More Silliness

You look so cool through all these holes!!

So silly!!

Sometimes I feel a little silly myself to do so many posts about my baby girl.

I love all my children equally(Yes, Gaye, it's true). But let's face it, 2 year olds are just so stinking cute. The way they experice the world. They put a new spin on everything and you begin to see things through new and fresh eyes. Like making a hat out of the salad spinner bowl. How much more interesting would the world seem looking through holes? Okay a little annoying, but still...

I love the way Grace continues to improve upon her communication skills as well. She was away from me the other day, all day. When she came home she constantly was asking me, " Hold me mommy. Hold me." How can I refuse a sweet phrase like that with no whinning or crying or grunting. I missed her just as much so I quickly scooped her up each time she asked.

Oh Boa!

Isabel had fun dressing Grace up in the blue boa

Love these girls!





I think blue is her color.

Recently I cleaned out my closet. In all my purging I found a feather boa that Hannah used in one of her dance recitals. I didn't think it a big deal to let the girls play with it. Isabel pulled out Grace's blue dress and adorned her with the boa. So stinking cute. Grace pranced around like a proud peacock.

I forgot why I had put the boa up in the first place. But quickly remembered why. After this cute scene captured above, I found feathers ALL OVER THE BASEMENT!!! It's all fun and games until the boa starts to shed.

The feathers were quickly picked up and the whole thing trashed. I guess I should be a little less uptight about such trivial messes. But little messes add up to big messes.

They had their fun and that's what matters most.

Aunts

Gaye, Melody, Sandy and My Mom

Another fun pose.
According to Gaye there was still too much bust in the picture.
"Just get our heads!!" she kept saying

Since I'm shorter or the same height as my Aunts I was continually looking up when taking photos. To rectify that situation I climbed up on a stool to get at a more flattering angle.
This was amusing to Gaye and Mel.


I just love this photo.

Growing up I was also privileged to have lots of Aunts. I was amazed at how many sisters my Mom had. There was Lottie, Gwen, My Mom, Sandy, Candy, Melody and Gaye. There was one boy thrown in there for good measure and that's Barry. In church, to pass away the time I would write all of their names out, their nicknames and full names. As I got older I carried on this tradition but would also add their husbands and children's names to the list. I might not have known all my Aunts growing up personally, but I sure did know who they were.

My Mom had SIX sisters growing up! One sister was enough for me growing up. I watch my own girls and wonder how they will survive each other. But they will. Even in adulthood I watch my Aunts go through their spats and fights. But one of them is always ready to forgive, maybe not always forget, but forgive so they can continue to co-exist.

I love each of my Aunts for different reasons. They have all, at one point, or another entered my life and have taught me great things.

Lottie was always so great at remembering my birthday growing up.

Gwen, taught me how to work. She always put me to work when I visited her.

Before Sandy started having her own grandkids I would take my kids to her house and we would be rewarded with the fruits of her garden. Sandy was and still is a great gardener.

Candy is the Aunt that I grew up loving the most. Probably because she was the only one that lived near me. She was always so generous. I remember when I had Isabel and Annika she came to visit me and with her she brought 4 outfits for each of the girls.

Melody I never got to see much of either. When she visits she always brings an energy that is contagious. I love being around her and talking with her. She's also great at belching. Love that about her.

And Gaye. I've become really close with her since she's moved out here to Utah. Even before she did I loved it when she would visit. She is always so quick to give a compliment and made me feel unique. My Mom sometimes refers to Gaye as my second Mom.

All my Aunts have turned out to be amazing quilters. I'm always so jealous when someone else receives a quilt and I don't. I don't think people understand all that goes into a quilt.

Cousins

Micah, Keagan, Deric, Kyle, Alex, Zach, Deven, Garrick and Ryan
They were all just hanging out in the kitchen when one of the girls realized this,
all the cameras were whipped out to capture the moment.
Ahh, isn't that special.

