The Luke Family

2010-05-07T00:11:00.000-07:00

2010-05-06T19:50:00.000-07:00

2010-05-06T19:33:00.000-07:00

My LiTTle FuNNY MaN!

2010-03-04T08:52:00.000-08:00

This is my buddy. We spend lots of time together. He says lots of funny things to me. For Instance:

" Mommy, what is that you are eating? It looks like poop."
It was my cereal.

" Oh, my gosh..... I think I just ate a beak or an eye or something."
said while eating sliced turkey.

" Mommy, I love you sooooo much,you have no idea how much I love you. You will have to ask the Holy Ghost. That guy knows everything."

Now, what will I do when this little guy grows up? I don't even want to think about it.

VaLenTinE's DaY!

2010-03-02T07:50:00.001-08:00

DeLiCiOuS

2010-03-01T07:52:00.000-08:00

snowshoeing

2010-02-20T10:14:00.000-08:00

Wally, the wonder dog

2010-02-20T08:09:00.000-08:00

We finally got a puppy! Mom caved and it has been great! Despite our new canine almost dying he has been a pure joy! Now, he is healthy, hyper and happy and we couldn't love him more! Welcome to our family, Wallace Stegner Luke!

Happy New year! 2010

2010-01-05T11:15:00.000-08:00

Well, it is a New Year again. I have made a resolution to make no resolutions. I will continue to strive to be a better person just as I did on the last day of 2009 and continue to try to forgive myself when I fall short. ( As I often do! ) We had a fabulous Christmas vacation complete with lots of fun! We rode TRAX downtown and looked at the Christmas decorations, stopped in the Hotel Monaco for a chat with Santa and a cup of coco, we rode the Polar Express in Midway, we went to Temple Square and looked at the beautiful lights, we went sledding, we frosted sugar cookies, we went out for sushi, we went snowshoeing, we partied with friends and family and became quite good at Rock Star........ all in all it was wonderful! Here is to 2010 the year of my 20th Reunion, the year my little girl turns double- digits, the year my sister turns 40, my baby starts Kindergarden and my husband becomes filthy rich. ( OK... a girl can dream! ) So may you and your's have a great New Year and thanks for reading this silly little blog! xoxo

Pictures are coming....... I know you can hardly wait!

HaPpY HoLidAyS.... from our house to your's!

2009-12-11T08:58:00.001-08:00

FaLaLaLaLaLa..........LaLaLaLa!

2009-12-11T08:28:00.000-08:00

LeT ThE WiLd RuMpUs StArT!!!!

2009-12-02T19:14:00.001-08:00

Birthday, Christmas and cheer!

2009-12-01T07:59:00.000-08:00

I am GrAteFuL For:

2009-11-20T12:25:00.001-08:00

Sophie's haircut and Charlie's lunch date with mom.

2009-11-19T19:25:00.000-08:00

HaPpY TuRkEy DaY!

2009-11-19T07:46:00.000-08:00

HaLLoWeeN FuN

2009-11-10T19:56:00.000-08:00

Fall Photos

2009-10-23T09:37:00.000-07:00

It's the most WoNdErFul time of the year!

2009-10-11T20:28:00.000-07:00

I love Fall! All of it!!! Celebrate.........

ChaRlie'S PaRty- ScALeS AnD TaiLs

2009-09-22T08:01:00.000-07:00

We had Charlie's party on Saturday. It was so fun! Scales and Tails came and the host was fantastic! Charlie LOVED it and was so brave and proud coming out with various animals to show his friends! They brought turtles, lizards and snakes and we had a full house and the kids had a great time!!

Pictures are on the way.

nAtUrAl HiStOrY MuSeUm

2009-09-15T09:04:00.000-07:00

ToUr Of UtAh

2009-09-12T14:01:00.000-07:00

SopHiE's CooKinG ClaSs

2009-09-08T20:28:00.000-07:00

Sophie has been taking a cooking class and is loving it! She has learned a lot and has made us some really yummy food. She made German pancakes, cookies, pizza, pesto, spaghetti and meatballs etc. It is fun to see how much she loves it!

FiRsT dAyS oF ScHoOl

2009-09-08T08:11:00.000-07:00

AmEriCan FoRk CaNyOn

2009-09-07T08:45:00.000-07:00

KaYaKinG!

