we needed to go to the beach. It was about the time that she took her diaper off and threw it on the floor that I realized this was not going to end well. In a last futile effort I tried to hold her while she was kicking and screaming at the top of her lungs to get a diaper back on her. No use. If she got close enough she was hitting and biting me. I was still in the process of trying a swimsuit on so I couldn't just go out of the dressing room. The store was small. Very small. Everyone could hear her and nothing else. My mom grabbed Ella's blanket and wrapped her up toting her off to the car. I quickly gathered up her clothing and diaper, got dressed and rushed out to purchase the bathing suit. The ladies who were working the checkout were so nice. Making jokes and helping me get out quickly. (I did notice that all other customers had vacated the store...) I rushed outside to find my naked toddler happily seated in the front of Grandma's car ready to drive us home. She did not take kindly to the idea that it was time to get dressed and into her car seat. I finally decided that she could ride home stark naked for all I cared as long as she was buckled in. I just wanted to get out of there. She screamed and sobbed for about 30 minutes of the ride home trying to get out of her car-seat and telling me she had to go potty. (She has been potty training herself and is pretty much there.) We got home, she went potty and we had a "beach picnic" on a blanket while she wore her bathing suit.Things were calming down (finally) But then she realized that instead of going to the beach she had to take a nap. Sobbing hysterically she lay on her bed until she fell asleep. I went down and checked on her about an hour later and she was still taking in a sob like breath every few minutes. She was so worked up today! Never, ever has she done ANYTHING like this before. It was something out of a movie. I have no idea what I would have done without my mom there. Whew. Lets hope she is happier when she wakes up!

Side note- I definitely recommend Lime Ricki's bathing suits. They cover you and are good quality. All of their suits are made in the US and are reasonably priced. they have lots of fun styles and colors. The swim bottoms are the best ones that I have tried yet and believe me when I say I have tried on a LOT!

Tinkering around with Grandpa

2011-05-13T15:39:00.000-07:00

Before we came to Utah Ella kept asking me if we were going to see Grandpa. I think it was because when my Mom visited a few weeks ago she missed seeing him. Since we got here she has been a sort of small shadow wanting to do whatever he is doing. It is really fun to see them do things together! I love that we get to see both sets of grandparets so often. Extended family can have such an influence for good! It is nice that she has a good relationship with them all.

Fun at Temple Square

2011-05-13T15:23:00.000-07:00

We went to the Church History Museum today. They have some pretty awesome new exhibits. We spent most of our time in the children's exhibit where Ella played in a kitchen, helped build Nephi's ship, got eggs from chickens and went fishing and learned a Latin dance. Funny enough the chickens really freaked her out. I think it was because she knows what a real chicken looks like and does and so these fake ones were really strange. We also went and visited the Temple grounds. I told Ella that we have to be reverent at the Temple so for a while she folded her arms and walked really slowly. Such a fun cute girl!

Influences from Uncle Jacob...

2011-05-13T15:15:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday!

2011-05-12T06:43:00.000-07:00

To my Mom. So happy to be in Utah for it!

We finally found a place to live.

2011-04-29T19:52:00.000-07:00

We thought we would buy this place instead of wasting all our money renting...

What do you think?

The past month in pictures

2011-04-27T08:50:00.001-07:00

Haven't felt like blogging for awhile. Here are some fun things we have been up to.

Water fun!

2011-03-30T15:45:00.000-07:00

We pretty much spent the whole day outside. we are even going to grill hamburgers for dinner. I feel like it is July! It's been a pretty fun day!

I love these roses. So beautiful!

So...

2011-03-30T12:40:00.000-07:00

I thought that I would take a longer break from running. Perhaps a week or two. But the thing is, that now there is no pressure so I really just want to go out and have some fun. I can go running for however long I want. Oh the freedom!!

Half Marathon.

