And Now, Without Further Delay...

Hello everyone. Sorry we've been such slackers about the blog lately; hopefully this post will make up for some of our blogspot drought. Its not really an excuse, because we know those of you who post regularly also have very busy lives, but it does seem like we've had a lot going on lately. Aaron spent a week in Birmingham at a training class for work, then another week in Colorado hunting elk with his Dad, his buddy from St. George, Brandon Ellett, and Brandon's two brothers, Dusty and Braxtin. They didn't shoot any elk, but otherwise had a great trip.

Meanwhile, Tina has found that managing a part-time job and a challenging calling with the Young Women at church, all while being shadowed by an increasingly active 14-month-old can be very hectic at times. Tina is fortunate to be able to take Sophia with her to work - her boss and her coworkers are wonderfully accommodating and understanding. But as Sophia has gone from scooting to crawling to walking on furniture and now to running down the hallway, she makes for a tiring work day. Tina is also preparing for an upcoming business trip to Boston with her boss. Sophia will be sitting out for that one - Tina's not too worried about how Sophia will get along without when she's in Boston, but she may have a side-bet on whether or not Aaron survives.

Sophia is still the center of the universe in our house. She is seemingly always laughing, smiling, eating, talking, singing or dancing. That's not to say she doesn't have her moments of whining or an occasional tantrum, but we continue to be amazed at her generally good-natured disposition.

Now, for those of you who are still reading this post, this is where it gets good. By way of announcement, please view this short video attached below, prepared for us by our ever-helpful brother-in-law, Steve.

Sisters Day!!!!!

This morning I checked my email and a good friend had emailed me a "Happy Sister's Day" message. I had no idea this 'holiday' even existed. However, since it apparently does, I am grateful for an excuse to tell my sisters how much they mean to me.

To my sisters: Our personalities are different, our strengths vary and all too often our weakness are shared. Sisters, I love you and learn so much from each one of you. You bring me back to reality when I need it, you let me deviate from reality when I can't handle being brought back yet, you laugh with me (sometimes at me), you cry with me and most of all you love me. Thank you for the years of memories and the unconditional love I always feel from you. Heavenly Father knew what he was doing when he created sisters (sisters-in-law included).

Happy Sister's Day to All !!!!!

Belated Birthday Post

So as many of you know, Sophia turned one. We had a small party at Nana & Grumpy's house with the rest of September birthdays, and then a small party at home with just Aaron and I. Here are a few pictures of her birthday weekend:

As shown below, Sophia is now old enough to be forward facing in the car! I can't decide who loves it more - me or her.
Here is Sophia about to open some presents. Don't you love the hat!!!

Sophia was not too excited about eating her cake; this is her reaction when I put some in her mouth.

It is amazing to me how quickly her personality is changing and evolving. For example, she is not as easily distracted, and therefore, remembers the reasons she started to throw her little tantrums. After I redirect her, she darts right back towards whatever I had removed from her. Grrr! I know that these changes are normal and I don't know when I was expecting them to happen, but I am not ready for them. :)

I must add though that with all the new challenges age has brought it has brought so many great things too. She is very affectionate - willing to give hugs to almost anyone, especially if they have her favorite blanket draped over their shoulder.

Sophia at age 1 is ...curious but not too daring, laughs at everything except the vacuum and dogs, prefers walking instead crawling, loves to feed herself but will still let us feed her, she talks a ton and very loudly - it just happens that we can't understand much (almost none) of it, she has only two teeth but has strong gums, she is in the 97th percentile for her height and 45th percentile for her weight and she loves to talk on the phone - even if nobody's on the other end.

Happy Birthday, little one!!!

Signs of Maturity

I have always told myself that I'll know I'm getting old when I begin to care about
1. Genealogy &
2. Food Storage
Well....the day has come!!! Although I am not quite mature enough to be proactive about my genealogy, I have started to care about food storage. Aaron and I are gathering information and becoming more passionate about the need to have food storage (thanks, Hurricane Ike!). I have to admit that the task is VERY overwhelming. For example, whats better... #10 cans, aluminum pouches or Bulk? What is the difference???

If you have any wonderful ideas or suggestions of things to look for or things to avoid please let us know. Does anyone have the Shelf Reliance shelving system?? If so, do you like it?

Age and babies do crazy things to us! It even makes us excited about dry packed cheese. :)

Politics in America

I, much like the rest of Americans, have been glued to the political speeches, debates and conventions. The history that is being made in our lifetime (by both tickets) is fascinating to be apart of. For all of you who watched Sarah Palin's speech probably saw this video. I think it is too cute to pass up sharing again.

If you are living on some other planet and need the background...this is Sarah Palin's daughter, Piper, holding her little brother during the RNC. Too cute!!


Piper Palin Grooming Her Little Brother Trig's Hair With a L Video

If you are feeling brave...share your political thoughts on this crazy race for the Presidency.

Swing

I just thought I would share some recent pictures of Sophia swinging at the park.

Stay-cation!!!!!

This past long weekend Aaron surprised me with all sorts of things planned. We starting by painting pottery for each other, then we went to the famous "Sprinkles" cupcake bakery (YUM!), we then went to dinner together and finally we checked into a hotel room. It was a great surprise and we had a blast. At the beginning of the date I thought my sister was only watching Sophia for the afternoon but, Aaron had actually arranged for Sophia to stay over-night. :) Thanks Tammi!!!! Here are a few pics from our adventures together.

Aaron...Thanks for working so hard to plan it. Your a great friend. The mini-getaway was great!!