2009-09-03T08:16:00.001-07:00

Summer ( part 3 ) Temple Open House

2009-09-02T09:49:00.000-07:00

The Aquarium

2009-09-01T08:01:00.000-07:00

SuN VallEy

2009-08-31T08:09:00.000-07:00

We took a trip this summer to Wendell. Idaho for a family reunion and I have a rule that if we go to Idaho, we go to Sun Valley! So...... we had a fantaastic time at the Reunion. I got to see one of my all- time favorite people, my Aunt Margy and that was very special. The kids had a great time swimming and Charlie was a great sport as usual! We then went to my mom's cousin's house to visit and what a treat it was! They had deer that the kids hand-fed and loved every minute of it! They also had a backyard that was like an avairy. It was incredible!

We went to Shoshone Falls and it was really beautiful. The view was amazing.Then, it was off to SunValley. It is so relzxing and serene there. Charlie enjoyed feeding some swans grass and then we all enjoyed a wonderful Italian dinner. It was fun to have my mom with us as well! I heart SunValley!

SuMmeR oH NiNe ( Part 2) Take me out to the ballgame!

2009-08-28T07:58:00.000-07:00

We had a great night at the Bee's game! Charlie and Sophie went up to Bumble and had him sign their tickets and then Daddy caught a ball and gave it to Sophie for her birthday that we all signed. It was a great night!

SuMmeR oh NinE..... part One

2009-08-27T08:31:00.000-07:00

We had a great time boating as a family! The kids loved it!!

HaPpY BiRtHdAy, LittLe MaN! ( 4 )

2009-08-25T07:48:00.000-07:00

We had a great time celebrating Charlie's 4th birthday! He woke up, opened presents.... lots of Batman..... and a few other art supplies and shirts, and had donuts for breakfast. Then, we took the kids downtown to see the Tour of Utah. It was really fun!! We had a great view of the race ( right behind the fence) and got to see some famous riders. One of the riders gave Charlie his water bottle. We had lunch at California Pizza Kitchen and came home and watched Batman. Of course, we ended the night with cupcakes and ice cream. Charlie just eats the frosting and Sophie just eats the cake. They make a great team!

ChArLie Is AlMoSt 4!!!

2009-08-21T09:53:00.000-07:00

It is hard to believe that my baby will be four in 2 days. Charlie is a joy to have in our family! I have mentioned before that we waited long for him to make his arrival and we are so blessed to have him! He is a fun-loving happy -go-lucky little guy. He loves to play with his best friend, Max. They dig in the dirt, swim, play super hero's, sing KISS and Michael Jackson songs, play firemen and Handy Manny together.

He loves his Sunbeam class and is so fun to pray with. I have to whisper the prayer in his ear and then he whispers it in his monkey's ear and the monkey says the prayer for us. It is quite an ordeal and I love it!

He is excited to start Pre-school and to continue to play soccer. He is always busy either playing sports, doing crafts or playing with his toys. He loves to read Eric Carle books and can recite 2 of them almost perfectly. I love how he says " young click beetle!"

HaPpy BirThDaY ChAz! we love you!

SoPhiE's PArTy!!!

2009-08-15T12:29:00.000-07:00

We had a great birthday party for Sophie! She had her friends over to watch Princess Protection Program. We had lots of treats and lots of fun!!! We hung stars from the ceiling and the girls had a great time being..... girls!

SoPhiE's BiRtHdaY!

2009-08-01T13:35:00.000-07:00

Sophie had a great birthday! She woke up and found that her friends Jane, Maddie and Max had made a banner for her! She was so thrilled to see that. She had her favorite breakfast of McDonald's pancakes, got some balloons, received her package from American Girl, went to see Imagine That, went to lunch at Noodles and then had family over for cake and ice cream! It was a fantastic way to ring in her last year in the single digits! HaPpY BiRthDaY!!!!!!!

SoPhiE TuRnS NiNe!.......