2011-03-26T20:22:00.000-07:00

Today I ran the Agoura Hills Pacific Half Marathon. My final time ended up being 2 hours 34 min 9 seconds. Originally I was doing the Chesbro but it was canceled to to inclement weather. (read as, it was a muddy mess.) What an experience! Training for it challenged me mentally and physically. I pushed myself farther than I ever have and was amazed at where it got me. Five years ago I would not have considered myself a "runner". I was just starting and I thought running a mile was a long way. (not to say it isn't, but my perspective on long has shifted...) The race turned out differently than I had originally thought it would. The terrain was different and I had just come down with a sinus infection. In fact I spent few days prior to the race sitting on the couch with a fever sniffing and coughing. The actual run was really good. I was motivated by the diverse group of runners. Younger, older and in between. everyone was so nice and encouraging. The landscape was beautiful and the time seemed to slip by. Well until mile ten. After that I really struggled. My back and hips were in so much pain. It was so hard to run, especially the last mile. I kept trying to picture the end in my head and how I would feel. Interestingly enough when I finished it took me a few hours to feel good about it. After the initial relief I was so stiff and sore I just concentrated on getting food and getting home. After a nice hot shower things began to look up. I am definitely going to have to do this again. Sometime when I am not sick! I am so glad I was able to run with Judy and her friends. They helped me not to be so nervous about the whole experience. It's always better to share these kinds of experiences with others.
Ella was pretty excited to see me at the end, it was fun to see her cheering me on to the finish. All day she's been running back and forth wanting me to "cheer" for her. She wears my medal and says "mommy, I running"! So cute!
One of my favorite parts of the whole experience happened right at the end. There were a few men from the National Guard who ran in full fatigues with their super huge (and I am sure heavy) packs on their backs. It must have been so hard! They came in right as the police were opening the roads to cars again. (It probably took them almost 3 1/2 hours) they looked so tired, a few feet from the finish one of the men stopped, he looked so worn out. It seemed that one could feel his pain just by looking at his face, My heart went out to him as I clapped and cheered with the crowd. His other team mates stopped and came back to him all waiting so that they could all finish together. That was quite a sight. I am so grateful for the men who fight for our nation. They work so hard and give up so much. It was a good lesson for everyone watching that the race isn't about the finish but what you do to get there.

Somebody didn't take a nap today.

2011-03-10T13:47:00.000-08:00

Instead she dressed up like this
(tutu petticoat with skirt on top)

And made her room look like this...

I just love this funny little girl!

Ella's one request

2011-03-03T09:27:00.000-08:00

Usually we help Ella to say part of her prayer. This morning she made a request all on her own...

"Please bless stay in pj's!"

How can one say no???

Check it out!

2011-02-22T12:07:00.000-08:00

For those of you who don't know. I have been working on an children's book application since August. The book is a story my dad used to tell us when we were kids. "The Shortest Cactus Springs Tale Ever", In the app my dad actually reads the book, and he and my brother do all of the wicked sick awesome sound effects.
The great news is that it is finally finished! It should be available for purchase in the apple app store in about a month. For now however you can check out a little bit about the company I did it with here. If you go through all of the authors you will find the lovely me explaining how much I loved working with the Tale Spring web tool. It is pretty awesome. I mean, hello I graduated with a degree in Home and Family studies but I made an I-pad book?!? ummm yeah. Lets just say that the program had to have been easy to use or it would never have happened.

The reason though that this book is so good happens to be the illustrator. Amy, she is in one understated word, Talented! Seriously, her work is beautiful. The colors and techniques she uses bring the character to life. I was so lucky to work with her on this project!

Another reason that this book happened is my sister in law Judy. She helped me so many times. I think that I called about forty time in one week, she never even hung up on me. So nice!! (just teasing, Judy would never hang up on anyone.)Anyways, Judy has mad sikllz with photoshop of which she graciously imparted onto me. Which in turn helped to create the outstanding finished product ~~despite the fact that sometimes I cant follow directions and have to always do things the hard way~~.

Alrightly then, this seems to have turned into some Grammy award speech where I thank everyone for all their help. Guess I might as well through in a shout out to ya'll. Thanks for reading.

Heeyyy!

k, thanks, I'm done now.

(just a note, you can also see a page of the book here. It is the one with the jack rabbit climbing a mountain.)

Oh, and thanks mom. Luv ya! (me waving)

Ok really guys, I'm done.

2011-02-19T14:18:00.001-08:00

Here are some more pictures I found from Ella's birthday. Judy took them so they are, of course, superb!
I think I should go make some more of these cupcakes. Delicious!

