Sunday, November 22, 2009

Livvy is going to be a big sister!!

Although Livvy had some concerns and questions when we announced the news to her, (such as what if it messes up her DVD movies, and takes her blankie), we have since eased some of those worries. She seems to be excited and almost daily asks to kiss and hug the baby belly (as long as I close my eyes). She is still convinced the baby can just sleep on the couch so we don't have to go crib shopping or set her old one up, and although her preference is for a baby sister, I think she might have a little love for it if it happens to be a boy. It depends on the day.

Baby B is due to make an out-of-utero appearance May 24th, 2010. Until then, here is a preview.

Fun in Vegas!

Olivia and I had the opportunity to go to Las Vegas and meet up with family for my cousin Amanda's wedding. Although it was a short trip (we drove out Monday and came back Wednesday), it was soooo worth seeing some of my family and being able to be there for my cousin's special day (Who is really more like a sister to me). I'm especially grateful to Aaron for allowing us to go play while he stayed home and worked. I'm also grateful to Auntie and Grandma who made it possible for Livvy and I to come and who kept us well fed while we were there. Thanks guys! We love you!!


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Pictures from Halloween 2009

Here are some pictures of Livvy from this Halloween. Thanks to Grandma Deb, she had a beautiful, Snow-White costume, which she loved.

Here she is twirling about in her Snow White costume
at her dance-class "dress-up dance day".







Here she is decorating her pumpkin. I gave her the
choice of painting it or carving it and she chose to paint it.



Turned out pretty good!

Helping me clean out my pumpkin, prepatory to carving.







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Halloween Day - Trick or Treating!




Livvy with our friends Cal & Whit.





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Saturday, October 31, 2009

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Just a quick blog to wish EVERYONE a HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!...and to include my favorite Halloween video of Livvy (still makes me laugh) and pics of her on Halloween through the years.






Sunday, October 25, 2009

Some pictures of fall fun!

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I love the fall. I love the falling leaves. The cool, crisp air. The smell of the smoke from fireplaces warming a cozy house. I am soaking it in and hope it lasts a while before WINTER decides to arrive.


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Monday, September 21, 2009


Typically, my blog serves as a Brag Log (to brag about our wonderful, bright and almost perfect daughter), to update family and friends, and also as a record of our family happenings to keep. However, every so often, I am touched - no moved - and despite my best efforts to contain my emotions and feelings, I am so deeply touched, that the need to share it consumes me. This is one of those moments - one of those entries on my blog.

Stephanie and Christian
Nielson and their family

The Kofford Family
The Alders

It seems as of late I have been made aware of 3 families (click on pics above to learn more about these families) who have endured great and overwhelming, tragic trials in their lives. Although I know none of the people personally, my heart has ached right along with theirs. I have said prayers in their behalf. I have found my thoughts being turned to them throughout my days. I have also found myself being uplifted, comforted, astounded and in awe at the peace, comfort, hope, and strong testimonies they have that seems to have carried them through gracefully, such a devastating time. No doubt, they have been carried upon the wings of angels who likely are surrounding them and bearing them up.

It has also caused me to reflect on my own testimony and belief of families. I know that the family is central to God's plan and that the relationships, bonds and love we share and build within our families are not for this Earth life only, but for eternity. I know, that because of God's plan, we will be with our families after our life has ended here on earth. I know that God has a plan for each of our lives and even when we don't understand why certain things happen, it is part of a bigger plan by ONE who loves us, cares for us, and knows the reason why. I don't doubt that. And yet, I can't imagine myself having the peace, comfort, assurance and hope that these people exemplify, if I were faced with a similar tragedy....but I want to.

Coming to this realization caused me to reflect and ponder and I found that the common thread among all three of these families who have showed heroic endurance through such devastating circumstances is 1) their strong, loving relationship with their families, 2) their testimony of the plan of salvation, and 3) their commitment to living the gospel daily. I know that I am lacking some of that commitment. I fail to make the time daily to renew myself spiritually, excusing myself from some of those basic, simple, daily activites (scripture study, personal prayer, etc.) because "I am busy and doing the best I can." However, learning of these families' stories, and seeing their strength has been an inspiration to me and an awakening of my own weaknesses. I will do better!! I must do better! Because I want to be ready for when,- not if, but when - the trials come (as trials are a part of this life). I want to be someone who can learn and grow from my trials, such as these amazing, beautiful people. I am so ever grateful for these families and for their willingness to bravely share their personal stories of tragedy, hope and love with the world - strangers such as myself. It is because of their stories and examples that I have a renewed commitment to strengthen my weaknesses, better prepare myself, become a better person and to not take as many things for granted.


The Winds of Fate
by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

One ship drives east and another drives west
With the selfsame winds that blow.
’Tis the set of the sails And not the gales
Which tells us the way to go.

Like the winds of the sea are the ways of fate,
As we voyage along through life:
’Tis the set of a soul
That decides its goal,
And not the calm or the strife.




Monday, September 14, 2009

All on a morning jog!




The beautiful path I jog!

Snake 1 of 3 we saw that morning.







Livvy being silly on the swing!



Livvy took this picture of me on the swing.


(Ignore the mascara smudge)






Although my jog took a little longer this morning, it was well worth it. Livvy and I had a wonderful time!

Saturday, September 12, 2009

More Birthday Festivities

Livvy's birthday extended through the weekend and into Monday (her actual birthday). Here are some pictures of other b-day festivities.

At her birthday dinner and G-pa and G-ma Phillips




At Chuck E Cheese on her actual b-day


Saturday, August 22, 2009

Livvy's Birthday Party!

We had a great time celebrating Livvy's 4th birthday. She had requested to have a friend party this year and she wanted a My Little Pony cake. We invited some friends, I made the requested My Little Pony Cake, we played some games....and then we surprised Livvy with a real pony ride. I think she and her friends had a wonderful time! Here is a video of the fun.