2009-07-22T23:36:00.000-07:00

In a few days, Sophie will turn nine years old! It is hard for me to believe. Almost nine years ago on July 28,2000 at 8:58 p.m. I became a mother! It has been wonderful ever since!! She is a joy to have in our family!She is a good girl. She is kind and loving. She tries to choose the right. She is a good sister and friend. She loves to ride her bike, swim, play the piano, watch Disney Channel, draw, play dolls and sing along to the Wicked soundtrack!! We love our Sophie! HaPpY BiRtHdaY SisSy.

LeT FreeDoM RiNg

2009-07-02T18:39:00.000-07:00

I love the 4th of July! I love what it stands for, what you do on that day and the fun family memories associated with it all. Happy Independence Day!

TeA PaRtY

2009-06-27T21:27:00.000-07:00

Sophie and I had so much fun at the Activity Day girls tea party today. I have had the pleasure of being the leader in our ward and it has been great to be with Sophie!
We had a fun time making cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches together this morning.

PeT ShOp BoYs

2009-06-26T17:54:00.000-07:00

GiRL's NiGhT OuT

2009-06-21T22:44:00.000-07:00

HaPpY BiRthdAy To YoU...MoMmY SuE!

2009-06-21T22:38:00.001-07:00

Sophie made this banner all by herself to celebrate Mommy Sue's birthday!

Antelope Island

2009-06-20T18:37:00.000-07:00

FoR The BiRdS..............

2009-06-20T18:24:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday afternoon, Sophie discovered five baby quail in our window well. The mom was around, but soon left. It began to rain and was unseasonably cold. The birds were alone and freezing to death. This was so sad because earlier they were so alive and active. Charlie decided to bring them in to the house and warm them up. He was sucessful and they once again were active and thriving. This was great until we began getting concerned about feeding them.

I found out online that quail eat fruit, so we warmed up apple sauce and fed them from a medicine dropper. They began to eat just a bit. Apparently enough to make it through the night. It was very touch and go, but they all survived. Charlie took them to Tracy Aviary in the morning only to find out they would not take them. The Aviary sent him on a wild "goose" chase to Farr West to a bird rehabilitation. Once arriving there he found out it was the wrong address. He ended up in Ogden where they gladly took our little babies and promised that they would be alright. For the next day we heard the chirping of the birds even though they were gone! It was a great experience for all of us!

I See LoNdOn!

2009-06-13T09:01:00.001-07:00

All from 7th East. The London Market and Elizabeth's Tea Shop are fun places to visit!

One FisH TwO FisH ...yellow fish Blue FiSh

2009-06-13T08:54:00.000-07:00

Charlie and I like to escape every now and then and go to Nordstrom's. I love to look around and purchase make up and wonder where I could possibly wear those Steve Madden's. He likes to look at the " Finding Nemo" fish in the cool tank! We grab a balloon and some treats and really...... it turns into a really great afternoon!

LaSt Day Of ScHooL CeLebRaTioN!

2009-06-13T08:52:00.000-07:00

What better way to celebrate than with a yummy bowl of Mac n cheese??

Some favorite new photos

2009-06-04T23:32:00.000-07:00

MuddY BuddieS

2009-06-02T17:40:00.000-07:00

This is me........

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

at 37 1/2 years old.

I have a lot of work to do to be the person I want to be.

Do you think I can do it all by 38?

Yeah, I doubt it too, but I am going to try.

Here's to trying!

These are a few of his favorite things..........

2009-05-24T21:23:00.000-07:00

Charlie loves his bear named puppy, trips to the zoo, his best buddy Max and Grandma Gwen too!

goodnight moon.................

2009-05-21T14:32:00.001-07:00

"OuR SaVinG GrAce"

2009-05-21T13:49:00.000-07:00

This year has been a challenge for Sophie. She has had a tougher teacher than she is used to. We have had some tears and frustrations, but I must say she has learned a lot. She has learned both academically and socially. This is one positive side of things. The biggest positive is her sweet friend Grace. I do not know what this year would have been like without her. They are such great friends and Grace has made the year so wonderful! I hope these two stay friends forever. We think she is quite GREAT!

treats+train ride+ elephant show+animals= great day!

2009-05-15T09:38:00.000-07:00

MoThEr'S DaY.