Happy Valentines Day!

2011-02-14T18:21:00.001-08:00

It's been a pretty good day!

Birthday Photos

2011-02-11T06:58:00.001-08:00

I never posted anything from her actual b-day party. So here is your slice of the fun!

I just remebered

2011-01-29T09:04:00.000-08:00

that last year on Ella's birthday was (I think) the first time that we met Emily! We are so glad that she is now in the family! I thought this picture was really cute.

We miss seeing her and all the rest of the family in Idaho!

Oh my goodness!

2011-01-28T17:51:00.000-08:00

Ella turns two tomorrow.

In less than 24 hours.

Just ask her she will tell you. That is if she isn't trying to nose dive off the couch on the count of ten.

Yep. Big stuff going on around here.

We're not in Kansas anymore...

2011-01-25T20:18:00.000-08:00

Since moving I have been researching things to do with Ella in the area.
The library near us only has a pre-school story time for children 3 and up. When I asked if it would be ok for Ella to go they said, "Well we don't care if she is younger unless she makes noise or moves around." (I guess all of those three year old who go are perfect angels) Then I found out other libraries in town have toddler story time but you have to pre-register for it.
Seriously???
And they only allow 25 children to join in.
In Idaho it was a free for all. Two different days a week and anyone could come. None of this, standing in a line of anxious parents two weeks before story time to register.

For some reason all of this makes me laugh.

What did you eat today?

2011-01-23T19:59:00.000-08:00

Ella had hummus. Her absolute favorite food.

Los Angeles Temple Trip

2011-01-23T19:51:00.000-08:00

Ever since we moved here Ella keeps asking me where the Temple is. This is probably because we saw the Temple every single day in Rexburg. I thought it would be nice to take her to the LA temple visitors center. She loved it and was thrilled to see the temple! We had a wonderful morning. I highly recommend going, they have exhibits for adults and children. We only spent about an hour and a half there and we still didn't see it all.

Update.

2011-01-23T19:13:00.000-08:00

Things we have been up to.
- We spent Christmas in Utah with my family then came to California to hang out with Charles side if the family for the New Year.
- We moved (again, I know this never seems to be a surprise anymore)
- Charles started his internship with PriceWaterhouseCoopers
- Ella moved out of her crib and into a twin bed.
- I am training for a half marathon (with Judy)
- We traveled to Washington to visit Jess, Aaron and family! So fun!

That is the short of the long. Hope it makes ya'll happy. Cause I know it makes me happy. Today has been a great Sunday. Mostly we have been doing this.

Happy Sunday!

Happy Birthday Stephen!

2011-01-20T16:40:00.000-08:00

I sure do miss this guy. Hard to believe he would have been 19. Love you Stephen!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-26T17:03:00.000-08:00

Take one

Take one from Laura R on Vimeo.

Take Two

Take Two from Laura R on Vimeo.

Take Three

Take Three from Laura R on Vimeo.

And the Winner!

Take four from Laura R on Vimeo.

I really like corn quesadillas

2010-12-08T10:51:00.000-08:00

So good.

Oh, and guess what...

CHARLES GOT THE INTERNSHIP!!!!!!

yep, YOU READ IT RIGHT. He received an offer from Price Waterhouse Copper to intern in the LA office starting January 10th. So we are moving to California! Hooray!

Charles told me when I picked him up from school on Monday. I burst into tears (of JOY) and couldn't stop screaming/laughing and crying. Let me tell you I was a funny sight when we went to Walmart...

I am so grateful that we have this opportunity and know that this is a blessing from the Lord. We couldn't have asked for anything better for Christmas!

And

2010-12-01T14:29:00.000-08:00

SOLD!

In less than 24 hrs too I might add.

Let me tell you we are counting our many blessings around here!

Need an apartment in Idaho??

2010-11-30T18:43:00.000-08:00

http://wehavesunshine.blogspot.com/

I am grateful

2010-11-29T10:05:00.000-08:00

for Temples and the sealing power, knowing there is life after death.

Miss and love you Stephen!

Happy Sunday!

2010-11-28T09:39:00.001-08:00

Scare you?