Of course the girls had to pose just perfect.
Arika, Me, Kaleah, Stephanie and Ali

I was lucky enough to grow up with a lot of cousins. A few of them lived here in Utah, most of them were scattered in California. I always looked forward to visiting them during the summers. I remember visiting Ridgecrest, what I felt like was the armpit of all of California. My Aunt disagreed with me, it certainly wasn't a vacation destination. One summer I remember it being so hot we just stayed inside and drank ice water. Another summer I remember staying with my Aunt Gwen and being attacked by her geese. Yikes! It was dusty, grassless, and HOT!! But you go where the relatives are and where your Mom sends you. It's a good thing my cousins were so much fun to be with.

Growing up in Utah the only Aunt that was close was Candy. When I got older I would frequent her home on weekends and help her out. I remember Deven and Kelby fighting like cats and dogs. Deven and I were pretty good at cleaning up. I remember trying to help Zach one night go to bed and he was so mad at his blanket. He kept complaining that it was broken! So funny. My Aunt Candy passed away about 6 months after my Grandpa. She was far to young, and I miss her much. I am so glad that I get to see Deven, Kelby, Zach, Alex and Arika at these family functions. They mean so much to me. I know I don't do a good enough job showing it. But they are my memories from my youth, and I love them. As I do all my cousins.

Life is interesting how it takes us on our different journey's. Sometimes we might grow closer together, Like I have with my cousin Stephanie. What a beautiful person she has turned out to be. Both inside and out. And some, like Jared, who was like a best friend to me, is as distant as the stars.

Remembering...

The great-grandkids

Mine are on the left, Quanah, Logan and Robin are on the right.

All those that stuck it out in the freazing cold.

Me, Ali, and Keliah

Aunt Sandy and Penny(my mom)

Jaren
Sweet, his hair is getting long again!

Annika

She knows how to stay warm!

Miss Isabel

Always quick to smile

Ali, Aunt Mel, Stephani, and Aunt Gaye

Trying to stay warm

Kegan, Kyle and Steve(they belong to Gaye)




Stephanie trying to keep Beckham warm.

Yesterday, February 13th, was my Grandma Edwards' Birthday. She passed away last year. My Mom decided that she was going to celebrate the life of both my grandparents; Grandpa passed away about 5 years earlier. We began the day at the cemetary. We walked to the grave and then gathered in the gazebo to share our memories of Grandma and Grandpa. Take note: IT WAS FREAZING!!! So cold that my feet started to go numb, as well as my hands and my ears. Despite the cold, everyone willingly shared their fond memories. Many included their sweet driving skills, Grandma's love for chocolate, Grandma always remembering people on special days, their love of cooking, and their love for all in the family. It was a wonderful tribute and I hope we do it year after year. After the cemetary we all retreated to the warmth and comfort of my parent's home. Many had prepared some of Grandma and Grandpa's most favorite foods. Fried Chicken, Egg rolls, beans and ham, red velvet cake, eclairs, rocky road fudge, lemon fluff, lemon mirang pie, and of course, black licorice with a side of chocolate.

It was fantastic to visit with all there. I love family get togethers.

As I was preparing for my Relief Society lesson, it touched a little on the plan of happiness. It mentions how we rejoiced when heard of the plan and how excited we were to come to this earth. A silly thought ran through my head; did we really know and understand everything that we would have to endure? Such as the loss of a loved one, or certain trials with children, spouses, and self. And then there are times, like yesterday when I understand and appreciate that plan a little more. I am so grateful to know that our lives and relationships don't stop here on earth. One day I will be able to thank my grandparents for joining the church and bringing the gospel into our family. Because of their determination to have more for their family, I experience so much joy in mine.

Special thanks needs to go out to my Mom, Gaye and Mel. I know that they did a lot in preparation for this party. Espcially on my Mom's part. This meant a lot to her and I'm glad we had such a great turn out. Thanks to all that came to support. It truly was great to see you all.