2009-05-15T09:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's day { to you! }

2009-05-08T08:15:00.000-07:00

I want to thank these two little people for letting me be their Mother. They love me every day flaws and all! They write me sweet little notes and draw me pictures, they wrap their little arms around my neck and kiss my hand. They are unconditional in their love, just as I am. I am blessed.

SuGar AnD SpIcE aNd EvEryThInG NiCe!

2009-05-06T20:03:00.000-07:00

My little Sophie is a sweet heart! She is so much fun to have around in our family. She is such a girly- girl and I love it. We love doing things together like going out for cupcakes, getting pedicures and going to movies. It is so much fun to have her! We had a tea party with doughnuts and m&m cookies with her and some of her friends that live down the street. It was so fun under the cherry blossoms. I love being around Sophie, she is so much fun!

A NeAr PeRfeCt DaY!

2009-05-04T22:09:00.000-07:00

Charlie and I had a great day together!! We started off the day at Einstein's and had bagels and soup for lunch and then went to The King's English bookstore and read lots of stories and then stopped at the Park and had fun swinging, sliding and playing in the sand! The weather was just perfect and we had so much fun together.These days are so special to me. I am a lucky mom!

FuN AcTiVitiEs

2009-04-24T13:16:00.001-07:00

We have been having a great Spring. Charlie started soccer and Daddy is his coach. It is so cute and fun to watch him. He really loves it and 3 of his cousins are on his team. We have been enjoying the great outdoors and having fun!

OnE ShOrT DaY In ThE EmErALd CiTy

2009-04-16T18:59:00.000-07:00

We took Sophie to see Wicked on Tuesday night. It was so much fun! It was a great performance and we had an excellent time! Charlie and I saw it in Chicago last year and actually thought that it was better in Salt Lake. It was a wonderful night!

HiPpiTy HoPpiTy HaPpy EaSteR DaY!

2009-04-07T10:17:00.001-07:00

Motherhood

2009-04-06T22:56:00.000-07:00

For the past eight and one half years, I have been lucky enough to be a stay-at-home-mom. I feel blessed beyond measure for this and every now and then it hits me, like tonght. It is a hard job { noone would argue that} but a wonderful job. I am so happy for the magical memories I have. I am hoping I will remember to remember this more often!

April { The Fool! }

2009-04-02T15:10:00.000-07:00

So, it is April. I am not good at jokes of the practical kind, so it was a stretch for me to make a memory for the kids on April fool's day. I went with this:
Let's have breakfast for dinner!!! It was a hit. My kids are easily wowed!

I on the other hand realized that Easter is just days away. So, off to the store for new sandals and easter treats! Yeah, Easter's on it's way!!!

Relaxation { I highly recommend it! }

2009-03-30T21:08:00.001-07:00

{ Santa Fe}

2009-03-25T12:15:00.000-07:00

SwiNg YoUr PartNeR!

2009-03-19T08:37:00.000-07:00

{ Third grade= square dancing, REMEMBER??? }
Sophie was darling and we were so proud! What's even better is that she has taught litttle Charlie how to do it too. It is so fun to watch them dancing together. He will be a pro before his own third grade program!

BrEaKiNG NeWs!!!!!!

2009-03-19T08:29:00.001-07:00

HappY BiRtHdAy { to a really great guy! }

2009-03-16T08:03:00.000-07:00

We are so lucky to have him for a daddy and a husband! Thanks for all you do!{ yes, the McCain sign was a joke!}

{ All the pretty little horses }

2009-03-05T07:59:00.001-08:00

When I was growing up, I was lucky that my grandparents lived on a farm. This meant that I got to ride horses and see newborn pigs and sheep and watch my grandpa brand cattle and even drive an enormous tractor when I was eight. All great memories, all still as fresh as if they just happened. My kids are city kids, with city grandparents and get to do really awesome things too, but I wish they had the chance to go to "grandpa's farm" too. Instead we go to Wheeler Farm and Gardner Village and ride ponies and look at animals. { Or, we go to Cowboy Grub and ride the fake ones. they don't seem to mind! }

" Let's Paint the town! "

2009-03-04T07:48:00.000-08:00

Spring has sprung { perhaps only temporarily} but non the less, it has given me a burst of energy. A burst of ideas. We have had so much fun going to Bouncin off the walls, children's museum, dinosaur museum, the zoo and lots of fun places! If you want an idea for a fun Monday evening, go to Ikea.... it's family night and we had dinner there, shopped, and got dogs and swords made out of balloons and best of all.... FACE PAINTING!!! The lady was amazing and it was completely free. It is a fun thing for everyone!