2010-11-27T19:01:00.000-08:00

Today, after talking to Charles on the phone I noticed that Ella had gotten really quiet. She had been playing in the living room so I figured she had gone to my bedroom and was getting into something she shouldn't. I looked in my room but no Ella, I looked in her room, no Ella. I checked every room. The bathroom, all of the closets. I couldn't find her. The whole time I am calling her name over and over. I began to seriously be concerned. Had she gotten outside? She just figured out how to open round doorknobs. How far could she have gone in five minutes?!?! I frantically searched each room again calling her loudly. I noticed a portion of her blanket peeking out from behind all of my skirts in the back of the closet. I realized that I hadn't checked there because it is hard to get back into the closet and she has never done it before. I pulled the skirts away and there she was facing the wall hiding from me. When I pulled her out and hugged her she looked up into my face, smiled and said. "Scare you?"

Gobble Gobble Gobble

2010-11-26T07:49:00.000-08:00

Charles and I were supposed to fly to Washington this year to be with my friend Jess and family for Thanksgiving. I got really sick the day before we were supposed to leave and we ended up not being able to go. I am almost 100% better, still really tired all of the time. It was such a disappointment not to go to see them but our tickets are still good so we will go in a few months! Since I was feeling a lot better on Monday we traveled to Utah to spend Thanksgiving with my family. It was a good thing we left when we did. It was a treacherous drive and the next day all of the roads from Idaho to Utah were closed because of the blizzard. We have had a lovely time seeing family and playing games. Yesterday we were able to see Elizabeth, Hugh and Emily. It was so fun to spend Thanksgiving evening with them. I really am so grateful for a wonderful family, immediate family and all of my in-laws. They are all such amazing people!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T11:25:00.000-08:00

I am so grateful for friends and family, for God and for all of the blessings He gives me daily.

Hope you all have a beautiful day!

She is growing up way to fast.

2010-11-21T12:33:00.000-08:00

No she didn't drive, but she did figure out how to put the key in the ignition. on the first try...

However,

Ella went pee pee in the potty for the first time today! I haven't really been pushing this whole potty training thing. Actually I wasn't planning on training her for a while because I'm not really ready. Ella however has other plans. She has been obsessed with the potty, sitting on it, flushing it, cleaning it etc. Today however instead of just getting on and pulling all of the toilet paper off the roll she got down to business and wha lah! She seemed a bit surprised that he pee could make noise in the toilet. When I tried to put a diaper back on her she was NOT happy. I tried to explain calmly to an on the verge of a tantrum child how mommy wasn’t buying training pants on Sunday and that she couldn’t walk around half naked because it is freezing cold and she might pee on the floor. In the end she wore her diaper but no pants. Sometimes I just am grateful for what I get and turn up the heater. :)

That aside.

Hooray for big girl Ella!

(Just a side note, never in my wildest before pregnancy and child rearing life dreams did I ever think I would post something like that. To much information???)

And he's off!

2010-11-15T16:51:00.000-08:00

Charles is officially in Stamford! It has been a little bit of a crazy trip (I am sure he will fill you in on all of the lovely details later;) but hopefully things will go smoothly for the interview tomorrow.
We'll keep ya'll posted!

Bacon Grease Cont.

2010-11-03T20:22:00.000-07:00

I thought I better finish up with that story. I had just dumped a cup of bacon grease into the garbage. While I was busy Ella used the ice cream scoop to transfer the grease form the garbage to the couch, slathering all up and down the side and the back cushion.

Lovely.

I used my kitchen degreaser "lysol" and sprayed the couch. Then I used a cloth to get it off. The couch smelled for a bit but it doesn't really even have a spot or stain now. We have microfiber couches, I am not sure I would really recommend this for everyone. The question now is how to get the pen she drew all over the other couch with off...

The cutest fairy you ever did see

2010-11-01T19:42:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween ya'll!

What do you do

2010-10-28T15:32:00.001-07:00

when your daughter wipes bacon grease all over the couch?