My "birday" tuday.

Grace proudly holding her new shirt.
Don't look to closely, she was sick this day.

Pointing to her new blanket.
She insists on sleeping with it every night now.

Grace loves Princesses.
She was thrilled with both her doll and card.

Waiting for her Awesome cake!

She quickly realized that the candles were lit, and became frightened.
She quickly stood up and stepped away.

Beckham coaxing her to go and blow out the candles.

Grandma finally had to pick her up and help her blow them out.

Where does the time go? It flies away with each changing of the seasons. The weeks go by quickly with homework, chores, sports, and the daily grind. So it is that Grace quickly turned 2. She keeps me on my toes, ALL THE TIME!!! I don't think any of my other children have been as busy or as curious, or the climber that she has been. It doesn't matter that she's the 6th all her accomplishments and milestones are just as exciting and surprising as the others. Grace brings such cheer and brightness to our home. She is constantly laughing, running, playing and pointing out all the intriguing things of life. I love her brown hair, and brown eyes. I'm sure one day she'll realize how different she is from her brothers and sisters and want to be just like them. Grace reminds me that each day needs to be lived to the fullest. She also reminds me that there is so much love to spread to each and every one of my children. That the heart grows with each and every addition to the family. That growth in love is a miracle from one loving Heavenly Father.
I am determined to spend more one on one time with my baby girl. Time does go by so quickly during the day that sometimes it ends and I haven't sat down to read her even one book. Just one example of the casualty of being the 6th child. There's still time. She is only 2.

Thanks to everyone who came to celebrate her birthday. Grandma and Grandpa Weiss, Grandma and Grandpa Wood, Cory, Kelli and Alleah, and Aunt Gaye. I really appreciate everyone always coming to support our family parties!!! And thank you all for your generosity.

You say it's your birthday, na na na na na, well It's my birthday too ya!!!

Is this really what I think it is?



Holy Crap!!! It is. It's a beautiful quilt!!

Look at it!!!
Isn't it amazing?
My Mom is the amazing one here!!!

The cake I made for Grace

My low-fat birthday cake; Pavlova

I remember on my 16th Birthday my Dad blasting the Beatle's song in the car on the way to school. That is a fun memory for me. Now, 18 years later I get to sing that song with my baby girl Grace. She was born just a day after my birthday. But more on her later.

This year for my birthday a few of my good friends, and Mom, went out to lunch at Jaxies. I love that place. I had the turkey cranberry wrap. I love that sandwich and bought items to duplicate it at home.

Ever heard the term, no rest for the weary? I don't know what I was thinking when I offered to make pizza for my family that night when they came to celebrate both mine and Grace's birthday. After lunch I rushed to Macey's, rushed home, made my dessert which was pavlova, decorated Grace's "flower" cake, and made 5 pizzas. 3 pizza rolls, and 2 regular. I finish in the nick of time.

It was fun to have the whole family over. I wasn't expecting much for my birthday. I think that comes with older birthdays. Other people become priority and I get that. So I was just glad that everyone could make it. Well, my Mom pulls out this heavy box. As I open it up I realize that she has made me a quilt that I have been hinting at for YEARS!!!! And I mean YEARS!!! Everyone else has managed to get a quilt but me. I was thrilled beyond words!! It's ginormous, it fits on my bed, and I love the colors. I know how labor intensive a project like this is and I know it must have taken my hours upon hours upon hours to make. All that on top of a very demanding full time job, plus a gig at the Temple Saturday nights.

Thanks just doesn't seem to be enough to show my gratitude for such an amazing gift. But here goes; Thanks Mom for the quilt. It went directly on my bed and it will be there for years to come. It reminds me every night of the love that you have for me. You are an incredible woman and I love you!!!

On my actual Birthday, Saturday, I spent the whole day preparing for the ding dang Super Bowl. Please take note Super Bowl people: Don't you ever schedule the biggest game of the year on or around my birthday EVER AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!