Ever Ever After

2009-03-01T09:13:00.000-08:00

I have been waiting for this day for a long time. It is so good to see my brother so happy again. It was a beautiful wedding full of happiness. I am so glad to have Tori in our family.

{ Have i told you lately that olive you?}

2009-03-01T08:35:00.000-08:00

{ ThEn AnD NoW }

2009-02-27T17:10:00.000-08:00

I found some old pictures tucked away in an album. They were so fun to look at, it was fun going down Memory Lane. I used to live in Boston from 1993-1997. It was wonderful. I really had the time of my life......

Anyway, these pictures reminded me of a year ago when we watched my sis- in-law's wedding video. Sophie told me on the way home that she wished I still looked like I did in the video. I told her that I did until I had her.

Hence, { then and now } well, I decided that I am turning over a new leaf. I am going to take better care of me. I will drink more water, less diet coke, I will sleep more and exercise more. I will make my health a priority a bit more. After all, I owe it to myself, right?? If I write it down in blogdom, I will be more apt to do it!

{ For Tecia Part 2 }

2009-02-25T17:39:00.003-08:00

By the way, I am keeping it real, the playroom is usually a mess like in the photo, so I left it as is!

A DaY aT ThE DiNoSaUr MuSeUm

2009-02-25T07:52:00.000-08:00

The t's : Charlie and I had a really, really great time!
We actually learned a lot!
The sand was lots of fun!
The water and sand was really, really fun!
The dinosaurs were cool.
Mommy made a new friend there! { nice to meet you, Tara! }

The - 's : Charlie's cute friend, Max was terrified. I felt so bad.
This actually led to a plus though because we took him home and got
Sophie after school and went back. { passes are good all day} Then
we had yummy icecream at Thanksgiving Point.

Can't wait to go back!!!

This one's for Tecia!

2009-02-22T23:14:00.000-08:00

My friend asked for a post with pictures of my house. So..... here you go, Tecia.
This is the upstairs only. I will add the downstairs soon.

Me aNd My LittLe GuY!!

2009-02-19T19:47:00.001-08:00

I waited a long time for this little friend. I went through surgery, fertility drugs, a miscarriage and other unpleasantness to get this kid. Can I just say that he was more than WORTH the wait? He is sweet beyond words, cute as can be and we have lots of fun together. I am so very grateful I never gave up on getting him here.

I love that when I am having a rough day he says to me " I know what will make you feel better" and kisses my hand. I love that he wraps his little arms around my neck and hugs me. I love that he calls his sister " sissy" and loves his Dad. He is a joy!

My Bucket List

2009-02-18T08:16:00.000-08:00

I recently watched the movie The Bucket List. I loved it! It was great and really got me thinking. This can be hard to do at times for me. It made me think of my life. I have been pretty lucky and have had some really extaordinary experiences. I have been to Europe twice, lived in Boston for four years, lived in Korea, traveled all over the US, been to lots of plays, restaurants, shops, concerts, met lots of famous people, met two US Presidents and the Nobel Peace Prize winner, had great friends and family etc. etc. etc......

This is not a brag fest, it is leading somewhere. ( I hate bragging) It made me think of a stiching that used to hang in my mom's room. It went like this:

" Cooking and cleaning can wait til tomorrow, for babies grow up we've learned to our sorrow, so quiet down cobwebs, dust go to sleep..... I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep."

Which all leads to MY Bucket List.

1) Spend MORE quality time w/ my kids.

2) Laugh til we cry

3) Appreciate my husband more

4) Make MORE family meals and have parents over now and then.

5) Be sure to PRAY daily

6) STOP ( or try) to stop swearing

7) Teach my children to be GOOD people

8) Remember where I came from and the people who made it happen

9) LEARN to cook Armenian food to honor my grandparents

10) SIT on the floor and play trucks more often

11) TALK to Sophie every day and really TALK about her life.