Thoughts on life

2010-10-23T18:46:00.000-07:00

Life is but a quick moment in the expanse of eternity. This idea has been with me constantly these last few days. In the past few months two people who I have had the pleasure of knowing passed away. In July a guy I knew form a class passed away just a few short weeks after the birth of his first child. The most recent was a girl we know from a ward we were in a few months ago. She was five months pregnant with her first child and died in a car accident on the way home from school. Now, I did not know either of these people as close intimate friends but we talked and share a few memories. I grieve for their spouses and their families. I am sad for the child that was lost and for the child who lost her father. How grateful I am for a loving Heavenly Father who has provided a way for families to be together forever.
One concept which has been brought to the fore front of my mind is that of finding joy in my day to day life. Much too often I take for granted the kiss I receive when I wake up in the morning next to my loving husband. All too much I don’t appreciate the sound of little feet running over to ask me to kiss me goodnight. Little chubby hands which cup my face, a smiling daughter who looks at me, and when our eyes meet hers shine with joy. Little moments of the day when we spend time together as a family making dinner or just talking, always seem so usual. I have been brought to a stark realization that these things are blessings that I could someday not have. These past few days though I have grieved Angela’s death I have also woken up to life all around me. When Stephen died it wasn’t sudden. We knew for weeks that it was coming. I had a chance to say goodbye. To say my last I love you and to give my last kiss. It was hard and terrible but I had some closure. That does not always happen. I keep asking myself what people will remember about me if I were to die suddenly. What will Ella remember of her mother? I have decided to take more time to enjoy life, the everyday things. When Ella want to read a book at an inconvenient time, I am a lot more likely to sit down and actually do it. I am still living life and getting things done but instead of feeling the hum drum I am more grateful to be here to do it.
My mom sent me this quote by Marjorie Pay Hinckley,
"One of the ablest women in this country, now the wife of a university president, was brought up in poverty. She recalls an occasion when, as a girl, she complained of her hardships to her mother. "see here," said the mother. " I have given you life. That is probably all I will ever be able to give you. Now you stop complaining and do something with it."

"Each of us has some things we could complain about, but what good would it do? Complaining seldom changes anything."
I am striving to live life with less complaints and more joy. I am working to make the most of what I have and stop worrying about what I don’t. I’m working to be more open and to smile at people I pass by. Who cares what strangers think about me? I am going to be happy and enjoy things, maybe it will catch on and they will to. Life is too short to sit and complain. I hope that I can keep this new perspective. I am grateful for my family, for my life and my health. I am grateful for the plan of happiness that God has created so that we may live in Heaven again. What a wonderful country we live in that we are able to enjoy such beautiful lives!

And so it begins.

2010-10-21T21:05:00.000-07:00

Snow is in the forecast for Saturday.

Time to break out the hot chocolate!

So,

2010-10-20T20:14:00.000-07:00

Isn't Fall so beautiful?

I have not been very good at blogging. I do have many excuses. One being that I did not have a camera for awhile. The camera now works so here goes...
Jacob came up to Idaho for awhile. Ella loved to wake him up every morning. I think that she would wait in bed planing how to get him. She was sad when he left and kept asking for him for a few mornings. He even tried to teach her to skateboard while he was here.

I have been trying to find good activities to do with Ella. Now that I am home all of the time I get bored. Our library caries backpacks and big file boxes on different subjects which we can check out. I checked out the one on ducks. We read lots of books about them and played duck games. Then we went to the duck pond and fed the ducks. It was a lot of fun!

Since my parents moved to Salt lake I have seen them at least twice a month. It is so nice! This last trip my mom and I canned apples. So fun! I am going to post about that on my food blog.

I had better take advantage of being so close to family, we may not be so close next semester. Since Charles hasn't blogged about it yet I thought I would spill the beans. He was contacted by a Pricewaterhouse Coopers for a phone interview. The recruiter never ended up calling, instead he e-mailed Charles telling him some more specifics about the job and asked if he was still interested. YES we are definitely still interested (does anyone ever turn down the big four????) So he is now going to be flown out to Stamford , CT for an interview in person in November! Wow, so exciting! Even though we don't know what will come of it, we are still VERY excited to get this far. Don't worry. We will keep y'all posted.

Daddy, Daughter

2010-10-13T14:21:00.000-07:00

This is their time. It happens almost every day. Charles is doing his homework when Ella walks in, hands him a book and then climbs in his lap. So cute!

