Our girls

We just got home...look at Izzy's expression! Priceless.

The sunday before Elly came

Putting on Grandma Great's lotion.

Introducing:

Her hand is held by her great-grandmother, Edna Louise, Elly's namesake.

The stork landed!

Just this afternoon. She weighs 7.1, has a head full of hair, and is said to look very much like her big sister. Mom is happy and well with a smoother delivery this time around... dad is all smiles. Pictures to come tomorrow.

Made with love

Before I had Izabelle my Grandma gave me a cable knit sweater she made. I LOVE it! This fall she was big enough to wear it and, wears it all the time. I love my Grandma and see that sweater and know it was in fact "Made with Love by Grandma".

Twilight Mania

Those who love the books know the hysteria around the new movie Twilight. I have a few friends who are a bit "obsessed" shall we say, and bought premiere night movie tickets for a 12:01 am showing. I tagged along after a long day of painting the girls room. I looked at it as my last hoora for a while. Anyway, my somewhat "obsessed" friend was waiting in line for seats since 3 in the afternoon! Crazy! It was a great movie! For sure a MUST see if you have read the books. Here is a picture of us freezing (I have to admit...I showed up only 30 min before they let us in. I was not standing in the cold this pregnant!)

My dolls

Growing up my Mom bought outfits for my sisters and I that coordinated if not matched. I fondly remember going to Gunny Sack in San Fransisco where my Grandma worked and looking at the rows and rows of dresses. Now just days/weeks away from having our 2nd girl, I have an uncontrollable urge to buy matching outfits for my dolls! I cannot wait for Izabelle to have a sister, as my own sisters are some of my most precious relationships. It is true....the best thing my Mom gave my sisters and I, were each other.

And no...that is not a picture of my sisters.

My Husband

I know I have the BEST husband! How I got so lucky...I'm not sure! My family knows I am pretty intense at times (we won't mention the-so-called "punching" incident), and yet I landed the most tender husband! Chad has had it pretty rough the last few months. Not only dealing with an overly emotional pregnant wife but, also dealing with his third love (after Izabelle and I of course) his business. He has endured miraculously, headaches and all. His constant unwavering faith was and is, such an example to me. All said and done, a new building was found and moving is currently under way. It will be a crazy couple of weeks but, is it really anything different? I love you Sweetheart! Know your girls as always are cheering for you! XOXOX

got milk?

We took Izabelle Trick-o-Treating downtown last night. She was dressed as her favorite food...an Oreo mini! The costume idea was my Mom's (I remember being an Oreo)! Izzy would say "peez" (please) all down the street, even to people without candy...do you think she figured it out? I'll post video later!

Sweet Happenings

In an attempt to catch up....

*My brother Jacob came and worked for Chad a few weeks this summer. Izabelle adored him, we miss him!
















*My first ever Apple Pie won first place at the Fall Harvest Festival.

*We sold my Honda Civic in 1 week enabling us to buy the Kia Sedona we found.

*Izzy and I took a trip to California. I miss my family! There is nothing better than seeing my sisters with their new babies! Thank you Aunt J- you are too good to me!

*I have only gained 11 lbs so far in this pregnancy. (Uh...no pix of the belly...I'm still a whale!) I cannot believe it's only weeks away from bringing Ellery home with us!

*Izabelle is into everything and talking/signing more and more everyday. She does the silliest things! Just yesterday I asked her if she wanted a granola bar, she heard gorilla bar and pounded her chest like a gorilla. Here she is wearing my belly support band, and her Dad's socks as leg warmers...goofy kid!














*We officially took over the other downstairs apartment, in attempt to have one larger apartment. It was a dusty mess but, a door is now hanging. We are on an official countdown trying to get everything done before Ellie comes...we'll see.

*We took a trip to Denver to see Chad's mom and cousin (our last with only one munchkin in tow). We went to the zoo and of all of the animals Izabelle could love what was it...the Rhinos! We had to pry her hands off the Rhinos cage (you could only tell it was alive because his eye would open and close)!

Well that's it for our exciting news. Keep checking my blog for pictures of the improvements we are making to the house! And more important....wish us LUCK!

#2 is coming...

One reason I have been behind on everything...being pregnant. We are really excited to add to our family. I'm sure most people already knew but, just in case...

Lacey- I've announced. Are you happy now?

Gotta Love Grand Junction

It is very hard to be in Colorado without any of my side of the family. I won't begin to mention the horrible shopping selection. However...all that said...there are some really great things about where we live. Within 5 blocks we have an awesome park and city pool.