12) Live without regrets

13) LEARN that clutter is OK

14) NEVER say I wish I had done more for the people I love when it is too late
( again. )

" Me GeTtIng All Of My DucKs In A RoW"........

2009-02-16T22:06:00.000-08:00

U r SwEeT

2009-02-15T10:37:00.000-08:00

JuSt sOmE FuN PiCtUreS

2009-02-10T09:13:00.000-08:00

AfTeRnoOn At ThE ChilDrEn'S MuSeUm

2009-02-06T14:46:00.000-08:00

WaNtEd..... TiMe To StAnD StiLL !

2009-02-04T08:28:00.000-08:00

I wish I could freeze my kids at the ages they are at. Even if I could just make it last one more year. They are so fun ( for the most part) and aside from the squabbles and fights to get to bed, do homework brush hair and teeth etc. etc. etc. they are really, really fun right now! They are getting more independent and honestly, they love each other. I have caught them hugging and telling each other " I love you" often these days and it melts a mom's heart.

They are friends and they still love their parents so much. I long to keep it as is as long as I can. I know that the past eight and a half years have flown by. The next will do the same.

WhAt Has HaPpEnEd?

2009-02-02T15:50:00.000-08:00

First off, let me say that my blog is having some serious problems! I feel like I am in the movie Back To The Future and my image has faded away into oblivion. Perhaps I will wake up and find that I am richer and thinner and drive a better car. Or..... perhaps it is simply that the header on this blog malfunctioned and my amazing web designer, Nicole is going to fix it, since I have no earthly clue. In the meantime let me just say that I am doing well, my kids are well and my husband is busy, busy, busy since it's the Legislative Session.

More to come............

" To LoVe aNd Be LoVed In ReTuRn "

2009-01-24T19:40:00.000-08:00

It's always fun to celebrate Valentine's Day! I made a " mailbox" and we write little notes to each other and put them in the box. It is a fun way to show our love to one another and the kids have fun doing it. After all, "All you need is love!"

I aM sO gLad We DiD!!

2009-01-20T12:44:00.000-08:00

I, along with everyone else witnessed a really great chapter in history this morning. I am so proud of our Country and for our first African/ American President. I like saying " President Obama" I think it sounds really good. I am glad that I kept my eight year old home from school to watch it with us, even if her teacher was rude to me when I took her later in the day. I am glad that my kids will grow up remembering this as " normal" I am proud to be an American. As one of my friends who works for the UN said today.... " I am so proud to be American, it hurts."

God Bless America!! And God bless all of us.

ChArLie'S AnGeLs

2009-01-17T12:55:00.001-08:00

" LeT ThEm Be LittLe"

2009-01-16T08:00:00.001-08:00

Let them sleep in the middle!

I aM WiCkeD ExCiTeD!!!!!!!!

2009-01-13T08:51:00.000-08:00

Some people get really excited about sports. Me.... not so much! I get excited for Broadway plays and new Presidents! I can not wait for next Tuesday! Believe me.... there will be a celebration at the Luke house! I am Wicked excited to see Wicked again too!Here's to change, baby! YES WE CAN!!!!!!!!!!

ChIcKs RuLe!!

2009-01-10T18:50:00.000-08:00

Today I got to spend the afternoon with my two sisters, two of my nieces and my daughter. It was so fun! We saw Bride Wars and we all loved it! I am so thankful that my sister and niece moved back from Virginia and also thankful that I got a cute" bonus" niece named Jayne! Of course I am also grateful for Sophie. We went browsing at Thanksgiving Point and got a good collection of candy and saw the movie! Really, who could ask for more? Thanks girls! YOU RULE!!!

On A DaY LiKe ToDay, I WiSh FoR DaYs LiKe ThEsE!!

2009-01-09T08:26:00.000-08:00

ChIcKen NooDle SouP fOr ThE BoDy aNd SoUl

2009-01-08T10:25:00.000-08:00

My cute sis- in- law asked me for this and I thought perhaps someone else may want to try it.

This is my mother- in-law's recipe and it is tasty!

5 or 6 chicken breasts
9 carrots
8 celery
1 onion
2 or 3 T. dry chicken broth
1 1/2 t. salt

combine in an 8 quart or larger pan filled with water. Cook about three hrs.- remove chicken and cut into small pieces and put back into pan.