Housing Update

2010-09-28T19:23:00.001-07:00

Well, The managers seem to be on my side and think that the people are overreacting. I made her some zucchini bread as a peace offering and went away for a week to give her a break. (actually I went away because my brother just got back from BRAZIL!! So exciting!) We now are very careful to step lightly and I tiptoe a lot. I refuse to stop Ella from playing loudly because hey, that's what childhood is all about and we live here as well. I don't know if it is making any difference but the managers pretty much said that they are not going to do anything else and the neighbors will just have to get over it. Hopefully the zucchini bread soothed their tired ears and they are happier. Who knows,maybe we can be friends not enemies.

Ahh, apartment life.

You have to love it.

What would you do?

2010-09-14T19:22:00.000-07:00

We have had our neighbors come upstairs to complain about noise twice since they moved in seven days ago. They say that we walk like giants with heavy heel two movement. Actually it is just the wife who comes up to complain. I have tried to be quieter and to keep Ella quiet but there is only so much that we can do. Tonight they came while we were sitting down at dinner and said that it had just been really noisy. The only walking that we had done was when Charles went to get something out of the oven. I guess I feel that they may be overreacting a bit, but I also feel bad for being so annoying. Anyways, I am pretty sure that they have called the managers about it because I just checked my messages and they want to meet with me. The ironic thing is that we have always lived upstairs in our apartments and nobody has ever complained about us before. And if you know us you know that we have lived in A LOT of different places. So, do we all tiptoe or just carry on with life and tell them they need to get over it?

Imagination

2010-09-12T09:57:00.000-07:00

This girl has it. She is always making up new games. Today she was "using" my blender (minus the blade of course) and pretending to pour in fruits and veggies while making a grinding noise! So cute! She also like to feed her babies and make sucking noises when they are taking a bottle. She has also been known to use sippy cups as guns and make shooting sounds as the milk sprays out. (Not really sure where she learned that one...)

Photo by Judy. Isn't she an amazing photographer! I love it when she takes pictures for us!

Funny Girl

2010-08-27T14:34:00.000-07:00

Wedding

2010-08-14T19:19:00.001-07:00

Congratulations Hugh and Emily! What a beautiful couple. Emily was stunning with her happy smile and gorgeous dress! We loved seeing them and the rest of the family. Here are some moments from the day.

Graduated

2010-08-01T13:42:00.001-07:00

Finally! I actually have a certificate telling me how smart I am. Just kidding. If there is one thing that I have learned in college it is that there are so many things I do not know or understand. I am happy to be done and had a wonderful graduation celebration! I would post pictures but I am recuperating from a week babysitting my 4 little cousins along with Ella. Three of them are under the age of two and in diapers. Whew, it was hard work but lots of fun. I will post the pictures at some point in the future.

Sewing projects

2010-07-01T19:24:00.000-07:00

Here is some catch up on what I have been sewing of late.

I love the skirt! It has godets in it. (I think that it how it is spelled, pronounced go day.) Anyways it is a lot of fun to spin around in. Now I just need Charles to take me out dancing!
The pants have welt pockets which are supposed to be hard to make but truthfully were not all that bad. I think that I had more trouble with the skirt than the pants. I used a Burda pattern for the skirt and it was a BAD experience. I don't know that I will buy another Burda pattern. ever. The godet insert pattern piece was much to big for the panel piece. I had to pretty much remake the pattern pieces. I may as well have made my own pattern. the directions were pretty confusing as well. I used a Vogue pattern for my pants. Vogue patterns are more expensive but wont it. They have more detailed instructions and are easier to follow.

Lately we have been doing a project every two weeks. I am working on a knit hoodie at the moment. Next up is my very first quilt.
9did I mention there are only three weeks left in the semester!) SO exciting! I have to say, it is soooo nice to have machine here at home! If I didn't have it here I would live in the sewing lab and we would only eat boxed mac and cheese for dinner. (oh wait, lately we have been doing that anyways...)
I am a bit nervous about picking out fabric for the quilt. My teacher gave me a lot of good advice hopefully it helps. Wish me luck!

Child Prodigy

2010-06-27T18:21:00.000-07:00

Well, Maybe not but her hair is crazy enough to put her up there with Mozart and Einstein.