Family night this week was so fun! For only $1 Izzy can play in the toddler water park. We brought in a Little Cesar's pizza and made a night of it. Izabelle is so has no fear and lunges for any spout of water!

Chad humored me and took her in the wading pool. Do you think she likes it?







Within 4 blocks the other direction we have the city Library. Today was Hunk-ta-Bunk-ta singing time. Izabelle was mesmerized, and eventually got up and showed off her dancing skills. And it's free!


We went exploring this past weekend. We ended up at Vega Lake, about 1 hour away. It was so pretty! We plan to go camping in the near future (especially if Jacob comes...hint, hint, hint) and fish. The water was cold but as you can see Izabelle could have cared less. We had a great week!

Our Izabelle Turns 1!!

We cannot believe how the year has flashed before us. It truly seems like yesterday I was pregnant with Izabelle. We also cannot believe how much she has changed our lives. There truly is no better joy than to watch your infant grow and learn.

Izabelle is a good seed! From the time we brought her home she has been SO GOOD! She loved to eat! And loved to sleep even more! At 5 weeks she was sleeping through the night (I know...we were seriously spoiled). I remember visiting Lacey when she was 7 weeks old, all Lacey could say "She's like a coma baby!". Her favorite place to nap was on her tummy on the floor. She would just grunt around (Oh how I miss those cute little baby noises!). Izabelle made my "Motherhood Adjustment" so precious and enjoyable. How blessed and privileged I am to be her Mom.
Izzy still loves to eat. After visiting her Great Grandpa in Boise, Oreos are a favorite (the picture above). She LOVES to wrestle with her Dad, play with Lucy our dog, swing at the park, watch Signing Time, LOVES to love on her yellow blanky (OK it's a yellow rag) and suck her thumb. She has always been a mover but, even more so now that she is walking. She thinks all attention is hers. We are so glad she is ours! Happy Birthday Izabelle!

Izzy's B-Day Party

My Prophet

What sadness I feel in my heart at the passing of our beloved prophet, President Gordon B. Hinckley. He is the only prophet I remember, being the prophet of my generation. He was the prophet that signed my mission assignment to Louisville Kentucky. President Hinckley was the prophet who helped my testimony grow into what it is today. In a very real way I felt personally tied to Him. As the world continues to get more turbulent, it was He, that remained positive all the while encouraging us to be better children of our Heavenly Father. What a great speaker He was, and a sense of humor to boot!

On the flip side, how grateful I am that He can now rest. What a sweet reunion He must be having with His wife. My prayers are with His family, that comforting peace may be with them.

I will miss Him.

Sitting Pretty

I could not resist! Here are some pictures of Izabelle showing off her new trick.

Ok....so kill me...I'm Behind!

Chad has been mentioning on a daily basis that my blog needs updating! Well here you go Hubs!

I cannot believe what a busy fall/winter we have had! I have all but forgotten to blog about our many adventures. So here are some highlights from the last few months.

-Chad got his dream Jeep in November. He has yet to "pimp" it out to his standards, and has lots of dreams to come. It has been fun to have a 4 wheel drive vehicle that is roomy enough for the family. We have been jeeping in Moab, Meeker, and Idaho so far. I remind him everyday "Merry Christmas, Happy Birthday and Happy Father's Day...Just look outside!".

-Izabelle is growing like a weed, with personality to boot! We laugh at her all day! What joy she has brought our marriage and family. Man does she love to eat! She will have nursed, eaten baby food and still thinks she needs to eat whatever Chad and I have. Her favs lately are pickles, bread, and bananas. She is all over the floor getting into whatever she can, and nearly crawling. We love her more than words!

-We have GREAT tenants right now, all boys and NEVER home! As many know we have had some SERIOUS plumbing issues (putting it lightly). Well...I am please to anounce...the plumbing is offically fixed. We have not had any backups now for 2 weeks! Woohoo! Old houses come with lots of charm but, a ton of work. I am grateful that my husband can repair most everything (time permitting). He is my Hero, the last few backups he would't even let me help clean up the mess. Points in heaven for that Hubs!

-I am offially no longer a loser! I have finally made some girlfriends! It has been since highschool that I had any good girlfriends. It is even better that our husbands get along and like to do the same things. I had forgotten what true friendship is and how invaluable it can be. I thank Heavenly Father for them everyday! You are the BEST Tara and Beverlee.

Well I think that's it. Now to keep it up so I don't get behind again!

Catch'n Up Finally!