Mix together in blender:

1/4 c. butter
2/3 c. flour
1 c. milk

Add mixture to soup 1/2 hour before serving.
Add 12 oz. egg noodles the last 20 minutes.

I am telling you that this noodle soup will beat most you have had before!

YUM-O

I like to serve it in bread bowls!

I'll Be A SunBeAm FoR HiM!

2009-01-06T09:17:00.000-08:00

Isn't it fitting that right at the start of the coldest month of the year, we get a little burst of sunshine! It comes in the form of a Sunbeam and this little guy was really excited!! The only downside was that he wanted to wear a spongebob tie! Funny how I could not seem to find it!

We are so proud of our little guy!

" TiCkLeD PiNk "

2009-01-05T15:36:00.000-08:00

Eight years ago we bought our house. It was a SAD little house, it was a dirty, broken, unloved, cluttered, horrible little house..... but my darling husband saw potential ( I did not) In fact, I cried a lot! Inch by inch Charlie started painting, making, fixing, changing and low and behold almost every little inch of this house has been re done. Some rooms have been re done more than once. Every little whim or idea that came to me in the minutes before sleep have been completed. I owe this to my husband and our expanding mortgage. There is however one little room that I have not allowed to be changed all that much aside from cleaning and painting, I have wanted to preserve the PINK bathroom! It screams 50's and I LOVE it!! so, when I had the idea to paint the bathroom cabinets pink, Charlie obliged and not only that he added lovely PINK stripes to the walls! I LOVE it even more. For those who don't happen to love it, please just pretend that you do, because the chances of a remodel in that room are ZERO!!!!!

PS I know that the post below this one was a bit self absorbed..... sorry!!

ThE LoNg aNd ThE ShOrT Of It!

2009-01-04T18:23:00.000-08:00

I have been talking about it for months now, and I decided new year, new do! So, I cut my hair shorter than it has been since 7th grade! I really like it...... Charlie is a fan of long hair so I am sure I'll grow it out again, but til then, it's fun!

So here's some cheesy before and after pictures!

GoOdByE 2008..... HeLLo 2009!

2008-12-30T22:32:00.000-08:00

As this year comes to an end, I can't help but reflect on it. It has been a tough year on our little family. We have lost jobs,had health problems and I had surgery, we even lost two friends because of death. We have endured other trials that have tested our strength and our faith. In fact, I would say that this has been the hardest year of my life so far. That being said, I would be a fool not to think of the great times too! Sophie was baptized a member of our church, we had lots of great memories all through the year which have been documented on this blog, we went to Disneyland as a family and Charlie and I spent a fabulous couple of days in Chicago celebrating our tenth anniversary. We got to see Wicked while we were there and had a great time in that amazing city. We have watched our little ones grow and become more independant and fun! We have had great times with our family and friends. All three of my siblings that lived out of state have moved back to Utah and my entire family is all here now! I have been so happy to watch my brother, Adam find a great girl and get engaged after a really horrible time for him. We have been blessed in ways that I can not begin to tell. I hope that this year has given you some blessings and memories to recall as we get ready to ring in a new year. Here's to 2009!! Borrowing a quote, " Come what may and love it! "

HaPPy ChriStmAs To All FrOm OuR HouSe To YouR's!

2008-12-18T11:11:00.000-08:00

PuPPieS and TiGeRs and ReiNdEeR Oh My!

2008-12-14T14:53:00.000-08:00

My BirThdAy!

2008-12-10T09:21:00.000-08:00

Some would not say that turning a dreaded number like 37 would be fun, especially if you are not a big fan of your birthday, but this year was AWESOME!!! It started out with my fun friends decorating my porch and leaving gifts, then my darling family made me a delicious breakfast. We took the kids to see Bolt and we ALL loved it. I put up Christmas decorations and then my cute husband took me to one of my favorite places in Utah! We went to Sundance and had dinner at the Tree Room and it was AWESOME!!!

HaPpY BiRthDaY tO Me aNd... TriMMinG OuR TrEe!

2008-12-10T09:06:00.001-08:00

ToDAy!!

2008-11-30T19:37:00.000-08:00

It was beginning to look a lot like Christmas.......... more to follow.......