Lately we have had frequent visits from the green fingered monster. This little monster can be very cute and cuddly but then without your knowledge will swipe all of your avocados and poke holes in them with her thumbs. Finding the little monster is easy enough. Follow the trail of avocado smears, it will lead you right to her fingertips!

To all you Dad's

2010-06-21T18:45:00.000-07:00

Happy Fathers Day!

2010-06-20T09:22:00.000-07:00

Ella had a special gift for Charles this morning...

Her new kissy fish face! Funny Ella.

Charles is such a great Dad! He is patient and so good with Ella. I am so glad he is my husband!

Happy fathers day to my dad as well. What a great guy! He always taught me to work hard and have fun while I'm at it. My dad has always been a great example of Christlike love, he is always happy and willing to serve. There are many people who have been helped by my father. He is still a great Dad and now also an awesome grandpa! I love you Dad!

Today

2010-06-14T18:28:00.000-07:00

Was BEAUTIFUL!

Thank you Idaho.

Problem

2010-06-13T10:04:00.001-07:00

It is almost mid June and we have yet to hit 80 degrees. Actually If I were to go outside right now I would probably wear a jacket. 60's and rain.
Yuck.
The problem is that in Idaho we only get warm weather from June through maybe the end of August. But even at the end of August it can start to cool down. That means there are only two and a half months of possibly warm weather left. And the forecast for the week is RAIN.

!!!!!!!!!

Do you get my drift?

I think it is time to go on vacation.

On the upside, the aquifer is replenishing itself quite nicely and tomorrow it is supposed to be SUNNY and 70 degrees! At this point I take what I can get. I think we will go to the water park.

Words

2010-06-05T15:42:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we had Elizabeth here visiting. It was a lot of fun, sadly my camera was dead the whole time and I have no pictures.

We hope that she will come back to visit soon!

I made this plaid shirt for Charles. Pretty sweet huh?

Ella is starting to say a lot of different words. Here are a few for your viewing pleasure!

So what does it all mean?

2010-05-27T20:17:00.001-07:00

Pj Problems

2010-05-23T12:51:00.001-07:00

Ella has learned to take off her pj's. this is how we have found her lately. So funny!

I choose not to post the one where she had taken them completely off so she doesn't hate me for that later. :) Good thing the weather is getting warmer!

Family Reunion

2010-05-23T11:41:00.000-07:00

Last weekend the Pettit side of the family got together in Salt Lake for some mid semester shenanigans. The girls in our family haven't been together all at once for awhile. Lets just say, PARTY!!!

Laugh and Love

Three!

Rainy Morning

Welcome to Our Home!

Love

Don't Carpe Diem

Sing, sing, sing

Park Fun

First Day of Primary

Nap Time

Family

Overheard

Chirstmas

Overheard

Sunday Will Come

I thought this was a good post

Lots of Pictures

potty trained

The life of a hard working Man

I smell a rat!

Change

Yesterday

Today...

I Never know

Well...

Our Week

Watch and laugh

Prayers

Just a friendly hello

The Echo

Silly Ella

Good Morning!

Trek

Good Books.

The little green monster

Fruit...

Cactus Spring I- Pad App Book

Zoo and other matters...

Our Piratical Adventures

Loving this New Song

Sunday Snapahots

Thanksgiving Point

A Happy Ending

Lime Ricki

Tinkering around with Grandpa

Fun at Temple Square

Influences from Uncle Jacob...

Happy Birthday!

We finally found a place to live.

The past month in pictures

Water fun!

So...

Half Marathon.

Somebody didn't take a nap today.

Ella's one request

Check it out!

More

Happy Valentines Day!

Birthday Photos

I just remebered

Oh my goodness!

We're not in Kansas anymore...

What did you eat today?

Los Angeles Temple Trip

Update.

Happy Birthday Stephen!

Merry Christmas!

I really like corn quesadillas

And

Need an apartment in Idaho??

I am grateful

Happy Sunday!

Scare you?

Gobble Gobble Gobble

Happy Thanksgiving!

She is growing up way to fast.

And he's off!

Bacon Grease Cont.

The cutest fairy you ever did see

What do you do